If you love crafting, but live with a health condition or disability - whether physical, mental, neurological or chronic - you’ve probably asked yourself this question more times than you can count:
“Will this actually work for me?”
And when it comes to my monthly paper plant kits, the honest answer is: for some people, yes - beautifully. For others, no - despite their real want to try.
One of my customers recently told me that she’s had two subscription boxes in the past, where they’ve told her that that the instructions were set out in a certain way which would work for her - and they weren’t. Not only is it simply not ok for a business to do that, but it’s so disappointing for someone who is just exasperated trying to find themselves a new hobby that suits them and their individual circumstances.
Part of the reason I created my kits (as well as being a plant lover, but a plant killer) was to bring a sense of calm, joy, and creative connection. But I know that everyone’s body, brain, and life circumstances are different - and no one size fits all promise can ever be fair.
So, I wanted to share a bit more openly about what can work, what might not, and what I’ve learned from people who’ve been kind enough to share their experiences with me.
🖐 For those with physical challenges (like Parkinson’s, arthritis, hand tremors or post-surgery recovery):
Many of the steps in my kits involve cutting small shapes, assembling delicate details, and close up work. For some customers, that’s just been too difficult for them.
One customer with Parkinson’s wrote to me to say:
“I’m finding it impossible to cut out the leaves and then put them together… I never know one day to the next which things I’m going to find difficult.”
Another had to stop after being diagnosed with a movement disorder affecting their hands.
But there are others who’ve adapted the process to suit their needs. One lovely maker who experiences tremors told me:
“This craft… means I can almost make my hands concentrate. That small concentration… gives my hands and mind a thorough workout with something at the end to show for it.”
Another waited until after spinal surgery to begin:
“Now I’m fairly healed and have hand function back, I’m starting. I’m so excited and love the little kits.”
There’s no pressure to do it all at once - you can take your time, use tools that help (like spring loaded scissors or tweezers), and adapt it however works best for you.
🧠 For those with ADHD, anxiety, CFS/ME, or mental health challenges:
You won’t find deadlines or expectations here. These little plants will wait for you. Some subscribers do them as soon as they arrive (I mean like the second they drop through the letterbox!), others save them up for a moment that feels right.
One subscriber who was recently diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome) shared how the kits fit perfectly into her life:
“To find something that I can get absorbed in, for a little while, whilst not needing lots of physicality or brain energy… is brilliant. Being so quick to complete also means I don’t get halfway through and get distracted, never to finish. Dopamine hit for the win!”
Others describe the kits as an ADHD hyperfocus, a quiet dopamine boost, or even a gentle way to reconnect with creativity after burnout.
One person said:
“I love making the plant with you on YouTube. I have ADHD and it feels like body doubling… it truly did reignite the spark of my creative passion.”
And another, juggling life as a full-time working mum with ADHD, shared this:
“The only reason I’m cancelling is because… the boxes end up in a pile waiting to be done and I’m riddled with guilt for not having the time.”
And that’s totally ok. This is meant to be joyful - not another item on your to-do list.
💬 So… is it suitable for you?
Maybe.
If you’re not sure, and want to chat through your specific needs, I’d be more than happy to help. There may be tweaks or tools that make things easier - or it might just not be the right time. Either way, there’s zero pressure.
Crafting can be powerful, calming, and healing - but it’s only helpful if it’s actually helpful to you.
Whatever your ability, energy, focus, or situation - what it is, and how it presents is unique to you. And I’m so grateful to everyone who’s shared their experiences so that others can make informed choices too.
If you’ve got a question or want to talk it through, just drop me a message. I’d love to chat.