By Sarita Harbor | The Associated Press

Practical hobbies and vintage skills are making a comeback. Today, more people are turning to baking with dough, CANNED, gardener’s and fermentation, driven by a growing interest in self-sufficiency and a simpler way of life. Here’s how old practices are finding new life in kitchens and backyards across the United States.

The growth of old skills and their modern appeal

Whether sparked by a desire to reconnect with the past or fueled by modern concerns, a renewed interest in traditional crafts and household activities as hobbies is growing nationwide. Skills that once seemed quaint or outdated are making a comeback, capturing the attention of everyone from urban dwellers to suburban families.

indeed dough starter and mason jars have always had their place in niche communities. Today, however, these topics have found a wider audience on social media and in mainstream culture.

A major factor in this revival is the desire to live more sustainably. As concerns about food supply, environmental impact, and self-reliance continue to grow, these hobbies offer a way to reduce waste, connect with nature, and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.

Another reason behind their popularity is the call to slow down and work with your hands. This is a stark contrast and a welcome relief to the digital world in which many people spend their daily lives.

From homesteading to modern self-sufficiency

The trend toward vintage and practical hobbies reflects a broader societal move toward self-sufficiency. The pandemic played a role in accelerating this trend as people spent more time at home and found themselves looking for productive ways to occupy their time.

For some, acquiring vintage skills provided a therapeutic way to manage stress during the lockdowns. It can also provide a new sense of empowerment as newcomers to hands-on hobbies learn to care for themselves and their families.

For example, cans, ferment and baking sourdough bread are hobbies that also provide a way to preserve food, make meals from scratch, and reduce reliance on store-bought goods.

Gardening in a backyard plot, community garden, or even in containers allows people to grow produce and make choices about their food.

“There’s something about growing your own food that really resonates right now, especially for people living in cities,” says Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju, the company’s founder. Urban farm. “As someone who has been a prolific urban gardener for over 10 years, I’ve seen how it helps people slow down, reconnect with nature and take control of what’s on their plate – even if they only have a small balcony or a windowsill.”

Baskaran-Makanju suggests that novice gardeners try light plants, such as herbs or greens, that don’t need a lot of space but still offer the possibility of successfully growing food. “It’s less about perfection and more about enjoying the process,” she says.

Self-reliance on social media

Gone are the days when the only way to learn these crafts was at the hands of an elderly family member or friend. Today, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube play an important role in bringing these old-fashioned hobbies to new and younger audiences, where influencers share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes analysis of their daily practices.

Homemakers, DIYers and artisans share their knowledge of these crafts on social media through step-by-step video tutorials. Their posts highlight the satisfaction and fulfillment derived from hands-on skills while sharing images of how these hobbies fit into their lifestyles.

The visual nature of these platforms allows viewers to see the tangible results of these hobbies. Whether it’s a jar of freshly made jam, a blooming garden, or a perfectly crusty loaf of bread, their posts make activities seem accessible and rewarding.

Sustainability and simple lifestyles

Many traditional hobbies popular on social media closely align with the growing interest in sustainable living practices. Fermentation, for example, allows people to make nutrient-dense canned foods like sauerkraut and kombucha at home, reducing food waste and packaging. Keeping and CANNED they allow seasonal products to be stored throughout the year, reducing dependence on imported fruits and vegetables out of season.

Gardening also ties into the wider trend of sustainable living. It allows people to practice organic gardening techniques, compost kitchen scraps and grow heirloom seed varieties. These activities contribute to self-sufficiency and encourage a more careful approach to consumption and waste.

Additionally, there is an emotional aspect to growing these hobbies. Once inspired by their favorite social media creator, the hands-on, tactile nature of crafts like baking with dough or gardening allows people to disconnect from technology, slow down and focus solely on one activity. They can find a sense of accomplishment that digital work lacks, and even begin to see their new hobbies as antidotes to the fast pace of modern life.

How to get started with practical hobbies

For those interested in exploring these hands-on hobbies, the key is to start small. A beginner can start by learning the basics.

Raising a little one kitchen gardenmaking a simple loaf of bread or trying a small batch of homemade jam gives beginners a chance to try a new skill. Many communities also offer local workshops, and libraries often have books on these age-old skills for those who want to delve deeper.

Hobbies for a self-sufficient, sustainable, simple life

In a world where convenience often reigns supreme, there is a renewed interest in traditional skills. Pursuing hobbies like canning, fermenting, baking with dough, and gardening can suggest a collective social desire to slow down, engage with nature, and embrace sustainability.

Rooted in history, these hobbies are equipping a new generation with practical skills and a deeper sense of fulfillment. As people seek a balance between modern living and old-world craftsmanship, this revival of hands-on hobbies will likely grow and evolve.

Sarita Harbor is a longtime business and personal finance writer. She created A life off the grid to help readers everywhere become more prepared and confident.

Originally published: Oct 28, 2024 at 11:27 am PDT