Crafting Gifts from the Heart

by Jan

We all know that the holidays are about giving. The big sales, the big shopping days, the big garbage bags full of discarded wrappings are obvious measurements of this gifty time of year. But isn’t it also the one time in the year when the craft project is truly celebrated? You might already be nibbling on the mountains of delicious cookies your mom makes each year. Or you’re having visions of the sweater that you know your great aunt is knitting just for you. Or maybe your hands are aching from writing out the invites to the holiday party that you’re hosting for your friends and family. However you’re celebrating, it’s the one time of the year when homemade really is considered best by crafter and receiver alike.

One way in which I have long celebrated the advent of the holiday season is by attending the One of a Kind Craft Show in Toronto. This massive display of work by hundreds of artists and craftspeople is always inspiring. This year, in her show-opening remarks, Canadian author and television personality Karen von Hahn shared some especially intriguing thoughts on craft. In her estimation, craft is under attack. Craft has become cool and hip, and as von Hahn points out, once something succumbs to the hype, it loses its integrity. As craft teeters on the brink, we find ourselves surrounded by what von Hahn terms the "McCraft" movement replete with cheesy craft kits and mass-produced, faux-country "folk" art. Old Navy and The Gap are selling factory fresh sweaters that look handmade and even design houses like Prada are adding overstitched hand sewn looks to their collections. This pseudo craft goes against everything a crafty gal stands for. It’s up to you to fight the power and knit your own sweater!

Joining us in the battle to save craft are some especially inspiring artists who were in attendance at this year’s One of a Kind Craft Show. These folks from across Canada make their work by recycling other materials. Toronto-based Artvork Glass Company reclaims glass bottles and transforms them into whimsical vases, oil lamps, and more. Hailing from Tamworth, Ontario, Maids in Canada rework old rubber tires into elegant mirrors. At Celtech in Montreal, the slate from old pool tables is turned into modern-day Celtic relics. Also hailing from Montreal, the Boites de la Paix (Peace Boxes) folks turn wooden munitions boxes into CD storage, wine racks, and shelves. If anyone is in the forefront of saving craft, it is these inspired craftspeople who take cast-off industrial items and turn them into something beautiful.

This Craftygal gang has been hard at work, crafting up our holiday issue. You can join Christy at the Fridge where she’s whipping up a batch of her family’s favorite Christmas cookies. Sharing this treasured recipe is her special gift to all of us. Guest author, Clare, has taken over the Table this month, crafting her beautiful bows. She’ll have you itching to tie one on--to gifts, wreaths, and anywhere else that needs a festive touch. If you’re seeking a break from all of the holiday hubbub, join Taryn on the Porch for conversation with Broadway performer and voice teacher, Mary Setrakian. Taryn’s also on the Stump, where she’s sharing the tale of her incredibly giving grandmother. As for me, I gave myself the gift of a day off and took a little mini-vacation--join me in Travels.

We wish you the happiest--and craftiest--of holidays!

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