Learning a craft is a popular activity for people of all ages, as it teaches a variety of skills and provides and enjoyable social outlet for classmates. Crafting courses at City Lit provide budding students with the opportunity to learn not only a new skill but to do so in a comfortable and enthusiastic environment.
If you’d like to learn a craft, here are just ten of the many benefits you’ll be able to enjoy.
1. Crafting is a Great New Skill to Learn
Craft is a cool way to challenge yourself to learn something new in a warm, friendly and inspiring environment. Being surrounded by like-minded folks who have chosen to be present can also provide motivation on your journey. Even if you begin crafting as a social outlet, you’ll likely be surprised how quickly your skills develop simply by being around others who are also developing their ability to craft.
2. Settle Your Mind and Body in The Moment
Crafting is a physical form of meditation that works extremely well! You have to be present with your mind and body as you learn new techniques and use new tools & machinery on your craft journey. This creates a union of mind and body that can help create strong feelings of calm and comfort. Learning a craft is active escapism for a couple of hours a week where you need to be present and paying attention to the tasks at hand.
3. Crafting is an Extremely Rewarding Activity
The main beauty of crafting is that although you’re embarking on a journey with a clear destination in sight, it’s completely up to you how you get there. Whether it’s certain techniques or unique materials, you get to decide how you approach the project at hand. Completing a piece of work which you’re proud of and that has your personal stamp on it is a brilliant feeling.
It’s common that in many people’s day to day life, they’re rarely presented with the opportunity to make something new, let alone something they actually want to make. That’s why so many people choose to learn crafting as they are afforded the time and opportunity solely to flex their creative muscles.
I always loved the start of a new when I taught because the newbies could not believe that they were going to make a hat. My returning students knew better but did not say anything to dissuade their thinking because they wanted them to experience the same joy they felt when they completed their first piece. Those endorphins wake up with such a fizz that they demand you make more!
4. You'll Discover a Sense of Community
Joining a craft course can be a lovely way to be more social. There is something powerful in surrounding yourself with people who are supporting each other to achieve the same goals. Whether it’s a casual chat whilst you work or a someone who you have teamed up with as a crafting partner, there are many social opportunities for people of all ages.
5. Awaken Your Inner Creative
As humans, we are all creative but life, and work drudgery can often have us convinced that we have no imagination. This is why it’s important to reignite that creative spark inside of us which has otherwise been neglected.
Trying taster days, short courses and weekend workshops are an accessible way to try different crafts to discover the one that excites you!
6. Learn How to Make Unique and Personal Gifts
Upon completing a craft course at City Lit, you get to keep whatever you make. So, if you wanted, you could make a special and unique gift for someone close to you. From then on, you can go on to make more items for yourself and others whilst continuing to reap the benefits of crafting. You’ll never have to give a store-bought gift again and instead can gift an item that represents your own time and effort.
7. You Can Use Crafting to Destress From Your Everyday Life
Signing up for a craft course that has nothing to do with your career can be an avenue in which you can decompress and relieve some of the stress and anxiety of everyday life. Whether it’s the social aspect of mingling with other like-minded people or the 1 on 1 time that you get with your project, there are many aspects of crafting which can help you let go of any lingering stresses.
8. Crafting Could Change Your Outlook on Life
So many of us settle for just getting by, just covering costs. A craft course could reawaken your passion and demonstrate new possibilities for your life. It always brings pure joy to my heart when my students start a new career after experiencing our courses and succeeding at their new craft.
Embracing new opportunities can help break down any apprehension we have about trying new things, and when these new opportunities bring us joy, that can spur us on to continually seek out new experiences.
9. Crafting Teaches Patience
Learning a new craft can help you learn patience and perseverance as you gradually work through your project. It is a whole world away from the instant gratification that modern technology provides for us.
10. Learning a Craft Promotes a Healthy Brain
As well as learning the craft itself, there are cognitive and mental health benefits to learning a craft. You can develop improved hand-eye coordination and improved memory retention by learning a craft. Studies reported by the Crafts Council UK also indicate possible positive links between craft and the cognitive skills of stroke and dementia patients.
We hope our 2023 guide sets you on a path to discover the joys and creative possibilities of crafting. We have plenty of crafting courses available here at City Lit, why not explore your options and find your passion today!
Join a Craft course today
We offer courses for all levels. Whether you are a beginner, a tad rusty or already know what you're doing.
We provide all materials you'll need for your course whether it's leather for Bookbinding or williow for Basketry.
