When the stresses of modern life get you down, finding a craft activity that brings you joy can be the perfect antidote to calm a busy brain.
As a recent article in Good Housekeeping explained: “Crafts aren't just for kids. According to a study from the Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies, crafting can reduce stress and increase mood and self-confidence — three great reasons that adults should join in on the fun, too.”
We couldn’t agree more and that’s why earlier this year we launched our Craft Club to give people the chance to take part in creative activities in the company of others.
It’s open to both keen crafters and those who are looking to try something new, offering a friendly, relaxed space where you can have a cuppa and a chat while you create. You can either bring along your current project to work on or take part in our optional craft of the month.
The club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at our Creative Centre in Mount Bures.
And, from September, we are adding a weekend slot on the fourth Sunday of the month, again from 10.30am to 12.30pm, to give more people the chance to come along.
Even if you wouldn’t class yourself as a creative type investing some time in finding a hands-on activity you love is well worth the effort. Knitting, patchwork, linocut, jewellery making, macrame, embroidery, upcycling old furniture – the list of possibilities is endless.
Already we have seen a wide range of different skills on show at the Craft Club, including cross stitching and rag wreath making and we loved seeing one of our crafters transforming a silk wedding bouquet into a box frame picture.
The best thing is everyone is interested in finding out more about the crafts others are working on, and there are always new tips or hints you can pick up.
Our optional craft of the month has proven popular, too. We try to vary what’s on offer so attendees can have a go at something they may not have tried before, or just take a break from what they are working on.
Past activities have included felt brooch making, candlestick painting, 3D framed flower pictures and decorated cotton bags. And we are busy planning lots more exciting activities for the future.
We love welcoming new faces to Craft Club, so why not come along treat yourself to a little creative time out?
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The Craft Club costs £15 per person per session. You can purchase the craft of the month on the day at an additional cost and a member of the Little Gems team will be on hand to lead you through the project.
The sessions take place at The Little Gems Creative Centre, Bakers Hall, Mount Bures, CO8 5DJ. It’s easy to access from Suffolk and Essex and just a 20-minute drive from both Sudbury and Colchester. Free parking is available.
