5 Lock Down Creative Project Ideas

The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown has meant we are all trying to find ways to entertain ourselves in our homes. Some people are taking the time to learn a new skill via an e-course, some are binge watching tv series and movies they’ve always wanted to catch up on and some people, like me, are finding creative projects to keep busy.

Although, I admit, I have been doing all three of those things to keep me busy by far my favourite way to relax and try to worry less about Covid is to work on a creative project and I have several on the go at the moment. Here are my 5 favourite creative projects for keeping busy during lockdown.

Crochet

My top craft right now is crochet. I love to turn balls of wool into beautiful shawls, blankets, hats and scarves. I have been crocheting for around 8 years now and find it like a mindfulness activity which makes me calm and gives me something to focus on other than worrying about the state of the world. Right now I am working on an amazing rainbow granny blanket courtesy of LoveCrafts in lovely Paintbox Simply DK yarn.

Crochet is easy to learn, all you need is a hook and some yarn which you can buy online. There are lots of online crochet tutorials with most of them on YouTube. I actually run a crochet class which is now meeting virtually every two weeks and I love to see my students grow their skills and learn new stitches.

Cross stitch

I have a few cross stitch kits packed away in my craft room which have started calling to me. Like crochet I find cross stitch to be relaxing although it can get stressful with a particularly challenging counted design where you can to find where to start your design and follow the chart closely.

Again, cross stitch is easy to learn – especially if you have a kit which comes with the design printed on the fabric rather than the trickier counted cross stitch projects. I love watching as some threads and a needle can create a beautiful design from nothing in a few minutes. You can then show off your finished projects in frames or even sew onto a cushion cover!

Paper crafting

My first major foray into paper crafting was back in 2012 when I designed and made my own wedding invitations using simple equipment including a paper punch to create an anchor shape hole in the lilac card (our wedding was on a boat).

Looking back now the invitations were pretty terrible but these days it’s much easier to create beautiful paper projects with technology and amazing online resources with tonnes of great free font options and svg files for cutting machines like the Cricut Maker which is my go-to for paper crafting now.

Although you might not be preparing for a wedding why not prepare for the year ahead with a handmade birthday or Christmas cards?

Blog Overhaul

Every year or so I get bored with my blog design or layout and I go in search of something new and modern to update my online presence. I often rely on designs made by digital creators which I purchase and install on my blog but I do enjoy making my own graphics from time to time.

Branding is key to any online presence and I love to play around with different colour palates (although I tend towards minimal monochrome with a touch of purple) and different fonts (I’m digging script fonts right now), for everything from banners, logos, post imagery and even favicons.

If you don’t have a blog, maybe consider starting one! You can document your lockdown journey, offer ideas and even support to your local community.

Redecorate a room

I have been meaning to redecorate my house for a while, I was lucky that it had been totally overhauled before I moved in 4 years ago but since then it has been left and is looking a little drab. I love minimal Scandinavian interior style and although I adore my grey walls I would love to add a splash of colour here and there.

Although ideally you’d want to go to the shops to choose furniture or paint but there are lots of online stores where you can pick out new items for your home to give it an upgrade. Even something simple like adding some new plants can give your space a boost which may serve you well in these troubling times.