There’s an art to it!

Over the last year or so more and more of us have taken up new hobbies or dusted off old ones. For many, these have been creative activities such as singing, photography, painting and drawing. These kinds of hobbies are not only beautiful to take part in but are also incredibly beneficial to our overall wellbeing.

With lockdown easing further it will become possible to share our new found hobbies with others, whether this is online via a group that can connect across the country, or a small in-person get together with people enjoying the same hobby.

For most there will be a motivation to wanting to connect with others after the long months in isolation and lockdown where we have been apart from our friends and family for extended periods of time. There are many ways in which you can combine these social connections with your creative hobby.

• Join a local art group

Throughout the country there are numerous art groups that meet on a regular basis. Some meet out in the countryside to enjoy the delights of the landscapes around them and others in local community spaces. You might even find a local art centre like ‘Nature in Art’ which is just a short walk from our Orchard Park site that will hold classes, group gatherings and even offer gallery space should you wish to display your artwork.

• Set up a Coffee and Craft club

Knit and Natter is a group concept that has taken off across the world and it allows people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy their love of knitting and crocheting as well as creating a community. These groups often make items that can then be donated to a local charity such as a homeless charity or special care baby unit. As well as knitting groups you can also find sewing clubs and other art groups. If there is no group in your local area, why not set one up for yourself? You will be surprised how many people love the opportunity to share their hobbies with like-minded people, all whilst building new relationships and friendships.

• Take your designs online

If you have honed your artistic talents over lockdown you might be thinking about selling your items. There are many ways to do this, including the traditional craft fayres that will be re-establishing themselves over the next few months. With websites like Etsy and Not on the High Street, there are many ways that you can sell your designs and creations without having to set yourself up with your own website.

Where will your creative hobby take you next?