The last year or so has proven that during times of great stress and uncertainty, many of us turn to activities where we can see the tangible result of our labor. If these pursuits end up being relaxing and therapeutic, that's merely a bonus. Some rediscovered an old passion, while others began a journey to learning new skills. Crafting has always been around, but over the course of the pandemic, these creative outlets have taken on more importance as many seem additional outlets for self-care. Here are some favorite resources for getting started.

Ikea Hackers is your source for turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces. Founded in 2006, the site is filled with lots of inspiration for even the newest crafter and has all sorts of tricks for personalizing your Ikea purchase. Some are as easy as applying paint, while others offer sophisticated overhauls of your purchase to create something brand new. This resource is sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Craft Gossip has been around since 2007. Founders Shellie Wilson and Vikram Goyal have created a site where all content is curated, picked and edited by their team. Craft Gossip covers all aspects of crafting with different sections for needlecrafts, paper crafts, glass and jewelry. You can also sign up for their daily newsletter.

Cindy Hopper is the blogger behind Skip to my Lou, a resource dedicated to all sorts of crafts, many of which are family-friendly. There are also lifestyle ideas for decorating and entertaining. Check out the "Celebrate" section for ways to make everyday seem like a holiday.

Interested in crafting with your Cricut machine? Looking for more inspiration? Look no further than Jennifer Maker. With an emphasis on connecting to your creative side, the site also features projects and advice on how to get the most out of your new machine. Projects for vinyl and fabric, as well as paper, are offered.

If you're an avid knitter or crocheter, you might already be familiar with Ravelry and the community they have nurtured for fiber artists since 2007. Filled with patterns and advice on those knotty problems that can arise, Ravelry has a dedicated community of knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists of all levels. This is a good place to turn to if you're intereted in crafting, but unsure where to start.

Needlepointers have a great resource with Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure. Since 2006, this invaluable blog has been culling the best of what's happening in the world of needlepoint with an occasional foray into embroidery. Sign up for Jane Wood's daily newsletter for a world of inspiration.

No discussion on maker culture can be complete without mentioning Martha Stewart, who helped transform the modern crafting movement and continues to feature great ideas for all things making on her website. Whether it's crafting with paper, paint, fabric, or thread, Martha has tips and tricks to make it doable with professional results. For more book-length resources, we also have a list of resources of modern takes on the art of crafting.