No matter where you turn or which news outlet you follow, the world is a heavy place right now. Balancing the act of staying informed while preserving your sanity is an art form that many of us are struggling with daily. For me, crafting and creating have always been a sanctuary, of sorts. So, I’ve gathered an assortment of ways to protect your peace with the help of some craft ideas. Cozy crafts, to be specific- the kind you can work on from the comfort of your home with very few crafty supplies.
Cozy Throw Blanket
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I’ve always had a hard time passing up wool scarves at the thrift store. But honestly, just about any and all winter scarves would work for this craft idea. Which involves super simple sewing and transforming them into a cozy lap blanket.
Protect Your Peace with DIY Sleep Pillows
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
There are lots of herbs you can grow in your garden that have wonderful anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing properties. This tutorial helps you choose the right herbs to slip under your pillow before you go to bed. Honestly, anything that helps me slow down and get some shut-eye is welcome these days…
Immortal Succulents
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I wish I were trustworthy when it comes to keeping plants alive- but I’m just not. Plus, I have a houseful of curious felines- and I KNOW they’d find and destroy houseplants if given the chance. So instead, I enjoy greenery of the artificial kind- including DIY felt succulents like these. There’s also something very satisfying about piecing these together and knowing they’ll thrive forever and ever.
Cozy Cat Cave
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Our cats bring us endless joy and amusement, as well as a nurturing focal point that cancels out a lot of the outside noise. So, OF COURSE I look for cozy crafts I can make for them- and this upcycled cat cave and kitty toys fits the bill perfectly. Especially because they used things I already had in the house.
DIY Bath Salts for a Soothing Soak
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Resting and recharging in a bath is lovely- but it’s elevated to an entirely different level when the right bath salts are added. This version blends lavender and chamomile for a relaxing blend that is ideal for self-care.
Reconnect with Your Community
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Protecting my peace often means disconnecting from devices and an online world. But, I don’t want to disengage from friends and loved ones all the same. And while I *could* buy cards or stationary from the store, there’s something utterly calming about creating my own greeting cards.
Whether it’s the concentration of cutting straight lines or the pairing up of paper scraps together, it all boils down to crafting a sweet note for someone dear to me. It’s also a very meaningful way to check in on loved ones during trying times, too.
Upcycled Zen Garden
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A Zen garden is a wonderful tool in relaxation practices, allowing you to focus on creating calming movements and shapes in the sand. And while there are plenty of ready-made versions available for purchase, you can also create one like this yourself.
Cooking and Crafting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I’ve always enjoyed cooking and found it to be a therapeutic process. I always think of it like nourishing alchemy- taking individual ingredients and transforming them into something scrumptious, satisfying, and completely different than how it started.
And like so many of our friends and neighbors, cooking at home is a way to pinch pennies as much as we can. For us, cooking means a lot of soups and canned good (like beans), which means lots of tin can craft potential– such as this boho planter.
All Natural Shower Melts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Standing under a hot shower feels like an escape- even if for only a little while. But doing that while inhaling scents like eucalyptus, spearmint, and rosemary takes it to the next level. The best part is that you probably have all the ingredients for these shower steamers in your pantry already.
Fire Starters
Image credit: Inspired by Charm.
For anyone with a wood-burning fireplace or a fire pit outside, this gorgeous craft idea is for you. And what an instant mood lifter to create something SO lovely with your own two hands! Plus, you can then use them to build a warm and inviting fire at home- it doesn’t get much cozier than that.
Protect Your Peace with a Good Book
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Who else still loves to crack open a real book- new, used, or borrowed from the library? I never bought myself an e-reader and will always want physical pages to turn. And let me tell you- reading has been SUCH a blessing for me recently. It’s the perfect escape, a great way to unplug and unwind, and an excellent reason to create some gorgeous DIY bookmarks like these.
Aromatherapy Eye Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
We all know how awful a headache, migraine, or overwhelming stress can be- it can steal an entire day or even longer. And while aromatherapy eye pillows like these won’t medically cure it, they can improve the symptoms.
These versions were made from vintage scarves, so the fabric is smooth and cool. Adding flax seeds inside them adds just enough weight to feel soothing across your eyes, and the essential oils you use are completely up to you.
Cozy DIY Candles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Making your own candles is a wonderful craft idea for protecting your peace. From collecting the supplies to melting the wax to choosing the scents- it’s a therapeutic and satisfying process that can help your mind reset. I’ve made several different candles, including these that repurposed something from my recycling bin. But there are all sorts of candlemaking tutorials and ideas out there to make it all your own.
Crafting and Mending
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s the thing- I absolutely LOVE patches and I regularly add them to shirts, hats, bags, and more. Sometimes it’s to cover up a hole, a stain, or a logo I’m not thrilled about, and sometimes it’s just for fun. But you can also create your own patches from scratch, too- like these that I made from old flannel shirts. And isn’t it therapeutic to create something with mending in mind…?
Steam It All Out
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
A home sauna isn’t affordable for most of us. But a facial steam at home is much more affordable- especially one filled with soothing herbs and florals like this. I can definitely see myself doing one of these on a particularly cold and anxious-feeling day.
Upcycled Suet Feeder
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Gardening is always a great way to protect your peace, but it’s not feasible for most of us during the winter months. However, this DIY suet feeder in a thrifted coffee mug is a great alternative. Especially if feeding and watching birds is a comforting past time for you- which it is for me.
Easy Upcycle for the Kitchen
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you happen to have a glut of wine corks- and absolutely no judgment from me!- then this cozy craft is for you. Especially if you do a lot of cooking and baking. Because all those corks are ideal for this super simple upcycle- a sturdy trivet for your hottest pots and pans.
Super Simple Suncatchers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A silk (or just silky) scarf with a pretty print doesn’t take up much room in a drawer, so you’re probably holding onto a few you no longer wear. But for a fun and super simple craft project, they can easily be repurposed into suncatchers. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they won’t shatter if they fall. AND they double as a bird deterrent for your large (and sometimes dangerous to birds) windows.
Cozy Crafts that Protect Your Peace
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
At the end of the day, we all need (and deserve) a break from the noise and a respite from current events. For some, it’s yoga…for others, jogging…and for me, crafting. Though after looking in the mirror, I probably ought to look into the yoga/jogging, too!
But in all seriousness, I hope one or several of these cozy crafts help you disconnect from the chaos for a little while. Making, creating, forming, and transforming with your hands fills your heart and soul- without any headlines, anger, or danger to worry about.
Take care of yourself and each other- and of course…craft on-
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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