Want to be Happy? Do Something Creative Every Day

My friends and  like to joke that stamping is cheaper than therapy.  And it’s true!  I can’t tell you how many times, after a stressful day at work or being privvy to yet another of one of life’s little ‘surprises’, where I’ve disappeared up into my stamping studio only to emerge calmer, more fulfilled, and with greater tolerance and perspective.  And I know, too, if I go too long without doing something creative, I miss it.  Doing something with my hands is so much a part of me, that I find myself really unable to fully relax without it.  

And it isn’t just me.  Research is starting to show that being creative and crafty is actually good for us!  Neuroscience is now proving that crafters are calmer, happier, less anxious, and more confident.    If that weren’t enough.  There’s even better news.  It seems that people who craft socially, in a group, are even happier than those who craft alone!

It’s almost as if crafting  is like doing yoga for our minds.  When we’re really in the flow of the creative process, our concentration and focus are centered on the task at hand.  We are training our brains to let go of thoughts and troubles, and be mindful of the moment.  

1. Mental challenge and problem solving
2. Social connection
3. Mindfulness
4. Development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and fine motor dexterity
5. Learning and teaching
6. Focusing attention and thoughts on a task
7. Encouraging active creativity
8. Gives a sense of pride and achievement
9. Teaches patience and perseverance
10. Facilitates memory formation and retrieval

So the next time you think you don’t have time to come to a stamping class, or your spouse or significant other grumbles because you’re spending too much time stamping, remember, it’s so much more than paper and ink.  It’s good for your health and well-being! 

4. Adhere layers to base.
5.  Add ovals to base with dimensionals. 
6.  For the finish touch, add a small Metallic Enamel Heart in the very corner. 

Sunday, July 9 from 2-4 pm.  2nd Sunday Lemonade and Cards.  
No experience necessary.  Come make 4 cards to take home and share with family and friend.  Everything is pre-cut and ready for you.  I do all the work; you have all the fun!  Supply fee of $15 or free with qualified purchase.   Email me to RSVP by July 7. 
​Are you interested in taking this class go go?  Email me so I can put you on my list. ​

Wednesday, July 26th – The 2nd in our series of summer Summer Fixer Upper Classes features the Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack.  We’ll make 6 cards, 2 each of 3 designs.  In addition, we’ll  2 “Wood” Crates, each holding 3 note cards with coordinating envelopes.  Class must be prepaid by July 15th.  Click here to purchase. 

Bonus Days are Here.  For every $50 spent (on a single order, before shipping & tax) between July 1-31, 2017, you earn a $5 Bonus Days coupon, to be redeemed between August 1-31, 2017.

Celebrate Christmas in July by joining my Stamping Bee Team, and receive an additional  $72 in FREE Stampin’ Up! products!  When you join, you pay only $99 and choose $125 of any product, plus receive $72 in gifts for free.

Bibliography
McKay, D. S. (2014, July 24). Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14252/why-crafting-is-great-for-your-brain-a-neuroscientist-explains.html
 
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