Beading With Mindfulness

The summer seems to be racing away and in just a few short weeks my tiny beader will be setting off to Big School. It’s an emotional time for sure. We’ve been enjoying trying lots of new things recently, including riding her bike without stabilisers and lots of new crafts like sewing on wooden shapes which has been a lot of fun (you might have seen some of the results on my Instagram Stories!)

There’s definitely a lot going around my head at the moment; juggling work, thinking about school, to-do lists, as well as myriad other thoughts – it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at times. There’s something about summer too, that is supposed to be relaxing but for many people and for many reasons it actually is the opposite!

That’s why I wanted to bring you a round up of tips and suggestions to help you un-wind this summer. We have a wonderfully relaxing hobby. Take this as your permission to make time  to put your feet up and indulge in some ‘you’ time with your craft.

How beading can help you de-stress

As a hobby, beading is something we turn to to unwind and relax. I know everyone loves their hobbies, and that I might be biased, but I really do think beading is an EXCELLENT way to relax your mind. 

There’s something very meditative about picking up beads and joining them together. 

Here are some of my tips and suggestions for using beading to help you unwind this summer…

Go round in circles

Did you know the word mandala means ‘circle’? The process of beading a design like a mandala takes you on a journey and could actually help decrease stress and anxiety. The repetition of the patterns, colours and shapes of the beads invites you to be present in the moment. In fact, creating artwork inside the circle can help silence a person’s inner critic and induce a calm, meditative state.

Change things up

If you’re usually a beader who beads in front of the TV, try changing things up. Set yourself up somewhere comfortable and instead listen to an audio book, some relaxing music or even just the sounds around you.

This will help you be more present and truly focus on the act of picking up the beads and stitching them together.

Choose your project

We all know we have to be in the right ‘mood’ for certain projects. If you’re feeling in need of some rest and relaxation then choose the right project for you at that time.

Peyote projects like pen wraps are great for mindful beading; picking up one bead at a time and seeing the picture reveal itself as the rows grow is immensly satisfying.

Mandalas and circular projects as mentioned above help you be in the moment.

Kits and materials packs are great as they allow you to just pick up the project and start it; knowing someone else has done all the decision making for you when it comes to colours and bead choices. Kits are perfect for taking on holiday with you too!

Step away

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, unhappy or stressed this may affect your beading mojo. If you’re not feeling your usual joy from your hobby then instead of forcing a project that is just not feeling ‘right’ for you, take a pause!

This could be the chance to explore something new, like kumihimo, cabochon making, embroidery or wirework – or even a different craft entirely. Or take a course with a favourite designer or someone new – this can be a great way to reignite your creative fire.

If this still doesn’t help then remind yourself it’s ok to pause. Your mojo will return when it’s ready. Just be kind to yourself.

Stretch it out

If, like me, you’re one for sitting hunched up for hours at a time beading, you probably find your arms, back, neck, shoulders and even hands can get a little sore! Sometimes you might not even notice that day, it’s when you wake up the next morning! Ouch!

As beaders, it’s so important to stretch out during and after a beading sesh! Thankfully, beading goddess Jill Wiseman has all the important stretches that you need in this video, take a look…

Mindful beading projects to try