May 10, 2006

The New Trends in Crafting

For those of you who are interested in knowing the latest trends and fashions, we pass along some interesting information regarding the emerging trends in paper crafts and other types of crafting. It's certainly true that the only constant thing about crafting is constant Change…
According to the National Craft Association:

The crafting "church bazaar" look is being replaced with the more professional high-end quality look and feel of the handmade craft products being produced. Simple, elegant items that are functional and fit the trend of a more simple and modern style.

Pink will flow from the fashion world into the home décor arena. Also watch for cheerful and bright colors to follow. Pay attention as home décor designers are taking a cue from the fashion colors and designs to incorporate into their work.

The preppy look continues to grow. The look is simple and conservative. Showing small simple motifs, ribbon, embroidery and monograms.

The more modern look with more color seems to be favored over Shabby Chic. Home décor look is showing a clean finished look using warmer tones, adding more color and texture. Moving away from the chipped peeling look that was so popular.

Beading embellishments are in, from jewelry, to home décor, to fashion and accessories.

Even paper crafts are going more simple, elegant and modern. Couples are opting for making wedding stationery, invitations, thank yous and place cards for their own personal touch.

Paper Arts and Scrapbooking are hot and getting more creative thanks to the advancement of many new products. Handmade greeting cards are elegant, upscale with attention to detail.

Metal crafts no matter if it is sculpted, punched or embossed are growing in popularity.

Decorative painting is moving from the traditional into using multiple materials on one piece. Like creating a bit of a decoupage look by combining some paper, embellishments and decorative painting skills to design one unique piece.

Mixed Media Collage is the new buzz word replacing the "Altered Art" term. This term shows more staying power, more upscale and blurring the lines between craft and fine art. Watch for this to continue to grow as it is fueled by the paper crafting, embellishment, scrapbooking and collage trends we are seeing take hold.

Products are all about self indulgence, self esteem, spirituality, communication, positive energy, beauty and everything women hold dear. The looks range from frilly and romantic to modern, playing up to the empowered women.

Consumers looking to express their individuality are driving the personalization and customization trend. A hot trend artisans can take advantage of.

Mixed media collage, home accessories, paper crafts, jewelry, and apparel trends are all feeding off the trend to add embellishments like, beads, trims, ribbons, flowers, charms, buttons etc. on everything.

Quilting is not just a craft anymore, it is more of an art form. While adorning the bedroom we are also seeing it move into all areas of home décor, wall art and even Quilted paper crafting.

A more sophisticated look is emerging the style is urban, artsy, unique to the creator. And the new direction doesn't follow a pattern which allows for a lot of creativity.

Faux decorative painting goes everywhere on wood, metal, glass, ceramic etc. Faux treatments have become easier with the new products and artisans are busy developing new ideas to create new looks.

Fueled by a younger demographic, urban style, popular culture, world events, media trends, club culture, generational shifts, fashion, and more are influencing art & craft design.

Patterns like stripes and polka dots are everywhere. Stripes are a mix of narrow and wide lines, while polka dots are usually set on a solid color background. Stripes seem to be using three to five colors, and the polka dots are in three to four colors. Modern graphic prints are being joined with romantic and nostalgic prints to give a more modern flair.

The more worldly, elegant and modern trend dominates, the safari and lodge looks are fading.

Fashion and home décor are using a mix of natural materials and textures to create a modern look.

Now you know what's HOT and what's on it's way out…..