7 Quick & Creative Hobbies for Adults Who Need a Break
Looking to explore creative hobbies for adults that don’t require years of practice or expensive tools? Whether you want to relax, try something new, or rediscover your creative side, there are plenty of hobbies you can start quickly and confidently, even with a busy schedule.
In this guide, I’m sharing easy creative hobbies for adults, along with:
- Basic supplies you’ll need
- How to get started
- Beginner techniques to learn
- Simple project ideas to try first
These hobbies are perfect if you’re a beginner, returning to creativity after a break, or just looking for a stress-free creative outlet.
Why Creative Hobbies for Adults Are Great
Creative hobbies help adults:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve focus and mindfulness
- Feel a sense of accomplishment
- Create beautiful or useful things
The best part? You don’t need to be “naturally artistic” to enjoy them.
1. Watercolour Painting
Watercolour is one of the most relaxing creative hobbies for adults, and it’s very forgiving for beginners.
Basic Supplies
- Watercolour paint set (Winsor & Netwon Cotman Watercolor – https://amzn.to/4sCjA78)
- Round brushes (sizes 6 & 8) (Silver brush black velvet https://amzn.to/4plL267)
- Watercolour paper (200–300 gsm) (Arches cold pressed – https://amzn.to/3LkfkIp)
- Water jar and palette
How to Get Started
Begin with colour swatches and simple shapes to understand how water and paint interact.
Techniques to Learn
- The absolute basics – https://www.watercoloraffair.com/watercolor-basics-tutorial-for-the-absolute-beginner/
- Wet-on-wet & Wet on Wet – https://www.watercoloraffair.com/watercolor-wet-on-wet-vs-wet-on-dry-tutorial-tips-tricks/
- Dry Brush technique – https://www.watercoloraffair.com/dry-brush-watercolor-technique/
- Colour Mixing – https://www.louisedemasi.com/tips/2023/7/17/how-to-mix-watercolour-paints-my-top-13-tips?srsltid=AfmBOorkiWY9UL3W7SrPIfhjyEzDVZUVKY1eFx2iu1I6jc6pC7XvuApr
- Layering – https://www.learntopaintwatercolor.com/blog/layers-in-painting
Beginner Projects
- Simple floral postcards – https://www.thesocialeaselonlinepaintstudio.com/how-to-make-watercolor-postcards
- Gradient sky practice – https://mirandabalogh.com/night-sky-painting/
- Mini landscape painting – https://www.thepigeonletters.com/blogs/1/easy-watercolor-painting-tutorial?srsltid=AfmBOor7XJm7_HiFsYDsBSv0g1K8dCghS_Trhz12hc4Mrqk05wzQBgUV
2. Hand Lettering & Brush Lettering
Hand lettering is a creative hobby that combines art and mindfulness — perfect for adults who enjoy writing or journalling.
Basic Supplies
- Brush pens or markers (Tombow hard & soft nib fudenosuke brushpens- https://amzn.to/4qA7cTh)
- Smooth lettering paper (Strathamore calligraphy paper – https://amzn.to/4shnLF3 or any paper)
- Pencil and ruler
How to Get Started
Practise basic strokes first, then move on to letters and simple words.
Techniques to Learn
- Upstrokes and downstrokes – https://www.ecletters.com/blog/2020/6/13/modern-calligraphy-upstrokes-and-downstrokes
- Connecting letters – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3H6HfFnFPE
- Bounce lettering – https://www.vialdesigns.com/how-to-do-bounce-lettering-for-beginners/
- Simple flourishes – https://loveleighloops.com/blog/calligraphy-flourishes-guide/
- Bringing everything together in a project – https://ensigninsights.com/hand-lettering-quotes/
Beginner Projects
- Quote cards – https://www.staedtler.com/uk/en/discover/brush-lettering-tutorial-create-your-own-brush-lettering-card/#section-85072
- Personalised bookmarks – https://byamandakay.com/diy-hand-lettered-watercolor-bookmarks/
- Lettered greeting cards – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2zE9OKAWVA
3. Paper Quilling
Paper quilling is a calming and detailed craft that’s surprisingly easy to pick up.
Basic Supplies
- Quilling strips (https://amzn.to/3KX5Wup)
- Slotted quilling tool (https://amzn.to/3NcJZIh)
- Glue (Precision craft glue – https://amzn.to/4qBXwYp_4)
- Cardstock base (Cricut value cardstock rainbow sampler – https://amzn.to/4qbeE7G)
How to Get Started
Learn basic coils and shapes before assembling designs.
Techniques to Learn
- Tight and loose coils
- Teardrop shapes
- Scrolls
Beginner Projects
- Quilled flower miniatures – daffodils, bluebells & tulips https://www.gathered.how/papercraft/how-to-make-quilled-flowers
- Simple heart designs – https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/things-to-do/paper-quilling-how-to-make-a-quilled-paper-heart-for-mothers-day/news-story/425e985f18c7be58d8c95ab3ce4a07a6
- Quilled flower garden (wall art) – https://artsycraftsymom.com/flower-garden-paper-quilling/
4. Paper Crafts & Card Making
Paper crafts are ideal if you enjoy quick projects with visible results.
Basic Supplies
- Coloured paper or cardstock (Cricut value cardstock paper rainbow sampler – https://amzn.to/4qbeE7G)
- Scissors (Crafting scissors- https://amzn.to/3Lbtb3W or Paper trimmer – https://amzn.to/3N8o98M)
- Glue or tape –
- Embellishments – https://amzn.to/4jnysly
How to Get Started
Start with folding and layering paper to create simple designs.
Techniques to Learn
- Paper folding
- Layering
- Clean glue application
Beginner Projects
- Handmade greeting cards -https://www.thecraftyangels.com/handmade-christmas-cards-part/
- Paper floral wreaths – https://happyhappynester.com/how-to-make-a-paper-rosette-wreath/
- Simple pop-up cards – https://ohhappyday.com/2011/05/diy-pop-up-cards/
5. Origami (Paper Folding)
Origami is a great creative hobby for adults who enjoy structure and repetition.
Basic Supplies
- Square origami paper ( Origami paper solid colored – https://amzn.to/4aHtC06, marble patterned – https://amzn.to/49i5pLl)
How to Get Started
Begin with basic folds and follow step-by-step tutorials.
Techniques to Learn
- Valley and mountain folds – http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-valley-and-mountain-folds.html?no_redirect=true
- Reverse folds – http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-inside-and-outside-reverse-folds.html?no_redirect=true
- Squash folds – http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-squash-fold.html?no_redirect=true
- Beginners guide for all folds – https://origami.me/beginners-guide/
Beginner Projects
- Origami heart box – https://www.paperkawaii.com/origami-heart-box-video-instructions/
- Origami cactus – https://www.paperkawaii.com/origami-cactus-with-flower-tutorial/
- Origami flower wreath – https://www.gathered.how/papercraft/origami-flower-wreath
6. Acrylic Painting
Acrylic painting is bold, fun, and dries quickly — perfect for beginners.
Basic Supplies
- Acrylic paints – https://amzn.to/4jn97YJ
- Flat and round brushes -https://amzn.to/49kssFs
- Canvas or thick paper – https://amzn.to/4qzaMNg
- Palette and water jar
How to Get Started
Practise mixing colours and painting simple shapes.
Techniques to Learn
- Colour blocking
- Dry brush texture
- Layering
Beginner Projects
- Handpainted pots – https://www.thecraftyangels.com/diy-handpainted-pots-ways-to-makeover-old-planters/
- Decorative painted wall plates – https://www.thecraftyangels.com/redecorate-your-wall-with-diy-wall-plate/
- Wall decor frames – https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/diy-paint-project
7. Doodle Art & Sketching
Doodling is a low-pressure creative hobby that anyone can enjoy.
Basic Supplies
- Sketchbook – https://amzn.to/490PjqM
- Pencil
- Fineliner pens – (Sakura Pigma Micron pens archival https://amzn.to/4pEq0A1)
How to Get Started
Draw simple patterns and shapes without worrying about perfection.
Techniques to Learn
- How to doodle – https://uchida.com/blogs/tips-techniques/doodling-for-beginners-how-to-draw?srsltid=AfmBOor7jscbX9H9Lu3qBNI1fKh1pRVnRFE52PY3Cr8f-tLrzEEHQGao
- Bullet Journal doodling basics – https://mashaplans.com/master-bullet-journal-doodles/?srsltid=AfmBOopxJV52teOMRHFYMNXbeKUTh_Pi4psivXYSc2DSQtat80pxfvlC
- Doodling 101 – https://artmakespeople.com/doodling-101-what-is-doodle-art/
Beginner Projects
Tips for Starting a Creative Hobby as an Adult
- Start small and simple
- Use beginner supplies
- Follow step-by-step tutorials
- Focus on enjoyment, not perfection
Creativity is a skill you grow — not something you’re born with.
Final Thoughts
Exploring creative hobbies for adults is a wonderful way to relax, learn something new, and make time for yourself. Whether you choose painting, paper crafts, lettering, or crochet, the key is to start, enjoy the process, and let creativity fit naturally into your life.
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly tutorials, printables, and craft ideas, explore more creative inspiration here on The Crafty Angels 💛Also dont forget to check this post on creative hobbies I posted last year – https://www.thecraftyangels.com/crafty-hobbies-for-2025-purposeful-affordable-and-fulfilling/
