Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Why Be Crafty? 5 Ways Arts, Crafts and DIY Enrich Your Life with Amber Schamel

One of my favorite things about the Stitches Thru Time blog is that it brings folks together that enjoy not only faith, books, and history, but also ARTS, CRAFTS, and DIY. Of course, since our inception three years ago, we've also picked up folks who aren't as interested in that particular aspect. So today, I thought I'd give a few thoughts as to why being 'crafty' is actually a great benefit.


5 Ways Arts, Crafts and DIY Enrich Your Life

  1. Refresh
    No matter what our occupation, whether it be writing, accounting, nursing, homemaking or anything else, we all need a way to unwind and give our mind a break. Doing something crafty with your hands is a fulfilling and productive way to do that. As a bookkeeper, I sometimes have days so stressful that I just HAVE to find something else to do for a while. That's when a good chalkboard artwork is fantastic.
  2. Stimulates Your Creativity
    Most jobs require some level of creativity, and let's admit it, writer's aren't the only ones who encounter a "block" at some point. As a marketing director and a writer, I sometimes run dry on my creative ideas. Taking a break to dabble in some other form of creative activity gets those juices flowing again.
  3. It's Good for Your Brain
    We all need to keep our brains active, even if we're giving our brain a break from the normal routine. The challenge of arts and crafts stimulates the brain while not exhausting it. In fact, some studies have shown that arts and crafts can aid in relieving depression, increase mental agility, and reduce stress.
  4. Develops Fine Motor Skills
    When glueing a small piece in place, or painting a fine line, these tiny motions help to mold and develop your fine motor skills. That might even help improve your handwriting.
  5. Promotes Self Confidence and a Sense of Accomplishment
    There's just something about looking at a tangible creation that you made with your own two hands. Even if it isn't perfect, it is your own creation. I think part of this feeling comes from being made in God's image, who is the ultimate Creator. 
So there you have it. Some encouragement for the folks that are already crafting, and maybe a little prodding for those of you that aren't. :)

Let's chat! Do you currently do arts, crafts or DIY? Why or why not? What benefits have you gleaned from them? If you don't, do you still enjoy hearing about them and seeing pictures?

19 comments:

  1. I love doing papercrafting. I just finished making an exploding picture box to give away on my blog. It relaxes me and gets my creative juices flowing. You can check out boxes I've made and other papercrafts on Pinterest....under the name Chappy Debbie Mitchell.

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    1. Those are so neat, Debbie! How long does it take for you to make one of those? We should have you guest post on a Wednesday about your papercrafts!

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    2. It depends on the subject of the box. I can make one in a day if I have all of the materials and a complete idea for the box. The average amount of time is about 2-3 days....about 3-5 hours each day.

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  2. I'm knitting at the moment - lots of baby booties. Apart from everything else it is so relaxing. Knitting is also very sociable. I can knit & chat at the same time.

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    1. I agree, Mary. I know very little in the way of knitting, so I do better with Crochet. I always liked the thought of ladies sitting around and fellowshipping as they knit, crochet or quilt. :)

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    2. That's one of the reasons I love yarn crafts, Mary. I can still interact and pay attention to what's going on around me and yet still be doing something productive. :) But I admit, like Amber, I'm better at crocheting. I have to look down less, but that might be because I've done it more. :)

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  3. Crafting is a great relaxation. I enjoy embroidery, coloring with children, and creating flower arrangements. Amber, thank you for sharing this great post showing how crats, arts or DIY is beneficial for each one.

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    1. Good morning, Marilyn! I would love to learn how to arrange flowers. That's something I've always wanted to learn. You should guest post for us too!

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  4. I love working on crafts, especially for our ladies' church group. It definitely stimulates my mind and gives a sense of accomplishment. I love to "create". Fun blog!!!

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    1. Hey Becky! A ladies church group project would be a blast! Enjoy that!

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  5. HI Amber! My daughter and I use to do"make and take" projects where we gathered our supplies , made our project, and took it home. We haven't done that in so long but your post excites me at the thought of doing this again. Thank you for helping me get my creative juices flowing!

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    1. Sounds like fun, Melanie! Doing projects with loved ones is even better.

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    2. Sounds like great quality time, Melanie. :)

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  6. I gave up crafts a long time ago due to lack of energy. I have continued my hobby of reading, and picked up coloring. Coloring is a creative process, so I guess that would count.
    Maybe in the distant future I will be doing easy crafts with my two grandsons.

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    1. Coloring does count, Martha! Crafts with grandchildren is a great way to strengthen a bond and create memories.

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    2. I also applaud reading. Reading is good. Very good. :)

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  7. Amber, I used to do a lot of crafts but put them aside because of time restraints. I have recently started to craft again to decorate my home. I am also enjoying the simple crafts that my granddaughter and I do together.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail (dot)com

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    1. I hear you, Connie. I don't get to do as much as I'd like either. But I'm finding that it is time well invested. I am more productive if I am not so stressed out. LOL

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