A beginner's guide to: Craft

handicrafts, DIY projects, arts and crafts, craftanoon, crafting

Craft involves creating unique, handmade items using raw materials and simple techniques. It’s a rewarding experience that blends creativity and practicality.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Decide on the project you want to make.

  3. Gather your supplies.

  4. Find a place where you can set up and leave the project if you need to return to it later.

  5. Once you have everything, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

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!

Why crafting is good for you

There are so many reasons to add crafting to your wellness routine, such as enhanced problem-solving, learning new skills and improved concentration. Here’s a list of all the good stuff you can experience by getting into crafts.

Stress relief

Emotional well-being

Promote relaxation

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

Enhanced mindfulness

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

Sense of achievement

Self well-being

Cognitive stimulation

Intellectual well-being

Emotional expression

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

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!"

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to start crafting?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

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.

Compare

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 concept of scrapbooking began in the 15th century as a way to collect letters and poems.

“Craft like no one’s stitching.” - Amy Poehler

Quilting has been practiced for thousands of years, with one of the oldest quilts dating back to 3400 BCE.

The show "Making It" on NBC, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, celebrates all things crafting.

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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

Introduction guides from around the web

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