Making Trends

Crafts equals the new black.

For me,  it;s not just the materials people choose to use in their work, although this is a big part of designing & making, creating and constructing.

I believe its also the concept behind how those materials are used. I know that if you have four people who are given seven items, plus the same tools and equipment those people would all come up with something different from the other.  Of course there are many who like to see what the trend is and emulate that, or the copiests, which these days are hard to spot  mainly because many makers buy their findings from the same places, which obviously limits any real individuality.

I do the same. I buy from those trustworthy sellers that I trust. But I find myself liking many charms, or findings which others are also using.  So the challenge is to try to make them into something different, no matter how simple the idea.  It's not always that easy, I love the fact that a few charms can be added to a chain and it can be as simple as that - no, not original but simple and still in demand from customers.   When that chain is spotted by the customer and they like it enough to spend their money, then part of the job is done.

Surely there should still be a level of quality control and a real willingness to develop and stretch yourself creatively?  Or does it just get harder for the small crafter to keep up with the bigger mass produced boys? 

I make moulds, I haven't as yet put many of my rings up from the mould I make.  In fact, having been making items from moulds of objects found and gathered over the years, I came across a very large Japanese store only recently who had begun to sell chocolate rings.  Now I know the Japanese are the Kings of plastic sweets, but I was horrified.  It made me think twice about adding my rings to my shop, mainly because I know how long it takes me to make a mould, and there is no way I can keep up with the big boys low prices. I know mine are made with love and care, but as a customer, surely it depends what you're looking for and willing to pay?

They are time consuming and more than not, each one although a mould, once the plastic clay is removed still has to be altered normally by carving away at it and sanding down.  It's a long process and worth it, but does that mean I have to sell it for £6 like the big boys? 

How did that get in here - Henry and Sybil - I didn't make them

I'm not sure there is much originality left on this earth though so finding inspiration can be a hunt for that illusive light bulb moment.  I have seen some amazingly talented crafters who seem to somehow pull things out of the bag and rise up up smelling of a complete rose garden.

The making scene has truly exploded, it's the new black, the new thing to be involved in, the thing to be seen doing.  You know when what for some of us is a pure joy becomes a trend and has reached its peak when funding foundations suddenly begin offering money for 'crafting clubs' for children.  Not that it's a bad thing, but why wait to promote cratfs to children?  Why not just give the schools more money so that they can run great art and textile departments?  Traditionally the UK was once known for its crafts, many were allowed to fade into oblivion often through lack of funding.

Traditional crafts like knitting, sewing, crochet haven't actually been lost completely and many children are taught those skills, albeit not by their parents or grand parents.  But  I'll save that monologue for another day.

It thrills me to this day after 40+ years of making the things I believed would please, or be loved/owned by others that designers, crafters, makers can still come up with the most mind blowing items.