There are plenty of types of crafting; whether it’s sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, the list goes on and on. Many young people see them as part of the older generations – something our great-grandmothers and grandmothers did. We saw them crochet a blanket or knit a scarf, saw the gorgeous handmade scrapbooks of our parents and their siblings on vacations. Young adults should get in on this, and here’s why.

1. It can be very, very fun.

I personally sew, knit and crochet. My stuff comes out lumpy and misshapen more times than not, but it’s fun to see your project grow little by little, stitch by stitch into something you can be proud of later.

2. It’s a good way to think.

When I get stuck on something for school, or need to come up with some ideas, I reach for something to do with my hands. Some people can make do with a small Lego set, but the only way I can get the juices flowing is to pick up one of my crafting projects. It allows for my hands and brain to keep busy.

3. You can use it to connect with people.

Here’s something I regret; not telling my grandmother that I had picked up crocheting. She could have taught me so much before she died. Now, when someone sees me knitting or I see someone knitting, it’s an automatic conversation starter! You can ask them about their project, they can ask about yours, you can swap tips and tricks of the trade all because someone sees you doing something that they do too.

4. You can make some memorable gifts.

My Christmas gift spending has gone way down ever since I started crafting. I can use the same yarn from one project on another because I know that two people like the same color. I can make the same gift for two people because I know that they’ll both like and use it. Your gifts will be useful because you can make a scarf or some mittens or a tea cozy.

5. You can share memories through your crafting.

If you chose to scrapbook, it can be anything from your family vacation, to things that make you feel good, to even just pictures of friends. Facebook is great for keeping photos together, but what about those ticket stubs from movies and concerts? We all pretend that we’ll find a place for them, and then eventually end up losing them.

6. Your self-esteem will go up.

When you finish a project, you’ll be proud of it whether it was a failure or not. You made it with your own two hands. You can use that energy to get through times when you think of yourself as ridiculous. You’re not, because you’ve made something and it’s there for the world to see!

7. It’s something interesting.

When you run out of things to talk about in a conversation, bring up your latest project. A lot of people will be interested to hear that you made the scarf you’re wearing or that you’ve been putting together your friends’ silliest faces on a page of your scrapbook.

8. It’s relaxing.

Once you get good enough at your craft, it can become relaxing. Most crafts have the same motion over and over again, so you can turn your brain off. It can be a good way to wind down after a long day or to calm yourself down before something you’re nervous about.

Now get out there and do something with your hands!