5 Helpful Resources For Those Who Love Crafting

Creative endeavors can provide people with useful skills, relaxing activities, and tight-knit communities of friends with similar interests. From cross-stitch to upcycling to home renovation, there are a wide variety of crafts covered by the resources listed here. Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby or hone your existing skills, there's sure to be something that piques your interest. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

Great Crafting Resources

Name Creator
Homestitchness Jenny Van De Wiele
The Crafty Hen Julie Roberts
Ugly Duckling House Sarah Fogle
Badass Cross Stitch Shannon Downey
Sadie Seasongoods Sarah Ramberg

Is There A Difference Between Art And Craft?

8 Tips For Being More Creative

  1. Ask questions
  2. Learn more about any topic you find interesting
  3. Bring a sketch pad with you when you go out
  4. Make time to play, no matter how old you get
  5. Keep a journal
  6. Don't be afraid to take risks
  7. Carry a camera with you
  8. Do something creative every day, even if it's small

How To Embroider

In Depth

Crafting can be a therapeutic hobby, as well as a way to promote social change, revitalize an old home, and reuse objects which might otherwise go to waste. Here, in no particular order, are great resources for creating intricate cross stitch patterns, cement candle holders, and anything in between.

Up first, in the #1 spot, we have homestitchness. Jenny Van De Wiele creates original cross stitch hoop art designs that have a wide appeal. Van De Wiele was born and raised in New Zealand, and some of her designs draw upon her homeland's rich heritage, beauty, and unique way of life.

Some of her designs also feature Australian, British, American, and Canadian inspired elements. On her blog, Van De Wiele provides tutorials for techniques such as stitching with specialty threads and embroidery hoop framing. Since 2016, her designs have been featured in The World of Cross Stitching magazine.

Since 2016, her designs have been featured in The World of Cross Stitching magazine.

Next up, #2 on our list is The Crafty Hen. Since 2012, this company has offered craft workshops all around the United Kingdom. These workshops are a fun group activity for bachelorette parties, baby showers, Christmas parties, team building days, corporate events, and other occasions.

This company orchestrates unique hen party experiences, with workshops ranging from flower crowns and wedding garters to nipple tassels. It also provides instruction in jewelry making, pottery painting, quilting, and other creative experiences. In addition, The Crafty Hen provides virtual workshops, as well as DIY craft kits delivered directly to customers.

Coming in at #3, we have Ugly Duckling House. Sarah Fogle began this blog in 2010, shortly after moving into a house in need of repair. Fogle named her blog after the classic children's tale and set to work on many DIY restoration projects, such as building a floating deck in her backyard.

Sarah Fogle began this blog in 2010, shortly after moving into a house in need of repair.

Fogle keeps a running log of the knowledge she has gained on her DIY journey in the hopes that this information can help others. She also runs a YouTube channel. In addition to home and camper renovation, Fogle shares crafting projects, such as cross stitch patterns, as well as recipes and woodworking projects.

In the #4 spot is Badass Cross Stitch. Shannon Downey blends politics, activism, and art into projects that are designed to inspire others. Her work has a focus on community organizing and civic engagement. She is inspired by a diverse assortment of artists including Sheila Hicks, Bob Ross, Salvador Dali, Ai Weiwei, and Missy Elliott.

Downey is a proponent of craft-driven activism, and readers can get involved with several craftivism projects on her blog. She also provides free cross stitch patterns and tutorials. In 2019, she was chosen to be a part of the Micro Galleries Artist Collective, a global initiative that uses art as a vehicle to create positive change.

Downey is a proponent of craft-driven activism, and readers can get involved with several craftivism projects on her blog.

And finally, #5 on our list is Sadie Seasongoods. This blog is dedicated to approachable repurposing and upcycling projects using vintage treasures and thrifted finds. The voice behind this blog is Charlotte, North Carolina-based Sarah Ramberg, who wants to encourage others to lead a more creative, less disposable life.

On her blog, Ramberg shares projects such as braided bracelets made from vintage handkerchiefs. She also shares guides on the best antique, vintage, and thrift stores in cities across the Southern United States. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as BuzzFeed, Good Housekeeping, and Country Living.