12 Reasons Why People Craft (and How You Can Start)

If you're new to crafting, you might wonder, “Why do people enjoy crafting so much?” 

Crafting is more than just a hobby—it’s a creative outlet, a stress reliever, and a way to connect with others. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 compelling reasons why crafting is so meaningful, enriched with insights from the crafting community on Altenew’s Instagram page and Reddit. Plus, discover how you can start your journey with Altenew's beginner-friendly Craft-A-Flower series.

Here Are 12 Reasons Why People Craft

1. A Sense of Accomplishment

Crafting gives you a tangible result for your time and effort. Whether it’s finishing a handmade card, a watercolor painting, or a knitted scarf, completing a project brings immense satisfaction. As one Reddit user noted, "Seeing something through from start to finish is incredibly rewarding." Over on the Altenew Instagram page, one commenter shared:

“I craft because it’s my way of expressing myself and creating something meaningful with my hands. Creating moments of happiness! There’s nothing like the joy of giving something made with care and love. It brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment.”

2. A Therapeutic Escape

Crafting is often described as therapeutic. The repetitive motions of crafting, such as stamping or painting, can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. It’s a wonderful way to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment.

In an Altenew video about “Why Do People Like Crafting,” a few crafters shared how therapeutic crafting has been for them. 

“When I am crafting I forget to eat, I lose track of time, I blend into a world of this is what makes me happy.”

“I have been a cardmaker for 30 years. What started out as a hobby turned into a passion. It saved my sanity while working a demanding and stressful job.”

“Crafting keeps my head happy, especially when my heart is not... thank you, Altenew, for being a special 'friend' in my craft room!”

3. A Way to Connect with Others

Crafting creates opportunities to connect; whether at craft fairs, online forums, or through shared hobbies. One Reddit discussion emphasized how craft fairs are not just about selling products but about building a community of like-minded individuals. While another crafter excitedly shared their love for the Altenew Facebook Fan Group. 

“The Altenew Fan Group is such a great community! There’s so much inspiration and encouragement there! Highly recommend you join the fun!”

4. A Creative Outlet

Crafting allows for unlimited self-expression. You can play with colors, textures, and designs to convey your feelings or style. For beginners, Altenew’s Craft-A-Flower: Carnation Layering Die Set is a great way to explore creativity while learning. Our Craft-A-Flower layering dies, in general, are designed to make crafting smooth and hassle-free, regardless of your skill level. With the innovative Key-Hole System, you can save time and effort and easily add stunning 3D designs to your paper crafts.  

“My children are young adults now, but even when they were younger, I tried to have creative time for me daily. I also showed them that importance, they each have their own creative outlets that they use to refuel themselves.”

5. Continuous Learning

Crafting offers endless opportunities to learn new techniques and skills. Redditors have shared their experiences diving into various crafts, highlighting how the learning process inspires and motivates them.

“It's been 9+ years and l have grown so much. I got over the dark times by developing my crafting skills. Learning every day by watching Jennifer McGuire's videos on YouTube. So grateful for all the wonderful crafters out there. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. You are all so talented so please continue what you do best and know that my life was impacted by you all crafters.”

6. Creating Meaningful Gifts

Nothing says "I care" like a handmade gift. Crafting enables you to create personalized, heartfelt presents; from cards and scrapbook albums to DIY tags and wall art. Our floral layering stamps and layering dies have always made it easy for anyone to craft meaningful gifts. A decade later we’re still innovating crafting tools to help you express your creativity through the art of paper crafting. 

“I love going into my craft room and escaping into this wonderful world of stamps, inks, dies, cards, albums, and journals. More importantly, when you give someone something you have made especially for them the look on their face is priceless.”

“I have been using crafting as my therapy for years.  In recent years I have been sending cards to seniors in care facilities and that has given me an amazing sense of helpfulness.”

“I enjoy sending cards to the ill or those who need encouragement at church. I enjoy being at home making table favors and decorations for church functions. Every creation is personalized and paper is the heartbeat of giving. Thanks, Altenew for helping me do these things.”

7. Decorating Your Space

Handmade crafts add a personal touch to your home. You can create wall art, table décor, or festive ornaments with your crafting supplies. Start with simple tools like stencils, watercolors, and alcohol markers to make unique pieces.

8. The Joy of Supplies

Many crafters confess to being "obsessed with supplies," as highlighted in a Reddit thread. Collecting beautiful stamps, inks, or papers can be as enjoyable as crafting itself! We are constantly updating our array of high-quality supplies and tools to elevate your crafting experience. Here’s a comment from one of our videos.

“I love love love playing in my craft room. I love creating, buying, and organizing. I will admit that I am a collector and hoarder. Just looking at my supplies brings me peace. I still think it's cheaper than therapy AND on my schedule.”

9. Boosting Confidence

Crafting builds confidence as you see your skills improve over time. Altenew’s tutorials and beginner-friendly products ensure you’ll feel successful with every project, no matter your skill level. Here’s another comment from an Altenew fan over on Instagram.

“It's the feeling of saying I MADE THIS… it's definitely a great feeling.”

10. An Eco-Friendly Hobby

Crafting encourages recycling and upcycling. Transform old scraps or unused items into beautiful projects, reducing waste while being creative. Our Zero-Waste Dies are a perfect example of sustainable crafting tools.

11. Breaking Creative Blocks

Participating in crafting challenges or following prompts is a fantastic way to get unstuck creatively. Altenew’s monthly inspiration challenges offer clear themes to jumpstart your projects. Additionally, when you start crafting, you discover your creative side and explore the art of creating.

“I love scrapbooking, card making, coloring, and making jewelry. As a former engineer - it is fun to explore the creative side of me now.”

“As the years passed I picked up different crafts, but each one helps me deal with my daily struggles. Being able to express myself through my art is my outlet.”

12. A Purposeful Pastime

For many, crafting provides a sense of purpose. Whether it’s starting a small business, raising funds for charity, or creating for pure joy, the process becomes deeply fulfilling.

“I like being a blessing to others, letting them know I am thinking of them. I love what it does for my brain. It is just plain fun! I love the crafting community and how I have connected with others through this hobby,” a crafter shared over on Instagram.

“I craft because it helped me recover after cancer: it was a re-education and now it’s a passion.”

“I enjoy knowing that the cards I am making and sending to friends and family at a distance are bringing them smiles and hugs across the miles.” 

From making you feel good and feeling a sense of achievement to proven therapeutic benefits and meeting people who share your passion, these stories highlight how crafting resonates on personal and emotional levels, enriching lives in countless ways.

How to Start Your Crafting Journey

1. Gather Essentials: Begin with basics like cardstock, stamps, and beginner-friendly dies like our Craft-A-Flower series. It’s also great to have curated cardmaking kits since these are designed for ease and creativity.

2. Follow Tutorials: Our blogs and videos provide step-by-step instructions for beginners.

3. Experiment: Explore techniques like ink blending, hot foiling, or watercoloring. The more you try, the more confident you’ll become.

4. Join a Community: Participate in crafting challenges or join online forums to connect with fellow crafters.

This Is Your Sign to Start Your Crafting Journey Today!

Crafting isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about creating joy, connection, and self-expression. Whether you’re new to crafting or rediscovering your passion, Altenew’s beginner-friendly tools and inspiring community will guide you every step of the way.

Share your crafting stories below! Why do YOU craft? We’d love to hear from you. 

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