Crafting 101 – Easy “How to Start Crafting” Guide for Beginner Crafters

So you want to start crafting?

I hear from so many people that they have no idea where to start with arts, crafts, DIY’s, or anything creative. People see projects on my blog and think they are cool, but are not sure if they can do them on their own. Does that sound like you? Are you unsure how to start crafting? Have you ever said…

• I can’t craft.
• How would I even start crafting?
• What kind of crafts are out there to do?
• Aren’t crafts just for kids?
• What do you mean when you say “crafts”

If you’ve said any of these things, help is on the way. As a free resource, I’ve included my Exclusive List of Must Have Craft Tools, which you can download below.

The Purple Craft Diva can help

Let me introduce myself. My name is Angie and I call myself the Purple Craft Diva. I LOVE anything that has to do with creativity. I’ve been crafting and selling handmade items since I was 10 years old. Crafting is my thing. I truly believe putting creativity in your life can enhance your life. You can say that I’m passionate about helping others find a creative outlet.  I consider myself a creativity enthusiast.

I can show you how to start crafting because I’ve started over and over many times. Whether you are a beginner crafter, revisiting your desire to craft, or just looking for a new outlet, I guarantee you can find something that sparks your creative skills.

Arts and Crafts are for Adults too

Crafts are not just for kids. Yes, kids love to craft because their little minds are whimsical and free in thought. You rarely have to beg a child to start crafting because they are excited to create things and learn new skills. On the other hand, it seems harder to get adults to start crafting. Adults can be reserved, caution to start new things, conservative with their time. Basically, adults are thinking about work, the bills, kids, groceries, working out, retirement and the list goes on and on. Hopefully I can challenge you to embrace creativity and experience the benefits.

Get my list of Top Five Craft Tools you need to start crafting today

My Top 6 Tips How to Start Crafting Today

#1 – Have an open mind

This first step may seem like a given. I mean, I’m sure your openness to crafting is what brought you to this blog post in the first place. Just remember to have fun. Perfection is not the goal in crafting. Finally, enjoy the process, the laughs, the calming nature, the mistakes, the excitement of finishing a task. Take it all in.

#2 – Choose a specialty

There are lots of different types of crafts to choose from. Crafting is not just cut, draw, glue…repeat. These days, if you can think it, somebody is probably doing it and made a video about it. I’ve included a list of popular arts and craft specialties. My suggestion is to pick just one craft to start with and then build as your skills grow. This will help you from getting burned out.

Crochet or Knitting

-A process of creating projects by using a crochet or knitting hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials. 

Papercrafts

-Crafts using paper or card as the primary artistic medium for the creation of two or three-dimensional objects. You can make cards, journals, cupcake toppers, thank you notes, etc.

Drawing/Painting

– A form of visual arts and has various genres within itself. Some of the instruments include graphite pencils, pen and ink, various kinds of paints, inked brushes, colored pencils, crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, erasers, markers, styluses, and metals.

Art Journaling

-A visual diary. This is an artform of putting what you visually see in your mind on the page. It can be a great outlet for your thoughts.

DIY Home Decor (Do It Yourself)

-The art of decorating and creating things for your home yourself with raw materials instead of buying already completed items. Great way to get big design for a fraction of the cost. Painting an accent wall, building something, making your own art, hanging wall paper…It’s all a creative outlet.

Woodworking

-The art and skill of making things from wood. An artistic approach to building anything from plates to benches to tables and beyond.

Scrapbooking

The method of preserving, presenting, and arranging personal and family history in the form of a book, box, or card

Sewing or Quilting

– One of the oldest crafts, sewing is the process of adhering fabric textiles together with needle and thread. Quilting is a more precise process of layering multiple layers of fabric with a creative stitch pattern to form a decorative blanket/throw.

Needlepoint

– A form of counted thread embroidery in which yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas. Embroidering and Cross Stich are other creative areas using a similar method.

Paint pouring

-A creative use of mixing acrylic paints with a material to help it flow and then pour the mixture onto a surface to create an art piece.

Personalization Crafts

-An artistic outlet created from a desire to have more than the mass-produced items in stores. This is the process of adding anything personal to a regular item through etching, screen-printing, vinyl, engraving, sublimation, etc. You can make t-shirts, cups, blankets, pillows, coasters…really whatever your heart desires. Many people use this craft to start small businesses.

And Basic Fun Crafting

– Grab some random craft supplies and just have fun. These are crafts I normally do with kids or at VBS or in group settings. May not always serve a purpose, but was fun to create.

*Definition Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com, and Wikipedia

#3 – Get Inspired

Inspiration is everywhere now a days. I tell people all the time, if you want to learn something, just google it. I google everything and it helps all the time. For example, my favorite go to for craft inspiration is Pinterest. If you have never been on Pinterest, please try it today!!!! Put the type of craft you want in the search box and a flood of ideas will be presented. I even share my Pinterest board. Check it out now. I share tons of cool stuff everyday from blogs all around the world. Don’t forget to follow me while you’re there.

#4 – Purchase Supplies

This is where it might get a bit pricey.  Hobbies are expensive, and crafting is no exception.  Basically, every specialty has it’s own necessary set of supplies.  There are five tools that I think every crafter needs no matter what they specialize in.  I’ve created an exclusive list of tools I think you should get.  I’ve provided links to the exact items I use everyday.  

 #5 – Learn

Craft classes are available in many formats now a days. When I started crafting at age 10, my Great Aunt Rosemarie took me to Wal-Mart, where they had classes in the back after hours (Yes, I’m that old). Now, you can learn crafts right on your mobile device. Check out websites like Craftsy and Creativebug. Ultimately, local community centers still offer classes and is a great resource for hands-on learning.

I also have several tutorials on my youtube channel. Check it out here: Purple Craft Diva’s Youtube Channel.

#6 – Get a Craft Buddy

It’s always more fun to learn something new with a partner. So, ask your friends and family if anyone is interested in learning something new together. Honestly, that’s why paint parties became so popular. It’s fun to learn something new together. My grandmother got a few ladies together in her senior facility and they started a knitting group. Their time together created community and they couldn’t wait for Wednesday knitting day.

Likewise, you can meet buddies online. There is a Facebook group for everything. You can join a group and craft with people all over the world. I also use Meetup.com to find like minded individuals in my area.

Let’s Get Crafting

Hopefully I’ve encouraged you and given you the tools on how to start crafting. It really doesn’t matter which specialty you choose. Pick one that feels good and run with it. If it doesn’t feel right, move on. I’ve tried MANY different types of crafts. Some worked for me and some didn’t, but I can always say I tried.

“Don’t talk about it, Be about it”

Today’s your day to start. I can’t wait for you to join the craft tribe! Creativity has some AMAZING benefits to your life as a whole! (I talk more about the importance of creativity HERE)

Until Next Time…Stay Crafty!

Angie