Crafts are the output of a wide variety of home arts. Sewing, beading, making jewelry, plastic canvas, cross-stitch, knitting, crocheting, basket weaving, [scrapbooking]], and card making are all examples of crafts. Crafts can be simple projects created by kids or can be complex projects that can often be considered artwork.
Making crafts is an enjoyable hobby, but some crafters turn it into an extra income. Making crafts for holidays, birthdays or other special occasions is always a great way to share a bit of oneself and makes the gift have more meaning. Crafting is a way of getting back to the basics, saving money and creating things the way you want them to be. Crafts are a fun activity that can be relaxing and there truly is a craft for everyone.
Types of Crafts
There are many categories of crafts and crafting activities. Some of the largest categories include:
- Sewing - Sewing can include dressmaking, quilting, upholstery, and creation of household items such as curtains and pillows.
- Needle crafts - Needle crafts include knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, tatting and felting
- Paper crafts - As the name implies, paper crafters use paper as their main medium. Paper crafts include scrapbooking, card making, decoupage, paper altering, and origami.
- Jewelry making - Jewelry crafts can include beading, metal working, and wood working
Featured Video Make a Candy Wreath
In this video from expert village, a woman shows how to create a Valentine’s Day heart wreath with those conversation hearts. She will walk you thru the process of creating the pretzel base and layering on the conversation hearts. The final touch is adding a pink ribbon. Instead of using Elmer’s glue, crafters can use royal icing as glue and this way the craft is editable.
Sources for Craft Materials
Many retail outlets cater specifically to customers interested in crafts. Some of the major brick and mortar retailers include:
Many big box retailers such as Walmart and Target have a selection of craft materials, but the selections can be limited. Some of the major craft retailers allow customers to buy craft materials online as well.http://www.acmoore.com/c-11-cardstock-papers.aspx
References
Fast Facts
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Types
Crafts can encompass textile arts (sewing), needle arts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint), paper crafts (scrapbooking, card making), and much more.
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Skills
Many crafts require no skills at all, others require an eye for detail and hand-eye coordination. Design skills and composition are also helpful.
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Hobby as a business
Many crafters turn their hobbies into a business by selling their wares at craft fairs and online.
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Holidays
Many people focus on crafting for the holidays, such as Christmas cards, Halloween decorations, Valentines, and Thanksgiving table decorations.
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Materials
The crafting industry is huge, and many retails stores cater to the crafting industry.
