Looking for a New Summer Hobby? Try an “Endangered Craft”

I am always on the lookout for a new hobby or crafty to try, and social media is one of my favorite places to find inspiration. Whether it’s gorgeous junk journal spreads, new bracelet-making ideas, or fun additions to my analog bag, my For You Page is constantly introducing me to new ideas within the creative community.

I recently saw a TikTok video about the concept of “endangered crafts,” which immediately piqued my interest. In it, Sasha (@sashinka.miu) explains that many traditional crafts are at risk of disappearing as fewer people learn and practice them. Curious to learn more, I began exploring the world of endangered crafts for myself and even discovered a few that I would love to try.

The term “endangered craft” comes from the Red List of Endangered Crafts. First released in 2017 by United Kingdom-based charity Heritage Crafts Association, the list essentially ranks traditional craft skills — from blacksmithing to basket weaving — based on their likelihood of surviving into the next generation. Similar to how endangered species are, crucially, tracked and protected, the Red List borrows that language to evaluate crafts and similarly categorize them.

Currently viable crafts are in a healthy state, with enough craftspeople involved to pass their skills on to the next generation. For example, knitting is currently considered viable. While the craft is relatively popular today, Heritage Crafts notes that it is not entirely risk-free when it comes to long-term sustainability.

Endangered crafts have enough practitioners to continue into the next generation, but there are serious concerns about their future. These crafts may have shrinking markets or appeal primarily to older demographics. Traditional shoemaking, for example, is currently classified as endangered. Critically endangered crafts face an even greater risk of disappearing due to factors such as limited training opportunities, inadequate ways of passing down knowledge, or low financial viability. Some examples include glove making and matte painting.

The Red List also includes a small number of extinct crafts, meaning they are no longer practiced in the U.K. Reading through the list reminded me that crafts are more than just hobbies — they are cultural traditions, and many of them rely on new generations of makers to keep them alive.

After watching the TikTok video and learning about the Red List, I couldn’t help but browse through the different categories myself. While some of the listed crafts require specialized equipment or years of training, many seem surprisingly approachable. Whether it be taking a beginner’s class or picking up a few starter supplies, these are some of the endangered crafts that caught my eye:

Block printing involves using carved blocks to print designs onto fabric or paper by hand. With an at-home kit including a carving block, some ink, and a few basic tools, you can create beautiful patterns at home.

Instead of buying paint, pigment makers create their own colors from natural materials such as plants and minerals. It seems like a fascinating blend of art, history, and chemistry.

Marbling involves floating pigments on water before transferring the design onto paper. The result is a unique swirling pattern, meaning no two pieces ever look exactly alike.

Using glue, stitching, or a combination of both, bookbinding allows you to assemble loose sheets of paper into a finished notebook or journal. I love that it turns everyday materials into something both creative and practical.

All you need for origami is paper and a little patience. With countless tutorials available online, it’s easy to start creating everything from flowers to intricate animals.

Patchwork involves sewing together small pieces of fabric to create a larger design. With a needle, thread, and some old clothing, you could even use patchwork techniques to cover a stain or repair a favorite pair of jeans.

Felting is the process of matting together fibers — usually wool — to create decorative designs or small sculptures. With the right supplies, it seems like a fun, portable craft that doesn’t require much space.