The Science of Crafting: How Creativity Enhances Your Well-Being

Last Updated: January 27, 2025

Crafting is more than a pastime—it’s a form of self-care. Whether you’re cardmaking, scrapbooking, drawing, sewing, painting, or cross-stitching, creative pursuits offer more than just pretty results. They play a vital role in improving mental and emotional well-being.

A group of crafters smiling happily and showing off their finished handmade cards

In this blog, we’ll dive into the science of crafting and explore how it enhances brain health, boosts emotional resilience, and supports mindfulness. Ready to find out how crafting makes you happy and healthy? Let’s begin!

Watch: Why Crafting Will Change Your Life!

The Connection Between Crafting and Well-Being

What Science Says

Research shows that engaging in creative activities like crafting can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. A 2016 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in small creative tasks, such as crafting, positively impacted participants’ overall happiness and emotional state.

Crafting activities stimulate various parts of the brain, such as those responsible for focus, memory, and problem-solving. This brain workout helps maintain cognitive health and can even reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.

A group of crafters, from all walks of life and ages, busy making handmade cards using Altenew products

Brain Benefits of Crafting

Crafting isn’t just fun—it’s a mental exercise. Most creative activities like cardmaking, quilting, or jewelry-making involve problem-solving when you decide patterns, colors, and layouts, memory recall since you have to remember techniques, steps, and instructions; and precise hand movements that help improve dexterity. 

These benefits highlight crafting’s role in brain health, making it a powerful tool for lifelong mental agility.

What does science say about the benefits of crafting? Research supports crafting as a means of improving mood, reducing stress, and boosting brain health.

A collage of different arts and crafts activities to enhance your mental health and emotional wellbeing

Emotional Well-Being Through Crafting

The Role of Creativity in Emotional Health

Creative activities like crafting release dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Completing a crafting project can bring immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. This feeling helps combat stress and low moods, creating a cycle of positivity.

In fact, crafting has been adopted in therapeutic programs for trauma survivors. Through activities such as painting or knitting, individuals have found emotional outlets to process feelings and promote healing.

Altenew's ambassador, Lydia Evans, smiling as she reads the message inside a handmade card

The Dopamine Effect

Ever felt a rush of happiness after finishing a handmade card or scrapbook page? That’s dopamine at work! This chemical not only boosts mood but also motivates you to take on more creative challenges.

One crafter shared, “The act of creating something with my hands gave me peace during tough times. I felt proud to gift my handmade cards—it was therapy in disguise!”

A close-up of someone sewing using a sewing machine and blue cloth
Top view of a crafter arranging paper flower die-cuts on top of the Stampwheel

Crafting and Mindfulness

Crafting as a Meditative Practice

Crafting has similarities to mindfulness exercises. Repetitive tasks such as knitting, stamping patterns, or fussy-cutting encourage you to focus on the present moment. This reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Think of crafting as a screen-free way to slow down in today’s fast-paced world. When you immerse yourself in a creative project, you disconnect from stressors and reconnect with yourself.

The Calming Nature of Repetition

For many, crafting offers a peaceful escape. Repeating strokes in painting, blending inks on a card panel, or forming loops in crochet can be deeply soothing, akin to meditation. This aspect of crafting makes it an ideal activity for stress relief and emotional balance.

Cardmakers busy with their projects in one of Altenew's meet and greet in-person cardmaking workshops

Studies on the Therapeutic Effects of Crafting

Evidence-Based Insights

Crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a therapeutic tool. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and even chronic pain.

  • Art therapy programs: Frequently used in hospitals to aid patients in recovery.

  • Elderly care: Crafting helps stimulate cognitive abilities and provides social engagement.

Are there studies on the therapeutic effects of crafting? Yes, studies show its effectiveness in PTSD recovery and mental health improvement programs.

4 crafters sitting and May Park from Altenew happily smiling and waving at the camera, with a few Altenew supplies on the table in front of them
3 crafters happily showing off their handmade cards in one of Altenew's in-person crafting workshops

Community and Connection Through Creativity

The Social Side of Crafting

Crafting fosters connections. From workshops to online challenges, these creative outlets help combat loneliness by uniting individuals with shared interests.

One popular example is crafting challenges. Participants create projects based on a theme, share their work, and celebrate each other’s creativity.

Speaking of crafting workshops, do you want to craft and chat with Jennifer McGuire, Kristina Werner, Yana Smakula, Tasnim Ahmed, Dawn Woleslagle, Jaycee Gaspar, and Mindy Eggen?! SIGN UP for the upcoming Secret Garden Retreat NOW!

A close-up of a handmade card with 3D embossed hills, a fall-themed leaf die-cut, and the sentiment "appreciate you"A crafter blending inks on Altenew's stencil, using the Stampwheel and a few Altenew dye inks

How to Start Your Crafting Journey for Better Well-Being

Simple Crafting Ideas for Beginners

Getting started is easy! Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas if you’re just starting with your crafting journey. 

DIY handmade card with stenciled and hot foiled flowers and background and the sentiment "Craft Your Life"DIY cushion with stamped succulent images all over it, a few pigment inks, and a potted succulent plant in front of it
  1. Cardmaking: Use stamps, inks, and simple embellishments you have in your stash to create clean and simple handmade greeting cards. Believe us, you really don’t need a lot of supplies to whip up gorgeous cards.  

  2. Journaling: Decorate your journal pages with washi tape, markers, and stickers to express your creativity. You can even go a step further by creating a themed journal: a book journal, art journal, bible journal, etc.

  3. DIY tags or bookmarks: This is the easiest way to create something small but terrific. In fact, our designer Michelle Short has been sharing so many DIY tag ideas! Check them out here.

  4. DIY projects! Paint plant pots, stencil designs and patterns onto cushion cover, create paper flower arrangements, or create framed wall art. You don’t need to be super artistic to get started on DIY projects.

Incorporating Crafting Into Your Routine

Make crafting part of your daily life with these tips:

  • Dedicate 30 minutes to a project after work or on weekends.

  • Join an online crafting community for inspiration and accountability.

  • Use innovative tools like cardmaking kits, bundles, One-Go stamps, Zero-Waste dies, etc. to save time and simplify the process.

A man smiling while holding up a clean and simple handmade greeting card
A woman smiling happily as she holds up a handmade card she created

Craft Your Way to Better Well-Being!

Crafting isn’t just an activity; it’s a pathway to better well-being. From boosting brain health to improving emotional resilience, the science of crafting proves that creativity is a powerful tool for personal growth. Grab your favorite crafting supplies and start creating today. Who knows? Your next project might bring joy and lead to a healthier, happier you. Happy crafting!

Need more inspirational reads and crafty ideas? Visit us In the Craft Room

 


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