Category: ACT

Crafting enthusiasts are always on the hunt for the best materials to bring their creative visions to life. This pursuit often begins with a simple question: What is the best paper for crafts? There are many options to choose from, and it can sometimes be daunting to determine the perfect fit for your project.

Whether you’re constructing an intricate origami structure, fashioning a colourful scrapbook, or preparing for papercraft events like the much-anticipated CraftAlive Hawkesbury papercraft show, your selection of paper is the foundation of your creative masterpiece.

In this blog, we delve into the wonderful world of papercrafts, highlighting various types of craft paper and guiding you on choosing the best paper for your craft projects. Get ready to turn a new leaf as we unfold the secrets to selecting the best paper for paper crafts.

So, let’s dive in and explore what paper has to offer.

Common types of paper for crafts and their uses

Each type of paper has its own unique qualities that make it perfect for specific projects. Knowing what each type of paper is best for can help improve your crafts and give you more creative options.

In the next sections, we’ll go into more detail about these types of papers. We’ll talk about their specific qualities and what kinds of crafts they’re best for. This information will be helpful as you learn more about crafting with paper. Stay with us as we reveal more about these popular craft papers.

Cardstock

Cardstock is a favourite of crafters because its resilience allows for intricate designs and details to be crafted with ease. It’s thicker than regular paper and can withstand embellishments like paint and glitter without warping.

Here are some of the benefits of using cardstock in crafts:

• Durability:Cardstock is much more durable than regular paper, so it can withstand more wear and tear. This durability makes it a good choice for projects that will be handled frequently, such as greeting cards or scrapbooks.

• Variety of colours and finishes:Cardstock is available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, so you can choose the right type for your project. This gives you a lot of creative freedom when designing your paper crafts.

• Easy to work with: Cardstock is easy to cut, fold, and glue, making it a good choice for beginners.

Cardstock is available in various weights and finishes, so you can choose the right type for your project. For example, if you’re making a greeting card, you’ll want to use heavier-weight cardstock that will not bend or tear easily.

Construction paper

Construction paper is a versatile and accessible choice of material for crafters of all ages, especially children.

Here are some of the benefits of using construction paper in your craft projects:

• Vibrant palette: It comes in various bright colours, making it a fun and eye-catching choice for crafts.

• Lightweight: Its lightweight composition makes it easy for children to handle in crafting activities.

• Easy to work with: This material is easy to cut, fold, and glue, making it a good choice for beginners in the world of crafting.

While construction paper is not as durable as cardstock, it’s still a good choice for simple projects.

Cardboard

Cardboard is thicker and more rigid than construction paper. It’s often used in model-making and large-scale projects because it can provide a sturdy base for your creations.

• Strength: Cardboard is much stronger than construction paper, so it’s often used for projects that require strength and durability.

• Rigidity: Due to its rigidity, it’s a good choice for projects that need to hold their shape.

• Versatility: Cardboard can be used for a variety of projects, from simple crafts to complex models.

With its ability to withstand bending, folding, and shaping, cardboard offers both practical functionality and endless possibilities for innovative and imaginative crafts.

Specialty craft papers

You’ll also encounter specialty craft papers, each designed with specific projects in mind, like the following:

• Origami paper: A thin, lightweight paper, origami paper resists tearing and holds folds well. These characteristics make it perfect for creating intricate origami designs.

• Tissue paper:Delicate and translucent, tissue paper is ideal for crafting light, airy projects like paper flowers and lanterns. Its light weight allows for crumpling, twisting, or layering to create intricate textures.

• Parchment paper:With heat-resistant and non-stick qualities, parchment paper is great for heat transfer projects like embossing. It also provides a smooth surface suitable for calligraphy.

Specialty craft papers open new doors of creativity, allowing crafters to take their projects to the next level. Explore, experiment, and find the perfect paper for your crafting needs.

How to choose the right paper for your craft project

Choosing the right paper for your craft project involves understanding the paper’s properties and matching them with your project’s requirements. This includes considering the project’s purpose, the paper’s weight and texture, and its colour and finish. For instance, use durable paper for long-lasting projects, and consider the visual impact of colour and finish. The weight and texture can also add dimension and influence the sturdiness of the craft.



Selecting the perfect paper for your craft project can be both an art and a science. It requires understanding the paper’s properties and how they align with your project’s needs.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of paper crafting begins with choosing the right type of paper. The journey might seem overwhelming, but with a bit of knowledge and a lot of experimentation, you’ll find the perfect paper for your projects.

Remember, crafting is as much about the process as it is about the end product. So, explore the many types of paper, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, enjoy your crafting journey. Because in the world of crafts, the only limit is your imagination.

Happy crafting!

The journey to find your craft tribe in Perth is as exciting as the craft process itself. A simple online search for ‘craft groups near me’ or ‘local craft groups near me’ can reveal numerous options. Local community centres and craft stores often have bulletin boards filled with flyers for craft meet-ups. Don’t be shy about exploring these resources.

When choosing a group, consider what you want to gain. Are you a beginner seeking a welcoming environment to learn? A craft fair in Perth is a great place to start. Or maybe you’re an experienced crafter desiring a more challenging experience. Every craft group has its flavour, so take the time to find one that suits your taste.

Why join a local craft group?

Crafting is not only a leisure activity; it’s a celebration of creativity, an exercise for the brain, and therapy for the soul. Joining a craft group enables you to learn new skills or refine existing ones, like intricate embroidery or the delicate art of handweaving.

Moreover, it’s a unique opportunity to become part of a vibrant, supportive community, echoing the spirit of Perth itself. You might begin by learning a new stitch, but you’ll end up stitching lifelong friendships.

Notable craft groups in Perth

There is a plethora of craft groups in Perth, each with its unique offerings:

• The West Australian Quilters Association (WAQA)

  As a non-profit organisation founded in 1976, WAQA is committed to fostering a thriving quilting culture in Perth. They facilitate various activities, including monthly meetings with guest speakers, educational workshops and classes, quilting bees, exhibitions, and charitable projects. Each of these initiatives provides opportunities for quilters of all skill levels to learn, grow, and connect.

  With its commitment to quilting, WAQA welcomes anyone interested in the craft, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter. The association helps you weave your passion into the fabric of Perth’s vibrant quilting community.

• The Perth Modern Quilt Guild

  With a modern edge, the Perth Modern Quilt Guild embodies a contemporary approach to the traditional craft of quilting. Catering to those drawn to modern aesthetics in quilting, the guild offers a stimulating and supportive environment for members to interact, learn, and evolve their craft. With a variety of events, including engaging workshops, sociable ‘sew-ins,’ and charity sew days, the guild is consistently fostering a vibrant and creative community.

  Whether you are just beginning your journey into modern quilting or are an established quilter looking to connect with like-minded individuals, the Perth Modern Quilt Guild provides a dynamic and friendly community.

• Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild of Western Australia Inc.

  Established in 1946 by crafts enthusiasts, the Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild of Western Australia Inc. is a non-profit entity dedicated to promoting and preserving textile arts such as handweaving, spinning, and dyeing. The Guild takes pride in its multifaceted approach to fostering these crafts, hosting monthly meetings, exhibitions, and demonstrations and providing its members with courses and workshops.

  Members are privy to a rich lending library of books and equipment while also benefiting from the Guild’s dynamic social media presence. Nestled in the Alexander Park Craft House in Menora, Western Australia, the Guild’s premises are open to the public on weekends and during special events.

Special focus: Craft Fair Perth

No discussion of Perth’s craft scene is complete without mentioning the CraftAlive event in Perth. This event is a treasure trove of inspiration, showcasing the city’s rich craft culture. With numerous local groups participating, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow craft enthusiasts.

Scheduled for August 3–6, 2023, at the iconic Claremont Showground, the fair is a magnet for craft enthusiasts from all walks of life. The four-day event is brimming with a diverse array of craft supplies and kits.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter searching for specialised equipment, a beginner looking for easy-to-use kits, or just someone interested in exploring the creative world of crafts, CraftAlive’s event has something for you. Offering a vast array of supplies ranging from fabrics, yarn, books, scissors, and sewing machines, to papercraft supplies and tools, this event is the perfect venue to fuel your creativity and expand your crafting horizon. It also includes classes suitable for children, making it a fun day out for the entire family.

This craft and quilt fair in Perth provides an amazing opportunity to interact with the local craft community, support local businesses, and gather unique crafting materials. As you navigate through the stalls, you will not only discover novel crafting supplies but also get to hear the stories and experiences of local artisans.

Getting started with your local craft group

Taking the first step to join a craft group can be exciting and a little daunting. Come as you are, with an open mind, ready to learn and share. And remember, it’s about enjoying the process, not just the end product. So go ahead, tap ‘craft groups for adults near me’ into your search engine and embark on your craft journey.

Don’t just imagine the magic of crafting; experience it. Visit craft fairs like CraftAlive in Perth, explore local craft groups, and immerse yourself in this thriving community. Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single stitch. Your craft journey begins now.

Sitting in northeastern Australia, Townsville is more than a vibrant city blessed with tropical charm – it’s a thriving hub of culture, sports, music, and craft. From its historic run as host to the acclaimed Townsville Pacific Festival to the pulse-pounding Supercars Watpac Townsville 400, the city has a rich legacy of events that attract enthusiasts from around the world.

As we peek into the 2023 calendar, Townsville is primed to host another round of diverse and exciting events. So, stick around as we unravel why this tropical city’s events should be on your must-visit list.

CraftAlive Townsville

The first event on our list is CraftAlive Townsville, a notable event in the craft industry that unites renowned craft designers and retailers nationwide. Celebrating its 33rd year, CraftAlive holds the title of Australia’s biggest craft event series, hosting events throughout the country.

The Townsville craft show covers a wide range of crafts and products, from traditional to modern. The event showcases both local and national specialists, along with the most recent kits, equipment, and craft supplies. Whether you’re into quilting, patchwork, beading, paper craft, stitchery, scrapbooking, or more, there’s something for everyone.

But what makes the 2023 event truly exciting is the Major Prize Draw. This year, CraftAlive and Grace Company proudly present the largest prize in sewing and craft history in Australia. Lucky attendees stand a chance to win a well-appointed quilting and crafting room valued at a whopping AUD$33,000.

The event will be held at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Entertainment Dr, Townsville, Queensland 4810. CraftAlive is an engaging event that offers interactive classes throughout each day. It provides an opportunity to gain knowledge from top-tier experts and deeply dive into the realm of craft.

Tickets for the event are available for adults at $20, concession/students at $18, and multi-day passes at $30. Children under 14 can enter for free. The venue is fully accessible, with provisions for companion cards, service animals, and wheelchair access.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

One of the most anticipated events in Townsville’s 2023 calendar is the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. This unique 10-day event, from 28 July to 6 August, promises to entertain and move audiences with a diverse range of concerts. The festival is set to showcase a stunning line-up of international and Australian musicians, all within the friendly and inviting atmosphere of Townsville–Gurambilbarra.

Tickets for the festival are already on sale, so it’s a good idea to secure your spot early. For more details, you can view the 2023 Festival Program on the official website.

Shakespeare Under the Stars

The magic of theatre comes alive in Townsville with the annual event Shakespeare Under the Stars. TheatreiNQ, known for its high-quality productions, is set to deliver another smash hit in September 2023. This year, Queens Gardens, a popular botanical garden in Townsville, will serve as the venue for the event, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for the performances.

The 2023 season will feature William Shakespeare’s black comedy, Measure for Measure. The performance comes with a unique twist, with the setting transported back to the early 1920s, adding a time-warp element to the experience.

The event is known for its world-class production quality, and with 27 seasons under its belt, it holds the record of being the longest-running of its kind in regional Australia.

The 2023 season of Shakespeare Under the Stars will take place at Queens Gardens North Ward, running from 12 September to 24th. Bookings can be made through the TheatreiNQ website from 1 July.

Ladbrokes Townsville Cup

The next event to mark on your calendar is the Ladbrokes Townsville Cup, a highlight of the Cluden Park Winter Racing Carnival. Scheduled for Saturday, 12 August 2023, this event is Townsville’s premier racing event, renowned as one of the most enduring races nationwide.

Now in its 139th year, the Townsville Cup remains a significant attraction, drawing in audiences from all corners of the nation. The event showcases two of North Queensland’s most prestigious annual races: the Townsville Cup and the Cleveland Bay Handicap. The day promises to be action-packed, offering an unmissable experience for both racing enthusiasts and casual spectators.

Conclusion

From the enchanting sounds of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music to the dramatic performances of Shakespeare Under the Stars, Townsville is set to host a diverse array of events in 2023, each offering unique experiences and memories to be made. The Ladbrokes Townsville Cup brings the thrill of racing to the forefront, while CraftAlive Townsville provides a chance to learn, create, and be inspired.

These events not only showcase the vibrant culture and community spirit of Townsville but also offer visitors a chance to engage with the city in new and exciting ways. So whether you’re a local or planning a visit, make sure to mark your calendar and book your tickets early.

This year promises to be full of excitement and unforgettable experiences in Townsville. We can’t wait to see you there!

For more information on these events and to stay updated on what’s happening in Townsville, check out the provided links. Don’t forget to share this blog post with friends who might be interested in attending these events.

Let’s make 2023 a year to remember in Townsville!

If you’re excited to discover the newest craft crazes shaping the year ahead, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore popular crafts, DIY trends, and the intersection of crafting and technology. Prepare to breathe new life into your hobbies and embark on a journey beyond the ordinary. Let’s dive into the captivating 2023 craft trends!

The rise of craft trends in 2023

As we delve into 2023, the world of crafting is experiencing an exciting shift in trends. More than just a way to spend time, crafting has evolved into a form of self-expression and a journey of skill refinement. This is not lost on the thousands of crafting enthusiasts who gather annually at events like the CraftAlive craft and quilt fair. Here, they eagerly explore the newest array of craft supplies, kits, and equipment that align with the year’s hottest crafting trends.

Here are the top crafting trends of the year that you need to try:

1. The resurgence of patchwork

   Patchwork, a craft genre with a rich historical tapestry, is making a big splash in 2023. This trend has found new life, partly due to exposure on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where modern quilters share their innovative, bold, and artistic designs.

   Here are some of the most popular patchwork trends in 2023:

   • Modern patchwork:Bold colours, patterns, and textures, creating designs that command attention.

   • Geometric patchwork: Utilising geometric shapes for intricate patterns.

   • Appliqué patchwork: Fabric shapes sewn onto a background fabric for added depth.

   • Free-form patchwork: Gives quilters creative liberty, allowing expressive designs.

   • Invisible mending: Embroidery techniques used to repair fabric, blending the old with the new.

   If you’re seeking a hobby that’s creative, relaxing, social, and sustainable, patchwork in 2023 is a trend worth trying.

2. The embroidery revival

   Embroidery, another age-old craft, is seeing a significant revival and is commanding the attention of crafting enthusiasts in 2023. Versatile and intricate, embroidery allows for a vast range of applications, from clothing and accessories to home décor and artwork.

   In 2023, several distinct embroidery styles and techniques are leading the trend:

   • Eco-friendly embroidery: In an increasingly eco-conscious world, this style has gained traction. It employs sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled thread, appealing to those wishing to craft while minimising their environmental impact.

   • Bold colours: Striking colours and daring patterns are the order of the day in modern embroidery, creating captivating designs for those unafraid to make a statement with their work.

   • Monogramming: Personalisation is in style, and embroidered monograms are a perfect way to infuse a dash of luxury into clothing and accessories.

     

   • Texture: To add depth and intrigue to their embroidery, crafters use a variety of stitches and techniques, exploring the exciting world of textural design.

   • Abstract designs: This trend caters to the adventurous embroiderers, encouraging experimentation with modern, edgy designs that stand apart from traditional patterns.

   Whether you are an eco-conscious crafter, a fan of bold colours, or an explorer of textures and abstract designs, embroidery in 2023 has a trend for you. Embrace the needle and thread and start crafting your unique narrative.

3. Needle felting: The crafting wave of 2023

   Needle felting is making waves in the 2023 crafting world. This relatively new craft, using barbed needles to felt wool fibres, is versatile, allowing for a variety of creations – from jewellery and figurines to clothing and home décor.

   This year’s needle felting trends offer a variety of styles:

   • Fine felting: Uses delicate wool fibres for intricate, detailed pieces, perfect for figurines and jewellery.

   • Coil felting: Creates three-dimensional structures, ideal for life-like animals and organic shapes.

   • Naked needle felting: Involves felting wool fibres directly onto surfaces for large-scale pieces like wall hangings or rugs.

   • Wet felting: Uses water and soap to craft larger items like scarves and blankets.

   • Mixed media felting: Combines needle felting with embroidery, painting, or crocheting for unique and unconventional pieces.

   Needle felting in 2023 offers something for every crafter, regardless of skill level or style preference.

4. Knitting: An age-old craft with a modern twist

   Knitting, a craft steeped in tradition, is being reimagined by modern crafters in 2023. Today’s knitting enthusiasts use a kaleidoscope of colours, unique patterns, and various textures to fashion garments and accessories that double as functional items and artistic masterpieces. Here’s a glimpse into the most popular knitting trends of 2023:

   • Chunky knits: Made with thick yarns, these oversized and snug knits are a favourite trend in 2023, perfect for creating cozy winter wear.

   • Fair Isle patterns: Characterised by intricate designs and the use of multiple colours, Fair Isle patterns are another trend capturing the attention of knitters this year.

   • Appliqué: This technique of adding fabric pieces to a knitted garment creates vibrant and fanciful designs.

     

   • Mixed media: This is a trend that combines knitting with other techniques like crocheting, embroidery, and felting, giving rise to unique and unconventional pieces.

   • Technique-specific knitting: This trend is for those seeking to master a specific knitting technique, like lace knitting or colorwork, enabling the creation of complex and exquisite designs.

   In essence, the knitting trend for 2023 is about infusing a modern flair into this classic craft.

Conclusion

Crafting in 2023 is an exciting blend of traditional techniques and modern innovations. From the intricate details of patchwork and embroidery to the inventive realms of needle felting and knitting, there’s a craft trend that fits everyone’s style and skill level. So why wait? Discover a new hobby or rekindle an old passion – dive into these top craft trends today!