Here at Braw Wee Craft Club, we see the power of creativity in all our workshops; taking a couple of hours out of your normal day-to-day can be transformative. I started the workshops back in 2017 while I was going through a challenging time in my personal life that was really impacting my mental health and, in turn, my businesses - not helpful as a freelancer.
I needed to get away from the screen so I bought a Lampshade Making Kit online, and after three months of it sitting on a shelf in the studio, I dived into my fabric stash and got lost in the process of creating something for myself. My first attempt was pretty good (apart from putting the frame in the wrong way), and for the first time in ages, I felt really proud of what I had achieved and happy!
I then realised that one of the parts of my career I had always loved was teaching, so the beginnings of Braw Wee were started!
Here are just some of the reasons crafting can be incredibly beneficial for mental health:
-
Stress reduction: Engaging in crafting activities can help reduce stress levels. It serves as a form of relaxation and allows you to focus your attention on the task at hand, providing a break from daily pressures and worries.
-
Mindfulness and presence: Crafting often requires concentration and being fully present in the moment. It can promote a state of mindfulness, where you immerse yourself in the activity and let go of intrusive thoughts.
-
Sense of accomplishment: Completing a craft project provides a sense of achievement and fulfilment. Seeing tangible results and progress can boost self-esteem, confidence, and a positive sense of self-worth.
-
Creative self-expression: Crafting provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression. It allows you to explore your imagination, experiment with different materials, colours, and textures, and express your unique ideas and style. This fosters a sense of personal identity and authenticity.
-
Emotional well-being: Crafting can have a positive impact on emotions. It can serve as a means of emotional release and provide a way to process and cope with difficult emotions or experiences. Engaging in creative activities can also promote positive emotions, joy, and a sense of optimism.
-
Social connections: Crafting can be a social activity that brings people together. Joining crafting communities, attending workshops, or participating in group projects can foster social connections, create a sense of belonging, and combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.
The specific craft doesn't matter; the act of creating something with your hands can have profound positive effects on mental health as shown above.
Fancy joining up for a class? Check out the calendar to find out what we have to offer.
https://brawweecraftclub.com/pages/class-calendar