8 Craft Trends for 2019

January 24, 2019 by FaveCrafts

Craft trends for 2019 should make their way into your projects and home decor this year. You have 11 more months to make sure you’re on trend! After attending the 78th annual Creativation show in Phoenix, we’ve come away with some thrilling new projects and old favorites to try in 2019.

Macrame

Macrame was trending at the 2018 Creativation Show and it made its reappearance at this year’s event as well. Wall hangings and plant hangers were abundant at yarn company booths across the show floor.

(We created a roundup of 11 Macrame Plant Hanger Tutorials inspired by this trending craft! Check it out.)

Uniquely Beautiful Dream Catchers

In a similar vein, dream catchers sprouted up at the show this year, complete with pom poms and doilies embedded!

Dream catchers spotted at the Darice booth.

Yarn Crafts without Knitting or Crochet

Knitting and crochet are popular at the show every year; these are two crafts that aren’t going away any time soon. However, this year yarn companies released new loop yarn that allows fiber enthusiasts to make knit projects without any tools—just use your fingers!

Bernat’s new Alize Blanket-EZ yarn, featuring unique loops. Learn how to make the EZ textures blanket here.

P.S. Explore more yarn crafts in our collection of 55 Yarn Crafts without Knitting.

Succulents Are Never Leaving Us

Succulents, air planters, terrariums, oh my! These striking plants are as popular as ever, emerging in scrapbooking lines, paper crafts, and more.

A snapshot from the new Greenhouse line by Kaisercraft.

Dogs Wearing Glasses, and Corgis in General

I saw at least three dogs wearing glasses, or rather, images of dogs in glasses, on the show floor. They were spotted in embroidery kits, heat-transfer vinyl, diamond art kits, and more. Time for nerdy cute style!

This glasses-and-bowtie adorned Hug a Pug image was spotted at the Diamond Dotz booth, among many other sparkly creations!

This glasses wearing pup was spotted at the Fabric Editions booth.

Related: my Dad happened to text me this photo of our family dog, Mocha, while I was at the show.

Diamond Art

MAKE WAY for the most exciting, sparkly new craft that was showcased this year! Diamond art kits by companies like Diamond Dotz and Leisure Arts are like embroidery or paint-by-number with flatback gemstones for the prettiest canvases. Check out these examples:

Similar to Diamond Art, other takes on painting by number appeared at the show. One of my favorite booths was StickTogether, which invites people to craft together with large scale sticker kits! Sometimes keeping your hands busy with an activity or goal serves as the perfect ice breaker when gathering people together. At the show, they had passersby add stickers to this image. By Day 3, the image was complete:

Marbling and Geodes

Unique paint pouring methods, sealers, and more were popular at paint manufacturer booths throughout the show.

Featuring FolkArt paint at the Plaid booth, these are some of the incredible creations showcased using these techniques.

Vinyl

Last but not least, vinyl was popular across crafting genres at the show. There were entire company booths dedicated to vinyl, and many fabric companies as well as paper crafts and die cutting brands featured crafts with vinyl. We’ve seen a number of them show up in our User Submitted Articles as well, so this trend is definitely on the rise!

What craft trends will you follow in 2019?

Trending Crafts from Creativation 2018

January 31, 2018 by FaveCrafts

Every year we adore seeing new craft trends at the Creativation show. It’s wonderful to get an insider’s look at what new projects and motifs are up and coming! We love sharing what’s new with our readers. Here are some of the popular trending crafts from Creativation 2018.

Trending Crafts

Birds of Paradise, especially Toucans

Toucans and other tropical birds were everywhere at Creativation this year! There was a cute toucan make and take, and I saw toucan paper, fabric, and other crafts with toucans at the show.

Just finished making this precious toucan with @fabriceditions ❤ #creativation2018 #toucan #birdsofparadise
A post shared by FaveCrafts (@favecrafts) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:36pm PST

Flamingos and Pineapples

Speaking of birds of paradise, flamingos are still hip. In fact, flamingo crafts were everywhere at the show! If you’re pairing flamingos and pineapples, you’re especially on trend.

Flamingo Crafts:

Letterboards

See that beautiful “how about them pineapples” photo above? That text is written on a letterboard, and letterboards were everywhere.

Cacti

At first we thought we were seeing so many cacti because Creativation is held in Arizona, but as it turns out, the humble cactus is trending. Perhaps cactus is the new succulent?

Cactus Crafts:

Hygge Crafts

Hygge became hip in 2016 and it continues to be popular! Red Heart released a new line of hygge yarns, and comfy and cozy products were abundant.

Check out our collection of 27 Hygge Crafts.

Pom Poms

It’s true: pom poms are here to stay. There was plenty of pom pom rick rack, ribbon, and other pom pom details on knit and crocheted projects. The Craft Yarn Council made pom poms at their booth this year, too.

Explore our eBook of pom pom and tassel ideas: 5 Easy Tassel Crafts and DIY Pom Pom Projects.

Last but not least…

Llamas

Llamas abounded at the show this year! They were on cards, printed on paper, embroidered for home decor, and sewn into cute little plushies.

I made a llama! #makeandtake #creativation2018 #fuijifilmafci2018
A post shared by FaveCrafts (@favecrafts) on Jan 21, 2018 at 9:59am PST

Llama Crafts:

Looking for even more crafty inspiration? Subscribe to the FaveCrafts daily email newsletter.

What trend are you most excited about for 2018?

7 Craft Trends for 2018

January 16, 2018 by FaveCrafts

Craft trends are always fantastic to keep in mind when searching for a thrilling new project to make. Here you can get a head start on some of the hottest crafts for 2018! Resources like Pinterest, Google, The Columbian, and other sites have posted top searches from 2017 to predict 2018’s trends. Check out some of our favorite predictions below!

Craft Trends 2018

Sheer Socks

These stunning beauties can take a formal outfit to the next level. Perfect for winter weddings and dressy dinners.

DIY Tulle Socks by Tringa Osmani from diyclothes.net

Embellished Shoes

Whether it’s glitter, tassles, rhinestones, paint, tie dye, or really anything, customizing your shoes will be a hot craft in 2018.

DIY Glitter Loafer Shoes Refashion by Miki from sfmgs.co.uk

Paracord

Paracord has been popular for a while now, but it’s still rising in popularity even into 2018! Get inspired with a variety of paracord project ideas.

Paracord Water Bottle Holder DIY by Ashley Griffith from hellonatureblog.com

Macrame

By the way, if you love paracord projects, you’ll love macrame. If friendship bracelets were your jam as a child, macrame is practically the adult version! Tie knots and make gorgeous projects.

Macrame 3-Pot Plant Holder by Wendy Robbins from myfrenchtwist.com

Giant Knitting

Giant knit blankets, scarves, and other accessories with jumbo yarn are rising in popularity! You can knit quickly and make a beautifully textured project when it’s giant.

Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket by yarnspirations.com

Statement Earrings

From giant hoop earrings to oversized geometric shapes, oversized earrings are back on trend.

Gilded Paper Dangle Earrings by Ann Martin from allthingspaper.net

Berets and Newsboy Caps

Add a bit of a brim and classic style, and you’ll be wearing a hat that’s ultra trendy for 2018.

Crochet Newsboy Hat Pattern by Sharon Mann for redheart.com

Never miss a hot new project! Bookmark our most recent articles list to see new projects added every day.

Wondering what you missed last year? Check out our roundup of Creativation Craft Trends for 2017.

What trends are you excited about for 2018?

20+ Incredible Crafts For Adults You Need in Your Life

March 13, 2017 by FaveCrafts

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

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

Creativation Craft Trends for 2017!

January 30, 2017 by FaveCrafts

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!

10 Cutest Monogram Ideas

August 26, 2015 by FaveCrafts

If you’re in love with the Lily Pulitzer, but don’t want to spend the money on cute monogrammed stuff, then you need to try these DIY monogram ideas. You can cheaply decorate your home with hand-painted monograms in your initials. The great thing about monogrammed items is that there is no question of who’s stuff it is. I live in a house with two other sisters and my mom. My sisters and I are about the same size, so my clothes mysteriously go missing from time to time. However, I noticed that the ones with my initials on it or my sorority letters are the items that get left behind. That’s why monogrammed stuff is becoming essential: a personalized touch makes greedy hands go away.

10 Cutest Monogram Ideas

I’ve been rooming with the same girl since my freshman year, so all ideas of “personal space” have gone out the door. Though starting out, we kept everything separate. We were the lucky ones who didn’t end up hating each other and didn’t have too many problems. Others, however, didn’t have as much luck. Labeling everything and getting stuff organized has become such a huge trend. Especially the DIY storage bins that can be used for literally everything. Monogramming initials has become such a cute way to personalize clothing and crafts.

Here are some direct quotes from our editors on their thoughts about monogramming:

“I love monogramming because it allows me to put a special touch on even the most generic accessories.”
“Monogramming is a way to personalize gifts for friends and family in a way that regular store-bought, generic gifts don’t.”
“My name is incredible and I want to show it off, but really though it’s a personal touch on any accessory. Monogram necklaces are a great gift, tote bags, and travel.”

I can’t wait to get started on the Newly Wed Plaque. My sister just got married, and I want to use a variation of it. The fun part about my new brother-in-law and my sister? They have the same initials. Both start with “L,” middle “E,” and obviously the same last name. The best thing about these easy crafts are that they can be applied and followed. You can put them on practically anything. Take the technique of the Paper and Monogrammed Stool and use it for a DIY kid’s table or a wooden plaque. The idea of monogramming is simple and not too different, but the techniques of applying and creating it vary from crafter to crafter.

Paint and Paper Monogram Stool

Elegant Wood Wall Monograms

Monogrammed Newlywed Wall Plaque

Rhinestone Monogrammed Bouquet Wrap

Monogram House Number

Holiday Monogram Plate

Mod Podge Monogram

Stunning Monogrammed Candles

DIY Monogrammed Charms/Pendants

Custom Silhouette Monogram Fans

What is your favorite thing to monogram?

HOT New Craft Trend: Weaving and Tapestries

August 3, 2015 by FaveCrafts

I know. It is hard to imagine loom weaving as the latest craft trend, but as you guys are doing more and more DIY Bohemian decor, weaving crafts fit right in. Rainbow Loom Bracelets are a cousin of good old fashioned weaving, but looms can be as small as hand-held or as big as tapestries. You can make some rustic wall decor with weaving and creating a tapestry. Tapestry? You may think that that form of art has long died out since the Middle Ages, but they are making a comeback into the modern age.

HOT New Craft Trend: Weaving and Tapestries

So what exactly are tapestries? In the Middle Ages, their main purpose was to insulate large stone castles and protect the insides from dampness. Since they required large looms and many workers to make them to cover expansive wall areas, they quickly grew to be a symbol of wealth and power to be able to commission these wall decorations to be made. Kings would take them on their travels for prestigious status and for comfort in their depictions of their favorite stories or past times for thought and reflection. Pictures of victory battles were commissioned after wars starting in the late 1500’s (source). Until the 18th century, they were completely made by hand and dyed from plants and insects until the first automatic loom was made by Jacques de Vaucanson which made the tapestries far more sophisticated in pattern (source). Today, tapestries are rarely hand woven. Although the manual labor of hand-weaving has been taken over by machines and an automatic press, the amount of time has been reduced, but they are nonetheless still an intricate piece of artwork (source).

I promise I won’t be making you build a huge loom and start juicing pomegranates to make your own DIY wall decor. This is the 21st century after all! No, I will just make you buy the dye instead of juicing fruits and insects, but you still have to make a huge loom…totally kidding. Loom projects may seem super scary just by the history alone, but we still craft even with Martha Stuart in business, don’t we? This is a trade and a skill that you can take with you for the rest of your life. Small weaving projects are a great place to start. You may love this so much that you may want to go big and create your own tapestries.

Here are a few projects to get you started!

DIY Make A Weaving Loom from Super Super HQ

Woven Chair Back

How To Weave Without Special Equipment

Make Your Own Loom from Emily Franceschini

Woven Circle DIY Mat from A Beautiful Mess

Weaving With Wool Roving from A Beautiful Mess

Weaving Lopped Rya from Hello Hydrangea

Do you think tapestries and hand-weaving are going to die out with technology taking over?

HOO Will Love These DIY Owl Crafts and Recipes?

June 19, 2015 by FaveCrafts

When I was a kid, there was an owl’s nest outside my window in the tree. Owls are nocturnal. They hoot incredibly loud at night, and they’re territorial. Those things would screech with so much hostility that I ended up keeping my blinds and windows closed for nearly two years. When Dad finally knocked down the nest and cut off the branch, there was a celebration in my room. Tea and candy for all! Before you get PETA on me, the branch was growing towards the house, and had been weighed down in an ice storm, and the owls had left the premises. Thank the Lord. Lately, I’ve been noticing a chic trend of people wearing cute owl jewelery and having neutral owl nurseries. Some of this DIY statement jewelry has had gaudy, detailed owls with their wings spread wide across the collar bone or is a simple, geometric basic of accenting a baby’s room. No matter what you use it for, you’re going to love these easy owl crafts.

HOO Will Love These DIY Owl Crafts and Recipes?

As much of a pain they were in real life, the owl trend that is creeping in throughout life is actually adorable. I may or may not have some owl jewelry… With their geometric design and simplistic design, owls are a symbol of wisdom, nighttime. The Greek goddess Athena was known to have an owl as her symbol! Do as the Romans do, right? (Except Greek).

Especially with owl creativity, they are a minimalist piece that work for free jewelry projects, easy crafts, and easy recipes.

This owl cake design is the cutest cake ever. It uses two whole boxes of cake that will definitely feed the crowd that will be lining up to see this creative cake design. It’s chocolate “feathers” look just like the real thing. It uses chocolate devil’s food cake, a homemade Nutella frosting, and Oreos for the body, feathers, and eyes. Your friends and family will love this easy cake recipe that is great for any occasion. Owl or woodsy-themed nursery or party? This will go with any of your party decor.

How else can you incorporate owls into your life?

Rainbow Loom Patterns: What Are Those Things

June 17, 2015 by FaveCrafts

I went home this weekend for my sister’s bachelorette party. Now, I don’t mind airports. I don’t mind getting through security and waiting in the terminal for my flight. I do mind when I actually get on the plane and actually fly. I know. I’m weird. Sue me for being claustrophobic and being 33k feet in the air. Anyways, while I was waiting to board the flight, I noticed a family sitting a few rows ahead of me. The youngest had this plastic thing in one hand that looked like a bunch of cut off test tubes and a needle-pokey-thing in the other. I swear I stared at this girl for a good 10 minutes trying to figure out what this thing was! (Yes, I eventually got caught.) That weird thing and what she was making was a Rainbow Loom design, otherwise known to make rubber band bracelets.

Rainbow Loom Patterns and Designs: What Are Those Things

Apparently these are all the rage with the kids and in classrooms. I must have been living under a rock because kids are doing so much stuff with these and I didn’t even know about it. They are mostly intended for rubber band bracelets, but once you get the basic process down, you can make anything and everything with this easy kids craft. The patterns give people of all ages a bit of a brain teaser and keep your hands busy, while it is still simple enough that kindergarten teachers are using it in their classrooms to train fine motor skills.

Just to show you how intense these easy kids craft projects can turn into, I highly encourage you to check out the story of an 11-year old girl from Northhamtonshire, England, who made a dress out of loomed rubber bands. Yes. You read that right. She created the first adult-sized loom dress in England. It took her over 80 hours and 24,000 rubber bands to create this incredible dress. She sold it on eBay for 150£ to earn money for her vacation.

This is a loom ladder. It looks like cut off test tubes to me. But the sides of it are open, so you can grab the rubber bands with ease and precision. You can buy these at your local craft store, most likely in the kids’ section. The kits should come with some starter rubber bands.

These are the rubber bands. They look like the kind they give you for braces, but don’t worry, these won’t go anywhere near your pearly whites. They come in a variety of different colors so you or your child will be able to make one for every color of the rainbow!

Your most important tool is the needle-pokey-thing. In real life, it’s just called a hook. This will help you weave and connect the rubber bands on the loom.

So get your rainbow loom, and start banding everything together! These are some great starter rubber band loom patterns if you’re not quite up to the dress making level.

How to Make Rubber Band Bracelets

Easy Three Color Fishtail Bracelet

Stunningly Sweet Fishtail Bracelet

Loom Ladder Bracelet

Colorful Hexafish Bracelet

Ravishing Rainbow Fishtail Bracelet

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out these tutorial videos:

How to Make a Valentine’s Single Rainbow Loom Bracelet

How to Make a Beaded Triple Bracelet with the Rainbow Loom

Popsicle Rainbow Loom Charm

How To Make A Rainbow Loom Bracelet With Beads

What other rainbow loom crafts have you seen?

Trend Alert: Elephant Craft Projects for All Ages

January 27, 2015 by FaveCrafts

There’s a trend that has been popping up all over the place and it’s about time we write about it! Elephants! I’ve seen them on scarves, wall art, t-shirts, dining ware and more. We are all aware of the fox trend, the owls, and the increasingly popular hedgehog. But elephants took me by surprise – in a good way. It’s time for these gentle giants take the spotlight in design. That’s why I’ve rounded up just about every elephant themed craft project we have. You’re welcome!

Crochet Elephants

These elephants are perfect for kids and adults alike. We love that these free crochet patterns all take a slightly different approach to the elephant which makes each one unique!

Stephanie’s Elephant Square

Circus Elephant Crochet Lovey

Crochet Elephant Bookends

Darling Elephant Crochet Lovey

An Elephant No Matter How Small

Baby Elephant Crochet Hat

Gracie the Tiny Elephant

Elephants for Kids

Did you know that a baby elephant is called a calf? These free DIY projects feature the elephant in so many cute ways.

Precious Patchwork Elephants

Rainbow Loom Elephant Charm

Rainbow Sponge Painted Elephant

Cute Cardboard Elephant

Button Elephant

Sewing Patterns for Elephants

We’re totally loving these free sewing tutorials that hit the elephant trend head on. Learn how to sew a pillow featuring elephants and your living room will be so trendy!

Hand-Sewn Elephant Family

Cuddly Blanket Elephant

Elephant Purse

Elephant Applique Cushion

Safari Applique Pillows

Charlie the Elephant

Paper Elephants

These free paper crafts are perfect for those who love elephants and want to try their hand at making a little elephant.

Printable Elephant Bookmarks That Never Forget

Adorable Ephemera Elephant Card

Baby Wishes Photo Album

Origami Elephant

Knitted Elephants

These are some of the cutest elephants I have ever seen! The best part is that all of these elephants are free knitting patterns.

Flo the Elephant

Knit Floral Elephant

Elephant Lovie Blanket

Knitted Toy Elephant

Macrame

Uniquely Beautiful Dream Catchers

Yarn Crafts without Knitting or Crochet

Succulents Are Never Leaving Us

Dogs Wearing Glasses, and Corgis in General

Diamond Art

Marbling and Geodes

Vinyl

What craft trends will you follow in 2019?

Trending Crafts

Birds of Paradise, especially Toucans

Flamingos and Pineapples

Flamingo Crafts:

Letterboards

Cacti

Cactus Crafts:

Hygge Crafts

Check out our collection of 27 Hygge Crafts.

Pom Poms

Explore our eBook of pom pom and tassel ideas: 5 Easy Tassel Crafts and DIY Pom Pom Projects.

Llamas

Llama Crafts:

What trend are you most excited about for 2018?

Craft Trends 2018

Sheer Socks

Embellished Shoes

Paracord

Macrame

Giant Knitting

Statement Earrings

Berets and Newsboy Caps

What trends are you excited about for 2018?

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?

Craft Trends for 2017

Metallics, Especially Copper

Metallic Tutorials

Marble

Marble Tutorials

Outer Space

Outer Space Projects

Tea Parties, Magnolias, and Cherry Blossoms

Not Just Cats . . . Dogs, Too

Popular Dog Crafts

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

10 Cutest Monogram Ideas

What is your favorite thing to monogram?

HOT New Craft Trend: Weaving and Tapestries

Here are a few projects to get you started!

Do you think tapestries and hand-weaving are going to die out with technology taking over?

HOO Will Love These DIY Owl Crafts and Recipes?

Crafts

Recipes

Jewelry

How else can you incorporate owls into your life?

Rainbow Loom Patterns and Designs: What Are Those Things

So get your rainbow loom, and start banding everything together! These are some great starter rubber band loom patterns if you’re not quite up to the dress making level.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out these tutorial videos:

What other rainbow loom crafts have you seen?

Crochet Elephants

Elephants for Kids

Sewing Patterns for Elephants

Paper Elephants

Knitted Elephants

What do you think of the elephant trend?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty