Stampin Up has revealed that creative pastimes have the power to relieve the pressures of modern day living. Research has shown that 4 out of ten people enjoy an arts and craft hobby in the UK and half claim that a hobby is a great way of alleviating their stress. FemaleFirst spoke to Paula Iaciofano from Stampin Up to learn more.

So first of all, why are we so stressed and how are arts and crafts actually helping to get rid of that?

Well it definitely seems that we’re multi-tasking more and more and the British public is defiantly looking for an outlet to express their creativity and alleviate the pressures of everyday living. As the research shows it’s already proving to be very popular and that what they do is helping them to feel good about themselves.

There are so many sides to this; whether you want to be involved in the creative world as well as some ‘me’ time. There’s also the social aspect of it as well, you find that these creative groups come together and share and talk about their creative experiences so I think that it has an all round feel-good factor about it.

What are some of the creative hobbies we are taking up here in the UK?

Well they range from all sorts of hobbies but we’re looking at mainly card-making, crocheting, cross stitching, knitting, painting; it’s really quite versatile and I think that what we’re also finding is that people may lean towards one or the other hobby but they generally like to look at whatever is out there in the creative world and if someone has a creative spirit I think they’d like to try new creative interests.

What would you say to someone that is considering taking up a new hobby but with the pressures of their job and family life, they don’t feel they have enough time to commit to a new hobby?

I think that you really need to try it. In my experience and as I interact with people, I meet all sorts of people, those who are craft enthusiasts as well as those who would like to get involved but may not have the time.

I therefore try to and say that they should just try and find some time in your schedule just to try it once and I think what you’ll find is that they will have such a good feeling once they have actually made something that it compels them to become more involved. I think that it is something you can definitely adapt it to your lifestyle, so make a little time and give it a go.

Are there some people who start off doing this as a hobby but in the end actually make money from it?

Yes, absolutely, Stampin Up is actually holding an open night demonstration tour in London, Birmingham and Bristol next week in, and it’s a great way to come along, enjoy making some fun projects and learn how you can make a part-time income from your hobby. For more information visit the Stampin Up website for your invitation to come and share a Stampin Up experience.

FemaleFirst – Ruth Harrison.