Free yourself from boredom this quarantine, not just by binge-watching or unending internet surfing. Here are five crafting ideas and techniques to try:

1.	Clay crafting
There are different kinds of clays but polymer clay and air dry clays are more user friendly. Polymer clays require heat (usually 120 to 130 degrees Celsius using a convection oven and not microwave) while air dry clays don’t need heat and usually get cured by 24 to 48 hours. If you are a slow worker like me (I can only make during the night since I’m on mommy mode during the day), you may want to invest more on polymer clays as it retains its shape until curing. Though you can learn on the friendly internet, I suggest investing in some quality workshops of reputable clay crafters. Starter kits available in the Philippine market usually range from Php 500 ($10) to Php 2000 ($40).

Tip! Buy silicon putty to make your mold. Somehow, you will be tempted to get different ‘soft’ molders available in the market but it usually chips off or gets deformed over time. Making your silicon mold means you can also adjust to the softness of the mold to make a more detailed output.

2.	Crochet/Knitting
From pouches to dress to blankets, it is almost magic that you get to make these items with only yarn and a hook. This crafting technique may take time but definitely therapeutic. Yarns and hooks also have different categories so make sure to check on this first.

No one to teach you this quarantine? Fortunately, Youtube is our generous friend since she has a lot of free patterns to choose from. Quality starter kits available here in the Philippines starts around Php 250 ($5).

Tip! Instead of buying inexpensive and low quality “sets” of hooks, you may want to invest in the branded individual hooks. There are plenty out there offering reasonable prices. Also, check for “destash” selling posts of other crafters as they may have eye-catching tools out there. Just keep an eye on your stash as hoarding yarns can also be addicting (Guilty!).

3.	Calligraphy
One of the most satisfying to watch on social media is calligraphy writing. Why not try them? All you need is a paper (smooth) and brush pen usually available online or your local school supply. Under Php 200 ($4), there are brush pens out there good for practice.

Tip! Subscribe to some sites dedicated to calligraphy and get some exercise sheets for free.

4.	Creative planning

Got time to finally use that planner and notebooks you hoarded (guilty again!) for the past year? Creative planning usually uses a lot of images to design your notebooks but still retain its functionality (planning, of course!). Painting or watercolor also works or you can just cut and print from the various available printables.

Tip! Use that bus ticket in your wallet to get a vintage look on your journal. Arcade tickets and torn newspaper sheets will also do the trick.