Finding New Hobbies for Adults and Teens

Start the new year by trying a new hobby! We've collected great new books highlighting new crafts and activities you can try in 2026.

Updated January 5, 2026
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Whittling for beginners : step-by-step projects to carve from wood
Rigby, Emilie
Paper Book
Your go-to guide for getting started with whittling! Are you thrilled by the thought of hand carving wood into rugged, rustic pieces to decorate your space or give as gifts? Then you've come to the right place. Whittling for Beginners walks you through the tools, techniques, and materials...
Bird Watching for Dummies
Vaughan, Jessica
Paper Book
Birds are everywhere. Why not start really watching them? Sometimes, all it takes is a "spark bird" to open the door. A bird, seen well, so unexpectedly beautiful and interesting that it cracks you wide open. Bird Watching For Dummies is a spark book, teaching you...
Leather sewing : 8 new projects for leather crafters of all levels
Bothe, Carsten
Paper Book
Leatherworking is a craft that is becoming more and more popular and is a hobby that you can get started without making any big expenditure or investment. Besides, it is fun! You can make unique, durable, and sustainable leather products in your kitchen. In a follow-up to his previous book,...
Raising resilient bees : heritage techniques to mitigate mites, preserve locally adapted genetics, and grow your apiary
McEwen, Eric
Paper Book
"Right from the start, this book takes you on a journey that is fascinating and thought-provoking. . . The McEwens demonstrate creative, out-of-the-box thinking and challenge traditional ways of keeping bees."--American Bee Journal With over 100 color photographs and...
Handmade Renaissance Faire fashion : 20+ patterns for crafting faire-ready capes, cloaks, and crowns--the authentic way!
Vicario, Mara A.
Paper Book
Enter a Magical Realm of Handcrafted Fantasy Costumes, Accessories, Bags and More! Whether you're attending a Renaissance faire, anime convention, LARP event or costume party, dressing up is half the fun. Now it's easier than ever to make your own unique, one-of-a-kind outfit....
Quilling art
Runa, Sena
Paper Book
Quilling--the art of rolling and shaping strips of paper into intricate decorative designs--has been popular for hundreds of years. In Quilling Art, Turkish paper artist Sena Runa gives this time-honored craft a stylish and contemporary update sure to appeal to the 21st century artist. The...
Step-by-step pyrography for beginners : learn woodburning with 16 projects
Carver, Aney
Paper Book
Fire up your creativity with the gorgeous pyrography projects for beginners in this woodburning book Pyrography--or the art of wood-burning--engages your senses like few other creative activities, from the aroma of sizzling wood to the sound of crackling as an image or design takes shape....
Welcome to woodworking : 20 simple & stylish projects for your home & garden
Ott, Moa Brännström
Paper Book
A beginner-friendly guide to getting started in making simple, yet stylish, furniture for home and garden without the need for large power tools. Learn the basic carpentry skills needed to furnish your home and garden with beautiful and practical wood items. Twenty accessible, step-by...
Making practical backyard projects in wood : beautiful things to make in a weekend, including ready-to-use plans & patterns
Paper Book
Never run out of backyard DIY woodworking projects when you have a copy of Making Practical Backyard Projects in Wood: Plans and Patterns for Better Outdoor Living! Featuring contributions from a veritable all-star team of DIY experts from Alan and Gill Bridgewater to woodworking teacher Bill...
Crochet now : a beginner's guide to essential stitches and techniques + 7 easy patterns
Baca, Salena
Paper Book
Learn to Crochet with Crochet Now! If you've ever wanted to learn how to crochet but weren't sure where to start, Crochet Now is here to help! Packed with clear, step-by-step instructions, this covers everything needed to start crocheting beautiful...

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