Co-written by Callum Brown
Crafts are a beloved activity many students partake in. From painting to sewing, there is a wide variety of hobbies you can choose from. Different people have contrasting ways they craft for expression. A lot of the time crafting can seem intimidating when it gets more complex, but in reality there are simple steps you can take to start your crafting journey!
A lot of the time people start their crafting journey quite young. Junior Mirabelle Anderson says they started crafting around three or four.
“When I was younger, I really liked making art, so I naturally always enjoyed crafting with my mom and then I got into more specific things as I aged,” Anderson states.
Some parents enjoy having their kids do art when they are young, because it can awaken a creative streak in them.
Even in highschool, teenagers find themselves drawn to creative outlets despite their busy schedules.
“On a scale from one to ten, I’d say I enjoy crafting about a 9.5,” Freshman Moss D’artell said.
A lot of the time people may think that high schoolers have lost interest in crafting, but that certainly isn't true. Students at VHS can get pretty busy with school work, but a lot of them still make time to get creative. D’artell likes crafting weekly and is also in contemporary craft which is a school elective.
Whilst D’artell does crafts weekly, other students do it daily. “I do it as much as I can, in and out of school” 9th grader Faye Arends said.
With so many different kinds of crafts to choose from, it's not a surprise that students have differing preferences when it comes to how they like to craft. Anderson enjoys crafts that involve beads, tie dye, and crayons, along with acrylic paint and watercolour; though, they aren’t the biggest fan of oil pastels. Anderson likes making wearable crafts, such as jewelry and clothing as well as making pieces of art to hang up around their house. The materials and techniques people choose to implement can reveal a lot about artistic expression.
One popular crafting activity that peaks student interest is jewelry making, as styles can vary drastically. D’artell enjoys modifying existing pieces rather than making new ones from scratch.
“I like to mix and match my jewelry with pliers and change the charms,” they explained.
Arends, on the other hand, has all hands on deck and enjoys making their own brand new pieces for friends. Anderson states that they enjoy making jewelry even if they believe they are not the best at it. For beginners to test the waters, these young artists recommend starting with what you already have and working your way up.
“You can look around your house and there are a bunch of places like thrift stores where you can get really cheap stuff to start,” Arends states.
D’artell got into crafting by upcycling clothes and recommends sewing, even mentioning that Joann’s Fabric offers sewing machine classes for beginners. Anderson explains there are cheap stores like dollar tree or things on clearance aisles in stores. The passion for crafting goes beyond the normal everyday creation; every crafter has a dream project that seems slightly out of reach. D’artell is very ambitious, and wants to make an entire clothing piece from scratch, and is determined to do it this year. Meanwhile, Arends wants to draw a glass person.
“I got the inspiration from a book that I read and didn’t realize how to make it until we worked on reverse values in class. It was really fun and easy,” Arends states.
A lot of the time these types of projects can seem quite intimidating. Anderson states they want to get into pottery and room decor, but they do feel a little nervous about where exactly to start on such a big task.
While starting an ambitious project can feel overwhelming, many students find that crafting for others is a great way to start. Beyond their personalized projects, all students tend to agree that handmade gifts are the preferred choice.
“It shows how much they care about you and how much time they put in. It makes me feel very loved,” D’artell stated.
Arends agreed, explaining that they also believe handmade gifts show how well you know a person. Crafting can make amazing handmade gifts for people that will definitely make them feel special. Anderson is the third to agree that homemade gifts tend to be superior, stating,
“I would probably say homemade gifts are better because they can seem a lot more personalized even though I also enjoy a lot of store bought gifts,” Anderson said.
Custom-made gifts can truly show the effort someone is willing to put in for you to make something that is unique and special.
At its core, crafting is more than just a hobby– it’s a way to express one's self, challenge creative limits, and even show appreciation for your loved ones. Whether you’re modifying jewelry, DIY-ing existing clothes, or creating art inspired by literature, crafting allows individuals to make their mark on everything they dare to explore. As Anderson, Arends and D’artell demonstrate, don't be afraid to embrace your creative whimsy and let your imagination run wild; your ideas are valid and your artistic expression knows no limits!
Bonus: Tranquil Tea Cup Candle
Want to try your hand at a craft? Well a tea cup candle is a great option to get started! Not only is it friendly for beginners, but it lets you turn old, thrifted teacups into beautiful homemade decorations that you can be proud of.
Materials:
A tea cup (thrifted or one that you already have)
Wax soy, beeswax, or paraffin flakes (You can usually find some for cheap online)
A wick
A wick holder (Or a pencil to hold it in place)
Fragrance (Optional)
Wax dye (Also optional)
A microwave safe container or a double boiler
A spoon or other stirring utensil
Steps:
You should prepare the wick by placing it in the center of your teacup and place a pencil or other steadying device across the rim to hold it up. Secondly, you should use a double boiler or microwave to melt the wax, stirring frequently so it doesn't get stuck. If you want to add fragrance you should mix it in once it’s fully melted. Then you should carefully pour the way into your tea cup receptacle, making sure that the wick stays upright. Leave some space at the top so that the wick sticks out a little. Allow the wax to harden, so about four to six hours (trim your wick if needed.) Light your homemade candle and BOOM! Enjoy the therapeutic atmosphere.
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