For all of us crafters, makers, artists—whatever we call ourselves!—March is a happy time. It’s officially recognized as National Craft Month, giving us permission to go wild with our creative pursuits. (Plus, spring is coming…which also makes us happy.)

Many stores such as Jo-Ann’s, Michaels, and AC Moore are holding sales and special events. So if you’ve ever wanted to try a new craft, now’s the time!

And as I point out in my book Craft to Heal, don’t forget that crafts can be therapeutic, giving us a place to express ourselves, helping distract us from worries, including the current political chaos, and inducing a feeling of calm (if we don’t over-judge our work).

So I say, go forth and be creative, even if it’s just a few moments here and there to doodle, paint, knit, or sew.