Here at Etsy, we’re big believers in the fact that creativity is for everyone (yes, everyone!) and that with just a little imagination and a free afternoon, we all have the capacity to create something extraordinary. “Anytime is a great time to learn a new craft,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “Don’t be afraid to let your inner artist shine!”
Not sure where to dive in? Today Dayna’s previewing four of the hottest DIY trends we’re excited about right now. Whether you’re an experienced maker in your own right or new to the world of crafts, there’s a perfect hands-on project for everyone to explore, from old-school paint-by-numbers kits to modern origami-inspired paper flowers. So grab your scissors and meet us at the crafting table—it’s time to start making.
Personalized terrariums
Still trying to get the hang of the whole plant mom thing? Don’t despair. “Terrariums are an easy project for every aspiring gardener to get their hands dirty,” says Dayna. “Plus, they allow makers to completely customize the look and feel according to their own style, by incorporating unique items like crystals, air plants, and mini figurines.” Whether you opt for a classic fish bowl container or mix things up with a pint-sized acrylic house, the real fun is in the handpicked details: colored sand, pops of low-maintenance real or faux greenery, and an assortment of carefully curated miniatures tailored to your interests.
Embroidery made easy
If you’re drawn to the look of elaborate embroidery projects but find many DIYs too intimidating to tackle, we have a hunch you’re going to like this trending technique. Meet punch needle embroidery, a newly resurgent variation that yields fluffy, densely stitched swaths of fabric in a fraction of the time of traditional needlework. It couldn’t be more beginner-friendly, since there’s no true stitching or knotting involved—just a series of deeply satisfying punches using a specialized (and super efficient) hollow needle. The applications for this addictive craft are virtually endless: “Adorn your stale white sneakers with a little pizzazz or add your own flair to your home decor,” suggests Dayna. And while this time-saving tool provides almost-instant craft satisfaction, we believe it’s a trend that’s going to last.
Modern paint-by-numbers
There’s no denying that sitting down in front of a blank canvas with a paintbrush in hand can be downright intimidating. (How to dive in? Where to dab that first tone-setting splash of color?) If you’re suffering from a case of inspiration paralysis—or just looking for a foolproof first painting project—consider picking up a paint-by-numbers kit. It’s literally as easy as 1, 2, 3—thanks to the clearly labeled color key that shows precisely where to apply each hue. Voila: You can watch a masterpiece come to life before your very eyes, without sweating the details. Just don’t be surprised when your friends want to get in on the action too. “Why not bring the DIY fun to your own living room or backyard with your pals?” says Dayna. “Get the party started by asking your friends to BYOB: bring your own brushes!”
Paper blooms
What’s better than a vase full of beautiful flowers? A vase full of beautiful flowers that never wilt—and that you can low-key brag about creating from scratch (or at least from a pile of colorful scrap paper). “Paper flowers are on the rise,” says Dayna, who cites nursery decor and wedding DIYs as two popular venues for experimenting with this perennial trend. With templates on Etsy for pretty peonies, sunny dahlias, and even a luau-inspired garland, you can whip up a faux bouquet in an afternoon, no matter the season—and enjoy the results for months to come.
33 comments
Rebeca from SecretDiamonds said 2 years ago
Great!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
So many awesome DIY ideas! Love paper flowers decor! Thanks for sharing.
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Beautiful flowers!
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
These are fantastic ideas! I must say the "Gemstone Unicorn Terrarium Kit" Is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing!!
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
Love the bright paper flowers! So pretty and they last! Thanks for the ideas!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 2 years ago
~!~ Fun, easy to follow summertime arts for the crafty ~!~
Mary Jane Bourgeois from AuntBeasOriginals said 2 years ago
Love the spring looking paper flowers and the unicorn terrarium
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 2 years ago
Love the paint by numbers. Brings back happy childhood memories.
marie warner from dogwoodflowerdesigns said 2 years ago
Terrariums are one of my favorite indoor accent gardens the unicorn is simply delightful.
Anna L. from FoxyStyleJewelry said 2 years ago
Great DIY ideas. I love to embroidered with seed beads and just now I'm creating paint by numbers picture. It is really very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 2 years ago
I love all the creative ideas featured here... paper blooms are beautiful and great reminders of heartwarming spring flowers.
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 2 years ago
Great Ideas. Terrarium with the little unicorn is my favorite! I would love to try these DIY Projects!
L Centofanti from HiddenAngelArtStudio said 2 years ago
I’m sure this will drive up sales for everyone once it debuts!:)
Amanda and Brian from Wehgo said 2 years ago
Thank you for featuring our Cow Paint by Number Kit. We love helping people tap into their inner artist with our kits!
Mini Masterpieces AZ from MiniMasterpiecesAZ said 2 years ago
Love that punch needle is being featured. It's so addictive and easy to learn! :)
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 2 years ago
So cute!!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Wonderful DIY ideas, I love terrarium & embroidery selections especially! Thanks for sharing!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 2 years ago
All of them are great!!!
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
i like these great ideas. thanks for the article)
Renee from RandMhandmade said 2 years ago
So many great idea's..thank you for sharing!!
DreamJewelrySupplies from DreamJewelrySupplies said 2 years ago
Great!!! Thanks for sharing :)
Volodymyr from woodton said 2 years ago
Great DIY ideas.
Amy from GibasAeroGiftShop said 2 years ago
Love these terrariums!
Rachel Austen from ellecreepdx said 2 years ago
I love being part of bringing paint-by-number back! It is such a nostalgic art form for so many. Thank you for mentioning my "lemon still life" kit! Shop ellecreepdx for other designs!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
I love the paper flower ideas! I've been wanting to try them for a while now. Thanks for all the great ideas!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 2 years ago
Lovey ideas!! Lots of fun to be had!! TFS!
Shirley Freeman from simpleholidaydecor said 2 years ago
can't wait till the show starts. good luck.
Amanda from SunflowerPhotoCo said 2 years ago
So cute! Love the paper flowers and the 'modern paint by numbers'!
Anna Direnko from ZizStore said 2 years ago
Nice flowers :)
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 2 years ago
wow! so cute!
Cutie Expressions from CutieExpressions said 2 years ago
Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing :)
Aphrodite Lucky Rat from LuckyRatJewellery said 2 years ago
really nice ideas!
Carol Hufferd Creech from chufferdcreech said 360 days ago
So many ideas and I've just started looking thru the list.