When it comes to crafting, the process of creating something with your hands can offer a unique form of self-expression. The art of making can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and promote a sense of achievement. It can even improve cognitive abilities and enhance visual perception. But what does it actually mean to be a maker? And what are the benefits of DIY crafts and crafty activities to your overall happiness?

According to researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, there are several ways that arts and crafty activities can positively impact your mental health. They say that engaging in creative activities stimulates multiple areas of the brain, from cognition and mental wellness to visual perception and how we absorb information around us. Even the little bit of doodling that we tend to do in meetings or on hold while we wait for a call is beneficial as it can boost your mood, lower depression, and reduce anxiety.

The good news is that most DIY crafts are fairly simple and inexpensive to complete. They can also be a great way to recycle old materials and make use of things you may already have around the home, such as paper scraps or a discarded fabric piece. The key to successful DIY crafts is to find an activity that inspires you and that you enjoy. It is also important to understand what materials you will need in order to complete the craft you are planning. This is where a tool like Craftybase can help – it allows you to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for your products and maintain accurate inventory so you know what supplies are needed to fulfil orders in real time.

Creating DIY crafts is fun and relaxing for all ages. It is a way to get children away from the screen and encourages a creative mindset, while teaching them that it is okay to make mistakes. Rather than getting frustrated when their creation doesn’t come out perfectly on the first try, they learn to persevere and look for a solution.

There are many different types of DIY crafts to choose from, so finding the right one for you can take some experimentation. Start small by taking a class or attending workshops to see what kind of crafting appeals to you. Then, begin to build a kit of essential tools and materials specific to your chosen craft.

For example, if you want to try your hand at some origami, gather a few sheets of paper and a pair of scissors to make these beautiful lucky paper stars. You can hang them on your wall, string them together to make a garland or simply stick a few into a jar for a festive centerpiece.

Another great calming craft is to create a sensory bottle. This can be made with a clear plastic bottle, water, glitter, themed sequins, dried food items like rice or pasta, googly eyes and more. Once it’s completed, you can relax and de-stress by swishing through the items in your bottle to feel their texture and smell their scent.