Make do and mend? Bah humbug. “Make something special” has a far more festive ring.
Unsurprisingly, the fever for all things home-made, which had even the unlikeliest domestic goddesses making bunting this year, is rolling merrily on. This period always brings out the creative spirit, but in 2011, haberdasheries are the new grottoes, and craft workshops are positively bursting at the seams.
Tellingly, the V&A museum’s Power of Making exhibition has drawn in 18,500 visitors each week since opening this autumn. The show, in conjunction with the Craft Council, highlights the work of craftsmen from ceramicists to tailors, basket-weavers to glass-blowers, and it is stoking our already burning curiosity.
“The word we keep hearing is 'energised’; people are leaving on a high after seeing these examples of traditional skills and innovation,” says Daniel Charny, the exhibition’s curator. “One of the most popular features is the 'tinker space’, where visitors can play with crafts, from engraving to embroidery. It’s prompting people with no experience to go off and try their own projects, which is fantastic.”
So why is the making revival still gaining momentum?
“While it is partly austerity, it is also part of a bigger cultural shift,” says Daniel. “For years, so many of the products we buy have been manufactured overseas, so most of us have no idea how they’re made, and have lost touch with the making instinct. Now there’s a sense that people want to reclaim their independence from big brands. It’s a sort of moral rebellion. If you make something yourself, you take control, and the result is more personal and engaging.”
The sense of community that came with traditional crafts is also being rebuilt, in a modern way.
“Ten years ago, digital culture was pulling us away from making things, and people associated craft with going backwards. Now, the internet’s growth has had a reverse effect: you can pick up skills so fast from YouTube, it has enabled learning from others. Instead of knitting circles, we have social networks.”
Whether making from scratch, or creating a special gift from everyday objects, there’s no doubt, the satisfaction is immense.
“It’s a better way of giving,” says Daniel. “Thoughtfulness and imagination add value in a way that money can’t. Everyone can have a go, and the act of making enriches your life and theirs.” Power of Making’ is at the V&A until January 2 2012. It is open daily (free), 10am-5.45pm (10pm on Fridays); www.vam.ac.uk
PRE-CHRISTMAS CRAFT COURSES
West Dean College near Chichester, West Sussex, has a wide range of creative short courses.
November Appliqué bags, silver brooch, ragwork corsage, braided jewellery or try enamelling, stone carving, ceramics, bookbinding.
December Silversmithing, pottery, stitched brooches, basketry, mosaic, jewellery making, basic blacksmithing, crochet, beading, stained glass, woodturning and carving. Gift vouchers are also available (01243 818314; www.westdean.org.uk )
The Make Lounge, Islington, London
Courses include patchwork, soap-making, embroidery, quilting, crocheted accessories, knitting, bespoke lampshades, fascinator-making, screen-printing, (from £30, 020 7609 0275; themakelounge.com)
For details of courses, craft-makers, shops and fairs near you, see craftscouncil.org.uk
“While it is partly austerity, it is also part of a bigger cultural shift,” says Daniel. “For years, so many of the products we buy have been manufactured overseas, so most of us have no idea how they’re made, and have lost touch with the making instinct. Now there’s a sense that people want to reclaim their independence from big brands. It’s a sort of moral rebellion. If you make something yourself, you take control, and the result is more personal and engaging.”
The sense of community that came with traditional crafts is also being rebuilt, in a modern way.
“Ten years ago, digital culture was pulling us away from making things, and people associated craft with going backwards. Now, the internet’s growth has had a reverse effect: you can pick up skills so fast from YouTube, it has enabled learning from others. Instead of knitting circles, we have social networks.”
Whether making from scratch, or creating a special gift from everyday objects, there’s no doubt, the satisfaction is immense.
“It’s a better way of giving,” says Daniel. “Thoughtfulness and imagination add value in a way that money can’t. Everyone can have a go, and the act of making enriches your life and theirs.” Power of Making’ is at the V&A until January 2 2012. It is open daily (free), 10am-5.45pm (10pm on Fridays); www.vam.ac.uk
PRE-CHRISTMAS CRAFT COURSES
West Dean College near Chichester, West Sussex, has a wide range of creative short courses.
November Appliqué bags, silver brooch, ragwork corsage, braided jewellery or try enamelling, stone carving, ceramics, bookbinding.
December Silversmithing, pottery, stitched brooches, basketry, mosaic, jewellery making, basic blacksmithing, crochet, beading, stained glass, woodturning and carving. Gift vouchers are also available (01243 818314; www.westdean.org.uk )
The Make Lounge, Islington, London
Courses include patchwork, soap-making, embroidery, quilting, crocheted accessories, knitting, bespoke lampshades, fascinator-making, screen-printing, (from £30, 020 7609 0275; themakelounge.com)
For details of courses, craft-makers, shops and fairs near you, see craftscouncil.org.uk
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