David Keeps of the LA Times wrote a great article today about the resurgence of crafting in America as evidenced by the popularity of shows like Felt Club and websites like Etsy. He really articulated what I’ve been feeling about my own desires to make something artful.
“But clearly consumers’ belt-tightening and environmental consciousness also have set the stage for a new form of home economics. As young, cash-strapped shoppers get turned off by overconsumption and disenchanted with homogenized, mass-marketed retail, more are shopping for one-of-a-kind pieces — or are crafting their own.
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Etsy Vice President Matt Stinchcome believes the rise in crafts can be partly attributed to employment defined by sensory deprivation. “So many people have jobs sitting at a computer,” he said. “There is no tangible product with a tactile experience at the end of the workday, so you see more people want to make something with their hands.” -LA Times
Making book covers satisfies my urge to create something that is both useful and beautiful. I want my customers to know that a human made their book cover with love and care and that they are getting something unique that will never be found in a mall in America. As the article says, it’s a positive, empowering thing and I only can hope that the movement will spread.
You can read the full article here.
