As a new year comes around, we all tend to gravitate towards fitness-based new year resolutions. We see an influx of workout plans and diets on our feeds, which are often abandoned once January is up. But one underrated, and more realistic, the resolution is to learn a new skill. And at that, learning a creative skill has a whole host of benefits. Hobbies are fantastic activities to help us with stress, give us a space to express ourselves and impress our loved ones. So if you’re looking for a new creative hobby to start in 2021, you’re in the right place.
Painting
We know this is a bit of a daunting one, but painting isn’t reserved for only the artists amongst us – it can be fun for anyone. You don’t need to be able to paint like Monet to enjoy creating art, which like any skill, only gets better the more you practice. You can even start out with activities that give you a little more guidance like a paint by numbers set or take an online painting class first, before moving on to paint on your own.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a pastime that a lot of people might associate with old ladies, similar to knitting. However, this hobby is not only super relaxing but gives you a great skill to take away too. You can find starter kits that have all the different elements and tools you need, with instructions to support you too. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can even customize your own wardrobe with bespoke embroidery patterns and motifs, and make presents for friends!
Photography
Taking photographs is something anyone can do, and something that many of us do on a daily basis. But photography is an art form and one that can seriously level up your Instagram game if you do it right. From angles to lighting and different photography techniques, there’s so much to learn. One of the best things about taking up photography is that you can find the beauty in the small things, and capture them forever in a photo.
Cooking
Cooking is deemed a standard daily chore, but it’s actually extremely creative at its core. Combining ingredients and seasoning, not to mention cooking them to perfection is an art! And with many of us spending so much time indoors now thanks to the ongoing pandemic, there’s never been a better time to crack open that recipe book or revisit that recipe and try something new.
Calligraphy
If you aren’t super artsy and are looking for a creative hobby that won’t be too difficult to learn, then calligraphy is right up your alley. Knowing how to master your lettering means you can decorate cards, tags, and even create your own art – you’ll never buy a birthday card again!
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is not only creative and fun, but a lovely way to memorialize your experiences too, and share them with your loved ones. It allows you to express yourself and the way you feel or felt at that time and use mixed media to convey those things.