The act of someone or something being made; formation, construction, creation, production, composition, manufacture, development, etc.: She was a writer in the making.

The process of a thing developing into a particular state or condition: He has the makings of a great politician.

Taking part in creative activities, whether knitting, embroidery or painting, can be good for your mental health. Crafting stimulates the brain, promoting concentration and focus. The activity also helps to increase dopamine, resulting in a positive feeling of accomplishment when the project is complete.

Crafting also can bring people together. Joining a local craft group or participating in a workshop with friends can be energising and create a sense of community. It can also be a way to connect with loved ones, or to develop a new hobby with children.

It’s no wonder that DIY (Do It Yourself) projects are increasingly popular. Creating things from scratch gives you the satisfaction of having completed something yourself, and you can often take your creation with you wherever you go! Not only that, but studies have shown that doing a DIY craft project can boost your confidence and self-esteem, as well as increase your mood and wellbeing.

Creating art can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and forget about worries and pressures in your life. The experience of creating art also strengthens the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving your ability to concentrate and improves your memory.

The experience of doing art or craft can also have a positive impact on the mind and body, especially for older adults and those suffering from psychiatric conditions. A study published in ‘The Connection Between Art, Healing and Public Health’ found that those with Alzheimer’s and other debilitating illnesses experienced reduced psychiatric symptoms when engaging in artistic activities.

Creating can be a great form of therapy for young children too. Using paint and paper to make pictures can help them express themselves, whilst playing with play dough and building with blocks encourages fine motor skills. A great place to start is with these creative ideas from Imagination Tree and Frugal Fun 4 Boys. Alternatively, try building a construction site in the garden or making your own pretend play bakery.