Earlier this week, I read a touching post by @Judi_B about crafting and mental health Crafting and Mental Heath. She shared how crafting helped her through physical and emotional recovery. Her words really resonated, reminding us that crafting is more than just cutting, pressing, or painting. Itās a form of expression. A way to heal. A way to tell your story.
Crafting Through Time
Beyond the present, crafting has always played an important role in human history. Itās how weāve expressed emotion, preserved culture, and documented the world around us.
From the ancient Karditsa Thinker (Greece, 3900 BC) to Rodinās iconic The Thinker (1904), though the materials and styles changed, both sculptures reflect humanityās fascination with introspection and show that craft has always been a way of preserving our inner world.
When I was young I loved to draw but I felt it was only mediocre so I didnāt pursue it that since Iām not satisfied with what Iāve made. I liked to copy other drawings
To me, Craft isnāt just something I do,itās part of who I am. Itās like the beat of my heart, or the creativity flowing through me. When Iām crafting, Iām not just making thingsā¦Iām pouring my soul into it, expressing myself in the truest way. Itās more than a businessā¦itās my happiness, my soul, and everything I put my heart into.
My earliest would have to be learning to crochet single chains with my grandma. When I started getting too good at those and making them too long she showed me how to double back. Then showed me granny squares. Turns out that was all she knew! I thought she held out on me, but that was all she ever learned of crochet lol!
Crafting is my breath of fresh airā¦ honestly I have small memories of crafting as a young kid like under 7 because I was still with my biological parents but their was this hobby store in town my mom won a wooden doll house for and I remember helping her paint that house and things to go in it. Then we walked a not smart walk over a highway i think it took us like 2 hours their and they had a Joann and Michaelās in the center and that was my first chain craft storeā¦ but I think my favorite 7 and under memory was Halloween something happened to one of my 4 sisters costumes so I had the idea to make them a pizza remember small kids so the dominos that was near our house and far to nice to our family I walked in as a young kid asking for 2 pizza boxes well I cut a circle for it to go on her waist so she was the pizza I think the second went on her head or she held it was a lot of fun another sister we went simple black bag holes for legs and arms tied it over her shoulders and made her a trash princessā¦. We did this with no adults help but we had costumes for the ones that old ones did not fit. My childhood crafty memories are part of what made me always be crafty cause it was something I could go back toā¦ I think summer camp at 8 my first summer in foster care was a craft awakening learning to use trying for keychains, tie dye , string/ art I liked having something to show I did it not another person it was me that did it. Theirs lots more but those are the hungest I can think of . At 18 I went and got a gob at that summer camp with the goal of giving at least 1 kid the summer I remembered and I was one of the people in charge of arts and crafts making tie dye candles and other fun items.
Crafting to me is an outlet where I can express what I have in my heart and in my mind. It allows me to look at the world through a different lens because I can see the beauty in what is made by others. I think the earliest memory I have with arts and crafts was in elementary school, how my favorite part was always craft time and how I really cared how everything came out at the end. I think all my crafts have a deeper meaning because usually I set out to do something Iām inspired by and if I can figure it out on my own I feel great about what I can accomplish. It gives me confidence. Iāve mentioned before that I started crafting to heal and have something to do as I was going through depression. Itās an important part of my life so anything I make will have meaning to me.
Crafting to me, at this point, is multifaceted. I love being able to create things and bring joy to others with my creations.
Crafting also helps me relax and destress. Sometimes when there are a lot of things going on in life, I take a minute to create something. Funny thing, weeding, the one thing I thought was stressful and too much, helps me to relax.
Some on my early memories of crafting were at school as projects. I never considered it crafting. It was an assignment. Not that it was bad. It was just an assignment.
I also remember my great-grandmother showing us some basics for crocheting. I never learned how to complete a project. Still, practicing those basics was fun and relaxing.
Them, there were sewing classes with my grandmother. It was fun just being with her.
For years I didnāt craft or consider myself crafty. Now, I have a craft business making things for others.
Thanks for this: it caused me to reflect and call up some fond memories.
Crafting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember from my earlier days as a child doing art in school having my pictures picked to be put on display and what a joy it has been seeing that passed down to my daughter. She has the same love for art and crafting as I do and maybe even a little bit more. Venturing into the world of making things for profit just made my passion a little sweeter. There is nothing more that I would rather do then spend my day bringing things to life starting off with simple design shapes and objects and end up with something beautiful that someone actually wants to purchase is a blessing. I do not take this gift for granted I know that there are people who wish that they could make some of the things that we all do And we have to be grateful and thankful that we were chosen to carry this gift and use it to the best of our ability
Crafting has always been more than just crafting!!
Itās been a breath of fresh air, an escape from reality when I needed it most. I started crafting before I had kids, and now I have four. Itās been with me through birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and the hard days too when life has felt like too much.
On those days, crafting gave me peace. On joyful days, it helped me preserve memories. Now, with my oldest at 21 and my youngest 12, weāre still creating.
I especially love making gifts for others they always carry a piece of my heart.
my love for crafting started when I was in elementary schoolā¦ I wanted to make some cash for lunch money since my parents only gave me actual food and no money to buy from the canteen and of course I wanted to buy some candies and snacks
I looked at what we have at home and decided to make some stationeryā¦ I cut out some pictures from the in flight magazines that my father brought home and stuck them on to bond paper, used my wavy ruler and drew lines on themā¦ a sprayed a little cologne too
I sold them to my classmates and make some extra cash!
also loved doing the classroom bulletin board, I donāt have pictures of these tho because its a long time ago but designing based on the theme of the month made me happyā¦ and became very competitive when there are events at school
when I have friends celebrating birthdays I gift them something that I madeā¦ a handmade plush or keychainā¦ bracelet etcā¦ this led to me making custom made stuff since a lot of people wanted to have one made for them too!
in college I had a tool box that I made into a sewing kit and made plushies on the spot during our breaks
creating something with my own hands gives me so much joy and it also helps me be focused and drown out some bad vibesā¦
Crafting isnāt just about cutting, pressing, or painting. For me, itās about expression, healing, and connection.
When I create something a tumbler, an ornament, or a design Iām not just making an object. Iām telling a story. Iām creating joy. Iām building a memory that someone will carry with them.
And thatās the beauty of craft. From ancient times to today, humans have always turned to creating with their hands to preserve culture, express identity, and heal.
So, what does craft mean to me? It means life. It means legacy. And it means love poured into every single piece.
I remember when I was in Grade 4, Snakes and Ladders was such a popular game and I really wanted one. Since I couldnāt afford to buy it, I decided to make my own. I bought a folder and drew the lines, squares, ladders, snakes and everything by myself. I created every single piece from scratch, even the dice. I carefully studied how to make it, and I can still remember putting a little stone inside the dice to make it heavy enough to toss. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
Wow, everyoneās sharing has been so poetic and heartfelt. Itās truly inspiring to read all these beautiful reflections on what craft means to each of you.
Letās keep the conversation flowing! Youāre welcome to share anything, maybe the very first craft you ever tried, a piece youāve made that you absolutely love, or a moment that sparked your love for crafting. Just something meaningful and special to you.
Iāve always been crafting ever since I was very little. Both my parents were very hands on and creative types. The first things I remember making were clothes for dolls and furniture for them to play with
Thatās so sweet, Ruth! Itās wonderful that your parents inspired your creativity from a young age. Making clothes and furniture for dolls sounds like such a fun and meaningful start to your crafting journey.
Crafting brings me peace, escape, achievement, distraction from chronic pain and, above all, the wonderful look of gratitude and appreciation from those for whom I craft a particular item or gift. When my wife gives someone a gift that Iāve made, it makes her very happy too, which is always a good thing!
Iāve been crafting for as long as I can remember, but a particular favourite is a clay fish I made in art lessons when I was 14 or 15. Still have it on the wall in my kitchen to this day.
Crafting to me is a mental escape. I start a project and itās the only thing I focus on. I clear my brain of everything else that is going on that I canāt control and zero in on the one thing I can for that moment.
Crafting to me is an essential part of my life lately it is my only me time. I have been crafting since i received my 1st easy bake oven. I had always thought my passion was cooking since I am the 2nd oldest of my many siblings it was my responsibility to prepare meals. My mom always sewed my clothes so a sewing machine was always around. My greatest childhood project I made the Majoreetes Suummer Band Uniforms. I recently have been through traumatic lost of my Son, Sister and Mom. As a part of my therapy I started crafting wreaths and making tshirts for my family and friends. I purchased the HTVRONT heat transfer paper and visited the websites and joined the community. As for me staying connected reading the stories/experiences presents a desire to go beyond my comfort zone. I read/stories with crafts for cake decorating and it recalled a fond memory of my mom who also did cake decorating when i younger. So much in store for the future. 7th Anniversary for HTVRONT/LOKLIK and I feel like I have been here from the start. Thank you to the community for Inspiring, supporting and sharing your experiences. I greatly appreciate you!
My earliest crafting memory was actually my grandfatherā¦ he does auto upholstery for vintage cars and I have always loved his shop area. It was so fun growing up watching him work out there.
And Iām blessed with handmade quilts being passed down the generations
Crafting Through Time
Have you ever saved a handmade item for years?
A memory, a photo, a doodle, a storyā¦ all are welcome.Reward:
Itās truly inspiring to read all these beautiful reflections on what craft means to each of you.
Itās wonderful that your parents inspired your creativity from a young age. Making clothes and furniture for dolls sounds like such a fun and meaningful start to your crafting journey.
