A Year of Craft: 12 Creative Projects to Try in 2026
If your New Year’s resolution is to actually finish a creative project (or at least start one), consider this your gentle, low-pressure guide. From cosy winter crafts to springtime florals and spooky season DIYs, this month-by-month craft calendar is designed to help you slow down, make something cute, and maybe even romanticise your life a little.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or someone who just impulse-bought a glue gun, here’s one creative craft idea for every month of the year.
January: Vision Boards (Obviously)
New year, new Pinterest obsession. Vision boards are the ultimate January craft, part manifestation ritual, part aesthetic exercise. Create a digital board or go old-school with magazines, scissors and glue. Neat or chaotic, minimal or maximalist, it’s all about setting intentions and starting the year with good vibes only.
February: Papercraft Cards
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic love. February is the perfect time to make handmade cards for friends, family and chosen family. Try layered paper designs, textured cardstock, or even simple pop-up mechanisms. Thoughtful, personal, and way cuter than anything store-bought.
March: DIY Clothing Customisation
Autumn calls for a wardrobe refresh, but make it DIY. Head to your local op shop, grab a jacket, dress or mysterious garment, and transform it. Embroidery, patches, fabric paint or chaotic experimentation encouraged. The goal? A one-of-a-kind piece that makes people ask, “Where did you get that?”
April: Clay Crafts
Polymer clay, air-dry clay, homemade dough, the medium does not matter. Roll it, squish it, sculpt it. Make earrings, tiny figurines, trinket dishes or something completely impractical. Clay crafts are tactile, soothing, and extremely show-off-able.
May: Make a Quilt
Patchwork, puff quilts, granny squares, pick your weapon. May is about creating something cosy and slightly ridiculous that you can hide under all winter while binge-watching your comfort show. Bonus points if it’s wonky. That’s character.
June: Embroidery or Cross Stitch
It’s cold. You’re wrapped in your quilt. You need something to do with your hands while you rewatch the same show again. Enter embroidery or cross stitch, slow, intentional crafts that don’t require leaving the couch (or your bed).
July: Memory Keeping & Junk Journaling
Halfway through the year already? Gather receipts, ticket stubs, photos, screenshots and forgotten doodles. Collage them into a spread that tells the story of your year so far, part memory keeping, part gentle reflection, part main character moment.
August: Decorate Candle Holders or Plant Pots
August is for small, satisfying upgrades. Paint candle holders, decorate plant pots, and experiment with patterns or textures. It’s an easy way to refresh your space without redecorating your entire life.
September: Pressed Flower Art
Spring is springing. Go for a walk, grab a bouquet, or rescue fallen blooms and try flower pressing. Use them to make bookmarks, cards, or small framed artworks. Simple, nostalgic, and ridiculously pretty.
October: Spooky Paper Lanterns
Halloween season means crafts with vibes. Make small lanterns using paper, cut-outs or tissue to create spooky silhouettes. Hang them in windows or over battery-powered lights for instant atmospheric magic.
November: Suncatchers or Beading
With sunnier days returning, try making suncatchers or beaded decor. Use beads, transparent sheets, coloured paper or leftover craft supplies. Hang them near a window and let your space sparkle as it deserves.
December: Memory Crafts & Keepsakes
End the year with something meaningful. Salt dough ornaments, memory jars, mini scrapbooks or small decorative keepsakes are perfect for reflecting on the year, gifting to loved ones, or adding a cosy, sentimental touch to your space.
Make It a Creative Year
You don’t need to do every craft perfectly, or even finish them all. This is about carving out time to make things with your hands, mark the seasons, and create small moments of joy throughout the year. One month, one project, no pressure.