Crafting is the art of making decorative things by hand. It is both the name of this type of activity and the action of engaging in it. Crafting is an enjoyable form of self-expression and one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The act of sitting down, or standing, and using your hands to lovingly create something unique is one that brings endless joy to children and adults around the world.
Crafting can be making friendship bracelets for your besties or knitting a blanket for your grandchildren. It can be knotting macramé string into decorative wall hangings or teasing clay into hand-built sculptures. However you use your hands to create, crafting activities bring pleasure and satisfaction to those who take part, no matter what your final designs look like!
The history of crafting
Humans have been using their hands to make things since prehistoric times when they required tools to manage day-to-day tasks. Historically, people used natural materials such as clay, wood and animal parts such as hides and bones to make practical items. Later on, people begun to use these natural materials to make decorative items as well as functional ones and remains have been uncovered of beads, and jewellery, pottery, weaving, clothing and weapons in addition to utensils and other household objects.
In medieval times, crafting evolved as societies developed and elaborate examples made include colourful glasswork, intricate metalwork, detailed tapestries, realistic sculptures and decorative stonework.
In recent times, despite the vast amounts of decorative homeware, jewellery and art we can buy, there still remains an interest in making things yourself as nothing beats the sense of achievement experienced when you’re able to create something beautiful yourself.
This is why crafting endures and will continue to do so into the future.
Types of crafting
We’ve touched upon some of the types of crafting you can do above but let’s take a closer look into some of our favourite art crafts.
Painting and drawing
Is it a craft – is it not? We think it is! Creating works of art with your hands, pencils, paints, charcoal on paper, canvas, wood is an excellent way to harness your inner artist and wile away an afternoon.
Needlework
Who knew there were so many types of needlework?! Using your hands, a needle and some sort of thread, yarn or fibre you can tease these strands into beautiful creations. Whether your passion is embroidery or crochet, knitting or patchwork, lacemaking or sewing, there are numerous needle-based craft activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Ceramics
Crafting with ceramics typically involves using different types of clay such as porcelain, earthenware or stoneware to either to hand build objects or using a wheel to ‘throw’ the clay into more uniform shapes such as plates or bowls. Crafting with clay is one of the oldest kinds of crafting in the world, with early humans using clay to build vessels for storing water, incense or food. Other types of crafts that use ceramics include making mosaics, sculpture or jewellery making.
Paper crafts
When most people think of crafting, they will inevitably picture crafts using paper. Paper crafts you can make yourself include decoupage, origami, calligraphy, papier-mâché, collages and scrapbooking. The nature of paper and card make them ideal for bending and folding, cutting, sticking, layering and moulding.
Wood crafts
Wood craft usually needs some specific tools and equipment to achieve the results desired. Wood is wonderfully tactile, malleable and most importantly, sustainable. Crafting with wood includes carpentry and upholstery, wood carving, wood turning on a lather, marquetry (using thin pieces of wood to create pictures), mosaic-making and sculpture.
Metal crafts
Using heat to mould metal into intricate and decorative designs is referred to as metalcraft. Types of metalcrafts include making jewellery out of metal such as silver, gold, platinum and copper, and casting, where you use moulds and pour in molten metal to create uniform shapes. Farriering and blacksmithing are also types of crafting with metal although their applications are usually more functional and specific than artistic.
Textile crafts
Like paper crafts and crafting with wood, teasing textiles into fun designs is relaxing, satisfying and conjures up wonderfully decorative pieces. Crafting with textiles includes the super popular art of macramé, decoratively knotting twine, as well as felting, knotting, rug-making, weaving and spinning.
Other mediums
There are more different types of crafting than we can possibly list here but the art of using your hands to pass the time whilst making beautiful decorations extends to floristry or flower arranging, leatherwork and printing too.
The benefits of crafting
Socialising – you can craft by yourself but there are more and more workshops available for people to come together to make and share. The social aspect of crafting is ancient. Coming together to share ideas, learn new skills and pass the time by using your hands is a great way of socialising and making new friends with similar interests
Making beautiful things – this might not be the reason you craft, but one of the perks of making things is coming away with unique pieces of art that you’ve made yourself.
Good for mental health – focussing on a particular task such as crafting something out of paper, fabric or ceramic is great for busy minds. Feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem and depression
melt away when you are working with your hands and intent on your task. This helps to take your mind off unhelpful thoughts, brings you together with other people and gives a feeling of satisfaction afterwards which all contribute to a better mental state.
Accessible for all – so long as you have the use of your hands, and occasionally an extra hand, crafting is an activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. You don’t have to be able to stand usually, have lots of money, be young or clever to be able to spend time crafting and this is one of the things we love about it. With the right activities, people old and young, able and less able, can enjoy the art of making crafts.
Crafting supplies
Your crafting supplies will usually be dictated by the kinds of crafts you enjoy making. There are standard items such as scissors and glue that feature in most people’s craft kits but more bespoke crafting supplies such as pliers or PPE might be needed for more involved crafting.
You can source your materials from local shops, online or by visiting your local scrapstore. We’re clearly biased but we love scouring for items that can be repurposed or discarded items that can be given a new lease of life with some love and attention. This is one of the principles that Rag Tag Arts was built on, turning old into new. Any items that can be salvaged from landfill mean we are rescuing other people’s rubbish to turn into our treasure.
Whether you buy your ingredients singly or as part of a craft kit, much of the enjoyment of crafting comes from sourcing materials, looking at colours, choosing the right materials and finding the best tools for the job.
Don’t overlook this vital part of crafting! Preparation and planning are lots of fun too, for many of us.
How to craft
How to craft different objects will require different materials and tools, but all crafting starts with an idea and some enthusiasm. You may have seen something online that someone you know made or spotted an object in a shop window and thought, I could make that! However your arts and crafts inspirations appear, this is a great place to start your making journey.
You don’t often need a purpose-built studio or a specialised workshop to get stuck into crafting either.
At home indoors
Your kitchen table is often a fabulous place to start crafting. Clear some space, pop a cover down if you plan on getting messy and make sure you have all the craft supplies you need and dive right in! Remember to ask the permission of the kitchen table owner first though…
Outside
Many a craft can be enjoyed outside in the great outdoors. Grab your macramé string and head into the garden or your local park or take your knitting to the pub and sit outside with a drink. This is another great element of crafting – you can craft pretty much anywhere.
With friends
Crafting with friends is a very enjoyable experience and a way to share inspiration. Join a local masterclass or craft workshop session and invite your besties along for a fun outing with a difference.
At a making space
Arts and crafts venues such as Rag Tag Arts have dedicated making spaces. Not all venues have their own scrapstores but you will find local arts venues throughout the country where like-minded people can come together to craft quietly, share ideas, have a cuppa and stock up on crafting goodies.
Your local scrapstore
A scrapstore is a place that collects things other people throw away and turn them into craft suppliers for local makers. Scrap supplies have a whole heap of benefits in that they reduce landfill waste, are usually cheaper than buying new and often feature things you can’t find elsewhere.
Many scrapstores will have a creative space for people to pop along and get stuck in and make a great place to find scrap materials for your crafting projects.
Find out more about what to expect from a scrapstore in our blog.
Rag Tag Arts was founded by a creative sister and brother duo who spent hours in their local scrapstore as kids, trawling for treasures to turn into works of art. Their passion for recycling, upcycling, repurposing and making has stayed with them as adults and inspired them to bring their love of art, crafting and community to Kendal near the Lake District.
Our scrapstore is essentially a treasure trove of goodies that can be used to create all sorts of things, from works of art to science projects, costumes and scenery, clothes and toys. Whatever you want to make, a visit to your local scrapstore will undoubtably provide plenty of inspiration and materials to help make your ideas a reality.
Rag Tag is proud to offer a play space, scrapstore, crafty café and hosts a wealth of workshops, making us a one-stop shop for all your crafting needs!