Eleanor Hayes
Eleanor spent over twenty years working as a floral designer before turning her attention to teaching others how to bring natural beauty into their homes through handmade crafts. Known for her calm and elegant writing style, she focuses on projects that feel timeless, comforting, and deeply personal.
Her readers appreciate her thoughtful approach to crafting with seasonal flowers, greenery, and natural textures. She enjoys writing about botanical crafts, wreath-making, dried flower arrangements, and rustic wedding DIYs.
Outside of writing, Eleanor spends her time drying flowers, birdwatching, gardening, and hosting small craft workshops for friends and neighbors.
Articles by Eleanor Hayes
Hand Embroidery: 10 Essential Stitches to Master
Discover the rich tradition of hand embroidery and master ten essential stitches that will carry you through any project.
Cross Stitch Patterns: Easy Floral Designs for Beginners
Learn the soothing art of cross stitch with simple floral patterns perfect for beginners. Start your stitching journey today.
Knitting for Beginners: How to Knit a Simple Scarf
Learn to knit your first scarf with just two stitches, basic tools, and the timeless tradition that has warmed shoulders for centuries — a gentle, achievable guide for absolute beginners.
Say Bye to Doomscrolling: Grandma Hobbies and Crafts Are Trending
Tired of scrolling yourself into a fog? You're not alone. Millions of Gen Z and Millennials are swapping their screens for needles and thread, rediscovering embroidery, cross-stitch, and the quiet …
Crochet Flower Bouquets: A Spring Trend That Lasts
Transform yarn into everlasting blooms with this gentle guide to crochet flower bouquets that keep blooming long after real flowers fade.
Fiber Craft Kits: How Gen Z Replaces Doomscrolling
Discover how fiber craft kits are helping a new generation trade endless scrolling for the simple joy of handmade creation.
Needlepoint for Beginners: Heirloom Craft Revival
Discover the timeless art of needlepoint — a meditative craft that connects you to centuries of stitchers while filling your home with handmade beauty.
Crochet Tote Bags for Summer
Learn to crochet stylish tote bags perfect for summer outings. This beginner-friendly guide covers easy patterns, essential stitches, and material tips.
7 Craft Trends at the 2026 Ann Arbor Art Fair
From textile art revival to charm jewelry, discover the seven trends that will define the 2026 Ann Arbor Art Fair — one of America's most beloved outdoor art gatherings.
Paper Chain Garlands: Vintage Charm for Modern Homes
Rediscover the simple joy of paper chain garlands with modern twists on a classic craft that spans generations, from Victorian parlors to today's stylish homes.
Felt Birthday Crowns: A Handmade Tradition for Every Age
Transform simple felt into a cherished keepsake with this beginner-friendly birthday crown tutorial, rooted in Scandinavian tradition.
Needle Felting: Make Adorable Wool Animals
Transform a bundle of wool roving into sweet animal friends with nothing more than a barbed needle and a bit of patience.
Crochet Dresses: How a Simple Stitch Became Summer's Hottest Trend
From Victorian cottages to summer festivals, the crochet dress has woven its way through history. Learn how to make your own, even if you have never held a hook before.
Easiest Chunky Knit Blanket Tutorials for 2026
Learn how to make a chunky knit blanket using nothing but your arms. These easy tutorials take just one to two hours and require no needles.
From Granny Squares to Couture: The Rise of Craft as Art
What was once dismissed as women's busywork has become a radical act of creativity, sustainability, and high-fashion rebellion.
Easy Crochet Sun Coasters: A Quick Weekend Project
Discover how to create beautiful easy crochet sun coasters with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike.
How to Embroider a Monogrammed Handkerchief: Heirloom Gift Idea
Learn the art of hand-embroidering a monogrammed handkerchief with this in-depth tutorial. From choosing linen to final care, create a treasured heirloom gift.
No-Sew Modern Quilt Favor Boxes: Perfect for Party Favors
Learn how to create stunning no-sew quilted favor boxes using fabric squares, cardboard, and adhesive. A complete step-by-step guide with tips on mitered corners, fabric choices, and creative variations for …
Hand-Quilted Coasters: A Beginner Sewing Project for the Home
Discover how to create beautiful hand-quilted coasters with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike.
Pressed Petals & Memories: Dried Spring Flowers in Scrapbooks
Preserve the beauty of spring by adding dried flowers to your scrapbook pages—simple, meaningful, and perfect for capturing memories in a soft, natural way.
Negative Space: The Secret Language of Ferns
Discover how negative space transforms simple fern paintings into elegant botanical art. Learn how to use minimal watercolor techniques to create depth, calm, and beauty—perfect for mindful creative time at …
How to Style Colorful Knits for Spring 2026, According to Street Style
Discover fresh ways to wear your handmade colorful knits this spring with street‑style inspired tips—perfect for knitters who want to showcase their creations with confidence, even if you’re new to …