For most people, the term “arts and crafts” brings to mind images of summer camp experiments involving painted macaroni and glitter glue.
However, in the past 10 years there has been a huge movement towards a more creative and thrifty way of life. Crafting has become a hip form of self-expression again, after a huge decline in the ‘80s. There are countless blogs, websites and TV shows dedicated to DIY.
Writer, knitter and activist Betsy Greer coined the term “craftivism” to describe using crafting as a form of activism and as a way of voicing an opinion.
To me, craftivism means using your own creativity and your own hands to create something useful or beautiful, whenever possible. This could mean making a blanket to welcome a new baby, or re-covering an old piece of furniture instead of taking it to the dump.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts,” when it comes to giving gifts often in reference to a small, impromptu gesture. There is nothing thoughtful or personal about picking up a gift card at a convenience store on your way to a celebration. I like to think that it’s only the thought that counts, which is why I prefer to give homemade gifts.
The low cost of mass-production has made it easy for our generation to abandon the DIY attitude of the past. If we want something new, we go out and buy it. If something breaks, we don’t hesitate to throw it away and replace it with a newer model. Since most of us developed these habits at a young age, crafting has become more of a novelty than a necessity. We make things to feel accomplished or like we are part of a community, not because we have to.
With rapid changes in technology, it’s easy for the line between our needs and wants to become blurred. Crafting is a lesson in patience and helps in avoiding instant-gratification shopping. By slowing down and enjoying the process of creation, we learn to have a greater respect for time and more appreciation for the technology that makes our lives easier.
No matter what level of skill you have, the truth is that we are all capable of creativity, whether it’s something simple like homemade fridge magnets, or complicated like a custom wall covering.