Crafts Web Directory

Crafts have always played a pivotal role in the history of art and design, from ancient times when crafts such as pottery and clothing were essential functions of daily life to the modern world where crafts have become object of luxury rather than necessity. There is a distinct difference between art and craft.

Art doesn't necessarily have to fulfill a purpose; art can be beautiful and doesn't need a function. Craft on the other hand is tangible, physical, created with a purpose, from woven handbags to tradition woodworked furniture, crafts combine beauty with purpose. In ancient times the craftsman was one of the most respected and needed aspects of the community, having skills and knowledge to create "tools" that would allow people to work and live easier then without. After the industrial revolution, the perception of crafts changed. When objects and tools were no longer necessary to be made by hand, the role of the craftsmen became far more artistic.

Although initially, crafts and craftsmen reffered strictly to items that were indispensable whether if we are talking about swords, armours or objects of pottery that were used as housewares, nowadays when we talk about crafts we reffer to objects that are used mostly in decorations, handmade articles that aim to boost the aesthetic look of your living room or give a bit of rural influence to your kitchen and do not have a particular usage.

There are many sorts of crafts and there are people that make a living out of being craftsmen. On the other hand, everybody can do a craft, no matter if you are a child or an adult and you wish to relax.

Dolls, arrases or simply handmade postards are crafts that brighten up anyone`s day and add a bit of colour in our lives. Handmade crafts are so wanted because when somebody manufactures them, they make them with all their heart, being something that they enjoy doing.

Moreover, the custom of making crafts is often met in the rural zones, at the countries where both old people and children love to preserve traditions and so they transmit them from generation to generation, just like their parents and grandparents did. Some of the most known crafts made at the country side are wooden spoons manually carved or accessories such as bracelets, necklaces or flamboyant belts for the traditional costumes.

Crafts began to focus on beauty and design, serving more as art then tool, though still as functional. This web directory contains helpful information in regards to the history of crafts, as well as resources and tools for those interested in crafts. Today, Craftsmen are highly skilled and sought after to produce unique one of a kind items. In today's modern world many people are beginning to prefer the more human side of crafts, choosing to buy and own handmade object in comparison to factory machined items.

Because of this modern movement away from mass production crafts have become very popular once more, relying on the human factor in their creation. Crafts are produced from around the world and exported on an international market, helping to introduce people to cultures and art from around the globe. The art of crafts is wide ranging from furniture to jewelry, incorporating beauty with purpose crafts have been and always will be a vital part of the art world.