How Craft Club tapped into radical self and collective care
There is a growing body of research that suggests engaging with the arts can support our overall wellbeing. Behavioural Scientist and author of “Art Cure: The Science of how the Arts Transform our Health”, Daisy Fancourt, shared:
“One hour a week dedicated to the arts can improve both mental and physical health. Think of it almost like microdosing the arts.”
Combine this with the increasing digital overwhelm and disconnection that many of us experience, plus the stark reality that many adults don’t believe art is for them and/or haven’t been creative since school, I decided to experiment with an idea.
What if we could bring together diverse groups of people to play, try something new and learn to embrace process over perfection. To reconnect with their creativity, explore how to express themselves and have fun along the way? Away from screens and the pressure of every day life?
And so, Craft Club was born! This 4-week event series was designed to provide more regular, bitesize opportunities for adults to enjoy some creative play. Over the course of 4 weeks, we enjoyed:
Squiggle Art
Bubble Art
Abstract Mixed Media Art
Squeegee Art
Across two sell-out courses in September and October, we welcomed people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels who created so many incredible pieces (and I learnt very quickly that you can never have too much paper and tape!!) We saw people who didn’t believe they were creative, quickly realise that might not be completely true, we observed happy accidents and created our own techniques and methods and we witnessed playfulness and experimentation, without expectation or judgement, in full swing.
It was great to hear the positive impact that Craft Club had on the attendees - from getting to meet different people, the knowledge that they had protected time for themselves each week, playing and experimenting with different techniques and materials and learning not to take things to seriously. Some Craft Clubbers carried on creating at home as well as sharing their skills with friends and family members, and that made me do a happy dance.
Because that’s what it’s all about, really. Spreading joy through creativity, care and connection. Prioritising play in a society that encourages productivity. Tapping into creativity as a radical means of self and collective care. Sharing our skills and learnings with others. Seeking out opportunities to swap digital for analogue and isolation for community where possible.
More Craft Clubs will be coming in early 2027 and details will be shared on our website, on Instagram and in our newsletter when details are confirmed. We are hoping to offer these same activities for any one who is new to Craft Club and are developing some new ideas and activities for any returning Craft Clubbers.
In the meantime, if you’re keen to get more creative at home and you’re interested in what materials we used at Craft Club, please find some links below.
Happy crafting!
Supply list
For full transparency, the links below are Amazon affiliate links, meaning I will earn commission on eligible items.
General Supplies used for all sessions - A4 Watercolour Paper, Artists Tape
Squiggle Art - Paint Sticks, Sharpie Markers, Chalk Pens, Paint Pens, Metallic Gel Pens
Bubble Art - Watercolours (includes brushes, A5 watercolour pad & paint palette) along with cling film, washing up liquid and a straw
Abstract Art - in addition to the supplies already listed, we used Soft Pastels and Oil Pastels too
Squeegee Art - Acrylic Paints, Squeegees & Mini Squeegees, Stackable Alcohol Ink Pens