Die Cut & Stencil in the Great Outdoors: 8 Reasons Why Outdoor Crafting Is a Must!

If you're used to crafting in the same spot every day, whether it’s your desk or craft room, it's time to shake things up! Outdoor crafting is more than just a change of scenery, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, refresh your creative spirit, and bring new energy into your projects. 

Creative Cuts: Pack Your Bags Layering Die Set 

There are lots of ways to do it! Maybe head over to a park or set up a little crafting space while you’re camping. As long as you have a safe, relatively stable place to do it, and you have some portable supplies, you’re all set! So, let’s get started and talk about 8 exciting reasons to take your die cuts , stencils , and paper crafting tools outside.

Step outside and you’re instantly surrounded by inspiration.Can’t decide what your focal point will be? Choose something that you’re looking at right in the moment! If you need some help choosing your color palette as well, get inspired by the blues, pinks, greens, oranges, and more from outdoor elements like the sky, trees, and landscapes.

Observing the world around you can spark fresh ideas for your next stencil project or die-cut design. So the next time you need inspiration, just step outside and take in nature’s beauty!

Brilliant Waves Background Stencil 

Now, we know what you're thinking. How can I even craft outdoors if there are so many elements to creating a project? While it’s true you need papers, embellishments, inks, supplies, and even machines, it doesn’t have to dictate your entire outdoor crafting experience. 

Bright Bloom Die Set 

Consider die-cutting all of the pieces you’ll need in advance, and use relatively simpler dies instead of complicated layering ones. On the other hand, do the same for stamps and maybe just bring one or two stencils to choose from. Pack simple and do as much prep as you can before going out so you won’t stress too much. Making a checklist also helps!

There’s something about the breeze, birdsong, and sunshine that just clears mental block and lets your creativity break free. Choose a particularly pleasant day, and head out for just a few hours to craft and maybe do a bit of skygazing or people watching!

Crafting outdoors is an amazing change of pace, especially if you’re always used to making your projects in the same spot at home. Who knows, you might even have a lot of project ideas to take home with you.

Indoor crafting often means navigating through piles of supplies. You’re surrounded by all of the stamps, dies, stencils, and tools you have, which can be a tad overwhelming if you don’t know what you want to use for a particular project.

Outdoor crafting, by nature, encourages minimalism. You’re somewhat forced to focus on the supplies you’ve already packed, and other than that, you get to enjoy the scenery! 

Take a leaf (yes, literally!) from nature and incorporate it into your art. Use leaves, bark, stones, or even sand as natural textures or masks in your mixed media work. It might be a bit unconventional and messy, but isn’t that what crafting is all about, too? 

Checkerboard Tiles Background Stencil 

Give it a try and see where nature can take your projects! Take this stencil, for instance, maybe you could pair it with some natural elements to make it pop! Oh, and did we mention that you can get this stencil for FREE on orders over $59 at the Altenew store? Mark your calendar for August 8-10 so you won’t miss it! 

Outdoor crafting in a local park, on your front porch, or at a café patio often invites curiosity and connection. Neighbors and fellow hobbyists might stop to chat, share ideas, or even join you. It’s a natural way to introduce others to card making and spread joy through creativity.

On the other hand, consider inviting your crafty friends for an outdoor crafting day! Bring extra stencils , die cuts , and some snacks to turn it into a fun, mini retreat.

While outdoor crafting is a great way to bond and socialize with others, it’s also an excellent way to have some alone time. Choose a particularly secluded spot, listen to your favorite music on your earphones, and just get lost in the crafty project you’re creating. Talk about a nature-inspired, self-care activity! 

Are you one of those people who enjoy packing for a trip? Well, this is kind of the same thing! You get to organize and pack some of your simple and favorite craft supplies in preparation for an outdoor crafting sesh. You’ll need some organization tools and a pretty sturdy bag, but those will just make the packing process all the more fun! 

Storage Pockets: 4.5” x 6” (10 pieces/set)  

The next time the weather is just right, grab your stencil set, a handful of die cuts , and your favorite stamp collection. Head to your backyard, a local park, or even your balcony. You’ll be amazed at what fresh air and natural light can do for your projects.

We hope you give it a try soon! And if you’ve already tried outdoor crafting, let us know what you think! In the meantime, don’t forget to head over to the Altenew Blog for more paper crafting tips, inspiration, techniques, and tutorials! Till next time!

Q: What is nature crafts?

A: Nature crafts can actually be anything you define them to be. It can be crafting outdoors, or crafting something inspired by the outdoors! Either way, there must be something about nature that inspires your crafting experience for it to be counted as a type of nature craft.

Q: What are some good crafting ideas?

A: A lot of good crafting ideas involve a good mix of supplies like stamps, dies, stencils, and embossing folders. Finding that balance and learning which ones work great together is a skill you can develop over time!

Q: Where should I craft outdoors?

A: When crafting outdoors, consider finding a safe and cozy space to do it. It can be something as simple as your backyard, or maybe a table in your local park.