Pretty DIY Kits You'd Want To Get Your Hands On, Literally

Aug 12, 2023

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of hobbies, from painting to pottery, macrame to poetry, dance to instruments — I've dedicated my whole life to learning random whatevers my mind happens to land on at any given day. This has created an IKEA shelf I dubbed "Hobby Things", where one can find anything from clay, strings, ropes, tarot cards, candle wicks, candle pellets and crystal beads to a long abandoned ukulele.

Having a hobby that allows you to use your hands is a great way to engage your brain. According to neurologists, adults tend to cease cumulative learning as we age. We spend most of our time learning when we're young, but that decreases as our knowledge and assumptions grow, especially when we leave the workforce. However, research says that if we continue learning, we can continue to sharpen memory, sequential ordering, problem solving and language.

Basically, if you want to keep your mind sharp, you must keep learning. Luckily, hobbies are really fun ways to learn something new! Here are some easy DIY kits to get you started.

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Known as "Xiang Dao" in Chinese culture, this meditative practice of burning incense recently saw a boon in popularity on TikTok.

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Now that crocodile clips and phone charms are back, this Y2K trend of crafting friendship bracelets will come back sooner or later!

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DIYers and crafters, you can now design and create your own cups, notebooks, tote bags and more with a Cricut smart-cutting machine. It allows you to design and personalise your very own peel-proof, wash-proof and professional-looking DIY designs. Imagine the possibilities!

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Latticework is slow-going yet satisfying. This kit allows you to dip your toes into the world of woodworking!

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This kit allows you to use the sun – which we happen to have an abundance of – to create art.

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Suminagashi means “floating ink”, and this is an art form which allows you to transform a piece of paper into vibrant and colourful art with, yes, floating ink!

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Pots, boobs, and a creation that's entirely your own! Besides, it'll make a great conversational piece in your home too.

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Make your own felt toys which can double up both as a garland, a children's mobile or simply as a beautiful decoration for a children's room!

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For the intellectuals and bookworms who love a bit of hands on, book-binding will help you craft a notebook you can keep close to your heart.

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With the Japanese art of fixing broken things with gold, you can give old things a new lease of life.

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We know, self-love and all right? Instead of buying one off the shelf, there's satisfaction in burning something you made yourself, like candles!

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If you cannot stop buying earrings, maybe make your own, so you'll always be spoilt for choices.

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Now you can make your own soap, and smell good after! Perhaps infuse it with some crystals to heighten the feel-good effect?

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If you're (still) a proud plant parent after all these months, perhaps think about moving your plants to a new fancy habitat in the form of a macrame plant hanger?

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This 1-line embroidery kit is a great introduction to this age-old form of art.

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Combine your love for crystal and jewelry making with this natural crystal chips set!