Creating semi-mindless crafts is one of my favorite forms of self-care. Plant hangers, cheap craft store kits, or whatever sparks inspiration. In the same way, cleaning is immediately satisfying, creating something tangible gives the same satisfaction.  

Most of the time the urge to create something tangible comes from the price tag. There are so many tutorials around and there’s just no way I’ll pay extreme amounts when the skill can be picked up. With the expectation of imperfection, I can create something that looks great, as long as you squint. Knowing I am creative, capable, and did it is the most satisfying way I can care for myself.

That bleeds over to 98% of the “decor” in my house. I prefer the weird art I’ve made or collected over the years paired with my 6 year olds canvas pieces. They are far from perfect, but so full of our life and memories. It makes my home warm and mine.

Creating with Minimal Thinking

When I am being creative, I want my mind to wonder. My concentration and brain cells are spent by the time my day is over and if it takes too long I will never finish it. Majority of my craft time is spent on simple semi-mindless projects. Sometimes it’s a cross stitch kit from the craft store, wall art, or furniture. I’ve also made way too many plant hangers. I’m a bit all over the place, but it keeps my brain occupied, and that makes me happy.

For me, it’s the reward, the memory, and knowledge I gained while creating. It’s a new skill set that I can use forever. This is likely more the hyperfixation aspects of ADHD, but it’s something that brings me joy, allows me to tinker with something, and I get something out of it.

Make it Yourself for Yourself

The inspiration for this post came from a plant hanger I made a while ago and my lack of a creative project. I made A LOT of plant hangers last year, but it had been a while. Some are still up, some sold, and others were repurposed. But this particular plant hanger is not proportionate to where it’s hung and it’s directly across from my desk. That means I notice it constantly. But it’s not easy to water because I am simply not tall enough for it.

For me, I am remaking it to be kind to my future self. It’ll save a little annoyance every time I need to water the plant. It is also to give myself the semi-mindless project my brain needs.

When was the last time you took the time to make something that wasn’t necessary or needed? Maybe you’ve got a project that is necessary, but only benefits you, so you put it off. Maybe you don’t know what your next project is. Whatever it is, I hope you take the time to enjoy making something because it feels good.

DIY: Simple Plant Hanger

This plant hanger tutorial features 2 very simple knots and can be semi-mindlessly made.

Gather Supplies

The only materials you definitely need for it is the macramé cord of your preference and a plant (or the pot for your future plant). The cord I used this time is 3mm, but I also like working with 4mm. Since I already had it, I used a wooden ring and beads, but those are not necessary. 

Prepare the Cord

Before you can start making it, you need to get your cord ready. For this hanger, I used 8 pieces of cord, but it would be in half. I did not measure, because I can cut the excess off and I’d rather too much than not enough. Then I stretched out the cord so it was about as tall as I am and then I doubled it. I then cut 7 more pieces for a total of 8 and looped it through my ring. 

There are many different ways to start your plant hanger. You also do not need a ring. My favorite knot to start and end plant hangers is the Wrap Knot.

You will need an extra piece of cord, about a foot or so long depending on how long you want your knot to be. Put one end of the extra piece of cord at the top, let the cord down further than you want your knot to end, and then back up to the top. (See picture A). 

Just like the name suggests, start wrapping! Make sure you wrap the cord tight while leaving the loop and top of the string out.

When you are done wrapping, tuck the piece you were wrapping with through the loop and pull the top string (See Picture B). This will tighten your knot and tuck the knot part under the wrapped area (See Picture C). Once it is tight and how you like it, trim off the excess at the top (See Picture D).

Create Some Length

Now it’s time for the real fun! Remember, this is your plant hanger, so do whatever you want. It probably won’t be perfect, but that’s what makes it magical! 

At the top, I used a spiral half knot. These were the knots that we tied to make friendship bracelets at summer camp when I was a kid. 

To begin, separate the cords in the 4 cord sections. You will have 4 different sections with 4 cords in each section. I only used 1 type of knot when creating my plant hanger. I used the half knot two ways. 

For this knot, there will be 2 strings that you are making the knots with and 2 filler strings that hang in the middle. Take one of the outside strings and make a loop that goes over the filler strings. Using the other outside string, make a loop that goes under the filler string. Feed the string through the opposite loop and then pull it tighter.

Continue with the half knots and they will spiral! After 30 half knots, I added some beads. If you decide to use beads and they are as difficult as mine were, put a piece of tape on the end so the strings are a bit stronger, don’t fray, and act more like the end of a shoelace. I’m still learning, but when I do it again, I think I will lock each bead into place with a half knot, but again, this thing is not supposed to be perfect. It’s a process for learning!

After completing all 4 strands of 30 half knots, 4 beads, and 30 half knots, I held it up to the wall and realized it was still shorter than what I wanted. That resulted in 4 more beads and another 30 spiral half knots. 

Create the Netting

For me, creating the netting to hold the pot is where I struggle the most. To start, lay all the stands out and prepare to connect them. Take 2 of the stands from each of the long spiral knotted strings to connect them. I used 3 half knots, but kept the knots flat instead of continuing with the spiral pattern. Be sure to leave a little space so there’s room for the pot to hang. 

Learn from my mistakes, I always use the pot to make sure it will fit. I prefer using the empty pot right in the plant holder as I am making the netting. Stretch some of the first row down to make it fit, but I promise you checking to make sure it fits now is much easier than trying to make it fit the pot after the entire plant holder is completed. 

Remember when I mentioned that you should use more cord than you think you will need? Well, I still underestimated the amount I would use! To add extra length to the cord, I tied them on to the short ones very close to where the net knots would be so they could be less noticeable. I still have some that can be seen. It’s fine though, it’s not meant to be perfect. The plant is the star of this corner show and will hide or distract from the imperfections too.

Finish and Trim

Continue your rows of netting until it feels secure around the empty pot. Once you have finished your netting, gather all of the cords under your pot, and use a wrap knot (the same knot used for starting the project) to end it, trim off any excess, repot your plant, and hang it.

Reflect on How Awesome You Are

When you are done, celebrate your success. You created something unique and just because you are capable! Go, girl!

Perhaps you are celebrating that you made your bed, finally got around to cleaning the mirror, you made a plant hanger, or you just did something that you wanted to do because it makes you feel good. You are taking care of yourself, your needs, and your creative soul! I’m proud of you and your success!

Create For Yourself To Care For Yourself

Self-care is easy to skip when life is chaotic. But it can and should be prioritized. For me, that means creating something while we watch a movie instead of scrolling on my phone. Self-care doesn’t have to take long and can be done in tiny increments. Just make sure you always do what makes you feel good. The best self-care is just doing what makes you feel your best, even if it’s a semi- mindless project.