Creative and Artistic Hobbies To Try

From the last months of 2023, I experienced huge changes from migrating from China to Germany to starting a new job. Everything for me was a bit overwhelming. Not only did I leave everyone I knew, the relationships I've built in the last years I've lived in Shanghai, the food, learning a completely new language, and leaving my family. Due to all this craziness, the only thing that I kept doing from my short list of hobbies was writing and making music. If I'm being too honest I was so sad from all these changes that I can only channel it through written words. That didn't last long unless 4 months isn't long enough to feel constant sadness and being alone, I met my current boyfriend and slowly then after, I learned how to adapt to my new job, school, and overall environment.

It wasn't really easy to start a new life where you knew no one, and everything else was unfamiliar. Until now I still get confused about a lot of things, especially the paperwork. Come on now, you didn't think I was gonna write all of this and not complain about the crazy amount of paperwork this lovely country has thrown me for over 1 year, did you?

Anyway, I woke up in the middle of this year thinking "Hey, I haven't touched my oil paints, let's start to sew our clothes!" That's how my hobbies grew in number so I made this list of hobbies I think are fun and can challenge your creativity and so many ways.

1. Oil Painting

I am putting this on the top of my list since this is my original hobby which I wanted to be known for if ever I become famous because you'll never know ;).

Oil paint is a very forgiving medium when it comes to painting. It takes a while to dry so you can fix and change it until you are satisfied. Some brands offer affordable sets of oil paints and brushes. The most confusing part maybe would be the mediums you use to dilute your paints but I find that most of the time you don't really need this unless you want your paint to dry faster.

"Amity" is my first ever oil painting and I had so much fun with this project.

2. Sewing

I hated sewing in high school. Never in my imagination I would think to do it let alone recommend it as a fun thing to do but here I am. I bought my sewing machine in May and suddenly my cart never stopped after this. Getting into sewing is what got me into most of the things I listed here. Fabrics shopping is my favorite part of sewing. There are so many things to learn about them before you can create something wearable. Or if you're like me you can go in and just buy the ones that you think are pretty.

Sewing can be really fun especially when you do it correctly and your machine doesn't give you a hard time. It's easier than what I had imagined and you just really need to get the hang of it. Plus after all of the cutting, pressing, taping, and actually sewing, you'd end up with something you can wear forever!

Here I am and my first pleated skirt.

3. Embroidery (Beading)

4. Making Music

5. Photography

6. Bag Painting

7. Leatherwork

8. Jewelry Making (Lost Wax Casting)

9. Pottery