Are you in a mental rut? Are the winter blues getting to you? Do you want to celebrate National Craft Month in a relaxing way? Maybe you’ve been working hard and deserve a break. No matter the reason, it’s always a good time to explore the therapeutic benefits of crafting. Even if your everyday life is filled with mental activity, crafting and the act of creating uses a different part of the brain, relieving your mind and preventing burn out. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a way to unwind, these activities are sure to do the trick.
You don’t have to be Van Gogh to make great paintings. Happy Abstracts shows you how to be fearless with color, texture, and technique. Go beyond the classic still life painting and play with whatever shapes and colors you want. While this book will guide you through each painting, it also teaches you how to take risks with creativity and create your own works of art. Give yourself the gift of a free imagination.
The repetitive action of crafting is scientifically proven to reduce stress. Working with paper is a great way to use that repetition to make something beautiful. You can start with a simple flower arrangement or jump right into projects like this shadowboxed set seen above. The art of paper crafting has been around for a long time, but this is a fresh and modern take on it.
This one is a twofer: a craft that’s relaxing to make and to use. Making your own candles is a fun and relaxing way to create your own ambience. Use found and collected items to make your candles, like jars, shells, coffee cups, and more. Whatever you use, this book is there to guide you to delicious scents, beautiful presentations, and inspiration to keep you making!
Jewelry isn’t usually thought of as a self-care necessity, unless you do a lot of retail therapy, but these projects were designed to take care of you! Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a method of healing, and today it’s no different. With lava beads and essential oils, you can have relaxation on the go in a stylish little accessory.
Is your growing yarn stash overwhelming you? Try something new with all that yarn. Punch needling is super easy to master and beautiful to look at. Full of color and texture, the options are endless when you pick up a punch needle. Even if you've never done it before, this book will help you learn the basics and progressively build your skills until you can freestyle your next punch needle project!
However you like to relax, there’s always a way to bring crafting into it. It’s just about finding the right activity for you. Next time you craft yourself some self-care, be sure to tag us @leisureartsinc or #leisurearts, we love seeing what’s happening in your crafty corner!
Family and friends on your holiday list will love and cherish gifts created with your personal touch! Enrich their holidays and their playtime with these creative and fun projects.
OMG It's A BFF
These crocheted Besties dolls are as “best” as it gets! You’ll find seven dolls—each with her own unique style and personality! Choose from any of these unique girls, or design your own by mixing and matching. Caffeinated Cathy, here you come! Or perhaps Yarn-Loving Yancy? No matter which girl we choose to crochet, you’re sure to have a sweet friend for life!
Besties - Every Girl Needs a Friend - 7 Doll Patterns Allow Mix and Match to Create Your Own Girl #7594
Seize the Clay
Teach yourself the fun and easy craft of sculpting with polymer clay! Step-by-step photo instructions will guide you through adorable figures and magnets in fun shapes like animals, bugs, and holiday figures. You'll be a pro before you can say "I Can't Believe I'm Sculpting Clay Figures!"
I Can't Believe I'm Sculpting Clay Figures #1976
Sew Focused
In Fidget To Focus, you'll find cubes, mats and squares for the fidgeters in your life. Plus, the designs are easy enough that you can quickly create each one in no time.
Fidget to Focus #7219
Oh Baby, You're Gonna Love These
Crochet some adorable homemade fun with Sensory Baby Toys! Inside you’ll find three sets of colorful cuteness, each providing hours of enjoyment and engage baby’s sweet little senses. The only challenging part will be choosing which irresistible set to crochet for baby.
Designer Kristi Simpson shares her daughter Kimmie’s experience at a cat shelter in Cool Cats. Choose from 14 meow-gical projects that represents a cat from the shelter. Each feline has it's own special personality and come in all shapes and sizes.
Cool Cats - 14 Projects Plus Story of a Child and Stray Shelter Cats #7605
A Nursery That Packs A Punch
Designer and Craft Expert, Bérénice Robert spills her heart into each project inside Baby Punch Needle in hopes you’ll find the best for baby. The projects are easy enough for beginners to create, experts to enjoy, and baby to adore!
Baby Punch Needle - Step-by-Step Instructions for 13 Projects #LEA75728
Make playtime more personal with these home-made creations they're sure to play with and cherish for years!
What are you working on for the Holidays? Share pics with us on your social channels by tagging @leisureartsinc or using #leisurearts. We love to see what's going on in your studio!
“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:
Grab a how-to book with expert instruction to guide you step by step
Gather all the materials you will need. Ex: yarn, needle, paint, pen, etc.
Start small with swatches, samples, small projects, etc. before tackling the harder stuff
Practice your new skill regularly—that will help to make it almost automatic
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!
Ultimate Crochet Collection for Beginners #7512
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.
Learn to Crochet with Custom Hooks #6381
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!
Beginner's Guide to Crocodile Stitch #6377
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.
Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet #5599
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"!
Learn to Crochet Toys #6188
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.
Chunky Pillow, Complete Knit Collection for Beginners #7577Market Bag, Complete Knit Collection for Beginners #7577
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.
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.
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.
Get Started In Macrame #7217
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.
Happy Abstracts - Fearless Painting for True Beginners #7412
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!
Hand Lettering - Great for Weddings & Other Occasions #7326
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!
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.
Mini Maker English Roses Stitch Kit - 10 Pieces - Includes Hoop, pre-printed Fabric, Needle, Floss and Instructions #52622
These Teal Leaves will bring you restfulness as well as mental, spiritual balance. You won’t want to leaf this project behind.
4-inch Teal Leaves Stitch Kit - 7 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Stamped Felt, Needle, Floss and Instructions #50753
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.
6-inch Poppy Stitch Kit - 16 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Stamped Felt, Needle, Floss and Instructions #50924
“A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
6-inch Coffee Please Stitch Kit - 11 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Stamped Felt, Needle, Floss and Instructions #51452
No need to overthink this — you must create this piece with our Hold On Stitch Kit.
8-inch Hold On Stitch Kit - 14 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Stamped Felt, Needle, Floss and Instructions #50767
A pocket full of posies is the perfect addition to your wall. That can quckly be arranged with our Posey Stitch Kit.
8-inch Posey Bouquet Stitch Kit - 11 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Stamped Felt, Needle, Floss and Instructions #52621
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.
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.
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 Waveskit, and bring their soothing, restful rhythm to your favorite room.
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.
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 Kithas 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!
Mini Maker English Roses Stitch Kit - 10 Pieces - Includes Hoop, Pre-Printed Fabric, Needle, Floss, and Instructions #52622
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.
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!
Bracelet Loom - #50974
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.
Mask Kit - #52873
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.
Mini Maker Macramé Feather Wall Hanging #50869
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!
Journal Cover; Complete Knit Collection for Beginners #7577Yoga Mat Bag; Complete Knit Collection for Beginners #7577
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 theUltimate 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.
Face Scrubbies; Ultimate Crochet Collection for Beginners #7512Oversized Cowl: Ultimate Crochet Collection for Beginners #7512
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!
Resin Kit #51202
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.
