November 16, 2021

Michaels predicts 2022 as the year of “mindful making”

Michaels has long been a resource for Makers and artists. This year, for the first time ever, we’re excited to share our predictions of what will be trending in 2022. Our team is constantly tracking the materials and makes on the horizon -- about eighteen months before they’re in-store or trending on social. Through a combination of this work and with the help of our community of Makers, we’re predicting 2022 as the year of “mindful making” and have identified eight trends that will flourish.

Thousands joined the maker community in 2021, turning to hand-made arts and crafts to find calm and relaxation amid the uncertainty of the world around us. At Michaels, we call this “mindful making” and expect the trend to continue through 2022. From upcycling to personalization to nature-inspired creations, our trend predictions offer a look at how crafters are keeping their crafts fresh after a year at home by experimenting with new materials and DIY projects.

As our lead trend expert at Michaels, Andrea Manning, puts it: At Michaels, we are inspired by our Makers and the incredible things they create. Next year, we expect to see new and experienced Makers alike continue to practice ‘mindful making,’ the idea of using arts and crafts to relax and find calm. We’ll see them applying what they learned last year and expanding creatively into new materials and aspirational themes, more sustainable ways of crafting, and to use making to connect with loved ones in new and meaningful ways.

Michaels’ Top “Mindful Making” Predictions for 2022

  1. CELEBRATE EVERY MOMENT – Makers will continue to expand their horizons, embracing cultures from around the world to learn about and celebrate new traditions as ways of connecting with friends and family throughout the year.

@sailingintosecond
@suhenna_creations
@lonefoxhome

  1. EMBRACE NOSTALGIAHygge, the Scandinavian word for all things cozy and comfortable, will be front and center in spaces that create warmth and #cottagecore will reach the mainstream through calming, understated florals, embroidery, and needlepoint in the home.

@ablissfulnest

  1. OBSERVE NATURE – Makers will continue to find unexpected natural materials to incorporate into their makes, foraging and collecting for craft and enabling Makers of all ages to engage and interact with nature even before beginning to create.

@basedbianca

  1. MAKE TOGETHER – Parents and caregivers will celebrate the experience of discovery and engage more deeply with children through kid-directed, choice-driven Process Art.

@joshtalbotart

  1. DAYDREAM & TRAVEL – After spending so much time at home, Makers are dreaming of travelling and fulfilling their wanderlust through designs inspired by their bucket list destinations and favorite places. 

@byadelinewang

  1. THOUGHTFUL PERSONALIZATION – Makers will turn to hand stitching, hi-tech printing, and applique to create exceptionally personalized gifts, DIY branding and creative for every moment.

@lettersbyshells

  1. INCORPORATE TECH – Makers will lean into technology and tools like smart cutting machines and digital heat presses to create custom leather, vinyl, and fabric crafts at home.

@joshtalbotart

  1. REDUCE, REUSE, UPCYCLE – Mindful making takes on new meaning as Makers become more aware of crafting sustainably, learning how to repurpose textiles and materials through tutorials from other Makers.

@byadelinewang
@lettersbyshells

Michaels believes there is a Maker in everyone and wants to see what you make in 2022! Join our community of creatives on social @MichaelsStores and tag your makes #MakeItWithMichaels.