Many Victorian magazines, such as Godey's and Peterson's, ran monthly craft or "works" columns that offered a wide selection of craft projects. While needlework projects tended to dominate, these columns might also include art projects, modeling in wax, painting on china, creating miniature terrariums, and much more. Rather than attempt to break these columns up into a host of tiny little pieces, we're offering them here in their entirety.

Crafts & Embroidery - Peterson's Magazine, by Mrs. Jane Weaver

1856 • 1858 • 1865 • 1866 • 1872 • 1879 • 1883

Works Department - Godey's

1860 • 1863A • 1863B • 1867 • 1868 • 1873

Fancy Work/Worktable - Demorest

1873 • 1879 • 1880 • 1882 • 1885

Art Needlework - Girl's Own Paper, by Helen Marion Burnside

This series ran sporadically in The Girl's Own Paper between 1883 and 1891. In some years the series appeared almost monthly; other years might offer only one or two installments. The series offers a wide selection of designs and projects, including household decorations, gifts, children's clothing, embroidery for clothing, draperies, furnishings and more. The articles were often reprinted (usually under a completely different author's name) in American magazines.

1883 · 1884 · 1887 · 1888 · 1889 · 1890 · 1891

Miscellaneous Projects, by Mrs. C.S. Jones & Henry Williams (Household Elegancies, 1875 [book])

Miscellaneous indeed; the variety of projects in this section is astounding. One of my favorites is a "crystalized vase" for bonbons - how to form faux coral branches with alum crystals!

My Workbasket (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

Some of the Latest Fancies, by Natalie Sturges (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1889)

A variety of hand-made novelties.

Ornamental and Useful Knick-Knacks (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

Some quick and easy craft projects, including how to make a basket out of paper.

Artistic Ideas in Church Decoration (Home Magazine, 1898)

Coronation Designs for Fancy Knick-Knacks, by Leirion Clifford (Girl's Own Paper, 1902)