“Arts & Crafts” covers a huge category of activities related to making things yourself.
Many just enjoy these as a hobby, others have made a business out of them.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of crafts still popular in this modern age and links to sites where you can materials to start one for your own enjoyment.
CARD MAKING:
The art of making your own handmade greetings cards is a highly creative skill.
Many crafters with an interest in stamping and scrap booking have taken their skills and used them to begin a new craft and make their own cards.
Publishers saw a need and filled it with several monthly magazines in the US and the UK devoted to stamping, embossing and general card making ideas. These have proved increasingly popular.
It need not be costly to start, you don’t need loads of expensive equipment.
Basics you will need:
1) Decent pair of paper Scissors. (later on invest in a guillitine)
2) Glue
3) Card stock (start with a small box of different colord card but make sure it includes cream or white) and Envelopes.
4) One or two stamps. (something cute or flowers would be a good start)
5) One or two colored ink pads. (idealy gold, silver and black are good colors to start with)
6) Some Peel Off Stickers. (ie; ‘Thank You’ ‘Happy Anniversary’ ‘Get Well Soon’)
These will provide you with everything you need to get started.
Once you have begun, make a list of items you think might be useful such as glue dots, punches and embossing powders.
Don’t just rush out onto the high street to buy more items you can get them much cheaper on line such as at: Cards
SCRAP-BOOKING:
Historically, Scrap-Booking was a tradition similar to storytelling, but with a visual and tactile focus.
Scrap-books or albums are used to collect together personal information to keep as a record of families, holidays and outings.
Things like, photos, ticket stubs and certificates can be displayed on appropriately decorated pages as a permenant reminder of good times.
Similar teqnics for card making can be applied to a scrapbook and many crafters do both.
To get started as a scrap-booker take a look at: Scrap-books
To find out where it all started, have a look at: History
SOAP MAKING:
The process of making and selling soap is complex and involves many steps. But it’s worth it, handmade soap has character, it's completely different from commercial soap and it looks, feels and smells different. It's a luxury item whether for you or as fabulous gift with a personal touch. Many have made a profitable business out of creating beautiful soaps to sell.
Take a look at: Soap-Making for more information on soap making and how to get started in this age old tradition.
CANDLE MAKING:
Everyone loves candles, whether for decoration or for use around the home or in my case, around the bath for that little touch of luxury!
But they also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
Did you know?!
Anglo-Saxon king Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 899) used a candle-clock which burned for 4 hours. There were lines around the side to show the passing of each hour.
Later, 24-hour candles were invented based on the same concept.
For more fasinating information on the history of candles take a look at: Candle History
To find out how easy they are to make and get the equipment you need at a knock down price take a look at: Candles
JEWELLERY MAKING:
High quality items made with precious gemstones will always be marketable but there is an increasing interest and demand for one off pieces of hand crafted jewellery, where design and creativity are valued more then expensive gems or precious metals.
That being the case many are turning their creative skills to designing and making these unique items of jewellery, be that for their own use or to sell.
Have a look at: Jewellery to see how easy it is to get started.
