Arts and Crafts. They’re not just for Grandmas any more. Teens and tweens are trying their hand at hobbies that were once associated with an older crowd. Some have dubbed the resurgence Grandma Core, an aesthetic that embraces granny chic items like crocheted blankets, lace doilies, calico quilts and more.  

Teens are finding that crafts and hobbies can provide a social outlet while they are learning a useful skill. In the process, they are reaping mental health benefits along the way. From cooking and baking to gardening and sewing, teens are unplugging from tech and devices and taking up a renewed interest in all things hand-crafted.

Sisters turn a crochet hobby into a business

Two Saline sisters turned a time of social isolation during the pandemic into an opportunity to learn a new craft and start a business. Samantha Herter, senior at Saline High School, and her sister, Alicia, is an eighth grader at Saline Middle School. The pair was recently participating in an arts and crafts show at Whitepine Studios in downtown Saline.

“I started crocheting back when COVID started. My friends and I started doing a couple of the farmer’s markets in Saline three or four years ago. Then we decided to have an Etsy shop. My sister wanted to crochet, and now we do craft shows whenever we can,” Samantha said. 

Their business, CroSlayers Crochet Shop, sells soft, adorable plushies in a rainbow of colors. They will often sell homemade cookies alongside their hand-crafted items at local shows as well.

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Mental health benefits of arts and crafts

Studies have shown that arts and crafts can be beneficial for mental health. Those benefits include:

• Stress reduction. Those who participate in various forms of art therapy show lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.
• Improving cognitive functioning and problem-solving skills.
• Improving mindfulness and emotional regulation.
• Providing a form of self-expression.
• Offering a social outlet when connecting with other groups of crafters in the community.

Where to craft locally

The Ann Arbor area has long supported the arts community. Teens and tweens can find many venues to explore. Community education departments and local libraries will offer classes in art, cooking, gardening, and more. 

Ann Arbor Art Center

734-994-8004

117 W. Liberty St.

Art classes and camps offered, including painting, printmaking, rock painting, ceramics and more.

Ann Arbor District Library

Teens can find a wide variety of arts, crafts and hobbies to explore each month. Upcoming events include classes on weaving, spinning, embroidery, sewing, gel plate printing and gardening.

Maker Works

Classes in woodworking, jewelry, sewing and more.

734-222-4911. 3765 Plaza Dr.

Michigan Folk School

Classes for teens offered.

734-926-0060. 7734 Plymouth Rd.

Spun 

Beginner knitting and crocheting lessons offered.

Kerrytown Shops. 734-780-7867. 410 N. Fourth Ave.

The Quilting Season

Classes in sewing offered, including an upcoming class on wearable art using fusion and embroidery.

734-429-2900. 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline.

Throw Art Studio

Pottery courses include weekly summer camps for teens.

734-776-8832. 130 Jackson Plaza.

Whitepine Studios

Classes in painting, ceramics, glass fusions and more offered monthly, along with camps and workshops.

734-330-2079. 105 W. Michigan Ave., Saline.