March isn't just about the arrival of spring, it's also National Craft Month! This is the perfect time to embrace your creativity and connect with others who share your passion for getting creative, make things by hand, and try something new.
Before I became a full-time fiber artist specializing in hand embroidery, I was a serial crafter. And I still am, just not as much. I love to dabble in crafts, try new mediums and materials, and also push myself out of my creative comfort zone.
As a child, I grew up in a very creative household. My mom encouraged my sisters and I to try everything from papier mache to bobbin lace and hand sewing to quilting. Being a crafty dabbler from an early age has helped me feel comfortable picking up new crafts even if I have zero experience in them.
If you didn't know, National Craft Month is celebrated in March. It's a time to encourage people to be creative and explore their crafting skills. The Craft & Hobby Association created the month in 1994.
Ways to Get Crafty for National Craft Month
Here are some ways you can celebrate National Craft Month during March.
Try new materials
Try new materials in your current favorite craft or as a new craft altogether. Using materials different than your usual can spark new creative ideas, an interest in news crafts, and get you thinking in new and creative ways. Here's some of my favorite supplies on Amazon.
Take a workshop
Have someone teach you all about a craft. Wether it's a craft you're familiar with or not, a in-person or virtual workshop is a great way to learn from an experienced crafter. If you're int he Seattle area, you can join MCreativeJ for hands-on workshops. And if you're looking for a virtual class, be sure to check out MCreativeJ's Domestika course.
Teach someone
Share your crafty skills with friends, family, or in a workshop. Sharing your love of crafting is the best way to inspire a love of crafting for someone else and also pass along your skills.
Attend a craft fair
See other creative artworks at local craft fair. I love walking through farmers markets and craft fairs that feature handmade work from local artisans. Getting to see their work in-person is inspiring and you can often learn more about the store behind different pieces.
Here's some of the fun, exciting, and weird craft fairs in the Seattle, WA area:
Support local businesses
Buy handmade crafts, supplies, and kits from local businesses. Shopping small is a create way to keep creativity local and support independent artists.
Here's a few of my favorite small crafty shops in the Seattle, WA area:
Share your work
What creative endeavors have you been working on lately? Share it! This can be on social media or in-person. You might find some new fans of your work!
Host a craft night
Get together with friends and craft! I love hosting craft nights where everyone brings their own craft to work on. You could also have everyone take part in the same craft together.
How will you get crafty and celebrate National Craft Month?
Share your favorite ideas in the comments below!
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