Making as Meditation: Why I Craft

Last weekend I had the crazy idea to dedicate many hours to turning a bunch of construction paper, cupcake baking cups, wire, and pipe cleaners into something resembling flowers. I did it for the end result, sure (I had promised them to people), but so much of it was about the process.

I’ve always been an arts and crafts dabbler, including a period in 2006 and 2007 where I was an Etsy seller rather than just a rabid Etsy window-shopper. A recent post on “Why I DIY” got me thinking again about what sewing, knitting, and these other various craft projects mean to me.

For me, it’s about: tapping into a different part of my brain; problem-solving in a fun, fearless way; and usually just about peacefully zoning out. It does something similar to what yoga does for me and what I’d guess other sports and hobbies can do for other people; I feel mindless and yet totally present. Hours pass while all I care about is the transformation of the bits of paper or fabric in front of me. Sure, not everything turns out perfect (and, yes, I have yelled at my sewing machine), but at the end of the day I enjoy the process so much I’m ready and happy to try again.

If you enjoy these kinds of projects, what benefit do you get from them?