The act of one that makes or the process of being made; formation, construction, creation, production, composition, manufacture, development, performance, etc.

When you make something with your hands, the result is usually more special than one that was simply bought. It reflects the time, effort and care that went into the piece and, when given as a gift, can really make a difference in someone’s day.

Whether it’s a gift, an artwork, or a piece of furniture, DIY projects have become increasingly popular with both adults and children. The best part is that they provide added benefits such as boosting creativity, developing fine motor skills and even providing mood and stress relief.

It’s no secret that crafting can be fun, but did you know it can also help with emotional balancing? Research is continuing to uncover encouraging evidence that engaging in creative activities, including painting, potting plants and planning parties, is good for your mental health and well-being. This includes reducing anxiety and depression, increasing self-esteem, decreasing feelings of loneliness, and lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Everyone has creativity within them, but often times it can get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Taking the time to pursue creative hobbies such as knitting, baking or crafting can help you feel more productive and creative. It can also boost your self-esteem by providing a feeling of accomplishment once the project is completed.

There are several other ways that DIY projects can be beneficial to your mental and physical health, too. For instance, the repetitive actions involved in art and craft can help to relax muscles in the fingers, wrists and hands. This can lead to decreased feelings of tension and stress, increased grip strength and improved flexibility. It can also help to increase concentration and memory.

In addition to all of these benefits, DIY projects can be a great way to bond with friends and family. There’s nothing like the shared experience of working together to create a masterpiece that you can then proudly show off to others. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your kids.

While some projects may require varying amounts of supplies, there are a few paper crafts staples that can be used to complete most any project. For example, a great pair of scissors is essential for all paper crafts. These Slice(r) ceramic scissors are easy to wield, safe for kids and have a soft-touch finger grips that can prevent hand fatigue. Plus, the blades are made of zirconium oxide, a hard and durable material that resists wear and tear. Check them out here! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these scissors will have you cutting in no time. And, since the blades are ceramic, they stay sharper longer and are a safer alternative to traditional metal scissors. So, pick up a pair of these snips and start making! You won’t regret it.