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Recently, Susan offered me this book from her stash. I think I yelled “YES!” before she even finished her sentence.
This book is a great example of why I treasure craft books from the 1970′s. (Although, to be technical about it, this one is from 1980. Close enough.)
There was such an exuberance to crafting in that era, and wild, carefree experimentation. I have books that depict animal toys made from oatmeal containers. Painted rocks. Candleholders built from nuts and bolts.
Was any of it a good idea? I’m not sure that was even a valid question in those days. I think the attitude was more about “Let’s make something no one’s ever seen before, and to heck with good design AND the laws of physics!”
And sure, some of the resulting creations from that era make us giggle (or snark) nowadays. But in a way, I wish we were emulating a bit more of that craft-on-the-edge sensibility. Might it be said that, under the influence of a clean, simple, Martha-like design aesthetic, our modern-day crafts may be getting just a little bit safe?
What do you think?
(ISBN 0-517-54010X, by the way.)
I think you’re right. The minimalism trend seems to have removed that carefree approach to crafting. I also think the beautifully created, art directed and shot photography in magazines gives us an expectation of perfection in crafting and intimidates our imaginations. Hopefully with the current reaction to machine made and mass consumer goods we’ll swing back to the “wild abandon” of Macrame Gnomes and Puppets.
I think you’re right. The minimalism trend seems to have removed that carefree approach to crafting. I also think the beautifully created, art directed and shot photography in magazines gives us an expectation of perfection in crafting and intimidates our imaginations. Hopefully with the current reaction to machine made and mass consumer goods we’ll swing back to the “wild abandon” of Macrame Gnomes and Puppets.
I agree too. I remember growing up in that era, and how we were encouraged to try crafting and creating with various media. Now, perfection reigns supreme. Crafting comes in various ‘kits’ with very distinct directions on just HOW to be creative. Hmm, isn’t that an oxymoron?
I agree too. I remember growing up in that era, and how we were encouraged to try crafting and creating with various media. Now, perfection reigns supreme. Crafting comes in various ‘kits’ with very distinct directions on just HOW to be creative. Hmm, isn’t that an oxymoron?
I think safe is a good adjective for how things are right now. It might be a reaction to the scary things that are happening in our lives, but it also might just be the natural tendency of humans to want to be comfortable. People want the same in books, the same in TV, and the same in music. A few venues are breaking out of the envelope, but a lot of what I see is derivative. I understand that to an extent, because I’m new at this and when I see something that inspires me, I want to try it myself. But mostly I look to see what’s been done and try not to do the same thing. I think one goal of art can be beauty and an attempt to order the chaos, and one goal of it can be challenge and exploration. I think it’s good for us to see something weird, bizarre, unsettling, disturbing even. I think it fires an artist’s imagination and awakens new perspective. I’m going to try to be even more experimental this year.
I think safe is a good adjective for how things are right now. It might be a reaction to the scary things that are happening in our lives, but it also might just be the natural tendency of humans to want to be comfortable. People want the same in books, the same in TV, and the same in music. A few venues are breaking out of the envelope, but a lot of what I see is derivative. I understand that to an extent, because I’m new at this and when I see something that inspires me, I want to try it myself. But mostly I look to see what’s been done and try not to do the same thing. I think one goal of art can be beauty and an attempt to order the chaos, and one goal of it can be challenge and exploration. I think it’s good for us to see something weird, bizarre, unsettling, disturbing even. I think it fires an artist’s imagination and awakens new perspective. I’m going to try to be even more experimental this year.
I dabble in collecting as I call them “Bad 70s Craft Books” from yard sales, thrift stores, rummage sales, and book sales. They are truly inspiring – check out my latest two finds on flickr. Corncobs! Who would have thought? http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzyhomemaker/2146695677/
I dabble in collecting as I call them “Bad 70s Craft Books” from yard sales, thrift stores, rummage sales, and book sales. They are truly inspiring – check out my latest two finds on flickr. Corncobs! Who would have thought? http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzyhomemaker/2146695677/
Let’s start a revival…..
but one with less scary clowns ok?
Let’s start a revival…..
but one with less scary clowns ok?
“Let’s make something no one’s ever seen before, and to heck with good design AND the laws of physics!” – I almost spit water all over my computer screen reading that sentence coupled with the funky gnome right below it!!!
I couldn’t be a minimalist if I tried. I admire people that can, and I think that there is something serene and beautiful in a home with a clean aesthetic. Realistically, I don’t live in a vacuum, and I need clutter. In order for me to craft with a clean aesthetic I think I’d have to actually clean my craft room. (And that, my friend, will never happen). So – amen to wild crafting!
“Let’s make something no one’s ever seen before, and to heck with good design AND the laws of physics!” – I almost spit water all over my computer screen reading that sentence coupled with the funky gnome right below it!!!
I couldn’t be a minimalist if I tried. I admire people that can, and I think that there is something serene and beautiful in a home with a clean aesthetic. Realistically, I don’t live in a vacuum, and I need clutter. In order for me to craft with a clean aesthetic I think I’d have to actually clean my craft room. (And that, my friend, will never happen). So – amen to wild crafting!
I have mixed feelings about it. I agree that today there is a perfectionist standard that can be very inhibiting, but on the other hand I REALLY don’t want my limited space overrun by junk, even if it was fun to make. I’m no minimalist, and I truly think a room is not finished if there is nothing in it handmade and nothing silly but I do have to edit. The books, though – so nostalgic!
I have mixed feelings about it. I agree that today there is a perfectionist standard that can be very inhibiting, but on the other hand I REALLY don’t want my limited space overrun by junk, even if it was fun to make. I’m no minimalist, and I truly think a room is not finished if there is nothing in it handmade and nothing silly but I do have to edit. The books, though – so nostalgic!
[...] 26, 2008 A while back on crafty pod there was a post lamenting the loss of exuberance and carefree experimentation in a crafting, a world where simplicity has become king. She wonders has crafting become a little [...]