There's nothing off-limits for hobbyists
PUBLISHED ON
Tired of the same old hobby? Explore eccentric hobbies that'll have you ironing underwater or rolling cheese down a hill. (Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite on Unsplash)
WASHINGTON — Running out of books to read or recipes to bake? It’s time to add some excitement to your life with a hobby that represents your eccentric and creative side. Find inspiration among these unique hobbies, from yarn graffiti to pun-offs for unconventional ways to spend your free time.
Yarn Bombing
If you ever passed by a light post covered in colorful yarn, consider yourself lucky – you’ve just witnessed a yarn bombing. Yarn bombing takes typical graffiti art to the next level, as people who engage in this hobby cover objects with decorative knits instead of paint.
This street art was rumored to have started in Texas and has since spread globally. It may seem like a unique and silly hobby, but it’s a way to add life back into monotonous public spaces. Colorful works of art on tree branches, benches or even statutes bring warmth and joy to dreary communities. Plus, unlike spray paint, it’s temporary, allowing the artist to express their creativity without destroying property in most cases.
If you want to take up this hobby, join yarn bombing clubs to collaborate on large-scale projects or go on your own knitting adventures. Remember to yarn bomb responsibly and clean up your art after a few weeks, especially if you’re putting them on trees. There’s nothing like spreading creativity in a fun and peaceful way.
Extreme Ironing
To many, ironing is just a household chore to get wrinkle-free shirts. But what if there’s a way to make it more fun and high stakes? If you’re looking for a thrilling activity, extreme ironing may be for you.
This eccentric hobby involves ironing while completing extreme outdoor activities. Think ironing while rock climbing, skydiving, underwater or even at Mount Everest. Individuals would carry an ironing board, pull it out when the time is right and quite literally iron a piece of clothing in the midst of it all. Mindblowing records have been set – according to the Guinness World Records, De Waterman Diving Club in Oss achieved the most people extreme ironing underwater, with 173 divers ironing for 10 minutes.
Extreme ironing may be an ideal hobby for multi-taskers or those looking for ways to optimize their time. As a beginner, you want to work your way up, and that may mean starting with ironing your clothes while enjoying your Panda Express teriyaki chicken dinner.
Cheese Rolling
You’ll turn a few heads if you say that you’ve spent the weekend chasing a round of cheese down a hill. That is, however, exactly what happens at the annual cheese rolling competition held at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England.
Every spring, people line up at the top of the steep hill and one person rolls a round of cheese down, giving it a one-second head start before they go off to the races. The first person who makes it down is the winner – you don’t actually have to catch the cheese, but the prize is a 7-pound double Gloucester. This may sound like some harmless fun, but it has been called the world’s most dangerous footrace. Many participants sustain injuries like broken ankles or a concussion – so much so that paramedics wait at the bottom to send them off to the hospital.
Anyone can participate in this sport, which has even attracted individuals worldwide. If you do, be aware of the potential risks. It’s up to you whether it’s worth it for a 7-pound cheese and bragging rights as the cheese-rolling winner.
Competitive Punning
Competitive punning may be your calling if you’re witty and have a knack for wordplay. It’s a round-robin competition, where you go against another contestant to create a pun about a topic. If you can’t answer within five seconds, you’re eliminated. Given the time restraint, serious prep is done so you don’t fall flat in front of the crowd.
Puns are using words that have different meanings or similar sounds humorously and creatively. For example, one about taco casserole can be, “It’s nacho average casserole – it’s a taco-nado of flavor.” The delivery is what makes or breaks the performance. Competitive punning may be an unconventional hobby, but one that takes great skill and quick thinking. Attend a pun-off to see the master word players at work.
Soap Bubble Art
Making bubbles in the bathtub is fun, but have you ever considered putting on a live bubble art performance for others? Bubble artists use special types of soaps to create mesmerizing bubble displays during live shows, enchanting audiences with their creative manipulations.
There’s even a Soap Bubble Circus that puts on entertaining and educational shows and has won multiple Guinness World Records. Although you may not be building the largest soap bubble dome in the world, it’s a fun hobby to try – you get to play with bubbles and create some cool art. There are a ton of techniques you can learn to create special effects and tricks with the soap. After some practice, you’ll be on your way to hosting your own bubble show.
Historical Cooking
Many great dishes originated centuries before takeout and air fryers were a thing. As times of convenience and fast food have taken over, many have lost sight of these culinary traditions. That’s why people engage in historical cooking, which involves trying out recipes from the past. With this hobby, you get to explore traditional dishes and appreciate old-fashioned flavors and cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Start your historical cooking journey by making baked Alaska, a dessert made of ice cream between a slice of sponge cake with a meringue outer layer. According to Britannica, baked Alaska was said to be named after the acquisition of Alaska by the United States from Russia in March 1867. This cold and warm dessert is a fun one to experiment with, as it involves baking or torching the whole thing – and no, the ice cream doesn’t melt if done properly.
Unusual Hobbies to Explore in Your Pastime
There’s nothing off-limits for hobbyists. Whether ironing in the mountains or creating beautiful soap bubble art, people around the globe are finding unique ways to explore their passions and creativity. Join in and explore these activities yourself to get a glimpse into the world of outlandish hobbies.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and three other high-profile food blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc, the unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.
-Mandy Applegate
Food Drink Life
Via Associated Press
