Happy September! Raise your hand if you know that crafting is GOOD for your health? Ok, I see those hands out there! LOL!
I discovered papercrafting some years ago out of the blue. I couldn't believe how fun, relaxing and soothing it was. It helped me release a lot of stress and tension as well as share my new craft with loved ones.
Then, when I leaped into drawing and painting, it had a similar affect on me. I was so surprised these two creative expressions calmed my nerves and gave me a new outlook on life. After this, I was open to trying many creative interest like floral designs, guitar lessons, sewing, photography and interior design.
So, I know from personal experience the healing power of arts and crafts and the joy they provide.
There is something about working with your hands and concentrating on a fun project that works wonders for the soul.
Earlier this year, I ran across this article called "How Craft Is Good For Our Health," by Susan Luckman, Professor of Cultural Studies at University of South Australia. I totally connected to it.
CLICK ARTICLE HERE
It was about the research and science that proves what us crafters have known and experienced for years. CRAFTING IS GREAT MEDICINE! She does a good job explaining how particularly textile crafts have wonderful health benefits.
Also, I heard some of my fellow creators say crafting is "cheap therapy." This is so true especially with art. You can express so many locked up emotions and feelings like anger and rage as well as joy love. It's like a safe friend you can vent to on canvas. (Oh, I have done this a many a time.)
In the article, Luckman mentions how different textile crafts offer different benefits.
"...knitting was found to reduce workplace stress and compassion fatigue experienced by oncology nurses.
Quilting has been found to enhance participant’s experiences of well-being as they move into older age."
Also, arts and crafts help me express parts of my personality. When I am making cards the giving, supportive, feminine and frilly parts of my personality shine. But when I paint, I can express my curious, angry, adventurous, sassy, colorful and imperfect parts.
This Summer, I learned to crochet. It has had a relaxing affect on me as well. It is so detailed and I have to pay close attention and focus. This felt especially good during stressful times. It temporarily blocked out the negative noise and gave me a break. Also, it was more fun crocheting with the nice group of ladies from the craft club I am apart of. We chit chat, laugh and crochet.
I discovered papercrafting some years ago out of the blue. I couldn't believe how fun, relaxing and soothing it was. It helped me release a lot of stress and tension as well as share my new craft with loved ones.
Then, when I leaped into drawing and painting, it had a similar affect on me. I was so surprised these two creative expressions calmed my nerves and gave me a new outlook on life. After this, I was open to trying many creative interest like floral designs, guitar lessons, sewing, photography and interior design.
So, I know from personal experience the healing power of arts and crafts and the joy they provide.
There is something about working with your hands and concentrating on a fun project that works wonders for the soul.
Earlier this year, I ran across this article called "How Craft Is Good For Our Health," by Susan Luckman, Professor of Cultural Studies at University of South Australia. I totally connected to it.
CLICK ARTICLE HERE
It was about the research and science that proves what us crafters have known and experienced for years. CRAFTING IS GREAT MEDICINE! She does a good job explaining how particularly textile crafts have wonderful health benefits.
Also, I heard some of my fellow creators say crafting is "cheap therapy." This is so true especially with art. You can express so many locked up emotions and feelings like anger and rage as well as joy love. It's like a safe friend you can vent to on canvas. (Oh, I have done this a many a time.)
In the article, Luckman mentions how different textile crafts offer different benefits.
"...knitting was found to reduce workplace stress and compassion fatigue experienced by oncology nurses.
Quilting has been found to enhance participant’s experiences of well-being as they move into older age."
Also, arts and crafts help me express parts of my personality. When I am making cards the giving, supportive, feminine and frilly parts of my personality shine. But when I paint, I can express my curious, angry, adventurous, sassy, colorful and imperfect parts.
This Summer, I learned to crochet. It has had a relaxing affect on me as well. It is so detailed and I have to pay close attention and focus. This felt especially good during stressful times. It temporarily blocked out the negative noise and gave me a break. Also, it was more fun crocheting with the nice group of ladies from the craft club I am apart of. We chit chat, laugh and crochet.
So, I agree with the author of this article. Crafting has been great medicine for me and I hope for you too. When you have time, check out this article and see what you think. How CRAFT Is Good...Article
So the next time you are at your local craft store buying more supplies and wondering about your budget, remember CRAFTING IS GOOD MEDICINE AND SHOP AWAY! LOL!!!

Kelly, this is so interesting. I really enjoyed the article and clicked through on some of the other ones too. I was particularly interested in the crafts that were taught to WW1 vets with "shell shock". My dad came home from WW2 and began making all kinds of crafts from cigar boxes. I have a wooden clock in my scraproom that is mainly made from the wooden crates that boxes of cigars were shipped in and also from the cigar boxes themselves. I also have picture frames he made from them. I'm sure that helped him cope. I have always found peace and relaxation when I am crafting.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this with us.
Thanks for stopping by. That is interesting about the WW2 vets usings crafts to recover.
DeleteFantastic job on this article, Honey! Very relevant topic and wonderful reminder of the power of crafting. I am a witness to how this power has brought healing, strength and light to your life. Keep shining! Ron
ReplyDeleteThanks Honey! It has been good medicine for both of us.
ReplyDeleteGreat article, and so true! Recently I was inspired by some pretty flowers at Michaels and decided I was going to make a wreath for the first time in my life. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I hope this info inspires you to try more crafts and have fun.
Delete