Online resources for crafts, such as crafts magazines, tutorials, galleries, directories, guilds, and profiles of people involved with the crafts movement, are the focus of this category.
Shopping sites, however, would be listed in the Hobbies & Crafts category of our Shopping & eCommerce section.
The crafts movement, encompassing everything from centuries-old hand traditions to cutting-edge contemporary design and build systems, thrives because of resources that nurture creativity, connect makers, honor history, and preserve heritage. Whether you're an experienced artisan or someone just beginning to explore handmade work, the resources below, and others that can be found on the Internet, can help you build skills and engage with the crafting community.
Craft-focused periodicals document trends, share in-depth artist profiles, and offer tutorials that spark new ideas. While some focus on a specific craft, others cover a wider range. Publications such as American Craft showcase a mix of contemporary work, while niche magazines focus on a particular media, like Ceramics Monthly for potters or Fiber Art Now for textile artists. These serve as both educational tools and sources of inspirationj, often including exhibition calendars, calls for entry, and digital archives.
Other digital platforms make expert instruction accessible worldwide. From structured online courses with downloadable patterns to short-form video demonstrations, creators can learn new techniques at their own pace. Many artists and craft organizations host livestreamed "maker sessons" offering direct interaction and real-time Q&A that simulate in-person learning environments.
In-person workshops are at the heart of skill transmission in craft. Institutions like the American Craft Council's network of schools and studios list opportunities nationwide, ranging from weekend classes in woodturning to extended residencies in ceramics to blacksmithing sessions. These settings build technical proficiency in the craft, as well as providing opportunities for networking with instructors and participants.
Dedicated craft galleries provide a professional platform for makers to exhibit, sell, and gain critical recognition. Venues often specialize, such as galleries focusing exclusively on glass, jewelry, or fine woodworking, while museums integrate craft into broader art exhibitions. Galleries can be a source of inspiration for artisans, as well as a way to study form and technique.
Curated directories help artisans find opportunities, audiences, and collaborators. Resources like the National Craft Directory enable users to locate schools, museums, non-profits, and regional crafting hubs. Similarly, online workshop directories highlight local classes and instructors, making it easier for people to connect with skills and styles that match their interests.
Guilds have a long tradition of facilitating skill-sharing, advocacy, and professional networking among artisans and craftspeople. Membership benefits often include access to workshops, exhibitions, publications, discounts, and membership programs. Joining a crafts guild can open doors to juried shows and grants available only to members.
Online crafts discussion forums and virtual communities allow artisans from around the world to connect. Platforms range from specialized forums to broader social media groups focused on particuilar crafts or techniques. These spaces can be invaluable for troubleshooting projects, exchanging supplier recommendations, and forming collaborative partnerships.
Reading about the journeys of established and emerging craftspeople can be both motivating and instructive. Magazines, guild newsletters, and dedicated websites often feature in-depth interviews that reveal the philosophy, process, and stories behind a maker's work.
These and other crafts resources are the focus of this part of our guide. Several of these are available below.
Categories
Publications |
Recommended Resources
This is a free online repository of complete craft projects and patterns, hand-curated from smaller sites and individual creators. Online since 2000, it offers one-click access to a vast library of crafts, aiming to spotlight contributors who might otherwise be overlooked in today's web landscape. The website organizes its resources into distinct sections, each dedicated to a specific crafting discipline. Advertising opportunities are available, and a blog is included.
https://www.allcrafts.net/
The Artful Crafter is an online guide dedicated to making crafting fun and profitable. It features tutorials, tips, and product reviews aimed at hobbyists and small-business crafters alike. Included are step-by-step DIY projects, detailed craft tutorials, home decor projects, stationery tutorials, and tips on turning crafting skills into a sustainable business, including monetization strategies. Several videos and craft workshops are available, along with a contact form.
https://www.theartfulcrafter.com/
Aunt Annie's Crafts is a free online resource offering step-by-step craft tutorials for crafters of all ages and skill levels. Included are printable patterns, downloadable templates, and clear instructions providing guidance from start to finish. A searchable project index allows users of the site to quickly find project by category or skill level, and a weekly craft schedule is provided, along with with a subscribable weekly newsletter and contact details.
https://www.auntannie.com/
Established in 2000, this is an online resource for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, this website features thousands of free craft ideas, patterns, and tutorials across knitting, crochet, sewing, and other crafts. Key offerings include ideas for seasonal and every craft projects, knitting patterns, sewing patterns, and crochet patterns, all of which are available at no cost for personal use, with step-by-step instructions, downloadable guides, and a newsletter.
https://craftbits.com/
Crafts HQ is a premier Australian online directory for arts and crafts supplies and inspiration. Connecting hobbyists and professionals with local suppliers, workshiops, tutorials, videos, and featured products, its categories include beads, buttons, cake decorating, candles, ceramics, fabric, framing, glass, kid's craft, lace, mosaics, papercraft, pottery, quilting, scrapbooking, stamping, sewing, teddy bears, textiles, and woodworking. Advertising opportunities are available.
https://www.craftshq.com.au/
Danielle's Place is a repository of faith-based crafts, games, and activities designed to engage children in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, library programs, and at-home learning experiences. It emphasizes quick, easy, and interactive projects that reinforce Biblical lessons and values. Included is an alphabetically-arranged library of step-by-step instructions, printable patterns, and photos to guide in craft assembly, as well as Bible games and activities, and Bible stories.
https://www.daniellesplace.com/
Festivalnet is an online directory for art shows, craft fairs, festivals, and related events across the United States. It connects crafters, food vendors, concessionaires, and event promoters with thousands of opportunities to exhibit, sell, and network. Key features are its event listings. Advanced search filters allow searching by category, date range, and location. Vendor resources and blog articles offer tips on booth design, merchandising, and regulations for food vendors.
https://festivalnet.com/
Handcraft Nation is a directory connecting consumers with American artists, crafters, and makers. It prioritizes artisans from small and rural communities and aims to celebrate and promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and heirloom-quality crafts. Shoppers can browse shops by state, medium, or keyword, tailoring their search to specific interests, although the site does not handle transactions or inventory; it directs customers to makers' own shops. Artisans list their shops for an annual fee.
https://handcraftnation.com/
Interweave is an online destination for fiber arts enthusiasts, offering instruction and inspiration across knitting, crochet, jewelry, beading, and mixed media. The website delivers daily or weekly newsletters, in-depth articles, exclusive video tutorials, free and premium patterns, podcasts, magazines, and an integrated shop for materials and ebooks. Some content is freely accessible, while membership unlocks premium content, maker clubs, and members-only events.
https://www.interweave.com/
The MCA is a non-profit dedicated to sustaining and celebrating craft as a cornerstone of Maine's culture and economy. Through advocacy, education, and community building, the organization elevates the work of craft artists and underscores the role of handmade objects in cultural tourism and regional development. By connecting artisans, collectors, institutions, and the public, MCA helps to sustain craft as a vibrant part of the state's identity and economy. Membership information is provided.
https://mainecrafts.org/
National Association of Independent Artists
A membership-based non-profit trade organization founded in 1995, the NAIA enhances the economic well-being of people who exhibit artwork at quality outdoor and indoor art and fine craft shows. It encourages creative expression, artistic excellence, and expands public awareness, appreciation, and acquisition of fine art and fine craft. The organization serves as the voice for independent artists, advocating to promote improvement throughout the art show industry.
https://www.naiaartists.org/
This is an online showcase of fine metal and glass enamel art created by Diane Echnoz Almeyda. The website highlights breathtaking vessels, jewelry, miniatures, and collector buttons fashioned through the rare and challenging plique-à-jour technique, which fuses gold or silver filigree wire with specially formulated glass to create translucent, backlit enamel pieces. Detailed galleries, upcoming workshops, and information on commissioning custom work are included.
https://www.plique-a-jour.com/
