Therapy Crafting: 5 Ways to Boost Mental Health

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

In the realm of mental wellness, the simple act of creating something with your own hands can be incredibly healing. That's where therapy crafts come into play. Let's delve into the world of crafting, not just as a hobby, but a therapeutic tool to boost mental health. It's time to roll up our sleeves and make a masterpiece of mindfulness!

1. Engage in Knitting

If you're looking for a therapy craft that's both soothing and practical, knitting could be the perfect fit. The rhythmic, repetitive nature of knitting can help reduce stress and anxiety, while the end result provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Let's get started on your journey with knitting therapy crafts!

Choose Your Yarn

First things first, you'll need to choose your yarn. Here, the sky's the limit: you can find yarn in every color of the rainbow, and a variety of textures. Opt for something soft and comforting to touch, like merino wool or cashmere. Your local craft store will have a plethora of choices, but brands like Lion Brand and Red Heart are known for their quality and variety.

Learn Basic Stitches

Now that you've got your yarn, it's time to learn some basic stitches. The basic knit and purl are the building blocks of all knitting projects. These stitches might seem tricky at first, but with practice, they'll soon feel as natural as breathing. There are plenty of online tutorials that can guide you - YouTube channels like "VeryPink Knits" offer clear, step-by-step instructions.

Start a Simple Project

With your yarn in hand and basic stitches under your belt, you're ready to start your first project. Start small: a scarf or a beanie are great beginner projects. As you stitch, let your mind focus on the rhythm of your hands, the softness of the yarn, and the emerging pattern. In this way, your knitting becomes more than a craft—it becomes a form of mindfulness, a therapy craft in its own right.

Remember, the goal here isn't perfection—it's about the journey, not the destination. So, let loose and let your creativity flow. Who knows, you might just discover a new passion while improving your mental health!

2. Paint Your Stress Away

Another soothing therapy craft to consider is painting. The act of putting brush to canvas can be incredibly therapeutic as it allows for emotional expression and stress relief. Plus, it doesn't require any special artistic talent—just a willingness to let go and let the colors guide you.

Gather Painting Supplies

To start your painting journey, you'll need some basic supplies. This includes paint (acrylics are a good starting point for beginners), brushes of various sizes, a canvas or paper, and a palette for mixing colors. Brands like Winsor & Newton or Liquitex offer beginner-friendly painting sets that include everything you need to get started. Don't forget to protect your workspace with a drop cloth or newspaper!

Try Watercolor Techniques

Once you've got your supplies, why not try your hand at watercolor techniques? Watercolor painting is a particularly calming therapy craft as it involves a lot of fluid, intuitive movements. Start by experimenting with basic techniques like wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. The beauty of watercolor lies in its unpredictability, so embrace the unexpected and see where the colors take you.

Explore Abstract Art

Abstract art is another great avenue to explore when it comes to painting therapy crafts. It doesn't require you to adhere to realistic forms or details, giving you the freedom to express your emotions and thoughts directly onto the canvas. Use bold strokes, vibrant colors, or even incorporate textures with mixed media. Remember, the goal is to express, not to impress.

Whether it's knitting or painting, therapy crafts offer a unique, hands-on approach to boosting mental health. So, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at just how much joy and peace these activities can bring into your life.

3. Grow with Gardening

Have you ever heard of green therapy? Gardening is a wonderful therapy craft that not only reduces stress but also connects you with nature. The physical act of digging, planting, and caring for your green space can provide a sense of accomplishment and tranquility. Plus, it's pretty rewarding to see your plants grow over time.

Plan Your Garden

Start your gardening adventure by planning out your green space. It could be a small indoor herb garden on your kitchen windowsill, or a flowery outdoor oasis in your backyard. Consider factors like sunlight, soil quality, and the size of your space. Draw out a simple plan on paper—this will give you a clear idea of what to plant and where.

Select Plants

Next, select the plants you'd like to grow. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and soil type. For beginners, easy-to-grow plants like marigolds, sunflowers, or basil can be a good start. Garden centers like Lowe's or Home Depot can provide you with a range of plant options and helpful advice.

Nurture Your Green Space

Once your plants are in the ground, your job is to nurture them. This involves regular watering, occasional pruning, and keeping an eye out for pesky pests. Remember, every plant is different—some might need more sun or water than others, so it's important to understand your plants' needs. Nurturing your green space isn't just about growing plants, it's also about growing patience and mindfulness. Isn't that a beautiful thought?

Gardening is not just a therapy craft, it's a journey. A journey that teaches you about patience, nurturing, and the simple joys of life. So, are you ready to dig in and grow with gardening?

4. Build with DIY Crafts

If you're looking for a creative outlet, DIY crafts are the way to go. This form of therapy crafts allows you to express your creativity while also providing a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're making a decorative piece for your home or a unique gift for a friend, the process of creating something from scratch can be both therapeutic and fulfilling.

Find Inspiration

First and foremost, find your inspiration. It could be anything — a color, a pattern, a piece of art, or even a Pinterest post. Consider what you'd like to create and what materials you'd enjoy working with. Remember, the goal here isn't to create a masterpiece, but to enjoy the process and find peace in it.

Gather Materials

Once you've found your inspiration, gather your materials. This can include anything from fabric scraps for a quilt, wood for a birdhouse, or beads for jewelry. Craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby are great places to find a wide variety of materials. You can also repurpose items you already have at home — it's both sustainable and cost-effective!

Create your Masterpiece

Now comes the fun part: creating your masterpiece. Follow a tutorial if you need guidance or let your creativity guide you. Don't worry about making it perfect — remember, it's the process that's therapeutic, not the end result. As you work on your DIY craft, you'll likely find your mind relaxes and focuses on the task at hand, pushing aside any stress or anxiety.

Building with DIY crafts is not only a great way to spend your time but it also allows you to express yourself creatively. So, are you ready to start creating?

5. Find Peace in Pottery

Another therapeutic craft that you can sink your hands into is pottery. There's something inherently calming about shaping clay into beautiful and functional pieces. The rhythmic motion of the wheel, the feeling of the clay in your hands, and the focus it requires can help to center your mind and improve your mood.

Choose Your Clay

Begin your pottery journey by choosing your clay. Earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain are the most commonly used types. Each has its own properties and is suitable for different kinds of projects. For beginners, earthenware is often the go-to choice — it's easy to work with and doesn't require high-temperature firing.

Learn Pottery Basics

Once you have your clay, it's time to learn some pottery basics. You'll need to understand processes like wedging (to remove air bubbles from the clay), centering (to place the clay correctly on the wheel), and pulling (to shape the clay). Local community centers or pottery studios often offer beginner classes, which can be a great place to start.

Create Functional Art

Finally, let's create some functional art. Pottery is unique among therapy crafts because you can make something that's not only beautiful but also useful. Whether you craft a mug for your morning coffee, a bowl for your favorite soup, or a vase for your flowers, your creations can bring joy to your everyday life.

Pottery combines art, creativity, and mindfulness into one activity. It's a great example of how therapy crafts can be used to boost mental health. So, why not give it a try and see what you can create?

If you're looking to explore the benefits of art and creativity on mental health, be sure to check out the workshop 'From Scribbles to Art Therapy' by Shannon. This workshop will guide you through the process of transforming simple scribbles into powerful art therapy exercises, helping you boost your mental health and well-being.