Name: Olivia Resto
Age: 23 years old
Country: United States
Instagram: @coqui_crochet
About the series
The Healing Craft Series features creators sharing their thoughts and feelings on crafting and healing through crafting.
“You owe it to yourself to explore your creativity and let it flourish in whatever way feels right to you.”
Olivia Resto, @coqui_crochet
What kind of craft do you do and how long have you been doing it for?
I mainly crochet and have been seriously for about a year now. I also enjoy collaging with old magazines.
What is your favourite place/time of day to craft and why?
I really love going outside and crocheting in the mornings near the water or on the grass. There is something so peaceful to me about the morning time and how quiet it is while the whole city is still waking up.
What inspires you (in life & in crafting)?
I am mainly inspired by the idea of helping people; using my knowledge, skills, and/or education to try and uplift others is what drives me. I started using crochet in this way to create items that I in turn donate profits from to activists working to fight for equality of all people. I feel so rewarded creating art that people enjoy and that also contributes to these important causes.
How has/is crafting helping you and your mental health?
Crafting, crocheting mainly, helps me disconnect from my stresses in a healthy way. I am able to really focus my thoughts towards creating something beautiful rather than negatively ruminating over every anxiety. While helping me disconnect from negativity it also simultaneously grounds me within my space and has greatly helped me feel less dissociated from my body. For me, it is a form of self care that I cherish.
What is your advice to other creators (or newly started creators)?
As I am a fairly new creator my advice to others would be to allow yourself to start. Don’t worry about making something perfect, just find something that peaks your interest and start learning about it! You owe it to yourself to explore your creativity and let it flourish in whatever way feels right to you.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you for giving us this space!