The art of making is a great way to get the mind and body working. In fact, it has been shown to provide physical exercise, cognitive stimulation and emotional release. It can also build social connections, self-confidence and a sense of purpose.

When you create something, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in what you’ve made. This is especially true when you’ve been able to complete a difficult project, like a quilt or a wooden toy. This can help you overcome feelings of anxiety and depression. It can even make you happy. In a recent study, people who reported the most happiness said they had been involved in creative activities such as knitting or sewing.

Creative activities can also be a safe haven for experimentation and mistake-making. It’s a place where you can try new techniques, tools and formats without the fear of making a fool out of yourself or having others ridicule your failures. This teaches kids the importance of trial and error, as well as overcoming obstacles and embracing failure.

Whether you’re in need of some stress relief, are looking to reconnect with your inner child or want to find an activity to do with your children, crafting is a fun and rewarding way to spend time. It has a variety of health benefits, including reducing your heart rate and blood pressure, helping you relax, releasing negative emotions and improving your mood. It can also give you a sense of achievement and help to relieve pain.

Crafting can be a fun and interactive way to teach children about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Incorporating creative activities in these subjects helps children learn while having fun, which increases their engagement and retention.

There are many different things you can make, from simple paper airplanes to intricate looms. Here are some ideas that can help you get started:

If you love to decorate your home, or would like to earn some extra money, making your own homewares is a great place to start. Pillowcases and candles are popular items to sell or make for yourself, as they are relatively easy to do and can be customised with embroidery or stitching techniques. You can also try a more challenging activity, such as creating a homemade coloring book.

Using pipe cleaners is a great way to recycle old ones and there are many different things that you can make with them. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to make with them, from games and bracelets to flowers and crowns. You can also try hand print painting, which is a really simple way to keep your little one entertained and allow them to express their creativity. To make your own coloring books, you can either use designs that you’ve drawn yourself or download public domain line art.