A Crafting Solution

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“Again we know that the human hand is a wonderful and exquisite instrument to be used in a hundred movements exacting delicacy, direction and force; every such movement is a cause of joy as it leads to the pleasure of execution and the triumph of success. We begin to understand this and make some efforts to train the young in the deft handling of tools and the practice of handicrafts. Some day perhaps, we shall see apprenticeship to trades revived and good and beautiful work enforced. In so far, we are laying ourselves out to secure that each shall “live his life”; and that, not at his neighbor’s expense; because, so wonderful is the economy of the world that when a man really lives his life he benefits his neighbor as well as himself; we all thrive in the well being of each.”

~Charlotte Mason, 1842-1923

Recently I posted about a crafting dilemma I was having. I have one side of me that really wants to create, and really wants to teach my children to create. But there is another side of me that sees the things we create as a waste of time, space, and resources because they are not useful. After a few comments I discovered that I am not alone, heard about another crafter’s dilemma, and got some ideas for mixing things up a bit, but nobody guessed what my solution is.

I promised to share my own solution, and here it is: Handicrafts. OK, so it doesn’t sound like much of a solution, but hear me out. Most of what I was trying to do would be considered arts & crafts. Handicrafts is not the same thing as arts and crafts.

Arts and crafts include things like bean collages and paper mats. They have their place for encouraging fine motor skills and occupying the hands, but the finished products rarely serve a useful purpose.

Handicrafts are life skills that are taught slowly and carefully. Usually it is the learning of the skill itself that is important, rather than the finished product.

The story of how I came across Charlotte Mason (quoted above) and the idea of changing arts and crafts time to handicrafts is a long one, so I will leave that out. The discovery of the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy did make me reconsider how I thought of craft time though, and now I’m excited to have craft time with my girls because we’ll (hopefully) be accomplishing something more than just making a mess. I envision handicrafts as an integral part of my children’s home education, and I hope to share some of what we learn and discover along the way with you.

To start off, here is a list of things that would be considered handicrafts. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.

• macrame
• knitting
• crochet
• rug hooking
• embroidery
• plastic canvas needlework
• cross stitch
• felt projects
• clay sculpting
• beadwork
• carving-soap or wood
• quilting/patchwork
• weaving- paper, yarn etc.
• braiding/knotting floss e.g. friendship bracelets
• lanyards
• wax modeling
• woodworking
• basket weaving
• paper cutting
• doll making
• spool knitting
• applique
• smocking
• tatting
• needlepoint
• wire sculpting

We are starting with a couple of things on this list. I am teaching myself how to knit, and my 5 year-old daughter and husband have started learning about woodworking by attending clinics at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Chances are, you will be seeing some of our projects and get instructions on how to do them yourself as we explore a little more.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am still all about the arts & crafts. I love a good mess of paper scraps, spilled glitter, and sticky spots of glue once in a while. I’m just changing my focus a little bit to help get myself back into the creating groove.

Are there any things you would add to the list of handicrafts? Do you do any of these handicrafts already? Which ones are you interested in learning more about? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know so I can help you find instructions or share ideas with you.

More From Jennifer Lavender

• Fun Ideas for Fall Crafts
• Almost a Scarf
• Look At My Space #5
• Crafting in the Kitchen
• Look At My Space #4

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