After the recent bouts of snowstorms and way-too-cold days, you may be feeling a bit bored from being stuck inside. But this is the perfect time to get crafty! Creators on TikTok have been providing plenty of inspiration, getting super creative with some simple, at-home craft projects, and you can too! If you’ve been on the lookout for a good way to spend your free time, check out this mini-list on cute DIY projects!
Scrapbooking
Let’s face it–most of us are craving warmer weather right now. So, why not revive summer vibes through scrapbooking?
Starting a scrapbook is a creative way to make a highlight reel of your best memories. Whether you’re the photographer friend or you’re just looking for a casual hobby, scrapbooking is a fun way to preserve the moments you love.
Instead of pouring all of your energy into the perfect Instagram feed, you can use your aesthetic skills on a scrapbook!
Plus, there are endless customization options within the blank pages. You can add stickers, decorative papers, or even unique recyclables, like receipts, envelopes, and cute packaging scraps. Your scrapbook can be a great representation of YOU and all of the little things that bring joy to your life.
Scrapbooking can be done your way, and that’s the best part! Anything that feels inspiring or magical can fit inside and create a special blend of nostalgia. It’s an awesome way to honor your memories and make the cutest time capsule for your future self!
Felt and Knitting
Though they’re often seen as “granny hobbies” in online spaces, knitting and felting are very relaxing, beginner-friendly activities. You can throw a show or movie on in the background, get to work, and just unwind; by the time you finish a season, you might have finished a scarf, too!
Knitting is easy to learn, and the materials aren’t too expensive. It works great as a “start-and-stop” hobby and is perfect to pick up in the evenings after a long day.
It’s also a unique way to make your own wintry accessories, like sweaters, gloves, hats, or earmuffs! There are tons of projects and patterns out there for every skill level, and there are so many different projects you can try with just one ball of yarn. Websites like Etsy and Vogue Knitting are amazing, with tons of free patterns to download.
While felt is a bit more challenging as a medium, the results are so rewarding, and the final product is unlike anything you’d find in a store! It’s a super cute way to add personal flair, whether you’re customizing clothes or creating new room decor.
Creators are drawn to the originality of craft projects, so there are tons of helpful videos out there for inspiration. Most showcase their work or make tutorials, as felt has been gaining popularity. It’s a fun way to bring bright colors to dreary, gray days.
Candle Making
On the topic of “granny hobbies,” candle-making is a niche one that is, surprisingly, quite enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a craft night with friends or just want to test it yourself, this is both a functional and low-cost project!
Really, you only need three materials: wax, a wick, and a heat-safe container. These materials could be repurposed from things around your house, such as old candles that are just too tough to light or cute mugs hiding in the back of your cabinets.
Of course, thrift stores also have plenty. You could easily repurpose any packs of candlesticks and gently used candles from the home decor sections. Plus, you can find cute containers that match your vibe, whether they’re teacups, bowls, or even decorative glass pieces.
It’s an ideal way to add a personal touch to something functional!
However, it’s important to make sure that the container you pick is heat-safe or tempered so it won’t shatter when you add the hot wax. You can easily test containers by placing them in a deep sink and pouring boiling water into them first.
Online guides like the one below are helpful to check out before getting started.
Candle-making is a simple and rewarding activity to try this winter.
Watercolor
When it comes to painting, watercolor is often pushed aside, despite how beautiful it can be! Watercolor paints bring an ethereal shimmer to pieces that acrylic doesn’t always capture. It’s an amazing way to paint wintry landscapes and really translate the feel of the snow and ice onto paper.
It’s not very messy either, which is perfect for people who aren’t avid painters. The palettes require minimal setup and cleaning compared to other paints and are highly portable. That means you can take it to the best painting spot with just the right lighting and good energy!
And if watercolor feels a little too intimidating, there are plenty of resources for beginners.
If you’re just starting out, watercolor workbooks are the best at-home teachers. With books across different skill levels filled with tons of quaint designs, you can create lovely paintings and feel like a master.
You can find these books online, but my personal favorites are from Emily Lex Studio. Every design is gorgeous, and the instructions make it easy to get started.
Watercolor is very calming and will allow you to expand your artistic skills from home this winter!
Clay Trinkets
In the current online frenzy of trinket and figurine collecting, now is an amazing time to add your own creations to the mix. Homemade clay trinkets are unique additions to a desk or bookshelf, accentuating your current room decor to the max. They can also make thoughtful gifts for loved ones, adding a creative touch to someone else’s space!
You can go the functional route with things like jewelry, dishes, and magnets, or you can be purely decorative with tiny figures and charms. With myriad neat ideas online, it’s easy to find inspiration for a clay project.
This craft can be as easy or challenging as you want to make it, and it really lets you bring out your artsy side. If you’re looking for something freeform and totally creative, try your hand at a few clay crafts!
Let’s get to work!
Despite the bitterly cold months, you can keep it warm and sunny with a colorful craft! Hopefully, you’re feeling a bit more inspired and have several awesome ideas you’d like to test out. Crafting offer a fun, relaxing opportunity to personalize your space, whether with friends or just by yourself.
So, really, there’s no need to be bored in the cold weather! You’ve got to fight back against the winter blues with a crafting session and bring your best ideas to life.
Stay warm, and have fun crafting!
