Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
4 Hobbies to Try Now + Why Having a Hobby Is Important
Original article published: 3/17/21
Article updated: 8/24/23
When was the last time you looked at how you spend your spare time? There is nothing quite like diving into a hobby the moment you switch off from work - it's why people enjoy going to the gym after hours.
Crocheting can be a fun hobby to try
Hobbies vary from person to person, and while some people prefer active hobbies, others prefer the craft-based hobbies that are all about being creative and hands-on. Your personality is going to depend on your choice of hobby.
Try quilting for a great group hobby
Sports, hiking, paintballing, climbing, knitting and even taking quilting classes online are going to help you to get your head together and release some of the built up tension that occurs when you are trying to work and study and take care of the kids all in the same space.
These Golden Girls crochet dolls (below) were created for me by a friend who crochets as a hobby. She crocheted them and I added the jewelry and glasses accents:
A hobby may also lead to a new career path! Crafting as a child was something I loved so much that I ended up getting my Master’s degree in Art Education. It lead me to teaching art and then I branched out into numerous other creative ventures. Now I create full-time!
With this in mind, I think it's time for you to step out of your comfort zone and give any of the below ideas a shot!
Need A New Hobby? Why Not Try These?
1- Pottery
Pottery is a relaxing hobby
No, we're not talking about reenacting the scene in Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, but pottery is one of the most hands-on hobbies in which you could indulge. Pottery is diverse and the techniques you use in the classes you take are there to relax you and make you feel like you can slow down for a moment.
In the end of the lessons, you get to take home a piece of something beautiful, and you can zone out and just enjoy yourself when you do it. Pottery equipment isn't cheap, but you can take lessons locally and make all kinds of things!
I loved taking pottery classes in college! Here are some examples of what I created and the different styles of pottery:
Hand crafted mugs by Carolyn J. Braden
2- Beadwork
Jewelry making and beadwork can help you make great gifts
You need to have a keen eye and great fine motor skills to do this, but beadwork is an intricate art that you don't want to miss out on. Beadwork isn't easy, but you can really enjoy this hobby as you watch your artwork come to life. All you need is thread, beads and needles and you can join a class that will teach you how to get it right. This is going to teach you to create simple patterns at first, and then you can make them more complex as time goes on.
I learned how to bead in my fiber arts classes in college. I even did a bead project for HGTV. I like all forms of beading, including using Perler beads. Check out my video below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden that shows you how to make a cute headband and magnets with the beads.
3- Knitting
Knitting can be done as a group hobby
As with quilting and crocheting, knitting is going to be a hobby you should take up if you really want to enjoy yourself and keep your hands busy as much as possible. Knitting allows you to create beautiful blankets and even clothes if the mood should take you.
You don’t need to worry about price—these days, crafts like quilting and knitting are affordable thanks to programs like longarm rental and financing. Knitting will give you a chance to work carefully and slowly to your own pace, and you can make things to sell eventually as you get better at it!
4- Dollhousing
Homemade crafted dolls
Have you ever seen those craft packs of doll houses that you can put together yourself, paint and design? Well, this is a hobby you wouldn't want to miss out on - especially if you have kids! Making your own miniatures is going to change the way that you enjoy your time, and it's going to be so much fun, too.
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Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.