14 Crafting Trends You Should Stop Following in 2024

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Everything is always changing, new styles and ideas come each year. Older trends are replaced by new ones, sometimes for the better. If you’re one of those people who like to keep your crafts fresh and interesting, knowing what trends to steer clear of can save you time, money, and maybe a little bit of creative energy. There are many trends that are just ready to retire: from overdone aesthetics to tools that never quite delivered on their promise.

Don’t worry, this isn’t about limiting creativity as we dig into the trends you might want to let go of. Instead, it’s about freeing up space for new ideas and rethinking what really makes you happy with your craft. So, let’s skip some trends and see why!

Scented Candle Overkill

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Homemade candles are a beautiful and relaxing pastime, but we’ve over saturated candles with scent. There are some DIY candles that are too overpowering with fragrance. Choose natural, mild scents so you can enjoy a nicer scent and a safer burn. Plus, you’re less likely to have a headache from over perfumed creations.

Mass-Produced Embroidery Kits

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Embroidery is on the rise, and while kits make it possible, a lot of them have uninteresting or overused designs. Kits that are mass produced can give the craft a more paint by numbers feel than a true project. Instead, draw inspiration from nature, favorite images, or personal designs to create one of a kind embroidery pieces, that represent you.

Faux Macramé

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Macramé will always have its place, but the faux macramé items once fun to stick on wall decor or plant holders have lost their luster. The “pre-made” macramé just doesn’t feel quite right. If you love the macramé look, why not give the real thing a try? And authentic knotting techniques bring so much more to your pieces, like the handmade warmth that just can’t be faked.

Distressed Furniture

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The vintage, distressed look has had it’s time in the sun, but today it is a little too forced, rather than quirky. Sanding and painting over furniture to create an aged look doesn’t always work. Instead, try refinishing with solid colors in fresh paint or with natural wood stains. They’re elegant without being too staged

Pre-Made Terrazzo Tiles

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Pops of color found their way into homes with the terrazzo trend, but pre-made tiles can be artificial or overly trendy. Finally, authentic terrazzo has a timeless appeal when done in its classic form. If you love terrazzo patterns, don’t go big with them, but rather use them in small, subtle accents. For example, handmade terrazzo coasters are a nice way to play with that trend without getting carried away.

Epoxy Resin Overload

A Couple Holding Resin Coasters
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DIYers everywhere fell in love with epoxy resin, which has since spiraled out of control. It seems like resin has coated everything from keychains to furniture. Epoxy resin is not very eco friendly and it’s tricky to work with. That said, many crafters are turning to more sustainable options with long curing times and health risks. If you’re hungry to work with something glossy, think plant based resins, or natural shellac finishes.

Marbled Paint Everything

Paintbrushes and Jars
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Last year marbling was big, from notebooks to mugs. However, there’s such a thing as too much! When taken too far, things can start to look chaotic, where things instead of being artistic appear cluttered. If you want to play with marble effects, save them for statement pieces and not all in, a touch of subtlety can make your work stand out much more than an over load of patterns.

Every surface Is covered in Vinyl Lettering

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Vinyl labels, for labeling, decorating, and personalizing was once fun and practical, but now it’s overused. The magic that comes with vinyl on cups, bags, walls and even clothes is starting to fade. If you want to achieve a more personal touch try freehand painting or embroidery. Not only do these methods give your house a unique look, but they also last longer and are more eco friendly.

Farmhouse-Style Signs

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The farmhouse decor trend was once so charming, then it got predictable, with wooden signs like “Home” or “Gather.” Once, they were cute but now they are so common that they are generic. If you’re still into rustic looks, then you could still make artwork around meaningful quotes or images that mean something to you, but not generic phrases.

Alcohol Ink Art on Every Surface

Unrecognizable male master with small jar adding white paint into blue pigment while working at table with stencil printing in studio on blurred background
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The effects of alcohol ink art were so mesmerizing that it became a trend exploding. It makes beautiful abstract pieces, but covering everything in alcohol ink has become boring. Also, alcohol ink is picky about certain conditions that it sets well, which can be very frustrating if you don’t do it perfectly. Use alcohol ink for some artwork pieces and other paint techniques for the rest.

Washi Tape Overload

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I love washi tape, I mean it’s adorable, it’s functional, it’s fun to use, it’s great for adding color to almost anything, but it’s super easy to overdo. Washi tape on journals, planners, or home decor can get too much and start looking cluttered, rather than chic. Don’t drown your projects in washi, pick one or two colors or patterns to make a subtle, stylish statement.

Overdone Fairy Gardens

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Another sweet trend was creating miniature fairy gardens which included tiny houses and little pathways. But the trend has evolved to a cluttered diorama rather than a gimmick of a getaway. If you’re into miniatures, don’t clutter the small space with all of them, focus on making one or two good ones instead. Creating magic is less is more.

Boho Beaded Jewelry Kits

Beaded Bracelet With A Handwritten Letter
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Beaded jewelry with a boho flair has been all the rage, but the pre made kits in stores are lacking in personality. It’s kind of cookie cutter sorts of kits that often lead to pieces that feels more like replicas than personal. Choose individual beads and charms that speak to you for a real jewelry making experience. Making jewelry this way gives you more freedom and higher quality.

Chunky Glitter Finishes

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Once upon a time chunky glitter was the secret ingredient to sparkling anything, but that time has long since passed. Glitter looks juvenile when too much of it is used, not to mention a nightmare to clean up. Microplastics from glitter are also bad for the environment. If you’re going for that sparkly look, go with finer metallic details than glitter, or go with a sustainable glitter you love.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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