All of us are trying really hard to find fun things we can do to occupy our time at home with limited supplies. You never know what could happen if you let a little dirt under your fingernails and do some gluing. Welcome to the wonderful world of quarantine crafting.

Easy Coloring

Coloring might sound childish but studies have shown that it is really relaxing and calming for the nerves. You can use many things to color depending on what you have to use.  

What you need:

• Paper/Coloring book
• Markers, Crayons, Colored pencils, etc.

Directions:

If you have a coloring book, you can use that. If not, you can make up your own illustration, draw shapes, or trace a picture to color. It really doesn’t matter what you color as long as you like it. You can also Facetime with friends or listen to music while you color. Coloring doesn’t require your complete attention, and can be done over time, so you can always come back to it. Find out the color schemes that suit your personality. One idea might be to make a very colorful hand turkey. Go crazy! Color whatever you’d like. Just remember to have fun with it!

Making a squishy or doing squishy makeover

Another fun activity you could do is make or make-over a squishy. You may have a squishy lying around the house in desperate need of a makeover. On Youtube, there are a lot of squishy makeovers if you are stuck on ideas. You can use stuff just lying around like paint, glitter, scissors to change the shape, color, or design of a worn-out squishy. There are tons of ideas and cool ways to change your squishy up. Here is a playlist of squishy makeover ideas. However, if you don’t have a squishy, you may have the materials at home to make one. Making this will not only be fun and time-consuming, but it is also a stress reliever once it is made. 

What you need: 

• Fabric or paper
• If using paper: Tape and/or something to color on the paper with
• If using fabric: Glue
• Stuffing or a plastic bag

Directions:

1. First, get your materials ready
2. If you are using paper, color or draw on your design
3. Cut out two sides and then glue or tape the halves together.
4. Stuff your squishy with the stuffing of your choice.
5. Enjoy and be relieved of your stress!

Squishies are fun to create if you have these supplies around the house. It is fun to have a new or remade stress reliever to calm you down. You can make this squishy whatever you want by drawing something on it or cutting it into a cool shape – the possibilities are endless. Of course, you can Facetime with friends or listen to music while you craft.  I would seriously consider doing this if you can!

Make your own Cards

Now, more than ever, is a great time to write to your family. It may not seem like it, but something as simple as a card can brighten someone’s day. Unfortunately, not all of us can go out and buy a card right now, so why not make one?

What you will need:

• Paper (white or construction)
• Envelope
• Something to write with (marker or a pen)
• Stamps (if using the postal service)

Extras (optional supplies):

• Stickers
• Glitter glue
• Beads
• And other decorative items

Directions:

1. Fold the paper in half.
2. Write or draw on it.
3. Decorate as much as you’d like.
4. Put it in an envelope.
5. Mail it or drop it off.

If you don’t have stamps or an envelope you can always give it to someone who lives nearby by popping it in their mailbox. You can also save these letters to read after quarantine to laugh and see what you were writing about. These cards are a cute craft and it will be fun to do.

These crafts are really fun and easy. Not only will it give you something to do, but quarantine is the perfect opportunity to let your creative spirit shine with these crafts. You can share these ideas with others or just use it for some alone time. These crafts are also super flexible to individual people’s interests and needs. In conclusion, give them a try! You don’t have anything to lose!