Six Awesome Craft Websites

Much as I loved handicrafts, I usually do not have much time to do more than flip through a crafts book. When I finally do find the time, I am often stuck. What kind of handicrafts should I attempt? Where should I start? How do I start? Naturally, I turn to the internet for help. Below are a list of the 6 handicraft websites that have most inspired me.

Handmade Parade
This website has a wealth of ideas and how-tos relating to handmade arts and crafts. I love the way the posts are separated into gift ideas for him, for her and for kids. Another favorite is the Holiday Decorating posts - this is where you will find colorful ideas for doing up your home for the holidays. Just looking at the photos can give you myriads of ideas!

Craftzine Blog
Updated daily by different crafters, the blog is chockful of craft ideas. The projects are often very simple - so simple you'd never think they could turn out so impressive. Some ideas are funky, even avant garde but so far, they have all been refreshing and inspiring. The Podcast tab provides patterns and videos for many interesting projects.

Craft Boom
If you are thinking of setting up your very own art and craft business, visit Craft Boom for some valuable advice on practically every aspect, such as naming your business, marketing it, setting up an online shop and protecting your works from copies.

Etsy
This is perhaps one of the most well known website amongst crafters for buying and selling handmade items. Just browsing through the items on sale is enough to fire up your imagination!

ArtFlock
ArtFlock is an online creative community where you can buy and sell original art and craft, whether it is a painting, a sculpture, jewellery, pottery or clothing. There is even a Website Publisher tool that allows you to publish your own works on your personal website so you can set the theme and look as you wish.

CraftIdeas
At CraftIdeas, you can find many free craft projects using different materials. This website does not contain as many photographs as the other 4, but the projects are mostly accompanied by detailed instructions and free patterns. My favorite parts are the tutorials on the basic techniques. These are especially useful if you are hoping to attempt a craft for the first time.

Happy crafting!