Once upon a time I really took notice of the trends in the paper crafting world, I was often inspired and let them guide me at times as well. These days? Not so much! I don’t think it is so much that I don’t follow them as much anymore. No, rather I think they’re just not as big and bold anymore. That said I do see a few things up and coming so I wanted to kick off 2015 with a trend report.
1. Fancy Planners
When I say fancy, I mean over the top, kits and products made for this, almost an art journal/project life hybrid intense deal. You won’t see me touch this one. To me and in my world a planner like this would be 100% procrastination. Don’t misunderstand – they are absolutely beautiful. It’s just not for me. If you want to see some of my favorite planner “so pretty” inspiration check out happiescrappie and livelifeandcreate over on instagram.
2. “crafters/makers of all kinds welcome here”
We’re all making in our own ways, and I think we’ll continue to see this trend of people being less specific in the definitions they give people and what they make. Instead of “card makers” and “quilters” and “scrapbookers” and everything else in the world there is more of a push for a creative lifestyle in general – to make whatever you’d like and embrace others too. I LOVE this – and I am fully embracing this concept this year as you’ll soon see.
3. Embellishment only kits
I don’t just mean paper crafting kit clubs. I mean that we’re seeing smaller, totally cohesive fun little kits that don’t involve patterned paper as a staple. Freckled Fawn has a lovely embellishment only kit. This Maggie Holmes jar ‘o fun just hit the market and I think we’ll see more of these embellishment kits popping up this year. At least… I hope so!
4. Sequins and shakers
I dislike shaker windows/boxes on my crafts because way back in the day (when beads were totally the in thing) I went wild with making them. So now that shaker boxes are back, well, I’m sitting this round out. What I do endorse though is the use of sequins both inside shaker boxes and in general. These things seem to be on the rise (independently and together) including a line at Simon Says Stamp and shops like Pretty Pink Posh that specialize in sequins. With the better selection and personal die cutting and all the other advantages that today’s paper crafters have I believe this will be a much better round for the shake-happy crafters.
What is on the rise? What things on the decline? I will find out for myself as I travel to Anaheim next week for CHA – the annual Craft & Hobby Trade Show where most all of our favorite brands will be to sell their newest stuff.
I will be attending as press- which means yes I fully intend to share many photos and reports from the show right here on my blog.