What is Mindful Arts and Crafts?
Mindful arts and crafts are intentional and process-focused activities which are meant to reduce stress, improve focus and introduce relaxation. Most of the time these arts and crafts are repetitive activities that allow creativity but also create a space for calming mental states and are suitable for all ages.
Let’s have a look at some mindful activities that you or your little one could take part in.
Knitting and Crochet
Knitting and crochet is a perfect mindful activities due to their repetitive nature, which can help you reach a meditative state, and can help to reduce stress. Knitting and crocheting are forms of moving meditation, which calms the mind to help alleviate anxiety and when you get the hang of the basics, you can make some really cool items for yourself and others.
Below are some links to blog posts on how to knit or crochet for beginners.
Knitting
Crochet
Painting and Drawing
Painting and drawing are mindful activities that anchor the mind and create a flow state, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety and creates a meditative state. Painting and drawing are powerful tools for self-expression, which help you to tap into emotions, thoughts and experiences, this encourages self-reflection.
Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint a bouquet out of acrylic paints and the basics of drawing.
Paint a Bouquet
Basics of Drawing
Clay and Pottery
Clay and pottery encourage patience and working through emotions, because making pottery and using clay can’t be rushed. Clay and pottery are great forms of meditation due to the need to be completely focused on what you are doing. It is also a very messy activity, which many may see as a negative. As adults, we never get to be messy; only your little ones do, so it can be a relief in some cases.
If you’d like to try pottery, have a look at your local area for throwing classes or pottery painting. Below is an article on how to get started with clay modelling at home.
Clay Modelling
Paper Crafts
This can include origami, scrapbooking or paper weaving. All three crafts use creativity, patience and precision and need focus to complete your end goal to a high standard. Scrapbooking in particular is good for memory retention and self-reflection, which can help you be mindful.
Below are links on how to begin paper weaving, origami and scrapbooking.
Paper Weaving
Origami
Scrapbooking
Embroidery and Felting
Embroidery and felting help with mindfulness due to their repetitive and tactile nature, focus is encouraged, creating a meditation of motion. This can reduce stress, heart rates and anxiety as it encourages you to embrace imperfection and focus on the process of creating.
Below is how to begin embroidery and felting
Embroidery
Felting
