The Top 10 Craft Hobbies to Try This Year—Even If You’re Not Artistic
When temperatures drop, as they have this week, you may find yourself looking for simple indoor activities to keep you occupied until the sun resurfaces. Whatever your level of artistry, there are plenty of fun crafts out there to try. In fact, TikTok is a treasure trove of clever craft ideas and demonstrations—if you’re a beginner, you only need to find the right ones. So go ahead: Brew a pot of tea and carve out a corner of your living room for all the creative projects you’ve been meaning to try. These are the top 10 craft hobbies that require absolutely no artistic talent.
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1. Polymer Polaroid Picture Frames
Polaroid pictures create memories in an instant, but their downside is that they don’t usually fit into standard frames. One TikTok crafter suggests making custom polymer clay frames, using a simple sculpting tool, a little acrylic paint and UV resin, and a lot of imagination. The post garnered nearly 20,000 likes from people eager to try the project at home. Some observant commenters suggested that you could use the same method to make cute light switch covers as well.
2. DIY Clay Magnets
The craft store Michaels also has some suggestions for those who are new to creative hobbies—and at the top of their curated list are DIY clay magnets. “Inspired by the latest TikTok craze, DIY Clay Magnets are a fun and easy way for crafters to express their creativity,” company reps say. “Pair the 24oz. Oven-Bake Clay by Craft Smart with a variety of molds and tools to create personalized magnets that can add a touch of flair to any fridge or office space.”
3. Simply Clay Kitchenware
Your crafting projects don’t have to be purely decorative—they can also serve a practical purpose. One TikTokker recently shared how she makes ceramic egg trays for the refrigerator, noting that these make an egg-cellent housewarming or holiday gift.
4. Customizable Canvas Bags
Starting an art project with a blank canvas can feel intimidating, but when that canvas is also a tote bag, it’s much more approachable.
“Canvas bags have made a stylish comeback, and TikTokers are leading the charge with DIY designs,” says the Michael’s team. “The Durable Canvas Tote by Make Market paired with the 30 Color Fabric Ink Marker Set by Make Market offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether it’s a trendy slogan, a unique pattern, or a personalized touch, these totes are the perfect blend of functionality and style.”
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5. Lip Gloss Keychains
Looking for a great craft activity you can enjoy making with your teen? These DIY lip gloss keychains, a popular trend on TikTok, fit the bill perfectly.
They also make a great gift, the Michaels team says: “With Retro Charms by Creatology and Fruit Charms by Creatology, crafters can create adorable, wearable art that adds a pop of color and personality to any set of keys or bag.”
6. Felt Garlands
Requiring only felt, scissors, and a hot glue gun, felt garlands are a simple way to dip your toes into the crafting world with near-guaranteed success. One TikTok crafter recently demonstrated how to make a heart-themed garland in time for Valentine’s day, while others suggested trying simple seasonal garlands, playful fruit-themed garlands, and rainbow raindrops.
7. 3D Embroidery
Another way to get crafty, even if you’re not artistic, is to customize your clothing with decorative elements. This TikTok influencer suggests using a hot glue gun and thread to add 3D embroidery to your favorite shirts or jackets. Simply apply the glue in the shape of your choice, then embroider around it with thread to add a personalized touch.
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8. Pool Noodle Crafts
If you take a look at TikTok crafting trends, you’ll notice that pool noodles are behind more than their fair share of projects. People are using them in table centerpieces, seasonal wreaths, and mirror frames, but there’s no shortage of ways to get creative with this versatile material.
Leslie’s, the nation’s leading pool retailer, tells Best Life that they sold more pool noodles in 2024 than any year in its history, crediting the “creativity and innovative spirit of its shoppers” for the booming sales. They say that customers have used their pool noodles for crafts, costumes, household hacks, outdoor décor, and more.
9. Iron-On Clothing Patches
Another easy project for even the newest crafters is adding iron-on patches to your favorite accessories—think jackets, jeans, backpacks, and hats. Michaels recommend using the White Trucker Hat by Make Market as a canvas for creativity, then adding Iron-On & Adhesive Disco Ball, Lightning, and Smiley Face Embroidered Patches by Make Market.
“These patches allow crafters to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are as trendy as they are personal,” they tell Best Life.
10. Epoxy Coasters
Finally, for a great group crafting activity that requires no artistic talent whatsoever, try making these cute epoxy coasters. Simply fill silicone molds with epoxy, then layer in pressed flowers, dried fruit, lettering, stickers, or any other small objects of your choice before adding a second layer of epoxy to seal in your designs. Allow them to dry for 12 hours, then enjoy your cute new coasters or wrap them up for customized gifting.