punch needle

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ―Mahatma Gandhi

Have you always to start something new and weren't sure where to start? Whether you want to learn how to crochet, how to knit, how to paint, how to tackle a new stitch, the list below gives you the basics on how to become a pro at your new creative endeavor:

1. Grab a how-to book with expert instruction to guide you step by step
2. Gather all the materials you will need. Ex: yarn, needle, paint, pen, etc.
3. Start small with swatches, samples, small projects, etc. before tackling the harder stuff
4. Practice your new skill regularly—that will help to make it almost automatic
5. Sit back and revel in your new creations!

In the next few paragraphs, we'll explore several of our books that come with easy-to-follow instructions and progressive projects for you to learn how to conquer new stitches, new skills, and entirely new crafts.

Great Balls of Yarn: Learn Crochet or Expand Your Skills

If you’re new to crochet or if you want to learn a new crochet skill or two, we've got you hook, yarn and fun with these easy-to-follow books! Learn how to crochet with ease and enjoyment.

The progressive projects of The Ultimate Crochet Collection for Beginners take you from easy to more difficult with easy-to-follow instructions and patterns. You'll love learning how to crochet with Marly Bird, and the resulting creations are cute AND functional!

You'll be hooked on crochet with Learn to Crochet with Custom Hooks! We'll supply you with a hook designed especially for beginners, so it will be extra easy to learn how to crochet any of the adorable accessories for kids or adults.

This eye-catching stitch will croc your world! The Beginner's Guide to Crocodile Stitch is the perfect "how-to" to add an eye-catching layer of "scales" to your crochet projects. You'll be surprised how easy it is to learn with our step-by-step instructions, photographs, and videos. On a scale (see what we did there?) of 1-10, this book is definitely a 10!

If you adore crocheting and love the look of knits, you won't want to miss out on this hybrid! Award-winning teacher Kim Guzman walks you through the basics with clear photos and friendly instructions in the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet.

We wouldn't toy with you—your children, grandchildren, friends' children (we could go on and on), will love these toys! And with Learn to Crochet Toys, you'll be a crocheting wizard before you can say "Bodacious ballerina begs you to begin"!

Life's a Stitch: Learning Knitting is Fun and Relaxing, with Beautiful Results

Don't be at your knit's end learning a new skill. Let our pros guide you through a basketful of knitting projects with ease and joy.

Designer Marly Bird walks you every step of the way through how to knit multiple projects in the Complete Knit Collection. You'll not only create awesome gifts—or keepers—you'll gain the skills to be a knitting pro. From trendy dishcloths to a beautiful shawl or afghan, this collection has got you covered. 

Learn beautiful mosaic knitting with The Beginner's Guide To Mosaic Knitting. Create complex-looking fabrics with only one color per row, with yarn guru Melissa Leapman guiding you through.

Come in first lace learning how to create gorgeous purses, doilies, scarfs, and more, with the Beginner's Guide to Lace Knitting.

Not only will this book teach you everything you need to know to make several styles of hats, it includes a kit with everything you need to knit one complete hat. Get started right away without worrying about the materials. If you've been wanting to learn how to knit hats, Knit Hat Book Plus Kit is for you.

Craftastic New Hobbies That Are Easy to Learn

Fun for all levels, Modern Punch Needle takes a modern twist on the traditional needle craft. The step-by-step instructions and 14 progressively harder projects take you from beginner to pro. Once you learn the ins and outs, you'll want to check out this post featuring our newest punch needle kits.

Channel your inner pyromaniac and learn how to leave your mark (on wood, of course) with Modern Woodburning - 9 Skill-Building Projects for Learning Pyography You'll really enjoy blazing this trail!

We wouldn't macra-stray you wrong—Get Started In Macramé has 11 gorgeous wall hangings and other projects for beginners to learn how to master this craft from yesteryear. We can also help you out with the supplies you'll need.

Paint happy thoughts with Happy Abstracts - Fearless Painting for True Beginners. Stroke-by-stroke how-to photo guides take you through six colorful and abstract projects, sure to be a centerpiece of your home décor.

The World IS your oyster with Hand Lettering - Great for Weddings & Other Occasions. Your creations can be just as spectacular as you see in stores, or on Pinterest and Instagram. Artist Kathryn Erney will teach you several styles—each building on the last—and before you know it, you’ll have mastered those pen strokes and will be making beautiful pieces!

So whether you want to learn how to knit, how to crochet, or learn a new craft all together, our experts take you step-by-step through the process. Whether you're a beginner or want to enhance your repertoire, at least one of these books is perfect for you. When you're finished, post your photo/s on social media and be sure to tag us @leisureartsinc or use #leisurearts, so we can all enjoy your journey as well!  

-Leisure Arts Team

We've got plenty of new fun, stitching, crocheting, and crafting for you. Read on and we'll share a few of our favorite kits, which include everything you'll need to create to your heart's content.

We’ve got a lot of new stitching kits for you to try out! 

You'll be stitching until the cows come home with these kits — they come in 4, 6, and 8 inch, and have everything you need including a hoop, needle, pre-printed fabric or felt, needle, floss and instructions.

Rose to the occasion with our new English Roses Stitch Kit.

These Teal Leaves will bring you restfulness as well as mental, spiritual balance. You won’t want to leaf this project behind.

In the past, yellow poppies represented wealth, fertility, strength, or even protection from evil spirits. We love them because they are full of cheer and color, which you can bring into your world with our Poppy Stitch Kit.

“A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome.” 
― Matshona Dhliwayo

Bring this sentiment into your home with our Desert Flower Stitch Kit.

Our Coffee Please Stitch Kit is grounds for another cup, and some time stitching.

No need to overthink this — you must create this piece with our Hold On Stitch Kit.

A pocket full of posies is the perfect addition to your wall. That can quckly be arranged with our Posey Stitch Kit.

Macramake Something Beautiful

Hitch a ride on the Macramé train with this Macramé Feather kit. It's easier than you think, with our expert step-by-step instructions. It will fill any room with a touch of class and comfort.

Get Hooked on Amigurumi

Animal lovers are bound to be hooked by our adorable Crochet Amigurumi Kits. We've got an Elephant, Giraffe, Monkey, and Lion. If you're not keen on animals, we've also got our quirky Gigi Girly, and our superhero Marvin Mega Boy.

This Punch Line Is No Joke

Our Punch Needle Kits take a modern twist on this traditional needle craft. It is fun for all levels, and the results will fit in beautifully with your décor.

Make waves with our Big Waves kit, and bring their soothing, restful rhythm to your favorite room.

Mountain Waves will take you to new heights, where the view is great.

If you're more down to earth, our Flowers kit will suit your fancy!

The only problem with so many new items is which one you'll pick first! These will bring joy, calm, and appreciation whether you hang them on your wall or gift them to your favorite people. We'd love to know which you pick and how it turns out! Don't forget to post on your social media channels and tag @leisureartsinc or use #leisurearts.

-Leisure Arts Team

It’s May-ker Month at Leisure Arts, and we have some great kits and books to inspire the maker in you. Creating things by hand not only allows you to express your creativity, it sets free even more creativity that’s hiding just beneath the surface. Read on to find just the right project — or eight — below. 

These Roses Have No Thorns

An English rose brings to mind delicate charm and natural beauty — this pattern is no exception. Our Mini Maker English Roses Stitch Kit has everything you need to create these beautiful flowers, including a hoop, pre-printed fabric, needle, floss, & instructions. Calming and modern, this piece will be a beautiful addition to your world. So stop, smell the flowers, & stitch the roses!

Don’t Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill, Make It Out of Yarn

Punch needle embroidery can be traced way back to Ancient Greece, from decorating religious vestments to passing the time on long sea voyages making rugs. It remains popular today and fits in beautifully with our modern-day decors. Punch needle embroidery is fun for all levels, and results in a highly textured design, often described as an oil painting with yarn. Mountain Waves will be your next masterpiece, to gift or to hang on your favorite wall. 

Iloominate Your Life

Our Bracelet Loom makes easy work of creating fashionable and fun bracelets. The Mini Maker Bracelet Loom comes with a loom, needle, comb & instructions. Your creations will make cherished gifts for family or friends, or will also look great on your own wrist! Whatever you choose to do with your creations, you’ll be over the loom with this kit! 

Everything you need to make your own face masks

Who knew a mask could be so simple to make? Our Mask Kit has enough supplies to sew 2 washable handmade masks, with a pocket to hold removable filters. A formable wire nose piece & elastic ear loops helps the mask conform to the contours of your face. The ear tie can be knotted to fit faces of all sizes, and it's 100% cotton. Reminder: This is not an N-95 respirator and the capability for protection is unknown. Filters not included.

Weave Your Worries Behind With Macramé

This craft from the 70s seems to have quite comfortably weaved its way into 2020. If you’re a knitter or crocheter, macramé will appeal to you. If you’re new to crafting, learning curve macramé is small. Plus, it blends nicely in any decor. The Mini Maker Macramé Feather Wall Hanging has everything you need to complete this project, one weave at a time. 

Knit Your Ordinary Knitting Projects

Have you ever thought of knitting a journal cover? Or a handy yoga mat bag? Even if you have never knitted before and aren't sure where to start, or if you’re a seasoned knitter looking for quick yet innovative projects, the Complete Knit Collection is for you! Designer Marly Bird walks you step-by-step through each project, with progressive projects to take you from easy all the way to pro-crafter status!

Cozy up to the Ultimate Crochet Collection

If knitting isn’t your speed, but you like the idea of progressive projects and easy-to-follow instructions, Marly Bird does it again with the Ultimate Crochet Collection for Beginners. And talk about cute and functional! Face scrubbies are all the rage for their gentle texture, durability, and great looks. And, we can’t get enough of this cowl — perfect for staying cozy at home or for the office where you’re never quite sure what the temperature will be. Both projects, along with the entire book, are a great intro into this addicting craft, or choose from the large variety to test your skills from easy to more difficult. 

We're Resin the Bar With This DIY 

Express your creativity and make something beautifully unique. Our DIY Resin Pour Kit will allow you to create your own one-of-a-kind work of art. From trays to customized coasters, these projects will elevate your home decor and/or gift-giving! With the step-by step instructions, you’ll easily learn to mix and pour purple, gold, and white to create washes of rich glossy finishes. We'll share details on how to resin pour on a cheese board, tray, pedestal table, and coasters, and we'll give you resin-pouring basics, tips, and a resin estimator. We’re confident this kit will resin-ate with you! 

These projects are sure to inspire the maker in you. The more you make, the more you (and those around you) are inspired to make more, and the circle of creativity just gets wider and wider. We'd love to see what your making, so don't forget to post on your social media channels and tag @leisureartsinc or use #leisurearts.

-Leisure Arts Team