The Arts and Crafts Movement was a popular artistic movement from 1900 to 1910, whose proponents favored handcrafts over industrial production. The movement was diverse and borrowed from a wide range of sources. But its most prominent feature was its rejection of machine-made goods and a return to nature. That all sounds great in theory, but in practice, the movement has been linked to a fervent rejection of industrialization.
How to Relive the Classic Arts and Crafts Practices?
In the time since arts and crafts finally garnered the respect, it so rightly deserved; however, we have seen the crafts and design movements of past centuries fall by the wayside and forgotten as nostalgists and decor experts gravitate toward modern trends. But, for modern designers and artists, what better time than now to resurrect some of the lost crafts of yesteryear?
Handicrafts
Like our ancestors, we did not need complicated tools and machinery to make our stuff in the beginning. We made use of whatever we had at our disposal to provide for ourselves. That is something many of us can appreciate even today. It is hard not to appreciate the beauty of these simple yet elegant arts and crafts practices.
Handicrafts, by definition, are “arts and crafts practiced by poor or working-class people.” Though very few of us are poor or working class, the practice of handicrafts, like crocheting, knitting, and sewing, has slowly gotten lost. Even those of us who are crafters by choice and profession find it hard to find our inspiration if we do not know where to look. As crafters, we should always look for new ideas and learn new skills to build on what we know and what we can do.
Ceramics, Earthenware Glazed Tiles
The arts and crafts are one of the most famous movements in art history. They originated in England, and with the rise of industrialization, people started moving away from their rural lives toward the cities and suburbs. The arts and crafts movement introduced people to useful and beautiful things, like furniture and ceramics. The movement also introduced people to more natural materials, like clay and incorporated them into everyday products.
The art of pottery was an art practiced among the pre-historic pottery people. They used clay to make plates and cups. Later, they mastered potteries technology. Ceramics and earthenware glazed tiles are famous among ceramic artisans due to their unique patterns and designs.
Hand-Made Dolls
“Toy” shopping is a legitimate hobby enjoyed by many adults who collect dolls, action figures, dolls, and stuffed toys. But did you know that crafting your own hand-made dolls from childhood can spark nostalgia? Crafting your own hand-made dolls brings back fond memories of your childhood; you can recreate the dolls you played with as a kid or create your own original designs and bring back happy memories.
The art of making dolls by hand, called doll making, has been practiced for thousands of years. Some dolls are modeled after real people and are called “portrait dolls.” Other dolls represent characters, such as fairies and fairytale characters. The dolls in this art are incredibly detailed and often lifelike. As an art, doll making is enjoyed by people of all ages. Dolls made by older artists are often considered antiques.
The arts and crafts movement are best known for its furniture, textiles, and ceramics. But did you know that a number of design professionals still practice the science of arts and crafts today? While the movement’s roots date back to the nineteenth century, that does not necessarily mean that it is dated. In fact, many of the design principles of the arts and crafts movement are as relevant and powerful as they were a century ago. We can see them in the modern day, they have just been adapted to new audiences whose tastes have changed.