DIY Calm Corner Crafts: Simple Creative Ideas for Mindfulness, Mental Health & Slow Living
Creatives are pros at finding little pockets of calm in chaos — or at least, that’s what people think! Truth is, it doesn’t just happen. It takes intention (and maybe a cup of tea or two).
Many of us can get so caught up in doing all the things that we forget to make space to just be. And no, I don’t mean your bed — although I’m sure it’s. A DIY Calm Corner is a simple, affordable way to weave a little peace back into your day. Whether your house is buzzing with life or you’re working solo from home, a few mindful tweaks (and a dash of creativity) can make all the difference. 🌿✨
What Is a Calm Corner?
A calm corner (also known as a mindfulness nook or peaceful space) is a small area designed to help you slow down and breathe. It can be a reading nook, meditation spot, or even a mini creative zone where you colour, weave, or journal. The goal is to create a soothing environment where your senses can relax — a space that reminds you to pause and reset.
For our family, a peaceful, joyful space in our home is our dining table and cabinet that holds our record player, records, plants and special objects like photos and keepsakes. As our family of adult children move about the house, there is always someone sitting having a delicious meal and listening to music or working on a laptop and admiring the plants.
✨ Did you know?
When you take a slow, deep breath, you’re not just calming your thoughts — you’re sending a message to your whole body that says, “It’s okay, you’re safe.” This gentle act activates the vagus nerve, helping your heart slow down and your stress levels drop. In just a few breaths, your body can shift from “busy and alert” into “rest and restore.”
🌸 Try it – Try breathing slowly — about six deep breaths a minute — while you draw, weave, or sip tea in your calm corner. You’ll notice your shoulders soften and your mind settle and just feel the impact this will have on your creative flow.
DIY Calm Corner Craft Ideas
You don’t need to spend much to make your calm corner beautiful. Here are a few simple DIY calm corner crafts that you can start today:Creatives are pros at finding little pockets of calm in chaos — or at least, that’s what people think! Truth is, it doesn’t just happen. It takes intention (and maybe a cup of tea or two).
Hand-Woven Wall Hanging — Weave a small wall piece using natural fibres, fabric scraps, or raffia — the gentle rhythm of weaving is so calming and adds a handmade touch to your space. You could also frame a favourite painting or photo to hang above your special objects. We’ve got a painting I made over 20 years ago at a young parents’ group in Minto, NSW — it now hangs above our record player, which Mark loves to use on slow weekend mornings when the kids are around.
🧵 Fun Fact:
Traditional Pacific wall hangings are often made from natural fibres like pandanus or hibiscus bark, and every pattern tells a story — of place, family, and connection to land and sea. 🌊✨
Create a Light Source – Mason jar lanterns are such an easy way to add a little magic to your calm corner. All you need are a few old jars, some twine, paint, and maybe a few shells for decoration. Pop in a tea light or an LED candle, and you’ve got a soft, peaceful glow for your quiet moments. We once picked up a simple lamp from Kmart, and our daughter spent the afternoon using a hot glue gun to cover the base with shells — it turned out beautifully, and we still love it!
💡 DIY Shell & Masi Lamp Shade
Bring island warmth into your calm corner with this upcycled lamp ✨
You’ll need:
🪶 Old lamp base
🐚 Shells or faux pearls
🩵 Hot glue gun + glue sticks
🧵 Leftover masi/tapa cloth (or any printed fabric)
✂️ Scissors
Steps:
1️⃣ Wipe the lamp base clean and let it dry.
2️⃣ Plug in your 🔥 hot glue gun and carefully glue shells or pearls all around the base, layer by layer.
3️⃣ Wrap your lampshade with leftover masi/tapa cloth — trim edges neatly and glue down the ends.
4️⃣ Let everything dry for 15–20 mins.
5️⃣ Switch on your lamp and enjoy your handmade island glow 🌺
🌿 Tip: Use pieces from your travels or family heirlooms to make it extra meaningful.
Mini Plant Pots / Plant basket — Give old cups or tins a new life with a splash of paint — they make the sweetest little planters. Pop in a few herbs or a tiny succulent to bring a bit of life and colour to your space. I recently wove a basket from pandanus leaves, and it’s now home to a small cutting that’s grown into a thriving, happy plant. It’s such a simple joy watching something you’ve made continue to grow.
🌱 Helpful Tip:
Pop a plastic plate under your plant first, then place it inside your woven basket — this keeps your basket dry and makes watering and swapping plants super easy! 💧🪴
Nature-Inspired Decor — Next time you’re out for a walk, pick up a few little treasures — a feather, a smooth stone, or a leaf that catches your eye. Pop them in a shallow bowl at home as a small reminder of the outdoors and how good it feels to slow down. We’ve got a tiny clay plant our youngest made back in Koori Kindy sitting beside our favourite lamp — it always makes me smile and remember how quickly those moments pass.
Calm Cards or Affirmation Tags — Cut small pieces of recycled cards and write gentle reminders like “Breathe deeply” or “You are enough.” Display them where you can see them every day.
Each little project adds its own touch of personality to your calm corner, but more than that, it gives you a moment to slow down and enjoy the process of making something with your hands and heart.
Mindful Moments: How to Use Your Calm Corner
Once your calm corner is ready, try spending five to ten quiet minutes there each morning or evening. You might:
- jot down a few thoughts or notes of gratitude
- colour in a mindful page from your favourite Taro & Friends book
- sip a cup of tea and focus on your breathing
- or weave a star as a moment of connection and reflection
These small rituals can make a big difference — helping to ease stress, improve focus, and nurture positive mental health. It’s especially meaningful during Mental Health Month in October, but really, it’s perfect anytime you need a gentle reset.
Final Thoughts
Creating a calm corner in your home is about more than decorating — it’s about building a space that reminds you of who you are and what matters most. Whether your calm comes from weaving, colouring, or simply sitting in silence, your peaceful space can become a sanctuary of joy and creativity that fills your cup