Handmade nation

"Today's craft world has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the DIY ethos, also influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism, and art. It is no longer simply about cross-stitching samplers or painting floral scrolls on china. Instead, it embraces a vibrant movement of artists, crafters, and designers working in traditional and nontraditional media." "The heart of the new wave of craft is the community. Participants share ideas and encouragement through websites, bless, boutiques, galleries, and craft fairs. Together they have…