Reduce Your Stress by Getting in Touch with Your Creative Side
I firmly believe that crafting can be a great way to reduce stress, which is why I was immediately attracted to the idea of Crafting Calm. Written by Maggie Oman Shannon, this DIY guide showcases projects designed to help you achieve serenity and satisfaction.
Even if you can barely draw a smiley face, this book will convince you to find joy from living the handmade life.
There are no photos of the finished projects, so this is not the craft book for you if you’re looking for visual inspiration or something easily recreated using a specific list of supplies. The suggestions are very general, such as a quick rundown of the various properties of essential oils and a short description of how to make bath salts for relaxing using the oils of your choice.
The focus of Crafting Calm is more on crafting as a therapeutic pursuit. The author is more concerned with reducing your stress level, helping you seek comfort, and encouraging you to connect with others than providing the sort of detailed “how to” guide that most other craft books provide.
If writing is your thing, there are inspirational quotes and journaling prompts scattered throughout the book to encourage you to reflect on your challenges, goals, and dreams.
Crafting Calm’s project suggestions are designed to be completed at a low or intermediate skill level, so you don’t need to be an expert crafter to create something you’d be happy to share.
In fact, I think many of these projects would work well for making with your children if you need a way to encourage them to slow down and improve their focus. I know making a tabletop Zen garden or painted prayer stones would be appealing activities for my 9-year-old son.
Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Photo credit: Barnes & Noble
