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Trends by definition should be techniques, motifs, colors, and supplies that grow in popularity over time versus a fad, which comes and goes in a blink of an eye. There are trends that are standing the test of time and should be taken into consideration when you are ordering, scheduling classes or demos, and planning your merchandise displays.

American lifestyles began changing as we entered the new millennium. Americans wanted more time to spend at home with family and friends. The tragedy of 9/11 and war brought this change in lifestyle to a new level. This change explains the popularity of many of our current motif or style trends. More often than not, these trends and themes represent a journey or visit back home or to childhood. Places where the consumer can relax and unwind.

• Garden & Nature
• Western, Lodge & Country
• Simple Lines & Patterns
• Collectibles like teddy bears and dolls
• Quiet Blues, Greens & Browns
• Roses, Bees, Butterflies & Dragonflies
• Water Fountains
• Sea and Sea Life
• Family & Friends
• Photography
• Digital & Cyber Communication

Help In Finding The Trends

Lifestyles make up our trends, but lifestyles always change is subtle ways. How do you keep up with the changes? Here’s a basic list of ways to keep up to date. These basic tips are helpful to all of us in the creative industry.

• Try to attend at least one trade and consumer show a year
• Read scrapbooking and craft consumer magazines, as well as Craftrends Magazine and its exclusive MemoryTrends section
• Watch the gift market
• Read home decor magazines
• Visit a local art and craft show for inspiration
• Observe the displays in furniture and home accessory shops
• Keep color, fabric, ribbon, lace, yarn, and other swatches handy
• Keep a notebook and pen handy for quick notes
• Keep a file system organized by themes like Americana, Garden, Victorian, and also by craft like paper, painting, jewelry, or dolls
• Find the common themes and threads of what appeals to you … these are the trends

Exercise In Trend Spotting

Here is an activity you might try quarterly or yearly. Involve your entire staff and maybe a few of your regular customers.

• Look through all types of magazines and catalogs. Cut out pictures and colors that catch your eye. Collect any photos available to you.
• Divide a poster board vertically in half. On one side glue or tape down pictures and photos. On the other side, write: Colors, Textures, Objects/Themes, and Techniques, leaving space for you to fill-in with responses from observing the pictures and photos.
• For example: You cut out a bright quilt, a family at a picnic, and an ad for Christmas toys. Colors: Bright, Bold, Red, Blue, and Pink. Textures: Soft, Warm, Flat, and Smooth. Objects/Themes: Home, Family, Outdoors, Fun, Pleasure. Techniques: Quilting, Sewing, Cooking, Woodworking, and Staining.
• Place finished Trend Board above your work area and keep adding to it as the year goes on. It can be a reference guide when deciding new lines and updating current product lines.

A Few More Tips

• Create an index box of ideas to develop … one idea per card.
• Sit in a mall or visit stores and watch the customers. Look for common bonds or common themes.
• Cut out appealing displays and designs from magazines and catalogs. Keep these clippings in a folder to review when you need inspiration.
• Take a minute to review all new books and current magazines.
• Talk with customers. What are the customers doing with the products they purchase? Did they find everything they were looking for?
• Visit model homes in your community. Most are decorated by top interior designers who stay on top of trends in color, motif, and textures.

You Are The Expert!

Don’t let trends and trending overwhelm you. As a member of the creative industry and of your own local community you probably know more than any “expert”. Trust your instincts when selecting new products and incorporating new trends. Trends are to be used as guides. Trends let you know what is happening in the big picture and you need to use the trends to help in your smaller part of that picture.