Learning More About The Crafts You Do
June 4, 2008 4:19 pm Crafts, Techniques and Mediums
Did you ever wonder how many different knots could be made in macramé? Have you found yourself pondering exactly what the ingredients of salt dough are? Ever see a really cool technique in decorative painting and want to learn how to do it? Part of the joy of crafting is learning more than just how to knit and pearl, but finding out what kinds of yarns are available and what new patterns can be found. Crafting means so much more when you can advance past the beginner stage and dive into the medium or technique that has caught your fancy!
There are plenty of creative and crafty ways to discover more about the crafts you enjoy. There are very traditional ways of advancing your knowledge of craft, which includes magazines (you found this article in a great craft magazine didn’t you?) and taking a class. Yet, there are so many more opportunities available today. From the high tech world of the Internet to the cozy quiet world of a library, you can learn as much as you want about any craft that you want!
So Many Books, So Little Time…
Books are a great way to learn. Hopefully, you have a well-stocked public library and good local bookstore in your community. A library may seem overwhelming at first, but most libraries have a reference department and reference librarian. You can call or stop in your library and start your treasure hunt with the card catalog. This area will list all the books by subject, title and author that your library has access to. In small communities, books can often be requested from larger library systems for a short-term book loan. If you can’t find a book on your topic of choice, then request a search by the reference librarian. You may not find the book at your library, but with author, title and publisher information you may be able to order the book from the publisher or a book distributor. Sadly, some of the best and most interesting books maybe out of print, but publishers can refer you to a business that can track down a copy of an out of print book.
Bookstores can order books for you too. Half the fun can be browsing the art and craft bookshelves for gems. But don’t stop there. Browse the children’s area too. There are wonderful books designed just for children, but that can provide you with excellent information and craft ideas. Be sure to check out the exciting clip art and coloring books. These types of books can inspire you with interesting motifs, line drawings and color combinations. Dover is one of the leading publishers in this area.
The web has really broadened our reach by providing intricate search engines that can track down books on almost any craft subject. Books are often auctioned at sites where you can find a book at a bargain price. Many small publishers and writers who self publish have created their own web sites for promotion and book sales. I placed the term ‘tea bag folding’ into my favorite search engine (www.mamma.com) and found three great books on the subject. These same books (actually, no books were found) could not be found at the most recognized book selling web site, Amazon.com.
I Want My Craft TV And Creative Video
The world may want to be a millionaire, but I’ll settle for watching some crafting fun on my TV. PBS offers some of the finest programs on a variety of craft topics. The Public Broadcast Service has a website (www.pbs.org) which has a site search engine to find a specific topic or find your local PBS station with program schedules. You can find the programs you like and in many cases the program will offer for purchase a series video or workbook.
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