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Think of a craft and it is probably used somewhere in the world. Crafts have been developed for all ages, races and cultures and use almost every material imaginable. They range from the very simple to the extremely complex. They are adopted, and may be modified, by other groups and cultures. They provide great pleasure and satisfaction to many people.
This page looks at a range of crafts, all usable in education settings. Australian sites are provided, as is information on specific craft forms such as candle making, card making, jewellery, knitting, mosaics, origami and scrapbooking. A number of needlecrafts are included such as cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting. Individual items cover other areas.
A small collection of resources for this area can also be found The Arts Resources page and further needlecraft information on the Textiles Technology page.
Crafts
Candle & Soap Making
Two craft processes well within the scope of younger people. Safety is a factor, as with all procedures using hot materials.
- Candle Making and Free Candle Crafts
‘You’ll find easy candle crafts here, including how to make candles from recycled materials, how to personalise purchased candles, in expensive ways to use candles in any room decor’. Multiple sections. - Candle & Soap Making
General information, specific sections on each topic. Skills, safety, more. Provides projects from simple to the more complex. - Candle & Soap Making Techniques
Basic instructions, techniques, general information, soap making, odds & ends. Several, practical videos included. - Starla’s Candle Making Instructions
Basic instructions, information on specific techniques, video, even ways to package candles for best impressions.
Card Making
You can get e-cards, but making your own can give great satisfaction and is easy enough for all ages.
- Card Inspirations
‘Projects to make your own greetings cards’. - Card Making Project Ideas
Specific projects, several techniques included. - Start Making Greeting Cards at Home
‘Start making greeting cards at home by following instructions on this card making website’. Multiple sections [including suggested verses] included to assist you.
Crochet
Almost a forgotten art. Use these tutorials and see what you can learn.
- AllFreeCrochet
‘Dedicated to the best free crochet patterns, tutorials, tips and articles on crochet. Find all varieties and skill levels, from easy to crochet Afghan patterns to complex Tunisian crochet patterns’. - CGOA Crochet Lessons
Lessons for children, right and left handers are accessed through the Resources link. - Crochet Australia
Tutorials [left and right handed], stitch descriptor, resources. - Crochet Pattern Central
‘Online directory featuring thousands of links to Free crochet patterns. Choose from 90+ categories, including clothing, afghans, doilies, baby items, bags and totes, potholders, toys, stuffed animals [including amigurumi], more’. Tutorials, stitch instructions. - Learn How to Crochet
15 sections of essential basics, basic stitches to Filet Crochet. Link to Knitting information.
Cross Stitch Patterns
Sites where you can find these, for Free or to purchase.
- Alita
Download designs from 6 major groupings for Free. - Free Cross Stitch Designs
From DMC [US]. Join for Free and you can get more. - Free Patterns Online
‘Print them, use them for your own personal use, copy them for other people. You may also use them for teaching purposes’. - Top Cross Stitch Sites
Several hundred sites covering all forms of cross stitch in different genre.
Decoupage
‘Decoupage is actually quite simple ! If you can cut and paste, you already know most of the techniques involved. Basically, you cut out pictures, you glue the pictures onto an object, then cover the object and pictures with a few coats of glue/decoupage medium to protect it’..
- All About Decoupage
Sections, each with several sub-sections. Process, advanced techniques, resources, other subjects, galleries of work. - How to Decoupage [Basic Techniques 101]
Multi-page presentation. - Decoupage Projects for Kids
From Making Friends. Projects any child can do. From jars to sneakers [yes, really !]. - Decoupage [HGTV]
The basics, individual projects with instructions, techniques, tips.
Embroidery
- Embroidery Designs
Free sewing designs for personal use. - Embroidery Stitches
‘Illustrated Glossary of Stitches’ listed alphabetically. - FreeEmbroidery Stuff
US based. There are Free designs to access and software to check out. - Embroidery Tips
Well presented tips in 9 sections from Frames to Finishing. - Tips, Tricks and Great Resources
For Hand Embroidery. Videos, tips & tricks, books, patterns, links, more.
Individual Crafts, Other
- Doll Making
US based. There are some Free doll making patterns and projects on the site. Specific doll types. - Flower Based Crafts
‘Crafty’ ideas using flowers. Also this site. - Go Fly a Kite
How to build and fly kites as well as background to kite flying. Also visit The Virtual Kite Zoo. You can download it as a zip file. - International Miniature Aircraft Association
The world body for radio controlled model aircraft. - Online Etch A Sketch
Give up the old fashioned way, do it online using arrow keys. [Access via Let’s Sketch icon. - Scale Model Index
One interested person’s list of links to all things related to aircraft scale models.
Jewellery
Includes the use of soldering and jewellery making which does not require this.
- Jewellery Craft Projects for Teens
‘Free jewellery craft projects for teenagers, older kids’. - Jewellery Making
Advice, the basics, projects, more. Access information through tabs at the top, topics on the left. - Making Jewellery
From WigJig. ‘Make handmade jewellery with wire, beads & gemstones quickly, easily, inexpensively, with no soldering’. - Jewellery Making [About]
‘Free projects and patterns for making your own jewellery. Use creative techniques to make jewellery items. You can also make your own jewellery boxes’.
Knitting
- Knitting
Information, Free patterns, tips, tutorials, stitch library, more. - Knitting Help
Instructional videos, patterns, glossary, forum, more. - Knitting Pattern Central
‘Online directory featuring thousands of links to Free knitting patterns. 50+ categories including clothing, hats, afghans, stuffed animals, toys, dishcloths, more’. Other sections on stitches, instructions. - Knitting Stitch Patterns
‘A wonderful way to expand your knitting skills’. Part of a larger knitting site. - Learn How to Knit
15 sections of essential basics from How To Hold The Needles & Yarn to Joining Yarns. Link to Crochet information. - Learn to Knit [and Crochet]
Instructions for both are included in a series of topics.
Mosaics
- Making Mosaics
‘Easy to learn, but can be taken to any level you want. The projects listed contain mosaic making tutorials, other ideas for your own work’. Health & Safety, techniques, design, materials, tools, grouting, tips & hints. - Mosaic Projects
Projects from Better Homes & Gardens. - Mosaics for Kids
‘Mosaics crafts projects for kids to create with various objects such as paper, seeds, eggshells, scrabble tiles and other objects’.
Origami
- All Oriland Origami Galore !
Extensive site which has origami patterns, activities, supplies available. - Origami
Joseph Wu’s page will give you lots of help. - Origami Club
Check for patterns, instructions, animations, more. - Paper Folding 3D
‘The program offers you 130 models, including birds, fish, useful daily objects. The program can also print out plenty of pretty colour pictures to use for folding. Frame lines are exported by the program’.
Excellent site and program. - Robert J Lang Origami
Semi-commercial site with some of the most amazing origami figures you can imagine, some with folding descriptions. - The Toymaker
‘Free paper toys to make yourself. Just print them out, cut, glue, enjoy’. Needs Adobe Reader. - Travel to Oriland
Thinkquest. By sending people on a tour of several cities, you are provided with the tools to develop origami skills that enable you to create fabulous origami creations.
Puppetry
- FamilyFun All About Puppets
‘We have everything you need to stage a show-stopping puppet production’. - Paper Bag Puppets
Quite a range with full instructions and a printable template for each. May need some adjustment depending on the bags available [see comment at the bottom re Australia]. - Puppet Craft Projects
‘Try these free puppet craft patterns and projects. Use many creative techniques and supplies to make a variety of puppets to play with’. - Puppets
‘You’ll find links to puppets, puppet patterns, paper bag puppets, sock puppets, hand puppets and scripts on this page’. - School of Puppetry
Use either the Start Here link or check the menu via the Learn More link. - The Puppetry Home Page
‘The Puppetry Home Page is a Free resource for the puppetry community and is dedicated to helping people connect with the world of puppetry’.
Quilting
- Equilt Blocks
Free block patterns with full details, instructions. - Free Quilt Patterns
Extensive patterns with full instructions and all for Free.
Highly recommended ! - Marcia Hohn’s Quilter’s Cache
Select by size, name or select a page. FAQs, border patterns, troubleshooting, more.
Highly recommended ! - Quilt Information
A good starting point for information on quilting. US based. Annotated links. - Quilting for Beginners
Designed for younger students, but all beginners would find it useful. - World Wide Quilting Page
Beginner’s Guide, How To sections, glossary, quilt blocks, mystery quilts, material for the more experienced.
Scrapbooking
One of the newer crafts finding favour. These are just a few of the sites devoted to helping you develop your skills.
- About.com Scrapbooking
Ranges from Getting Started to Finding Page Ideas, techniques, getting organised, digital scrapbooking and more. - Computer Scrapbooking
Graphics, advice, layouts, fonts, articles, fun stuff, links, discussion, more. - Free Digital Scrapbooking
‘Provides great information and products to help you merge your passion for scrapbooking with the ease and convenience of digital scrapbooking by providing tons of great digital freebies. Check our Digital Scrapbooking 101 page to learn more !’ Tutorials, templates, fonts, layout guides, more. - Scrapbook Album Instructions and Templates
‘Instructions to show you how to make a mini album with templates that you may print and use’. - Scrapbooking 101
‘The basics of scrapbooking from how to get started, then how to take it to the next level’. Monthly newsletter [includes a Free Gift], product reviews, more. - Scrapbooking.com
Layouts, projects, basic techniques, get creative with your computer, more. - Scrapbook Flair
Digital Scrapbooking. Free downloads [including software], galleries, blogs, forums, more. - Scrapbooking Ideas and Layouts
‘Takes you through the basics of scrapbooking from tools and supplies you will need, to techniques such as cropping and computer scrapbooking’. - Scrapbooking Memories
Australian scrapbooking magazine. Products, techniques, interviews, Free gifts, more’. - Scrapbooking Supplies R Us
‘Your on-line Scrapbook store. We have over 8 000 scrapbooking supplies, embellishments in stock. We offer scrapbook supplies to crafters of all kinds’. US, but excellent range. - Scrapbooking Top 50
Links to the top 50 scrapbooking sites on the web. There is also a Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia site - ScrapJazz
A-Z of topics, layout gallery, web site directory, contests, more.
Other Information
Australian Sites
- AllFreeChristmasCrafts.com
‘AllFreeChristmasCrafts.com offers 1000s of Free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips. We add new projects and tips every day. Some of our reader’s favourites include Ornament Crafts, Christmas Crafts for Kids, DIY Christmas Gifts and DIY Christmas Decoration’. - Aussie Crafts
‘Find a directory for everything to do with arts and crafts in Australia including suppliers, galleries, markets, shows, classes, crafts people’. Also Craft Search, videos, articles, more. - Australian Craft Network
Among all the crafts there are sections on needlework and cross stitch. Primarily for businesses rather than individuals. - Australian Lace Guild
Download patterns to make, find suppliers, go to exhibitions. - Biante Diecast
Model cars of all kinds covering F1, Australia, overseas. - Complete Craft
‘Complete Craft is a comprehensive website sharing all the latest and greatest in craft. Our ultimate range of titles cover everything from patchwork, quilting, stitcheries, cross stitch, bags and dolls to beading, scrapbooking, country home decorating and antique collecting. Explore online craft blogs, forums, products, projects and more !’ - Craft Search [Australian]
Everything from craft specialists, displays, etc., to resources. For an international search use their site at Craft Search. - Frontline Hobbies
Shopping access, news, enquiries, links, many hobbies and toys covered. - Hobbyco
Every hobby area is covered. What’s new, weekly specials, links. Australia’s oldest hobby store. - Kids.net.au Crafts
Annotated links to sites that provide craft activities, some of which are unusual. Worth seeing. - Needlecraft
Craft activities that involve needle and thread, including embroidery, patchwork. - Quickcraft
CDs with printable craft activities. Many based around themes such as Our Solar System, Weather, Ocean, etc.. Free downloadables, links, more. Pricing is reasonable at approx. AU$25 per CD. Worth considering. - Reverse Garbage
Sydney. The centre of re-usable materials for all sorts of crafts. - The Australian Craft Show
All major craft areas. Links to craft fairs and workshops. - The Knitting : Wool Shack
Knitting from the wool right to patterns, accessories, special techniques you might wish to try. - The Potters Society of Australia
Articles, booklets on methods, exhibitions, suppliers who discount.
Free Resources
- All Free Crafts
‘Over 650 original crafts, Free craft projects, easy homemade gift ideas. All include photos, how-to instructions so you learn new crafting skills and enjoy great results’. - Useful Stuff for PC-Designer
Designs Free for personal use. - Craftown
‘Crafter’s resource centre. Free craft patterns, projects and lessons. All types of crafts to make, Country to Victorian. Patterns to crochet, knit, sew, quilt, 1 000’s of unique craft projects. Endless resource pages, Free, on-line crafting instruction for many crafting interests’. - Essortment
‘Origami, Scrapbooking, Flowers, Home Decor. Ideas for fun crafts’. Significant collection of activities.
Well presented ! - Free Art & Crafts Instruction School
Craft projects & lessons, drawing, art, photography, more. - Free Designs
Free for personal use. - Free Patterns
While not restricted to sewing there are patterns here. Also knitting patterns. - Make Stuff - Crafts/Projects
Things to make from Apple Head Dolls to Wooden Figure Key Hanger. Link to Sewing activities. - Wool Works
While not recently updated, there are enough patterns and resources available to it worth visiting.
General Sites
- AllFreeHolidayCrafts
Creations and Celebrations for Every Occasion. This covers a range of holidays. While some are more peculiar to the US, there is still a wide range that would apply in Australia. Crafts are wide ranging in nature. Many ideas could be modified if required. - Antique Sewing Machines
They weren’t always the sleek, multi-function machines of today. - CouponCactus
Art, Hobby and Craft Activities. A range of activities listed under headings from Beading to Stamping. Quite a range. - Craft Lover’s Forum
General and specific craft areas. - Craft Site Directory
‘Select a category from the list provided and access annotated links for it. - Craft Spider Directory
‘I search the Internet to bring you the best art & craft websites, shops, stores, more across Australia and the world’. - Craft Text & Videos
Sections from Art to Origami, Paper to Pottery, more. - Creative Park
‘Bring out the creative side in you and your family with these amazing Paper Arts. Build ancient Egyptian temples or supersonic planes, learn about the designs and history also !’ Canon Europe. - DIY Network
Activities for creative people. Check links at the bottom of each page before you leave. Suitable for all ages. - Do IT 101 [Crafts]
Directories from Basket making to Woodworking. - Enchanted Learning
Part of a larger educational portal. This section provides craft activities for a wide age range. - FabricLink
‘The Educational Resource for Fabrics, Apparel, Home Furnishings, and Care’. News, fabric hints, glossary, more. - Hobbies and Crafts
Just about every hobby you could ever think of is included. About.com. - Kaboose Network Craft
Part of the Kid’s Domain portal. Craft activities grouped under headings, links to other craft sites. - Kid’s Craft Weekly
Designed for younger children. Monthly newsletter with activities, ideas, other information. Archive available. - Marlies’ Creative Universe
Dozens of craft activities grouped under headings such as holiday crafts, miniatures, recycling, clay, more. Some unusual activities included. - National Geographic Kids
Part of the Kids National Geographic site. - Paula’s Useful Stuff
Access Free designs for personal use. - Plaid
Everything from Needle Crafts [Bucilla] to decoupage, glass painting to stenciling. - Sewing With Confidence
Essential Sewing Skills. ‘Learning to sew has never been easier. Watch your DVD as you sew your perfect garment’. 5 DVD package. Fee-based. - The Arts and Crafts Show
American. Bookshop provides access to books not normally available here. - The Home Sewing Association
US site. Educator materials can be accessed on the site. The Enthusiast section has resources, information. -
The Toymaker
‘Welcome to my odd, little world of paper toys, holiday cards, valentines, sun boxes, baskets and bags, origami and ephemera … all for you to make’. Click on the main picture to access the listings. All supplied in PDF format. - Welcome to Craftbits !
Many of The Ideas and Instructions are Free. Crafts in topics such as Paper Crafts, Miscellaneous Crafts, etc.. Australian.
Tools & Techniques
- Glue It
Described as the ‘home of model making’. Kits for just about everything. US based. Sections on hints & tips, museums, articles & a gallery which could be of interest. Commercial site. - Kaboose - Craft Recipes
Find recipes for mixes used in craft activities. - This to That
Find out what glue to use to stick any two things together.