Date of Defense
4-22-2026
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Thomas Kostrzewa
Second Advisor
Lucy Kent-Bracken
Abstract
Handcrafting encompasses physical creative activities such as crochet, wood working, pottery, knitting, and many others. This study includes qualitative research to focus on the impact of handcrafting on individuals. This research was conducted via interviews with 11 individuals. The parameters for individuals to be included in this study is being 18 years of age or older and having experience with handcrafting. Through these interviews two interviewees referred to hand crafting as a form of meditation while seven others expressed feeling similarly using words such as feeling present, calm, focused, and relaxed. Two people share experiences of using handcrafting as coping mechanism while dealing with health issues. Four people touched on the impact of having a physical project that you can physically see the progress as you work on the project and have a physical product when finished. These interviews also bring forward handcrafting in conjunction with mourning as well as in a classroom environment. Four of those interviewed advocated for others to participate in handcrafting.
Recommended Citation
Mallory, Madison, "The Benefits of Handcrafting" (2026). Honors Theses. 4038.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4038
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation