Get Crafty - It's Good for You!
Photo courtesy of sbristow
Most of us who like to make stuff do it simply because we enjoy it. Or maybe because we want to make a special gift for someone. But did you know that crafting/creating is good for your health?
Studies have shown that crafting has effects that are similar to meditation, and it can help folks who suffer from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. Creative activities may also help protect the brain against aging. (Read more)
A participant at a TSCPL Arts & Crafts program.
You don’t have to be a serious artist to benefit from expressing yourself creatively. Pretty much any kind of creative endeavor is good. What you are looking for is either an activity that engages your mind to the extent that you lose track of time - or an activity that is repetitive and relaxing. Simply knitting or stitching will do the trick. Many people enjoy Zentangle or adult coloring books for their relaxing, meditative qualities. And there is nothing like that wonderful feeling you get when you make something that you just love!
The library offers opportunities for all kinds of creative expression. There are a variety of arts and crafts programs and activities at the library, and you'll find listings for these in each issue of Library News. (Be sure to check under Adult Programs and Art Programs so you won't miss any listings.) Another benefit of attending library programs is that you get a chance to meet other community members, and crafting with others is both fun and inspiring!
Coming up soon is our 10th annual Edible Books Festival – a fun opportunity for people of all ages to express their creative urges while also experiencing books and reading in new ways. This is a great activity for kids as well as adults. Edible books can portray a book's cover, portray a scene from a book, or they can be based on something else, such as a play on words. Individuals, groups, and families are all eligible. You can enter your own edible book or simply enjoy seeing what other folks in the community have created - and vote for your favorites. Either way, it’s a great time! Learn how you can participate here.
Previous Edible Books entries. From left: Plant a Kiss, Iceberg Right Ahead, and The Walking Dead.
Another option: Browse the Arts & Crafts neighborhood for a while and see if you don’t feel the urge to make something cool! The library has an excellent collection of books and videos about all kinds of arts and crafts. There are so many different ways to express yourself creatively. Here are a few of my favorite areas to browse:
Photo courtesy of Deborah
Drawing - Call #741.2
Papercraft - Call #745.54
Knitting - Call #746.4
Embroidery - Call #746.45
Painting - Call #740.18
Quilting - Call #746.46
And here are some books specifically intended to help you nurture your creative spirit:
Arts & Crafts Kit - Learn to Rubber Stamp
And don’t forget about all the different Arts & Crafts kits available at the library. Check out a kit from the library, and find out if you enjoy a new craft before you invest in buying your own tools and supplies!
Of course, the library isn't the only place to find resources to get your artsy/crafty on. Our community is full of creative people and offers lots of opportunities to learn and explore. There are also art/craft groups in our area that welcome new members. You can find info about these groups posted in the library's Arts & Crafts Neighborhood.
One last word of advice before you go forth and create: Remember to be gentle with yourself in your expectations. It's lovely to finish projects and get results you like, but keep in mind that it's not just about the finished product. It's enjoying the process that's good for you!
Photo courtesy of Steven Caddy
