Why do we think art therapy, amongst other therapies that are not just talking based, are becoming such a big hit?
Crafting is great for our mental health and wellbeing along with keeping our brains active.
I am all about crafting and giving anything new a go. Crafts are anything and everything that you do with your hands which creates some sort of product after. I have done many different random crafts at different points over the years. One of my first jobs after finishing University was working as a support worker and each Christmas, we would set up stalls and raise money for the organisation. Here I learned to make salt dough cookie ornaments, beautiful cards, baked treats, sewing and amazing centre pieces with a candle inside. My mind does work a little like Pinterest, I will see something, and it will manifest into something amazing. Now, realistically my crafting is not that amazing end product I envisage, but it still makes me happy.
I have made items with a sewing machine, I have made amazing wind chime decorations, candle holder decorations for gifts, sensory boards, cakes (this is my favourite that I have turned into more than just a craft), bracelets, painting, photography and my latest try, a massive woollen blanket.
This all started when I met my friend for breakfast the other morning and we got talking about my cakes I had just posted on Instagram, I had spent a day putting them all together as this had not been something I had done before. We also talked about some of our other friends who are using their crafty skills to create a business for themselves. In today’s world we are not limited with amazing products and ideas right at our fingertips, it has never been as easy to start creating something amazing, and potentially make a business out of it. We discussed how she has wanted to take on something new and see where it might lead her, so we went on the hunt to one of my favourite craft stores for some inspiration. This led us to three other stores with lots of little gems.
The last one had a clearance sale on where we purchased all their massive wool. I have done knitting when I was younger, I was never very good at it. But for the cheap price, it was going for, I said I would give it a go and get to knitting with my hands (yes, the wool is that big). One whole day later and six on the idea of it being perfect and I settled with the blanket I had created. I don’t know what I will use it for, it is too small for anything really, but anyway I still made it. 😊
I think you will agree with me from the picture above I will not be selling any of these blankets anytime soon, so what was the point in doing this what seems like a meaningless task? Crafting does not just help potentially make beautiful products that you can sell or gift, it is also something that is beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing.
Here are some reasons why;
- It can reduce stress and anxiety
- It can help build and support mindfulness
- It can help with depression
- It can help the brain keep active as we get older
- Can help with grief and loss
- Gives a sense of purpose or accomplishment
- It can be something done as a group or on your own
- It can be a way to bring people together
So, I decided to help you along your way a little. Below is a list of crafty ideas you can potentially try this summer as we spend some more time at home.
- Make some fruit jam
- Make some fun and interesting candles
- Salt dough ornaments
- Message gift bags, to give to friends, include a tea bag that you can have at the same time even if you are not together
- Paint or draw
- Tie dye tea towels
- Make your own rope place mats
- Use old bottles or jars to make cute vases
- Revamp your cork type pot mats with some fun writing and colours
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Plant a garden, even if you live in an apartment, you can create an indoor herb garden
- Photo frames
- Wall hangers
- Create a teddy by crocheting
- Worry dolls with pipe cleaners
- Dream catchers
- Make playdoh
- Baking and so much more
You may need to also check out Pinterest, I will tag some posts on my @deniselivingeachmoment account for you to have ease of access to some fun stuff I have tried before. This can also be a way to spruce up some items you are not using anymore, a trip to your local dollar store or euro shop may also be needed. But start with what you have around your house first, and see what amazing things you come up with.
