How to Find Your Unique Style in Crafting
Last Updated: January 27, 2025
"Creativity takes courage." This simple quote by Henri Matisse beautifully captures the heart of crafting.

Whether you're creating with your favorite crafting tools or experimenting with new techniques, crafting isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing who you are. For many, finding their unique creative style is a transformative journey, one filled with self-discovery, confidence-building, and the thrill of creating something truly personal.

If you enjoy crafting but are still exploring all its possibilities, this blog is for you. Together, we’ll uncover how to craft your own path and discover your unique style while making every project a true reflection of your personality. Let’s get started!
Why Finding Your Creative Style Matters
Your creative style is more than a preference for certain colors or designs—it’s a way to share your individuality with the world. But why does it matter?
-
Build confidence in your crafting journey. When you find a style that feels like "you," every creation becomes a source of pride. Imagine how satisfying it feels to hold a handmade card, scrapbook album, or DIY bookmark that reflects your heart.
-
Enhance creative satisfaction. Crafting individuality allows you to connect more deeply with your handmade projects, turning every brushstroke or stamped design into a meaningful moment.
-
Make every project unique. Personalize your work and create one-of-a-kind pieces that truly stand out.

Quick Tip: Use tools like our Watercolor Brush Markers to experiment with vibrant, rich hues and discover how color can be a powerful part of your signature style. |
How to Start Exploring Your Unique Crafting Style
Starting your journey to finding your creative style might seem daunting, but breaking it into manageable steps makes all the difference. Here’s how you can begin:
1. Identify Your Preferences
Take a moment to reflect on what resonates with you. Do you love clean, minimalist designs or bold, intricate patterns? Are soft, pastel hues your go-to, or do you prefer vibrant, dramatic colors? Do you like following a technique, a color palette, or a layout?

Explore various techniques to see what feels most natural. For example, you might enjoy ink blending to create dreamy, ombre backgrounds or hot foiling for an elegant, polished look.


Tool to Try: Experiment with shimmer relief pastes (or any type of relief paste) to add stunning textures to your projects. These versatile pastes can elevate simple designs into something extraordinary. |
Read more on What Is Shimmer Relief Paste and How to Use It
2. Find Inspiration Everywhere
Inspiration is all around you, from nature to your cushions to your favorite book. Altenew’s monthly Inspiration Challenges and crafting contests are another fantastic way to spark your imagination. These challenges encourage you to work with specific themes, colors, or crafting supplies, helping you push boundaries and develop your unique style.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, our coordinated dye inks and curated alcohol marker sets are perfect for exploring color combinations without the guesswork. |

Ways to Experiment and Personalize Your Projects
Once you’ve started to identify your preferences, it’s time to dive into creative experimentation. This is where the magic happens—your style truly begins to shine when you explore new ideas and techniques.
1. Combine Styles and Tools
Blend different styles to create something fresh and uniquely yours. For example:
-
Pair hot foiling techniques with watercolor backgrounds for a stunning juxtaposition of shine and softness.
-
Add depth and dimension to stamped images using stencils or 3D embossing folders.
-
Incorporate mixed media art through different types of pastes (embossing paste, relief paste, etc.), watercolors, embossing powders, etc.

2. Incorporate Signature Elements
Every crafter has a signature touch—a small, personal element that makes their handmade projects instantly recognizable. If you have read Altenew blogs consistently, you’ve probably seen every designer’s signature style. Whether it’s clean and simple (Aga and Tenia), coloring (Erum), or “2 cards, 1 technique/product” (Therese), every designer has their own unique signature that we can easily recognize and appreciate. Here are some quick tips you can incorporate into your cards.
-
Use wax seals for an elegant, timeless feel.
-
Combine different stencils to create unique backgrounds.
-
Add dimension and layers to your designs through dies.

3. Experiment with Texture and Dimension
Textured details can elevate any crafting project. Use 3D embossing folders to create rich, dimensional backgrounds or incorporate shimmer pastes to add a touch of glamour and texture. These tools let you play with layers and tactile elements, making your projects visually striking.

Keeping Crafting Affordable and Accessible
Finding your unique style doesn’t have to mean splurging on expensive tools. Here are some tips to stay budget-friendly while still exploring your creativity.

-
Invest in versatile tools! Look for products that serve multiple purposes, like Altenew’s dye ink pads that work for stamping, blending, and watercoloring and stencils that can also be used for simple coloring, layering, and masking.
-
Start with affordable kits and bundles: Altenew offers budget-friendly crafting kits and bundles perfect for beginner to intermediate crafters, allowing you to experiment without breaking the bank.
-
Repurpose leftovers: Use scraps from previous projects to create something new. With our Zero-Waste dies, you can reuse and repurpose leftovers easily! Check out the collection here.
Tip: Join Altenew’s vibrant crafting community online to swap tips, share ideas, and stay inspired while sticking to your budget. |


Sustaining Your Creativity
Creativity is a journey, not a destination. To keep your artistic spirit alive, try these tips:
-
Create an inspiration board: Gather color swatches, mood boards, or pictures of projects you admire. Seeing everything in one place can spark fresh ideas.
-
Practice with coloring books: Altenew’s thoughtfully designed coloring books are perfect for stress-free practice. Use them to test new techniques or simply relax while coloring.
-
Stay connected: Join Altenew’s crafting challenges or share your creations online. Engaging with fellow crafters is a great way to stay motivated and inspired.

Explore Tips and Tools to Craft Uniquely You!
Finding your creative style is an empowering journey that turns crafting into more than just a hobby—it becomes an extension of who you are. By exploring new tools, experimenting with techniques, and embracing your unique preferences, you’ll create handmade projects that not only look stunning but feel deeply personal.
Share your creations with the Altenew community using #Altenew, and let’s celebrate the beauty of individuality in crafting. Your creative path is yours to craft—let Altenew be your guide!
Need more cardmaking inspiration and tips? Visit us In the Craft Room!
In This Article
More Crafty Reads & Inspirations
-
How Altenew’s Shimmer Relief Pastes Came to Life
-
Positive Mindset in Crafting: How to Gain Confidence and Overcome Mistakes
-
Handmade with Love: The Joy of Creating Meaningful Gifts
-
12 Reasons Why People Craft (and How You Can Start)
-
Bring Back Your Creative Passion With These 8 Crafting Inspiration Tips!
-
The Science of Crafting: How Creativity Enhances Your Well-Being
-
How to Find Your Unique Style in Crafting
-
These Heartwarming Crafting Community Stories Will Inspire and Help You Embrace Your Passion!
-
Here Are 10 Crafting Resolutions for 2025 to Get You Inspired!
-
Simple Ways to Feel Accomplished in Your Crafting Journey
Leave a comment