Hobbies at home: An A-Z guide to keep you engaged and entertained

During these times of isolation, it can be difficult to find engaging and satisfying activities to spend your time on.

While it’s not ideal to spend this much time at home, it provides the perfect opportunity to start a new hobby. Here’s an A-Z guide to give you some ideas.

A: Architecture

If you’ve always had a fascination for buildings that are rich in history, then perhaps learning more about architecture is a hobby worth pursuing.

Helpful read: Australian architecture for beginners

B: Baking

From evoking nostalgic memories of making cookies for Santa, to the therapeutic process of creating something from scratch, there’s something truly magical about baking.

Inspiration: Baking recipes by Donna Hay

C: Ceramics

Although you’re not able to attend a ceramics class right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to learn how to make ceramics at home.

Helpful read: Artisan-made ceramics are enjoying their biggest resurgence

D: Decluttering

The act of decluttering may not sound like a fun-filled hobby, but for every room, cabinet, drawer, or storage box that you tackle, the feeling of freedom you’ll gain will be worthwhile.

Helpful read: Decluttering tips that actually work

E: Embroidery

It’s truly amazing what can be created with just a needle and thread, and this is why the hobby of embroidery has stood the test of time.

Inspiration: DIY embroidered picnic tote

F: Flower arranging

According to floral stylist, Eliza Rogers, of Primula Floral Styling, trying your hand at flower arranging is not only a meditative hobby, but foraging for grasses, weeds and flowers to use in your arrangement is also a good excuse to get some fresh air.

Expert tip: “Start simple by collecting just three or four different ingredients, and make sure to experiment with different stem lengths, and cut your stems freshly before you put them in water,” says Rogers. “Finally, don’t overthink it – flowers are fleeting, so make one arrangement to admire for a few days, and then make another.”

G: Growing flowers

If you find that your home’s immediate surroundings lack the type of flora that’s worth foraging for, then why not let this inspire you to grow your own? 

Inspiration: How to grow flower seeds fast

H: Housework

Believe it or not, there are some people who really enjoy doing housework, so much so that they consider it a hobby.

Helpful read: Habits of people who always have a clean home

I: Interior photography

According to photographer Abbie Mellé, practicing interior photography is a great way to pause and view our home in a new light, reminding us of why it brings us joy.

Expert tip: “Learn to watch the light in your home; the way it moves around the rooms as the hours pass, as this will allow you to see when the best times are for photographing certain areas,” says Mellé. “For example, I love to photograph when the light is softest, and don’t be afraid to move pieces around to work with the light.”

J: Journaling

The habit of keeping a journal can have a positive impact on your mental health, especially during these days of self-isolation.

Helpful read: The health benefits of journaling

K: Knitting

Much like meditation, the repetitive movement of knitting helps bring people into the moment, creating that feel-good factor which evokes a sense of calm.

Helpful read: Why taking up knitting could be good for you

L: Leather crafting

Leather crafting is the practice of making leather into craft objects or, in the case of Millie Harvey of Tamboon Leather Co., into beautiful bespoke products.

Expert tip: “You don’t need to purchase new leather material to get started,” says Harvey. “Get creative and repurpose some existing leather products you have around the house that you no longer need, like leather bags, belts, or even upholstery. Start small with simple projects, then build up your leather craft skills over time.”

M: Macrame

Macrame is an age-old craft that’s undergoing a contemporary renaissance with modern takes on the fine art of knotting.

Inspiration: Creator of The Year of Knots, Windy Chien

N: Netflix

Opinions may be split on whether the act of binging shows on Netflix is actually considered a hobby, but given the current climate, let’s give this one the thumbs-up.

Helpful read: The best shows on Netflix right now

O: Online classes

Be it an interactive fitness class or a creative course on how to host an Airbnb listing, there’s no better time than now to learn new skills or gain more knowledge via an online class.

Inspiration: The Hosting Masterclass by Sarah Andrews of Captains Rest

P: Painting

According to visual artist and creative Annie Everingham, painting is not only a great way to relieve stress, sharpen brain functions, but also a fun way to explore your creative side.

Expert tip: “You don’t need expensive materials; most craft stores and office supply shops sell materials that are affordable and easy to use,” says Everingham. “Start with a watercolour set, or a few colours of acrylic paint, some different brushes, a spray bottle, and perhaps one object to use as a stimulus, such as a vase of flowers. Try not to worry about the outcome, but instead experiment with different techniques, layers and combinations of materials.”

Q: Quilting

With winter around the corner, now could be the time to take up quilting, with a slightly more modern take than the family quilt that’s been passed down from grandma.

Inspiration: DIY quilt wall hanging and DIY throw blanket

R: Reading

There’s something new to enjoy with every book you read; some allow you to learn, expanding your horizons, others allow you to escape to a whole new world that’s different from your own.

Helpful read: Why losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation

S: Sewing

Sewing can be a very rewarding hobby, as you not only learn how to repair items but also how to tailor and decorate them – opening up all sorts of creativity.

Inspiration: DIY linen curtains and DIY pom pom cushions

T: Table styling

Hosting a dinner party with friends may not be an option at the moment, but according to interior stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones, learning to master the art of table styling is.

Expert tip: “You can simply play around with what you already have. For example, see what different vases you have that may work best for a centrepiece, or play around with napkins – tied in a knot, neatly folded, or tied with ribbon with cutlery,” says Jones. “By the time we’re allowed to have dinner parties again, you’ll be more than ready.”

U: Upcycling

Before you go chucking out furniture or random items during your next clean-out, first consider if any of it could become your next upcycling project.

Helpful read: Upcycling hacks that will save you money

V: Vegetable gardening

According to Matt & Lentil of Grown & Gathered, now is the ideal time to learn fundamental and traditional skills, like growing your own vegetables.

Expert tip: “Once you take even a small step towards learning how to grow your own food, not only will it bring you joy and make you feel empowered, but it will also change everything from your mental health to your purchasing behaviours,” says Lentil. “Begin with foods you like to eat. So if you don’t like lettuce, then don’t grow lettuce, but if you love turnips, then grow them first. 

“And even if you fail at first, you will still learn something – the key is to try again.”

W: Woodworking

Constructing something out of a piece of wood, be it a shelf, a spice rack, or even something more complex can be a wonderful and fulfilling hobby. 

Helpful watch: Beginner’s guide on woodworking

X: Xmas tree decor

If you’re tired of using the same old Christmas decorations for a while now, why not take this time to create some of your own.

Helpful read: DIY projects sure to get you in the holiday spirit

Y: Yoga

A hobby that makes time for mindfulness, such as practising yoga, helps to improve your physical and mental balance, as well as increases strength and flexibility.

Helpful watch: Yoga for stress and anxiety relief

Z: Zoom

Video chatting platforms like Zoom have become a great tool for connecting face-to-face with family, friends, and coworkers, during a time when we need it most.

Helpful read: How to get through your isolation period