With another year coming to an end, and the promise of a new one on the horizon, it’s an excellent time to start thinking about finding a new favorite craft. While 2021 has been a big year for epoxy resin art, tie-dye, and polymer clay, expect 2022 to be more about nature, sustainability and functional art. They’ll also be focused on making things that strengthen our connection to the natural world.
If you are looking for the best arts and crafts for adults, draw inspiration from the trending crafts of 2022. Keep reading to discover a few of our top picks!
1. Diamond Painting
Diamond painting has been around for a few years, but it keeps gaining momentum. This year, expect to see even more crafters picking up this fun and rewarding hobby where you can choose from a vast array of images including majestic nature scenes from award winning artists. And if you haven’t jumped on board yet, this could very well be just what you’ve been looking for!
Similar to cross-stitch and painting by numbers, diamond painting allows you to create mosaic-like works of art by placing colored “gemstones” (called drills) on a pre-printed, self-adhesive canvas. When you’re finished, the individual “gems” form a larger, sparkling picture.
The best thing about diamond painting is that it’s super easy. Moreover, the best diamond painting kits come with everything you need to complete a project, including your canvas, drills, and all the necessary tools. There is also a handy legend to help you keep track of which color corresponds with each symbol on the canvas. The entire project involves placing drills in the correct spaces on the canvas, so this project takes just seconds to master. With no need for any special skills or talent, diamond painting is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby even to those who are new to the arts and crafts world.
2. Upcycling
According to a report from Michaels, 2022 is the year of “Mindful Making,” and a big part of that is becoming cognizant of where supplies come from and their environmental impact. As hobbyists become more conscious of sustainable crafting, expect to see projects in which old materials are given a second life.
Furniture refinishing is coming back into style as people seek to refresh their spaces without buying new pieces. Lots of tutorials for repurposing fabrics and textiles are popping up on sites like Pinterest and Instagram, too. By upcycling materials you already have, or shopping from secondhand stores, you can reduce waste, carbon emissions and water consumption to create things that have a positive impact on the planet we call home.
3. Foraging and Natural Art
When the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated quarantines forced people out of their offices and into their homes, many turned to nature for respite. And, in doing so, they discovered an interest in foraging for natural materials to use in arts and crafts projects. From flowers and herbs to mix into handmade bath and body products to twigs and pine cones to make decor, crafty folks gather up all sorts of things to use in their work.
This year, expect to see more natural arts and crafts projects using assembled materials from the outdoors. In addition to expanding your stock of environmentally friendly supplies, spending time in nature searching for things to incorporate into one’s work is relaxing and can be a meditative act of self-care.
4. Traditional Handicrafts
Traditional handicrafts like knitting, crocheting and embroidery have been on trend for the last few years, and that isn’t likely to change in 2022. The world in which we live has transformed dramatically, which has left many people seeking comfort and nostalgia. Countless crafters have embraced the hobbies of their grandmothers in an effort to connect with simpler and calmer times. Plus, handknit blankets, needlepoint pillows and similar objects fit well into modern Hygge and cottagecore-inspired spaces.
Some other traditional crafts that are inspiring artisans and crafters in 2022 include beadwork, woodworking and pottery. While new projects and techniques are emerging every year, you can never go wrong with the classics.
5. Family Crafting
While it’s not a specific craft, family crafting is huge right now. Parents, caregivers and kids are coming together to work on all sorts of different types of projects. Crafting as a family allows parents to engage deeply with the kids while building strong relationships and lasting memories.
Process art is the way to go when it comes to crafting with kids. It’s directed by the child, driven by choice and celebrates the experience rather than just the finished product. By focusing on the moment rather than the outcome, process art encourages creativity and critical thinking while giving children a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It’s beneficial for adults, too!
6. Techy Crafts
On the opposite end of the spectrum from traditional projects, like cross-stitch and sewing, are techy crafts that involve updated tools, like vinyl cutters and laser engravers. While these kinds of appliances were once only available commercially, home cutting machines and lasers have become increasingly accessible over the last several years. Whether you want to cut paper, vinyl, leather or fabric, there are deviceses that enable you to do so at home without spending a fortune. And, with laser cutters and engraving machines, you can even tackle woodburning and other wood-based projects from the comfort of your craft room. Expect to see more and more technology for art and design throughout 2022 and beyond.
Conclusion
The new year is an exciting time. Instead of making a resolution you aren’t likely to stick to this year, consider picking up a new hobby. The trendy arts and crafts above are just a few of the many options. Feel free to experiment with several different projects and techniques to find one that you love!
