5 Easy and Fun DIY Ideas at Home
“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” Anonymous
5 Mins Read
In the effort of social distancing, activities that we usually do to release stress and enjoy some good time after a long day at work may not be feasible during this period of time. There are restrictions on group gatherings and the number of people dining in restaurants. Many entertainment businesses such as cinemas, massage places, or even public beaches are temporarily closed or operating with limitations. It is fundamental that we take care of our mental health. Many studies show that creativity releases stress. In this blog post, we would like to share with you some easy and fun DIY ideas at home. We are not doctors so these are not meant to be professional health advice but ideas to help to bring joy and help to release stress. Please do seek advice from professionals if you are looking for mental health advice. These creativity activities do not require a huge time commitment and you can decide how much time to spend on it whenever you want. Creative hobbies are also a great way to meet new friends who share a common interest. Having good relationships and a positive social life are some of the key elements for a healthy mental state. Let’s have fun creating!
1. Needle Craft
Needlecraft or embroidery is craftsmanship that has a history that goes back to ancient times. It is a craft that consists of the use of needle and thread to create different colour patterns. Back in the old days are used as materials to make clothes and household items. With the invention of machines, many of these essential items are made by machines to feed the demand of the population. Today needlecraft become a hobby for many people. People cherish embroidery work in this modern world as it required effort, time, and creativity before the final creation. If you are new to needlecraft, trying it out with a craft kit would be a good option. With a craft kit, you do not need to start with a big investment right away, all required materials are ready and it usually comes with a simple template or instructions for you to follow. If a family member or friend’s birthday is approaching, a craft kit will not only bring you joy but your creation will also make a wonderful handmade gift.
2. String Art
Art in general is a stress-relief activity. The creative process allows your mind to stay focused on a particular and at the same time your brain processes less information compared to other activities. Many people regardless they are an artist by profession or as a hobby find art very healing and meditating. String art is a fun way to create a piece of art by weaving colourful threads around pinned needles on a board. It is a type of art that exercises both the artistic side and the analytical of your brain. If you are interested to learn more about its work, read this How to do String-Art article from Wiki How. Like needlecraft, you can always try the fun of Sting art with a creative kit
3. Make and Paint
When you feel de-motivated or experiencing some creative blockage to move towards your goal, sometimes it’s worth taking some time out to do something out of your daily tasks to refresh your mind. What feels more satisfying than making something you can use on a daily basis? This three steps make and paint craft kit would helps you to achieve this easily. You don’t have to think about what to create, just enjoy the process of creating and take your mind off work for a few hours. The other benefits of crafting is that it helps building community and friendship so why not host a little weekend craft party with your friends and enjoy the fun of creativity together.
Public transport HK style notebook (dot-grid recycled paper) by Paper-Roses
4. Bullet Journal
Bullet journaling has been trending across the world. It starts off as a systematic way to manage your dairy or journal to help boosting your productivity. Rapid logging is a language bullet journal uses. It consists the use of different bullet patterns to jot down tasks, notes or event to achieve the same result as traditional note taking but with much less content (. for task, “o” for event, - for notes, * for priority and ! for ideas or inspiration. Read about the system of bullet journal to learn more. Bullet journal encourages you to plan for both short term and long term ( daily/weekly/monthly/future planning). It also encourages you to jot down your thoughts, goals and aspirations. What makes bullet journaling loved by many people is that it is not only about planning and organising your day but it also encourages you to fill it up with scribble art, turning it into your very own art journal and a little world of yourself. To put it in a nutshell, bullet journal helps you to stay organised, boost your creativity, maintain a peaceful mind and motivate you to achieve your goals. Read also 5 benefits to keep a journal.
5. Colouring
Colouring should be a familiar creative activity in many people’s childhood. Colouring is not for children but it also brings many benefits to adults too. Colouring books dedicated to adults usually consistently a more detailed designs. When you stay focused on filling in colours, it allows you to be present and clear negative thoughts. Many art therapists have shared that colouring is a way of art therapy and helps reduce stress. Just like art itself, colouring is also seen by many people as a form of meditation. In this modern world with overloaded information, colouring helps us to take our eyes off the screen, relax our brains and enjoy the fun of playing with colours. If you enjoy both colouring and journaling, this pack of Hong Kong-themed colouring writing papers would give you a good start. Thank you for being an appreciative reader as always. Here are a few easy DIY ideas to add some fun to your life during social distancing. Enjoy the joy of creativity and remember that we don’t need to be art professionals to create and paint. Tham Khai Meng, Co-chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather said “We are all born creative. We just got it educated out of us". So start with something basic and expand your creativity along your art journey.
Thank you for being an appreciative reader as always. It is all about enjoying the process. If you enjoyed reading this blog post, please share it with your family and friends. Thank you and we will be sharing with you stories of craftsmanship, and culture again very soon. Until then, take care.
Source: Bullet Journal, Wiki How
Updated in June 2021
About the Author
The Qraftie blog aims to provide you stories related to craftsmanship, culture and lifestyle around Hong Kong.
