Most crafters enjoy making things which are either relatively easy to do or can be done over a period of time; few people start projects that they know are going to be expensive and difficult. Even if you know you’re not the artsy type, there are hundreds of crafts that you can make with common household tools. Remember that creative thinking and making crafts go hand in hand; for example, use your problem solving skills to create something new from something old. Here are some easy craft ideas to jump start your creativity:
* Holiday Crafts – Since the holiday season is short, many materials are inexpensive and easy to find, especially during this time which makes the holidays an excellent time of year to begin crafting. Give everyday objects a holiday twist. For example, an ordinary wreath can be outfitted to match almost any holiday of the year. While a traditional garland wreath is perfect for Christmas, a wicker wreath laced with leaves, crafting apples and fall ribbon makes a great Thanksgiving wreath. Berries, flowers, plastic bugs, fax webbing and plastic grass can all be added to an ordinary wreath to create a season specific decor piece.
* Nostalgia – Many people start a craft project, scrapbooking for example, to preserve a memory or to create an heirloom that captures thoughts and pictures from a specific experience or event such as a 50th anniversary. Nostalgic crafts are some of the easiest because there is no right or wrong way to preserve memories and mementos. In fact, with nostalgic crafts, imperfections reflect stages in life. Just as a young child’s first drawing is beautiful not because it is artistic genius but because they created it, your craft projects can be beautiful because you made them.
* Crafty recipes – Perhaps your skills lie not in crafting, but in the kitchen. Not a problem! Did you know that there are plenty of craft projects in recipe form which use ordinary household items most people keep on hand for daily use? There are recipes for bath and body products such as bath salts, soaps and lotions as well as recipes for play dough and edible finger paints. While crafting may not be your thing, that doesn’t mean that it has to be difficult to be creative by yourself or while making that your children will enjoy doing and working with.
* Gifts in a jar – Another easy craft idea for just about anyone is Fill-a-Jar. You can fill a jar with your intended recipient’s favorite cookie ingredients or the ingredients for your favorite soup. After filling your jar, top it off with some nice material or a pretty bow and a note or card for intended recipient. This is a thoughtful, economical and very easy craft idea.