Book It Out: Arts Class Doesn’t Have to End
Spend just a bit of time on your social media feeds, and you’ll probably see friends showing off their latest pieces of artwork. Getting back into arts and crafts as an adult has never been more popular, and it’s never been easier to let people know what you’re up to.
If you’re feeling left out of the creative craze, or you’re an avid crafter looking for something fresh to try your hand at, why not pick up something new? Whether or not you were an arts whiz back in school, it’s never too late to check out our list of fun activities and get creative!
Rock Painting
A Pebble for Your Thoughts by Megan Murphy
When you hear “rock painting”, what do you think of? Is it memories of school camps or children’s birthday parties where the kids are probably the ones most involved?
But rock painting isn’t just an activity to occupy kids with. Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a new office paperweight, or a creative way to cheer someone up, taking time to transform otherwise unassuming pieces of stone into lovely artworks can be a great place to start. If you’re in need of a hands-on crafty project, why not start here?
As a matter of fact, I decided to give this one a try and recorded my experience below.
Get the book here: eBook
Scrapbooking
Scraptastic! by Ashley Calder
In this day and age, phones and laptops feel like the start and end to the cataloguing of memories, making scrapbooking seem superfluous. But while scrapbooking may not be for everyone, the activity is much more than just taking inventory. Experts suggest that scrapbooking helps to boost cognition, particularly as you grow older. Aside from that, it’s also a way to express yourself artistically and provides an outlet to record and reflect on the things that happen in your life.
Bonus: you can even share it with future grandkids to show them what you were up to when you were their age. So hang on to those ticket stubs and old receipts!
Get the book here: eBook
Paper Crafting
Making Your Own Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap by Vivienne Bolton
When’s the last time you received a handwritten letter? Or, for that matter, even just a simple card in the mail?
In recent years, there has been a rise in interest over the art of letter-writing as we look to detox from digital interfaces. Next time you seek to reconnect with a friend, why not take it to a new level and design a whole card to write on, with personalised gift-wrapping? Wow your friends with completely custom-made cards and show them the ways you’re thinking about them. Bolton’s manual will guide you step by step on how to get started on some new projects, so whether you’re a novice in need of help or an art whiz who just wants inspiration, there’s something in here for you.
Get the book here: eBook
Soap Making
Easy Homemade Melt and Pour Soaps by Jan Berry
Do you love checking out artisanal soap shops? Have you ever marvelled at social media posts of gorgeously decorated soap bars made up to look like anything from hearts to realistic cakes?
If that sounds like you, then be sure to pick up Easy Homemade Melt and Pour Soaps to turn your very own home into a soap factory! Jan Berry kicks off with the basics of soap making and suggests many alternative ingredients to the traditional dangerous chemicals involved in making soap from scratch, which makes this activity safe for the whole family. Keeping your hands clean has never been more fun!
Get the book here: eBook
Flower Art
Crafting with Flowers by Katie Meadow
Being cooped up all week at home or an office can feel dreary, but there’s no reason to stay that way. Why not spruce up your work and living space with some colour and floral fun? Maybe you’re not so keen on putting a fresh bouquet in a vase that will last only a few days, but flowers have more uses than just looking pretty. From bath salts and candles to pressed nails and ornaments, let Katie Meadow’s Crafting with Flowers inspire you to find new ways to fit flowers and nature in your everyday life.
Get the book here: eBook
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Text by
Darienne Sim
National Library Board
