Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, crafting quietly disappeared from most of our lives. Maybe it got replaced by scrolling, maybe by work, maybe by the assumption that “crafts” are just for kids. But here’s the thing craft activities for adults have quietly become one of the best antidotes to screen fatigue and mental burnout, and you don’t need a single ounce of artistic talent to enjoy them.
Craft Activities for Adults
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The crafts activities for adults listed below are not intended to be made beautiful enough to post on social media. These are meant to provide your hands with something to do while your brain can take a break. Choose which craft activity looks the least daunting and simply begin.
1. Hand-Lettering & Brush Pen Calligraphy
There is something soothing about taking control of your hand movements when creating letter forms. While I find all types of calligraphy and hand-lettering to be enjoyable, brush pens are one of my favorite types of mediums used. For beginners, brush pens are easy-to-use and come in kits that include a variety of tip sizes.
2. Pottery & Air-Dry Clay
One of the easiest types of clay to use is air dry clay. This type of clay allows you to create items such as coffee mugs, small containers for storing jewelry or other small treasures, sculptures etc. All you need to get started is a basic air-dry clay starter kit along with sculpting tools (some may come included depending upon the brand).
3. Cross-Stitch
Cross-stitch has seen a bit of a comeback in recent years, partly because contemporary patterns go far beyond classic floral motifs (we now see sardonic quotations, pop culture allusions, and even personalized pet pictures). Most Beginner Cross-Stitch Kits will include every necessary item needed including the pre-counted fabric associated with this craft.
4. Candle-Making
Similar to many crafts mentioned above, Candle-Making serves a dual purpose as a fun DIY project AND as decorative additions for your home. A soy wax and fragrance oil kit provides an easy way to create your first candles with little room for error.
5. Journaling and Scrapbooking
You only need to keep a notebook, add some washi tape, glue sticks, old ticket stubs, and other intriguing objects, and you won’t need to spend hours journaling or scrapbooking. This is a great form of memory keeping as well as a low-risk art experience.
6. Woodworking (Small Projects)
Woodworking doesn’t require an entire workshop; simple projects such as shelves, cutting boards, etc. will get you started. A beginner’s woodwork kit includes what you’ll need to begin your journey.
7. Knitting/Crochet
Knitting and crochet are both very portable so they’re great for long trips or if you like to knit/crochet while watching TV. Both are relatively easy to learn but crochet is often recommended for beginners because there is only one hook to work with.
8. Macrame Wall Hangings
While many people think of hanging plants when thinking of macrame, you can also create large wall hangings that make a bold statement. The method involved is mostly tying knots rather than learning new techniques. A macrame cord and ring set will give you enough materials for a sizeable first project.
9. Resin Art
The beauty of working with resin is its versatility – once you’ve learned how to mix it properly, the combinations are endless. In addition, the final product looks much better than the amount of time spent creating it.
10. Watercolor Painting
A watercolor set that includes paper allows you to simply create loose sketches of what ever is in front of you without the requirement of having to take classes. Watercolor painting is all about water and pigment, making it accessible to beginners. Paint sets by Winsor & Newton and Reeves include high-quality pigments in small tubes.
11. DIY Jewelry Making
Wire wrapping and beading are much less intimidating when viewed through the lens of being a hobbyist. For example, a DIY jewelry making starter kit that contains a variety of beads, some different types of wire (such as copper, silver, etc.), and claps, will allow you to make earrings and/or bracelets within an hour of opening the box. Gifting someone something you created yourself provides an additional layer of satisfaction as well.
12. Leathercraft
Leather good such as card holders, keychains, small pouches, etc., are great weekend projects. Most beginner kits for leather crafting include pre cut pieces of leather and all necessary tools, therefore eliminating the need for purchasing individual pieces of leather and separate items needed for hardware.
13. Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books seem almost too simplistic to have an actual effect, however adult coloring books do provide a level of relaxation which can be attributed to their ability to serve as a form of meditation. Therefore, combining an adult coloring book with a solid set of colored pencils is an excellent method for creating a relaxing atmosphere after dinner.
14. Terrariums
Creating a mini indoor garden inside of a clear glass container is both enjoyable and rewarding. Not only is it a craft activity but also serves as a form of gardening. A terrarium kit that includes the necessary materials for completing a terrarium including soil, moss, and small plants, helps reduce the likelihood of failure due to the included materials being specifically chosen for the purpose of reducing the possibility of failure.
Conclusion
The most beneficial craft activities for adults are those which create the opportunity for you to relax while giving you the freedom to express yourself creatively by focusing your attention elsewhere other than thinking. No matter how unskilled you may feel in relation to drawing or painting you can still enjoy these creative hobbies. All you must do is begin.
Choose one craft activity from the above list and commit to spending one evening attempting to complete the project. It is likely that once you begin working on the project it will develop into a routine.