By: Alyson Greeno, Editor.
The following four hobbies have brought joy into my life this past year. They gave me a break from my studies and helped me beat the “quarantine blues.” I personally recommend them to anyone looking for something fun and crafty to try in 2021.
1. Knit a dishcloth.
I know what you are thinking, and the answer is: yes you can! Speaking as an amateur knitter, anyone can make a dishcloth. Yarn and knitting supplies are found at any local or online craft store. Personally, I recommend checking out Michaels. They have a large quantity of knitting supplies for knitters of all ages and levels. Once you have picked up your knitting needles and dishcloth yarn, lean on your best friend Google to help you find resources on how to cast on, determine your pattern, complete a knit stitch and cast off. Whether your dishcloth turns out as a square, a rectangle or an unidentified shape, it will be perfect for scrubbing your dishes and making grandma proud.
2. Create your own pair of basic polymer clay earrings.
Looking for something fairly trendy and exciting to try? Make your own polymer clay earrings! The first step is to head to Amazon for the following items:
- Polymer clay kit or individual polymer clay blocks (colours of your choice)
- Jewelry jump rings
- Polymer clay cutters
- Earring hooks/studs
- Earring backs
- Clay roller
- Jewelry pliers
- Crazy glue
Polymer clay earring making materials can also be found on other websites such as Michaels or Etsy. Additional materials may be required, depending on your design and your preferred quality.
Once you have collected your items, roll and cut your clay into whatever shapes you desire. Use your creativity to add designs, glitter or beads to the earrings. If you are creating a dangle earring, do not forget to poke a hole in each earring so you are able to hang it with your jump ring and hook. Follow the recommended baking times listed on your clay’s packaging. Once baked, let your clay cool and harden and then you will be ready for assembly! Click here to watch a video tutorial provided by Raising Nobles on how to assemble your earrings.
3. Capture your memories in a scrapbook.
Do you have any photos lying around in a drawer or bin in your house? Capture your photo memories in a scrapbook! The idea of a scrapbook may sound intimidating, but there really is no right way to create one. Whether you purchase sheets of fancy designed cardstock from the store or cut printer paper into funky frames, your scrapbook will be unique to you. Using stickers, paper, scissors, glue, pens and photos, create a page or book that you can look back on and smile in years’ time. Click here for some scrapbooking inspiration.
4. Last – but certainly not least – paint everything and anything you can find at the Dollarama (one of my personal favourites).
One of my favourite activities this past year was painting with my sisters. Painting is an easy and calming hobby that allows you to evoke your creative side and add colour to blank canvases such as paper, plant pots, shelves, boxes, signs, or a birdhouse. All you need is paint and a canvas (paint brushes are optional). Paint can be found at your local craft stores, such as Michaels and the Dollarama.
Again, there are no rules with this hobby, and you can paint whatever you want, however you want. The choice is up to you!
Whether or not any of these hobbies spark your interest, I definitely recommend the taking time out of your day to try something new. At first glance, you may think some of these hobbies seem a bit advanced for your liking. However, if any of them stand out to you – go for it! Who knows, it might be a one and done or a hobby that you will stick with for years to come.
