When I was growing up, almost every time I visited my grandmother we'd do a craft project. They ranged from beaded Christmas tree ornaments to quilling, crocheting, latchhook rugs, embroidery, papier mache, all sorts of painting and probably much more that I've already forgotten.
Seeing this hot pink "boar skin" rug yesterday (via BoingBoing) reminded me how much fun crafts can be. (And that there's a fine line between craft and art.)
These days I channel most of my creative arts energy into home improvement projects. I still occasionally crochet potholders out of cotton yarn (I never made it past squares and rectangles) and someday I'll finish embroidering that set of pillowcases I began around the time I got married (10 years ago, for those of you playing the home game).
A friend has been trying to talk me into learning how to knit, but I've read enough blogs written by knitters to be wary of the time and expense that hobby can demand. It's almost gardening time, so that'll get some of this out of my system, but I'm still in the mood to try some other creative work.
What's your favorite useful craft that can be done in a relatively short amount of time?
Update: I just learned that there's a new show on Style Network premiering today called Craft Corner Deathmatch. That sounds like my kind of craft show!
I love to tat. I taught myself how to about ten years ago. In case you're not familiar, tatting looks like this.
Posted by: Stacie | March 09, 2005 at 07:21 AM
Oops. Didn't realize I couldn't post a link. Now my name will link to it.
Posted by: Stacie | March 09, 2005 at 07:22 AM
Oh, I forgot about quilling! That was fun! I remember taking a class on it. That "art form" seems to be lost these days.
Posted by: Pharmgirl | March 09, 2005 at 08:40 AM
Does it count as a "craft" to con one's mother into creating such things for one's own personal use?
Because that's something I can do in a relatively short amount of time. ;)
Posted by: Suzanne | March 09, 2005 at 10:22 PM