We’re all needing a bit of kindness at the moment, but life is a bit weird – you can’t meet someone for a cuppa and a chat, or give them a wee hug. So, we’re having to be a bit more creative in the ways we show our gratitude or kindness – from people clapping on a Thursday, to Zoom calling our families, to putting rainbows or teddies in our windows for people to see as they walk past.
Here are a few of our favourite crafty ways to show someone you are thinking of them:
A little kindness monster
This free downloadable knitting pattern is very simple to make and uses up any oddments of wool you have around the house. Imagine giving this to a child, sending this to a friend or even just sending a photo of it to someone far away.
Craft a rainbow
Many of us have pictures of rainbows in our windows. If you want to take it a step further, then you could crochet or knit a rainbow. Here are 2 lovely patterns:
The Brighten your day knit rainbow by Midknits is very squishable.
The Rowena the rainbow crochet pattern by The Clumsy Unicorn is a simple pattern suitable for beginners
Positive Slogans
You can sew a special message onto a piece of clothing or make it into a picture or a cushion. There are some lovely downloadable patterns online like You got this by DMC
Alternatively, you could just make up your own. I’ve used a favourite quote, which I embroidered and am quilting to make a wall hanging.
Pictures
If you can draw or paint, then you could make something really beautiful to make someone smile
Bake a cake
Bake a cake, or a loaf of bread, or a pizza, or scones, or make jam, or tablet, or ……. the list is endless. Most of us love to receive delicious food. If someone you care about is within walking distance, you could pop a little gift on their doorstep during your daily exercise. Or share something tasty with one (or all) of your neighbours
There are lots of recipe ideas in the BBC Good Food magazine which we have available to borrow for free online.