#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH

March is National Craft Month. It’s no secret that I believe more people should craft. Without crafters I’d be out of a job, and that’s the last thing I need, given all the debt Dead Louse of a Spouse dumped on me when he cashed in his chips at that roulette wheel in Las Vegas. But crafting has other benefits aside from helping me pay my bills.

Crafting reduces stress, builds self-esteem, and increases physical dexterity. Studies have shown that activities ranging from scrapbooking to knitting can actually improve concentration, while enhancing health and mental wellness.

There is nothing more satisfying than creating something on your own. The activity is not only engaging, it’s fulfilling on so many different levels. Plus, there are so many ways to approach crafting that there’s literally something for everyone, whether you enjoy needlework or woodworking, painting or pottery, jewelry making or scrapbooking. 

Along with helping people relax and de-stress, crafting brings families together and creates lasting memories. Crafting allows you to recycle, reuse, and repurpose old or damaged items into works of art and give new life to older clothing and jewelry rather than adding to the landfills.

If you’ve never crafted before, March is the perfect time to explore the world of crafts. Check out your local craft shop. Many will be celebrating National Craft Month with a variety of activities and workshops for crafters of all ages and skill levels. Sign up to spend an hour or two learning a new craft. You might just discover a new passion.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--HOW CRAFTING CAN SAVE THE WORLD

March is National Craft Month. I believe that people are born creative. Just watch any baby or toddler exploring his surroundings, and you’ll see what I mean. Unfortunately, most adults start squelching that creativity (Don’t touch!) in their children early on. Eventually that innate creativity is so suppressed that it’s nearly impossible to retrieve. So why are we then surprised when our kids prefer to sit around for hours, staring at a computer monitor or TV screen? 

Solving problems and resolving conflicts require creative thinking. Creativity needs to be nurtured in order that today’s children grow up to become tomorrow’s leaders, but too many outside forces are at work, influencing our children to “color within the lines.” Now think about this: people who color within the lines never learn to think outside the box. It’s that outside the box thinking that finds solutions to the world’s problems.

One of the ways we can help our children continue to grow their creativity is to encourage them to craft, beginning at a very early age. The first step is to have creative materials around the house for children to use. Keep ample supplies of paint, glue, markers, chenille stems, craft sticks, pompoms, and other basic craft materials handy for those “I’m bored; there’s nothing to do” days.

Instead of buying another video game for that next birthday party or special occasion, buy craft kits. Keep a few kits on hand for rainy days, for when your children’s friends spend the night, or just for an impromptu surprise. Encourage children to make gifts for family members’ birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. instead of buying gifts. Instead of hosting a child's birthday party at Chuckie Cheese, consider a home crafting party or one at your local craft store.

Remember that your children’s efforts don’t have to be perfect. Always praise the attempt and encourage children to continue creating. The act of crafting develops small motor skills and hand/eye coordination. Creativity helps grow our brains. By encouraging your children to craft, you’re giving them an incredible foundation for future endeavors.

All it takes for children to learn to love crafting is an environment in which they can satisfy their creative nature. Nurture that inborn talent, and you’ll help your children grow into creative adults that just might wind up solving many of our planet’s problems.

#CRAFTING WITH ANASTASIA--NATIONAL #CRAFT MONTH

Did you know that crafting can reduce stress, build self-esteem and increase physical dexterity? In fact, recent studies from NYU and Harvard have shown that activities ranging from scrapbooking to knitting can actually improve concentration, while enhancing health and mental wellness.

There is nothing more satisfying than creating something on your own. The activity is not only engaging, it’s fulfilling on so many different levels. Plus, there are so many ways to approach crafting. There is literally something for everyone.

Crafting can:

Bring Families Together – Spend quality family time on a vast number of enjoyable activities that can save money, while producing handmade gifts, jewelry and home decorative items.

Relax and De-Stress – Crafting sharpens your senses and focuses your attention.

Create Lasting Memories – Create a special moment for a loved one, while highlighting achievements or performances in a scrapbook or display.

Make Family Connections – Frame-it-yourself photo montages can proudly display family trees and accomplishments for everyone to see. 

Salvage and Reuse Old Items – Recycle and add beauty to any room by crafting discarded mirrors, windows or other household items into works of art.

Revive Clothing and Jewelry– Create beaded fashion necklaces and bracelets that match favorite clothing or school colors.

Entertain Kids and Pets – Develop matching outfits and accessories for kids and favorite pets.