Working with your Hands - Zen and the Art of Handmade

Last year one of my goals was to offer more workshops. I love to see how the same materials can yield such varied and beautiful results in the hands of each individual artist. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family who loved to make things with their hands. My family consists of painters, quilters, knitters, gardeners, bakers, woodworkers, potters, and a whole host of other crafty interests. Surrounded by so much creativity, I was always fascinated by how everyone created their unique pieces of art in their own way. Whether it was sweet rolls made by Grampa, or a pair of mittens knit by my Grammie, each handmade item was imprinted with the unique expression of the maker. The variety that can be found in handmade items fascinates me and is one of the reasons I love hosting workshops. Seeing how different people interact with the medium and create unique and beautiful works of art is a kind of magic, and it always inspires my own creative instincts.

When making wreaths, I find that folks really engage with the materials they are using. There is some chatter and socializing, but many folks concentrate on the task at hand, loosing themselves in the process of turning evergreen branches into a tangible art piece that they can take home. I know when I’m creating art time seems to sort of stretch and warp, and I find myself engaged in my work, not thinking about what I need to make for dinner, or the laundry list of worries that can accumulate over the course of the day. I get lost in the process of making the wreath and all the noise and the daily tasks sort of mute themselves for a moment as I focus on the using my hands to create something new.

According to Psychology Today, “Using our hands may actually be key to maintaining a healthy mood, and the lack of this type of activity may contribute to feelings of irritability, apathy, and depression.” If this is the case I think more people should take up knitting or breadmaking! In all seriousness, this logic makes sense to me, with the focus and repetition that is demanded in creating an object, your brain settles and calms, finding a rhythm as you use your hands to bring your vision to life. And this seems to be true of everyone I’ve made wreaths with too. People are present, focused on creating in the moment, connecting with one another and problem solving, and at the end of the workshop, they have something to show for their work. It’s so satisfying to make something by hand, and certainly a respite from doom scrolling on social media.

In the next few weeks I am offering three workshops and I would love for you to join me as we take a break from the daily to-do list and make something together. All supplies are provided, some workshops are free or by donation, and some are offered on a sliding scale. Find the one that is right for you and join me for an afternoon of creating. You can find more information about these workshops and all upcoming Magic Bean Farm events on our Events Page. Space is limited at some of these events, so be sure to get your ticket or pre-register soon.

If you can’t make it out to a workshop, I encourage you to pick up a craft or project that maybe you haven’t revisited in awhile. Perhaps you have an abandoned knitting project that you could restart, maybe you could make some sourdough starter. Any task that keeps you present and connects your hands and your mind can help you refocus and lift your mood. In these noisy times I find that making things, whether for work or pleasure, helps me regroup and feel a little less overwhelmed. Is there a particular craft that you are working on these days? I’d love to hear about it. Share the handmade items you make and I will compile a list for Magic Bean Newsletter Subscribers - perhaps we can inspire one another to create a little more and worry a little less.

Your Magic Bean Farmer,

Sarah

Pre-order wreaths are live on our website. Order before Nov. 1st for early bird pricing