The process of being creative, even something as low as doodling or trying a new recipe, can have big benefits for your mental and physical health. Studies have found that doing creative activities lowers cortisol levels, boosts moods and improves problem-solving skills. Plus, making stuff has another unexpected benefit: it helps you bond with the people around you.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of crafting, there are lots of fun projects you can try. These are great for beginners and kids alike because they don’t require any prior experience or tools to complete. Plus, they’re a great way to recycle or repurpose household items that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Repurpose an old soda can into a pencil holder. This is a perfect craft for anyone who’s looking to reduce their plastic footprint, plus it’s a fun and easy way to add some decor to your space. Just wash out an empty soda can, remove the lid, decorate and fill with pens and pencils to create a cute and functional pencil holder.

Learn the basics of quilling with this simple and affordable craft. This technique uses paper strips that you roll, shape and glue together to create different designs. You can use these creations to make greeting cards, jewelry, home decor or anything else you can dream up.

This is a great DIY project that allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home. You can use a blow dryer to melt your crayons and then paint them on a canvas or poster board to create a stunning piece of art. This is a great activity for adults and kids, and it also encourages patience and perseverance.

Make your own bubble snake with this cool science experiment. This is an easy and fun craft for anyone who wants to release some stress or just have a little bubbly fun. You can make your bubble tool from nearly any plastic bottle you have at home. You can even wrap it in a fishnet stocking to give your bubbles an extra satisfying texture.

Turn your favorite mug into a unique piece of art with this quick and simple craft. You can make this project for any cup or mug you own, and you can use acrylic paint, a decoupage method or even scrapbook paper to create your masterpiece.

Baking bread, squeezing your own mayonnaise and making your own laundry detergent are just a few of the everyday household products you can start to make at home. These simple steps can help you save money on these expensive store-bought products while reducing your environmental impact. Plus, you’ll be proud of the accomplishment of transforming something from a grocery store into your own homemade version of the item.