Stressbuster

That’s where my idea to crochet a stressbusting item came from.

Knowing about stress and anxiety, I was acutely aware of the rewards that tactile things could bring. It’s no wonder that some brainbox had invented ‘stress balls’ and ‘stress toys.’ They knew a good idea when they saw one! Stress toys continue to be popular among both children and adults. 

I wondered how a calming item would be taken if made with yarn? Too thin a yarn, and it wouldn’t be very squishy or pleasant to squeeze or hold. Too chunky a yarn, and you might struggle to fit it in your pocket or purse. 

Crocheted gifts

Next came my consideration of design. Should I make flowers, cakes, animals, or something else?

Would ‘Under the sea,’ or ‘In the garden’ themes be popular?

I reflected on my own likes and I’m a sucker for animals. Crocheted animals are particularly cute and easy to make. 

I played around with two words at a time, especially alliteration. Eventually, Calm Cub was born.

Calm message

Developing the design further, I thought that a message inside, or attached to the cub would add to the item and could be personalised if desired. 

I first thought of paper rolled up in a scroll with a calm quote on it. This idea was abandoned after I had difficulty thinking of ways to keep the scroll wrinkle and rip free. 

I considered a piece of card inside the presentation bag that the cub would be in, with the positive affirmation on. 

I finally decided on a wooden heart that could be slipped inside the top of the cub’s head. This meant that I would need to make two ‘heads’ with a slot in the top, wide enough to fit the heart into. 

Get well and positive affirmations

Since agreeing on my design, I have crocheted many Calm Cubs for people who wanted to give a special ‘Get well’ message to their loved ones with anxiety and stress. Calm Cubs have also been purchased by those wanting to give them to their friends and work colleagues to help reduce their stress in a discrete way.

Perfect as gifts, and affordable, being priced at Giftsunder10, my Calm Cubs are available to buy now. 

Each cub has its own character, and there are different colour options/facial expressions to choose from. Want a happy, sad, or neutral face? We’re on it. Want a natural face, with white snout? You can have it. 

Each calm cub comes with a positive affirmation saying in the sheer organza bag:

‘Place in palm, Feel so calm.’ Give the cub a squeeze when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and need reassurance that everything is going to be alright.

You can choose to have a blank heart inside the Cub for you to add your own personal message to, or it can be personalised by me.

Messages can be ordered from the following list:

a. Feel better soon (Side one), Love … (Side two).

b. You are stronger than you think (Side one).

c. Place in palm, feel so calm (Side one).

d. Just be… (Side one).

e. You can do this (Side one).

I hope my Calm Cubs bring you a sense of calm, quiet, and confidence to get on with your day. 

Crochet 4 Seasons’ Calm Cub – the perfect gift for friends, mums, girlfriends, wives, for special occasions, or just to say you care.