Happy National Craft Month!

But seriously, when isn't it a good time to pay tribute to the skill and passion that goes into every piece of handmade work?

National Craft Month was created in 1994 by the Craft and Hobby Association. The hope was that one's passion for creating would be ignited - that people would become motivated to try a new craft or rediscover something they used to love doing.

The act of making has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving concentration and focus, and offering social connection.

What can you do to participate? Here are some ideas:

• Take a class and learn something new

• Go to the library and check out a book (or two, or three) on a craft that interests you

• Visit a craft gallery (waving at you to come here)

• Go to a craft show

• If you're in the DC area, visit the Renwick's Museum of Contemporary Craft and Decorative Arts

• Research the history of a craft that has endured for centuries (ex. papermaking)

Let us know what you're up to this month!