Participating in craft activities is good for your health. Getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new is mentally stimulating. It will keep you busy and keep your mind active, while creating some unique craft items that will be useful around the home.
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In addition, going to craft classes will enable you to meet new people with a shared interest and learn some new skills. Alternatively, you can work from home, perhaps involving family members, or making items that you can give to your friends and family.
While the most popular craft activity in years gone by was keeping a scrapbook, people are now attempting to master a wide selection of creative crafts.
Pottery
Pottery is a relaxing hobby, according to participants. The majority of techniques involve making use of your hands and this is relaxing in itself. If you're aiming to sit and relax, while moulding a functional and useful piece of art, this could be the hobby for you.
The only negative is that the required equipment tends to be expensive, so try before you buy by taking a beginners' class to see if you like it. Some local colleges or adult education classes teach pottery, or you could buy a small amount of clay to bake in your oven and start moulding this way.
If you enjoy it, you can go the whole hog and invest in a potter's wheel. Make small items to start off with, such as bowls, jewellery holders, key chains and other trinkets, before trying more ambitious, larger items.
Jewellery-making
Using beads to make jewellery needs good motor skills and eyesight. It can be a fulfilling craft once you get the hang of it.
This is a good hobby for beginners in arts and crafts and the basic materials are relatively cheap too. You'll need some thread, the beads and a couple of needles.
Read up on how to thread the beads, or check out some YouTube videos. Make simple chains, pendants, keyrings and more.
Woodworking
Women shouldn't be deterred from woodworking because they see it as traditionally a man's craft. Plenty of women try out this hobby and find they enjoy it. People tend to try woodworking because they see an item that's expensive and think, "I can make that cheaper myself!"
Start with something simple, such as a bird box or a small square container, until you become more skilled. You can register for a beginners' woodworking class to learn the basics.
Candle and soap making
Handmade candles and soap will enable you to enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of this relaxing hobby. You can come up with new aroma combinations and try out recipes to test your creativity. It's also a wonderful way of producing unique and pretty gifts for loved ones. If you become proficient, you could even start your own small business.
Read a book on how to make candles and soaps before you start the practical side. There are some very simple recipes that require only two or three ingredients. It isn't an expensive hobby and you may even find you already have some of the things you need in your own home.
Knitting
You may be thinking that knitting is a bit old-fashioned, but it’s not! This historic hobby has been passed down through the generations. Traditionally associated with grandmothers making sweaters for the grandkids, in reality, anyone can learn how to knit.
It's much more fashionable and fulfilling than it used to be and there are many patterns to follow, enabling you to make beautiful garments. Start out with something simple, like a scarf, and then use knitting to bring out your inner fashion designer!
Perfect your skills with practice, and over time you can start making yourself some unique items. If you fancy socialising, check online for local community groups where they hold knitting classes for beginners.
Although the 21st century is an era of advanced digital technology and online communication, nothing can compare to the pleasure and sense of achievement that a craft hobby will bring.
When you take up a new hobby, it's important to store and organise your equipment properly. Solent Plastics' range of plastic small parts storage trays and bins are great for crafts. Call us on 01794 514478 or email sales@solentplastics.co.uk for more details.