After a very crafty start to the year, I fell into a bit of a creative slump over the summer. I’m sure I’m not the only one and and it can be difficult to get inspired to make stuff again after a break. I’ve found free crafts often help as there’s less pressure if you mess it up or abandon it, especially if you already have the supplies in your stash. So here’s a few patterns, printables and videos that might give you – and me! – the spark to make something.
I can usually rely on Wild Olive for something super cute and simple enough that I want to make it now. I’m still a bit in denial about the end of summer but these Autumn Cuties are so happy and cross stitch is very quick so this might be the one for me.
I’ve made a couple of felt flower kits from The Handmade Florist and I’m also signed up to Hannah’s Makealong where you receive a series of free templates and tutorials by email. I’ve yet to make anything but the Autumn Makealong includes all these flowers and leaves, plus tiny pumpkins, and the colours are so beautiful. Today is the last day to sign up and get these, but there will be a Winter Makealong coming up next. Don’t be put off if it looks intimidating, all you really need is felt and a cheap glue gun, and you can buy additional supplies from Makealong shop (UK). Here’s my SCK Tries post on making a bouquet.
If you’re having an art block, or struggling to improve your skills, Loish has very generously shared all her knowledge and advice in a free Digital Art School. It includes a huge amount of free resources with In-depth Video Tutorials, Brushes & Palettes, Step-by-step Walkthroughs and Challenges & Worksheets so you’ll have plenty to work through.
For a quick activity, the Ghibli Park recently released a free printable poster that’s also a board game! Just print a copy, cut, fold and glue together the dice and playing pieces and you’re all set to travel through the park. But it’s in Japanese? No problem as SoraNews24 have shared a full translation of every square and how to play.
Origami is something I regularly turn to when I need a quick project and I’m tempted to make some of these Cute Mushrooms from tatsukuriorigami. I love the little arms and legs and the clever use of patterned paper. There’s also matching acorns and chestnuts if you want to go full Autumn.
I don’t crochet myself but if you do and need a new project, DIY Fluffies is sharing beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns every few weeks. I love this axolotl but there’s also a seahorse, stegosaurus, stingray, snail and so many more.
I was so excited when Sanrio Japan shared this free Pompompurin Halloween wallpaper on Twitter and really wanted to stitch it, but a closer look showed it’s not a real cross stitch pattern as there’s different sizes of stitches and the frame, lollipops and candy have been placed at an angle. However, a lot of it can be used including zombie Pompompurin himself. ARTBOX Cafe later shared another image with more characters and it looks like the entire design can be stitched! It’s quite likely I’ll be getting the grid paper out and combining some bits to make a pattern to follow – I’ll share it if I do.
If none of those are quite the thing, don’t forget we have loads more creative ideas in the archives including freebies. Try browsing the Crafts, Recipes & Activities for Autumn/Fall if you want to make something seasonal.
Do you have any tips for creative block?
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