Arts and crafts comprise a whole host of activities and hobbies that are related to making things with one's own hands and skill. These can be sub-divided into handicrafts or "traditional crafts" (doing things the old way) and the rest. Some crafts have been practised for centuries, while others are modern inventions, or popularisations of crafts which were originally practiced in a very small geographic area.
The specific name Arts and Crafts movement was also given to a design movement of the late 19th and early 20th century, whose proponents included William Morris and Edwin Lutyens. They believed that medieval craftsmen achieved a joy in the excellence of their work, which they strove to emulate.
These activities are called crafts because originally many of them were professions. Adolescents were apprenticed to a master-craftsman, and they refined their skills over a period of years. By the time their training was complete, they were well-equipped to set up in trade for themselves, earning their living with the skill of their hands. The Industrial Revolution and the increasing mechanisation of production processes gradually reduced or eliminated many of the roles professional craftspeople played, and today 'crafts' are most commonly seen as a form of hobby.
Most crafts require a combination of skill and talent, but they can also be learned on a more basic level by virtually anyone. Many Community centres and schools run evening or day classes and workshops offering to teach basic craft skills in a short period of time. Many of these crafts become extremely popular for brief periods of time (a few months, or a few years), spreading rapidly among the crafting population as everyone emulates the first examples.
The term craft also refers to the products of artistic production or creation that require a high degree of tacit knowledge, are highly technical, require specialized equipment and/or facilities to produce, involve manual labor or a blue-collar work ethic, are accessible to the general public and are constructed from materials with histories that exceed the boundaries of western art history, such as ceramics, glass, textiles, metal and wood. These products are produced within a specific community of practice and while they differ from the products produced within the communities of art and design, the boundaries of such often overlap resulting in hybrid objects. Additionally, as the interpretation and validation of art is frequently a matter of context, an audience may perceive crafted objects as art objects when these objects are viewed within an art context, such as in a museum or in a position of prominence in one's home.
Artisans and Craftpersons are part of the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code of 31-33, Manufacturing. The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Establishments in the Manufacturing sector are often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker's home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold, are also included in this sector. The actual six digit code assigned is based on the end product that is produced.
There are a variety of ways people make money from arts and crafts. The field of arts and crafts includes many types of businesses. The best way to learn more about the viabiiity of operating a particular business model is to participate in associations and workshops, subscribe to magazines that are related to your interests, and read books that give more in-depth information about the business.
Introduction | Types of Arts/Crafts | Books and Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
There are almost as many variations on the theme of "arts and crafts" as there are crafters with time on their hands, but they can be broken down into a number of categories:
Crafts involving textiles
- Banner-making
- Canvas work
- Cross-stitch
- Crocheting
- Embroidery
- Knitting
- Lace-making
- Lucet
- Macrame
- Needlepoint
- Patchwork
- Quilting
- Rug Making
- Sewing
- Spinning
- Tapestry
- Weaving
Crafts involving wood, metal or clay
- Metalworking
- Jewelry
- Pottery
- Sculpture
- Woodworking
- Cabinet making
- Chip carving
- Marquetry
- Wood burning
Crafts involving paper or canvas
- Bookbinding
- Calligraphy
- Cardmaking
- Collage
- Decoupage
- Marbling
- Origami
- Papier-mâché
- Pergamano - parchment craft
- Quilling
- Scrapbooking
- Stamping
Crafts involving plants
- Basket weaving
- Corn dolly making
- Pressed flower craft
- Straw Marquetry
Other crafts
- Balloon animal
- Beadwork
- Doll making
- Dollhouse construction and furnishing
- Egg decorating
- Etching
- Lapidary
- Mosaics
- Pioneering
- Stained glass
- Toy making
Introduction | Types of Arts/Crafts | Books and Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
American Craft Council
A national, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting understanding and
appreciation of contemporary American craft.
American Needlepoint Guild
An educational, non-profit organization whose purpose is educational and cultural development
through participation in and encouragement of interest in the art of needlepoint.
American Sewing Guild
A national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to people who believe sewing is a rewarding
and creative activity. Members enjoy the benefit of discounts for sewing-related materials and
tools, Notions Magazine, the ASG conference which members attend for a discounted price,
the latest news from the sewing industry, a national membership which allows our members to
attend any ASG meeting anywhere and the special camaraderie that comes with sharing with other
sewers.
Associations, Guilds, and
Societies
Extensive lists of online and offline associations that support various facets of the arts and
crafts industry.
Basketry Business
Business and marketing information including informative articles on business related aspects
of crafting along with links to the products and supplies needed in displaying and marketing
your basketry.
Craft Organization Development Association
Works to strengthen craft organizations and to do research, public education and advocacy.
Craft Retailers Association of Tomorrow
Promotes awareness of American made craft through marketing, networking, education and
communications programs. The Association serves as the voice of the industry through organized
legislative efforts, participation in standard setting organizations and distribution of
industry information.
The Crafts Report
The Crafts Report is the premier business magazine for the crafts professional. Published
monthly, TCR provides information on: marketing, growing your craft business, time management,
studio safety, retail relationships, artist/retailer profiles, industry news and more.
The Crochet Guild of America
A not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of
crochet. The main purpose of the Crochet Guild of America is to educate the public about
crochet, provide education and networking opportunities, and set a national standard for the
quality, art and skill of crochet through creative endeavors.
The Embroiders' Guild of America
Fosters the art of needlework and associated arts.
Handweavers Guild of America
Brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basketmakers, fiber artists and educators. HGA
provides educational programs, conferences, and an award-winning quarterly publication,
Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, to its members as it seeks to increase awareness of and
appreciation for the fiber arts.
The Home Sewing Assocation
Brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basketmakers, fiber artists and educators. HGA
provides educational programs, conferences, and an award-winning quarterly publication,
Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, to its members as it seeks to increase awareness of and
appreciation for the fiber arts.
Hobby Industry Association
Serves the interests of over 4,000 member companies engaged in the manufacturing and
merchandising of craft and hobby products. Their annual trade show is one of the largest in the
world.
National Academy of Needlearts
An organization devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form.
National Art Materials Trade Association
An international organization whose members are engaged in the art and creative materials
industry. Its purpose is to provide its members with forums to exchange information, resources
to enhance their effectiveness and opportunities for growth.
National Association of Independent Artists
The NAIA serves as an advocate for artists. It has become the artists' collective and most
effective voice as it continues to grow and gain recognition. Artist membership is open to
artists who design and produce their own work and derive a significant portion of their income
from the sale of their art.
National Craft Association
An information and resource center for the professional arts & crafts Industry.
The National NeedleArts Association
An international trade organization representing companies specializing in needlearts products
and supplies. TNNA's membership is comprised of businesses that create and market handpainted
needlepoint canvases, hand-dyed and specialty crochet and knitting yarns, embroidery,
needlepoint and cross-stitch, kits, embellishments, furniture, notions, gifts, books,
publications, accessories, tools and more.
The Shaw Guide to Art and Craft Workshops
Detailed descriptions of hundreds of art and craft conferences, seminars and workshops
worldwide. Searchable by state, country, specialty, keyword. Includes calendar of upcoming
programs.
National Textile Association
Industry association for American textiles.
The Textile Society of America
International forum for the exchange and dissemination of information about textiles worldwide,
from artistic, cultural, economic, historic, political, social, and technical perspectives.
TextileWeb
Provides reliable, up-to-date information to encourage business activity among buyers and
sellers in the global textile marketplace.
Introduction | Types of Arts/Crafts | Books and Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
