Making is all about the act of creating something, whether it’s a piece of art or something that can be used or applied to everyday life. It’s a practice that can be done at any age, by anyone and involves using a variety of tools – everything from paper, scissors, stamps and glue to 3D printers and laser cutters.

When you’re doing something creative, you’re in what’s called ‘flow’ and that’s when your brain produces neurotransmitters like dopamine to boost your mood and keep you motivated. The ‘flow’ state helps you feel more connected to the world around you and can help relieve stress.

Flow also has a positive impact on your brain’s memory, and that can help you remember things better and be more productive in the long run. In fact, one study found that participants who were engaged in arts and crafts had improved memory after doing the activity.

Reduced stress: Studies have shown that creativity can lower the levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, in the body. This is because the repetitive motions of knitting or making a craft like rubber stamps calm the body’s nervous system.

Improved self-esteem: People who do arts and crafts regularly have higher self-esteem than those who don’t. This is because they’re often able to express themselves through their work, which can have an effect on how people view them and the way they interact with others.

Increased confidence: In a study published in Arts & Health, people who spent 45 minutes doing something creative reported a 73% increase in their self-confidence. This is likely to be due to the release of dopamine when you create something, but it’s also possible that the process itself is enough to help build self-confidence.

Helps you think through complex issues: Developing your creative side helps you process ideas more clearly, a skill that can come in handy when you’re faced with difficult decisions at work. This is especially true in a highly complex business environment where decisions can be hard to make quickly and efficiently.

Promotes collaboration: When you’re creating something, it requires teamwork, which can help kids develop empathy and communication skills. This is an important lesson for them to learn, as it will help them later in their life.

Encourages creativity: Keeping a journal or scrapbook is an excellent way to teach kids how to organize their thoughts and be more creative with their time. It also teaches them how to think about their future and their goals, which can help them develop more confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

It’s also a great way to bond with your children. They’ll love helping you make their favorite projects, and you’ll get to enjoy the creative process too.

A makerspace is a collaborative work space that uses high tech to no-tech tools for the purpose of making, learning, exploring and sharing. These spaces can be found at schools, libraries and even public/private facilities and are often open to the general public.