Every style has it’s moment and that moment inevitably passes. As makers it is easy (and maybe even important) to get excited about something that is on-trend but it can hurt your business when you fail to notice when its time has expired. Now that the New Year is here, it is time to take stock of the trends you’ve adopted in your work and life and decide what comes with you in 2018 and what gets left behind.
Here are some of them that have fallen by the wayside in 2018…Or maybe even earlier (we are looking at you burlap).
Millennial pink and rose quartz
Millennial pink and rose quartz just will not leave the zeitgeist. The two colors can be found on everything, from floating flamingos for your pool to handbags, kitchen mixers, rugs, shoes, towels and much, much more. It has invaded the crafts world as well. Rose quartz may have been the Pantone color of the year in 2016, but now we must focus our attention on the new color of the year for 2018: ultra violet. Prepare for this striking color to start showing up everywhere.
The “rustic” look
Every coffee shop and bar you walk into in a hipster neighborhood is “rustic.” They have reclaimed wood chairs, barstools and tables, exposed brick and industrial lighting. Craftsmakers on Pinterest go wild for anything rustic. People now think your wedding is cool if you host it in a forest complete with rustic table settings and furniture. Remember that if everyone is doing it, it is not a unique idea. Let’s try for some more modern looking crafts in 2018.
Burlap everything
Burlap has had quite a run for years now. DYI brides love it, but honestly, it looks better in a potato sack race than on your guests’ table at your wedding. Get rid of the burlap banners, the little burlap gift bags and burlap table runners, and switch them out for something new and fresh instead.
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The farmhouse look
We get it. You live in a big city and you want to make your home feel a little more cozy and comfy. So, you ask your contractor to install a barn door for your kitchen cabinet, or you make a farmhouse-esque toilet paper holder for your bathroom. In 2018, if you don’t raise chickens and tend to the cornfields on a regular basis, it might be time to ditch the farmhouse look.
Inspirational signs
Stop into a Marshalls or TJ Maxx or shop for goodies on Etsy and Pinterest and you will find a bunch of inspirational signs. They may have phrases on them like “Believe in Yourself,” “Simply Blessed” or “Laugh!” You do not need a sign to tell you how to live your life or to remind you that you are awesome. Craftsmakers: Let’s consider some other options in 2018. Inspiration sign enthusiasts: Maybe watch a TED Talk or take a nice stroll through the park – there are lots of ways to live your best live.
Happy 2018, and happy crafting!
You can build a thriving business as a maker. Learn more.
