How Crafting Saved My Sanity…
There was a time when my mind felt like it was running a marathon—but instead of racing toward a finish line, it was sprinting in circles, looping endlessly. Anxiety had set up camp in my life, and no matter how hard I tried to evict it, it kept coming back, stronger and louder. That’s when I discovered crafting. What started as a casual pastime quickly became my lifeline—a way to quiet my thoughts, find focus, and rediscover the joy of creating. It became such a huge part of my life that I turned my backyard playhouse into my own art studio (picture to the right)!!
The First Spark: Picking Up Beads and Resin
One day, in the middle of an overwhelming week, I stumbled upon a DIY beading kit. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it caught my attention. The idea of stringing together beads to create something tangible felt oddly comforting. I gave it a shot, and before I knew it, I was fully immersed. The act of carefully threading beads and watching a bracelet take shape slowed my racing thoughts and gave me something to focus on.
Then I discovered epoxy resin. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of working with something so unpredictable. But as I mixed colors, poured resin, and watched it transform into coasters and keychains, I found myself mesmerized. The process wasn’t just about making something pretty—it was about experimenting, embracing imperfections, and allowing myself to enjoy the journey.
Anxiety often makes you feel stuck—trapped in a cycle of "what ifs" and "I can’ts". But creating something from nothing breaks that cycle. It reminded me that I am capable of bringing beauty into the world, no matter how chaotic my mind might feel. Every finished piece, whether a delicate beaded necklace or a bold resin coaster, was a tangible reminder of what I could accomplish.
One of the most profound lessons crafting taught me was to embrace imperfection. Not every piece turned out how I imagined. Sometimes the resin didn’t cure perfectly, or the colors blended in unexpected ways. Instead of feeling frustrated, I learned to appreciate these "flaws" as part of the process. Crafting showed me that life—just like art—isn’t about perfection but about progress and perspective.