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Will crafting be the hottest trend of 2026?
 An attendee works on an embroidery design during one of Anna House's flash tatt embroidery workshops. (Courtesy Anna House)
With an emphasis on whimsy and a pledge for “screen-less” nights and “analog activities” coming in as new year’s resolutions, crafting projects have been buzzing online lately.
Crafting is nothing new, of course. It’s more that these online trends may show that younger generations are consciously putting down the phones and game controllers and turning to hands-on activities that can quiet the mind and build community.
As Vogue says: “It’s my party, and I’ll craft if I want to,” a nod to the rise in get-togethers centered on art projects.
Memphis is certainly craft-curious.
Dozens of local artists and venues have curated workshops that are offline and hands-on.
There are the classics, like pottery classes and paint ‘n’ sips, but now, the Bluff City has a taste for zine-making parties, vision-board groups, flash tattoo embroidery classes and beyond.
For Memphis-based painter-by-trade Anna House, these workshops go beyond making something.
 Anna House is a painter and resident artist at Cooper House. (Courtesy Anna House)
House has been hosting her workshops since October 2025, a “natural next step” for her after many a night spent crafting with her friend group. Of her painting, vision boarding and upcoming bag charm-making classes, her flash tatt embroidery workshops are her most popular.
“People have come out of (these classes), making connections, making new friends, even networking to a lesser extent,” she said.
The ideas are simple, too, which also speaks to their popularity. She draws a sheet of simple illustrations that are outline-focused, forgoing intricate detail, like designs seen at flash tattoo events. That way, first-timers have an easy guide to follow and the more adventurous have the freedom to embellish, which is highly encouraged.
House says some people don’t come strictly for crafting. For some, it’s more about building relationships — the crafts are just a plus.
“A common question is, ‘Can I go alone?’ And the answer is: ‘Absolutely!’” House said. “A lot of people go alone and they make friends. There’s a lot of people who have just graduated college who are looking for adult friendships, and those are really hard to make sometimes.”
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Fellow workshop host Zack Orsborn, founder of Like Really Creative, is known for his monthly collage parties across the city. These craft workshops have a “ripple effect,” he says, not only in the community, but for the body.
“Not only are you creating something with your hands, in real time, away from screens, being completely present, you are creating a relationship and a potential community. You are taking care of your health.”
 Anna House hosts flash tatt embroidery classes, where she teaches embroidery by using easy-to-follow designs. (Courtesy Anna House)
And experts agree. UCLA says hobbies can help with mental health, improve cognitive function and, sometimes, reduce risk of chronic disease.
Don’t worry, you can craft even when you’re snowed in.
 Anna House will be leaving free embroidery kits at Little Libraries across Memphis. (Courtesy Anna House)
Make your own watercolor piece in the snow, House says, by taking coffee, tea, juice or even food coloring and using paint brushes or a kitchen rag to paint on the ice in your front yard. Reuse the cardboard from a package or cereal box to design a house or make a garland.
“It is more accessible than I think people realize.”
House will be dropping off free craft kits in free Little Libraries across town next week. So keep your eyes peeled!
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