If you’re reading this magazine, you probably know all about the healing power of crafts already. Taking time to be creative and making something from scratch is one of life’s great joys, helping us to find the happiness in every day. To celebrate this, we’ve asked our readers, designers and a few crafty experts to share their stories. Over to you!
I craft because I enjoy it. It’s so much fun to make things for my family, friends and flat, and I always feel productive in my spare time. I do it for my mental health as well – cross-stitching is my main coping mechanism. It keeps me busy when I have an episode of depression or anxiety and helps to focus my mind on the task at hand. Crafting calms me down and all the pretty colours, fabrics, papers and sequins cheer me up as well. When I have one of those moments and look at something I’ve created during one before, it gives me a feeling that I can get through it again and again.
JACKY BOUCK-STANDEN, READER
Crafting gives me a way to escape into paper, stamps and ink. Who am I kidding? It’s more about the sequins and glitter than the paper and ink! But in all seriousness, in a world full of computer screens and spreadsheets there’s something precious about sitting down to craft. Switching off from all of that and just getting snippy with some scissors.
MARTIN STONE, CARDMAKER & BLOGGER
I began crafting as a form of creativity and to keep memories alive for my children through scrapbooking. But it has now developed into a way to relax as well. Crafting also helped keep me sane during lockdown, as I was classed as vulnerable due to cancer treatment and was at home for four months. I can’t see me ever stopping.
JACKY SCALES, READER
I am a veterinarian by trade, but a scrapper at heart. I began scrapbooking around 2014, using YouTube and craft magazines to learn styles and techniques. Papercrafting makes me happy; I create layouts or minis to cherish special or even day-to-day events. I use beautiful things from papers to embellishments that are pleasing to the eye and to my soul. I also now have a circle of friends with the same passion, and that is a gift beyond the paper, glue and glitter.
VIRGÍNIA JANSEN, READER
I craft because it allows me to go into a bubble and into my favourite place: a creative space, a happy place, a peaceful place, an exciting and rewarding place. I craft when I’m happy... I craft when I’m sad... I craft because I can! Craft is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life and it’s a part of me. It’s a place where I feel part of a huge, caring community of like-minded people, and a place w
