Making Things ~~ The Benefits of a Creative Mind ~~ Crafting Keeps You Healthy

My passion for making things began early. I was inspired by my Great-Grandmother whose home was filled with beautiful things that she had made herself. From table linens, to her own clothes, Great-Grandmother found a way to re-use fabrics in beautiful and unique ways. I started making doll clothes when I was 7. Later on, I graduated to designer duds, buying Vogue patterns and creating my own Paris Originals. I made my first quilt when I was 16 using up material from my old dresses. I devote a portion of my day to creating something, whether it be working on an on-going project (French needlework), creating my own clothing, or re-patching that old quilt. Quite simply, I've discovered that a creative life is a healthier one. Here are some tips to make your life a craftier one:

1. Crafts help you concentrate on the here and now. Enjoy the process! So find something that you really love to do.
2. Rhythmic crafts such as sewing, knitting, woodworking, crocheting, improve the mind-body benefit
3. Think of crafting as a medical necessity. Making something allows you to tune into your emotions and creativity and help release frustration. Practice it daily.
4. Get into the flow! Be completely absorbed by your activity and lose all track of time. Push yourself a little harder to improve your skills so that you won't get bored.
5. There are no mistakes in creating! Some of the best inventions were the results of so-called mistakes. The process of trial and error opens your mind to extraordinary things.