eeling stressed about the holidays? Then it's time to get creative.

Local residents joined art therapist Kathy Karanink at Blue Mountain Health System in Bowmanstown on Friday afternoon to craft away the stress of the holiday season.Karanink has been an art therapist at BMHS for five years. The crafters created many different holiday decorations using Mod Podge, chalkboard paint and fabric."Especially in this day and age, we have so many stressors," said Karanink. "We need to take the time to care for ourselves."The crafts were all beginner friendly and easy to do, even for the "uncrafty" types. Items included a lantern, a lantern holder, snowmen, ornaments and mug rugs.The program is in its third year.For many, crafting is difficult and daunting. It may not seem like a good stress reliever, but studies show that creating something can really relieve stress."That's the beauty of art therapy. You're not here to be judged," Karanink said. "It's expression from the heart. You're not here to be graded."The effects of crafting are similar to those of meditation. Crafting can naturally produce dopamine, a pleasure chemical released by the brain. This gives a sense of happiness that would not normally come about from normal, everyday life.Karanink said, "the process of creating and being in the moment" is what relieves stress.Everyone leaves the class feeling less stressed and happier. They also make new connections with friends and learn a new form of self-expression.Donna Kaminitsky took what she learned from last year's program to make her own crafts."I still get compliments on them," Kaminitsky said. "I would've never been able to do that before."The crafters not only take away skills, but also learn the importance of taking care of themselves. The program is to help anyone feeling the stress of the holidays and turn it into useful pieces such as ornaments, lanterns and mug rugs."I know what the power of art can do," Karanink said. "That's why I do what I do."