They may take a lifetime to master, but what are some skills or hobbies that you can pick up and learn the basics in a day? Bonus points if it doesn't cost too much to start!

I'll post an example, nail art! There are lots and lots of youtube tutorials out there to learn different techniques, and it can be addictive once you start! I started with this tutorial on how to use a toothpick to draw some simple designs, but there's no limit to what you can do! For some examples of really cool stuff I'd recommend checking out this forum on reddit, there's lots of help and inspiration there :)

Knitting.

I mean, it probably won't be perfect at first. But if you get some needles and some yarn, and have access to some decent youtube videos, it can be pretty fun and it's surprisingly quick to learn even if actually making a thing will usually take longer than a day.

That's what I did, without having ever touched a pair of needles. I wanted a hat, decided to go learn how to knit one, and I ended up with a reasonably decent-looking knit hat at the end of a week.

Origami! It might take you a few hours, but there are a lot of simple designs out there online. I mostly just fold cranes - both because it's relaxing and hey, who knows, maybe that Japanese legend is true... heh.

4 in 1 - chain-mail. Its really simple to do! And can make some awesome bracelets and necklaces. Most packs of aluminum o-rings can be bought at a craft store (jewelry department) And contain about 30-60 rings (depending on what gauge of ring you get). And a pack normally costs about 2$ - 3$.

The rings also come in lots of colors. ^.^

honestly? container gardening. getting started is incredibly easy, and there's quite a few plants to choose from that are perfect for new gardeners. it's as simple as researching good starter plants, learning how to care for them, then finding a container with proper drainage (i.e. a hole in the bottom) and a good quality potting soil before potting the plant and offering it proper sun/shade and water!

of course, each plant requires different needs and conditions, but that's why it's important to choose a plant suited for beginners. a spider plant, for example, loves indirect light and is very forgiving if it isn't watered regularly. its leaves will turn limp when it needs more water, and quickly perks up after a good soak! the best part is that spider plants improve indoor air quality, as well. some other good options are boston ferns, english ivy, and mint!

Bookbinding! You could spend months learning all of the different techniques and experimenting, but it's shockingly easy to get started. The YouTube channel SeaLemon has lots of excellent tutorials on bookbinding - you just need some book board (thick, stiff, non-corrugated cardboard), something to cover it with (fabric or maybe some pretty scrapbooking paper), non-acidic glue, some printer paper, a utility knife, an awl, and some linen thread with a big tapestry needle. My favorite technique is coptic stitch binding. It's great for making your own sketchbooks.

Crochet! It piggy backs off of knitting, but you only need yarn and your finger to start. The hook is helpful, but isn't necessary if you make big enough loops.

Square Dancing! It is loads of fun, and it is a wonderful way to exercise. (and you get to dress up in funny square dance clothing).

braided bracelets, friendship bracelets.

I remember learning how to make one in camp as a kid but haven’t made one in years but it wasn’t a horribly complicated skill from what I remember.

(Oh this is fun ❤️!]

I'd say, making scented candles. You melt some soy or candle wax in hot water, stir in colors and essential oils, put the mixture in an empty jam jar, add a candlewick aaaand done! It's so much fun, you can be creative af, you can do it on your own or with friends, and the materials don't cost much. And of course: your house will smell amazing!

stitching is also pretty easy as long as you don't prick your finger XD There are so SO many easy designs out there. i personally like it more than knitting. and i haven't tried crocheting to be able to compare. Plus knowing how to sew by hand may have additional perks, such as allowing you to repair small holes that may appear in your favorite tshirts (and allowing you to keep them for longer, even), or adding patches or other cure decors to revamp an older piece.

I'd say making some sculptures? Not a beautiful statue or anything like that, lol, but I did a one day course last week and was able to grasp the basics. Besides, it's really fun!

Hot mess canvases are my new addiction and are very easy to do! My first one!

Archery!

I mean, obviously not perfect. Not in the range of a day. But i learnt the basics and was able to shoot my first arrow on the first day of training c:

Cooking! Obviously you can't learn how to cook everything in a day, but you could defiantly become familiar enough to muddle your way through most dishes.

Needle felting. The tools and materials aren't terribly expensive, and it's pretty easy to pick up. Just try not to prick yourself with the needles (honestly though, you will eventually. And many times).

Practice with some cheap materials and try sculpting simple shapes. You can also create flat art on sheets of felt. The basics are easy to learn and as you get more comfortable with the craft it shouldn't take long before you're working in more detail. :)

Juggling! I had never understood it before, when I sat down one day and just watched closely how it was done, I stood up and tried it with balled up socks and did it!

You just really have to watch and figure out what's going on, videos of people teaching you how to do it never worked for me. It's pretty fun once you know how to do it ^^

lockpicking! you can start raking simple locks almost immediately to get a little confidence then you can try single pin picking on the same locks to get the concept down

i mean you're not gonna be slapping spool pins on day 1 but you can definitely pop simple locks with minimal practice/instruction and it can be a pretty useful skill lmao

Soldering. The materials are pretty inexpensive (you can pick up a cheap soldering iron from Harbor Freight for a few dollars and a little spool of solder is a couple bucks). You can choose from various electronics project kits from Fry's or online or whatever and the cost just depends on the complexity of the project you want to build. Then just watch an instructional video or two on YouTube and get started. I find it pretty relaxing and when you're done you'll have a nifty little robot or alarm or whatever you picked out to put together. When you see all the components come together and watch it work it's super satisfying. Plus then you'll have the skills to fix your computer or TV or whatever when it blows a capacitor instead of having to buy a new one. :D

making dreamcatchers. i've made them out of legit garbage before. old wire clothes hangers, scraps of fabric, bits of ribbon and string. it's crazy easy and it's so easy to be creative with it.