Each month, I choose a book that ties into a personal theme as part of my Not Quite Superhuman Monthly Reading Challenge. March’s theme was everyday creativity, and this month’s pick—Craftfulness: Mend Yourself by Making Things by Rosemary Davidson and Arzu Tahsin—turned out to be the perfect companion.

More than just a cozy guide to hobbies, Craftfulness dives into the heart of why crafting—knitting, sewing, carving, doodling—matters so much. The authors make a powerful case that the act of making things by hand isn’t just a fun pastime. It’s a form of healing. It’s self-care. It’s an intentional way to cultivate happiness and well-being in a chaotic world.

That message aligns beautifully with the entire purpose behind this month’s reading challenge: to explore how creativity doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming to be meaningful. It can be found in the quiet, tactile, imperfect joys of making something just because it brings you peace.

Crafting as a Path to Wellness

Davidson and Tahsin blend science, stories, and gentle encouragement to help readers reconnect with the simple power of creating. They show how engaging our hands also engages our minds, creating space for calm, clarity, and confidence. In short: crafting helps us feel better, think clearer, and stress less.

That’s the heart of everyday creativity—you don’t need to be a professional artist or have a studio to benefit. You just need a few tools, a bit of time, and the willingness to make something. The product doesn’t have to be perfect. The process is the point.

A Side Journey Through History

As often happens with me, one idea led to another, and soon I was deep in research on the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century. Craftfulness references these in passing, and I couldn’t help but go down the rabbit hole.

Movements led by thinkers like William Morris weren’t just about beautiful furniture or intricate wallpaper. They were a reaction against the cold efficiency of the Industrial Age—a call to return to craftsmanship, meaning, and beauty in everyday life. The idea was that if you make things by hand, you bring dignity and mindfulness to daily living.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Making Space for Everyday Creativity

So often, we separate creativity from wellness—treating art as a luxury rather than a life tool. But Craftfulness and this month’s reading challenge reminded me that creativity isn’t something you need to earn or schedule. It can be part of your daily rhythm.

Whether you’re painting a page, stitching a hem, folding origami, or even arranging wildflowers in a jar, you’re doing something beautiful for your mind and soul. You’re grounding yourself through action. You’re stepping out of autopilot.

You’re caring for yourself—quietly, intentionally, and artfully.

Want to Read It Too?

If this resonates with you and you’re looking for a gentle, inspiring read to spark your own creative practice, I highly recommend checking out Craftfulness. You can borrow it from your local library or click here to add it to your Amazon cart (affiliate link).

Better yet, consider joining the Monthly Reading Challenge! Each month has a new theme, and it’s a great way to build intention into your reading habits while exploring ideas that nourish your creative self.