Crafting: The Ultimate Stress-Buster

When I first began the Crafts area of my blog, I posted often about the favorable effects of crafting. Mostly, I crochet. I also do a little plastic canvas work, some minor beadwork, and even a little paper folding (my dollar bill shirts). Crochet is the most soothing and therapeutic for me.

There is an enormous benefit in what I call the "rhythm of the stitches." This happens also with any craft work that requires repetition: knitting, needlepoint, weaving, plastic canvas, cross stitch, etc. Sculptors often talk about the soothing effect of the feel of clay taking shape in their hands.

During times of great stress, there is a calmness and serenity that envelopes me when I pick up a hook and yarn or thread, and begin. When I posted in my blog's early days about this, a dear friend, Sylvia, commented on one post that she, too, felt that in her college days when she enjoyed weaving.

I heartily encourage folks to take up a craft to ease their minds and hearts during stressful times. For those who do not know what craft to start with, there are websites with many free craft ideas, and you can easily browse their projects and pick a few different types of crafts, to find the right "fit." I suggest the following to start:

http://www.craftbits.com/
http://www.favecrafts.com/

Both of these sites have projects for kids, too. I often suggest folks who do not know what to start with, start with a child's project, then move on up.

These sites are also great places to find recycling craft ideas - what a great duo: stress-busting and recycling!

In addition to taking your mind off your troubles for the time you are working on the project, you are also making something useful: a gift, a product to sell, a treat for you or your home.

As a stress-buster, crafting can't be beat. I remember my mother sitting up for hours after we three kids went to bed, back in the 40s. She had a lot of troubles back then - financial, emotional (my daddy drank heavily), and more. Still, when she picked up her crochet hook or knitting needles, or sat to her sewing machine, she was able to relieve her stress, and often ended up humming to herself, at peace for that moment in time.

It's no secret - as a stress-buster, crafting cannot be beat.