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17 Creative Hobbies to Try

Date

June 17, 2023

Time reading

7 minutes
15 Creative Hobbies to Try

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 hobbyThere’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! 

diamond art club painting kit

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 specific skills. It’s a wonderful creative outlet, even for crafting beginners.

This craft involves placing small “diamonds” on a color-coded, preprinted canvas with 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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Painting with diamonds offers many mental and emotional benefits, and it’s the perfect productive hobby to work on that can also help you relax. 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 suitable for all ages, too! Diamond painting for kids is a terrific 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. 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. Once you’ve completed your first project, you’ll have stunning home decor to show off to anyone who stops by for a visit.  

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. If you’re interested in drawing but need help figuring out where to start, try making some simple doodles. Then, see if you can transform any of those doodles into interesting shapes or patterns by adding color or shading. You can even add acrylic paint to your drawings to create beautiful mixed-media pieces. Have fun with it! There’s truly no right or wrong way to draw. It’s all about finding your style and enjoying a fun hobby

3. Journaling

Journaling is a wonderful 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

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, or images you printed or cut out of magazines. The options are limitless. If you aren’t sure where to get started, a guided journal can help you find your voice and teach you more about the art of journaling. There are even apps that provide a digital journaling experience.

You might find that there is a specific type of journaling that appeals to you. If you take up bullet journaling, you can use your journal to record your schedule, jot down your thoughts, track habits, and more. It’s a fun and highly customizable project that people of all ages enjoy. 

Art journaling is another great option that allows you to express yourself with images rather than words. Draw or paint what you are feeling, or use photographs or a collage to express yourself. Once the journal is full, you’ll have page after page of personal art to reflect on. You can also use art journaling as a means of learning a new technique and tracking your progress. You may be a first-time painter on the first page, but by the end of the journal, your work will have improved considerably! 

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 in their free time. 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. No matter what type of camera you use, photography is an artistic hobby that gives you a unique opportunity to show people what the world looks like through your eyes. 

the art of knitting

5. Knitting

Knitting is an enjoyable hobby for anyone who likes 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 using 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! 

watercolor painting on desk

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 can be veryrelaxing, 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 adornments. But you can also pick up beads, chains, findings, and a few basic tools from your local craft store and create equally beautiful treasures. This craft is excellent for people of all ages, too. Even young children enjoy using plastic beads to create pieces to wear and show to 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 material and follow a pattern, or buy fabric pre-printed with a design, to make things easier. 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 offer ways to continually expand your skills and 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. 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 work well for digital artists of all skill levels and are available at several price points. 

11. 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 publishing your work, writing is a fulfilling way to express your creative side

12. 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 also help you release self-limiting beliefs and teach you more about who you truly are and what you want. 

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.

starting an online business

13. Start an Online Side Gig

The world is changing, and more and more people are turning to the web to earn extra cash. Starting an online business may be a great option if you are looking for a productive hobby. If you paint, draw, make jewelry, knit, crochet, or pursue 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 other types of crafting. 

14. Calligraphy

Taking up calligraphy as a new hobby is a fun and rewarding endeavor. The art of calligraphy allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of written language and explore the harmony between letterforms and artistic expression — something that is becoming incredibly rare in our digital world. 

As a beginner, the journey starts with learning the foundational techniques, understanding the different hand lettering styles, and experimenting with various writing tools and inks. Patience and practice are crucial when learning calligraphy, as it isn’t something most people master in minutes. Doing calligraphy provides tranquility and the satisfaction of creating something truly unique. It is a hobby that will hone your artistic skills and deepen your appreciation for the written word.

15. Woodworking

Woodworking is an exciting and fulfilling creative activity. As a beginner, you'll learn about tools, safety, and joinery techniques and discover the basics of building your first piece. From simple DIY shelves to intricate furniture, you'll enjoy the process of transforming raw wood into functional or decorative items. There are plenty of online tutorials to help you get started. With practice, your new woodworking skills could even become an enjoyable way to make money as a side gig.

16. Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking allows you to preserve and show off your cherished memories in a unique and personalized way using photos, stickers, and other embellishments. On each page, you'll capture the essence of special moments and create a visual narrative that tells your family’s story. Whether it's a family vacation, a milestone event, or everyday joys, scrapbooking allows you to reflect on and celebrate the moments that matter most. Plus, you can use leftover embellishments for card making

17. Origami

Origami is the art of folding paper to create intricate and beautiful designs. It not only nurtures patience and concentration but also sparks creativity and imagination. This paper-folding hobby requires minimal materials, making it accessible and convenient. Whether you're crafting animals, flowers, or geometric shapes, origami offers a peaceful and rewarding way to express yourself artistically. As you learn new skills, you’ll be surprised at just how many things you can make by folding and sculpting paper.

woman streaming cooking

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a skilled artist or are yearning to express your artsy-craftsy 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 develop your skills further. 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 great creative hobby is a fun and rewarding way to pass the time.