Craft Kits and Projects are Fulfilling to the Brain

Stress has been proven so damaging to both mind and body. It is challenging to know how to best lower stress levels and help the brain and body relax. Several research studies have shown that slow repetitive motions are effective at helping your brain relax. This is perfect for people who love to craft. Additionally, using your hands to complete projects has shown to be beneficial for retaining fine motor skills, and helping combat many symptoms of stress and aging. The creative process also increases overall feelings of wellbeing, and completing projects increases a neurotransmitter in the brain that is known for generating feelings of happiness, contentment and accomplishment. When deciding which type of craft to begin, start with brainstorming what you enjoy doing or what interests you. From there, search for online tutorials and examine prices for supplies. All of these factors will contribute to your overall success with your new crafting hobby.

Finding Craft Kits Online

There are several places that provide information about craft kits and projects online. Pinterest is a good starting off point, as many pins will show what is used, and have an accompanying article explaining the supplies and steps needed to complete your project. Many Pinterest articles contain affiliate links that lead to an online platform, generally Amazon, for purchasing a crafting kit online and having it shipped to your home. Other large chain crafting stores, such as Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and Michaels will also have ready to ship or ready to pick up crafting kits available for purchase. The benefit to shopping with the crafting chains is that they generally have a significant coupon available that will offer between 20 and 50 percent off the purchase price.

Types of Craft Kits

There are many different types of crafts that can be done, depending on where your interest lies.Some popular crafting kits are:

• Embroidery - Embroidery kits generally include a pattern, cloth to embroider on, embroidery floss. Some kits will contain a hoop and a needle. Before purchasing see if the needle and hoop are included, and if not, purchase them separately.
• Painting - Painting kits vary between styles, types of paint used and skill level. For beginners there are several paint by number options available that are surprisingly advanced and require little drawing and painting skill. Other kits include a blank canvas and do call for drawing and painting skills. Watercolor and acrylic are the two most common types of painting kits. There are also rock painting kits available which are appropriate for a variety of ages.
• Coloring - Coloring book kits have come a long way in the past 10 years. Adult coloring books have advanced designs and drawings and are beautiful and relaxing. Coloring kits usually contain colored pencils and a book of designs to color.
• Crochet/knitting - Yarn based crafts should include a pattern book with pictures, a single crochet needle or two knitting needles and yarn for a specific project. If there is not an instruction book provided, there may be an online download or link to pictures and videos that will show the necessary techniques. After learning the basic techniques, there are many free patterns available online to continue crafting.
• Loom knitting - Loom knitting kits will have a knitting loom, a needle, yarn and an instruction booklet. There are additional instructions and patterns available online after the basic skills have been acquired.
• Latch hook - Latch hook kits usually contain the yarn already cut to size, a diagram to show you how to obtain the design, a matrix or latch hook fabric to do your work, and sometimes a latch hook. Many kits do not contain a hook, so double check before ordering, and order one separately if needed.

Creating and crafting are fantastic ways to keep your brain healthy and your hands occupied. Crafting kits are an easy way to get started and determine in which area your interest lies, and teaches you how to master your new task.