Craft involves creating unique, handmade items using raw materials and simple techniques. It’s a rewarding experience that blends creativity and practicality.
A beginner's guide to: Craft
handicrafts, DIY projects, arts and crafts, craftanoon, crafting
In a hurry and don't have any questions?
Check out our safety recommendations.
Decide on the project you want to make.
Gather your supplies.
Find a place where you can set up and leave the project if you need to return to it later.
Once you have everything, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Need a hand getting started? Our app is packed with beginner-friendly Practice Instructions for every activity—and way more where that came from. Hit the button up top and get moving.
What is crafting?
Craft, also known as crafting, offers a way to create something tangible with your own hands. Whether it's making jewellery, crafting home décor, or designing a simple project, the popularity of these activities continues to grow. The appeal lies in stepping away from the digital world and engaging in something hands-on. As you work on a craft, you might find yourself deeply focused, enjoying the process of turning raw materials into something uniquely yours. The sense of accomplishment afterward is undeniable – there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing you made something yourself. If you're curious and ready to dive in, there are many options you could try. Start by thinking about what you’re interested in making and let your creativity guide you from there.
Let us show you how!
What crafting looks like
Why crafting is good for you
Crafting sparks creativity and builds self-belief. Regular making enhances wellbeing, improves focus and helps you recover from stress.
Strong creative skill building
Focus area: Creativity (Impact rating: High)
Immediate mood lift
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: High)
Stronger coping capacity
Focus area: Resilience (Impact rating: High)
Builds confidence and self-worth
Focus area: Identity & worth (Impact rating: High)
Mental reset and stress relief
Focus area: Recovery (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love to craft
Vivienne Westwood
Person
Emma Watson
Actor
Tom Daley
Sports
"The Great British Sewing Bee"
TV Show
Real people's experiences
Starting to craft? Read this first
You are probably keen to gather all your supplies and get going. But before you do, there are some important things to keep in mind. Crafting is safe and these helpful tips will make sure that your first crafting session is the first of many.
Common styles
Crafts offer various styles to explore and each style offers a distinct way to express creativity and develop new skills.
Textile crafts
Paper crafts
Woodcraft
Upcycling
Mixed media
Safety
⚠️
Use sharp tools carefully.
⚠️
Ensure proper ventilation when using materials that emit fumes.
⚠️
Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling hazardous materials.
⚠️
Follow manufacturer instructions for safe and effective tool and material use.
What you might experience
🤔
"Measure twice, cut once?"
😊
"Ok, now just do that another 100 times!"
😬
"Wait, that didn’t turn out the way I expected!"
😌
"It’s nice to just focus on this."
😊
"I made this, and unique is a good word for it!"
What you need to know about crafting
Wondering whether you should start on your own, in a class or 1:1 with a teacher? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.
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Recommendation for first-timer
Availability
Average cost per session
Special equipment required
Potential for socialisation & community
Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
The show "Making It" on NBC, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, celebrates all things crafting.
Knitting dates back to ancient Egypt, when a pair of socks were knitted in the 3rd to 5th century AD.
LEGO bricks are often used in DIY craft projects, with over 600 billion produced since 1949.
Quilting has been practiced for thousands of years, with one of the oldest quilts dating back to 3400 BCE.
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3 facts
Popular memes
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6 memes
Academic research we rate
How and When Leisure Crafting Enhances College Students’ Well-Being: A (Quantitative) Weekly Diary Study
Xue, Q., Yang, J., Wang, H., & Zhang, D. (2022). How and When Leisure Crafting Enhances College Students’ Well-Being: A (Quantitative) Weekly Diary Study. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 15, 273–290. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s344717
Crafting Well-Being: Meanings and Intentions of Stay-at-Home Mothers' Craft-Based Leisure Activity
Pöllänen, S., & Voutilainen, L. (2017). Crafting Well-Being: Meanings and Intentions of Stay-at-Home Mothers’ Craft-Based Leisure Activity. Leisure Sciences, 40(6), 617–633. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2017.1325801
Using Leisure Crafting to Reduce Emotional Exhaustion at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Better Sleep and Not Thinking About the Pandemic
Chen, I. (2023). Using leisure crafting to reduce emotional exhaustion at home during the COVID‐19 pandemic through better sleep and not thinking about the pandemic. Stress and Health, 39(5), 1047–1057. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3243
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7 research pieces
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