“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” - Pablo Picasso.
Summer is upon us, and for most of us this season was much needed, especially for the college student. Without exams and essays summer is a time spent working internships, traveling, and catching up on time with friends and family. No homework means that not all free time is spoken for, and what better way to fill those gaps than making crafts. If you've been on Pinterest for any amount of time, you know that Pinterest agrees. What you might not know is that CNN does too. After recent studies inspired by one young woman diagnosed with post traumatic depression and extreme anxiety, researchers started to become interested in the effects of crafts on your brain. In effort to help her cope with her anxiety, she started knitting, and the effects it had in her behavior were enough for CNN to release an article about the story; and the research on brain patterns caused by crafts done prior to it. These researchers are now saying that, "crafting can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or chronic pain, experts say. It may also ease stress, increase happiness and protect the brain from damage caused by aging."
Making crafts works as a natural anti-depressant and overall reduces stress. This means that another item that needs to be on your summer "to do" list is crafts.
1. Chalkboard Pots
Because chalkboard paint makes it that easy.
2. Yarn And/Or Flower Wrapped Letters.
All you need is a wooden letter with the font of your choosing, some yarn, fake flowers, and glue.
3. Hula Hoop Chandelier
This is one of those crafts that sounds crazy, but actually quite easy to make and incredibly useful to have.
4. Light Bulb Planter
Just when you thought there was no purpose for burned out lightbulbs. Recycle by carefully taking out the bottom of the lightbulb and giving your summer flowers a new home.
5. String Art
This is one of those crafts that looks incredibly complicated but is not. All you need to do is get an outline of your design on a piece of wood, put some nails in place, and start twisting some string around the nails.
6. Decorate A Wine Bottle
This is one of those crafts that doesn't require a lot of effort to get it to look cool.
7. Old Book Planter
Because it's all about the plants in the summertime. This might be the most difficult craft on the list, as well as time consuming. But if you can pull it off you would have a very unique outcome.
8. Tie Dye
Because it wouldn't be a summer crafts list without it.
