Top 10 Hottest Crafting Trends to Try in 2023
As we enter the year 2023, many continue to find a passion for crafting! From the ever-growing popularity of DIY projects to the ever-expanding range of crafting supplies, crafting is making its mark in the world of fashion and design. Crafting has become a way to express creativity and individuality, and it’s no surprise that crafting trends are changing drastically. From 3D printers and digital art to a focus on sustainability with crafters, the possibilities in crafting are endless. Whether you’re a novice crafter or an experienced one, there’s sure to be something to interest and excite you in the crafting trends for 2023.
The hottest crafting trends of 2023 combine state-of-the-art technology, a return to traditional handmade items, and an increasing focus on sustainability.
Whether you are looking for craft project ideas for yourself or looking to find profitable crafts to sell as part of your craft business, these trending crafts will be amongst the best sellers in 2023.
10. Digital Crafting – The Rise of A.I. – The latest craft trend
Have you ever wished you could create beautiful, one-of-a-kind art? With advances in artificial intelligence, now it’s possible to create digital crafts using beautiful one-of-a-kind art created by you. Whether you are looking for something simple or very elaborate, you can create beautiful works of art using simple language requests.
You can draw, paint, and craft your own digital images and patterns with the help of technology. It’s a great way to explore your own creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. Plus, you can use AI-assisted art creation to create unique pieces for special occasions, like birthdays, baby showers, and holidays. AI-assisted art creation is a great way to add a modern, unique touch to any project.
Let’s say you want images of ‘a bouquet of watercolor violets’ to finish off a paper crafting or scrapbooking project; ask, and the system can create them. Then all you need to do is print and add them to your project. Truly giving you a one-of-a-kind craft project.
Want something even more unique? Many of the tools available can take an existing picture and reimagine it in a specific style or with additional elements. Maybe you have a picture of your childhood home, and you would like to create something unique for the holidays. Simply upload a copy of the picture, and you can use a prompt like ‘colorful winter scene decorated for Christmas in the style of Thomas Kincaid’ to create an art piece for your holiday decor.
You have likely already seen many A.I.-generated art pieces on sites like Etsy without even knowing it (including some best-selling poster art). The ability to create truly beautiful, unique images is what makes this such an amazing tool for crafters. Plus, many of the tools allow you to sell your creations, so you can make crafts to sell on Etsy or via print-on-demand products.
The two most well-known and easy-to-use A.I. generators are Dall-E and Stable Defusion. Both have websites that give you free access to create images for your own digital crafting projects. If you haven’t tried digital crafting with A.I. generated art, 2023 is definitely the year to try, as these tools are really starting to come into their own.
9. Crafting with 3D Printing
Crafting with 3D printing is an exciting way to bring your creative ideas to life. Taking an idea from your imagination and turning it into a tangible object you can hold and show off is a truly unique experience. Whether you are a creative hobbyist, an artist, or a professional designer, 3D printing can open up a world of possibilities.
In the last few years, 3D printers have slowly been getting popular with crafters as they have come down in price and improved in quality and ease of use. Even crafting companies like Silhouette, best known for their Cameo cutting machines, have gotten into the area with their Alta line of 3D printers. (Cricut hasn’t gotten into the 3D printing arena yet, but they likely aren’t far behind.)
With 3D printing, you can bring your ideas to life with endless possibilities for customization and creativity. From figurines and models to jewelry and home decor, 3D printing can give you the freedom to create whatever you dream of. With the right tools and materials, you can make things that look and feel as professional as possible.
It may seem a little intimidating at first, but with pre-made designs available for free on many websites, you will undoubtedly find something of interest to you. At the same time, 3D printers can be an asset in creating crafting tools and supplies. (As a sewist, I have found mine invaluable, allowing me to print thimbles, spool holders, and even sewing feet.)
8. Candle and Handmade Soap Making At-Home
If you are looking to learn a new craft, creating your own candles or handmade soaps can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a way to make some extra money, or just something crafty to do in your spare time, candle and soap making is a great and useful option.
Quality soaps and candles can be expensive, but they can be made at home for a fraction of the price. Given inflation and a likely recession around the corner, anything I can do to reduce our family budget is a blessing – but even I don’t want to have to give up my little luxuries, and I am sure many of you have thought the same.
Plus, you have the added benefit of customizing the scents and colors to meet your style. During the pandemic lockdown, I learned how to make cold-process handmade soaps for my family. Now, no one is willing to go back to the store-bought. At the same time, my homemade candles have become one of the most sought-after holiday gifts among our friends and family. They refer to them as never-ending candles. Homemade candles tend to burn so long and smell so strong that they will put store-bought brands to shame.
It has also never been easier to start, with craft kits for both available at JoAnn’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon; you can quickly start your journey into the wonderful world of candles and soaps.
7. Home Decor Crafting
Whether you’re looking for a way to add a personal touch to your decor or just want to try something new, crafting your own home decor items can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From pillows to wall hangings or planters and tufted rugs, there are so many different ways to craft unique and stylish pieces that will bring a certain charm to your home that the possibilities are endless.
If you’re new to crafting, the first step is to decide what type of project you’d like to tackle. Maybe your style is more boho, maybe you’re a minimalist, or maybe you are looking to create a modern farmhouse-style decor with mason jars. Project inspiration and craft ideas can be found online via Pinterest, Instagram, Tik Tok, DIYers on Youtube, or magazine websites. Whatever you decide to create, whether a simple embellishment or a major statement piece, it is sure to be unique and something that gives a special touch to your room. It also happens to be a great way to give old décor a new look while saving money.
Pillows, wall art, and planters are all great places to start, as they’re relatively simple projects that don’t require too much technical knowledge. Tufting rugs, on the other hand, can be a bit more complicated and requires a bit more practice and skill. However, with a bit of patience and some practice, anyone can learn how to tuft a rug; the results are simply amazing and one of a kind.
6. Quilting and Crochet – It Isn’t Your Grandmothers Craft Anymore
Given rising energy costs, there has never been a better time to consider taking up quilting or crocheting. I can remember being a child and staying with my grandmother. Whenever she would be quilting, my job was to rummage around her fabric scraps to find matching patterns large enough that she could get pieces from for her quilt blocks. It wasn’t until after her passing that I found myself coming back to the craft as a way of remembering her and the tradition. For many years, it seemed to be a dying art replaced by low-quality fast fashion bedding.
Quilting has been getting popular over the last few years and found a new resurgence with millennial and gen-y sewists who have put their own spin on this age-old craft. We see quilting techniques being used with fabric to create virtually any type of clothing and accessories. We are even seeing new techniques being used that merge quilting with other crafting styles. If you’re new to quilting, it’s best to start with a simple project, such as a basic quilt block; it is not only versatile but is a great way to learn how to sew if you are new to the craft. As you become more experienced, you can start to create more intricate patterns and designs.
Crocheting is a craft that involves the use of a single hook and yarn to create a fabric. Crochet is typically used to create garments and accessories, although there are also intricate designs that can be used to make blankets. Crochet is usually a slower process than quilting as it requires more concentration and even more skill. One of the most popular crochet designs is the Granny Square, which is a square pattern that is very versatile and can be used to create many different items. This pattern can be adapted to fit any size project, from a small bookmark to a full-sized blanket. For anyone looking to start this hobby, it is a great first foundational technique to learn.
5. Crafting with Recycled Materials
When it comes to crafting with recycled materials, the possibilities are endless. You can make art, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and much more. Whether you prefer sewing, painting, or decoupage, there is something for everyone. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and the materials that you have to work with.
One of the best parts about crafting with recycled materials is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find all sorts of materials at thrift stores, yard sales, and even online. The price can range from free to very affordable, depending on the type of material you are looking for.
Get creative. Have fun with your projects, and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Use items you wouldn’t expect to find in crafting, such as old clothes, buttons, and bottle caps. Crafting with recycled materials is a great way to give new life to old items. It’s also a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your trash into something wonderful. So get out there, start crafting, and make something unique!
4. Crafting with Natural and Sustainable Materials
Creating with natural and sustainable materials is becoming increasingly popular as people strive to make eco-friendly choices in their crafting. Crafting with organic and sustainable materials is an excellent way to make beautiful, unique, and environmentally friendly art and crafts.
From woodworking to paper crafting, crafting with natural and sustainable materials can be a great way to make something beautiful and unique. For example, rather than using plastic straws and plastic beads, you can make your own jewelry with natural materials such as wood, stones, and seashells. Or craft a handmade basket out of locally-sourced materials such as straw and reeds.
Once you’ve selected the right materials, the next step is to decide what kind of craft project you’d like to do. Arts and crafts that incorporate the use of natural and sustainable materials are incredibly versatile and can range from simple to complex. For example, you can make jewelry, wall hangings, furniture, and various types of containers.
Natural and sustainable materials are great choices for crafting. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also make beautiful pieces of art and crafts. From wood and bamboo to paper and fabric – the possibilities are endless! With natural and sustainable materials, you can create unique and beautiful pieces of art with minimal environmental impact.
3. Personalization of Crafts and Clothing to Make and Sell
Personalization of homemade products and print-on-demand crafts are becoming more popular with each passing year. Whether you are looking to create a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one or just looking to add a unique touch to your home décor, there is a craft or product out there to suit your needs. At the same time, customized items continue to be some of the best selling items for those that make and sell on Etsy.
Personalizing items is a great way to add a unique touch to your gifts. Whether it’s a hand-crafted iron-on patch, a customized stationary set, or a personalized sweatshirt or shirt, personalizing items is a great way to show someone how much you care.
At the same time, if you have an eye for design (or have started using the A.I. art generators we discussed earlier), Print-on-demand services make it easy to sell your customized designs. Companies like RedBubble have millions of visitors each month.
In recent years, many fast fashion companies have tried to simulate the style of custom and personalized clothing, but they can’t compete with the real thing. Having something that is uniquely yours, especially if you know it is ethically and sustainably sourced, is something that is highly valued by many.
2. Upcycling and Repurposing
The DIY trend has been on the rise for some time now, and it’s no surprise that upcycling and repurposing items by DIYers has become increasingly popular. Upcycling and repurposing items is a great way to make something unique and one-of-a-kind while reducing waste. It’s also an affordable and creative way to create something unique and stylish without breaking the bank.
While this would seem to go hand in hand with previous topics, it is, in many ways, its own unique trend that continues to grow. While some are using recycled items and sustainable practices, there is also an entire segment that is focused on the idea of ‘the look for less’. These crafters often utilize dollar store finds to recreate designer décor. At the same time, others use chemicals and other items to modernize vintage items that can pose significant health and environmental hazards. This isn’t about making a judgment call; it is about trends in crafting.
Upcycling has been a trend for several years, and we anticipate it being a major force in 2023. With supply chain challenges still abounding, inflation, and a likely recession, people simply do not have the disposable income they did before. At the same time, many still want the high style but without the high price tag. This is why we believe upcycling, and repurposing will be a major trend for 2023.
1. Slow Crafting: The Art of Mindful Meditative Crafting
It is not a craft itself, but slow crafting is set to be the most influential trend in crafting for 2023. If you haven’t heard of slow crafting before, you’re not alone. Think about why you took up your craft or are seeking to take up crafting. If you said to relax, you would not be alone.
At the same time, for many, our craft often ends up not being relaxing but instead another source of stress and frustration. We see others on Youtube, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok with perfect items. Because of this fake perfect world, many regular crafters find themselves feeling down about their work or anxious and stressed about how their project will turn out.
Slow crafting is the art of mindful and meditative crafting – a process of mindful creation that allows us to bring intentionality and relaxation into our projects. It allows us to focus on the process rather than the outcome while calming our minds and breathing in the present moment.
As an act of mindful and meditative crafting, slow crafting involves focusing on our breath and paying attention to the present moment. As we craft, we focus our attention on the process and the sensations we experience. It encourages us to use our senses to fully appreciate the process of creating something. With slow crafting, we can make time for reflection and contemplation and practice being present in the moment.
When we craft with intentionality and mindfulness, we honor and create moments of stillness and beauty. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety while creating feelings of calm and relaxation. It can also help us to tap into a creative flow, allowing us to get lost in the creative process.
Slow crafting is about taking the time to enjoy the creative process. This can involve slowing down, being present in the moment, and listening to your intuition. It’s about being mindful of the materials you’re working with and the intentions you want to set. It’s also about taking the time to enjoy the process of making and creating.
By embracing the practice of slow crafting, we can find new ways to relax and practice mindfulness. Slow crafting is a way to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find solace in the act of mindful and meditative crafting. It is a way to reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with the world around us. And in the end, it is a way to create something meaningful, beautiful, and unique.
Overall, the top 10 hottest crafting trends for 2023 are sure to keep crafters busy and inspired for the upcoming year. We are sure that these crafting trends will be a great way to express your creativity and make beautiful products. So get creative and start crafting in 2023!