There’s no doubt in my mind that handcrafts beautify our world. They adorn the ordinary and turn it into something extra-ordinary. In days of old, with horsehair sofas, handmade pieces decorated the couches and chairs and made them special. Lacey curtains, lovely blouses and sweaters, coverings for anything and everything in the house; all these things, when handcrafted, add a touch of beauty to our world.
Today, we add that touch to everything around us: covers for cell phones and water bottles; watchbands and bracelets; flip-flops and headbands.
If we are especially creative, whenever we cannot find something that meets our needs or our expectations, we design what we want, to our own satisfaction. It is true, especially in the craft world, that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Most of the wonderful new patterns with new materials came about because of a need and a desire to also recycle.
People are now working with VCR and cassette tapes, with fishing line and dental floss, with plastic bag strips and more.
Sometimes, the items are framed and hung, or just hung. These pieces are often delightful objects of real art, as beautiful as many paintings. Painting, too, is itself a craft. I wonder where the distinction comes into play - art vs. craft? Ah, a topic for another night!
Dear Lord, thank you for the minds and hands you gave us that enable us to add beauty to your already beautiful world.
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