How to Find New Craft Ideas

If you are a crafter, chances are you have run the gamut of places to look for new and innovative crafts. If you are always searching for something new in the craft world, here are a few ideas on how to achieve that goal.  That �new� may not be an item it could simply be a new idea, a new approach to doing things.

Make Something New from Something Old

Although the internet and social media are wonderful ways to find new and innovative crafts to try out, sometimes old things are of just as much use.  Chances are you already have some things in your attic or in the basement.  But if you are really looking for different things and you�ve done all the searching at home and just can�t find what you�re looking for, you could try the following suggestions helpful.

Garage sales � These are a wonderful playground for crafters. You can find so many goodies to turn into crafts. Most if not all garage sales sell leftover holiday decorations. An old wreath, for example, is a foundation for new wreath waiting to be born.

Some homes have a family member who was into jarring and canning. Mason jars found at garage sales are a major find. Mason jars are useful in construction in so many ways. Providing you know what they are and you know what to look for.

Estate sales - If you have never been to an estate sale, grab a newspaper and get ready to hit the ground running. Items such as an old sewing kit filled with different and interesting buttons or ribbons can make any crafter smile with glee.

Parts and pieces from old watches and stopwatches, as well as pins, brooches, and charms are useful for the jewellery crafter.

Become a Crafty Detective

If you feel your ideas are running on empty lately, take some time off, step away and become a craft detective. Attend craft shows as a customer. Browse the aisles and aisles of tables. Talk to the vendors; find out where they get their ideas and where they find their craft materials.

This is a great and creative fun way to spend the day without having to do any work. In addition, you will be surprised at the bevy of ideas you come home with to add to your crafty ones. You can take an idea that you spot at a flea market or craft sale and improve upon it until you make it your own. If you don�t really feel like spending hours at a flea market or craft shows, just go to your local newsagent and see what journals/magazines they have, and while this may cost a few dollars, it may even give you a free gift with the purchase and give you something to sit down with, enjoy a cuppa and get to see some different techniques as well.

The Internet and Social Media

Of course, no crafter would be complete without the use of the internet and social media. You can utilize some of the internet�s word tracking systems and type in your specific craft or hobby to find new links to new ideas.

Standard social media entities such as Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter are great places to keep up with new craft ideas. And don't forget to check out the blogs and websites of others to get your creative juices flowing once again.

There are also many online groups that you could join and swap ideas, techniques and in the case of card-making swap cards.  There are many varied ways to get new ideas to get your crafty mojo going again.  I know when I have a �blank� I pull out some of my craft magazines and leaf through, it isn�t long before I find something that I'm determined to have a go at.

Lola Radnoti

http://raevon59.wordpress.com/about