Trendy Crafts & Crafty Trends

Trendy crafts may seem like an oxymoron, but two of the strongest trends in the urban scene is DIY handmade items. Knitting is coming back as a pastime. Hand decoration of shoes, shirts, & walls, with its aura of personalization, is replacing logos & brands as a signifier of taste. This influence is spreading into mainstream design as well, of work. In jewelry, hand finishes & organic-looking shapes that show the mark of the craftsman’s hand are a  strong trend. Those who don’t need to actually do-it-themselves represent a growing market for crafty entrepreneurs with an urban edge. two example of the hipster craft boom is the popular Renegade Craft Fair, which takes place once a year in Chicago & four times a year in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Last weekend 200 companies sold their handmade products at the Brooklyn edition of the fair, which has become an important style-spotting venue. Last year at the Renegade fair, for example, skulls, swallows, & branches were the most popular motifs. Skulls & branches were also  important in jewelry design last year & swallows are an important new motif this year. So what was the most important trend at this year’s Renegade fair? The handmade craft motif of the moment is sea life. The octopus & squid & other ocean creatures more creepy than cuddly are enjoying their moment in the spotlight (and on t-shirts, ties, cards, & hand-painted shoes.) Should they expect to see jewelry with tentacles? over a few pieces were seen in Basel this year, including some spectacular South Sea pearl brooches by Autore (an octopus & even a jellyfish), so it’s  possible.