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2026 is bringing fresh energy to the crafting community – and it’s looking bold, bright and nostalgic!
From Y2K phone charms to vintage cake designs, makers are leaning into crafts that promote self-expression and joy. From curvy candles to charm necklaces, we’re seeing an explosion of colour, personalisation and dopamine decor flood our feeds. But not at the expense of our hard-earned cash.
As the cost of living remains high here in Aus, thrifty crafts are back on the radar – from upcycling clothes and DIY-ing jewellery to perfecting cafe-worthy coffee at home.
Want to stay ahead of the curve and the #CraftTok crowd? Discover the six must-try craft trends taking over in 2026…
1. Embrace 90s and noughties nostalgia
Charms, low-rise jeans, baby tees and rhinestones… The ‘90s and Noughties are back, baby and we’re not mad about it! As the weather cools down, it’s time to dust off those old Levis, whip out your butterfly clips and craft like it’s the turn of the millennium.
Melbourne local? Head to Collingwood and turn those Mum jeans into a tote bag at Into Carry’s sustainable textile workshop. Bonus: You’ll get a free coffee on arrival and zero-waste snacks to fuel your sewing escapades.
Over in Sydney, get your Y2K fashion fix at Reverse Garbage in Marrickville, where you’ll learn to make a boxy denim handbag complete with personalised charms. You might even consider a Carrie Bradshaw-approved baguette bag. After all, it was *the* design of the decade.
Since 2026, Google searches for “bag charms” have more than doubled, which means one thing: Y2K-inspired accessories are officially trending. Skip the Dior price tag and make your own at a leather charm workshop in Melbourne or add sparkle with a resin keychain class in Sydney. Catch a behind-the-scenes peek on our Instagram.)
Of course, fashion wasn’t the only thing that changed at the turn of the millennium. The early 2000s also brought us decade-defining tech like the camera phone, iPod, Xbox, and the ultimate teen status symbol, the Motorola RAZR.
Throw it back to the good old days with this phone chain beading workshop in St Peters and bring a bit of Y2K glitz into your life.
“I booked into a phone charm class this past weekend for a fun girls date,” says crafter Michelle Luk. “It was such a fun experience and we all got to walk away with matching charms that we hung onto our digi cams.” You heard it here first: digi cams are back.
Whether you want to jazz up your Crocs, bedazzle your phone case or customise your sneakers, now’s the time to embrace the bold colour palette and care-free feel of the ‘90s and noughties.
2. Craft bespoke bling and permanent jewellery
Forget fiddly clasps – permanent jewellery is 2026’s sleekest trend. Also called “forever jewellery”, permanent jewellery refers to bracelets, anklets and necklaces that are welded shut while you’re wearing them.
While you can buy permanent jewellery in-store, there’s something sentimental about designing, customising and welding it yourself. Enter Atolya’s forever bracelet and hand-stamped charm jewellery class in Darlinghurst, Sydney. In this one-hour workshop, you’ll choose your chain and fit, hand-stamp your own charm and learn how to weld your bracelet together for a seamless look.
Not in Sydney? You’ve got options. Our data shows that custom ring making classes are drawing crowds – and there’s no sign of them slowing down. Whether it’s for a proposal, wedding bands or just because, more Aussies are choosing to make their own timeless keepsakes.
“We had an absolute blast making our ring designs under Caity’s guidance!” says Katherine, who joined a DIY wedding ring making workshop in Footscray. “We prepared a bunch of visual references and [our teacher] was happy to let us try a few things until we figured out what we were happy with. I would absolutely recommend these classes to other couples getting married.”
Another sparkly accessory taking the crafting world by storm? Necklace charms. Playful, fun and light-hearted, charm jewellery is trending in fashion hotspots around the world. “Everyone was going crazy for DIY charm necklaces in Paris and Brooklyn when I was travelling last year," says Laine, ClassBento’s Head of Editorial here in Aus. “It's definitely popping off.”
If you’re based in Perth, Melbourne or the Goldy, treat yourself to a custom charm necklace workshop in South Yarra, Subiaco or Miami. The ultimate hen’s party idea or girls’ day out, these classes include materials, expert guidance and complimentary bubbles.
Don’t worry Brisvegas – we haven’t forgotten you. Jump on the custom jewellery trend at this ring-making class in Carina Heights. With 298 reviews and an average star rating of 4.9, this sparkly experience is one of the most creative activities in Brisbane – perfect for date nights, birthday gifts or just because. Pro tip: For an on-trend look, opt for a silver ring; according to the fashion crowd, gold is taking the backseat in 2026.
3. Satisfy your cravings with rococo cake decorating classes
According to our friends at Pinterest, we’re set to see a Rococo revival in 2026 – and no, that’s not a spelling mistake. Otherwise known as Late Baroque, Rococo is a style of art and design characterised by ornate decorations, pastel colours and flamboyant curves à la French aristocracy. (Think Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette or Keira Knightley in The Duchess.)
A refreshing alternative to millennial beige, it’s seeping its way into almost everything – from interiors and outfits to jewellery design. Rococo is even showing up in places you wouldn’t expect: the dinner table. Yep, Rococo-style cakes and cake decorating classes are officially trending.
Over the past year, workshops like this Vintage Cake Decorating Class in Sydney and Melbourne’s Vintage Blue Bell Heart Cake Class have jumped to the top of the charts. And no wonder: the finished product belongs in the pages of Good Food magazine.
Brisbane bakers, it’s your time to shine. Pop on your apron and learn to decorate a towering Rococo-inspired buttercream cake with (literal) cherries on top. For the discerning baker in Perth, swing on over to this Heart-shaped Cake Decorating Class in Balcatta, or go all out with an elaborate, lemon curd-filled masterpiece in Kewdale.
4. Get curvy at a candle-making workshop
Maximalism isn’t going anywhere in 2026. It’s only getting brighter, bolder and bendier. To dip your toes into this aesthetic trend, start with Habit Haus’ bendy candle making workshop – all colour, curves and charming imperfections.
Vying for top spot on our list of must-try maximalist crafts is Studio Inner West’s drip cake candle workshop in Sydney and MOSA HANDMADE’s dessert-themed candle class in Melbourne. These hands-on sessions serve up serious dopamine decor – and yes, the finished candles look (almost) good enough to eat.
Want a behind the scenes look before you commit? Head over to our Instagram and watch our Digital Marketing Lead, Alina, whip up a sweet selection of dessert-inspired candles.
5. Become a pro-level barista at home
How much does your daily brew set you back? (My usual order cashes in at $5, but creeps up to $7 when I’m feeling fancy.) With the rising cost of coffee, more and more Aussies are bringing their daily caffeine ritual in-house – literally. According to MILKLAB, 65 per cent of Australian households boast a coffee machine, which might explain why so many of you have been eye-balling our barista classes.
From 2026 to 2026, the number of coffee workshops purchased here on ClassBento jumped by 129 per cent. And it’s no surprise — between convenience, cost savings and the booming specialty coffee scene, learning barista skills at home is a savvy move. Cheers to that!
6. Deepen your love for Japanese culture
There are three types of people in Australia right now. The first is about to go to Japan, the second just came back and the third is dreaming about it. From the ski fields to the countryside, our collective obsession with the Land of the Rising Sun isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s sparking a surge in interest in traditional Japanese crafts.
Over the past year, searches for “ikebana flower arranging” and “kintsugi class” have jumped by 123% and 56%, and we’re seeing the same trend mirrored in our data. Reflective and philosophical, these age-old cultural practices help us feel anchored and calm in our ultra-connected, fast-paced world.
If a flight to Tokyo isn’t on the cards, a Japanese-themed workshop might be the next best thing. From sushi-making and ink painting to gold-leaf repair and floral arranging, these cultural classes are a beautiful way to connect more deeply with Japan – no passport needed.
Got a craft trend you think we should feature? Slide into our DMs on Instagram and let us know!
