- Craft had a different meaning and connotation hundreds, even thousands, of years ago. Consider that crafts used to mean the craft, or job, a person did. Crafters today are people who embroider, knit, scrapbook or work with clay, among others. Hundreds of years ago, this would have been a career and not something done as a hobby. Crafts were ways in which to earn a living; handing down the knowledge and experience to an apprentice was expected.
- There are many different types of crafts. Crafts can be useful, such as pottery, knitting or woodworking or decorative such as decoupage or glass blowing. Children who create items like hand puppets or glue together macaroni people are making crafts. Many people enjoy working on several different types of crafts. Those who sew may also crochet or cross-stitch while a blacksmith may enjoy leatherworking or jewelry making.
- Using tools of some sort and having a skill is common with a craft. Tools for knitters include knitting needles and yarn, and tools for someone who scrapbooks would be glue or tape. Needed for most crafts are hands-on skills. A woodworker must learn how to measure and cut wood correctly and a glass blower must learn how to heat up the glass without busting it.
- Crafts have a different function for different people. It may even hold several functions for the same person. Many people complete crafts as a way to be creative. Some may look at crafts as a hobby or an outlet to help them relax. Selling crafts, though, is why some create. Crafts are a full-time income for some people and they spend their time making high-quality products to sell online or at craft shows.
- Sometimes crafts are not considered art. Hundreds of years ago, there was a distinct difference between an art and a craft. At that time, created solely for an aesthetic purpose, art had no practical value while items such as swords and vases were made to be used. This perception no longer holds true as the line between a crafter and an artist is blurred. Artists now create practical art and many crafts are meant only for decor.
Comments
Amewzing said
on 12/16/2008 I like the picture you used to complement your article. Some folks are pretentious about art, as though a craft isn't art because it doesn't "say" anything or make you "feel" something. If it makes someone happy, that says a lot! :)