The world is becoming smaller, more faster – eating up all our time and patience. Who doesn’t want to de-stress after a long day or a long week? But a trip to the beach is such a drag due to the traffic and its healthy to unplug from anything electronic once in a while.
Here are a few craft trends which are manageable and does not need much commitment.
First up are Decorative Paper Frames, not really new but its become a staple at birthday parties and after which it can be hanged at home as a souvenir.
Going organic and green is this decade’s cry so why not have a Mini Herb Garden! Minimal watering a day is required and pruning when the leaves are branching out after a month. Just place in a cool and dry place like in your kitchen (next to the sink not the stove or oven) and let it out in the sun every other day. You can also place these on your window sill if you live in a condo for a bit of fresh green to your interiors.
‘Vessels’ or ‘vesselling’ is also a trend, also termed as ‘re-purposed’ whether metal, ceramic or organic. The photo above shows decorative mini pails that are fun decors for parties (use as place cards, hold eating utensils, table napkin holder, etc.) and giveaways (just add candies, mini toys, etc.). They can be used for office supplies (paper clips, staple wires, etc.), as a mobile phone holder, you can hang these on a wire trellis and place your kitchen ingredients (onions, garlic, etc.), or you can bore a hole underneath and place your herbs too!
The photo above shows ‘re-purposed vessels’ like a water glass, a coffee mug, glass juice bottle and a glass pitcher. I have a recent post about this.
Its all the rage! Adult Coloring Books of all shapes and sizes and the use of colored design markers, colored pencils (or crayons, who’s to judge why not!) have invaded the metro. This is a great activity when winding down (read: trying to sleep) plus it boosts your creativity! Its not for every one, but I suggest to try it especially if you want to hone your patience and lessen the use of your laptop, tablet or mobile before going to sleep.
Wall Decalomania or ‘Decals’ and Frames, another craze, is an alternative decor for your living room especially if you don’t have that much space to place the actual photo frames. Its also an economical way to spruce up your wall!
Now decorative stickers started at nursery rooms, playrooms and even kids’ bathrooms. But aside from Disney and cartoon characters, educational designs are now available (not just 1,2,3 or A, B, C mind you). There are map designs (think atlas, for real!), landmarks of the world, etc.
So there are wall decals and educational stickers, but what if you just want a pop of cuteness or ‘kikay’ in your space and you want your walls left as it is? Well, there are also decals for glass doors and tiles!
For glass doors or mirrors, plot your design, then clean and wipe dry the area before placing the decal. ‘Plotting’ is important (as with any decal) because its stressful (sorry Obsessive Compulsive people) to peel off repeatedly plus it lessens the adhesive.
For tiles, make sure to get the waterproof decals (for obvious reasons) then plot your design, then clean and wipe dry the area before placing the decal.
Now hand-painted wooden beads and stamp pads are not new but with the proliferation of the ‘rustic’ look, they have made a come back!
Painted flat stones nowadays are used as party decors and giveaways (painted with neon colored glue).
‘Re-purposed’ metal items from the kitchen or dining utensils are also trendy and great conversation pieces like bent forks can be used as hooks, a colander can hold an herb plant, etc.
Colored Sand Art is a good bonding activity for and with kids. But before you panic, organic sand is now available in the market (even organic clay) and yes, they come in neon colors and with sparkles too!
So, these are just some of DIY Crafts and trends I’ve compiled and highly recommend. There are other ‘handy’ activities out there like calligraphy, stencil design art, knitting (oh yes, not just for grandma anymore!), plush toy making, coffee art, rope weaving, etc. Start with whatever suits you as long as it relaxes you and hones your patience!
