Vintage crafts not only allow you to expand the craft offerings you have, doing them brings back memories of what you used to do. I’ve spent a lot of time with my mom crafting and the stories she shares when she’s making things she did as a kid are one way we connect.
NOTE: After this badge, the Grab ‘N’ Go sheets will focus on vintage crafts.
Steps
Explore
1. Vintage?
Vintage crafts are crafts that used to be popular but may be no longer. Sometimes you can find the materials for the crafts, but the supply is limited. With the Internet, we are seeing a resurgence of many crafts and the materials to make them. Start thinking what vintage means to you.
2. Nostalgia.
Crafts have become a way to relax. Some of the crafts we do today used to be part of everyday tasks. Nostalgia plays a big part in vintage crafts. From remembering when things were simpler to telling stories of past experiences, we can share more by doing crafts we used to enjoy. Look back on your life. Make a list of the crafts you’ve done as a child and adult. How many can you still find materials to do?
3. Books.
Books are a great way to revisit vintage crafts. Many libraries do not keep old books because of limited space. You can find some vintage craft books online at Project Gutenberg. Some of the books listed include:
- Crochet
- Embroidery
- Knitting
- Lace Making
- Needlework
- Quilting
- Textiles
- Weaving
- Woodwork
Newer books can still hold information on crafts that isn’t old enough to be in the public domain. Explore places to find books on crafts and crafting techniques that are no longer popular. Also, check out newer books that feature vintage crafts.
4. Magazines and Patterns.
Magazines have an even shorter life on library shelves than books. Patterns are rarely placed in libraries. Many people cut out the craft ideas and patterns. Ask your friends and family if they have a stash of vintage crafts you can peruse.
5. Internet.
Crafters and artists alike use craft techniques. Sharing these techniques is one way to draw people to your site or blog. Check online to see if you can find directions to recreate some of the vintage crafts you’ve noted in the steps above.
6. Friends and family.
With your friends and family, discuss the crafts you did as a kid. This might be in any of the following settings:
- School
- Church / bible school
- Scouts
- Home
Try to figure out the steps you did and write them down. Do some research and try to recreate a vintage craft starting from shared experiences.
7. Resurgence.
Many vintage crafts enjoy resurgence. For example, quilling has been traced back to the Renaissance. However, in the 1970s and again currently, quilling materials are available and popular. Find a craft you enjoyed or one you found and see if you can find the materials to do it again.
8. Adaptation.
Many crafts become popular again because of adaptation. A company might come out with a material that works with a vintage craft and re-introduces it to popular culture. Also, the adaptation of the final use of the craft can cause resurgence. For example, the craft of crocheting and knitting afghans is well-known. Adapting these crafts as street art has given them resurgence as well as an artistic edge. Look at your vintage crafts and determine what you can adapt to make a vintage craft new again.
Use Vintage Crafts
9. Inspiration.
Use vintage crafts for inspiration. Looking at how something is put together, the shapes of pieces and the design can provide inspiration. Examine vintage crafts and patterns. What inspires you? Be sure to be inspired beyond crafting.
10. Images.
Using vintage images in crafts is an adaptation you can try. Images can be used on artistic trading cards, in jewelry, on fridgies, etc. Explore free vintage images on the Web.
11. Upcycle.
Upcycling is taking trash and making it treasure. In relationship to crafts, it’s taking vintage items and using them in crafts to make something new. Vintage crafted items can also be upcycled into something new. Try upcycling something vintage.
12. Just do it!
Take a vintage craft and try it. If you need to adjust materials, tools or techniques, make sure to keep good notes so you can do it again. Share your final craft with others. You might want to teach a class, share it on your site or blog, etc.
Supplements
Sites to Explore
- www.gutenberg.org
- www.abebooks.com/books/hobby-handbooks-projects-crafters/vintage-crafts.shtml
- www.favecrafts.com/?task=search&search_term=vintage
- vintagecraftsandmore.com
- www.vintageimagecraft.com
- www.copycatcrafts.com/tag/vintage-crafts
- www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/easy-upcycling-craft-projects#slide-1
- www.hgtv.com/topics/upcycling/index.html
- www.pinterest.com > search for “vintage crafts”
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