Winter is the perfect time to explore creative projects you’ve always wanted to try—sewing, painting, upcycling, and more, all on a thrifty budget.
If you enjoy creative hacks, you’ll also like these alternative uses for a slow cooker.
Creative Hibernation
If there are creative skills or crafts you’ve always wanted to try, winter could be your time. We’re indoors more, the garden’s asleep, and it’s easier to slow down and make something.
For me, it’s time to tick off items on my domestic arts bucket list. Any hands-on creative skills I’ve always wanted to try.
Historically, sewing, mending, quilting—these weren’t hobbies, they were everyday necessities. People used what they had, salvaged what they could, and found ways to make things both functional and beautiful. Resourcefulness wasn’t optional—it was the norm.
Today, it’s almost the opposite. We can buy nearly any art or craft supply we want—if we can afford it. In some ways, we have access to everything yet still feel disconnected. In a throwaway culture, it takes intention to put the art back into everyday life.
If you crave that kind of creative living like I do, the first step is simply to begin. Try a craft you’ve always been curious about. When I’m testing something new, I like to start small—maybe with a kit from an indie seller, or a bit of creative mending on clothes that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Let your preferences guide you. Maybe you love the hum of a sewing machine, or the quiet satisfaction of hand-stitching while watching a movie. Maybe it’s the texture of wool felt, or the way watercolor paints flows on paper. The hobbies that stick are usually the ones we enjoy for the process—not just the finished product. There are countless “old-fashioned” arts like tatting (lacemaking) or calligraphy that have mostly been replaced by machines that you might want to learn and plenty of newer ones too.
With far more possibilities than I could ever list here, I hope these ideas get you started.
Contents
- Sewing & Mending
- Embroidery & Applique
- Knitting & Crochet
- Whimsical & Playful Projects
- Art & Painting
- Nature Crafts
- Upcycled & Repurposed Crafts
- Beginner Kits
Sewing & Mending
Sew an Apron
I created this simple pattern to make aprons both for indoor and garden use. I have several so there’s no excuse to mess up my clothes!
I love how this idea has taken off in recent years. Instead of methodically mending clothes to conceal stains or holes, the repairs become creative statements.
After seeing the cost of “real” grow bags, I came up with this way to machine sew my own for a fraction of the cost.
Embroidery & Applique
DIY Wool Felt Phone Case and DIY Ear Bud Case
These are both good beginner projects if you want to try embroidery and applique while something useful. I always recommend using wool felt (not acrylic) if you can—it’s so much nicer to work with and comes in lovely colors.
This book, Plant Lady Embroidery, is my go-to resource for creating realistic botanical embroidery or drawings. Each design is simple enough for a beginner to replicate yet realistic looking.
Knitting & Crochet
If you’re a knitter or crocheter (but not both), you might bristle when they’re lumped together. The two get mixed up all the time—knitting called crochet and vice versa. Yes, both use yarn and handheld tools (needles or a hook), but they’re distinct skills with different rhythms and possibilities.
There’s a learning curve to both, and yarn selection can make or break your project plans. Synthetic options are much more affordable, but for some of us, there’s no substitute for the look and feel of natural fibers. It comes down to budget and personal preference and tuning out the self-proclaimed fiber “snobs.”
Crochet is always by hand; knitting can be by hand or machine. I eventually switched to an antique circular knitting machine after wrist pain made hand knitting tricky. You can still find old machines—or buy new ones—though they can be a splurge. Last year I dove into crochet because it had been on my list of things to try since I was a kid.
To start, keep it simple. Find YouTube tutorials you like, borrow some hooks or needles (there are many styles and price ranges), and start with something basic like a scarf, headband, or dishcloth, so the financial commitment is not too much. Or go ham and dig right into sweater making if you’re sure this is your thing.
Whimsical & Playful Projects
Beginner’s Guide to Polymer Clay
One package of polymer clay is enough to make all sorts of jewelry, trinkets, and miniatures including this box of miniature donuts.
Turn a deep picture frame into a 3D shadow box filled with your favorite mementos. I made summer and winter garden versions but virtually any subject matter works.
Art & Painting
Watercolor for Beginners & Adult Coloring Books
Dip your toes into watercolor with these easy, low-commitment painting books.
Or maybe acrylics or oils are calling your name?
These cute garden rocks are painted to look like strawberries and make perfect garden markers—or surprise gifts.
No rules here—just gather some rocks and get painting. This roundup shares all sorts of fun designs to try, from ladybugs to mandalas.
Nature Crafts
Turn pinecones and walnuts into tiny woodland creatures. Add ribbon and use them as decorations.
If you have beeswax (or want to try it), this collection of projects ideas includes food wraps, lotion bars, and candles.
If you love the idea of plant-based dyeing, this shares how to dye with lavender.
Personally, I had a hand-dyed fabric business for years using different dyes. You can learn all my tips here.
Dry and press flowers to use in crafts all winter long. This page has ideas for bookmarks, wall art, cards, and more.
Upcycled & Repurposed Crafts
Give an old sweater new life as a cozy bed for your cat or dog. It’s soft, washable, and easier to make than it looks.
Use corrugated cardboard to make a wide-eyed owls. Each one turns out differently depending on your materials.
A seasonal wreath with an owl centerpiece. I used materials I had on hand including old canning jar lids and zippers.
Empty pop cans can be turned into shiny art for your home or garden. This tutorial shows how to safely cut and shape them.
Beginner Kits
Not sure where to begin? These handmade kits from indie sellers let you try embroidery, candle-making, felting, and more—with everything included.
If this has sparked some creative adventures, I’d love to know what you’re up to!
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
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