The pandemic has sparked a worldwide resurgence of creating as a way to combat boredom, anxiety, and isolation. Now more than ever, people are finding therapeutic solace, a sense of purpose, and a creative outlet through art and crafting. From painting and knitting to jewelry-making and embroidery, hobby participation is at an all-time high. But you don’t need to be naturally artistic or a craft expert to reap the benefits. Beginner-friendly DIY kits are a great way to dip your toes into a new hobby without spending a fortune or even leaving your house.
Why DIY Craft Kits Are So Popular
DIY kits take the guesswork out of learning a new hobby. Everything you need comes neatly packaged together, so you don’t have to source individual supplies and tools. The kits include step-by-step instructions to hold your hand through each project from start to finish. For artistic types, you get to make gorgeous works of art to display without even needing drawing skills. Crafty types can produce gifts, home decor items, fashions, and more. From fun weekend activities to mindful ways to unwind after work, the options are endless for unleashing your creativity!
Top 5 DIY Art and Craft Kits for Beginners
Here are five of the best DIY kits to get anyone started in arts and crafts.
1. Paint by Numbers
Paint by numbers kits offer a brilliant way to create beautiful paintings and artwork, even for total beginners. Each kit contains a canvas printed with sections mapping out the image, acrylic paints, and a set of brushes. All you have to do is match the numbered shapes to the corresponding paint color and steadily fill them in. The step-by-step process is meditative and the end result looks far more sophisticated than your basic skills would normally allow.
You can find paint by numbers kits for stunning landscapes, animals, architecture, abstract designs and more. Prices range from $10 to $50 depending on complexity, so elaborate designs take longer but make impressive gifts. A top-rated brand like Craft Envy offers museum-quality paintings to try this relaxing hobby.
2. Macrame Wall Hanging
Macrame weaving creates bohemian, textured wall hangings and plant holders perfect for any bare space. Most beginner kits provide different colored cotton cording plus dowels or rings to attach your creation when finished. Following the knotting patterns transforms the cords into beautiful shapes like circles, diamonds or abstract wall art.
The handmade quality and woven texture give macrame pieces a chic, modern feel despite being an ancient craft. The repetitive knotting motions are deeply satisfying and meditative. For an easy introduction to macrame’s possibilities, the kits by The Woobles include clear instructions for beginners.
3. Embroidery
Embroidery is another nostalgic craft seeing a major comeback. Modern kits ditch the fussy floral patterns of old and let you adorn clothing, pillows or wall hangings with your own cheeky phrases and pop culture images. The supplies needed are cheap and easy to source – hoops, fabric, embroidery floss, and needles.
The simple, repetitive stitching can be done while watching TV as a relaxing low-focus activity. Plus you get to work with your hands and flex your creativity choosing colors and designs that brighten your space. Check out the irreverent and trendy beginner patterns from Dimensions to get started.
4. Jewelry Making
For crafty fashionistas, jewelry making kits help you create customized necklaces, bracelets, rings and more to show off your unique style. Components like beads, wire, string, chains, clasps, and pliers provide endless options for mixing and matching. Follow basic jewelry patterns or let your imagination run wild – the versatility is what makes this hobby so addicting.
Beyond just wearing your handmade pieces, jewelry kits make great gifts for loved ones or can be sold online through sites like Etsy. An expansive 200+ piece starter kit from Beadaholique has all a beginner could need to get hooked on DIY beading and jewelry creation.
5. Candle Making
For a hobby that fills your home with cozy scents and charm, try your hand at candle making. Most kits provide soy or beeswax, cotton wicks, fragrance oils, and vessels like tins or jars to hold the finished candles. Once you master simple molds, you can move onto layered designs, shaped candles, or adding embellishments.
Follow your nose mixing and matching from a wide variety of scent options to create custom candles just how you like. Making candles yourself saves money and gives as gifts your loved ones will treasure. Start with a beginner-friendly kit from Candle Science using premium ingredients to inspire a lifelong passion.
How to Pick the Perfect Art and Craft Kit
The DIY options today can be overwhelming. Here are tips for choosing kits that match your skill level and style.
- Consider your experience – are you brand new to crafting or want more of a challenge? Don’t bite off more than you can chew starting out.
- Browse best-sellers in the specific craft you’re interested in. These kits are tried and true for reliably pleasing results.
- Pick projects matching your aesthetic – modern, bohemian, preppy, snarky, minimalist, and so on. This makes the end result more meaningful.
- For gifts, consider the recipient’s tastes not just your own so they get use from your handicraft.
- Read reviews and inspect real photos of finished products so you know exactly what to expect.
- Decide on display vs wear vs use – will you frame the project, wear it as jewelry, or actively use as home decor?
- Ensure all materials are included, not just the basics which often still require household tools you may not already own.
- Compare shop to get the best bang for your budget. Prices can range drastically between retailers.
- Consider supporting small businesses or independent artists on Etsy who design lovely and unique kits.
- Get the most for your money with expansive kits including extra materials and design options, instead of single use projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Kits
Are kits easy enough for total beginners?
Yes, absolutely! Most art and craft kits are designed specifically with beginners in mind. The instructions are like a class teaching you each step. Advanced skills like drawing are not required – you simply paint or craft within lines or follow patterns. Videos online can provide extra visual guidance. Starting with a kit is the perfect way to learn while avoiding creative blocks.
Can I sell products from my kit on Etsy or other sites?
You generally cannot mass produce the kit designs themselves for commercial sale, but you are free to sell one-off finished pieces from your kits. Etsy is a great platform for selling handmade art, jewelry, home decor and other crafts. Make each piece special by customizing colors, patterns, and embellishments so they are not exact copies of the kits. Just be sure to check the original kit terms for any resale restrictions or allowances.
How long does it take to complete a kit project?
Project duration varies greatly based on complexity – think 1-2 hours for something like a candle or embroidery hoop up to 10+ hours for elaborate macrame wall hangings or layered jewelry pieces. If you’re new to a craft, give yourself more time as you learn. Make sure to allot ample work time for your kit based on the projected hours so you don’t feel rushed. Consider your schedule before buying a kit to ensure you can dedicate the required hours.
Do I need any special tools or supplies beyond what’s included?
Always read kit details carefully so you know ahead if any additional tools like a hot glue gun, wire cutters, sewing needles, etc. are required for the specific projects. Most kits are designed to provide everything needed from start to finish. But some may omit commonly owned basics like scissors, pliers, ruler, towels, trays, etc. Beyond any special tools listed, you likely only need simple household supplies you already own.
Can I change colors, patterns, materials from what’s included?
Absolutely! Part of the creativity is customizing the designs to your liking, within reason. Trading some included yarn or beads for higher quality materials can elevate your end result. Just don’t go rogue on your very first try before learning the basics as the kits are measured for the patterns. Swapping a few colors or embellishments will make the item unique while still following the original design concept. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, feel free to get creative modifying your kits!
Why Not Unleash Your Inner Artist Today?
What better time than now to explore your untapped creativity through the magic of DIY kits? They provide fun new hobbies to immerse yourself in beyond just streaming TV or scrolling social media. The process enlightens your mind, keeps your hands active, and allows you to proudly display your own homemade works of art.
Today’s options make arts and crafts approachable and enjoyable for anyone – no special skills or talents required. The kits featured above offer just a sampling of the diverse DIY crafts out there. From resin jewelry to stained glass windows, bath bomb making, essential oil blending, crocheting, knitting – the artistic possibilities are endless.
Hopefully this beginner’s guide paves the way to picking the perfect kit for your needs and interests. As you discover new creative outlets, be sure to share photos of your finished pieces online or with our blogging community. Happy crafting!
