If origami is not for you...

As discussed in Why origami?, there are many reasons that make origami an attractive option for people who want to explore the ways to apply concepts and techniques from art and craft to the improvement of our mental health.

But as someone who has also tried many different activities (and mastered very few), I can see that it is important to find something that you are drawn to so that you can keep up the motivation and engagement. This is a sure way to get the most out of your time and effort.

Here are some other creative activities that you might want to try, and maybe you'll find the one that resonates with you!

From Japan

Kintsugi 金継ぎ for mending and healing:

https://www.invaluable.com/blog/kintsugi/ 

https://kintsugi-kit.com/pages/3-steps-to-start-kintsugi-at-home 


Dorodango  泥だんご for continual refinement:

https://web.archive.org/web/20060603040130/http://www.kyokyo-u.ac.jp/youkyou/4/english4.htm 

https://www.dorodango.com/ 


Calligraphy for rhythm and control:

https://www.onestrokedragon.com 


Kimono art (Tsujigahana dying technique) for unveiled beauty:

https://thekubotacollection.com/museum 


Mayu Daruma 繭だるま (silkworm dolls) for working with fragile materials:

https://hibinotanoshimi.net/cocoon_rabbit/ 


Kumiko 組子 (wood setting) for meticulously calculating, cutting, and arranging interweaving joints:

https://kumikowoodworking.com/feature/ 

From around the world

Rock stacking for a balanced mind and body:

https://gravityglue.com/ 


Rangoli for reminding ourselves of impermanence:

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/rangoli-for-diwali/sQWxwh-VUtKR3A?hl=en 


Sand art for reminding ourselves of impermanence:

https://andresamadorarts.smugmug.com/ 


Calligraphy for control and rhythm:

https://penmanship.com.au/ 


Pottery for letting go of things you can't control:

https://nolisoli.ph/26585/pottery-letting-go-aleth-ocampo-potter-chef-painter/ 


Micro-sculptures for dexterity and focus:

https://www.willardwiganmbe.com/ 


Fruit pit carving 核雕

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_pit_carving 

Other amazing materials / products