Craft Your Indoor Creativity
During this unprecedented time of separation, upheaval and halt, society has been left feeling effectively grounded. A range of emotions besetting the general public has harkened some back to a younger-self stuck indoors at one time or another. Circumstances depending, these lock-ins can feel like night and day: whilst frustration, sadness and cabin fever may dominate a stagnant and fearful air, fresh gifts can be gained from periods of downtime and simpler pastimes, which help make these moments bearable, even enjoyable.
There are myriad examples of people using this time to think up fun and productive indoor activities, from which parents (many having been thrust from full-time employment into all-day teacher, carer and entertainer roles) and children can draw inspiration. In today’s post I want to add to this resource, focusing on the stripped-back, throwback craft activities to help avert grief from children and keep their creative minds occupied.
Macrame—my favourite childhood craft! A pastime of tying knots, which always leaves a feeling of contentment, however your ‘masterpiece’ turns out. Here is the fascinating history of macrame with tutorials on the basic knots to get you started and wonderful patterns for the non-beginners.
Petal-Perfume Making—a fun trial and error game seeing what scents come from which plants. Letting children loose with these potions might require some patience and nose-pinching for the overseer but rewards the mind of the little chemist as they explore the collecting, selecting and creative process. This will get you started.
Paper People Chain—if your local recycling facilities have paused, turn your used paper into all the people you are separated from! Then make paper snakes and other animals too. Whichever you choose, your home will get a splash of colour that will help brighten everyone’s day.
Papier-mâché—a delightfully messy affair that will keep them occupied for hours. Quick tip: in a time of delayed delivery and stock shortage, use BBC Good Food’s home-made glue-alternative recipe and the discarded cuttings from the previous paper activity.
Button Craft—a way to empty that box of buttons accumulated over the years. Have a bash at crafting your haberdashery by giving these a go! Keep in mind here, the heightened dangers of choking with babies and infants.
Puppetry—time to bring creations to life. Children love making up stories and role-playing characters. Puppets, shows and set-design is the ultimate crafting combo: whether it is a simple cardboard stage, speaking through a sophisticated sock, or twitching a marionette to tell a tale, there are endless giggles to be had.
Whichever activity you let your children in on, do no forget to let that inner-you out! All you parents and guardians need a break and healthy distraction too. Take the lead from other grounded grown-ups and let loose! Bring a little silly to lighten up the tough times whilst respecting the situation and staying indoors.
Wishing you all many cheer-bringing creative moments during this time.