Doing crafts has been around for many decades. Way before your favorite 5-minute Crafts started gaining an online following, craftsmen have been doing their thing for quite a while. From 1880 to 1920, the Arts and Crafts movement has seen a boom in popularity and development.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the quarantine period has allowed us to go back to our favorite hobbies as a kid, some of which may have been introduced to us by our grandmothers, while others may have only been exploring new hobbies these days. These hobbies include making Arts and Crafts with our very own hands.
Making Arts and Crafts is a therapeutic activity that only needs creativity to get started. The materials used in Arts and Crafts may be found in a regular household or may also be invested in through time such as craft tools, adhesives, and specialty cutters.
Quick History of Crafts
As mentioned, the hobby of making Arts and Crafts has been around for a long time. With this long tradition of creation, several developments have been made regarding this field of art. An example of this is innovations made in terms of craft materials. Mini glue dots are a type of adhesive that comes in various strengths without having to use a glue gun. This will allow young children to easily join in a craft session.
The Arts and Crafts movement started when British textile maker William Morris started an entire movement that aimed to resist the result of the Industrial Revolution.
Other influential names in the history of the Arts and Crafts movement are Charles Robert Ashbee and Charles Francis Annesley Voysey. Ashbee and Voysey were designers of crafts such as silver tableware and furniture.
Although many home furnishings were made, the Arts and Crafts movement was not limited to these. Textiles, pottery, and even jewelry were handmade during this era.
While Arts and Crafts have become a very diverse field nowadays, there are still some recognizable and unique characteristics to products created with this movement in mind. There is what is called “truth in materials” wherein it is noted that Arts and Crafts creations preserve and emphasize the natural qualities of the materials used.
The Arts and Crafts movement has had a long history since its inception. May this brief overview inspire you to make your own creations and explore your creativity, especially during this pandemic.
Importance of Crafts During The Pandemic
The global health crisis has been tough on many individuals. A lot of people all over the world have resorted to various modes of coping during this stressful time. One of these is making crafts amid the pandemic.
Many of us have been feeling anxious, afraid, and isolated during this quarantine period. Arts and Crafts activities allow us to center our focus on a specific activity which also helps in distracting us from these negative feelings. Being purposeful in using our time lowers symptoms of depression.
In line with this, being completely immersed at the moment as we make crafts is a healthy way to channel our pent-up energy. This moment of being immersed is called being in a state of flow. This keeps us from worrying about the future and dwelling on the past.
Creating also allows our brains to be stimulated during these times of distress. Making Arts and Crafts is a unique activity that is both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
As we create for artistic projects, we also create a safe space wherein we explore our skills and abilities. This creates an opportunity for us to hone our skills and to gain belief in our abilities as individuals.
Apart from these, being productive in making Arts and Crafts can be an activity for the whole family. This can be a great way to spend time together during the quarantine period. Spending quality time together with family uplifts the spirit and allows us to bond while also allowing us to get to know each other better.
Engaging in Arts and Crafts activities is important, especially during this pandemic. It allows us to get in touch with our emotions while allowing us to process these feelings in a healthy way.
Making craft projects is making a comeback along with the proliferation of pandemic hobbies. It would be nice for you to try out this creative activity with the whole family as a way of bonding and spending family time. These activities will allow you to boost your mood and can help relieve sadness and symptoms of anxiety.
Nowadays, it’s important to keep a positive outlook and don’t forget to explore new possibilities that can help improve your emotional health.