Unless you’re one of those people who has drawers dedicated to scissors, string, fabric and fasteners, you may not be aware that March is National Crafting Month. If you were looking for the perfect time to break out those old knitting needles, stock up on Hodge Podge, and create something new, this is it! If you weren’t looking forward to a month dedicated to covering your kitchen table with an assortment of colorful, creative supplies, keep reading. We think that by the end of this article you’ll be motivated to start your own crafting project!
As most dedicated crafters know, crafting is not all about the end result. The act of crafting is just as important as the final piece you show off to your friends and family members. In a 2012 study by the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that seniors who made crafts, played games, or read a book were 30 to 50 percent less likely to have a mild cognitive impairment than those who did not.* Crafting engages the mind, and the act of losing yourself in the creation of something new can be therapeutic, relaxing, and stimulating.
The act of crafting is as versatile as the people who cut, glue, measure, stitch, and knot. If you’re one of those people who thinks that knitting a scarf or a set of mittens is the only way to craft, we recommend you visit the mother of all crafting websites, Pinterest. Simply type an idea (or even half of an idea) into the search bar and presto! You’ll be bombarded with so many ideas you won’t know where to begin! (We recommend starting out with something simple before you begin building that elaborate hanging bookshelf.)
At every one of our campuses, we celebrate the art of crafting. Take Richland Manor, for example. Their Stitching Memories Club takes places every week. Residents sew, knit, and crochet beautiful objects that are oftentimes donated to local charitable organizations. In this way, our residents are not only reaping the benefits of creating handmade pieces of art, they can feel good about making a positive impact in their community.
If you’re already an established crafter, we encourage you to share your skills with our residents. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of those in our care. You’ll have the chance to not only create a piece of work you can be proud of, but friendships that can last a lifetime. Click here to find a campus near you!