‘Feeling into Felt’ – A Mindful creative practice of Needle Felting.

New Workshop with Lyra!

Below is some information on why a craft like needle felting can be so therapeutic & can help you to deal with things in tough times.

Needle Felted Picture (2D example) From the amazing 'Solway Woolscapes' kits on Etsy.

Needle Felted Mushroom Cottage (3D example)

Needle Felted Happy Mushroom!

The Therapeutic Benefits of Needle Felting and Creative Hobbies

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to slow down, relax, and take care of our mental well-being is more important than ever. Creative hobbies like needle felting offer a very enjoyable and fulfilling way to practice mindfulness, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall mental health. More and more people are understanding the huge benefits of a mindful creative practice to bring about a peaceful calmness of mind and take their mind away from other things.

Mindfulness Through Creativity

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, and creative hobbies like knitting, crochet, or needle felting naturally encourage this state. In this example of needle felting, you are focusing on repetitively poking the wool with a felting needle to bring the wool together into shapes, creating anything you can imagine. Your mind shifts away from stressors and distractions and the rhythmic action of felting becomes meditative, even down to the sound of the needle poking into the felted wool. This focus on the present moment helps quieten anxious thoughts and fosters a sense of peace.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Engaging in hands-on activities has been shown to lower stress hormones like cortisol and promote relaxation. The tactile sensation of working with soft wool and shaping it into a desired form can be incredibly soothing. The colours we choose and work with can also be a way of creating feelings, letting go of feelings, and generally allowing our subconscious mind to recalibrate into a more positive state of flow and creativity, as well as providing a gentle escape from the pressures of daily life, making it a healthy way to unwind and recharge.

Boosting Mood and Confidence

Creating something with your own hands provides people with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Even small projects can provide a boost in self-esteem and confidence, especially when you see the tangible results of your efforts. Completing a felting project gives you a sense of purpose and satisfaction, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with depression or feelings of stagnation.

Enhancing Focus and Patience

Needle felting, like many other crafts, requires patience and attention to detail. As you work to refine shapes and textures, you naturally build concentration skills. This improved focus can extend beyond crafting and help in other areas of life, from work to personal relationships, by training the mind to be more attentive and present.

Encouraging Self-Expression and Creativity

Creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression, and hobbies like needle felting allow you to bring your imagination to life. Whether you follow a pattern or create something entirely from scratch, the creative process enables you to explore and express your thoughts and emotions in a safe and constructive way. This can be especially valuable for individuals who find it difficult to articulate their feelings verbally.

Building a Sense of Community

Many creative hobbies have vibrant communities of artists and hobbyists who share their work and support one another. Engaging in a creative practice can open doors to new friendships and social connections, whether through local workshops, online groups, or craft fairs. The sense of belonging and encouragement from like-minded individuals further enhances the mental health benefits of these activities.

Needle felting and other creative hobbies offer more than just a fun pastime—they provide a meaningful way to nurture mental well-being, practice mindfulness, and relieve stress. By engaging in creative expression, we allow ourselves moments of joy, relaxation, and connection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, embracing a creative hobby can be a transformative experience for both the mind and soul.

If you would like to come along to a workshop day to give this a go, then contact me at lyraphoenix.hyp@gmail.com or take a look at the website for upcoming dates.

- ©Lyra Luxford – www.lyraphoenix.com