Sampling my pottery – a new hobby. Picture in background is one of my acrylic paintings: Seeing Infinity / 30 in. x 24 in. / $ 549.00
Keep those Fingers Busy
A crafty way to stay out of trouble
When I was a child my grandmother and mother used to teach what I considered to be the womanly arts. I was introduced to a sewing machine at the age of eleven and made a white pinafore. I was certainly proud of my creation and wore it everywhere I went. Today I remember everything about the process, from laying out a pattern, to cutting, pinning and sewing. My mother helped me every step of the way.
Grandma was a knitter, with needles that went click, click, click as they speedily moved. She never had to look down at her work to see if she was doing it correctly. Grandma used to take me to the neighborhood yarn shop where a small group of women sat gossiping around a big table while sweaters, scarves and afghans rolled down their laps. I was often asked to spread yarn between outstretched hands while she turned it into a ball. In time, grandma taught me to knit, and I made simple items like mittens, hats and scarves but I could never duplicate her speed or complexity. She died over 40 years ago yet I still use one of her beautiful handmade blankets.
Needlecraft and crocheting were also part of my education. A few days ago, when cleaning a closet, I discovered a towel embellished with flowers that I embroidered as a child. I also found a lacy doily, though to my disappointment it was torn and had to be discarded.
Sewing and knitting were not the only crafts I learned. In sixth grade it was customary for my friends to exchange Christmas gifts. I identified 10 girls and my teacher as needing presents . . . a major expense for me at that age. So, following mother’s suggestion and assistance, I made autograph books with wooden covers. In the process I learned to use a jig saw, to sand until my arm hurt, and to varnish wood to a deep luster. My wood burning set was put to good use to engrave each recipient’s name. A stack of paper was sandwiched between the front and back covers held together by a threaded red ribbon. My gifts were greatly admired by my friends, making me realize that creative entrepreneurship is a valued commodity.
Why am I telling you this? I don’t knit, sew, crochet, do needlepoint or woodworking today. I do paint, tried weaving once, and take pottery classes. I have become appreciative of the time it takes to develop into a master artist and have great admiration for quality craftsmanship. Best of all I cherish the connection between my grandmother, mother and myself. They demonstrated me how to enjoy creative activities so I would never be bored.
In addition to art appreciation, craft projects introduced me to problem solving. I had to decide what to make, it’s design, color and size. Budgeting, selection of materials, arranging a storage area and developing a time line were part of the process. I employed math skills for measuring and estimating, and considered consequences such as, “who pays if I start a project and don’t finish?” Craft activities promoted patience and concentration and they improved my small motor skills.
Children I have recently observed are given limited exposure to arts and crafts in school and home. It is too bad, for developing patience and concentration are skills that carry over to school and work. The thrill of completing a project is a great motivator for future endeavors. The warmth of being mentored by a supportive parent, grandparent or craft instructor develops security and feelings of love.
Is craft time, play time? Not really, yet crafts are a form of entertainment, though, as in the case of pottery, they can have very practical purposes. Some crafts have purely decorative uses that, when done well, can bring beauty into your home.
Getting involved in a craft is certainly worth a try. If you are already hooked why not explore something new. Challenges are good for brain health. Whatever craft you choose it is bound to be captivating. Happy crafting to you and yours.
Do comment below or contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com.
Ray Losey practicing his craft. Totem Pole is
6 feet tall, 6” at wing span / Price $ 1900 / Early bird price before completion – one week only thru January 17th. . . $1650
Animals on totem are eagle, beaver, whale, wolf, frog and owl.
Art work is always for sale. Contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com.
Please share your craft stories on my blog page below.
