Crafting is a worldwide hobby loved by many. Cardmaking and papercrafting is a booming industry filled with hugely talented crafters and designers who love nothing more than creating the perfect handmade card for any occasion. 

Crafting provides many benefits for us and has increased in popularity since the introduction of lockdown. There are many reasons why you should start crafting, and here's why. 

Setting yourself a new goal or challenge is a great motivating factor and increases your ambition. There's no better feeling than exceeding your own expectations and creating your first handmade project. 

Any crafter will tell you it works wonders for reducing your stress and anxiety levels. Having something to focus on relaxes and calms your mind. The repetition of the crafts has been shown to release serotonin, a natural anti-depressant.

Crafting is great for learning new skills and techniques. There's so much you can do from cardmaking to papercrafting to stamping and more! It also increases your motivation as you get lost in the world of crafting.

Crafting is a fantastic way to express yourself and your creativiity. Whether it's making a handmade card, or a memory book, it adds a personal and sentimental touch. Get creative and have fun with experimenting!

Everyone begins crafting for different reasons. The great thing about craftting is it's never too late and you can begin at any age! We asked our amazing creators and crafters why they started crafting; take a look.

Sheila - I have been crafting in one form or another since around the age of 3. There's a very strong creative gene in my family which goes back many years so it's a natural talent that lots of my family share. Crafting is fun, therapeutic, calming, inspirational and so enjoyable. It's all I think about! Every minute of the day, I am thinking of things to make and how to do them. Putting those ideas into practise is what excites me. I totally love it. 

Natalie - I just like making things for people and the reaction you get when someone says, 'oh did you make that thank you so much'. But I also think it's a great way to relax and focus your mind. When I am super stressed, just sitting down and crocheting or colouring really helps.

Rachael - I made my first card when I was about 17. I wanted to make my mom a mothers day card. In Birmingham we grew up spelling 'Mum' as 'Mom' and in the shops all mothers day cards are 'Mum' so I brought some patterned paper and cut out and made my mom a card. From then I made other family and friends cards. I went from having a small box of card making stuff to a whole craft room that is becoming too small for all my things! 

We recently asked you to share your crafting journey with us and we loved reading all of them! Below are a few of our favourite stories. 

Julie Barlow - I started about 15 years ago with cross stitched cards then watched Anne-marie on Create and Craft & the rest is history!

Anita Kilford - When my dollies needed new clothes, about 65 years ago!

Doreen Simpson - 16 years ago after my stroke to strengthen my left hand having received a hand made get well card. Inspired me to take it up.

Christine Grice - Started in the 60’s with knitting, sewing and crochet but tried a lot more things over the last 45yrs and still love it, it’s certainly kept me sane this year for sure and I’m still learning new things.

Jules Hollinshead - Crafted with my mum since I was a toddler. Now I'm 42 and still have craft days with my mum.

Thank you to everyone who shared theor crafting story with us.