Why We Craft: Healing, Identity, and Community at Veronicraft

The creative mind behind Veronicraft loves to help others through her art and sharing her knowledge.

Throughout the years, crafting has become an important part of many people’s lives due to several factors. Some people may do it for fun, some may do it for profit, but most, if not all, can attest to the benefits crafting brings to their mental health. Crafts can be dated back to the beginning of civilization. From textiles and tools to pottery, people have been creating things to cater to our needs for survival for centuries. Eventually, crafting became a medium for creativity and self expression, being jewelry a way for some civilizations to identify power and authority, as well as a symbol of  culture for many, as the beauty of these creations began to be more appreciated.  (Mark & Cartwright, 2025)

Recently, there have been a great number of studies to prove the benefits of crafting that go way beyond just being an art form. In a study titled “Crafting in Social Groups and Subsequent Mental Health Benefits”, researchers found that the activity of crafting was  able to provide those in a liminal period a sense of continuity and support. In addition, they reported that as individuals engage more actively in crafting groups, they tend to experience an increase in self-efficacy, reflecting the positive influence of social interaction that crafting groups can provide for individuals. (Knot Without You, 2020)

Within a group of women studied on the use of crafting for mental well-being, it was reported that the rewarding feeling that successfully making something can foster creates a desire to continue doing similar things. A finished product was something the women could be proud of, as if it were an image of themselves. Through this study, it was concluded that crafting arts can promote positive self-image for those participating in it. (Pöllänen, 2006)

Taking into consideration the current social climate and the ever growing economic crisis in medium to low income households, accessibility to high quality products and one-of-a-kind pieces has become an unattainable luxury for many. (NPR, 2025) In “Crafting for well-being:

Understanding the Connection Between Mental Health and Handmade Products, many participants reported creating clothes that they otherwise couldn’t afford. The study found that crafting allowed participants to fulfill specific personal objectives in a cost-effective way, incorporating their creations into both their identity and daily life. (Išerić, 2025)

Investigators stated that crafting not only boosts creativity, but it also supports the development of problem-solving skills by allowing those who partake in it to explore different options and confront setbacks. Furthermore, crafting requires a high level of focus which may put those doing it in a state of mindfulness, where time and anxiety disappear.  (Išerić, 2025)

Crafting is something people of all ages and skill levels can explore. Veronicraft provides the opportunity for those looking to improve their mental well being, those who wish to level up a skill, or even the little ones who just want to have fun creating! With workshops available for jewelry making, watercolor, sewing and many more to come, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We strive to provide a comforting and welcoming environment in a judgement free zone, just you, your desire to create, and a community ready to welcome you with open arms.

Reference List:

Pöllänen, Sinikka. (2006). Crafts as a way to functional mental health. Proceedings of Human perspectives on sustainable future. 130-135.

Wolyniec, Megan (2020) "Knot Without You: Crafting in Social Groups and Subsequent Mental Health Benefits," Journal of Vincentian Social Action: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 10.

Berberović, D. (2025). Crafting for well-being: Understanding the connection between mental health and handmade products. https://ebiblioteka.efsa.unsa.ba/xmlui/handle/EFSA/893

Manuel, O. (2025, July 16). Why Trump’s tariffs may hit low-income households hardest. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/nx-s1-5467331/trump-tariffs-low-income-households

Mark, J. J., & Cartwright, M. (2025). Crafts. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/crafts/