For those of you for whom the term “arts and crafts” brings back memories of tasting glue in kindergarten, you will be relieved to know that crafts have grown up.

With all the stuff we have going on in our lives, we’d be crazy to add something else to the mix, right?

Between endless hours of studying and working, interrupted by fleeting sleep, we often forget to take time for ourselves and relax. One way to combat this tendency is by expressing our inner creativity, namely though crafting.

For those of you for whom the term “arts and crafts” brings back memories of tasting glue in kindergarten, you will be relieved to know that crafts have grown up. Along with bright primary colors and childish designs, many companies now produce elegant materials with a more sophisticated palette.

The great thing about crafting is the wide variety of expressions it can take: knitting, beading, flower arranging, calligraphy, designing mosaics, scrapbooking, glass etching, cake decorating, candy making, candle making and sewing, just to name a few. Although some materials can be expensive, a bit of creativity and a bargain hunter’s instinct can make any of these pastimes affordable.

Ever see something you really liked on eBay, but it was way too expensive? Are you a collector or packrat (admit it) who has no idea what to do with your knickknacks? Craft your solution.

For the uninitiated, here are a few essential items a crafter should have in the house.

Acrylic paints: Work for a variety of media, and can be purchased cheaply in a myriad of colors.
Charcoal pencils: Softer than graphite, and perfect for sketching.
Craft apron: Depending on what type of crafting you plan on doing, and how messy you are, this may be a necessity.
Decoupage paste: Warning! Decoupage is seriously addicting. Soon you’ll want to collage every surface. The most popular decoupage brand is Mod Podge.
Foam brushes: Inexpensive, and good for coating an object in a relatively short time. Excellent for decoupage.
Sketch paper: Useful for plotting designs.
Tacky glue: Suitable for a variety of projects

Armed with these tools, you have a fantastic head start. Remember that there are no rules – just take the time to express yourself and enjoy what you make.

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