Another year of PLG crafts has come and gone, and when a new year starts we love to take a look at what YOU loved most from the previous year. It was no surprise to us when plenty of tie dye posts were at the top of the most popular crafts list (we did publish a book on the subject in 2021, after all), and bead-centric projects were also a major fave (and now bead kits are a major part of the PLG shop)! Plus, there were cakes and candles which continue to be a big obsession around here so it really feels like we were all on the same colorful, messy, and FUN page in 2021 and we love to see it.
Here are the top PLG posts of 2021!
1. Clay Bead Bracelets
The first time we saw a wrist stacked with clay bracelets during some Pinterest scrolling, we knew we had to get in the game. The colors! They are just too fun. And, now that clay bracelets have evolved from a blog tutorial to a fixture in our shop, we have gathered all the tips you need to grab a kit and start making the perfect stack.
2. Ice Dye Shirt with Reverse Dye Details
2021 was definitely the year of tie dye here at the PLG. Our tie dye book came out and we made bunches of projects, which led to lots of tie dye experimenting! This tee with layered tie dye methods (ice dye and reverse dye) was a major favorite on the blog and we can see why — it’s so unique!
3. Bubble Candles
When we started seeing bubble candles pop up in chic boutiques on the bookshelves of style bloggers we knew we had to make our own. You should too! We have everything you need to make a batch of colorful, bubbly, graphic candles in our bubble candles post.
4. Printable Cake Topper
One of our first tv segments of 2021 featured a handful of DIY cake topper ideas and this printable one takes the cake! It’s such a fun and easy way to dress up any basic cake since all you have to do is print it out, attach it to skewers and party! Find the printable in the blog post!
5. 5 Tie Dye Techniques to Try
We found that once you start with tie dye, it’s reeeally hard to stop, so we had to make a blog post for all of the tie dye addicts out there! This blog post shares a handful of tie dye binding methods that you have to try, from hearts to stripes, and more!
6. DIY Funky Twisted Taper Candles
If you follow us on Instagram, then you might have been around when we feel into a major candle rabbit hole in early 2021. These twisted taper candles were a TikTok trend that we quickly became obsessed with and are a must-try for all makers!
7. DIY Muted Ice Dye Sweatshirt
While we love all tie dye methods, ice dye has our heart, and you all love it, too! We are obsessed with the swirly, organic way that the ice and dye powder mix, creating gorgeous designs and colors. We especially loved doing it on a grey sweatshirt, creating a muted, moody palette perfect for colder temps!
8. How to Make a Mini Balloon Garland Cake Topper
How we love this cake topper cutie that takes our big beautiful balloon garlands and shrinks them down to cake size! You can make this darling topper for just a couple of dollars and make your cake the star of the show in minutes.
9. How to Firecracker Tie Dye a T-Shirt
Around the 4th of July we made these red, white and blue firecracker shirts in an online class and the crowd went wild! They are such a fun way to get patriotic, or you can change out the colors to fit your aesthetic!
10. DIY Beaded Daisy Chain Bracelet Tutorial
2021 was full of flashbacks to the 90’s and these DIY daisy chain bracelets are no exception. Making these took us right back to 5th grade in the best way, and they are just as adorable now as they were then!
That’s it! Thank you so much for reading the PLG in 2021! We can’t wait to make with you this year!
Happy making!
-Liz & Sam
