Creator’s Hands: Pune’s Craft Studio Helping People Disconnect to Reconnect

In an era dominated by smartphones and endless scrolling, Pune-based entrepreneur Rhoda Gaikwad Staneley is proving that traditional crafts can be much more than a pastime. Through her creative studio, Creator’s Hands Craft Room, she is helping people rediscover creativity, mindfulness and genuine human connection. Since opening in July 2025, the studio has welcomed over 100 participants across diverse age groups, including children, teenagers, homemakers, working professionals, expecting mothers, senior citizens and retirees. The initiative has quickly evolved into a space where learning meets well-being.

What Makes Creator’s Hands Different from Conventional Workshops?

Unlike large-scale hobby classes, Creator’s Hands focuses on intimate, offline learning experiences. Rhoda conducts hands-on workshops in embroidery, crochet, knitting, stitching, quilting and several other traditional crafts for beginners as well as experienced learners. The small-group format encourages conversations, collaboration and personal guidance, allowing participants to create without the interruptions of notifications or digital distractions. The result is a relaxed environment where crafting becomes both a skill-building activity and a mindful escape.

Rhoda brings more than 40 years of experience in social work and vocational skill development across India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa. Throughout her career, she has empowered women, children and underserved communities through practical learning initiatives. Today, Creator’s Hands extends that legacy by offering a welcoming space where creativity replaces passive consumption, friendships flourish and participants leave with handcrafted creations, improved mental well-being and renewed self-confidence.

Can Crafting Really Help Reduce Screen Addiction?

One of the studio’s biggest missions is encouraging people to spend less time on their phones and more time creating with their hands. Rhoda believes traditional crafts naturally improve concentration, patience and focus while offering a productive alternative to excessive social media use. Many participants have shared that they now dedicate their free time to handcrafted projects instead of scrolling through their devices. Beyond learning a new skill, they have discovered greater confidence, purpose and satisfaction through the creative process.

How Is the Studio Bringing Generations Together?

Creator’s Hands has also become a space for meaningful intergenerational learning. Children, parents, grandparents and retirees work alongside one another, sharing ideas and experiences while learning skills once passed down through families. By preserving traditional crafts in a modern setting, Rhoda is helping rebuild community connections that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s digital-first world.