Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Students

You probably remember getting excited about doing arts and crafts in school as a child, but how long has it been since you’ve done something creative since starting college? If you’re ‘not the creative type’, there’s no need to miss out on all of the great benefits that making your own things by hand can provide. And, if you are artistic, then making arts and crafts a main hobby is a fun way to learn and develop new skills. We’ve listed some of the main benefits of getting involved in crafting.

Save Money

One of the main reasons that people learn to make their own things is in order to save money. Even if you’re not very artistic when it comes to things such as drawing and painting, you can learn new practical skills such as sewing, knitting, and restoring furniture, which will allow you to save money on decorating your home. You could even learn how to make your own clothes! For the more artistic, handmade gifts can be a lovely touch for a birthday or the holidays, and handmade greetings cards are simple and cheap to make, too.

Make Money

Students might not think that arts and crafts is going to help them find careers with an MBA after graduating from Villanova University, but handmade items can actually make some of the best business ideas. With more customers looking for personalized, unique gift ideas for the special people in their lives, handmade products of all kinds certainly fit the bill and often sell well. Once you’ve found something that you enjoy making and believe others will enjoy using or giving, you can get started right away with an e-commerce store.

De-stress

As a student, you’re probably left wondering ‘is an MBA worth it?’ at times when you’re really stressed out. Completing assignments and studying finals can take it out of even the best students, especially if you’re juggling your studies with other commitments. Art therapy is becoming a popular activity in a range of colleges, as many people find that arts and crafts are a very therapeutic activity that helps them to destress.

Make New Friends

Whether you’re at college or recently graduated, joining an arts or crafting class can be a fun way to meet new people and make friends who have something in common with you. At college, students can often find a range of student-led groups, clubs, societies and activities, and if there’s nothing available for crafters or artistic people, you might even be able to start one yourself with like-minded students from your campus.

Learn New Things

Even if art has never been your strongest point, with some practice you’ll quickly start seeing improvements. Taking part in arts and crafts is a fun way to learn new skills and improve your creative flow.


As kids, we’re huge fans of arts and crafts, but not many of us go on to take it seriously as adults. Whether you feel you’re an artist or not, getting crafty has tons of benefits.

August Mystery Box in Cricut is Here!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 


Hello crafters! Cricut August Mystery Box is finally here and this is a great way to create plenty of paper craft projects ahead of time. There are plenty of projects to do especially that the cooler months are few weeks shy from arriving.  Projects for the fall and winter seasons abound! It's time to catch up on your Cricut supplies and also avail of the great stuff in August Mystery boxes.

So, what's in the August Mystery box?

You'll get 4 premium cartridges and other mysterious things any crafter will enjoy for only $39.99 (valued at $136.94)! The contents in the box may be a mystery, but the savings sure aren't! Don’t wait, supplies are limited, so buy now at Cricut.com! 

Plus, you'll get free shipping when you use code AUGSHIP between 7/29 - 8/19.

Here's a sample of set of images you can find in Cricut.

Fun Crafts And Hobbies To Enjoy With Your Children

With the winter days drawing in, and weekends you enjoyed as a family outdoors a distant memory, now is the time to start thinking about ways you can occupy and entertain your kids during the school holidays, rainy days and at the weekends.

Most preschoolers and older children like and enjoy arts and crafts, and with the festive season nearly upon us, it is the perfect time to get your gluesticks, paint pots and pom poms ready for some crafty fun!

Crafting is extremely beneficial for children; it stimulates their senses, enhances their language and social skills, and is also great for building relationships with your children.

Here are some fun and creative ideas that you and your kids will enjoy, and who knows some of these activities may reveal a budding Picasso or a Delia Smith in your family!

Baking

This is perhaps one of the most popular hobbies you can enjoy with your kids.  Not only are you teaching them vital cooking skills for when they have flown the nest in years to come, you are also giving them some knowledge about maths when measuring out ingredients.  Take your little ones to the local supermarket and you will find various mixes, ranging from cookie dough mixtures to chocolate brownies and if you want to make the good old fairy cakes, you will find lots of icing mixtures already prepared, as well as plenty of decorations to adorn your masterpieces with.

Hand/feet printing

This is an age old activity and you probably remember doing this yourself when you were younger, however hand and feet printing is still really popular with children.  Wriggling their little toes and hands in paint allows them to explore their senses of touch and sight and the freedom of getting a little bit messy makes the activity lots of fun.  They also serve as wonderful keepsakes for you to proudly display in frames or on canvasses.  As we all know with little ones, accidents can happen, so if you are worried about your kids staining your recently painted walls or damaging your carpets, you can get some great water based paints which are non toxic and clean off easily.

Card making

Card making is a great way to recycle everyday objects in your home such as buttons, ribbons, cotton wool and even bottle lids.  This activity is great for educating your children about the importance of recycling and also allows them to use their own initiative and ideas for finding ways they can use certain household items to create different types of cards.  For example, cotton wool for Santa’s beard or black pipe cleaners to create a spider for a spooky Halloween card.

Make animal balloons

Your kids will look at you in wonderment and amusement when you unveil an animal balloon after several actions of twisting and bending.  There are several websites and videos you can find online that will teach you how to make a simple dog or a monkey out of a balloon or you can make them freestyle.  Get your kids involved and ask them to help you by inflating the balloons or ask them to make an animal while you guess what it is. There will be guaranteed hours of fun and lots of giggles for sure.

Hopefully this has helped to inspire you, for when you are stuck for ideas on a rainy day and the kids are a bit restless.  Just remember, your children will value any kind of time spent with you, so if you can, make your time together as precious as possible.

This is a guest post written for www.riablahgs.com's readers.