What Are Crafts?

which is known as a union of workers in the similar trade.

Also, often the term can also be used to illustrate the family of practices involving arts
surrounded by the decorative arts. These decorative arts are conventionally portrayed by their
support to utilitarian or functional products. For example, there are various types of sculptural
forms in the tradition of vessels. Natural things such as clay, wood, textiles, glass, and metals
are made use by the decorative arts often. Another form of craft is known as studio craft.
Independent artistes who work either alone or in small groups do often practice crafts. So, the

crafts which are being practiced by them are known as studio crafts for that matter. Metal work,
studio pottery, wood turning, weaving and other kinds of glass blowing, wood working and
glass art come under the section of studio craft. One such event to showcase the remarkable
linguistic forms of crafts is craft fair which is organized by a number of exhibitors.

Craft traditions are being followed by folk art which is totally contrast to high art or fine art. The
adherents of Freemasonry and Wicca are alternatively called as ‘The Craft ‘. Metal crafts, wood
crafts, stone crafts, paper crafts, needle work leather work, mixed media that includes
beading, basketry and scrap booking, ceramics and glass crafts, fiber crafts are some of the
various types of crafts. American craft, artisan, studio pottery, handicraft, master craftsmen are
some of the basic concepts of craft.

Crafts actually consist of a whole lot of hobbies and activities that are pertinent to the talent of
trying and making some thing with one‘s hands. Originally, some crafts were practiced in a
geographical area which turned out to be popular and modern today while some have been
practiced since centuries. Such is the aged nature of the craft. Also, it gives air to Arts and
Crafts movement which wore a veil in a design movement in the early 20 the century and the
late 19th century. It was a huge social revolution. Its proponents were William Morris and
Edwin Lutyens.

The thing that they wanted to emulate from the medieval craftsmen was the fulfillment and
immense joy that they has while excelling in their work. It was really appreciable and was a
beacon for determination. As, originally, most of them were in the professions under the
system of guild, their activities were known as crafts. In exchange of low wages, adolescents
were trained to some master-craftsmen, thus helping in refining their skills over some period
of years. It really helped in making them an expert. After the training completed, they were well-
prepared to start trade by themselves and thus earn a living out of this skill that could have
been traded directly by the community. But unfortunately, today, craft is not seen as a full
fledged profession as it was previously.

These days, it is seen as mostly an art or a hobby, thus diminishing the gravity of the craft. This
ill fated thing happened because of the industrial revolution and the escalating mechanism of
product processes. Else, this would have never ever happened, as craft was a means to earn
living for majority of the people.