http://www.care2.com/greenliving/handmade-nation-win-the-book.html
Handmade Nation: Win the Book!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve likely been witness to the massive resurgence of the DIY/craft movement. No longer the macramé plant holders and macaroni necklaces of the old school–today the term “craft,” while perhaps not synonymous with “art,” is certainly becoming a deserving equal in the eyes of a discerning public. “Renegade” craft fairs and “Maker’s Markets” are popping up in abandoned churches and neighborhood parks, allowing artists from all walks a chance to create and share their designs.
“Without really being conscious of it we’ve created an independent economy free from corporate ties,” says DIY rockstar Faythe Levine. Apart from being a trailblazing crafter herself, Levine co-authored (with Cortney Heimel) the book Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design along with producing a documentary, of the same name, chronicling the thriving craft culture across the United States. She’s been kind enough to answer a few questions for Care2.
How do you feel the handmade movement has impacted the environment?
I believe that handmade raises awareness about materials, process and manufacturing which all circle back to the environment.
What advice would you give to people who feel they are not “naturally crafty”?
I always encourage people to follow any creative urge or feeling of inspiration they may get–however, it is important to start small if you have never tackled a certain type of project before and it is also important to not critique yourself too much. Just go with the flow and see what comes out.
Are there any “green/recycled” crafters that you’re excited about?
I often work with Emily Kircher who has billed herself as the Recycling Artist, Gabriel Colaluca of the Brown Banana makes amazing spoon bracelets and companies like Little Otsu work with recycled papers and soy inks.
Tell us about the documentary and why our readers would relate to it.
Handmade Nation the book and documentary showcases a number of different makers who are creating their own reality through art, craft and design. After viewing the film and reading the book it is easy to feel inspired and encouraged to embrace the DIY (do it yourself) ethics that these makers represent.
WIN A COPY OF HANDMADE NATION!
Faythe has generously donated five copies of her book, Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Craft, and Design, to our Care2 readers. Just leave an answer to the question, “What creative activity do you participate in?” in the comment field below. The winners will be announced Monday, March 9. Good luck!
Congratulations to winners:
Judy Young
Wenona N.
Casey F.
Alex G.
Udruzenje Reelement
Please contact me at veronicap@earth.care2.com with your shipping address and you’ll be receiving your new book soon!
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21 comments
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I love to make all kinds of crafts, especially those made rom items that would normally end up in the trash or recycling bin. I have a collection of yogurt cup and laundry bottle critters that I have made.
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I love to upcycle! I just hate to see things thrown away. Lately ive been keeping all of my jars and bottles and trying to figure out something to use them for. I use milk cartons for bird feeders and I'm always looking for things to use in future projects. Buttons, game pieces, even used gift cards. I always see some kind of potential for them. Haha.
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I LOVE TO DO CROCHET, KNIT, SEW, PAINT, MAKE JEWELRY, AND GARDEN.
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I love to upcycle old wool sweaters from the thrift store by fulling them in the washing machine. I then make brooches, art dolls, cup cake & duckie stuffies and other crafts from the felted wool.
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I create useful household things with used newspapers, like trash bins, and coasters.
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Living ecologically is the ultimate craft! Gardening, canning, patchwork quilting, art out of found objects - striving to reduce my consumption is an endless inspiration.
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I make dolls out of my son's old stained clothes since they aren't nice enough to give away. I make the doll's clothing out of all sorts of things: protective foam from the bottom of an old knick knack becomes soles of doll boots, beads or buttons from old clothes become eyes, old sheets make great doll bodies and left over yarn is great for making the doll's wig. I get suffing from old stuffed animals or pillows when they are too ratty for anyone to buy at thrift stores. I just stuff it in a garment bag and wash it first. Everything becomes something if you can just imagine it! :)
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Since retiring last year, I have started using "retired" jeans for making tote bags, small pocket purses, top of jeans purses, and some special orders such as a computer bag. It's so much fun to be able to express my creative ideas which didn't happen while I was working making a long commute. Still looking for the right market for them though - I don't like the business side of it, just being able to express my creativity. I have made and given away many items to friends and family and am having a ball doing that. Being able to customize them as to interest/hobby, etc. is also fun to see their faces when they see the final product!
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Hi - I started with canning and preserving (yes, for fun) using found (free) veggies, fruits and berries. I now have "canning parties" for people who want to try (but are hesitant). I just made my first piece of clothing (PJ's for my 6 year old - he loves 'em!) as I have always wanted to learn to sew. Now the 4 and 2 year old want a pair... I am a clumsy but determined knitter (bags and scarves). I am on fire for handmade items and ideas! I can't get enough!!!
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