The Joy of Making: Why It Doesn’t Matter If You’re “Good” at Crafts

And what is “good” anyway?

At our retreats, we love to weave creativity into the experience – whether that’s arm-knitting, painting or macramé. But before we begin, we often hear a familiar phrase along the lines of:

“I’m not very creative.”
“I can’t draw.”
“I’m terrible at crafts.”

Our answer is always the same: it doesn’t matter.

Creativity is about presence, not perfection

When we pick up a paintbrush or thread a piece of yarn, the goal isn’t to create something flawless – it’s to be fully present in the act of creating. Every brushstroke, knot or stitch is an opportunity to slow down, breathe and connect your hands and heart.

In a world that often measures worth by results, creativity offers something radical: a space where process matters more than outcome. The gentle rhythm of making can soothe the mind in the same way meditation does – bringing you into the moment, one small movement at a time.

Allow yourself to let go of judgment

The inner critic loves to appear when we start something new. It tells us we’re not artistic enough, talented enough or patient enough. But when we let go of that voice and allow ourselves to create freely, we discover something deeper: joy. The joy of texture, colour and making. The repetition and the quiet satisfaction of making something simply for the sake of it.

Finding peace in the process

Crafting is a mindful practice. It doesn’t demand words or analysis, only your attention. Whether your lines are uneven or your knots imperfect, there’s peace in the rhythm of making. Each movement becomes a meditation, grounding you in the here and now.

The beauty of imperfection

Have you heard of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi? It’s about celebrating beauty in imperfection: a reminder that the crooked, uneven or unexpected often holds the most character. The same is true for creative expression – your creation will never look like anyone else’s, and that’s the point! It’s uniquely yours, a reflection of your mood and your energy at that moment in time.

So, whether you’ve been creating for years or haven’t held a paintbrush since school, you are so welcome and belong at our retreats where the joy isn’t in being “good” at it – it’s in allowing yourself to play, explore and simply make.

At our retreats, we invite you to rediscover that childlike curiosity – to make without expectation, and to find peace, joy and presence in the beautiful act of creation.

Ready to pause, relax and reconnect with your creativity?