Making is an activity that allows you to express your creativity, as well as connect with other people. Whether you’re knitting, sewing or painting, making is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental agility. It can also boost self-esteem, and improve social skills and memory.

In other words, making is a powerful way to transform your life. The act of making can change your perspective on things, allowing you to see that something beautiful is hiding in plain sight. It can also bring you closer to yourself, helping you to understand what it is that makes you happy, and how your creativity can be a tool for growth.

Crafting can be a powerful form of therapy for children as it helps them learn and develop skills such as focus, persistence and patience. It also teaches them that their efforts are worthwhile, especially when they work together to complete a project. This builds their self-esteem, which can help them to cope with difficult situations in their lives. It can also encourage them to try new things and step outside of their comfort zones, thereby growing and learning in the process.

The repetitive nature of arts and crafts has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, as it has been proven to release serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Furthermore, the sense of achievement that comes with finishing a project also helps to raise self-esteem. This has helped kids with everything from overcoming the fear of unemployment to gaining the courage to leave abusive relationships.

It is said that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’, but it’s not just about distance; it’s also about missing out on opportunities to create and build a fulfilling life. Crafting can be a wonderful outlet for your creative energy, as well as an opportunity to bond with your family and friends. It can help you create memories that will last a lifetime, and you might even surprise yourself with what you are capable of.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to make, head over to our Material page and choose a category that interests you. You’ll be able to find ideas that suit all skill levels, and many of them can be made in a day or less. Just don’t forget to take a photo of what you make, and share it with us on Instagram! You can tag @lovehandmade and use the hashtag #makeitMonday! We’ll be regramming the best photos and sharing them with our followers. You can also follow along on Facebook, where we post weekly tutorials on various projects!