I Made It By Hand!

What activities do you think of when you hear the term “arts and crafts”? I immediately think of painting, knitting, and decoupage. You may be familiar with other handiwork, such as macramé, origami, and sculpting. Or, how about metal forging, tie dyeing, or batik?

The arts and crafts movement originated in late 18th century Britain because of the dissatisfaction with the quality of mass-produced goods. People set out to learn various skills to handcraft items for decoration and practical use, such as blankets, clay pots, earrings, tapestries, and many others.

Doing arts and crafts has numerous benefits. Many people craft as a way to relax. Think of tending a Zen garden. I have recently taken up crocheting—again—and I find it very relaxing. It is one of those activities that you can enjoy while doing something else, such as listening to an audiobook or chatting with a friend. Many arts and crafts offer a social component. It is quite easy, for example, to find knitting, crocheting, and other needlework groups in your local church, senior center, or library. Check out the list (below) of Mercer County Library System’s upcoming crafting programs.


Seniors find that engaging in arts and crafts helps keep their mind sharp. Doctors have long known that creative endeavors reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Creative activities can relieve stress, aid communication, and help arrest cognitive decline.” With practice, time, and effort, your skill can help you produce a high-quality product, which can be very rewarding! And you know what? Crafting is just plain fun.

In many countries, people pass down their knowledge of artisanal activities from one generation to the next. At the Mercer County Cultural Festival on June 16, I bought a beautiful table runner, hand-loomed by the salesperson’s mother in Guatemala. It was fascinating to hear her explain the significance of each shape and block of color, and to demonstrate the looming process. I also bought a Japanese origam owl-shaped pencil holder—adorable and practical! Irish knitters keep people of many countries warm with their luxurious wool sweaters. Indian henna designs are created to celebrate weddings and many other life events. Chinese artists have developed paper cutting over many centuries. Our lives are made richer by appreciating the talents and goods of so many countries! 

Mercer County Library System can help you get started on a new craft or encourage you to stick with a familiar skill. Mix it up a little: fashion a wind spiral at Hopewell Branch one day, and then create a plastic bag dispenser out of vintage fabric at Hickory Corner another day. We offer Knitting Circle and Crochet Corner at Lawrence Branch; weekly Knit & Crochet Circle at West Windsor; Yarnworks at Ewing, Quilting Group and Relaxing Art (knitting, coloring, quilting, or other relaxing craft) at Hopewell. Find the artist in yourself. And share your talents with others!





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Adult Programs

Here is a list of some of the adult programs featuring arts and crafts to be presented in July at the Mercer County Library System:


  • Wind Spirals (Hopewell Branch)
  • Adult Craft Circle (Hickory Corner Branch)
  • Knitting Circle (Lawrence Branch) 
  • Crochet Corner (Lawrence Branch) 
  • Relaxing Art (knitting, coloring, quilting, etc., Hopewell Branch) 
  • Quilting Group (Hopewell Branch) 
  • Knit & Crochet Circle (West Windsor Branch) 


— Mary Astarita, West Windsor Branch

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