So im looking for things i can make or do that dont invole a compute ror my phone, i feel like i need to stop staring at a screen as much. i dont have money either and ive been wanting to go to craft fairs but im not sure what to make or how to not look at a screen as much.
also i have depression so i lack motivation to do anyhting, but i want to be motivated im just not sure where to start also i tend to repeat questions because in a werid way, that helps me learn, but it seems to annoy others.
I make tiny towns out of paper, and foam. Based on unfinished wood rounds and painted with craft paint. Very cheap but rewarding.
With the low cost, it’s low stress as even a failure only puts you out a few bucks.
Building Gaslands cars is similarly fun and cheap. Get some Hotwheels cars and glue junk to them to make Mad Max cars.
And for more free time outside. Hiking is cheap, and some sun (with sunscreen!) is good for you and your mood. Hat, water pack, cordless silicon earbuds and play something on your phone and walk. Seriously, sunlight is positive for helping with depression in a ton of ways.
The cars look really cool!
Actually so cool
You seem cool. I like you.
I like doing cross stitch! It’s very simple and easy to get into since you can buy cheap kits that come with everything you need, it doesn’t have a steep learning curve and you get to enjoy the end result.
To avoid looking at tutorials on a screen and if money is an issue. If you’ve got basic things like pen and paper. Drawing/doodling is a great place to start. Doesn’t matter if you don’t think it’s good, just experiment.
You could try things like writing (especially if you’re struggling with mental health issues) whether that be a sort of diary or wiring a story that tries to explain your feelings/struggles. My therapist actually recommended this to me and I found it incredibly helpful, especially as someone who has always hated writing. You can tear it up afterwards as well.
Knitting/Crochet is probably a little more than expensive, especially getting the tools, but is really good for giving your brain a break and falling into a rhythm.
Gardening, sounds odd, but you could buy some seeds for very little and try growing some things. It’ll be slow, but it will get you outside and it’s been proven to help improve mental health.
Walking without music. Just focus on your senses and what your seeing. Can be a great way to get your mind free of anxieties and stresses.
Puzzles - it’s an activity that will also keep you busy and also isn’t too strenuous.
Wood carving/whittling
To add to your comment, estate sales are a fantastic place to obtain all the items you just mentioned.
Setting them up is a part of my job, and the sale we just had Saturday had items relating to your post!
Basically could walk out with tons of new hobby materials for under $30. Probably under $20.
i like coloring books and dot-to-dots. books and crayons/coloring pencils are inexpensive and will keep you busy for a while
My wife started with crochet a year ago by getting a Woobles kit, and now she crochets all the time, so that’s probably a good place to start.
You could also check out a community art closet if there’s one near you and start with anything that happens to be available in there.
Origami is pretty fun and cheap, and can be taken to craft fairs I suppose. You can find guides pretty much anywhere, and you can start making cool-looking stuff right away without fancy materials.
You can use normal paper for the simpler stuff – just cut it to square by folding it into a right triangle first and folding the little leftover on the one side and cutting it off (or ripping it carefully).
Thin paper helps for the more complicated pieces, and you can get cool-looking patterns… but it’s totally not necessary to get started.
Macramé just requires string and knowing how to make some types of knots. No special instruments needed (although in actuality a clip to hold the string is very useful and others to hold parts if you get super complicated). Something interesting off the bat is a david and goliath type sling big enough to toss a tennis ball if you have a dog.
Book binding.
I love to get a bit blazed and watch bookbinding videos on YouTube for hours
Model train kits can be cool, especially with a good manufacturer. 30 dollars (plus shipping) can buy you a pretty unique item. All you need is a steady head, an exacto knife, and super glue.
I recently got into making foam inserts for my board game collection. Startup cost is low, just need a flat surface to work on and some patience. After measuring, cutting and gluing for a few hours, waiting for a few more for things to dry, then finally being able to assemble everything so it all fits “just right” is incredibly satisfying!
I am pretty similar to you. I started looking around my home for things that need fixing, or could maybe be improved. I didn’t really want to spend a lot on any of that, so I’ve redneck engineered a lot of things. Turns out I’m pretty good at it. Glue, string, cardboard, wire. Any scraps you have lying around can probably be used on something.
Making terrariums is a lot of fun and very addictive. A little self-sustaining ecosystem.
Is there a good place to learn how to start? I’ve been finding self-sustaining ecosystems amazing for quite some time and have been meaning to try myself. I don’t know where or how to start though…and I’ve been probably too lazy to put in some actual research.
There are hundreds of youtube videos or just plain websites that will get you started. Just google how to make a terrarium.
Once I started I found it hard to stop!
Sewing and knitting. Also relaxing.
Lego my dude. Its expensive but endlessly reuseable.
just run around (or speedwark if you’re) house
or apartment (is tiny)
