Journal — Crafting and Well-Being

1. Invite friends who like to craft! 4-6 people is a good number in terms of space for crafting, but ultimately, it’s up to you how many people to invite. You may want to have a crafting theme such as weaving or beadwork, or crafting for a particular holiday or in the style of a cultural tradition. Or everyone can just BYOC (bring your own craft.)2. Encourage guests to wear comfy clothing for getting to work on some creative ideas (or just lounging and hanging out.)3. Prepare a large clean table for laying out projects, you make want to put down a protective cloth...

According to studies conducted by the University College and members of the Crafts Council and Museums Association in the UK, engaging in arts and crafts can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, lowers inflammation and stress hormones such as cortisol in the body, and may even protect against dementia.  In a related article published by Mind Body Green neuroscientist Betsan Corkhill surveyed more than 3,500 knitters on the therapeutic benefits of crafting. More than half of the respondents reported feeling happier, more relaxed, and more creative after knitting, similar to the benefits of other mindfulness practices. Frequent crafters say...

“There is comfort in the act of creating…Whatever the object becomes, it is an expression of ourselves and our identity, quite often using techniques that have been taught to us or passed down through generations or within communities. That’s why traditional crafts can be so emotive. Often we think of someone in our lives who has crafted and it will evoke feelings of nostalgia. Imagine then, the power of this nostalgia when it opens up connections to our ancestors and our cultural heritage” (Kate O’Sullivan, Making Our Way Home, Creative Journeys). Creating with our hands, something from start to finish...