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Arts and Crafts
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Arts and crafts comprise a whole host of activities and hobbies that are related to making things with one's own hands and skill. These can be sub-divided into handicrafts or "traditional crafts" and the rest. Some crafts have been practised for centuries, while others are modern inventions, or popularisations of crafts which were originally practiced in a very small geographic area.
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Today is a new movement, present even among the very educated, wealthy, and politically progressive. Betsy Greer coined the term craftivism, a call to shrug off the plague of mass produced goods available, in turn for an appreciation of all things unique and handmade.
Why Craft?
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If you want to depart from the traditional completely, toss the old glass balls and start from scratch. Look around the house for something unique to make a themed tree.
Give Your Christmas Tree A Makeover
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Diana discovered the joy of pottery after suffering a terrible divorce. Taking a seat at the wheel with a lump of clay, she felt an immediate release. Her mind cleared and her heart rate slowed down. She was able to relax in a way she hadn’t for weeks. Better than therapy—and medication! she happily reported to her doctor after her first day at a community education class, where she went on to make friends with fellow potters, further enriching her life.
For Kris it was counted cross-stitch. The repetitive motion of the needle passing up and down through crisp cloth put her in a near-meditative state, the way yoga does for some. In this state Kris was able to work out solutions to her daily challenges. It was like the ideas dropped into my mind out of the sky, she told a close friend.
Shawn found furniture restoration to be wonderfully soothing after a stressful day at the office. The raw scent of wood loosened him up, and he was surprised how satisfying it was to sit down at a table he had restored himself.
Such is the world of DIY. Discovering the right craft for your personality and temperament can be a reward that transforms your life.
Which Craft is Right for You?
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Although there are somethings we wish could last forever or a moment we wish would never end, ultimately they do. The memory of the special event, however, can be preserved for us to recall and enjoy for a long time to come. Drying flowers is a simple and inexpensive way to preserve these cherished moments. There are multiple ways to use your flowers and preserve them for crafts and decorations. Whether they were a gift, or from a special day they can be made into something to enjoy long after that time has passed.
Drying Flowers for Crafts
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There are many unique ways to use photographs in crafts that allow for personality, expression and interests to be displayed not only in the home or office, but any where you go. Use these ideas to expand your own use of photographs in crafting and gift ideas. A person remembers so much through photographs, having them displayed in various ways allows for individuals to share their friends, family and events easily and keeps those special moments fresh in their minds.
Photos in Crafts
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Brushes are the most important painter's tools. Buying brushes is not just a random decision, but one that should be made carefully.
Selection of brushes is personal and is based upon needs and level of investment desired. Because a brush will only last as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning and storage of brushes is probably even more important than the decision of what brush to buy. Because no matter how wonderful a brush is, if it is abused it will quickly be discarded.
Paint Brushes are an Investment
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Have you ever noticed how clutter, mess, and disorganization effects the way you feel? Having too much stuff, or stuff without order, creates an unsettled atmosphere. Very few can shut out the chaos around them without being affected by it. Seeing things that need to be done while trying to work keeps your mind from being able to focus on the task at hand. Organizing your crafting space will make your creative work more pleasant, effective, and time efficient.
Where do you start?
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Christmas is about family. Here is a collection of five crafts that you can make as a family to teach the true meaning and symbols of Christmas. Children will learn to identify Christmas using their five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Pick and choose the activities you think your family will best enjoy, and spread them throughout the season. Start new traditions. Most importantly, use the activities to talk as a family.
Sensory Christmas Crafts
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I first heard this idea at a teacher’s convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my elementary classes for years. The activity was so enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The result is incredible—transforming hallways, windows, and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the snowflakes with my elementary students I always read the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacquelyn Briggs Martin, about the first man to successfully photograph snowflakes. The story is engaging, and it also teaches facts that you can use to make prettier, more accurate snowflakes.
How to Make Q-Tip Snowflakes
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Dying your own yarn is not difficult and can be fun! There are a lot of methods for dying, but the one I like best uses unsweetened drink mixes, such as Kool-Aid or Flavor-Aid and a microwave. You must use 100% wool yarn (or another protein fiber) for the color to take. I’ve used Fisherman’s Wool with good results. To prepare the wool, make bundles of about two ounces each, tied with a short string. (I use yarn to tie my bundles, and then keep the ties on index cards with details on the yarn and amounts of mix I used for future reference. I experiment a lot!)
How to Dye Yarn
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Crafts
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Craft Kits
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Other Crafts
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Craft Tools
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Children's Crafts
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Books / Videos
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