Smiley Salad, IRL!

When was the last time you made something, just for fun?

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Often times when I am making jewelry, I enter a peaceful place in my mind. I tap into “flow state,” let my creativity take over, and time seems to fly by.

I have watched people experience this too, while making bracelets at my Smiley Salad, IRL! Pop-Up. As they hunted for beads in the bowls and added them to their elastic strands, I could see this phenomenon taking place in each and every person, no matter their age.

What is it about this simple craft that brings people such unique joy?

Studies show that having a low-stakes, low-pressure creative outlet not only improves your mental health, but aids in recovery from everyday stressors.

Yes, there are actual studies about this! Spending your free time on a meaningful project (like designing and making your own Smiley Salad Necklace) can drastically make you happier, healthier and more productive.

However our free time is often spent “checking out” rather than “tapping in.” These days, we are encouraged to use our leisure time to escape rather than recover. What is the difference, exactly?

When we participate in escapism, we seek out passive activities (doom scrolling, bottomless brunch, and Netflix binges are a few of my personal favorites) to “escape” from the daily grind. This ultimately leads to boredom and ennui, which could devolve into apathy and depression.

Enjoying a craft that awakens a part of your creative brain can offer a low-stakes challenge with a high-reward end result. According to San Francisco State psychology professor Dr. Kevin Eschleman:

“Creative activities are likely to provide valuable experiences of mastery and control, but may also provide experiences of discovery that uniquely influence performance-related outcomes.”

Science shows us that when we engage in leisure activities that provide little to no pressure, are deadline-free, and use our creative mind, we are rewarded with much needed rest, but also the mental enrichment that aids in proper recovery.

Do you want to tap into your creative mind, awaken your inner child, harness some healing powers and encourage healthy recovery from your mental stressors?

Smiley Salad provides an open-ended creative exercise that is full of soothing colors, sounds and textures, has no standards to meet or external constraints to fit within, no pressure, no deadline, and most importantly, you get to wear what you made!

Other creative activities like paint night can be somewhat stressful. “Will mine look as good as the teacher’s example? Wow I am certainly no Bob Ross. This cheap table wine is going straight to my head… I’m just going to throw this away when I get home, what a waste.”

Let’s say your painting survives the night while you let it dry, in the garage. You’ll likely keep it there while you decide which dark corner to hang it in, cringing at the sight of it collecting dust every time you trip over it. Until you toss it, you’ll just be haunted by the memory.

Instead, opt for an activity that allows you to explore and make your own choices. You can be intuitive or strategic, whichever pleases you in the moment. The end result will be a truly unique expression of the creative voice within you.

Everyone around you will have something similar, but of course different, to show for it! This type of activity is always more fun with friends. Indulging in a carefree afternoon of jewelry making with your besties will encourage you to form healthy habits together. Plus, you’ll have the friendship bracelets to prove it!

Make your own beaded bracelet or necklace with one of our kits, or book a Smiley Salad IRL session using the form below.

book a Smiley Salad IRL session!

hey, san antonio! Let’s make jewelry together:

In the park with your best friends and some picnic treats
After a hectic work week to reward for your team and unwind with them
To celebrate your birthday, great for ages 5 to 95
Mix things up with your book club, knitting circle, charcuterie night, taco Tuesday, etc