The magic of arts and crafts is something many of us fondly remember from childhood. But as we grow older, with tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities piling up, it becomes harder to find the time to make something with our hands. Add in our reliance on technology to do most things for us, and crafting becomes an even rarer activity.
To encourage you to explore DIY, Bored Panda spoke with Liam O’Connor, a talented woodworker and furniture maker from San Francisco, about why crafting can be such a joyful experience.
“I really enjoy the peace and quiet I feel while making something, even though most of the tools I use are quite loud,” he shares. “Working with my hands is very relaxing to me and calms my mind a lot. I also like the sense of accomplishment and problem solving.”
A glance at O’Connor’s creations quickly reveals why he loves what he does. His work is original, playful, and full of character. One day, he’s breathing life into whimsical wooden dolls and forest spirits, and the next, he’s crafting a cozy pet den shaped like a quirky (but friendly) monster. What many of us only imagine, O’Connor turns into reality—whether it’s fish-shaped, googly-eyed kitchen utensils or a robot speaker with a clock. His creations are as fun as they are skillfully made.
O’Connor’s woodworking abilities didn’t appear overnight—they’re the result of years of practice. But for many, the idea that they won’t excel right away in a new hobby can be discouraging.
“Don’t expect to make anything great in the beginning,” O’Connor advises. “Your first attempt at a new craft is probably going to turn out kinda rough, but that’s part of learning. I think social media often shows people making things quickly and perfectly, without revealing the failures it took to get there. Just jump in, do your best, and don’t be afraid to make something ugly.”
While it’s easy to become obsessed with the final product of your craft, the process itself is where the real gratification lies. And science backs this up. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that engaging in arts and crafts can significantly boost mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction.
What’s even better is that you don’t need to invest in complicated projects to start. “Engaging with arts and crafts is accessible and affordable. Options such as knitting and drawing require very few tools and can be engaging and creatively fulfilling activities,” says Dr. Helen Keyes, cognitive psychologist and head of the school of psychology and sport science at Anglia Ruskin University, and one of the authors of the study.
Although art-based hobbies have long been recognized for their positive impact on well-being, much of the research has focused on individuals with mental health struggles. Dr. Keyes’ study, however, focuses on the general population, proving that crafting can lift anyone’s spirits.
The study also highlights how crafting offers a sense of achievement and self-expression through creation. “A sense of mastery is important for wellbeing, and there is inherently a sense of mastery associated with crafting and creating art; that is, people can see their progress and be proud of what they are producing,” Keyes explains. Being patient and improving over time is a big part of why it feels so rewarding.