Homemade Creativity

DESIGN | by ROBIN AVNI

NOT SO LONG AGO, THE WORD “CRAFT” MEANT a barely endearing popsicle-stick project from camp. Or maybe that scarf or sweater knit by a maiden aunt in Michigan for a belated (and never worn) birthday gift.

Who knew that as fast as the career-driven women of the ’70s ran away from what homemade meant to them — being tied to the kitchen and chores — that some 30 years later they would turn around and, with their daughters an indie-inspired step ahead of them, eagerly return to the warm embrace of crafting, canning and cake-baking.

Before you could say Martha or macramé, the crafting business has grown up and become a 30-billion-dollar+ industry with no let-up in sight. Don’t be misled by those who say it’s based only on recessionary need.

As anyone who crafts already knows, it’s not about saving money. It’s about the community, sharing tips and secrets, strutting your stuff — and dishing with the girls. It doesn’t matter if they are quilting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, beading or baking.

This next year the appreciation continues and the worlds of craft, art and manufacturing intersect more than they ever have in the past. The handmade touch is influencing design in furniture, food, fashion, even makeup, and creating a mainstream appreciation for these types of products.

Those women who have always done — and known — are just smiling and trying hard not to say: I told you so.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.