4 Reasons to Take Pride in Arts & Crafts

Over the years, I’ve noticed a really troubling tendency whenever someone asks me what I like to do. Instead of getting excited about my hobbies, I immediately try to downplay them. “Well, it’s lame, but…” Or maybe I pass them off as a joke. After all, what is knitting for except an excuse for sitting on the couch and binging Netflix shows?

But I’ve begun working to change my reaction to this question. Sure, crafting doesn’t have the air of adventure and excitement that interests like travel hold. It certainly doesn’t get me in tip-top shape. And it also lacks the prestige factor of writing or the fine arts. What’s up with that?

I  want to take pride in knitting, because it’s something I genuinely love to do. And I also want to convince you that we shouldn’t fall into the trap of downplaying our hobbies –– and this goes for anyone’s interests –– just because they’re not considered that cool.

With that in mind, here are a few really good reasons why you should take pride in arts & crafts.

1. Crafting is Great For Your Brain

This is an intuitive thought with research to back it up. After all, crafting requires a period of focus, not unlike reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle. This type of cognitive function can have a positive effect on your brain.

One study, published in 2011 by the Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, explored this issue in a study of 1,321 older adults without dementia. The researchers conducted surveys asking participants about cognitive activities they had taken part in within the past year, hoping to explore how these activities related to the odds of having  mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Crafting, including knitting and quilting, was found to be associated with decreased odds of having MCI by 30 to 50 percent. While it’s hard to say whether crafting itself helps the brain or it’s just a hobby taken on by people living an otherwise healthy lifestyle, the point is, you’re likely doing yourself a favor by taking pride in arts & crafts.

2. Creating a Sense of Accomplishment

It’s hard for me to feel accomplished if I’m not working toward something. While school and work are one thing, it’s sometimes hard for me to feel like I’m using my personal time effectively. Crafting as a hobby is something that’s helped me set more goals for myself, and spend time creating tangible items that fill me with a sense of accomplishment.

Creating a new pattern, tackling a new knitting technique or finishing a blanket you’ve worked on for months can fill you with pride. I love crafting because the end result is right there. I can hold a knit hat in my hands and say, “Hey, I spent hours making this. And I’m really happy with it.”

With arts and crafts, you can track your progress over time by comparing your feeble first attempts at a new skill to the awesome creations you work your way up to. While this is true for most hobbies, I think the material nature of crafting makes the sense of accomplishment feel even more real.

3. Crafting is Great Stress Relief

If you want an instant mood boost or escape from the stressful realities of life, crafting is truly an excellent outlet. A study of over 3,000 knitters published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy reported a strong relationship between frequency of knitting and feelings of being calm and happy. Knitting as part of a community also had a significant effect on respondent’s moods, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Anecdotal experience can tell you the same thing. Sitting down, getting comfortable, and focusing on a craft project has always helped me de-stress even when I had assignments piling up or personal worries clouding my mind. Diverting your attention from the various concerns that pop up in everyday life and re-focusing them on arts & crafts can help you take some time to yourself and relax with a hobby you genuinely enjoy.

4. Yes, You Can Make Money

Outside of all the great intrinsic benefits of crafting, there’s also the chance to rake in a few extra bucks. Selling handmade goods, whether at local craft fairs or with online platforms like Etsy, lets you turn your interests into an entrepreneurial venture. And if you’re struggling to take pride in your crafting skills, making serious side hustle money will often do the trick.

Making money from arts and crafts is a slow process, to be sure. It takes time to build up an inventory and gain customers, and it’s not something I can ever see myself living off of. But even selling a few knit hats a month can help me cover bills and build out my savings. Even better? It’s a fun way to make money.

Starting my Etsy shop has helped me tie all the great intrinsic benefits of knitting to new, exciting goals. Beating my record for monthly profits, posting a new design or getting a great customer review gets me really excited. Making money from arts & crafts has helped me transform a hobby into something I can take ownership of, and that’s the most rewarding element at the end of the day.

Take Pride in Arts & Crafts

If you like to knit, quilt, scrapbook, or do anything else that’s likely considered an “old lady” hobby, this one’s for you. Crafting has very real and tangible benefits, whether you’re looking to boost your mental health, feel more accomplished, or make some extra money each month. It’s important to take pride in your interests and be able to spell out the amazing effects they have on your life.

From now on, it’s my personal mission to fully express my enthusiasm for my old lady hobbies whenever someone asks about them. I hope you’re on board, too!