The Craft Night Pledge - Get Crafty, Reap the Rewards

• Press Release
• Source: Craft & Hobby Association
• On 2:00 pm EST, Thursday March 5, 2009

Craft & Hobby Association Research Shows Crafting Improves Economic, Extrinsic and Emotional Well-Being

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Craft Month, the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is encouraging craft enthusiasts and novices all over the country to take the Craft Night Pledge. By participating in just one craft per week, those who take the pledge can enjoy a little more change in their wallets, as well as reap the emotional and extrinsic benefits of crafting - including sense of accomplishment, memory keeping, relaxation, and spending time with friends and family*. With 56% of U.S. households already crafting at least one project a year*, it's easy to see how crafting once a week can effortlessly help many cope with the stresses of these economic times.

The "Craft Night Pledge" is easy, beneficial and affordable:

• Saving Cash: A family of four can save more than $150 a month by having a Craft Night at home instead of going to the movies or out for dinner.
• Interaction with Children: Parents can help their school-going kids keep up with the latest fashions with a DIY craft night at home. Personalizing lunch boxes, t-shirts, jeans, headbands and more.
• Couples Crafting: Spend more time together painting photo boxes, personalizing throw pillows, or making affordable gifts for family and friends.
• Memory and Relaxation: Young professionals can unwind and bond with friends while creating customized jewelry or scrapbooks with pooled materials - saving cash and improving focus and memory.

"Crafting has proven health benefits, both emotional and physical. Whether providing a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, or memory keeping*, crafting has therapeutic benefits that are appealing to people of all ages, looking for a creative outlet," said Dr. Rallie McAllister, family physician. "Knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, quilting, or almost any craft can help people by reinforcing the many emotional and social benefits associated with focus and repetition."

The Craft & Hobby Association is happy to continue its tradition of celebrating National Craft Month as it encourages people to try new hobbies and leisure activities that reduce stress, provide economic relief and demonstrate the value of spending time together. To learn more about what is happening during National Craft Month, or for additional crafting ideas visit www.craftplace.org.

Craft & Hobby Association

The Craft & Hobby Association is an international not-for-profit organization consisting of member companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the near $30 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry. For more information about CHA, to find a craft project, or to find a local craft retailer visit www.craftplace.org.

* CHA Attitude & Usage Study - 12/31/08

Buzz up!