You know how most people start the new year with resolutions? Mine are… a little different.
Instead of “drink more water” or “go to the gym,” I’ve been thinking about the crafts I want to learn this year. Skills I don’t have yet, materials I haven’t really explored, and creative muscles I want to build so that when I see something and think “I could make that”… I actually can.
So consider this my crafty bucket list for the year – part inspiration, part accountability.
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Let’s Get Started!
I’ve realized that what I really want is a kind of crafty repertoire – a mix of skills I can pull from when I want to make something on a whim. I love being able to look at an object and think, “I don’t know how to do that… but I could figure it out.”
That’s the goal for this year: experimenting, learning, and sharing the process – even when it’s messy or imperfect at first.
So here are the five crafts I want to learn this year.
#1: Punch Needle
I’ve never tried punch needle in my life, but I’m so drawn to it. I love the idea of making small, simple projects – maybe tiny wall hangings, pillow details, or little embellishments on other pieces.
I was especially inspired over the holidays by Duigu (who’s been part of Workshop Week before!). She makes the coolest punch needle ornaments, and I’ve officially decided that making some of those for next year is a goal.
If you’re in London and want to learn punch needle, she actually teaches workshops – and I’m very jealous. Maybe one day I’ll make it there and learn from her in person.
#2: Face Painting
This one might sound random… but it actually makes perfect sense for my life right now.
I have two young kids, which means a lot of birthday parties. And every time we’re at one, I think, “I wish I could be the person painting all the kids’ faces.”
This feels like the year to learn it – before I miss the window where little kids actually want face paint. I don’t see myself doing this professionally or at fairs, but for my kids’ parties and friends’ kids? Absolutely.
Plus, it just looks really fun. And I have a feeling I’d be good at it.
#3: Quilting (…and Probably Sewing)
This might be the most ambitious one on the list.
My great-grandmother made quilts, and I still have some of hers – I’ve always loved them. I’d really like to make more modern quilts, maybe even some for my girls’ bedrooms.
I think this means I’ll have to learn sewing too… although I’m currently in denial about how much sewing is actually involved. I’ll probably laugh at myself when I watch this back.
Even if I only learn the basics this year and save a full quilt for later, quilting is officially on the list.
#4: Air-Dry Clay
This one is less about a specific craft and more about getting comfortable with a material.
Air-dry clay feels like one of those things where, once you understand it, the possibilities are endless. I want to experiment with it enough that I can confidently design my own projects instead of just following tutorials.
I’ve seen people make everything from fridge magnets to picture frames to pottery-style pieces that look way harder than they actually are – and that’s exactly my vibe.
#5: Needle Felting
Needle felting has been on my radar for a while. I’m obsessed with those cozy little framed scenes – woodland creatures, soft textures, very cottagecore energy.
I’ve also seen people needle felt directly onto clothing, which feels like something I’d love to experiment with.
This one might be more of a later-in-the-year project, but I can already see it turning into handmade gifts (yes, I’m already thinking about Christmas… that’s just who I am).
That’s a Wrap!
So that’s the list:
- Punch needle
- Face painting
- Quilting (and sewing, apparently)
- Air-dry clay
- Needle felting
I wanted to put this out there not only to share what’s coming, but to hold myself accountable. You’ll probably see some experiments, some learning curves, and maybe a few “this did not go as planned” moments – but that’s part of the fun.
Here’s to a new year of learning new crafts, trying new things, and embracing the messiness of being a creative human.
Happy New Year – and I can’t wait to kick it off with you 💛
And finally, your dad joke…
I wish I could clean mirrors for a living…
It’s just something I can see myself doing.
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