I’ve been a crafter for almost all my life. However, I have a limited skill set and would definitely want to expand my crafting knowledge and techniques. I’m sure that I am not the only crafter who feels like there is still so much to learn and so many projects to make. When I do manage to make time to learn more crafts, here are some that I think would be fun to learn.
These two similar crafts may seem old-fashioned to many people. But to me, there is just something so challenging about the meticulous processes of knitting and crocheting. The main reason I want to learn these crafts is because I find the delicateness and the detail of knitted and crocheted things just breathtaking.
In elementary, I was taught basic embroidery stitches beginning in the second grade. Embroidery requires painstaking attention to detail, as well as a steady and controlled hand. In the end, all that hard work is worth it because of the beauty of your thread artwork. I definitely wish I paid more attention to my sewing classes.
Don’t you just love beautiful beaded jewelry? I know I do. But sometimes, beaded jewelry can retail for very expensive prices. And there are times, you look at them and think, “I can make that myself if I only knew how.” It would be so wonderful to learn the different beading techniques and stitches.
I love books and it is because of them that I became interested in book binding. When you search the internet, you will be amazed to find all these information and resources on different ways to bind paper. There are many techniques and styles of binding that it can actually get pretty complicated.
I never really got the notion that carpentry is just for tough men. It is also for women who like to work with wood. I’ve made a few things like a rabbit’s cage and a couple of tree houses but they were always with friends. Carpentry would be a great skill to learn because it will allow you to make basic house repairs. It would also be awesome if you can make your own pieces of furniture.
In the past, it didn’t matter what kind of soap I used. As long it did a good job of cleaning my body, I was fine with it. But these days, I’ve noticed that more and more people, me included, are getting into natural, handmade soaps. It would be really nice to learn how to make my own bar and liquid soaps so I can have control over the scents, shapes, and ingredients.
Another craft that originates from Japan is Ikebana or the art of flower arrangement. I think ikebana is an interesting craft to learn because it is so much more than arranging flowers in a vase or a pot. Ikebana has certain rules that govern the flower arrangements. It also employs minimalism which can be a challenging aspect to this craft.
Origami is a paper folding craft that originates from Japan. There are many techniques to be learned, different papers to work with, and hundreds of origami patterns to fold. I can’t believe that I got into the paper craft game so late. It is so fun to use such a pliable material such as paper.
I think the only things I know how to make using macramé is friendship bracelets. I never got to learn how to fully harness the possibilities of this textile making technique. It’s not as popular today as it was in the 70’s but I think it would be a truly fun knotting craft to learn.
When you fall in love with crafting, I don’t think you can ever turn back. There is this amazing feeling that can only come from creating something with your own hands, especially when you invest a lot of time and effort into making it. And the thing with crafting is you don’t have to spend a lot of money for your projects. Your main investments are your resourcefulness and creativity. With these two things, you can create almost anything you envision. Now that I’ve shared the crafts I want to learn, I would like to hear from other aspiring, beginner, or long-time crafters. What are the crafts that you would like to learn?
Top Photo Credit: beebalalou