As anyone with a crafting habit can tell you, making art can be a very therapeutic process. Heck, even just stabbing wool against a block can work wonders for melting away frustrations of the day. But, for many, more targeted therapeutic exercises can be so helpful for those battling a mental illness, or just working to better their mental health.

A popular art therapy exercise is emotion painting. For people of all ages, it helps to express things that we just can’t put words to. Sometimes, we’re not even aware of what we’re feeling until we see it externalized. Have you ever listened to a song and thought, “That’s it! They’ve expressed exactly what I’m feeling!”? This is the same kind of thing.

With a few minor adjustments, we can use the idea behind emotion painting and adapt it for needle felting. Basically, the only adjustments required are to the materials.

Using Needle Felting as a Creative Outlet

One of the things I love about needle felting is that it can give your hands something repetitive and focused to do while your mind settles into the process.

You don’t always have to make a recognizable animal or finished project. Sometimes it can be fun to simply choose colors that appeal to you and start felting.

You might create something loose and soft, something tightly felted and structured, or simply layer colors and shapes without worrying about what the finished piece is supposed to become.

There are no rules and no right or wrong result. The purpose is simply to enjoy working with the wool and see where the process takes you.

For me, creativity can be a wonderful way to slow down, focus on something with my hands, and step away from the busyness of everyday life for a while.

If it feels helpful, consider sharing your creation with a trusted friend or your therapist. You can discuss what the piece means to you, and why you chose the colors, etc. that you did. Maybe you’ll have multiple pieces that represent the many sides of you. Maybe just the one. See what feels right for you.

If you enjoy the calming, creative side of needle felting, the Bear Creek Needle Felting Academy is also a wonderful place to connect with other felters, work through projects, and keep building your skills.