Welcome
There is a revolution brewing and if you are reading this chance is you are part of it rather you know it or not. The revolution or movement is The Rebirth of Crafts in its most sincere and creative form. From urban street art to homespun quilts and everything in between there is a ground swell of enormous creative energy. Crafts; taking raw materials and turning them into useful objects, art or both, is making its comeback with the help of some earnest pioneers and veterans. Are you one of them?
Green crafting and recycling are leading this surge in renewal. Every search on the internet yields another green product, blog, or website showing or selling recycled goods. Is this a fad or a new way of life? Look around. Organic foods are the fastest growing segment of the grocery market, networks are devoting their DIY shows to green living and building and almost every retailer is touting an organic line. The tipping point has been reached creating a cascade of ideas and a passion for protecting ourselves and the environment.
Local craft groups are meeting in homes, churches, coffee houses and bars to share the joy of crafting. These meets are not formal classes or shows at all but casual swaps, chats, and get togethers where sharing knowledge and a love for crafting pervade. Stitch and bitch, knitter confabs, clothes and supply swaps, art nights, card swaps, stamporamas, scrap marathons, alter toy workshops, and all sorts or variations are becoming highlight events in hundreds of thousands of peoples’ lives. Why? Making stuff is fun and even more fun when shared. (Future articles will talk more about this and how we can all participate in this delightful pastime.)
Have you been to Etsy.com? What a glorious place for those of us appreciating the handmade and creative talents. Some are making a good living making handmade goods, selling patterns, instructions and supplies. Most vendors are outside the mainstream, many work with recycled goods and few are classically trained. This just one more example of the ground level creative upwelling.
So, some of you are asking what is in it for me?
If you are a novice and want to learn skills, save some money and perhaps are committed to the environment then no time has been better for you to learn.
If you have experience, love the crafting life then look around and be amazed. There is a wealth of information, inspiration and products for you to explore.
If you are a professional crafter, lucky you. There has not been a time when your skills have been more appreciated.
If you are a retailer great for you! Can you encourage informal groups to meet at your store? Plug in a coffee pot and gather some interested parties on a regular basis to increase your sales and also educate the locals while they are having a good time.
If you are a publisher, great! You can help spread the word, educate and illuminate the skills needed for this movement.
If you are a manufacturer celebrate your product by highlighting any that are organic, non-toxic, or green.
Let me ask you. Do you create from recycled, items? Do you make stuff for fun? Do you love the whole creative process? Do you make organic or green products? Do you teach other crafting skills? Do you make gifts for friends and family? Do you see the connection between creating unique, personalized items and joy, love and sharing? If you answered yes then welcome to the revolution and thank you.
In the near future additional articles will highlight different areas of this revolution with links, references and suggestions. Viva la crafting!