Blog Corner: THE NEW AGE OF CRAFTING? ARE YOU PART OF IT?
CRAFTING, what does it conjure up for you?
Dreary knitted socks or crochet tea pot holders?
Not any more, as crafting is chartering new territory, and becoming a place of revamped creativity and artistry!
A definition of a CRAFT is an activity involving skill in making things by hand.
I knew there was a craft revival going on, but I hadn`t realized just how popular it has has become!
CRAFTING GIFTS:
In a previous blog, I have looked at AUTUMN CRAFTS which could be used right now or be given as Xmas Gifts!
Autumn door wreaths, candle decorations, edible treats in the form of jams, jellies and chutneys are some of the favourites.
XMAS GIFTS:
Not only are they very personal gifts, but the presentation in itself can be a creative and artistic one.
It is amazing and encouraging that the tide relating to crafts and hobbies is turning.
Society has become so busy with everyone not taking time out to relax, that traditional crafts were becoming lost.
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS:
Knitting, which was once a staple in most households, and usually a necessity, had rather fallen by the wayside.
Garments were knitted as opposed to being bought, and completion of a project was quite time consuming.
There was a chain involved, starting with the fleece from a sheep, which went through a lengthy process, (also a homespun craft), before being turned into wool with all its positive properties of being warm, organic and partially waterproof.
Certain areas had developed particular distinctive styles and patterns of knitting, such as the Shetland patterns from the very northern islands, to the Cornish styles in the south of England. Welsh and Irish distinctive patterns were also created.
KNITTING:
However, as these garments took time to create, and bit by bit the woollen industry was becoming more automated, time spent knitting declined.
Wool substitutes in the form of man made fibres, became the norm.
Items could be made quickly and easily in factories and started to fit in with busy lifestyles.
Fashions changed, and as houses became warmer, the need for essential woollen garments fell out of favour.
Sewing, embroidery and other threaded crafts, almost disappeared too, although they were also an important part of home decor and functionality.
CHILDRENS` DRESSES:
Not only was sewing seen as a necessity for general garment repair work, but new clothes were also created, especially for children.
Lots of other crafts such as crochet and quilting were also part of a domestic life which existed before TV, devices and busy time schedules.
Part of creating anything are the processes involved.
There is the setting out of the project, the gathering of materials, the skill required, and probably following a particular pattern.
RELAXING POTTERY:
Once started, the progress though slow, will be relaxing, which is a significant part of these hobbies.
Stress and anxiety melt away as the project progresses and takes shape.
Crafting is enjoying a renaissance, partly because of the decor appeal, but it is more than that.
It is a need to create and use our cognitive and dexterous functions together, by working out the various stages of the craft.
SOMETHING IS MISSING:
Life today is bound up with technology and the resulting automation.
Although perhaps working less physically, the body still requires to be used.
It is an amazing machine with so many powerful but delicately balanced parts.
It is going through a period of transition, for although life in many ways is easier, there are threats to it which cause anxiety, and negative outcomes.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS:
Unfortunately we have become rather reliant on a variety of chemicals to regulate our lives.
We use chemicals constantly in the home, for domestic purposes, assuming they are keeping everything clean and sanitized.
We add them to food to enhance flavours, and the food we buy looks better, and lasts longer with the addition of preservatives.
Fantastic medical advances have been made, but they generally involve medication in the form of chemicals, and if we feel unwell ourselves, we generally reach for a pill or two.
It stands to reason that such a close relationship with chemicals cannot be good for the body.
MEDICATION:
We have become healthier in one respect, but have created a rather toxic environment on the other.
We seem to have mental health issues and immune disorders which could possibly be linked to our lifestyles.
There is evidence to suggest that having a creative hobby, can reduce some of the mental health issues, such as anxiety and stress, which are being experienced by many thousands of people.
The body slows down, and concentrates on creating something which involves using hands, focus, artistic input and a sense of achievement.
CARVINGS:
Many of the traditional crafts have been altered slightly to align with modern day life.
Equipment and raw materials may have changed, and new twists have been introduced which often enhance the finished article.
LEAVING SOME HISTORY:
It is important that we leave something tangible to symbolize our culture for future generations.
Looking around the world, there are some amazing examples of artistic craftmanship which shine a light on what life was like many centuries ago, so it is vital that our society is able to do likewise.
WEAVING FOR HISTORY:
There are no shortage of places to find out more about crafts. and hobbies.
PINTEREST is awash with fantastic ideas with lots of images showing how finished items can look.
YOUTUBE is also a useful source, and not forgetting GOOGLE!
What ever your interest, there will be information available in either book or digital form, so there has never been a better time to start creating!
You will be filling a creative gap that you hadn`t realized you had, as well as taking time to slow down and benefit your mental health.
A SMALL COMMISSION MAY BE PAID TO ME IF AN AFFILLIATION LINK IS USED.
THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER
PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE IF YOU FOUND THE CONTENT USEFUL.
