It’s been a tough few weeks with everything going on in the world. I know I’ve been going a little stir crazy just sitting at home, spending hours on end on my laptop, and we all know staring at a screen for that long isn’t healthy. If you’re looking for a distraction, or a fun way to alleviate your constant boredom, then you’re in the right place. Here are 10 unusual hobbies to try out, that should have you feeling lighter in no time!
- Improve your handwriting through calligraphy.
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If you’re like me and don’t have the best handwriting, or are looking for a fun way to destress, then this is the hobby for you. All you need are basic calligraphy pens and a piece of paper. Don’t know where to start? Check out Learn Calligraphy for easy to follow videos and everything else you need to embark on your calligraphy journey. Before you know it, you’ll be creating fancy lettering straight from your bed!
- Stitch a quilt to keep you warm.
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The art of quilting is a great way to unwind, whether you choose to hand quilt or use a machine. You’ll need thread, safety pins, needles and fabric to start, as well as a sewing machine if you’re looking for a quicker turnaround. So grab those supplies and get ready to become a master quilter!
There are many quilting techniques you can learn, but I’d recommend starting with the basics to familiarize yourself with your fabric. These useful pointers from Hobby Help will help you along with your first quilt.
- Create fun prints with tie-dye.
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Staying indoors has been weighing on all of us, but what better way to improve your mood than by dyeing your old white t-shirt in a kaleidoscope of colors? Start by getting a tie-dye kit and a white t-shirt, or anything else you want to experiment with (like a new set of sheets or a sweater for your dog!).
The kit should contain all you need for a successful tie-dyeing session, without having to go through the trouble of buying individual dyes. Check Tie Dye Your Summer out for fun instructions and kit options. In the meantime, watch Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch try her hand at tie-dying right here!
- Put on your chef’s hat and become a master bread baker.
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This has become a popular quarantine trend, after grocery stores in some areas ran out of bread altogether. If you’ve never baked bread before, this is the perfect chance to give it a shot. From sourdough bread to chocolate chip zucchini bread, there are hundreds of recipes out there to test your bread baking skills. Head over to All Recipes for some inspo, and get baking!
- Learn to tend your own bar.
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Now that your favorite neighborhood bar is shut down, why not start your own happy hour? Dial-in some of your friends and get creative with these cocktail recipes, or go crazy experimenting with your chosen liquor. Maybe you’ll end up with a new drink of choice! One of my new favorites is the Floradora–what’s yours?
- Get creative with soap carving.
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Twiddling your thumbs? Try making art out of your drug store soap purchase. All you’ll need is a paring knife, but if you’re not the biggest fan of sharp objects you can even experiment with a butter knife (just make sure you don’t use a hard soap). Then you can start crafting!
Create any shape you want–start by carving a word into the center, or creating a full likeness of your cat! Once you’re comfortable, you can get really creative with the detailing. Here’s a nifty how-to from Wiki How that’ll get you started.
- Paint landscapes like Bob Ross.
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There are a plethora of videos online of people attempting to paint like artist Bob Ross. With just a few brush strokes he’d create mesmerizing landscapes, and his master technique has attracted millions of viewers and influencers online. To get started, purchase the Bob Ross Master Paint Set and a canvas. Fret not if you’re a beginner–you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the end product, even if it just looks like a couple of colored blobs (like mine did).
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Make your dinner look like it came out of a TV show.
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Ever wanted to learn how to plate your dish like MasterChef contestants? Then this is the hobby for you. Create artistic masterpieces with your dinner, and you’ll feel like you’re back in your favorite restaurant before this lockdown ever happened. Watch how different chefs plate to get inspired, and then try on your own! Start with something simple like learning how to plate pasta, or your go-to salad, but don’t forget to brag about it online!
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Go crazy with your nails.
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What better time to upgrade your self-care routine than now? Learn how to create fun patterns without having to pay $50 for picture-perfect nails. Here are some of our suggested techniques to get you started. At the end of this quarantine, you’ll be painting nails for all of your friends!
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Become a magician.
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I’ve always been fascinated by the sleight of hand of magicians at kids parties. If you’re like me and want to make that fascination a reality, try learning some simple magic tricks while you’re stuck at home. Grab that stack of cards and get started!
It’s easy to lose track of the time and the day right now, especially if you don’t have much else to do, so hopefully these unconventional activities will have you feeling a little more excited to get out of bed each morning!