There are countless benefits to learning a new craft, aside from the obvious perk of creating something new. The art of crafting is a timeless and fulfilling pursuit that allows you to express your creativity. Whether it's knitting, woodworking, pottery or any other artform, the process of creating is a rewarding experience. 

Crafting has been linked to stress reduction, improved focus and enhanced cognitive function. Art and crafting also provides an opportunity to cultivate patience, perseverance and problem-solving skills while navigating challenges inherent in the creative process. 

If you're hoping to take up a creative skill or learn a new craft this year, PBS has resources and videos for you to help inspire and educate. Keep reading to discover a world of crafting!

INSPIRATION reveals the magic and influence of craft. Watch the full episode on PBS.org

In this edition of WLIW Arts Beat, a couple who loves to decorate for Halloween; an artist who depicts Southern wildlife and culture; a large-scale video installation that explores the migration experience; solar-powered sculptures that resemble everyday objects. Watch the full episode on PBS.org.

Beyond being a form of self-expression, painting is a therapeutic outlet that allows you to explore and communicate emotions, thoughts and experiences visually. This creative process fosters a sense of relaxation and stress relief, promoting mental well-being. The act of mixing colors, manipulating brushes and navigating the canvas promotes improved motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Painting encourages mindfulness as you immerse yourself in the present moment, focusing on the strokes and details of your work.

Painting as Sculpture | Kindred Spirits

Lilian Thomas Burwell creates her "sculptural paintings" by carving out wooden shapes and covering them with painted canvas. Some of her pieces also include thermally curved acrylic. Watch the clip on PBS.org.

The tangible satisfaction of producing something handmade is just one benefit of quilting (and sewing). These practices also serve as a therapeutic and meditative process. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of stitching fosters a sense of calm and focus, providing an escape from the stresses of daily life. As you engage with fabrics, needles, and threads, you enhance your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Quilting promotes problem-solving and attention to detail, as each stitch requires precision and planning. Overall, the benefits of sewing extend beyond the finished product.

Start with a digital photo and create an awesome quilted fabric photograph. Nancy Zieman’s guest, Tammie Bowser, award winning quilter, shares her amazing technique of transforming a digital photo into quilted photography. Learn how to change a photo into pixels, choose fabrics by color value, and create a unique wall hanging. Watch the episode on PBS.org.

Learn how to make the quilter’s tote, and get a look inside all the useful quilting notions of today. Also, hear suggestions for studio planning with an emphasis on areas for sewing, pressing and inspiration. Watch the episode on PBS.org.

Have you ever taken a mound of clay and molded it into a mug? A vase? How about a sculpture? There's nothing quite as satisfying as transforming a lump of wet clay into a functional (or decorative) piece. Pottery and sculpture serve as a unique form of self-expression, allowing you to convey your artistic visions through the manipulation of form and texture. 

The art of blacksmithing not only preserves a rich tradition but also offers a range of contemporary benefits. Forging metal through hammer and anvil is a physically engaging and mentally stimulating process that cultivates both strength and precision. The craft enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness as artisans manipulate red-hot iron into intricate forms. In an era of mass production, blacksmithing stands as a testament to the appeal of handmade craftsmanship, connecting you to the elemental forces of fire and metal in a way that transcends time.

Kantan Hereru

A aging blacksmith tells stories from his past and shares the importance of his craft to daily life in the past. Historical experts provide testimony on the role the craft and products had played in Guam. Watch the film on PBS.org.

Textile art, encompassing a wide range of techniques like weaving, embroidery and quilting, offers a wealth of benefits. The repetitive motions of stitching or weaving can promote a sense of calm and mindfulness and the tactile nature of working with fabrics enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Textile art serves as a powerful means of self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their stories, emotions, and cultural influences through the use of color, texture and pattern.