Making is all about the act of transforming raw materials into something new and useful. It’s a creative process that can be used for everything from putting together your own DIY homeware to repurposing old clothing into a unique piece of art. Making is about bringing something into existence and can include a wide range of activities like drawing, painting, sewing, sculpting and even baking!

The meaning of making can also be changed based on the material you are using. This is why we have categorised this page by materials, so you can easily find ideas for the specific medium you have available to you. Whether you are working with recycled materials, trash, craft scraps or natural items, this page is filled with great ideas for things to make!

Aside from being fun, there are many benefits to the activity of making. It is a wonderful stress reliever, for example. This is due to the way that making allows your mind to break away from stressful thoughts and focus entirely on the task at hand. This meditative effect can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from anxiety or depression, and it may help to alleviate some of the symptoms that come with these conditions.

It is also a fantastic way to express yourself and your feelings. This is especially true if you are creating a work of art, as this can be a way of naming and understanding your emotions. It can also be a way to communicate them to others, which can be incredibly therapeutic and healing. Drawing and painting are especially good for this, as you can really get your emotions down on paper and see them in front of you. However, you can use this to a lesser extent with sculpting and sewing. Other crafts can also be therapeutic, such as collaging and decoupage, as these engage the senses of sight and touch as well as creativity and problem-solving skills.

It can also be a great social activity, whether you are getting together with friends who love to make or you’re part of a community group. This can be beneficial for mental health, and it is often the case that people who are socially engaged in a crafting hobby are happier than those who are not. This is because it can help to build self-esteem and improve social relationships. This is particularly important in the case of those who are suffering from depression or anxiety, where loneliness can be a major factor.