Michaels Unspools 2025 Crafting Trends—From ‘Gateway’ To ‘Emotional Support’ Art

Image via Michaels

Crafting isn’t just about glue guns and glitter anymore; it’s a movement and an integral part of daily life for many. Major arts and crafts retailer Michaels has presented its first-ever Creativity Trend Report, unfurling six key trends shaping the way people create in 2025—whether  for the purposes of self-care, social connection, or simply the joy of making.

Drawing from insights across 1,300 stores and millions of shoppers, these observations reflect how creativity is evolving beyond a hobby and into a lifestyle.

Image via Michaels

You can view the full report here.

Gateway Crafts

The DIY starter pack

Not everyone starts as a crafting expert, and that’s where ‘Gateway Crafts’ come in. These beginner-friendly projects—often inspired by tutorials on TikTok and other social media platforms—offer an easy, low-commitment entry into the creative world. From guided paint-by-numbers to embroidery starter kits, these projects help newbies gain confidence without investing in expensive tools or advanced techniques. No matter if you’re dipping your toes into crocheting or trying your first resin pour, these activities make creativity more accessible than ever.

Image via Michaels

Emotional Support Crafts

Stress relief, stitch by stitch

With screen fatigue and burnout on the rise, people are turning to hands-on crafting as a form of self-care. ‘Emotional Support Crafts’—like knitting, embroidery, and weaving—provide a meditative escape from the digital world. The repetitive motions involved in these crafts create a calming effect, similar to mindfulness exercises. Instead of doomscrolling before bed, more people are unwinding with a cross-stitch project or a soothing pottery session, proving that creativity can be just as therapeutic as meditation.

Image via Michaels

DIY and Dine

Crafting, the new brunch?

Social gatherings are getting a creative twist with ‘DIY and Dine’, a trend that’s replacing traditional brunches with craft-focused get-togethers. Friends are swapping bottomless mimosas for "Crafternoons" filled with candle-making, painting, and handmade jewelry sessions—paired with snacks and drinks, of course. From wedding DIY parties to pottery-and-prosecco nights, these gatherings turn creativity into a communal experience, making memories (and artworks) that last.

Image via Michaels

Gifting with Love, Not Labels

Handmade is the new luxury

Personalized presents are taking center stage with ‘Gifting with Love, Not Labels’. Instead of mass-produced gifts, people are opting for handmade, one-of-a-kind items that carry sentimental value. Gifts like hand-painted ornaments, custom-embroidered totes, and DIY photo books tell a story and create a deeper connection between giver and recipient than anything store-bought. Plus, with rising costs, making gifts can be just as budget-friendly as it is meaningful.

Image via Michaels

Manifesting with Miniatures

Small creations, big dreams

Miniature crafting isn’t just about tiny furniture and dollhouses—it’s a way to visualize dreams. ‘Manifesting with Miniatures’ taps into the growing trend of using small-scale creations to inspire real-world goals. Projects such as detailed dioramas, book nooks, mini dream homes, and tiny gardens inspire crafters to bring their creative visions to life, one tiny detail at a time. Think of it as a vision board, but in 3D.

Image via Michaels

Dupe-It-Yourself Décor

High-end looks on a DIY budget

Why splurge on expensive décor when you can make it yourself? With ‘Dupe-It-Yourself Décor’, home crafters are recreating trendy, high-end designs for a fraction of the cost. From DIY faux-marble countertops to thrift-flipped furniture, this trend embraces creativity as a way to personalize spaces without breaking the bank. As home décor trends move faster than ever, making your own stylish pieces offers a lease of both financial and creative freedom.

Image via Michaels

Even if you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, 2025 is all about embracing creativity in ways that fit your lifestyle. According to Michaels, crafting has transcended beyond being just a pastime to a way to connect, slow down, unwind, and express yourself in this ever-changing world.

[via Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart, images via Michaels]