FIVE MORE CRAFTS FOR BETTER

Mental health

Crafting has been proven to have a positive effect on health, alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness, and even dementia, according to the Crafts Council and Mind, the national mental health charity. Here are some of the best:

Dried-flower arranging

In 2018, a study led by the University of North Florida called The Impact of Flowers on Perceived Stress Among Women found adding flowers to indoor environments can reduce stress. There are plenty of guides both on and offline. Everlastings: How to grow, harvest and create with dried flowers by Bex Partridge (£14.99, Hardie Grant) is an excellent resource for beginners.

Origami Samuel Tsang, Londonbased author of

The Book of Mindful Origami, says origami, “is a peaceful hobby, a beautiful art, a craft, a science and a meditation all in one”. It’s easy to learn. Rosemary Browne has been teaching it to patients on the psychiatric unit of a Canadian hospital. On Origami Spirit (origamispirit.co.uk) you can find her step-by-step guide.

Embroidery

The link between mental health and embroidery is not a new discovery. During the First World War, veterans were advised to practise needlework as a form of therapy for shell shock; soldiers called it “fancy work”. Today, the slow and methodical practice of embroidery is perfect for people who suffer with anxiety. Gathered (gathered. how) has a brilliant guide for beginners.

Painting

Anyone who has watched Bob Ross of The Joy of Painting swirl a brush around can attest to its relaxational benefits – some credit the show as the start of the ASMR movement. You can try it yourself by picking up a canvas and paints at your local Hobbycraft (hobbycraft.co.uk). Total novice? A painting by numbers kit (paintingbynumbers.co.uk) is an excellent place to start.

Pottery

Who says you need a kiln to try pottery at home? Sculpd offers a pottery kit (£39.99, sculpd.co.uk) that includes everything you need to create your own pinch pots, succulent plant pots and sculptures at home. The kit contains enough clay for two people to get stuck into, and you can create up to four pinch pots (or two larger plant pots) with lots left over for decorating.