Gone are the days where typical arts and crafts are easily a part of our daily routines. We see this subject in primary and sometimes even high school to not only promote talents but most importantly to use it as an outlet for emotional release and expression. As technology becomes more present in our daily practices, it’s important to prioritize off screen time. The rapid evolution of technology might even cause one to question what to do when there is no digital device at your side. This article is focused on specific do it yourself (DIY) activities that can allow for an artistic emotional release.

DIY Project #1: Handmade greeting cards

Don’t think that just because it isn’t a special occasion such as a birthday or celebration that you don’t have a reason to craft a card. Greeting cards can be made to give to a friend, significant other, family member, or loved one, just to let them know that you are proud of them and appreciate them. On the other hand, how special is it when it is a special occasion, and you receive a handmade greeting card? It’s as simple as getting a piece of card paper to expel your appreciation, congratulations, and any other reasoning for your card. It’s important to remember that this is your art, and you can be as simple or as extra as you want with it. Regardless, I’m sure the person receiving it will love it!

DIY Project #2: Paintings for home décor

If you’re looking for a way to add art to your apartments or dorms, doing it yourself can be a great way to show your personality, and a fun way to get your creative juices flowing. Craft stores such as Michaels and sometimes even Dollarama have canvas frames that are perfect for this activity. Most people tend to turn to Pinterest for inspiration on creating the vibe they want for their apartment as it relates to DIY wall art. Painting your own art that will be used as décor in your home can also be seen as more meaningful than purchasing store-bought wall art.

DIY Project #3: Painting plant pots

Although we can’t always have plant pots in our gardens and balconies year-round, we can still appreciate them indoors! Again, Michaels and Dollarama are great locations to find unpainted plant pots that can be hand painted. Finding plant nurseries and other craft stores is all a part of the off-screen chapter. Don’t just get lost in the art itself, get lost in finding it! Painting plant pots can be fun and useful for those plant lovers! Making sure you’re using the correct paint when doing this activity is crucial as plant watering or weather could potentially damage your masterpiece.

DIY Project #4: Don’t fear the clay!

Clay can be super messy which can often deter people when they don’t know what they’re doing. Taking a pottery class can be a fun activity to get you out of the house and exercise your artistic skills. Often pottery classes not only teach you how to make a piece but allow you to come back and paint your finished product. For those who are just too afraid of clay, most of the organizations that host clay classes include a session where individuals can just paint and not make.

DIY Project #5: Textbook covers

Whether it’s just to make your textbook look pretty, or to protect the original textbook from accidental damage, crafting a unique textbook cover is a great DIY project. Most students try to keep their textbooks in the best condition possible so that if they want to resell it, they can. An easy and fun way to protect your textbook is by creating a cover for it! A simple, fun, and way to do this is by using wrapping paper as a covering. This way students can choose their own wrapping, cut and stick, to express their artistic expressions and protect their books all in one.

These activities are great because you can either do them in solitude or with friends. Many take part in a sip and paint event which is a great combination of artistic expression and spending time with others. In addition, all of the activities listed above are multi-purpose and act as great ways to channel your extra energy off of digital devices and into artistic measures.