Craft your way to being cool 

It’s easy to see why crafting is experiencing an upsurge in popularity – over the last couple of years we’ve all been spending more time at home, and there are only so many series that you can watch. Many people were looking for ways to fill their free time, express their creativity and save money by making their own gifts or home décor items. 

Like any other hobby, there are trends in crafting, too. As the world opens up again, there are more opportunities to meet fellow crafters in real life and join crafting groups. If you want to be at the cutting edge of crafting, considering getting into these on-trend hobbies: 

Swirl your way to happiness 

Create unique, colourful pieces of abstract art to brighter up your home or office with acrylic paint pour art – a fun, easy way to get creative. Simply pour the pre-mixed paints on the substrate, and swirl. The results can be unexpected and spectacular, and you can decorate anything from mirrors to plates to phone covers. Acrylic paint pouring is also great fun for kids, and an ideal way to keep them entertained during the school holidays. 

Paste your memories 

Scrapbooking has always been popular as a way to creatively store or display items that remind you of special times, places or people. Now that travel is much easier again, there are plenty of opportunities to make new memories – and where better than your scrapbook to capture them. Photos, ticket stubs, paw prints, pressed flowers or beer labels – it’s completely up to you what you include. Best of all, you get to enjoy the scrapbook twice: once when you make it, and again later when you relive the memories. 

Cut it out! 

Scanning and cutting machines are all the rage because they make it even easier to express yourself and they’re the perfect way to produce unique greetings cards, wedding invitations and other items you would usually have to buy. 

With the more advanced machines, you can scan any picture or design that you love, then cut this design out of card or paper to repurpose it in your own way. The only limit to what you can do with a cutting machine is your own imagination. 

Knot what you might think 

It’s not just ‘conversation pits’ – all sorts of 70s décor trends are having a comeback moment right now, and nothing says that you’re on trend with all things from the disco era more than macrame.  You don’t have to have been around the first time macrame was cool to appreciate this relaxing, creative crafting hobby – and to kit your home out with cool wall art. Once you get the hang of it, you can progress to making cool plant pot wraps and unique gifts for family and friends. 

If you’re looking for a relaxing pastime that could open the door to making new friends, and help you chill out without needing a screen, then crafting could be it. For all your crafting supplies and plenty of inspiration, click here.