DIY Projects Popular Projects

10 Crafts to Try This Year

By
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann is a jewelry and antiques expert, sharing over 15 years of hands-on experience with DIY jewelry, gemstones, heirlooms, as well as home renovation projects. Her businesses, Ageless Heirlooms and Heirlooms at Home, focus on antiques. Lauren has also studied at the Gemological Institute of America.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 03/16/20
embroidery hoop with needle, floss, and scissors

 Helen Sotiriadis / Stocksy

Long gone are the days where scrapbooking was the most sought-after hobby one could reasonably afford and conquer. With the internet, we can now confidently attempt and master an array of creative crafts, some of which have been around for generations.  

Which types of crafts should you take up this year? Step out of your comfort zone and give any of these ideas a try. We've included some age-old favorites that are quickly regaining popularity. 

  • 01 of 10

    Pottery

    woman placing pots onto shelves to set

    Ellie Baygulov / Stocksy

    Why try it: Pottery is a diverse practice. Most techniques make use of your hands, which can be very relaxing. Try this craft if you are looking to zone out and end up with a functional piece of art as a result. 

    How to get started: Since pottery equipment is pricey, start by taking a beginner's class to see if you like the craft. Another inexpensive option is to purchase some clay you can bake in your oven and start molding. As another alternative, try air dry clay, which is an easy material to use for quick at-home projects. You can make small things such as jewelry holders like the one shown above, keychains, and more.

  • 02 of 10

    Beadwork

    Beadworking tutorials
    Lisa Yang​

    Why try it: Beadworking requires decent fine motor skills and good eyesight (or glasses). If getting a knot out of a chain frustrates you, working with beads might as well. However, this craft is also very fulfilling once you get into the swing of it.

    How to get started: This hobby is perfect for beginners. All you need to get started is some thread, some beads, and a couple of needles. From there, find a simple pattern to follow and get crafting! You can make daisy chains like the ones shown above, keychains, pendants, and more.

  • 03 of 10

    Woodworking

    Woodworking craft tutorials

    Gentl and Hyers/Getty Images

    Why try it: Many people get started with this craft because they see something they want that would be much cheaper to make, like a picnic table or flower box. If you're a woman, don't be discouraged. Though this hobby has been dominated by men in the past, it's time to get empowered and realize you can craft objects with wood, too.

    How to get started: Woodworking, like many other crafts, can demand a lot of specialized tools. Either start with a simple box or birdhouse that uses basic tools or register for a beginner's class. A popular creation is planter boxes like the one featured above. Because certain power tools can be dangerous if used incorrectly, this hobby is best learned with a teacher.

  • 04 of 10

    Jewelry Making

    Jewelry making tutorials
    Lovely Indeed

    Why try it: This is a highly popular craft that is easy to get into just by visiting a local craft store. Try this hobby because you'll save a ton of money on jewelry and learn a neat skill in the meantime.

    How to get started: Luckily, beginner's jewelry tutorials are easy enough to follow from an online post. Find one you want to tackle, gather the necessary supplies and try it out. You'll need a set of pliers, though, which shouldn't cost much. Make your own pom-pom earrings like the ones featured above, rings, necklaces, and more from now on!

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Miniatures

    Small yellow miniature house with blueprints

     Steve Debenport/Getty Images

    Why try it: Creating miniatures is a wonderful way to tap into your creativity. The hobby can go in so many directions, from building dollhouses to painting miniatures. Try this craft if you're feeling uninspired and are looking for something to reinvigorate your whimsical side.

    How to get started: First, figure out what type of world you want to create with miniatures. You can collect figures or make them from scratch. Next, start assembling your collection one piece at a time. 

  • 06 of 10

    Candle and Soap Making

    Handmade soap

    komargallery/Getty Images 

    Why try it: Not only will you enjoy a slew of aromatherapy benefits with this hobby, coming up with new combinations and recipes for soaps and candles will help flex your creativity muscles. This is also a great hobby to start if you love giving little trinkets to your loved ones or eventually want to start your own business. 

    How to get started: Start with simple recipes that only require two or three ingredients. Some soaps and candles might even use ingredients you already have in your house.  

  • 07 of 10

    Paper Crafting

    Paper tutorials
    Rita Shehan

    Why try it: Working with paper is not just for self-proclaimed artists. In fact, there are dozens of paper crafts just about anyone can complete. Start this hobby if you're looking for an activity to do with your kids. 

    How to get started:  Since paper is relatively inexpensive, this craft is very easy to start. All you need to do is pick a do-able project, grab some paper, scissors, and glue, then get creating. These can easily turn into some iconic decorations, like this geometric wall art shown above.

  • 08 of 10

    Knitting

    Woman knitting with blue yarn

    Westend61/Getty Images 

    Why try it: This heirloom hobby has been passed down for generations, which many people with sweaters from their grandmothers can attest to. But knitting is so much more fulfilling and trendy than it used to be. There are many more templates to follow and beautiful assortments of yarn to purchase. Try it if you want to hone in on your inner fashion designer. You can make socks, hats, scarves, and more.

    How to get started: Join a local knitting group and go to a session. Many of these gatherings offer free lessons for beginners and might even lend you some needles so you can try out the craft.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Crochet

    Women crocheting a rainbow blanket

    Lee Thompson/Getty Images 

    Why try it: Crochet might not be as popular as knitting, but both crochet and knitting require focus, which in turn can be very therapeutic. You can make scarves, hats, blankets, etc. Try crocheting if you want a relaxing, absorbing activity.

    How to get started: Once you have yarn and a crochet hook, master the slip knot, which is at the foundation of most crochet projects. From there, learn a chain stitch, then a single crochet stitch. 

  • 10 of 10

    Embroidery

    Women embroidering with yellow and orange thread

    Tatiana Maramygina/Getty Images

    Why try it: Embroidery has come in and out of fashion since ancient times, but it's making a comeback. Though the craft began as a practical means to mend clothing, many have been taking up this past time for no other purpose than to unwind and create something beautiful. Try this craft if you're artistic and looking to explore a new medium.

    How to get started: Free embroidery patterns will help you get accustomed to stitching, so it's best to start there. If you find yourself wanting to expand your skills, there are plenty of online classes and free video tutorials that can help.

    The 7 Best Craft Subscription Boxes of 2023