20 Must-Know Facts about Different Arts & Crafts
Have you ever wanted to expand your knowledge of arts and crafts? Here are 20 amazing facts about art and craft that you can add to your repertoire. From classic techniques to modern innovations, there’s something for everyone in this guide!
Capiz Shells are popularly used to create natural home décor pieces, like lamps and wind chimes.
Capiz shells—a type of mollusk shell found in the shallow waters of the Philippines—are popularly used to create unique home décor pieces. From lamps and hanging wind chimes to jewelry and wall clocks, these shells can be crafted into a variety of items. Plus, since they’re all-natural items, they add a touch of beauty to any room while also supporting eco-friendly practices.
Crafting with capiz shells is an activity that many experienced shell crafters enjoy. It requires an artistic eye along with patience and attention to detail. When shimmery capiz shells are combined with other materials, like wire or natural fibers, they create beautiful and intricate designs. Many people even use them as part of their jewelry-making projects. If you’re interested in learning how to craft unique home décor pieces out of these shells, turning to online tutorials can be a great way to start!
About 60 million Americans have tried knitting or crochet at least once in their lifetime according to a survey by Lion Brand Yarns.
Knitting and crocheting have gone through a resurgence in recent years with an estimated 60 million Americans having tried these crafts at least once in their life. The same survey found that over 9 million crafters said they practice more than once a week – proving that this activity can be an easy way to stay connected with friends, bond with family, and keep yourself occupied during the long winter nights!
Though both of these activities may seem intimidating at first, with a little practice and some patience, anyone can become an expert in either craft. With the availability of online resources and YouTube tutorials, learning the basics of knitting or crocheting is easier than ever before. Plus, there’s no greater sense of accomplishment than when you finish your own handmade scarf or blanket! So grab some yarn and some needles, and give knitting or crocheting a try – it just might be the perfect winter activity for you!
Macramé is an ancient craft of tying knot patterns with string, originally through nautical uses like ship rigging and fondly known for its hippy vibe decor items like dream catchers.
Macramé was popularized in the 70s, when hippies and bohemians embraced the craft as creative expression. The term comes from a Middle Eastern word meaning fringed fabric; it’s playful and free-form designs involve looping patterns and intricate knotwork that is both beautiful to look at and surprisingly easy to learn. Whether you choose to make small pieces for yourself, or larger ones for interior decorating, macramé is sure to bring joy and satisfaction!
Commands for making a single knot, double knot, or twists such as square knots make up the basics of macramé. From there, different patterns and sizes of knots creates an array of conventional shapes and arrangements. Commonly used in wall hangings, flower pots, plant hangers, dreamcatchers and jewelry like necklaces or bracelets, it’s a great way to express yourself and show off your creative spirit. Even more challenging techniques such as tassels can be easily learnt with patience and practice whilst also gaining knowledge on crochet or even weaving! In short, macramé is an enjoyable craft that has unlimited potential!
The technique of weaving fabric has been around since 3200 BC – ancient cloth was found in Mesopotamia woven from linen, mohair, and wool!
Weaving is an act of artistry that has been around for centuries. Starting in 3200 BC, cloth was being woven on upright looms in places like Mesopotamia, Russia, and Ukraine to make garments, blankets, and bedding. Cloth was crafted from a variety of materials including linen, mohair, and wool. The complexity and importance of weaving fabrics meant it had an important place in families and cultures. Nowadays, many people participate in classes or home activities to master the technique of weaving – from making table runners and placemats to wearable pieces of clothing!
There are a variety of techniques used to weave fabrics, each one with its own name and myriad methods. The most basic is plain weave which is used in things like canvas, poplin, and gingham. Twill weaving is used for denim, dishtowels, and clothing with alternating textures and patterns. And woven tapestry uses multiple strands of thread to create complex images or patterns on the fabric surface. Whatever yarns become part of a weaving project – from cotton to wool and everything in-between – the laborious technique pays off when artists can create art pieces that are useful and beautiful.
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding which emerged in the 17th century CE; the word “origami” combines two Japanese words – ‘ori’ (to fold) and ‘kami’ (paper).
Early evidence of origami can be traced all the way back to 600 BCE, when historical sources describe priests folding paper for ceremonial purposes. Later in the 17th century, origami was widely popular among the affluent and high class of Japan. During the Meiji period, paper folding began to turn into a modern craft practiced by ordinary people who folded various figures such as fish and cranes. Today, origami is all around us – from formalized techniques used in engineering fields to abstract art forms – all thanks to centuries of creative minds at work!
Origami is an incredibly versatile art form and has branched out into a number of specialized areas such as modular origami, which involves the interlocking of multiple pieces to form sculptures, and wet-folding, a method that requires dampened paper to maintain shape. Potentially the most accessible part of origami is “pureland” origami, which uses only basic folding techniques in order to create beautifully folded figures with complex patterns. Pureland papers are even sold pre-printed with geometric designs that can be folded with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to folding or a seasoned veteran looking for a challenge, origami has something for everyone. Why not pick up a few sheets of paper and see what unfold!
Original link: Varient