Disclosure: collaborative post
It feels like forever that we’ve been under some form of restrictions. In fact, it’s coming up to a year since it started. I remember it well, getting the news that we couldn’t go to pubs, restaurants and then every day a new restriction, followed by schools closing right on my daughter’s birthday last year. I was so distraught, the school were frantically giving out books for home learning and it all felt very apocalyptic. The council took away the goal posts in the heath and locked the playgrounds.
What else could we do except get creative at home? Yes you can spend all sorts of money on expensive hobby kits and craft materials, but apart from that how else can we get creative? I’ve come up with a list for you of 10 lockdown (or self isolation) activities to get your creative juices flowing. When you can’t be as physical or social as you’d normally like, these will stimulate your brain and kick start your mental health.
1. Get writing
Have you always wanted to write a novel? Maybe a short story? Or simply start a blog. Blogging can be very therapeutic and a way of releasing your thoughts from whirring around your brain. You don’t need any costs to start, you can make a free wordpress account and off you go. Simply keeping a diary for your own records can be cathartic. I’ve written far more in the lockdown than before. I’ve even had a go at fan fiction for my favourite show, Once Upon a Time.
2. Play with designing
Since I started blogging, I have needed to learn basic graphic design. I love it! It’s become one of my favourite things to do. I’ve designed infographics, blog titles, logos, promo graphics, social media graphics and of course, Pinterest pins. The upside to learning this skill has meant that I can also design kid’s games, invitations, posters, flyers, you name it I can do it. It’s really easy to start from a template on Canva (my favourite design platform) or create your own. I pay for Canva pro and it’s worth it because I can resize images and use the premium stock photos. You can also upload your own fonts, for example, tattoo lettering font or script fonts. Using different fonts and exclusive images will make you stand out on Pinterest.
3. Painting by numbers
Painting by numbers has certainly changed from when I was a kid! My Mum has been so bored at home that she’s taken up painting by numbers. The paintings she has at the end of it are awesome, they look amazing framed. She is really enjoying it and it has kept her occupied and active both physically and mentally.
4. Upcycling
We have so much junk now, especially cardboard and plastics. If you can get into upcycling you solve two problems in one. You get to recycle your trash, get your creative juices flowing and you also end up with a nice product at the end of it. There are loads of ideas on Pinterest to try, I always get inspired by Stacey Solomon on Instagram, her projects always turn out looking good.
5. Crochet
Why not learn to crochet? If you’re like me you’ll have lots of odd craft bits lying around or leftover yarn from projects past. Crochet is very en vogue at the moment and it’s really easy to learn from YouTube videos. I’ve managed to learn the basic stitches so far and I’m hopeful I’ll get some results soon. It’s a way to keep anxiety at bay.
6. Gardening
Take a long hard look at your garden. Could you redesign it in any way? Is there room for a veg patch or herb garden? Perhaps a succulent area or air garden. There are so many ways to get creative in the garden. If you don’t have a garden, no problem! Get going with plants in pots around the house. Green leaves and plants in the house give off positive vibes.
7. Rock painting
Gather some stones or small rocks, preferably smooth ones. Get painting with any paint you have or chalk pens. If you have some clear lacquer to go over the top even better. Search for your local rock hiding group on Facebook (they are a thing) and then you can hide them and look out for them popping up. Some of the designs are amazing.
8. Wreath making
Wreaths are not just for Christmas any more. They are for any occasion. Spring, Easter, Valentines, the list is endless. People are making more out of their door displays than ever. Take a look online for ideas and have a go at making one from craft supplies you already have, or go on a nature forage.
9. Origami
Try the ancient Chinese art of Origami and get beyond the pirate hat and boat (that’s my limit). You can spend hours perfecting your chosen subject and be proud of the results.
10. Sock animals
The easiest sock animal is a bunny and it’s very apt for Easter. Other than that you can make gonks, elephants and more. My daughter made a ghost! Just make sure the socks are no longer in use. We have so many odd socks it’s unreal.
So there you have it, 10 lockdown activities to get your creative juices flowing. Which ones have you tried?
