For many people,craftsare a perfect way to unwind, express their creativity, and maybe even make something useful for themselves. That’s why the process is often equally as important as the result, which, let’s be honest, is not always amazing.Suchnot-really-amazingresults of people doingcraftshave a special place on the internet, and it’s called “That’s it, I’m craft shaming!”. ThisFacebook groupwith a pretty straightforward name is dedicated to all sorts of craft and DIY tragedies, so if you find cemeteries somewhat fascinating, you might be interested in this place online where crafts go to die. On the list below we have some examples, so put that crochet project away and enjoy the pictures!On the list below, you will also findBored Panda’sinterviews with an expert in sensory studies, a cultural historian, author, and multidisciplinary artist,Dr. Ainsley Hawthorn, as well as with the artist, art educator, and author,Annette Luycx, who were both kind enough to share their views on crafting and the benefits the activity brings.This post may includeaffiliate links.
For many people,craftsare a perfect way to unwind, express their creativity, and maybe even make something useful for themselves. That’s why the process is often equally as important as the result, which, let’s be honest, is not always amazing.
Suchnot-really-amazingresults of people doingcraftshave a special place on the internet, and it’s called “That’s it, I’m craft shaming!”. ThisFacebook groupwith a pretty straightforward name is dedicated to all sorts of craft and DIY tragedies, so if you find cemeteries somewhat fascinating, you might be interested in this place online where crafts go to die. On the list below we have some examples, so put that crochet project away and enjoy the pictures!
On the list below, you will also findBored Panda’sinterviews with an expert in sensory studies, a cultural historian, author, and multidisciplinary artist,Dr. Ainsley Hawthorn, as well as with the artist, art educator, and author,Annette Luycx, who were both kind enough to share their views on crafting and the benefits the activity brings.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
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People’s favored pastimes or ways to unwind differ from person to person. But it’s safe to assume that for at least some of them, crafting is a good way to spend time. (Whether or not the result is something to be proud of.) Experts suggest that it’s also a good way to take care of your well-being.“Research has shown that crafting reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, increases feelings of self-worth, and even slows the onset of dementia,” the multidisciplinary artist and expert in sensory studies, Dr. Ainsley Hawthorn toldBored Panda, talking about the benefits of doing crafts and engaging in similar hands-on activities.“The flow state we enter when we’re completely immersed in a creative activity like crafting is intrinsically pleasurable and keeps us from ruminating over negative thoughts. Craft projects are often small-scale and attainable, giving crafters a sense of achievement as they complete each one. Because crafting has tangible results, crafters can literally watch their skills improve over time and gain confidence in themselves and their capabilities.“Crafting has such demonstrably positive impacts that the authors of a recent large-scale study on how crafting contributes to well-being suggested thathealthinstitutions might want to fund or promote crafting as a proactive way to support mental health,” she added.
People’s favored pastimes or ways to unwind differ from person to person. But it’s safe to assume that for at least some of them, crafting is a good way to spend time. (Whether or not the result is something to be proud of.) Experts suggest that it’s also a good way to take care of your well-being.
“Research has shown that crafting reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, increases feelings of self-worth, and even slows the onset of dementia,” the multidisciplinary artist and expert in sensory studies, Dr. Ainsley Hawthorn toldBored Panda, talking about the benefits of doing crafts and engaging in similar hands-on activities.
“The flow state we enter when we’re completely immersed in a creative activity like crafting is intrinsically pleasurable and keeps us from ruminating over negative thoughts. Craft projects are often small-scale and attainable, giving crafters a sense of achievement as they complete each one. Because crafting has tangible results, crafters can literally watch their skills improve over time and gain confidence in themselves and their capabilities.
“Crafting has such demonstrably positive impacts that the authors of a recent large-scale study on how crafting contributes to well-being suggested thathealthinstitutions might want to fund or promote crafting as a proactive way to support mental health,” she added.
According to the artist,arteducator, and author ofFrom Art to Empowerment: How Women Can Develop Artistic Voice, Annette Luycx, crafting and hands-on activities are like little escapes into a world of mindfulness and creativity that pull us out of the daily grind and into the now, calming the mind and melting away stress.“There’s also something magical about seeing a project go from an idea to a finished piece – it’s a powerful confidence boost and a reminder of what we’re capable of,” she said, adding that creativity can be a path of self-discovery.“On a deeper level, these activities awaken our natural human need to create – a spark that’s often dimmed in today’s tech-driven world. Beyond the personal benefits, crafts are also great for sharpening skills like problem-solving and fine motor coordination. And when done in groups, they have a beautiful way of building connections and fostering collaboration.”
According to the artist,arteducator, and author ofFrom Art to Empowerment: How Women Can Develop Artistic Voice, Annette Luycx, crafting and hands-on activities are like little escapes into a world of mindfulness and creativity that pull us out of the daily grind and into the now, calming the mind and melting away stress.
“There’s also something magical about seeing a project go from an idea to a finished piece – it’s a powerful confidence boost and a reminder of what we’re capable of,” she said, adding that creativity can be a path of self-discovery.
“On a deeper level, these activities awaken our natural human need to create – a spark that’s often dimmed in today’s tech-driven world. Beyond the personal benefits, crafts are also great for sharpening skills like problem-solving and fine motor coordination. And when done in groups, they have a beautiful way of building connections and fostering collaboration.”
Luycx continued to suggest that when it comes to arts and crafts, the magic is all in the process. “Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or crafting, the act of creating pulls us into a flow state – where hours feel like minutes and we’re completely absorbed in the moment. It’s a meditative, joyful space where we connect deeply with ourselves and even stumble upon new insights.“The process teaches us to let go of perfection, embrace mistakes, and play with possibilities. It’s like a life lesson in disguise: the journey matters so much more than the outcome. Sure, the final piece is a nice bonus, but it’s the messy, playful middle where the real joy lives.”
Luycx continued to suggest that when it comes to arts and crafts, the magic is all in the process. “Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or crafting, the act of creating pulls us into a flow state – where hours feel like minutes and we’re completely absorbed in the moment. It’s a meditative, joyful space where we connect deeply with ourselves and even stumble upon new insights.
“The process teaches us to let go of perfection, embrace mistakes, and play with possibilities. It’s like a life lesson in disguise: the journey matters so much more than the outcome. Sure, the final piece is a nice bonus, but it’s the messy, playful middle where the real joy lives.”
Talking to Bored Panda about crafts and sensory stimulation, Dr. Hawthorn pointed out that most crafts are highly tactile. “They bring us into contact with a wide variety of textures, and, more than that, they force us to focus on those sensations,” she said, adding that crafting is mandatory mindfulness.“It takes our attention off negative thoughts and draws us into a deeper relationship with the world around us. Like listening to beautiful music or eating deliciousfood, touch is a type of sensory pleasure, even when it isn’t intimate. It’s enjoyable to touch smoothly turned wood, loosely twisted yarn, or softly woven fabric, and crafting gives us a reason to do it.”
Talking to Bored Panda about crafts and sensory stimulation, Dr. Hawthorn pointed out that most crafts are highly tactile. “They bring us into contact with a wide variety of textures, and, more than that, they force us to focus on those sensations,” she said, adding that crafting is mandatory mindfulness.
“It takes our attention off negative thoughts and draws us into a deeper relationship with the world around us. Like listening to beautiful music or eating deliciousfood, touch is a type of sensory pleasure, even when it isn’t intimate. It’s enjoyable to touch smoothly turned wood, loosely twisted yarn, or softly woven fabric, and crafting gives us a reason to do it.”
“Crafting is also a form of manual thinking,” Dr. Hawthorn continued. “As we craft, we’re using our hands to problem-solve, to make decisions, and to express ourselves. In doing so, we’re able to access different sets of knowledge than when we’re simply mulling something over: kinesthetic memory and motor skills. These are important capacities for everyone to develop, and applying them can boost our confidence at times when we might be insecure about our skills inotherareas.”
“Our daily lives are filled with activities whose outcomes are important: the work you do for a living has to be good enough for you to be paid for it; thefoodyou cook has to be good enough for you to eat it; you have to clean your home well enough to keep from getting sick. Crafts andotherhobbies are freeing precisely because nothing’s riding on the final product.”
When it comes to expressing oneself, it’s not only crafts butartin general that can help people release both their ideas and the built-up tension, if any. “Art is a profound language of the soul, as the soul speaks in images, offering a way to express emotions, ideas, and experiences that words cannot capture. It plays a crucial role in discovering personal identity, connecting to the cultural heritage, and in emotional healing. For many, art provides a way to process trauma, or simply reconnect with the beauty of life,” Luycx pointed out.“On a bigger scale, art connects us to our roots, sparks empathy, and opens windows intootherperspectives. It can challenge norms, inspire change, and reflect the human condition in all its complexity. Whether it’s a doodle, a masterpiece, or a song, art has the power to move us, connect us, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
When it comes to expressing oneself, it’s not only crafts butartin general that can help people release both their ideas and the built-up tension, if any. “Art is a profound language of the soul, as the soul speaks in images, offering a way to express emotions, ideas, and experiences that words cannot capture. It plays a crucial role in discovering personal identity, connecting to the cultural heritage, and in emotional healing. For many, art provides a way to process trauma, or simply reconnect with the beauty of life,” Luycx pointed out.
“On a bigger scale, art connects us to our roots, sparks empathy, and opens windows intootherperspectives. It can challenge norms, inspire change, and reflect the human condition in all its complexity. Whether it’s a doodle, a masterpiece, or a song, art has the power to move us, connect us, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
“Artisn’t just about painting or drawing – it’s everywhere,” Luycx continued. “Cooking a meal, planting a garden, writing a story, or even solving a tricky problem with a creative twist – those are all forms of art, too. Creativity is baked into who we are as humans, and it’s accessible toeveryone.“The key is making room for it in our lives – not as a luxury or afterthought, but as something essential toour well-being. When we nurture our creative sides, we feel more alive, connected, and inspired. And as we do, we create ripples of joy and imagination that touch the world around us.”
“Artisn’t just about painting or drawing – it’s everywhere,” Luycx continued. “Cooking a meal, planting a garden, writing a story, or even solving a tricky problem with a creative twist – those are all forms of art, too. Creativity is baked into who we are as humans, and it’s accessible toeveryone.
“The key is making room for it in our lives – not as a luxury or afterthought, but as something essential toour well-being. When we nurture our creative sides, we feel more alive, connected, and inspired. And as we do, we create ripples of joy and imagination that touch the world around us.”
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