FaveCrafts

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Craft Tutorials and How Tos You Might Have Missed: Part 2

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Best Yarn for Blankets

Hey guys! As you may remember, in part 1 of “Craft Tutorials and How Tos You Might Have Missed” we helped introduce you to some easy DIY craft ideas for the home. Well, good news-a similar list is back again! These free and simple crafting tips will help make your DIY adventures magical and are helpful to any and all skill-levels. Although you may think that you are doing crafting the easy way, these home craft tutorials will help you avoid common mistakes that every crafter makes.

Learn how to find multiple crafting uses with an old toothbrush with 17 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush and discover which crafting materials are best for your specific project in Mod Podge vs. Glue. If you want to jazz up your wardrobe with tie-dyed t-shirts but don’t want to spend a lot of money then try this beginner-level craft technique Crumple Tie-Dye Technique.

Mod Podge vs. Glue

Any crafter loves a good DIY organizing project and with Pill Bottle Crafts: Reuse Pill Bottles with this Crafty Guide you can learn how to create DIY storage the affordable way! If knitting or crocheting is more your speed, find out what the best yarns are for that DIY afghan with Best Yarn for Blankets.

Pill Bottle Crafts

Even if you are an experienced crafter, having access to free crafting tutorials can never hurt! These simple craft how tos will teach you how to create unique, beautiful pieces for your home without the added stress and expense. Make crafting fun and relaxing again by using this helpful list as a crafting resource for you and your friends! The best way to learn about helpful crafting techniques is by sharing with those around us. So what are you waiting for? Start reading part 2 for priceless crafting insight!

Our Newest Craft Tutorials:

1. Mod Podge vs. Glue
2. Lessons Learned from My First Shibori Dyeing Experience
3. 17 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush
4. Recycled Flower Pots: 29 Water Bottle Planters and More DIY Planter Pots
5. Crumple Tie-Dye Technique
6. Pill Bottle Crafts: Reuse Pill Bottles with this Crafty Guide
7. Best Yarn for Blankets
8. Upcycle Your Old Household Items into Crafts
9. What Is Shibori Tie Dye?
10. How to Choose the Best Craft Glue
11. What Are the Best Knitting Needles for Beginners?
12. How to Wash Craft Felt

Don’t forget to sign up for the FaveCrafts newsletter, Quick and Crafty, for daily crafts and tips delivered straight to your inbox.

“What is your best advice for new crafters?”

In Case You Missed It: Top 20 Crafts from Creativation 2017

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Every year we attend Creativation, the Craft and Hobby Association’s annual trade show. We network, learn about the latest trends, and afterwards we put on our favorite crafts from Creativation contest. Our bloggers  make innovative projects using the new products they received at our annual networking event for a chance to win a cash prize!

This year, we selected 20 finalists based on certain criteria. Ingenuity while using the sponsor product, well-written instructions, and high quality photos were among the qualifiers. And it was so challenging to narrow down the entries, but we’re confident you’ll enjoy the projects you see in this list of finalists.

Be sure to scroll down to see the three winners from our Best Blogger Contest 2017!

Top 20 Crafts from Creativation

Blogger Contest 2017 Winners!

Third Prize

Rustic Chic Love Chicken Wire Frame

Rustic Chic Love Chicken Wire Frame

By: Betsy Burnett from aimhappy.blogspot.com

Second Prize

Nuvo Drop Butterfly DIY Card

Nuvo Drop Butterfly DIY Card

By: Justine Hovey from justinehovey.com

First Prize

Hope and Love Altered Planner

Hope and Love Altered Planner

By: Irit Shalom from iritshalom.blogspot.co.il

Special thanks from our sponsors at our networking event!

  • Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
  • Deflecto
  • Fairfield
  • FloraCraft
  • Leisure Arts
  • Plaid
  • Premier
  • Sakura
  • ShareASale
  • Spinrite
  • Testors
  • Tonic-Studios.com

Find an abundance of trending new craft ideas at FaveCrafts.com.

Which is your favorite craft from Creativation 2017?

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

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When you think of craft supplies, you likely envision markers in an assortment of bright colors, glittery sequins, and colorful beads. But what about felt? The unsung hero of craft supplies, felt is sturdy and flexible, and can be folded, sewn, and cut into decorations, accessories, and so much more. Despite its versatility and ease of use, this material is one that you might not be using all that frequently. So why not shake things up a bit? This year, you’ll want to put spring felt projects at the top of your crafting to-do list.

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

Perfect Spring Felt Projects You'll Want To Make

Spring into a new season with felt projects! Clockwise from top left: Felt Flower Corsage Craft, Faux Flower Bouquet, Felt Rose, Bunny Peeps Bunting, Pillows from Felted Sweaters. Center: Bunny Rabbit Felt Case

Hop To It And Make These Easter Felt Crafts

Easter is almost here! Are you ready? If you could use some cute decorations for the holiday (and who couldn’t?!?), then take another look at felt. While you could use paper to make decorations, it’s important to keep in mind that the material has a fleece-like feel to it. There really isn’t a better option for making fuzzy lambs, ducks, and bunnies! Your Easter felt crafts will look and feel soft. In addition, these projects will be an adorable addition to the festivities.

Flower Felt Projects That Will Always Be In Bloom

The calendar might say it’s spring, but you might live in an area where warm weather and blooming flowers won’t return for a while. With that in mind, you can still add flowers to your home when you make flower felt projects. The material can be folded over and over in an assortment of ways without losing its shape, resulting in a design that is both intricate and unique. The softness of the material also gives the flower a more realistic appearance, too. When selecting colors for your flower felt project, consider opting for material in vibrant colors. Need a little help on creating felt flowers? This video tutorial on the Felt Flower Corsage Craft can get you started.

Repurpose Sweaters With DIY Felt Projects

Are you in the midst of spring cleaning and have discovered sweaters that have seen better days? Don’t pitch those sweaters! You can repurpose those sweaters and other knit or crochet items into felt, which can be used for future craft projects or repurposed into comfortable pillows or other home décor items. And how do you make felt, anyway? Whether you want to toss that old sweater in hot water or use another method, our helpful guide on felting can get you started. Reusing a beloved item in a new way is eco-friendly and an inexpensive way to add to your craft supplies. Win-win!

More Felt Projects To Make

Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment

Welcome warmer weather with Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment!

Feeling inspired? If you’re looking for felt projects to make, then you’ll want to check out our list of ideas! Many of these projects are easy to make, so you could work on a spring felt project with your child.

  1. Felt Flower Corsage Craft
  2. Bunny Peeps Bunting
  3. Easter Bunny Decor — Too cute!
  4. Bunny Candy Cone
  5. Bunny Rabbit Felt Case
  6. White Rabbit Napkin Rings
  7. Felt Rose — So colorful!
  8. Felt Flower Mini Tote
  9. Fun Flower Pins
  10. No Sew Felt Flower Ornament — Kids will love making this one!
  11. Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment
  12. Felt Princess Flower Crown — What a dreamy and romantic felt craft project!
  13. Felted Posy Flower Bag
  14. Faux Flower Bouquet
  15. Felt Floral Plastic Bottle Bracelet
  16. Bonus: Felting Wool Sweaters
  17. Get Started with Felting Materials: 5 Types of Felt 101

What is your favorite spring felt?

April is Stress Awareness Month! Unwind with Knitting and Crochet

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Unwind with Knitting and CrochetI am a huge proponent of knitting and crocheting to destress. I learned how to crochet about three years ago, and I’ve been knitting for two years. While I still consider myself a beginner in both of these crafts, I do love to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Doing a generative activity like writing, drawing, or even reading can be overwhelming when stressed. The idea of coming up with something new to write or journal about does not seem relaxing if stress levels are already high! Same goes with deciding on an image to draw, and even taking in information from something as light as a novel can go right over my head if I’m distracted and panicked. I’ve found that my favorite things to do when stressed include crocheting, knitting, and playing piano. Not learning a new pattern or song—that is too generative when stressed—but working on an easy pattern or playing a song I’m already familiar with. It’s a beautiful distraction and, in the case of knitting and crochet, I am still making something!

April is stress awareness month, and our friends at the Craft Yarn Council have a lineup of wonderful opportunities and learning experiences to help you destress. Share your story and learn more about what April has to offer when you want to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Craft Yarn Council

Next month, during April Stress Awareness Month, Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is encouraging knitters and crocheters to UNWIND and Stitch Away Stress. CYC will use social media to create a space where followers can breath easy and to facilitate conversation about trending topics within the wellness community. Each week we will center conversations around the following themes and how knitters and crocheters use yarn crafting to heal within each of the categories.

Trending Topics

Week One: SELF

We will focus on self care and self love. Many wellness platforms have taken up the cause to encourage women specifically to start taking better care of themselves: mind, body and spirit.

Week Two: THE MIND

We will focus on using knit and crochet to both exercise the mind and using it to rest your mind during stressful periods.

Week Three: COMMUNITY

This week will focus on how knitters and crocheters come together to build communities both in their own cities and online.

Week Four: INSPIRATION

The last week we will talk about how inspiration has the ability to heal, where to find it, and how to be an inspiration within the yarn community

How to Get Involved

  • Use your social platforms to encourage your audience to join the discussion by sharing their own photos and stories using #StitchAwayStress.
  • Download and share CYC’s graphics, animations and the Unwind press release.
  • Host your own Unwind contests and giveaways.
  • On your blog, share your story of why you knit or crochet and how it has benefitted you.

Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwRV-Rzs6k5BeFdocHB2bHFkbVE?usp=sharing

CYC’s UNWIND Giveaways

Invite your followers to join the Craft Yarn Council all month long for April Stress Awareness month giveaways!

Contest Details:

  • Share any of CYC’s Stress Awareness Month posts or images on Facebook or Instagram and tell your story to your friends as it relates to the topic of that post. You must use the #stitchawaystress for a chance to win one of four UNWIND prizes. Each prize is valued at $50. Contest runs April 1-30. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced week of May 8th.

If you are planning to participate in our Unwind Campaign, please shoot us an email at info@craftyarncouncil.com. We would love to hear from you! Thank you and with your help we will make this April Stress Awareness Month the best one yet!

 

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Best Yarn for Baby Patterns: 3 Tips for Your Next Project

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Has this ever happened to you? Your sister or best friend has announced that she’s expecting, so one of your first thoughts is that you should knit or crochet an adorable baby blanket. If you’re a crafter, it’s only natural that you want to welcome the newest addition to your family by giving a handmade item. From baby blankets to wee little booties, the possibilities for making handmade items are almost endless. Need a little helping finding the best yarn for baby patterns? Then you’re in the right place.

Machine-Washable Yarn? Yes, Please!

Types of Yarn for Knitting or Crochet

What is the best type of yarn to use in your next project?

You’ve selected the perfect baby pattern to knit or crochet, so now it’s time to think yarn! When selecting the best yarn for baby patterns, some types of yarn would be better choices than others for your project than others. Because let’s be honest. While babies are cute and cuddly, they can also be messy. Really messy. And for many bleary-eyed new parents, trying to figure out the best way to launder a beautiful knit blanket or hat is low on the to-do list. With that in mind, consider acrylic yarn for your project. This type of yarn is typically machine-washable and easy to clean. If you’d like, you can also print care instructions on pretty paper, then attach the paper to your handmade item. The new parents will appreciate having instructions on how to clean the beautiful baby blanket you made right at their fingertips.

Select Yarn That Is As Soft As Can Be

For many people, the thought of wearing a wool sweater right against the skin sounds, to put it politely, uncomfortable. Babies will feel the same way. Their skin is sensitive, so putting a baby in an itchy wool blanket or sweater will make them feel annoyed. And an uncomfortable baby is a baby who will probably cry a lot. What’s a knitter or crocheter to do? Use yarn that feels soft to you for use in your pattern. If that yarn feels itchy, then The Spruce suggests putting it back and selecting another type of yarn. If you’re purchasing your yarn online, then consider opting for yarn that is specifically for use in baby patterns. For example, Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn is warm, soft, and colorful. It is also free from harmful levels of substances (you can check out a review of this time via AllFreeCrochet.com). Other brands, including Lion Brand and Bernat, offer a selection of yarns that are just for babies, too.

Bulky Yarn Is Your Friend For Last-Minute Gifts

Let’s face it: Babies are born on their own schedules, and they’re almost never on time. If you’re looking for a baby item that can be made in a tight time frame due to a little one’s early arrival, then turn your attention to beautiful bulky yarn patterns. These baby patterns are typically quick and easy to make. This type of yarn is best for baby patterns that are no-frills, but are still beautiful and warm and will make a wonderful keepsake. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to crochet or knit a baby blanket with this yarn if time is of the essence.

Best Yarn for Baby Patterns: 3 Tips for Your Next Project

Do you know the best yarn to use for a baby pattern? Let this guide help you! Clockwise from top left: Baby Crochet Monkey Hat, Franny Crochet Baby Blanket, Easy Top-Down Sweater Free Crochet Pattern, Beehive Baby Crocheted Beanie Hat, Yellow Bow Easy Crochet Baby Booties, Little Prince Afghan, Quick and Easy Preemie Hat, and One Piece Baby Sweater.

Super Easy Knit Baby Booties

These Super Easy Knit Baby Booties are easy to make and super cute!

Now it’s time to grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks and get to work on a baby pattern found on FaveCrafts! You’ll feel inspired when you see this list of baby patterns.

  1. The Coziest Crocheted Baby Blanket Ever — The name says it all!
  2. Beehive Baby Crocheted Beanie Hat
  3. Baby Pullover Sweater
  4. Little Prince Afghan
  5. Quick and Easy Preemie Hat — Perfect for a last-minute gift idea!
  6. One Piece Baby Sweater
  7. Easy Top-Down Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
  8. Franny Crochet Baby Blanket
  9. Easy to Knit Sweet Baby Hat —This hat is as adorable as can be!
  10. Baby Crochet Monkey Hat
  11. Yellow Bow Easy Crochet Baby Booties — So unbelievably cute!
  12. Mary Jane Baby Bootie Crochet Pattern
  13. Precious Pink Baby Afghan
  14. Baby Pea Pod Snuggly
  15. Super Easy Knit Baby Booties
  16. Day of the Week Bibs and Booties — Take coordination to the next level with this adorable pattern!
  17. BONUS: Types of Yarn for Knitting or Crochet — Check out this guide before you start your next project!

What is your favorite yarn to use for baby patterns?

25+ Flower Crafts To Brighten Your Day

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Let me get something off my chest. I am so happy to see the return of spring. Winter in my area can be drab and dreary, especially as the sun sets long before dinnertime. As a result of this dismal weather, I’m ready to say goodbye to bare trees and sad patches of snow. I am counting down the days until I can say hello to clear skies and plenty of sunshine! This year, I’m doing something a bit different. I’m digging into the craft supply box to make flower crafts with my kids because I want to celebrate spring’s return. From crochet granny squares to coloring sheets, these cute flower craft activities are perfect for my family because they are kid-friendly, super colorful, and generally inexpensive. It’s win-win-win for everyone. In addition, we gain a sense of accomplishment and pride by completing a project. It doesn’t also hurt that we also get to brighten our home with flower craft patterns we’ve made by hand.

With the plethora of flower craft ideas available on FaveCrafts, you’re probably wondering where you can even start finding a project. What’s a crafter to do? I’ve curated a list of flower craft activities for you to explore. This list includes some paper flower crafts for younger kids that will be fun to work on together with adult supervision. In addition, I’ve selected a few flower craft projects for adults and teens that are more time-intensive, because who isn’t up for a challenge? This list of flower craft activities is also the perfect opportunity to try a type of craft that’s new to you. Ever wanted to learn how to crochet or spend the afternoon working on coloring sheets? All you need to do is round up your materials, then roll up your sleeves and get to work. Finally, just remember to have fun when crafting with your kids!

You’ll love adding some serious flower power to your kitchen table or work space with these amazing flower crafts. In addition, you and your kids can make duplicates of your favorite craft projects to share with family and neighbors. Most of all, who wouldn’t want their day brightened with colorful paper flowers or flower pots in bright designs?

25+ Flower Crafts To Brighten Your Day

Celebrate the start of spring with these flower crafts! Clockwise from top left: Junk Mail DIY Wall Art, DIY Pressed Flower Cards, Origami Spring Wreath Idea, Mini Q-Tip Flowers, Summer Bouquet Coloring Sheets.

25+ Flower Crafts

What are some of your favorite flower craft projects?

20+ Incredible Crafts For Adults You Need in Your Life

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Last Sunday, my husband took the kids to the Field Museum. As much as I wanted to join them, I was battling a bad cold, so I opted to stay home. Let me tell you, it’s been a long time since I had a day all to myself at home, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with my time. I could catch up with my favorite shows on Netflix, but my hands were fidgety and in need of something to do. Surprisingly, the house was already clean. The laundry was done. There were no dishes in the sink. What was I to do? Then it hit me. I needed to find some clever and fun crafts for adults, something simple and unique for me to do!

Our craft room (more like a storage closet) has a ton of different crafting supplies available. With having little kids and being an avid fan of making things myself at home, there were a million and one crafts I could jump at. Any type of project I could imagine was right at my fingertips. At times, having so many options can be overwhelming, so I decided to make a list of some of my favorite crafts for adults. Whenever I find myself repeating last Sunday’s predicament, I just cross another craft off the list. It’s simple and easy, and it keeps me from staring at our crafting supplies for hours on end before I finally decide what it is that I’m going to do with my free time. I hope this list helps you as much as it helps me, and by all means, feel free to add your own amazing additions!

20 Incredible Crafts For Adults

20+ Incredible Crafts For Adults

 

I’ve shown you my list of crafts for adults. What are some of your favorite crafts to make when you have free time?

 

Babypalooza! 13 Pastel Baby Blankets

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Spring is fast approaching, which means one big thing in the world of crochet: it’s time to start making your baby gifts! Spring is a really popular time of year for baby showers, baby birthday parties, and other celebrations (such as Easter) where giving a gift could be appropriate. There’s no better gift for this time of year than pastel baby blankets – new parents could always use a high-quality baby blanket, and this time of year there’s usually still a bit of a chill in the air that makes it a little too cold for a new baby unless they’re bundled up in a soft baby blanket!

To get inspired, I’ve rounded up 13 of our cutest pastel afghan patterns just for you! Pastels are always a big trend for spring (just think of the colors that come to mind when you think about Easter!) and whether it’s a gift for a boy or a girl, you can’t go wrong with working up one of these adorable crochet afghan patterns in a baby-friendly pastel hue. We’re ga-ga for some of these incredible color combinations, and whether you prefer a granny square afghan pattern or something a little larger, these unique designs are sure to please! (And remember that the Pantone colors of the year are Rose Quartz and Serenity, a pastel pink and blue respectively, so you don’t have to feel guilty about working up a pretty pastel afghan for yourself, as well – it’s totally on trend for 2016!)

Babypalooza! 13 Pastel Baby Blankets

rockabye-baby-pastel-blanket

Sweet Pastel Waves Baby Blanket

Popcorn Pastel Crochet Baby Blanket

Pastel Wind Chime Lace Afghan

Rockabye Baby Granny Square

Pastel Ripple Baby Afghan

Pastel Shell Blanket

Pastel-Wind-Chime-Crochet-lace-Pattern

Pastel Granny Afghan

Crocheted Pastel Baby Blanket

Pastel Rainbow Baby Blanket

Pastel Roses Baby Blanket

Pastel-Rainbow-Baby-Blanket_Medium_ID-584254

Heavenly Pastel Baby Blanket

Rainbow of Pastels Baby Blanket

Lacy Shells Afghan

Find more fantastic crochet afghan patterns and craft ideas in the FaveCrafts Quick and Crafty newsletter.

What is your favorite spring color?

20 New DIY Storage Solutions You Need Immediately

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I feel like I’ve never actually hit the potential of how organized I can be. I’ll do really well for a while, and then suddenly my entire night stand is filled with coupons from the last year and a half, and every surface is filled with papers, and various foods are just shoved in the cabinets, and I can’t find my favorite pen.

Recently I learned the magic of actually having a pencil cup on my desk instead of scattering eleven pens across its surface. I also recently discovered this amazing DIY storage solutions below! From precious little boxes to DIY coat racks, baskets, and more, these lovely ideas will help you stay a little more organized (and a lot more organized than me).

Last year, we put together a fantastic collection of 20 Unique Storage Solutions from FaveCrafts, and this year we’re sharing the love. Below you’ll find storage ideas for the kitchen, craft room, living room, and more from all over the web. Learn how to make a great storage solution and display it proudly! Not only will guests remark on how organized you are, but you’ll be able to proudly say you made that storage solution yourself.

DIY Storage Solutions

DIY Storage Solutions: Metallic Rope Throw Basket

  1. 5-Minute Gift Wrap Organizer Ikea Hack
  2. Easy DIY Book Ledge
  3. Industrial Farmhouse Pipe Coat Hooks
  4. DIY Metallic Rope Throw Basket
  5. Fabric Box Tutorial
  6. DIY Wooden Dowel Coatrack
  7. DIY Wood Dowel Blanket Ladder
  8. DIY Gem Pull Boxes
  9. Bling Craft Jars
  10. Easy Crochet Baskets
  11. DIY Modern Key Holder
  12. Vintage Wood Bowl Hanging Planter
  13. Precious Pails Art Supply Storage
  14. Minimalist DIY Necklace Holder
  15. T Shirt Yarn Crochet Rainbow Storage Basket
  16. DIY Leather Handle Boxes – upcycle a BELT!
  17. Unicorn Decoupaged Craft Storage – unicorns are trending
  18. Metallic Gold DIY Crate
  19. DIY Farmers Market Bags (that are avocontrol)
  20. DIY Non-Slip Hangers

What is the storage solution helping you most in your life right now?

Creativation Craft Trends for 2017!

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Every year, we from FaveCrafts attend the Craft and Hobby Association’s trade show in January. This year, rebranded as Creativation and held in Phoenix, AZ, we had a lovely time making new connections, meeting up with folks we already work with, and of course, spotting trends. Below, check out 5 Craft Trends for 2017. We loved what we were seeing at the show, and we’re so excited for what the year has in store!

Craft Trends for 2017

Metallics, Especially Copper

Isn’t this display from Richard Garay just stunning? This collection features the silver and gold of anniversaries, and copper is also trending. In fact, Krylon’s color of the year is copper. Metallics add such a lovely touch to any project, don’t they? That shimmer just reels you in!

Richard Garay Display at Creativation 2017

Metallic Tutorials

Rustic Glamour Mason Jars

Copper Foil Coasters

Metallic Duct Tape DIY Candles – seriously gorgeous

Marble

Marble is such a unique look, and the swirling designs blending colors that work well together really make marble an eclectic yet elegant option. From papers and notebooks printed with marble designs like the ones below from Kaisercraft, to splatter painting techniques and more, this look is still trendy for 2017.

Marble Tutorials

Faux Marble Tray

Paper Marbling

Marbled DIY Mugs – fabulous gift idea!

Outer Space

I’m madly in love with this card. It’s a slider card and the earth goes around the sun! So lovely. Any kind of galaxy and outer space themed projects are trendy for 2017.

Outer Space Projects

Out of This World Coloring Pages

Space Mini Journal

Reach for the Stars Birthday Card

Tea Parties, Magnolias, and Cherry Blossoms

Flowers are always trending, but two that stood out to us were magnolias and cherry blossoms! The touch of Japan as well as hints of the South made their way into this year’s Creativation show.

These magnolias from Heidi Swapp were a stunning display (notice those metallics??), and who doesn’t love a good tea party? These feminine accents should make their way into your crafting in 2017.


Magnolia Centerpiece

Beyond Easy Cherry Blossoms

No Sew Tea Cup Pin Cushion

Not Just Cats . . . Dogs, Too

Cat prints and projects are so popular with FaveCrafters and with the crafting industry at large! But what about dogs?? This year, many crafting companies released dog-themed papers and products. Dare I say . . . dogs are the new cats for 2017.

Popular Dog Crafts

Dog Sweater Crochet Pattern

How to a Make Dog Bed

“My Best Friend” Photo Frame

What else is trending for 2017? Let us know in the comments!

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

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