Twin Cities Arts and Crafts: Channel Your Creativity for Better Mental Health!
Earlier on the blog I wrote an article about how Arts and Crafts can support mental health, reduce anxiety, and help with managing ADHD symptoms.
I’m a therapist by training and an arts and crafts-er by nature. I love a good arts and crafts store that inspires creativity when you walk in. For parents in the Eden Prairie area or the surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul suburbs, here are some great places to check out with your kids!
ARTS AND CRAFTS STORES IN THE TWIN CITIES AREA
The Picket Fence, Edina Minnesota: This is a fantastic local needlepoint store. Needlepoint is a very calming craft, the focus on repetitive stitching can be really helpful in an anxious moment.
3 Kittens Needlepoint, Mendota Heights, Minnesota: This is another great option for those interested in needlepoint. Not only a great selection of material but they often have individual lessons and group class offerings.
The Stashery at the Textile Center, Minneapolis Minnesota: A great place to check out if you love crafts, thrifting, and a good deal. They offer a variety of used craft supplies (yarn, fabric, sewing notions, needle arts, and more). While you’re there check out the textile center exhibitions. Currently a crafter with ADHD and a stash that is out of control? Talk to them about scheduling a supply donation.
Harriet and Alice, Edina Minnesota: If you find crochet and knitting soothing for your, check out Harriet and Alice. This local store offers a fantastic offering of fiber arts supplies.
Le Point Studio: My favorite needlepoint designer, and she’s local to Edina Minnesota. Great canvases for keepsake pieces and kits for kids who’d like to give needlepointing a try! You can order online or find many of her designs at The Picket Fence or 3 Kittens.
Blick Art Materials, Edina Minnesota: If you’ve been thinking about trying out painting, scrapbooking, sketching, or another art form, chance are you can find some great supplies here!
Arts and Crafts Support Mental Health: Therapists for Creativity
Arts and crafts are an accessible way to find some support for symptoms of anxiety and ADHD or in times of stress and transition. Consider working with a therapist who incorporates creative activity in their work. Creativity in therapy isn’t just for kids, adults can find many benefits from creativity.
Here are some ways that I offer creative outlets in my sessions:
Collective craft basket: This sits on the couch, in easy reach of all clients, and contains yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, and other notions that are helpful to regulate the nervous system.
Diamond art kits: Loved by kids and adults a like. If you find prolonged eye contact makes you uncomfortable, therapy may feel better if you and your therapist are looking at a project. (Also consider walk and talk therapy!)
General art supplies: I got a large collection ready to use of paper, shape scissors, markers, glue, crayons, etc. All of these things are open for both children and adults to use in their sessions. Sometimes we may create with a mission, and other times our purpose is to regulate our nervous system and to support us in hard discussions.
