15 Creative Hobbies to Try
We all feel bored once in a while. Whether you have recently found yourself stuck at home more than usual or you just need something to fill the hours between dinnertime and bedtime, it is far too easy to fall into the habit of mindlessly scrolling through social media or staring off into space.
While there’s nothing wrong with these things, finding hobbies to engage in is much more rewarding than staring at a screen or doing absolutely nothing. And the great thing about starting a new creative hobby is there are options for everyone. You don’t need to have a lot of money or even any special skills to get started. With a little bit of creativity, patience and a willingness to learn, anyone can pick up a new hobby. There’s diamond painting, drawing, taking pictures, cooking…the list goes on and on! If you are tired of being bored and are looking for more productive and enjoyable ways to pass the time, keep reading to discover a few creative hobbies to try!
1. Diamond Painting
Diamond painting didn’t exist just a few short years ago, but it has quickly become a favorite pastime among hobbyists. One of the best things about this particular hobby is it doesn’t require any particular skills.
This craft involves placing small “diamonds” on a color-coded, preprinted canvas by using an applicator pen . Think of it like cross stitch, but using sparkling, diamond-shaped resin drills instead of string. It’s easy once you get the hang of it, and everything you need to get started is included in every Diamond Art Club painting kit.
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There are so many mental and emotional benefits of diamond painting, and it’s the perfect productive hobby to work on while also relaxing. Diamond painting kits come in many designs, different canvas sizes, and are available at virtually any price point. One of the greatest things about diamond art is that it’s great for all ages, too! Diamond painting for kids is a great way to encourage your child to embrace their artistic side while taking a break from screens. Additionally, many adults find diamond art to be the perfect stress-relief activity. Escape into the scenic hillsides of a beautiful landscape or go on a mystical adventure with your favorite fantasy character. And if you’re looking for more zen in your life, you’ll definitely want to check-out our blog post on how diamond art can be a form of meditation painting.
So if you’re looking for a new creative hobby to take on, diamond painting is an absolute must
2. Drawing
When it comes to hobbies accessible to virtually anyone, you can’t go wrong with drawing. As long as you have a pen or pencil and a piece of paper, you can draw. Whether you create photo-realistic drawings of people or landscapes or tend to be more of a doodler, drawing is an easy way to express your creativity and pass the time.
3. Journaling
Journaling is a great hobby for a multitude of reasons. Writing about your day-to-day experiences is an excellent way to document your life. It is also a powerful tool when it comes to working through difficult emotions or processing traumatic events. The mental health benefits are numerous.
And journaling is fun, too.
Whether you journal to pass the time or to improve your mental well-being, it is an excellent hobby to pick up. You can fill your journal with writing, personal artwork, images you printed or cut out of magazines. The options are limitless. If you aren’t sure where to get started, there are even guided journals that can help you find your voice and teach you more about the art of journaling.
4. Photography
If you think being a photographer requires having an expensive camera and a bunch of equipment, think again. Anyone with a smartphone can become a hobby photographer. Believe it or not, many of today’s cell phones–even the ones that aren’t top-of-the-line models–are capable of capturing images that rival those taken using cameras that cost thousands of dollars. Share your shots on Instagram, and you’ll be able to connect with other people who enjoy photography.
Of course, you can take photos using a regular old film camera or a Polaroid, too. It’s all about finding the medium you enjoy most. No matter what type of camera you use, being a photographer gives you a unique opportunity to show people what the world looks like through your eyes.
5. Knitting
Knitting is an enjoyable hobby for anyone who enjoys making things with their hands. It’s easier than you might think, too. With a set of needles, some yarn and a simple pattern, anyone can learn the art of knitting. Whether you stick with simple projects like scarves or decide to try your hand at knitting a sweater, this hobby is both relaxing and rewarding.
6. Crocheting
Knitting not quite your style? Give crocheting a shot! While knitting involves the use of two (or sometimes more) needles, only one hook is used in crochet. For some people, this is easier than working with multiple needles.
Like knitting, crocheting is relaxing and allows you to create garments and accessories using yarn. Making crocheted plush figures known as amigurumi is a lot of fun, too!
7. Watercolor Painting
Any type of painting is an excellent means of expressing creativity and beating boredom. There’s something simply magical about working with watercolors, though. The fluid nature of this type of paint makes it easy to work with. It also makes it perfect for creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art to display, give as gifts or even sell.
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One of the great things about watercolor paint is its versatility for realistic paintings, abstract pieces and everything in between. Watching the colors blend and spreading them across a canvas is relaxing, too. If you enjoy art but have never worked with watercolors, it is definitely worth trying.
8. Jewelry Making
Making jewelry is another one of those hobbies that is less difficult than many people think it is. Sure, you can spend hours learning to solder and create perfect pieces. But you can also pick up beads, chains, findings and a few basic tools from your local craft store and create equally beautiful pieces. This craft is excellent for people of all ages, too. Even young children enjoy using plastic beads to create pieces to wear and show their friends.
9. Cross Stitch
Cross stitching is a type of embroidery that is easy to learn and almost impossible to put down. It is easier for new fiber artists than free-form embroidery, and getting started doesn’t require a large financial investment. All you need is embroidery floss and fabric, an embroidery hoop and a tapestry needle. You can purchase blank fabric and follow a pattern or, to make things easier, you can buy fabric pre-printed with a design. Then, you just need to stitch over each X on the fabric using the specified color.
Hobbies like cross stitch are easy to pick up, and you can always expand your skills and learn to take your projects to the next level. And if you think cross stitch is just for little old ladies, think again! It has seen a huge resurgence in recent years and there are plenty of cute and funny patterns that appeal to younger people.
10. Gardening
Whether you plant an outdoor garden during nice weather or you stick to indoor gardening, tending a garden is relaxing and enjoyable. It can be very rewarding, too! Gardening is a hobby anyone can get into. You don’t need a huge yard, a greenhouse, etc. Even if you only have a sunny window and a few pots, you can create a simple indoor herb garden or grow other types of plants.
Planting a garden and watching your plants grow is very satisfying. And if you have an herb or vegetable garden, there is something amazing about cooking using ingredients you grew yourself.
11. Digital Art
For those who enjoy art but don’t particularly enjoy drawing or painting, digital art is a great alternative. As a digital artist, you can experiment with several different styles. With the right software and tools, it is possible to create beautiful digital art, even if you struggle with other types of art.
If you would like to try your hand at digital art, consider purchasing a drawing tablet that can be connected to your computer. This is much cheaper than buying a high-end tablet or two-in-one computer and allows you to create digital artwork using a “pen” that feels natural in your hand instead of trying to draw or paint with a mouse. Wacom tablets are great for digital artists of all skill levels and are available at several price points.
12. Creative Writing
Everyone has a story to tell. Picking up creative writing as a hobby is one of the best ways to write yours. Whether you have always had a love for writing or you would just like to improve your skills, becoming a writer is as simple as, well, starting to write.
You can begin by writing poems or short stories in your journal. Or you can sit down in front of a computer and start typing up that novel you have always dreamed of writing. Who knows? You could be the next best-selling author. You just have to get started. Even if you prefer to keep your writing private and have no intention of having your work published, writing is a fulfilling way to express your creative side.
13. Cooking or Baking
Being creative isn’t just about arts and crafts. There are plenty of ways to get creative in the kitchen, too! Professional chefs and bakers are artists in their own way. There’s something downright amazing about combining a few ingredients, adding heat and creating taste bud tantalizing foods and treats.
Cooking and baking are great hobbies. They teach you valuable life skills, too. When you learn how to cook, you’ll find yourself making delicious food at home instead of ordering takeout. Plus, when you are good at cooking and baking, you will always have a way of doing something special for someone you care about. Everyone loves being treated to a delicious home-cooked meal or yummy dessert!
14. Meditation
Meditation may not seem like a creative hobby at first glance, but hear us out. Meditating allows you to clear your mind and let go of stress and anxiety. It can help you release self-limiting beliefs, too, and teach you more about who you truly are and what you want.
As you let go of the things holding you back, your desires and your true self are free to come to the forefront of your mind. With practice, meditation can help you create the life of your dreams instead of just accepting what life throws at you.
Learning how to meditate isn’t hard, but it does take some practice. For many people, clearing the mind is very challenging. Thankfully, there are some amazing resources out there for people who want to learn to meditate and experience its many benefits.
15. Start an Online Side Gig
The world is changing, and more and more people are turning to the web to earn extra cash. If you are looking for a productive hobby, starting an online business may be a great option. If you paint, draw, make jewelry, knit, crochet or do any other type of art or craft, you can sell your creations on the internet. Sites like Etsy make it easy to sell handmade creations to people in your own country or around the world.
You can also turn your creativity into cold, hard cash by becoming a freelance writer, providing web or graphic design services or even teaching people how to draw, paint or do any other type of art or craft.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are a skilled artist or are yearning to express your artsy, crafty side for the first time, there are plenty of creative hobbies to try. Feel free to experiment with several different hobbies before finding one (or a few) to stick to. Find what you enjoy most and then work to further develop your skills. It can take some time to find the right hobby and get fully “into” it, but once you do, you will find yourself gravitating toward it more and more. Whether you embrace diamond painting, dig into gardening or fall in love with fabric art, finding a new hobby is a fun and rewarding way to pass the time.
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