With the age of social media, many people are turning to an “analog lifestyle”. A way of putting down their phones, sitting down, and concentrating on hobbies or crafts that they have been neglecting. I, for one, have fallen victim to doomscrolling all summer instead of doing meaningful activities that can fill me with joy. The internet gives us instant gratification, which is why making something yourself can frustrate us, because it takes time. I struggle with feeling like the things I make are cool or interesting, but the whole point is making something that might be ugly to create something interesting. Whether it is journaling, drawing, or crafting, everyone can find something they are passionate about. Instead of watching others craft, you can do it yourself or with friends!
Here are some activities you can think about doing:
Felt Name PENnant
Everyone at college is putting name pendants up on their doors or above their beds; it’s cute, simple, and can help you with potential color schemes. It is an easy craft to do with other people; all you need is felt, fabric, and hot glue or a needle and string. Another felt craft I have seen trending, more specifically for birthdays, is crowns. Getting all your friends to come over and celebrate you by making their own crown and even adding lace or gems.
Junk Journal
Collecting stickers, washi tape, photos, tickets, or what people consider “trash”. I like this because it is the most authentic way to make something that is you! You can put all your favorite things in one place. Honestly, it can be therapeutic to organize, paste, and write in a layout that makes you feel good. It can also make it easy to recap trips, vacations, classes, or everyday life. There is no right or wrong way; I love to put music on, sit down, and have all my items spread out on my desk or floor.
Beddazzling
I have been obsessed with watching videos of people add these small gems onto their skincare products, phone cases, or pill bottles. You can literally do it on anything; it’s therapeutic to put them on one at a time. When you run out of the product, you can refill it or replace the cap. While it can be a little messy because of the glue and tiny gems, it can be a way to add sparkle into your everyday routine/items.
embroidering/Knitting/Crocheting
Embroidering has been making a major comeback, working with your hands in repeated patterns like knitting or crocheting. You can learn so many patterns online, especially from YouTube videos. Whether it is bookmarks or handkerchiefs, you can make someone a unique design. There is also the “Sophie hood,” which went viral at the end of 2024; it is a knitting pattern designed by PetiteKnit, a Danish company, to cover your ears like a bonnet. Another popular craft is wobbles, a small crocheting kit with an animal or character that provides you with all the materials to make it.
Garlands
I have them all over my apartment; they are the equivalent to string lights but paper or another material. Cutting patterns like stars or hearts out of paper, sticking a long string through them, and hanging them from your ceiling or walls can add more life than a white wall. They are good for special occasions too, like birthdays or anniversaries.
Picture frame KEY HOOK
I did this recently; it is so popular on Reels and Pinterest. Take any picture, add fabric or paper behind it, place it into the picture frame, and close it. Then take a cup hook designed to screw into wood and twist it into the bottom of the picture frame. It is perfect to have a place for your keys while adding character to your room or home. I never have to look for my keys anymore, wondering if I lost or dropped them.
At the end of the day, crafting is not about making something perfect or Instagram-worthy; it is about giving yourself the time to slow down and make something that is yours. In a world where we are constantly consuming other people’s ideas, there is something special about creating with your own hands, even if the finished product is a little messy or imperfect. The next time you find yourself scrolling for hours, put your phone down, grab some supplies, invite a friend over, and make something just for the fun of it. You might be surprised by how much joy you can find in simply creating.