Show Notes
Today let's talk about how craft can be good for your health. I mean ... it offers us so much … physically, emotionally, socially and phsychologically. I put out a call to my Facebook page for some stories about how crafting is helpful, and was not disappointed by the response. Some stories are my own, some are other people's but it's heartening to see how many people use craft for both physical and mental health benefits. Links https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/how-craft-is-good-for-our-health-20180727-p4ztyh.html https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/why-crafting-is-good-for-mental-health One of these articles listed some of the health benefits of crafting, and I agree wholeheartedly with this list. I've added a few of my own observations, and some stories Relaxation One of the recommended activities for dealing with stress is meditation, but personally I find I can't shut my brain off and just sit motionless to mediate. I can, however, achieve the desired result via crochet or cross stitch. There's something about the gentle reptition, the sound of a ball of yarn unravelling or thread being drawn through cloth that is incredibly soothing. It allows me to completely tune out and stop thinking about all the things piling up on my 'to do' list or the situation that is causing the stress. It may be a different craft for you, but it's worth finding that thing that soothes your mind. Stress Relief I don't know anybody who doesn't have periods of stress in their lives. Danielle sent me this story ... Crafting, and in particular stamping and colouring in seems to melt away the bad days I sometimes have in a stressful trade role. By day, (and let's face it, by nights too because it's never ending) I'm an electrician who manages domestic and commercial clients for a contracting firm while also having to complete work on the tools. It's nice to have a wind down activity at the end of the day that still occupies my hands, as I like being busy. My days can be extra challenging in my male dominated field, and are compounded by the symptoms of Endometriosis on top of my demanding days. Increased Happiness This is another one I can related to personally. I am happiest when I am up to my neck in craft. It might be a wander through my local fabric shop, a day out with my Mum or some friends at a big craft show, or just being in the middle of a craft project at home. It makes me so happy to be making something beautiful (bonus points if it's also practical). I distinctly remember spending 10 hours straight in front of Netflix last year, binge watching Brooklyn Nine Nine as I painted a 1m square quilt panel for a magazine project. Mixing colours and getting right into the flow … it was a glorious day.
Reduced Anxiety This one may require tissues ... fair warning! Amy shared her story with me, and it's incredible! On Feb 2012 my 8 yo daughter - my only child - was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing frequent headaches over a short while originally thought to be migraines as migraines run in my family. She has had surgery, radiotherapy & high level chemotherapy and is thankfully in remission but lost most of her hearing & has some balance problems - weakness on her LHS ie: cannot use stairs nor run nor ride a bike etc. - and had (and still has) physiotherapy so she could learn to walk again. She spent most of 2012 in hospital & I lived there with her & only went home briefly on occasion. When I went home, I used to stamp images to colour whilst I was in hospital and also took in diecut decoupage (paper tole) specifically made for cards & put the pieces together with foam squares. I also took in my knitting after not having knitted for many years and knitted a blanket and a scarf for my daughter. I would knit at all odd hours & it helped calm me & helped me go to sleep. Sometimes I would take in some paper pads, a few stamps and a drawing pad & pencil and sketch out card designs & try and des
More from The Craft Room Podcast
Hello and welcome to The Craft Room Podcast. I'm so glad you're joining me today, as we are talking about forgotten gems. If you've been crafting for a long time, like me, then you likely have a LOT of amazing products and resources. Back in episode 40 I talked about The Craft Stash, and this is kind of an extension of that episode. Usually when people talk about forgotten gems, they're referring to old movies or television shows, paintings or travel destinations. But this is a craft podcast, so, of course, we are going to be talking about them in the context of crafting. In thinking about this for a few weeks, I've found that forgotten crafty gems tend to fall into one of three categories … 1. Physical (which falls into 3 sub-categories - Consumables, Tools, References/Resources) 2. Virtual/digital 3. Techniques/knowledge So … what can we do to uncover our forgotten crafting gems. Well, before we talk about that, I would like to remind you of one important thing. If you were out in Lightning Ridge mining for opals, not everything you dig up is going to be a beautiful gem. There's going to be a whole lot of rubble, and, let's be honest … there's going to be some dirt. The same applies when searching for forgotten crafting gems, in your stash, on the internet, on your computer, your phone or in your memory. Be prepared to find a few things that you look at and wonder 'Why did I keep this?', and I suspect there will be some dust, and potentially a dead bug in there somewhere. The easiest way to find anything is to look for it, and I'll walk you through from low effort / low time options, then we'll level up. 1. Look 2. Closer Look 3. Sort 4. Organise If there's anything I hope you take away from this episode, I hope it is this … * It's worth pressing pause on bringing new things into your home so you can take some time to look at what you have, decide what you love and curate a craft stash that is a true treasure chest. * Keep track of your virtual and digital gems so you can enjoy them before they disappear. Block out some time to watch that video, look at old bookmarked pages, work your way through that online course or print those checklists and templates and use them. * Sometimes we need to clear the rubble and the dirt (and the dead fly) so our gems can truly shine. One crafters rubble is another crafters treasure. Mostly I hope that you find great joy in your craft stash, and if you find a truly amazing treasure, please feel free to share it, maybe in the Craft with Dawn Lewis Facebook group (link in show notes and on the blog). Enjoy the gem hunt, and happy crafting!
Today on The Craft Room Podcast, let's talk about something that most crafters will probably consider at some point in their lives … a no spend year. Sometimes it's a month, a quarter, six months … but most commonly I see people setting this goal for a whole year. It might sound drastic, even unthinkable to some, but in this economy, especially with the rising prices of craft supplies, there are plenty of people doing a no-spend year. I'm not trying to talk anyone into such a dramatic situation, and, of course, there are some alternatives, so let's talk about the difference between a no spend, low spend and mindful spend year, the reasons you might consider them, and how you can succeed at such a challenge.
Hello and welcome to The Craft Room Podcast. I'm so glad you're joining me today, as we are talking about the benefits of swatching. Yes, I am on a swatching kick right now and it all started thanks to my friend Sally. I went to visit her last month and she showed me her beautifully organised craft supplies, but more importantly she showed me her ink pad swatches. I knew the second I saw it that this was the solution I had been looking for for years. It's not like I've never swatched before. My Copic markers are swatched out on a hex chart, I've swatched some pencils and a watercolour palette. But I didn't have what I have always wanted … a swatch folder with all the colours in one place. Until I saw Sally's I didn't know why I was baulking at it, and the reality is … I wanted more swatches to a page. It's not like a plastic sleeve with pockets is a revolutionary product, but I'd never seen coin collecting sleeves used for swatching before. I will link to the ones I used below.
Today on The Craft Room Podcast, let's talk about my Big Announcement and Product Longevity.