10 things to try in the comfort of your own home

Staying at home can be fun and productive if you know what activities to try. Whether you’re looking to get creative, learn something new, or just pass the time, there are plenty of things you can do without stepping outside. Here are ten ideas to get you started.

Key Takeaways

• Learn the art of amigurumi to create adorable crochet creatures.
• Watch a watercolor tutorial to explore painting techniques.
• Try blind contour drawings to improve your drawing skills.
• Bring out a crochet project and finish it.
• Practice hand-lettering to enhance your writing style.

Learn the Art of Amigurumi

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. It’s a fun and relaxing hobby that you can easily pick up at home. All you need are some basic crochet skills, yarn, and a crochet hook. You can start with simple patterns and gradually move on to more complex designs as you get more comfortable.

Getting Started

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need yarn, a crochet hook, stuffing, and a yarn needle. You can find these at any craft store or online.
2. Learn Basic Stitches: Start with the basic crochet stitches like single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started.
3. Follow a Pattern: Look for beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns. These will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your first amigurumi.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: Begin with small projects to build your confidence. Simple shapes like balls or basic animals are great for beginners.
• Use the Right Yarn: Choose a yarn that is easy to work with. Cotton yarn is a good choice for beginners because it doesn’t split easily.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; they’re part of the learning process.

This comprehensive guide from renowned amigurumist June Gilbank is your all-in-one resource for mastering the art of amigurumi. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find everything you need to create adorable, handmade toys.

Amigurumi is not just a hobby; it’s a way to create something unique and personal. So grab your crochet hook and start crafting your own little world of yarn creatures!

Watch a Watercolor Tutorial

Watercolor painting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that you can easily start at home. Watching a watercolor tutorial is a great way to learn new techniques and improve your skills. Each week, Matthew posts watercolor tips and tricks, watercolor techniques for beginners (and more advanced artists), and watercolor video tutorials for everyone to enjoy. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need watercolor paints, brushes, watercolor paper, and a cup of water.
2. Find a tutorial: Search for a tutorial that matches your skill level. There are plenty of options available online.
3. Follow along: Watch the video and follow the instructions. Don’t worry about making mistakes; practice makes perfect.
4. Experiment: Try different techniques and see what works best for you.

Watercolor painting can be a calming and creative outlet, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Give it a try and see how much fun it can be!

Try Blind Contour Drawings

Blind contour drawing is a fun and unique way to improve your drawing skills. The results are often quirky and surprising, making it a delightful activity to try at home.

Steps to Try Blind Contour Drawings

1. Gather your materials: paper, a pencil or pen, and an object to draw.
2. Without looking at your paper, start drawing the object in one continuous line.
3. Focus on the object and let your hand move freely.
4. Avoid lifting your pen or pencil from the paper.
5. Once done, take a look at your drawing and enjoy the unexpected results.

Blind contour continuous line self-portraits are surprisingly engaging and intriguing — results are quirky, silly, and otherwise surreal.

This exercise helps you to focus on observation and hand-eye coordination. Give it a try and see how your perception and drawing skills improve!

Bring Out a Crochet Project

Crocheting is a fantastic way to keep your hands busy and create something beautiful. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, there’s always a new project to start. Quick & easy crochet! Explore 35 beginner patterns for fast, enjoyable projects. Perfect for first-timers eager to craft without delay.

Getting Started

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need yarn, a crochet hook, and a pair of scissors. If you’re new to crocheting, consider starting with a simple pattern and basic materials.
2. Choose a Pattern: There are countless patterns available online, from simple scarves to intricate blankets. Pick one that matches your skill level and interests.
3. Watch Tutorials: If you’re unsure how to start, there are many YouTube tutorials that can guide you through the basics of crocheting.

Benefits of Crocheting

• Relaxation: Crocheting can be a meditative activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Creativity: It allows you to express your creativity and make unique items for yourself or as gifts.
• Skill Development: As you progress, you’ll learn new techniques and improve your skills.

Crocheting is not just a hobby; it’s a way to create something tangible and beautiful with your own hands. So, bring out that crochet project that’s been languishing in the closet and start crafting today!

Practice Hand-Lettering

Hand-lettering is a fun and creative way to spend your time at home. It involves drawing letters in a decorative and artistic manner. It’s a great hobby that can help you relax and express yourself. Plus, you don’t need a lot of materials to get started.

Start by getting some basic supplies like a beginner practice book and brush pens. You can find these easily online. Once you have your supplies, you can follow along with tutorials to learn different styles and techniques. There are many resources available, including videos and pictures, to show you how to do it step by step.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Choose Your Tools: Start with a good set of brush pens and a practice book.
2. Learn Basic Strokes: Practice the basic strokes that make up each letter.
3. Practice Consistently: Spend a little time each day practicing your hand-lettering skills.
4. Experiment with Styles: Try different styles like modern calligraphy or blackletter.
5. Create Your Own Designs: Use your new skills to create beautiful cards, posters, or even decorate your planner.

Hand-lettering is not just about writing; it’s about creating art with words. It can be a very rewarding and fulfilling hobby.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide, check out the title: How to Learn Calligraphy: The Complete Beginner’s Guide. It has everything you need to get started, from blackletter to pointed pen techniques.

Make Air-Dry Clay Bowls

Creating air-dry clay bowls is a fun and easy craft that you can do at home. This activity is perfect for all ages and doesn’t require a kiln or any special equipment. You can make beautiful, functional pieces that are great for holding jewelry, keys, or other small items.

Materials Needed

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Bowl or cup (to use as a mold)
• Knife or clay cutting tool
• Sandpaper
• Paints and brushes (optional)

Steps to Make Your Bowl

1. Prepare your workspace: Lay down some wax paper or a silicone mat to keep the clay from sticking to your table.
2. Roll out the clay: Use a rolling pin to flatten the clay to about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cut out a circle: Place a bowl or cup upside down on the clay and cut around it with a knife or clay cutting tool.
4. Shape the bowl: Gently press the clay circle into the bowl or cup mold. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
5. Let it dry: Allow the clay to dry for 24-48 hours. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on to the next step.
6. Sand the edges: Once the bowl is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
7. Decorate: If you want, you can paint your bowl with acrylic paints. Let the paint dry completely before using your bowl.

This fun handicraft is a great way to spend time with your kids and create something beautiful together. Try incorporating mosaic tiles or pressed flowers into your design for a unique touch.

Spray Paint Plant Pots

Spray painting plant pots is a fun and easy way to add some color to your home decor. It’s a simple project that can make a big difference in how your plants look. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need some plain plant pots, spray paint in your favorite colors, and some old newspapers or a drop cloth to protect your work area.
2. Prepare the Pots: Clean the pots thoroughly and let them dry. If they have any old paint or dirt, make sure to remove it.
3. Spray Paint: Shake the spray paint can well and apply a light coat to the pots. Hold the can about 12 inches away from the pot to avoid drips. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat if needed.
4. Let Them Dry: Allow the pots to dry completely before using them. This might take a few hours, so be patient.

Once you perfect how to marble, you can use it over and over! Try experimenting with different colors and techniques to create unique designs. You can even try the marbling technique for a more artistic look.

This project is perfect for a weekend afternoon and can be done with kids too. Happy crafting!

Make a Decorative Garland

Creating a decorative garland is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your home decor. You don’t need to be a crafting expert to make a beautiful garland. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Gather Your Materials: You will need string, tape, and decorative items like paper triangles, felt shapes, or even small ornaments.
2. Prepare Your Workspace: Tape your piece of string on one side of a long table, tighten the string, and tape the other side down.
3. Attach Your Decorations: Slide your triangles or other decorative items under the string and tape them in place. You can use glue or clothespins as alternatives.
4. Hang Your Garland: Once your garland is complete, find the perfect spot to display it. It could be on a wall, across a window, or even draped over a piece of furniture.

Making a garland is a great way to spend a creative afternoon and freshen up your decor. Plus, it’s a project that can be easily customized to fit any season or holiday.

Cut Paper Snowflakes

Creating paper snowflakes is a fun and easy way to add a touch of winter magic to your home. All you need is some paper and scissors to get started. This activity is perfect for kids and adults alike, and it can be as simple or as intricate as you want it to be.

Bake Something Challenging

Baking can be a fun and rewarding way to spend your time at home. No meal is complete without dessert, and this is your chance to make something truly special. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Multi-layer Cake: Try your hand at baking a cake with multiple layers. It might take some time, but the result will be worth it.
2. French Macarons: These delicate cookies are a bit tricky to make, but they are delicious and impressive.
3. Homemade Bread: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread. Try making a loaf from scratch.
4. Challenging Pie: Whether it’s a lattice-top apple pie or a lemon meringue, pies can be a fun challenge.

Baking something challenging can be a great way to fill a dreary afternoon. Plus, you’ll have a delicious treat to enjoy at the end!

Remember, the key to success is patience and practice. Happy baking!

Wrapping It Up

Spending time at home doesn’t have to be boring. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn your home into a hub of fun and productivity. Whether you’re looking to relax, get organized, or try something new, there’s always something to do. So next time you find yourself with some free time, remember this list and make the most of your day. Happy exploring!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is amigurumi?

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. It’s a fun and creative hobby that results in cute, handmade toys.

How can I start learning watercolor painting?

You can begin by watching free watercolor tutorials on YouTube. Gather some basic supplies like watercolor paints, brushes, and paper, and follow along with the videos.

What are blind contour drawings?

Blind contour drawings are a drawing exercise where you draw the outline of a subject without looking at your paper. It’s a great way to improve your observation and drawing skills.

What can I make with air-dry clay?

With air-dry clay, you can make a variety of items like bowls, ornaments, and small sculptures. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require a kiln to harden.

How do I get started with hand-lettering?

To start hand-lettering, you’ll need some basic supplies like brush pens or markers and paper. There are many online tutorials and practice sheets available to help you learn different lettering styles.

What should I bake if I want a challenge?

For a baking challenge, try making a multi-layer cake or French macarons. These recipes require more skill and patience but are very rewarding when done right.