Crafting activities teach important lifelong skills that can help in everyday life, reduce stress, but can also provide a high feeling of accomplishment when completed. There are many fun types of crafting projects for the creative mind which can help them to express themselves. Here are a few activities to do with friends and family members or alone that both those new to the crafting scene and veterans in the crafting world should try.

Crafting a homemade pillow is a simple sewing project and a great project for those still learning the skill because it can be adapted to become more difficult for people of skill levels. For this project the creator will need thread, fabric of about a yard or more in size, a ruler or yardstick, sewing needles, fiber fill stuffing, chalk, scissors and any decorations they may want to add. To start the project, fold the fabric in half so the fabric is inside out, then measure out the shape and size of the pillow wanted onto the fabric using a piece of chalk and a ruler or yardstick. Next, line up the two sides of the pillow. Place thirty inches of the thread through the needle, then adjust the needle to be in the middle of the thread and tie the open ends shut with an overhand knot. Sew the two sides of the pillow together with the needle and thread using a straight stitch being sure to remain close to the edges of the fabric, and stopping before both sides are completely closed. To sew the two sides together more thread might be needed to be cut depending on the crafters design. Turn the pillow inside out then stuff it with the fiber fill until it is firm. Finally, sew the two ends of the pillow shut to close the pillow.

Making a homemade piece of jewelry is a craft that can be both a simple and difficult project that most everyone can do. There are many different kinds of methods that can be used to create a piece of jewelry which can use materials such as wire, beads, chain, and string, and thread to create their desired effect. The many types of jewelry within this form of crafting each use different materials to make numerous designs which incorporate the use of varying skills that make the project easy or difficult to create. On the internet or in different books dedicated to jewelry making, first time crafters and veterans within the crafting world can find step by step instructions for new creations, but the creator can also decide to attempt to create their own work without a plan to create their own masterpiece.

Baking cupcakes entirely from scratch can provide the baker delicious bakery quality pastries to share and enjoy. This project can be difficult for first time bakers, but can be quite rewarding when all aspects of the cake are pulled off perfectly. There are many different recipes to make cupcake, but most homemade recipes need flour, eggs, sugar, butter, milk, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and some kind of flavoring which can vary from depending on the recipe. In addition, the baker will also need either a mixer or a bowl and a whisk, a measuring cups, a group of spoon measures, a cupcake tray, an oven, and paper cupcake cups, and some bowls for separating ingredients. The variety of different types of cakes allows individuals to find different recipes easily online and in books all about baking made by veteran bakers that suit their interests.

Designing and sewing together clothing is a somewhat difficult craft which takes hours depending on the design chosen and method of creation, but is definitely worth the payout. Despite being a harder project for beginners, there are simple patterns to create which are good for those still learning how to sew certain stitches and this project is also good to help newcomers to the craft learn new skills such as sewing buttons or zippers. Around the world are many different styles for clothing which gives the creator variety when choosing what to create, but no matter what design is chosen for this project, the designer will definitely need at least two or more yards of fabric, thread, a pattern either homemade or premade, a flexible tape ruler, chalk, scissors, and a pack of sewing needles or a sewing machine. Designs for clothing design are also easy to find online, in books, or at a local craft store in the sewing section making this type of project easy to find.

Putting together homemade decorations is a way to make cheap cost effective party decorations, or permanent wall art. Depending on the individual’s personal preference decorations can vary, but making decor allows crafters to use up leftover craft materials from previous projects that world normally be scrap material. For example making a three dimensional wall art can use leftover beads, fabric, paint, wire, or tissue paper that world normally be thrown away to create a scene or abstract image. Wall decorations also can be very easy to create because they can incorporate previous skills learned while performing other crafts.

Crafting is one of many activities that allow people to express themselves through creative means. With a large variety of types of projects to choose of all different varieties I hope this list was helpful in finding new crafting ideas, and remember to have fun when doing any of these crafts.

“Baking Cupcakes”. Digital images. www.glorioustreats.com. Google Images, 2016. Web. 16

“Diy pillows”. Digital image. craftgawker.com. Google Images, 2016. Web. 16

“Diy clothing”. Digital images. www.colorfulcanary.com. Google Images, 2016. Web. 16

“Diy Jewelry”. Digital image. Dreamalittlebiggerblog.tumblr.com. Google Images, 2016. Web. 16

“Tissue paper wall flowers”. Digital image. www.thenewlywedpilgrimage.com. Google Images, 2016. Web. 16