"Being cooped up in the house during the winter months usually has us feeling restless, confined, and impatient for warm weather to make its eagerly awaited return. True as this may be, making the most of winter is the best way to get through it. Even when it’s -10 degrees, the wind is whipping, and ice is covering every surface, it is possible to enjoy the winter season—and I don’t mean by mindlessly blowing through your Netflix queue while buried under a pile of blankets, peppermint hot chocolate in hand.
To make this winter fly by, check out these creative hobbies that will help you beat boredom and get in touch with your artistic side. In fact, some of these hobbies may even stir up some nostalgia for your crafting days as a kid—where are my former beading and scrapbooking aficionados at? Regardless of what you choose, any of these creative hobbies will keep you cozy, entertained, and—dare we say it—happy to be inside for months on end.
1. Take up embroidery
While you may associate needlework with your beloved grandma, creative hobbies like embroidery are making a huge comeback, especially in the fashion realm. Keep it classic with embroidery hoop creations, or delve into hand embroidery to give your clothing a unique pop.
Where to start
To get stitching, you’ll need an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, a needle, some fabric—quilting cotton or linen are good options—a pair of scissors, and a water-soluble marker. There are tons of beginner tutorials and guides on the internet, but this video in particular is super helpful and has the coziest vibe.
2. Develop your photos and start scrapbooking
Remember back in the early 2000s when everyone had a digital camera and a scrapbook full of photos? Bring the hobby back this winter by developing your camera roll’s photos and designing artsy pages to house your priceless memories. Start by making a scrapbook for your photos from 2023, then keep going back by the year if this hobby brings you joy.
Where to start
In addition to photo prints, you’ll need scrapbook paper, a variety of stickers, tape or glue, markers, scissors, and a scrapbook, of course. Browse the aisles of your local hobby store for more bits and bobbles to include in your book, and check out the hashtag #scrapbooking on TikTok for ideas and inspiration.
3. Make some macramé creations
Like embroidery, macramé has made a huge comeback in recent years. If you love a 70s-inspired bohemian moment, macramé is one of the best creative hobbies you can try this winter. Plus, there are so many different design options to suit your style. Go with the classic off-white macramé cord or get funky with colorful woven designs.
Where to start
For your first weaving session, you’ll need cotton rope, a wood dowel rod, scissors, and a measuring tape. Once you’ve acquired your materials, pull up a YouTube tutorial on macramé for beginners to learn the basic knots and overall process—this one is super easy to follow.
4. Try your hand at candle pouring
If you’re super into scents and aromatherapy, candle-making could be right up your alley. Joining your girlfriends for a candle-pouring date at a local shop is great, but why not take up the hobby at home for a fraction of the price? Plus, by starting your own at-home candle pouring practice, you’ll be able to fully customize your scents and candle receptacles rather than being restricted to what’s available at a guided experience location.
Where to start
To get pouring, you’ll need candle wax, fragrance oils, heat-safe containers (glass or ceramic work best), cotton or wood wicks, a thermometer, a double broiler, a silicone spoon, scissors, clothespins, and parchment paper. Similar to embroidery, there are a ton of guides and tutorials available online—we like this one.
5. Relax with an adult coloring book
Embrace your inner child by sitting down with an adult coloring book this winter. This therapeutic activity will not only get your creative juices flowing, but it’ll also allow you to multitask. For example, you can meditate, listen to music or a podcast, or watch TV or YouTube at the same time.
Where to start
There are so many fun coloring books for adults available online—a simple Google search will bring up hundreds of options. We recommend finding a coloring book that aligns with your hobbies or interests, such as one focused on plants, interior design, or travel. You’ll also need colored pencils, crayons, markers, or a combination of the three.
6. Revisit your jewelry-making roots
Another nostalgic hobby from childhood that’s equally fun to revisit as an adult? Jewelry making. Thanks to the Y2K fashion revival, the bead kits of the early aughts are back in style. You can truly go back to your roots with a kids’ kit (which you can easily find at craft stores) or elevate your bead-making game with a kit that’s a bit more modern.
Where to start
Purchase a jewelry-making kit of your choosing, be it a 2000s-esque design or a more modern version. Once it arrives at your doorstep, you’ll have everything you need to get started!
