Where to Find Beautiful Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts

What are 'arts & crafts'? Generally, the term 'arts & crafts' refers to handmade products that have been designed individually with the intent of creating a piece of artwork or a decoration. People engage in arts & crafts as artisans and crafters - that is, those who make their living by producing and selling handmade objects - as well as countless hobbyists who do it just for their own enjoyment. Of course, there can also be a hidden benefit if you can make your own gifts rather than having to purchase them. Arts & crafts are deeply rooted in regional and ethnic cultures, so the specifics of what kinds of objects constitute arts & crafts varies greatly across the world.

How long have arts and crafts been around?

The origin of arts & crafts can be found in simple bartering transactions; expert artisans and crafters would trade their skill for sustenance. The artisans and crafters would then pass their knowledge on to the next generation through an apprentice - an assistance who grew up with the artisan for the sole purpose of learning their trade. Artisans who passed their knowledge on in this manner include ironworkers, glass blowers, weavers and blacksmiths.

Of course, this all changed with the industrial revolution. Many of the lovingly handcrafted items that were formerly made by crafters and artisans could now be cheaply produced in large quantities. As a result, arts & crafts as a widespread profession quickly died out; individual artisans and crafters could just not compete with industrial efficiency. Today, those individuals who specialize in the former staples such as glass blowing or weaving are rare, and usually create high-priced items, in contrast to their utilitarian forbearers. In the end arts & crafts is mostly made up by hobbyists and small retailers.

How do you find arts and crafts?

Arts & crafts are generally not difficult to locate. Artisans often participate at arts & crafts fairs in order to have the opportunity to sell their wares, and allow buyers the opportunity to browse and shop from a variety of different types of arts & crafts.

Festivals and fairs are good destinations to look for arts & crafts. Many vendors will rent booths at these events in order to reach a wide audience. In addition to shows and fairs, permanent arts & crafts malls are also easy to find in most metropolitan areas. Frequently, these malls include a collection of semi-permanent booths rented out by multiple artisans and crafters.

Of course, if the buyer knows exactly the kind of item he or she is looking for, the Internet can be a great resource for finding the perfect arts & crafts item. More and more artisans and crafters are now posting their wares online with the ability view photos and read descriptions of their unique products. Nonetheless, while online retail sales have taken off in other industries, arts & crafts buyers typically like the experience of finding and seeing the one-of-a-kind products in person, which has slowed down its adoption in this area.

'Art' and 'Craft'

Art generally refers to fine arts, such as glass creations, paintings and sculptures. The people behind the creation of these objects have usually received formal training at art schools or have studied art through other programs. These art objects are usually expensive.

Crafts, on the other hand, are usually considered to be smaller in scale, or colloquially known as 'grassroots' in their creation. Those who create crafts are generally doing so based on passed down knowledge without any formal education. This of course does not mean that they are any less talented than artists. 'Arts & crafts' then is the merging of these two creative trends; grassroots objects made by highly skilled artisans and crafters.

The most common arts & crafts objects

As stated above, there are literally countless variations and iterations of arts & crafts objects in the world. Nonetheless, most arts & crafts can be fitted into a few basic categories: handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, metalworking, and sculpture are some basic categories into which most arts & crafts can be assembled. Other common types of arts & crafts include cross-stitch, weaving, crochet, knitting, embroidery, patchwork, quilting, macramé, and others. Still more common types include ceramics, wood, metal, needlepoint & textiles, and glass works. Still others are based on paper and paper products, including scrapbooking, calligraphy, collages, paper mache, and origami.

Mission Style Furniture - History of the Arts and Crafts

Many are unaware that terms mission style decor and arts & crafts style decor are synonymous. Often times the terms are used interchangeably to describe furniture pieces and lighting fixtures typified by exacting straight lines, rectangular slats, usually constructed of wood, iron, or copper. Table lamps and other light pieces are constructed with square wooden bases with colorful glass shades, creating timeless elegant piece that is both functional and artistic. The inherent characteristics of this style are functionality, simplicity, and quality craftsmanship.

Though the popularity of modern style furniture and lighting waned a bit after World War II (a time during which modern designs were prominent) it resurfaced as a popular style in the late 1980's and into the early 1990's. It remains popular across various manufacturers today.

True modern furniture is actually crafted by hand. Today's versions however are machine made, but they still maintain the simplistic design and classic elegance. Because of its rugged appeal, craftsman style decor is best coupled with warm tones, resulting in an Earthy look and feel.

Modern style table lamps are unique pieces that boast clean lines, simple geometric shapes, adorned with a glass shade that may have accents of amber and jade. The rustic looking glass in mission style lighting comes in a cream or white color giving off subtle hints of amber when light passes through. The light emitted from these fixtures is typically dimmer, casting a softer glow.

The modern stylish look is very warm and inviting. It gives off a natural and comfortable feel to your home. Pieces are easy to coordinate given their consistent design and style. Given their popularity, it's very easy to find stylish pieces at most furniture retailers.

Art is composed of many expressive disciplines. It refers to various human activities and artifacts, used to cover all aspects of skill or mastery. Art is an expression or communication of emotions and ideas, a means of exploring and appreciating formal elements. www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.

Best Art and Craft Projects For Children's Partie

Kiddie parties should be eventful and full of fun activities. Nowadays, it feels like the only thing that kids do is playing online games. What a pity that these children lose out other fun activities. It's high time to get their creative juices pumping! Pack up those video games, shove them in the closet and host a party that is a sure hit. Try these kiddie arts and crafts with your children and have fun yourself.

1) Easy homemade party cupcakes

Simply buy regular or chocolate cupcakes. Obtain a selection of colorful icings and let the children decorate the cupcakes themselves. To make the cupcakes one of a kind, add more decorations like sugar flowers, gum drops, chocolate chips or fresh fruits. What's wonderful is that they get to eat or keep their cupcakes. Make sure to prepare a small working station where they can make a mess.

2) Environmentally friendly gardening

One good way to keep the children busy and to promote caring for the earth is to have a gardening event. Prepare small pots, soil, seedlings/ plants, paint and paint brushes. Pick gardening tools which are best for kids like hand shovels, latex gloves and watering cans. Provide a work area where the kids can paint the pots with their own designs. Let them to fill the pots with dirt and seeds, encouraging them to care for their plants so they will grow. These are great party favors that children will remember for months.

3) Customized fashion flip-flops

This next activity is to develop the fashion designer in the child. Simply supply the children with cheap flip-flops of different colors, shapes and sizes. From gift supply store, you can get some ribbons, glue gun and a assortment of trappings. Trimmings can range from floral accents, gemstones, beads and feathers. You can pick multiple embellishments or stick to certain ones that are in-line with your party theme (Example: for a summer theme, choose floral accents and shells). In a workstation, allow the children to select their flip-flops and embellishments. By using the glue gun, kids can create their flip-flops as they wish. This is a useful, practical and fun gift they can actually wear.

4) Jewelry design challenge

Young girls like to wear accessories. Buy various colored beads and elastic threads from a craft supply or toy store to make necklaces, bracelets or anklets. One great tip is to find "letter beads" which they can use to spell-out various words. This is a wonderful activity that kids will surely enjoy. They can make their own accessories or make some for their friends. Remember, kiddie parties are all about having fun. Provide your energetic guests with the tools they will need to make your party a wonderful arts and crafts event.

Valentine Arts and Crafts For Kids

Valentine Day is for kids as well as adults. It's the first major fun holiday since Christmas. Below are several ideas for Valentine arts and crafts that children can make, give and receive. Adult supervision is required when using scissors, hot glue gun or the oven, such as the crayon hearts.

Crayon hearts

These are fun to make and only require an adult to place the muffin tins in the oven and remove them when melted.

You will need: Crayon pieces
Heart shaped metal muffin tin
Cellophane bags
Marker
Colored Card Stock
Scissors
Ribbon
If you don't have cellophane bags you can use squares of cellophane. You can also use a zip lock bag.

Heat oven to 245 degrees Fill each heart mold muffin tin with chunks of crayon. Bigger chunks are better than smaller chunks. Keep colors complimentary such as white, pinks, reds or opposites like blues and yellows. Bake until melted 10-15 min. Catch any overflow by using a flat cookie sheet underneath the muffin tin. Be careful not to move muffin tin around too much after the crayons have melted. You want nice bright color chunks not mixed together brown.

While crayons are melting, and it doesn't take very long, let the children color on heart shaped paper.

Let cool, they'll cool faster in the fridge but remember the more you move the muffin tins the more the colors will mix. Remove hearts from mold.

Cut heart out of card stock write message on back, write "to" and "from." Place crayon in cellophane bag and tie bag with ribbon hole punch paper heart. Slip onto ribbon and tie a knot.

Suggested messages:
You make my hear melt
You color my world
Color me happy

These make great Valentine gifts for children because they can actually color using the hearts.

Monkey Around
Children love monkeys.

You will need: plastic monkeys. Try the dollar store or online party stores. If you can't find monkeys you can always buy the game monkeys in a barrel.

Hole Punch
Cellophane or clear gift bag
Ribbon
Marker
Card stock
Scissors

Put one or more monkeys in cellophane bag, tie with ribbon.

Cut a heart out of card stock. (Write message. On back write "to:" and "from:"

Hole punch heart, slip onto ribbon and tie a knot to keep it on.

Suggested Message:
Lets Monkey Around
I'm going Ape over you
Come hang around with me.

Plant One On Me

Children are fascinated by seeds and plants. If possible see if your plant nursery or florist, has a few of the kinds of flowers the children will be planting so they can see what they look like.

You will need: packet of seeds any kind. Big seeds like nasturtiums, sunflowers, or zinnias are easy for children to handle and plant. They also sprout rather easily and quickly.

Colored markers
Terracotta pots, size depends on you
Potting soil enough to fill pots
Scissors
Card stock
Hole punch
Water
Ribbon
Cellophane bags

Have child paint, or marker terracotta pot. Let dry. Put potting soil in pot. Plant seeds. Water. Let drain for 15 minutes or so. Serve refreshments or play a game while the pots are draining.

Place pot in cellophane bag and tie tightly right above the pot so the soil can't come out. Cut out heart from card stock. Write message "to:" and "from:" on back.

Hole punch heart run through hole and tie tightly around the bag.

Suggested messages:
Plant one on me
Watch our friendship grow
Watch our love grow
Our friendship will flower
Love will blossom

Hope you and your child enjoyed these Valentine day arts and crafts for kids.

Top Art and Crafts Toys For Kids

Art is one of the most important aspects of growing up. Art should be experience and enjoyed by people of all ages not just when we are little kids. For small children there are a huge amount of arts and crafts options where a parent should begin looking. Depending on whether your child is a boy or girl will make a slight difference in what type of art projects they will be interested in. Art combines many aspects of life, technical abilities, hand eye coordination, imagination, problem solving, patience (art projects may take awhile to complete), fun, sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and even create a passion within some people who truly love it.

One arts and crafts projects both boys and girls will enjoy is origami. Origami is one of the oldest and most fun filled activities that can be done by children as well as adults. It teaches hand eye coordination and patience, which is something everyone can use. Origami can come in many forms such as planes, birds, sea life, insects, faces, dinosaurs, and animals.

Water colors are also a very inexpensive source to bring your child's creativity to life. Some water color kits come with pre drawn pictures so the kids can fill them in. Some pictures may be very simple or complicated, it depends on your child's skill level.

Girls will find jewelry making very appealing. Making jewelry out of beads in an effective way to ensure to keep your special little girl busy for hours, and afterward they can show off what they made.

Coloring books are very common and can come in nearly anything you can think of. Coloring books are a goo way for young children practicing concentration. More interesting and intriguing coloring books may have illusions, mosaics, and elaborate patterns. Coloring books mat be a stepping stone to a child drawing their own characters, people, and animals themselves.

Giving Arts and Decor Gifts For the Holidays

With holiday season quickly approaching, many people are facing the problem of what to get for those remaining on their shopping list. Whether you are just getting started on your holiday shopping or trying to finish it up, we have some great gift ideas for you. Have you always wanted to give a gift that was different and unique? Are you tired of the same old thing, year after year? If you want to get your gift-receivers something new and something special, you should try giving handmade artisan gifts and home decor.

You will find that unique gifts online are appropriate for everyone regardless of their taste in home decor. Help to brighten up someone's day by presenting them with one or more of these unique gifts.

o Night lights

o Shower curtains

o Wastebaskets

o Wall decor

o Birdhouses

o Picture frames

o Outdoor decor

Why give a handmade gift? There are many reasons for giving a handmade gift. For one, it allows you to express how you truly feel about the person and get them a unique gift that shows you really put time and thought into their present. Another reason is because you are sure to get them something they don't already have. You can also feel good about yourself and promote the arts by giving handcrafted artisan gifts and home decor items.

Home decor is a great gift-giving idea because you are giving something they can use time and time again. Whether it serves an actual function or just as a decoration piece in the home, your home decor item will be a gift they treasure for many years to come.

You might choose to give these gifts for birthdays or even at Christmas time. Handmade Christmas gifts make some of the most personalized and treasured items you can give or receive during the holidays.

Art is composed of many expressive disciplines. It refers to various human activities and artifacts, used to cover all aspects of skill or mastery. Art is an expression or communication of emotions and ideas, a means of exploring and appreciating formal elements. www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.

Children's Art Projects

Doing arts and crafts is a fun way to teach children the basics of painting, drawing and creating. All five senses are utilized during craft-like activities no matter the age group. Here are just a few ideas for anyone who has the desire to work with children. The following crafts projects can be used at home or in school settings. The crafts included here are meant for pre-school age children.

1) Fun Frames

Materials needed: scissors, glue, craft foam, googly eyes, stick on Velcro, puffy paint and sunglasses

Instructions: draw small animals onto craft foam and cut the shapes out with scissors. Shapes like turtles, seahorses, and fish are good. Glue on googly eyes and use puffy paint to add decoration. Once the paint dries, use stick on Velcro to fasten the animal shapes on the sunglasses. The children can pick their own frames to wear. This craft project teaches creativity and fine motor skills. Learning to use scissors at the pre-school age takes time. Also, the children learn how to work together and respect one another in choosing their own theme for the sunglasses. Drawing is also required for this project.

2) Flower Fairies.

Another craft project that is good for age 3 and up. Children at this age will need extra help gathering materials. They will need nature objects, card stock, crayons and glue. Objects found in nature could be leaves and flowers and small twigs.

First the children can be taken on a nature walk, lasting about 20 minutes. Help them put their collectibles into a small brown bag or plastic baggie. When everyone is back inside, make sure the children have a bathroom break. Then let each child draw pictures of themselves or just figures on the card stock. Using the glue they can place the nature objects onto the figures for dresses, hair, magic wands or fairy wings. The importance of this activity is to let the children be creative and choose the way they want their picture to look. This project teaches children about nature, art and drawing. Critical thinking skills also come into play. The child decides how to place the objects onto the figure and this requires analysis.

3) Diggin' Up Treasure

Materials needed: 20 or so small rocks, wax paper, 1 teaspoon of silver and gold acrylic paint. Other acrylic collared paints are also okay. One large sandbox.

Instructions: Divide rocks. Place some rocks into a sealable container. Add one teaspoon of silver acrylic paint. Shake until the rocks are coated. Place the coated rocks on wax paper. Rinse container and repeat this process with the gold paint. Make sure each batch is completely coloured. Use as many rocks as you want and as many colours too. After the rocks have dried completely, bury them in the sandbox. Send the children with plastic shovels and sifters to hunt for the buried treasure. This project teaches children their colours, counting and creativity. Almost all kids love to pretend at anything. Pretending to be pirates looking for buried treasure could keep a group of children busy all day.

Arts and crafts help pre-school children learn basic skills like drawing, painting, counting and learning colours. Craft projects also teach children fine motor skills, science and critical thinking. Important lessons learned from doing arts and crafts are team work and getting along with peers. Teaching arts and crafts to young children is very valuable.