Question

Can you recommend a good craft for those of us with arthritis or fibro [fibromyalgia]?

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Fibromyalia like arthritis and other physical challenges vary from person to person. Some of us with fibromyalia can do just about any craft while other with more severe fibromyalia are very limited. Fibro brings problems with in ability to concentrate (called a fibro fog) and also pain in any muscle. I’ve lived and crafted with fibromyalgia for 15 years now and I’m going to try to give you a few ideas of crafts that can be done on even the worst of bad days.

Digital art and print art are forms of creativity that are done on your computer, then usually printed out. Using all kinds of great software, you can create just about anything from a realistic scene to a surreal collage. These prints can be used with templates to create cards, boxes, envelopes and so much more. Just use your favorite search engine to find links using keywords: Digital Art or Print Art.  You can work on these project as time and pain level allow, just save before closing the program. Photography is also an easy to handle art and craft!

I love rubber stamping. You can sit down for an hour and stamp images. Embossing images too. Then the next time you sit down you can color with pencils or watercolors. Stick it all back in a box and next time mat a few images, make a few cards or tags. It’s a craft that has many different steps and a craft that you can take your time with. It’s excellent for fibro fog days!

Coloring is also an enjoyable craft. Don’t think it’s just for kids! You have your adult coloring tools like colored pencils, watercolor pencils, markers, gel pens, glitter pens, and much more. You can use coloring books or use books like Dover Images, Zentangles, or Doodling books. Start your own art journal. These images can often be framed or used with other crafts like cardmaking. It’s relaxing. Color outside the lines, heck, make your own lines!

And my final suggestion is to follow your passion. If you love a craft, but feel you are now limited think about ways to adapt or make that craft a do-able for you. You may have to get more ergonomic tools. Fiskars designs kind and gentle scissors for the hand. Clover has knitting needles that are more comfortable in hands that feel pain. Ask friends and family to be on the look out for you! I’ve found that when I’m in a great deal of pain it helps to focus on something else besides the limits that come with that pain, but rather focus on what I can do! I also make a ton of lists for when the fibro fog hits. I also keep those lists right beside my work area so I can find them easily! Don’t give up crafting. Don’t give up on creativity.  It’s creativity that makes the world more joyful!

Send Maria your craft questions at Maria@FaveCrafts.com. She loves research and often has an answer handy using her 25+ years as a professional crafter to answer your questions.