Be inspired by these impressive creations that you can replicate at home, and reap the wellbeing benefits of slowing down and letting your imagination run free

When I’m in a mood, the first thing I do is turn to my current craft project. For me, it's the surest way to destress and unwind.

And I’m not alone. Countless studies have shown the link between crafting and mental wellbeing – and art therapy is nothing new. Getting creative can help boost our mood, and soothe our worries. And as well as supporting depression, stress, and anxiety, crafting has also been shown to improve our self-esteem and help us to connect with, and express, ourselves.

Ready to get your craft on? Here are just some of our favourite projects, to inspire you to take up the challenge and embrace your creative side.

Embroidery

When it comes to embroidery, you really have to slow things down and concentrate on the finest details – something that's automatically bursting with mindfulness. For beginners, there are plenty of easy kits that will start you off, while still looking really effective when completed. Slow_evenings_embroidery offers kits that are simple, stylish, and modern. Embroidered affirmations are particularly popular, and can easily become the gift that just keeps giving. Do you see our point?

Weaving

If you have a lot of spare fabric lying around the house, or old clothes that are too worn to give to charity, weaving can be a great way to tidy up and reuse. Don’t fancy splashing out on an expensive loom just yet? You can easily make your own with just a wooden photo frame and some string. Novamercury uses stunning rainbow colours that will be sure to appeal to your artist's eye. Go abstract and explore patterns and colours – or work on a smaller scale to create detailed interpretations of scenes and places. Let your imagination run wild…

Painting

When was the last time you picked up a paintbrush? When it comes to painting, a lot of us can get caught up in worries about ‘doing it wrong’. But we’re here to tell you that there is no ‘wrong’ way of painting. Maus__haus's artwork will inspire you to really lean in to using shapes and colours in creative ways. Start with something simple, let go of any pre-held idea of what painting should look like, and let your brush lead the way.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy can be an incredibly soothing activity, that you can then use in a variety of ways. From penning letters to loved ones to creating affirmations to display in your home or to gift to overs, this is a skill that you won’t be short of use for. And to get you started hometohandletter offers free workshops that go over the basics. So put pen to paper, and express yourself.

Macrame

Macrame is a craft that works with series of precise knots. These stunning works of art have really taken off in recent years, and the best part is that they’re relatively easy to recreate. Start small, learn some basic knots, and then let your imagination run wild. Head to tamarthings's page to see just how far you can go with this incredibly versatile medium.

Crochet

Like so many crafts, crochet is what you make of it. Start simple and learn the basics by creating squares that can be sewn together to make baby blankets and cushion covers, then dive in to the world of wearables, toys, and everyday items. Oh, and bonus, you’ll never need to buy a present again. Browse the endless possibilities at jellybean_junction. Hooks at the ready!