Hand sewing for craft therapy

Craft therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to improve mental health and overall well-being. It involves using creative activities, such as sewing, to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood. One form of craft therapy that has been particularly effective is hand sewing. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of hand sewing for craft therapy and how it can be used as a tool for healing and self-care.

What is Craft Therapy?

Craft therapy, also known as art therapy, is a form of expressive therapy that uses creative activities to improve mental and emotional well-being. It is based on the belief that the act of creating can be therapeutic and can help individuals express and process their emotions in a non-verbal way.

Craft therapy can take many forms, including painting, drawing, sculpting, and sewing. It has been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It can also be used as a tool for self-care and stress management.

The Benefits of Craft Therapy

Craft therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health and overall well-being. Some of these include:

• Stress reduction: Engaging in creative activities can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

• Improved mood: Creating something with your hands can release feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

• Increased self-esteem: Completing a creative project can give individuals a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.

• Emotional expression: For those who struggle with verbal expression, craft therapy can provide a non-verbal outlet for processing and expressing emotions.

• Mindfulness: Engaging in a creative activity can help individuals be more present and mindful, which can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Hand Sewing for Craft Therapy

Hand sewing is a form of craft therapy that involves using a needle and thread to create stitches by hand. It is a simple and accessible form of sewing that can be done anywhere, making it an ideal activity for craft therapy.

Hand sewing has been used successfully in various craft therapy programs and workshops. One example is Blessings Craft Therapy, a non-profit organization that provides craft therapy workshops for individuals with mental health challenges. They use hand sewing as a tool for healing and self-care, and participants have reported improved mood, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem.

At Crafting Joy, we believe in the power of hand sewing in all our needlecraft courses. Hand sewing allows for a deeper connection with the craft, fostering a sense of mindfulness and creativity. The rhythmic movements of the needle and thread create a meditative experience, enabling our students to enter a state of flow and fully immerse themselves in the process. To further enhance this experience, we incorporate classical music into our classes. The soothing melodies stimulate creativity and provide a calming backdrop for the creative journey. By encouraging our students to leave their mobile devices aside during class, we create a space free from distractions, allowing them to fully embrace the joy of crafting and experience the therapeutic benefits that come with it.

Unleashing the Festive Spirit: Craft Workshops for Group Christmas Parties

As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes filled with excitement and anticipation. It's the perfect time to spread joy, foster team spirit, and create lasting memories with your colleagues. While there are numerous options for organising a group Christmas party, why not consider craft workshops as a unique and engaging way to celebrate? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of craft workshops as fun Christmas activities for a group, including virtual options, team building activities, and ideas for office-based celebrations. So let's dive in and unwrap the magic of craft workshops for your work Christmas party in 2023!

Fun Christmas Activities for a Group

Craft workshops offer a delightful blend of creativity, fun, and social interaction. Whether you're crafting ornaments, making wreaths, or designing personalized gifts, these activities provide an opportunity for everyone to let their imaginations run wild. Engaging in hands-on crafts together encourages teamwork, laughter, and the joy of creating something unique. By participating in craft workshops, your team can bond over shared experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Christmas Team Building Activities Virtually

In the era of remote work, virtual Christmas activities have become increasingly popular. Craft workshops can easily be adapted to online platforms, allowing teams to connect and celebrate regardless of their physical location. With the help of virtual craft kits sent in advance, colleagues can join a virtual workshop led by a skilled instructor. This interactive experience enables team members to collaborate, learn new skills, and engage in friendly competition. Through virtual craft workshops, you can strengthen your team's bonds, boost morale, and create cherished memories, all from the comfort of your own homes.

Christmas Activities for Work: Office-Based Celebrations

For those fortunate enough to be working in an office environment, organizing a craft workshop as part of your work Christmas party can inject a festive spirit into the workplace. Set up a designated craft station where employees can gather during breaks or after work hours to indulge in creative pursuits. From making DIY decorations to crafting personalized holiday cards, these activities provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere, offering a much-needed break from the usual work routine. By engaging in craft workshops together, colleagues can unwind, connect on a personal level, and create a festive ambiance in the office.

Craft workshops offer a delightful and engaging alternative for group Christmas parties. Whether you choose virtual options or office-based celebrations, these activities provide a unique opportunity for teams to come together, foster team spirit, and create cherished memories.

Unlocking Creativity in 10 Minutes a Day: A Busy persons Guide.

Creativity is often seen as a luxury, something that only artists and writers have time for. But the truth is, everyone is creative in their own way. And the good news is, you don't need hours of free time to unlock your creativity. Here are a few tips on how to get started in just 10 minutes a day:

1. Morning Doodles: Kickstart Your Day Creatively

Begin your day with a burst of creativity by spending just 5 minutes doodling or sketching. Grab a piece of paper and let your pen flow freely. Don't worry about perfection; let your imagination guide your hand.

2. Mindful Commute: Turn Travel Time into Creative Reflection

During your commute, put away your smartphone and use those minutes to observe the world around you. Notice the colors, patterns, and people. Engage your senses, and let these observations fuel your creative thoughts.

3. Lunch Break Poetry: Pen Your Thoughts and Emotions

Take 5 minutes during your lunch break to jot down your thoughts or emotions in the form of a short poem. It's a cathartic way to express yourself and foster creativity amidst a busy workday.

4. Visualize Your Goals: Sketch Your Aspirations

Use a few minutes to visualize your professional and personal goals. Sketch them out in a simple visual representation. This can give you a fresh perspective and motivate you to work towards your objectives.

5. Mind Mapping: Stimulate Your Brain Creatively

Dedicate 10 minutes to create a mind map on a topic that interests you. It can be related to your work or personal hobbies. Mind mapping sparks creativity, allowing you to see connections and generate new ideas.

6. Break-time Sculpting: Mold Your Stress Away

Keep a small piece of clay or playdough on your desk. During short breaks, use it to sculpt simple shapes or objects. It's a relaxing and tactile way to stimulate creativity.

7. Expressive Journaling: Write Freely and Openly

In the evening, spend a few minutes jotting down your thoughts, experiences, or dreams in a journal. Let your writing flow without any judgment or structure. It's a therapeutic way to tap into your subconscious and ignite creativity.

8. Nature Connection: Sketch the Beauty Around You

If possible, step outside for a few minutes and sketch a tree, a flower, or any element of nature. Nature is an abundant source of inspiration and can fuel your creativity.

9. Photographic Journey: Capture Creativity Through Lens

Snap a quick photo of something that catches your eye during the day. It could be architecture, flowers, or a scene. Reflect on what made you capture that moment.

10. Collage Creations: Mix and Match Your Imagination

Keep a collection of magazines or old newspapers. In 10 minutes, create a collage by cutting out images and arranging them in a way that speaks to your creativity.

Incorporating these 10-minute creative practices into your daily routine can pave the way for a more innovative and expressive you. Remember, creativity is a muscle that grows stronger with consistent, small exercises. Embrace these moments, and watch your creativity bloom amidst your busy lifestyle.

Christmas Team Activities: Ideas to help celebrate the upcoming festive season at work.

It’s less than 100 days until Christmas! Wow already I hear you say! The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and coming together as a team. What better way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas than by indulging in fun and creative activities with your colleagues? In this post, we will explore some fantastic team-building activities that will surely spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Get ready to unleash your creativity and embrace the festive spirit!

1. Christmas Bauble Painting:

Let your team's artistic talents shine by organizing a Christmas bauble painting activity. Provide plain baubles and a variety of paints, glitter, and other decorative materials. Encourage your team to personalize their baubles with unique designs or even their names. Once the painting is complete, these beautifully adorned baubles can be displayed on the office Christmas tree, adding a touch of creativity to your workspace.

2. Gingerbread Men Decorating:

Nothing says Christmas like the sweet aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Arrange a gingerbread decorating session where your team can unleash their inner pastry chefs. Provide an assortment of icing, sprinkles, and candies for decorating. Let each team member create their own unique gingerbread masterpiece. You can even organise a friendly competition to see who can design the most festive gingerbread man!

3. Making Christmas Crackers:

Bring a traditional British Christmas tradition to your team by making your own Christmas crackers. These festive party favors will add a touch of excitement to your holiday celebrations. Provide your team with coloured paper, ribbons, and small gifts or jokes to fill the crackers. Encourage everyone to get creative with their designs and then gather together to pull the crackers and enjoy the surprises inside.

4. Christmas Candle Making:

Create a warm and cozy atmosphere by organising a Christmas candle-making workshop. Provide different scents, moulds, and coloured wax for your team to experiment with. They can craft their own unique candles, perfect for gifting or keeping as a personal reminder of the holiday season. The flickering candlelight will add a touch of magic to your workspace, creating a serene and festive ambiance.

5. Christmas Wreath Making:

Encourage your team to embrace their inner florists by organising a Christmas wreath-making activity. Provide a variety of wreath bases, foliage, ribbons, and ornaments. Allow your team members to design and create their own festive wreaths. These beautiful decorations can be hung on office doors or used as centerpieces during holiday parties. The process of crafting wreaths together will foster teamwork and creativity within your team.

Spreading holiday cheer within your team doesn't have to be limited to office parties or gift exchanges. By organising creative and engaging activities like Christmas bauble painting, gingerbread men decorating, making Christmas crackers, Christmas candle making, and Christmas wreath making, you can create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere that will bring your team closer together. Embrace the spirit of Christmas and watch as your team bonds over the joy of creating something beautiful and festive.

Check out some of the workshops for groups we will be offering this Christmas.

3 Creative Ways to Decorate Pumpkins and Elevate Your Tablescapes: Decoupage, Pressed Flowers, and Painting

As Autumn approaches, decorating pumpkins becomes a cherished tradition, signaling the onset of the festive season. Pumpkins aren't just for carving spooky faces—there are a myriad of artistic ways to adorn them, enhancing your seasonal tablescapes and home decor. In this blog post, we will explore three creative techniques to decorate pumpkins using decoupage, pressed flowers, and with paint.

Decoupage pumpkins with napkins

Decoupage is a fantastic way to elevate the look of your pumpkins. It involves decorating the surface of an object by gluing coloured paper cutouts onto it, followed by multiple coats of varnish or lacquer. To decoupage your pumpkin:

Materials Needed:

- A pumpkin

- Mod Podge or any decoupage glue

- Decorative paper (e.g., napkins, tissue paper, patterned scrapbook paper)

- Brush for applying Mod Podge

- Scissors

- Varnish or sealant

Steps:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Clean the surface of the pumpkin and ensure it's dry.

2. Choose Your Design: Select the decorative paper or napkins you'd like to use for decoupage. Cut out the designs you want to apply.

3. Apply Mod Podge: Using the brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on the area where you'll place the cutout.

4. Attach the Design: Gently place the cutout on the Mod Podge-covered area and smooth it out to remove any air bubbles.

5. Seal the Design: Once the design is in place, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Let it dry.

6. Repeat and Seal: Repeat the process, applying more designs as desired, and ensure each layer is sealed with Mod Podge. Allow the pumpkin to dry completely.

7. Seal with Varnish: Once all the layers have dried, seal the entire pumpkin with varnish to give it a glossy finish and preserve the design.

Decorate pumpkins Using Pressed Flowers

Pressed flowers add a natural, delicate touch to your pumpkin decor. They're perfect for those seeking an elegant and organic look.

Materials Needed:

- Pressed flowers and leaves

- A pumpkin

- Mod Podge or craft glue

- Brush for applying Mod Podge

- Varnish or sealant

Steps:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Ensure the pumpkin is clean and dry.

2. Arrange the Pressed Flowers: Arrange the pressed flowers and leaves on the pumpkin in your desired pattern or design.

3. Glue the Flowers: Using Mod Podge or craft glue, carefully adhere the pressed flowers and leaves to the pumpkin. Apply the glue to the back of the flowers and gently press them onto the pumpkin's surface.

4. Seal the Design: Once all the pressed flowers are in place, apply a layer of Mod Podge or sealant over the entire pumpkin to secure the design and give it a glossy finish.

Pumpkin Painting

Painting pumpkins allows for endless creativity and customisation. You can choose colours and designs that suit your decor theme and personal style.

Materials Needed:

- Acrylic paints in desired colours

- Paintbrushes

- A pumpkin

Steps:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Ensure the pumpkin is clean and dry.

2. Choose Your Design and Colours: Decide on a design or pattern you'd like to paint on the pumpkin. Select the colours that match your decor.

3. Paint the Base: Apply a base coat of the chosen colour to the pumpkin. This will serve as the canvas for your design.

4. Paint Your Design: Use different colours and brushes to paint your chosen design on the pumpkin. Get creative and have fun!

5. Let it Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before moving or displaying the pumpkin.

6. Optional: Seal with Varnish: If desired, you can seal the painted pumpkin with a varnish or sealant for a glossy finish and added durability.

Decorating pumpkins goes far beyond carving spooky faces or creating traditional Halloween decorations. These three creative techniques decoupage, using pressed flowers, and painting are just one of the many ways to decorate pumpkins and elevate your tablescapes during autumn. Unleash your creativity by experimentng with different combinations and designs to achieve a look that suits your style and adds a touch of artistry to your seasonal decor.

5 Ways That Craft Can Aid Mental Health

Crafting is often seen as a fun and creative hobby, but it can also have a positive impact on mental health. Here are five ways that craft can aid mental health:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Crafting can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Focusing on a creative project can help distract the mind from negative thoughts and worries. The repetitive motions involved in many crafts, such as knitting or crocheting, can also be calming and meditative.

2. Boosting Self-Esteem

Completing a craft project can give a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. Learning a new skill or mastering a difficult technique can also be empowering and improve confidence.

3. Providing a Sense of Purpose

Crafting can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Creating something with your own hands can give a sense of accomplishment and contribute to a feeling of productivity.

4. Encouraging Social Connection

Crafting can also encourage social connection. Joining a crafting group or attending a crafting class can provide an opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests. This can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

5. Improving Cognitive Function

Crafting can also improve cognitive function. Learning new skills and techniques can help keep the mind sharp and improve memory. The focus and concentration required for many crafts can also help improve attention span and mental clarity.

In conclusion, crafting is a fun and creative hobby that can have a positive impact on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving cognitive function, there are many ways that craft can aid mental health. So the next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider picking up a crafting project and see the benefits for yourself.

What is Crafting Joy? And where did the idea come from?

Hi I am Adanma, the founder of Crafting Joy, this is my story.

I never thought I would return to art. In my teenage years, I was always drawing and painting, but as life went on, I drifted away from it. I became preoccupied with work and relationships, and I slowly forgot about my passion for art.

But after a personal crisis in life where I literally hit rock bottom, I found myself drawing again. It started as a way to take my mind off the stress, but soon it became like therapy. Every day, I would wake up and draw. I would lose myself in the meditative state it created, and my mind began to heal.

As I continued to draw, I started to experiment with different materials and techniques. I became interested in making handmade hair accessories, and that's how Nativemix.store was born. I wanted to create beautiful pieces that would not only make people feel good about themselves but also help with the pressing issue of textile waste.

After a few years of running a successful business, I began to realise that there was a need for a business that could help others experience the therapeutic benefits of art and crafts. That's how Crafting Joy was born. It's a place where everyone can come and explore their creativity, regardless of their skill level or background.

Crafting Joy is more than just a business to me; it's a way to give back to the community and to help others find joy and peace through art. I'm so grateful for the journey that led me here and for the opportunity to share my passion with others.