Think Crafts Blog - Craft Ideas and Projects - CreateForLess

When I first started crafting after college, I would sit and cut fabric for hours.  My hands would actually go numb.  I never gave it a second thought, but maybe I should have.  We are learning more and more than repetitive movements done until you feel pain is just not a healthy thing to do!  Be comfortable and enjoy your hours of scrapbooking, rubberstamping, card making, and other paper arts.  Here are a few tips to make your adventures fun, safe, and more enjoyable.  Remember, comfort and safety first.

Ergonomics for the crafter means using tools that are comfortable and properly fitted.  It also means using good lighting, proper chair posture, and learning to get up and move every so often.  Here are a few pointers:

• Chair:  Invest in a proper sized chair for your work area(s) if you sit for more than 1/3 of your day.  You should be able to sit back comfortably in the chair with your feet flat to the floor.  Do not cross your legs.
• Take Breaks:  Schedule regular 15-minute breaks for every two hours.  Every 30 minutes stand and stretch.  Take a walk, wash your hands, or splash some water on your face. You’ll be more “mentally” ready and refreshed.
• Work In A Circle & Semi-Circle:  Create a work area that forms a circle.  The more a tool or supply is used the closer it should be to your reach and towards the front of the work circle (the front of the work circle is the area in front of you as you are sitting). 
• No Slouching:  Mom was correct, you should watch your posture to avoid neck and back problems.  Adjust your chair or worktable to help avoid slouching or hunching over your projects.
• Take Notice:  Make notes of repetitive movements.  Try to vary and change the repetitive movements.
• Lighting:  Invest in it.  Natural light is the best, but make sure that there is plenty of non-glare lighting.  Try to use as much full spectrum lighting as you can in your work area.
• Tools:  Try and test tools before buying and look for user-friendly designs like spring-loaded, padded handles, easy grips, and other comforts.  One size rarely fits all!  Get the proper fit!
• Pain Means No Gain:  If it hurts, feels painful, goes numb, or any other discomfort is felt…STOP.  Learn a new way of doing the situation or process.  Your hand wasn’t designed to hold scissors and cut for hours.  Break up your tasks.  Spend 15 minutes cropping, then move on to 15 minutes of designing…
• Be Well Rested:  Don’t work or play when tired or fatigued.  The number one cause of accidents is carelessness and carelessness is often brought on by fatigue.  You can’t really enjoy your creativity if you are fighting to keep your eyes open. 
• A Place For Everything:  Keep everything in its place, and that is not on the floor or any other traffic area.  Organize as best you can and don’t let your work area get too cluttered.  A few minutes cleaning up and putting up can save you hours later!