Making is more than just a craft hobby or an art form; it’s been scientifically proven to be good for you. Creative engagement has been shown to alleviate anxiety, depression, loneliness and even dementia. It also helps strengthen the brain, and can improve problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility, especially when working with fine motor skills such as sewing or crocheting.

Making has been known to lower stress levels and induce a state of meditation-like relaxation. It is also known to boost self-esteem and confidence, as well as increase feelings of accomplishment. It can be particularly therapeutic for those living with dementia, as it allows them to tap into their personalities and memories, creating a sense of purpose and identity.

It’s also a very social activity, whether you’re joining a knitting group or woodworking workshop, or holding your own crafting parties with friends. This is particularly important for mental health, as it encourages a strong support network and fosters social connections that can help during difficult times.

There are a lot of benefits to be had from making, so we’ve put together this article to highlight some of the top reasons why you should make more in your life. We’ve also included lots of ideas for things to make using everyday materials, as well as recyclables and trash, plus natural crafting supplies like stones and plants. You can even find some ideas for things to make with kids and teens, if you want to get your little ones involved!

Balloons are an incredibly versatile material, and can be used to create loads of different projects. From paper lanterns and bunting, to jewellery and crowns, the possibilities are endless. You can even use them to make a terrarium. Browse Gathered’s collection of easy balloon crafts to find plenty of fun ideas for your next project.

Another super simple, yet surprisingly satisfying craft is scratch picture art (also called sgraffito). All you need is some black paint, crayons and something to scratch with (toothpicks or kitchen skewers work perfectly!). The result is a beautiful rainbow picture that makes for the perfect homemade gift or decorative piece.

Lastly, don’t forget about the humble pipe cleaner! These little wands of wonder can be turned into so many different things, from cactuses and peacocks to bracelets and crowns. Check out our roundup of the best pipe cleaner crafts to get inspired. You can also experiment with other materials, too – try out a straw-based craft with some colourful plastic or paper straws, for example! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, use some pretty gold or silver paint to create a sparkly unicorn. It’ll be sure to impress.