Following last year's crafting trends to watch for 2020 we are here to showcase what to look for in 2021! We shared Pantone's colour of the year, which ironically was Classic Blue for 2020. Let's hope that "Illuminating yellow" is exactly what 2021 turns out to be!
As we all know, crafting feeds your creative passion so grab a cuppa, put your feet up and explore some inspiring and exciting new ideas we have shared below...
Colours for 2021
So let's say goodbye to the 2020 blues and look towards the new 2021 tones from PANTONE; 'Ultimate Grey' + 'Illuminating'.
Pantone explains that these colours represent two elements can come together to support one another.
2021's colours convey strength, hope and optimism; grey is predictable and enduring and illuminating is warm and uplifting.
We will all benefit from having strength and positivity this year. If you want to learn more about the effect colour has on our lives and how to make positive colour choices in your dress, home and environment, browse this fantastic range of creative therapy courses.
PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Grey + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating.
Crafting-from-home kits
Crafting from home was the new star of 2020 as the ongoing lockdown has seen many of us looking for creative outlets in the saftey of our own homes. Call them craft kits, hobby boxes, DIY crafting, craft boxes or whatever else that puts a smile on your face; new art skills and treats galore await you in these little packages of joy. If this sounds up your street you might enjoy our list of the top 30 kits we have available now.
It is not enough to know your craft - you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more. - Edouard Manet
Let your imagination transport you and find a craft that helps you escape the day-to-day, you may find a new hobby you'll love or you might even turn your craft into a new lifestyle choice or business. Browse all the craft-from-home kits we have available.
Craft-from-home kits
Macramé
An oldie but a goodie. Famous in 70s decor, macramé has risen to glory again and is becoming a firm favourite amongst contemporary crafters.
Macramé should really be called 'textile therapy,' a relaxing and rewarding technique that can be quickly picked up by beginners and can have stunning results.
With some careful tuition you can quickly learn the essential knots and start creating plant hangers and wall hangings or even your own jewellery and fashion accessories. Take a look at our range of macramé courses and macramé kits. Warning: you'll get addicted!
Macrame plant hangers
Eco-friendly crafts
Creativity, handmade, upcycling: these have always been phrases we think of when it comes to crafting, regardless of trends, but this year, sustainability and conscious consumption have become synonymous with crafters, as they look for eco ways to impact the planet less.
Search out remnants, scraps or vintage fabrics to make soft furnishings, or salvage a piece of furniture from a charity shop and transform it into a bespoke piece for your home, with a few simple updates.
If you want to learn how to upcycle or recycle, re-use and repair check out what our fabulous tutors have to offer and do your bit for the planet.
Recycle and re-use
New materials - resin, silver clay, polymer clay
If you're a fan of Tik Tok or an avid Instagram user, then you will no doubt have seen the growth of popularity in new and exciting materials like resin and polymer clay. All of these materials have multiple uses and applications with the main one being making bespoke and unique items of jewellery, and resin can be used to create impressive pieces of art and home accessories.
These are great crafts for beginners and crafters of all ages. Check out our fab selection of listings for polymer clay, silver clay and resin to try it yourself.
Polymer clay jewellery
Felting
Creating sculpture and stunning works of art from wool and natural fibres is a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down. From wet felting and creating a watercolour-in-wool in 2D to incredible needle-felted 3D structures that can look almost life-like, felting has so many applications.
Needle felting is also starting to become a popular form of stress relief, as the repeated motions of the needle can be very therapeutic.
The best bit is you need very little equipment and materials, with little cost to get you started, and you too could be hooked to this latest trend! Check out our needle felting and wet felting options to inspire you.
Needle felt a bumblebee
Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing and Bladesmithing are all the rage, perhaps thanks to the popularity of the show 'Forged in Fire.'
You will be blown away by the intensity and artistry of this highly creative skill. There is nothing better than using a chef's knife that you have forged with your own hands.
Historically a male orientated craft, blacksmithing has opened up a world of new creative possibilities. An accessible skill for everyone to learn with the results of your hard work being life long objects of beauty and practicality. We know this is a craft that will remain a trend for years to come so book an in-person blacksmithing course now and have something fabulous to look forward to in simpler times.
Blacksmithing
Interior design
Finally. Let's face it, we've all been home a lot more over the last 12 months, which has given us plenty of time to look around and notice peeling paint, uninspiring kitchen units or just the real need for more colour to give us a real boost. We all know someone who chooses a funky Zoom background, rather than reveal their home decor, during an online meeting.
Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love - Nate Berkus Interior Designer.
A rapidly growing trend for 2021 is home improvements, so we have just the thing, we have a growing range of interior design courses, both in-person and online, from a wonderful selection of inspiring experts.
Interior Design
You do not have to pick a craft just because it's trendy, we advise you pick a craft because you love it, or you're really interested in giving it a go. There are so many more crafts to choose from and they all offer us an opportunity to escape reality and keep our hands busy. We can't wait to welcome you back for in-person courses and our tutors are super excited to continue inspiring new crafters, so please get your places booked. Our range of online (live and on demand) workshops and our awesome selection of craft kits are here to stay, as crafting-from-home soars in popularity.
If you enjoyed reading this you may like: Best online craft courses: our top 20 creative classes online
and Best LIVE online craft workshops - our top 20 classes to enjoy from the comfort of your home!
