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 personalize purchased candles, inexpensive 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.

• 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.

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Individual Crafts, Other

• Doll Making
  US based. There are some Free doll making patterns and projects on the site. Specific doll types.
• FamilyFun All About Puppets
  ‘We have everything you need to stage a show-stopping puppet production.’
• 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.

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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.

• Aussie Scrapbooking Studio
  Tips & techniques, page ideas, newsletter, shows, other links, shop, what’s new, 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.
• ScrapJazz
  A-Z of topics, layout gallery, web site directory, contests, more.

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Other Information

Australian Sites

• 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.
• The Sydney Stitches and Craft Show
  One of the top sewing-based shows.

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

• Antique Sewing Machines
  They weren’t always the sleek, multi-function machines of today.
• Craft Magazine’s Online 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 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 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’.
• 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.

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