If you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since elementary school, don’t panic—there’s no one “right” way to start a grandma hobby. 

Here are a few tips:

Start with a gateway hobby:

“Many people jump straight into punch needling or crochet and are put off when they don’t get it right immediately,” says Reeves. Rather, try something more accessible. Reeves recommends cross-stitch, coloring books, or simple beading kits. 

Give yourself permission to be a beginner:

You might not be great right away. Nobody is! Our first attempt at amigurumi won’t look like the impressive ones that go viral on Pinterest, and that’s OK. “We tend to see the best of the best online,” Reeves says. “I mean, I’m not uploading a photo of my first, very average attempt at knitting.”

Make it social:

Join a craft club, swap recipes with a friend, or find a cozy online group. Another tip is to look for “paint-and-sip” events or gardening workshops in your area.

Remember, your crafts don’t have to be “good” to be good for you. “It’s not about producing perfect results or making something to sell—it’s about creating just for the joy of it,” Sharp says. “It’s about stretching ourselves and taking creative risks in a safe way.”

Adapted from VeryWell Mind’s blog post 10 Comforting ‘Grandma Hobbies’ That Soothe Anxiety and Bring Calmer Days:

Grandma hobbies have several benefits. Recent studies have found evidence that crafting and creative hobbies can improve mental health.

Five Benefits of Grandma Hobbies

1. They Support Mindfulness and Flow

2. They May Reduce Stress

3. They Can Help You Let Go of Perfectionism

4. They Offer a Break from the Digital World

5. They Can Help Build Community and Connection