Ready, set, ART! The 21st of April 2023 is World Creativity and Innovation Day, and here at Sandton Central, we want to celebrate the budding artists, crafters, mavericks and visionaries in our midst by taking a look at the arts and crafts trends that have appeared in 2023 – and dropping in a beginners’ tutorial, of course.
There’s no finer way to unwind, express yourself, and make something lovely for your home than to get hands-on with these easy-to-do crafts. They’re trendy, they’re satisfying, and you can execute them successfully even if the most complex thing you’re capable of drawing is a particularly expressive stick man. Once you’ve picked the craft you want to try out, make sure to visit Sandton Central to grab all the materials you might need.
Macrame
Macrame is a crafting technique that involves creating decorative knots and patterns with a cord or string. This technique has been used for centuries to create beautiful and intricate designs and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its versatility and simplicity. Macrame can be used to create everything from wall hangings and plant hangers to jewellery and clothing.
To create a macrame piece, the crafter typically starts by tying a series of knots in a specific pattern. These knots can be simple or complex and can be combined in various ways to create unique designs. Macrame can be done using a variety of materials, including cotton cord, hemp, jute, and even nylon. Macrame is inexpensive and can give any space a bohemian vibe. We’re warning you though – it’s addictive! Grab more materials than you think you might need.
Here’s a beginner’s tutorial in case you’re feeling knotty today!
Squeegee Painting
Squeegee painting is a technique used by artists to create large-scale abstract works. The technique involves using a squeegee tool to spread and manipulate paint across a canvas or other surface. Artists often use a variety of colours and layer them in different ways to create depth and texture in the final piece. It’s also a lot of fun to do with kids, provided you have a tarp and plenty of cleanup materials handy.
Squeegee painting allows for loads of experimentation and creative expression, as the artist can adjust the pressure and angle of the tool to create different effects. Squeegee painters can also use special colour patterns to create genuinely interesting effects. It also allows for a certain amount of chance and unpredictability, as the paint can mix and blend in unexpected ways – so no two pieces of squeegee art will turn out the same. The result is a unique and dynamic work of art that can be both striking and expressive. Also quick. Very quick.
O-M-squeGEE! Here’s a tutorial we love!
Punch Needle Embroidery
Punch needle embroidery is a crafting technique that involves using a special needle tool to create loops of thread on a fabric surface. The needle has a hollow shaft that holds the thread and allows it to be pushed through the fabric. The loops are created on the back side of the fabric and can be cut or left intact to create a textured surface on the front. There are all sorts of interesting textures you can create to complement the cosy vibes and colder weather approaching this season.
Punch needle embroidery is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of designs, from intricate patterns to simple shapes and lettering, to totally abstract collections of colours and wool varieties you like. It is often used to embellish clothing, accessories, and home decor items – from denim jackets to large-scale decorative rugs.
The technique is relatively easy to learn and can be done with a variety of threads and fabrics, making it a great option for beginners and experienced crafters alike. If you “cotton” on to it, your skills might “knit” together, and you can follow the “thread” to more expert projects!
(Sorry about those terrible puns. Here’s a punch embroidery tutorial to make up for it!)
Albert Einstein once said that “creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.” When you choose to be creative, you’re choosing to revitalise the mundane through a new lens and spend your time generating beauty from what’s going on inside your head.
We’re excited to celebrate creativity with you at Sandton Central this April. You can stock up on all your creative necessities at the following outlets:
Stationery and Print Sandton City
Rowland Ward Nelson Mandela Square
