Pull up a chair, grab a cup of something warm, and welcome to Crafts & Keepsakes.
This little corner of the internet started with a simple idea: the best things in life are often made by hand. A scarf knitted over a long winter. A card painted for a friend. A jar of buttons that once belonged to a grandmother. Crafts become keepsakes because of the time, care and stories woven into them. We want to celebrate all of it.
What you will find here
- Honest reviews. We test craft supplies, kits, tools and books at our own table and tell you what is worth your money, and what is not.
- Craft news. New releases, seasonal trends, craft fairs and events worth putting on your calendar.
- DIY projects. Step-by-step makes for every skill level, from first-timers to seasoned crafters.
- Local shop guides. The independent craft, fabric and yarn shops that make a town feel like home.
- Maker spotlights. Friendly interviews with the small sellers and makers behind the handmade things we love.
Why small makers matter to us
Big stores have their place, but there is something special about buying from a person instead of a warehouse. When you support a small maker, you are keeping a skill alive, helping a family business grow, and bringing home something with a real story.
That is why a big part of Crafts & Keepsakes is about shining a light on independent sellers. Featuring is always free. If you make something lovely, we want to hear about it.
Every handmade piece carries a little of the person who made it.
A little project to get you started
It would not feel right to open a craft site without making something. Here is one of our favorite simple keepsakes: a pressed flower bookmark. It is relaxing, costs next to nothing, and makes a sweet handmade gift.
Project at a glance
Time
15 min + pressing
Skill level
Beginner
Cost
Under $5
Makes
1 bookmark
You will need
- A few small, flat flowers or leaves (pansies, violas, daisies, ferns and clover all press well)
- A heavy book and some plain paper or parchment
- A strip of cardstock, about 2 by 6 inches
- Clear self-adhesive laminating sheets or wide clear packing tape
- Scissors, and a hole punch and ribbon if you like
How to make it
- Press your flowers. Lay them flat between two sheets of paper inside a heavy book. Close it, stack a few more books on top, and leave them for one to two weeks until they are completely dry and papery.
- Arrange your design. Place the pressed flowers on the cardstock strip. Less is often more: two or three blooms with a sprig of greenery look lovely.
- Seal it. Carefully cover the front with a laminating sheet or clear tape, smoothing from the center outward to push out air bubbles. Cover the back too.
- Trim and finish. Trim the edges, leaving a thin clear border so the seal holds. Punch a hole at the top and tie on a ribbon or a bit of yarn.
That is it. Tuck one into a book you are lending out, or add it to a birthday card. Little things like this are what keepsakes are made of.
Come make with us
We are just getting started, and we would love for you to be part of it. Here is how:
- Tell us what to review. Curious about a kit, tool or supply? Let us know and we will try it out.
- Share your favorite local shop. We are building guides to the best independent craft shops, and your recommendations are gold.
- Are you a maker? Visit our For Makers page to find out how to be featured.
You can always reach us through our Contact page. Thank you for stopping by. We cannot wait to see what you make.
Happy crafting,
Glory Mae