Every now and then I find myself feeling extra creative and wanting an outlet to express myself. I’ve tried a lot of different artsy things and there were some that I loved…and some that I didn’t. Crafting can be a great way to relax and ease the tension of a hectic college life that may not provide many creative outlets. Here’s a list of some of the crafty skills that I’ve loved as a busy college student.
1. Bracelet Making
A classic from the days of summer camp and childhood friendships is bracelet making! Whether that be with the typical style of different colored strings and endless knots or a diverse collection of beads – bracelet making is a really easy skill to master and can be completed over small bits of time. If you’re looking to do a little bit in the time between classes, I would recommend the usual styles with different strings as you won’t need to carry around lots of beads that could get lost or messy.
2. Embroidery
Embroidery can be a super fun skill to learn! There are endless designs in a ton of different styles. Plus, if you also pick up bracelet making, you can use the same string. I’ve received a couple of embroidered wall art and I absolutely adore them. Embroidery can require a little bit more attention to detail to make sure you have really precise work which means that it can take a bit more time than another crafty project but everyone that I know that embroiders enjoys it immensely. It’s definitely something you can do while listening to music or watching your favorite Netflix show.
3. Crocheting/Knitting
Though I personally don’t knit or crochet, my roommate does both and absolutely loves it. These projects can be a bit more time consuming depending on what you decide to make but after seeing the things that my roommate has made, I definitely think it’s a fun skill to learn. You can make such a large array of different things from clothes to blankets to stuffed animals, all with one (or a couple) needles and some yarn!
4. Bullet Journaling
If you’re looking for a way to be productive and creative – look no further! Bullet journaling is a great way to express yourself but also keep track of all of your tasks and schedules. It’s become a lot more popular in recent years and there are tons of supplies and inspiration ideas online. And although you’re mostly likely going to be drawing in your BuJo, you don’t already have to be a great artist. Bullet journaling can be a great way to practice and hone your doodling skills and have a place for your art.
If you need ideas on where to start or what to do, I definitely recommend checking out Pinterest for inspiration. In terms of bracelet making, embroidery, knitting, and crocheting they have tons of patterns. For bullet journals there are also different ideas for page setups and themes that you could try. Make sure to take some time this semester to express yourself and find something new to try.