Buzz
The timeless appeal of the past is resurfacing, particularly in the realm of crafting. While some of these classic crafts are already making a comeback, others are just waiting for you to rediscover and revive them.
1. ELEGANT DARNING
In earlier times, when garments were both sturdier and costlier, darning—or repairing—was a vital skill. Some artisans elevated this practice with intricate designs, weaving geometric patterns and even lace into the fabric of their worn clothing.
2. DECOUPAGE
Does your furniture lack flair? Gather some old magazines or books, scissors, a paintbrush, and decoupage glue. This technique, akin to a 3D collage, lets you adorn any surface with images or text of your choice.
3. MIRROR PAINTING
This craft is long overdue for a revival. Victorian women adorned their mirrors with oil paints. Nowadays, we have simpler tools, including specialized glass paints. Imagine the endless possibilities of what you could create every time you glance at your reflection.
4. HIPPIE JEANS
Much like the intricate darners of the past, 1960s and ‘70s artisans saw the artistic potential in damaged clothing. They transformed worn-out jeans into vibrant statements by patching them with bold, colorful fabrics.
5. TATTING
Did you know lace can be handmade? Tatting is the art of looping and knotting cotton thread with a small shuttle. Whether following a pattern or designing your own, this meticulous and calming craft is perfect for quiet afternoons or restless evenings.
6. CLOTHESPIN DOLLS
A glance at wedding blogs reveals the resurgence of clothespin dolls, and it’s easy to see why—they’re utterly charming. With just clothespins, paint, and a brush, you can create delightful gifts, festive ornaments, or even whimsical cake toppers for weddings.
7. CROSS STITCHING
While cross-stitching might evoke images of colonial samplers or your grandmother’s pillowcases, it has found new life in the modern world as a platform for witty sayings and pop culture nods. Whether you prefer traditional designs like floral motifs or cats in baskets, there’s no shortage of patterns to explore.
8. VELVET PAINTING
Why did this art form ever fade away? Velvet painting offers possibilities far beyond religious imagery or tributes to the King of Rock. The medium is both demanding and satisfying, producing vibrant and surprising results.
9. STRING ART
String art has become a rarity, and that’s truly unfortunate. This straightforward craft involves sketching a design on wood, hammering in nails, and weaving string around them. The result is a stunning 3D woven masterpiece, showcasing both creativity and craftsmanship.
10. MACRAME
We understand your hesitation, but macramé offers more than just hemp jewelry and questionable owl decor. Historically, sailors used it to craft nets for glass buoys, bracelets, and even hammocks—many of which remain practical today (though buoy nets might be less relevant).
11. SPATTERWORK
This is a craft perfect for family fun. Place an object like a leaf or your child’s hand on paper, then splatter paint around it to create a unique silhouette. Spatterwork is an effortless way to personalize stationery or gift wrap, and no one needs to know how simple it was.
12. EMBROIDERY
Unlike the structured nature of cross-stitching, embroidery offers a more fluid, artistic approach—essentially drawing with thread. Projects can range from small, personalized handkerchiefs to grand tapestries, much like the historic Bayeux Tapestry.
13. LATCH HOOK
Imagine creating decorative rugs featuring almost any design you can think of! This straightforward craft, reminiscent of cross-stitch but using thick yarn and a latched hook, is overdue for a comeback. It’s easy to learn, requires minimal focus, and is perfect for kids or adults who enjoy crafting while relaxing.
14. HAND-COLORING PHOTOS
Before the advent of color photography, photographers often enhanced their images by hand-painting faces and backgrounds with pigments and dyes. The resulting soft, pastel-hued photos, while not entirely realistic, possessed a unique charm. Today, you can replicate this effect digitally or by photocopying color images in black-and-white and adding color with pencils, crayons, or markers.
15. CHAIN MAIL
Few crafts are as timeless as chain mail. Unlike medieval blacksmiths, you won’t need an anvil or forge—just pre-made links and a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Whether creating jewelry or armor, this ancient technique is surprisingly accessible.
