There are many reasons why people enjoy doing crafts. The most obvious are to relax and relieve stress. It’s a good time to turn off your digital devices and take a break. I know one of the main reasons I like to knit is that it relaxes me at the end of the day.

The act of crafting also keeps the mind active, improves motor skills, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Creating things will uplift your mood, boost your confidence, and improve your self-image when you realize just how capable and clever you are.

Luckily, craft materials can be relatively cheap and easy to find. Search the house for items that have served their purpose, or look for nature's materials when you are in the backyard or out on a walk with your family. You can recycle and reuse items and help our environment at the same time. If you need more materials or tools than what you have at home, check out your local Dollar Store. You will be amazed (as I am every time I visit!) the wealth of crafting treasures you can find.

These are activities that you can do alone or with other people. Crafters enjoy sharing time with other people with similar interests and exchanging ideas, tips and finished projects. You can find many websites where people post their projects and provide instructions for you to try making them too. Even better, share craft time with your family to create positive memories and strengthen relationships.

Crafting provides me with an immense sense of personal accomplishment. Giving a homemade gift to a family member makes me happy, knowing that they will treasure the time and effort taken.

Are you ready to give it a try? Start by checking out our resources at the Brantford Public Library. Several are listed below.

Be creative! Have fun! Get crafting!

Place a hold to pick up:

• Connect With Nature : Projects to Grow, Gather, Make and Do (2016) by Anna Carlile,
• Craft Your Stash : Transforming Craft Closet Treasures into Gifts, Home Decor & More (2014) by Lisa Fulmer

With your library membership, create free accounts for these: online resources at the library

Overdrive:

• Art Made From Books (2013) by Laura Hayenga
• Artful Parent : Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity (2019) by Jean Van't Hul

Hoopla:

• The Making It Guide to Crafting (2013) by the Creators of Making It by Creators of Making It (Download through Hoopla)
• Modern Upcycling (2014) by Susanna Zacke (Download through Hoopla)

RB Digital:

• Check out the following magazine titles : Cloth Paper Scissors, The Craft Book, Vol. 1, and Creative Ideas (Download through RB Digital)

Other Databases

• Craft and Hobbies Database (Sign in through EbscoHost)

External articles to explore:

• Benefits of Sewing and Crafting for Mental Health
• The Many Benefits of DIY: Why Crafting and Sewing are Great for Your Mental Health