National Craft Month, sponsored by the craft industry, has become more popular with each year that passes. March is the perfect time to develop new craft skills and extend one's artistic abilities. The multiple events and activities that take place during National Craft Month offer educational opportunities for crafters of all ages.
The History of National Craft Month
National Craft Month first took place in March 1994. It was originally started by the Hobby Industry Association (HIA). It is currently sponsored by the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), which is the result of a 2004 merger of the two most successful organizations in the crafting and hobby industry – HIA and the Association of the Crafts and Creative Industry (ACCI). The CHA consists of thousands of member companies in the craft and hobby industry and is now an international, not-for-profit trade association. National Craft Month was quickly picked up by many businesses, some giving out free or discounted crafting material to inspire interest in various crafts. Schools and the public soon came to recognize March as National Craft Month.
Purpose of National Craft Month
National Craft Month was originally started as a way to introduce crafts to a new generation and to introduce new craft products to consumers. Widely publicized by the CHA and its spokesperson, Terri O., the news of National Craft Month has now reached millions.
Though there is not a theme for every year, some years do have a specialized theme in order to bring certain aspects or news of crafting to consumers. The 2000 theme was "Cherish the Moment" and the 2008 theme was "Fashion Crafting and Personalized Style." In addition, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store had a 2010 theme of "Take Time to Craft a Memory," with multiple in-store projects and products dedicated to preserving memories via crafts.
How to Celebrate National Craft Month
Sixty-three million households already craft each year. March is the perfect opportunity to acquire a new crafting skill or to extend one's current crafting abilities. Both local and national crafting stores have a variety of projects for National Crafting Month and should be a person's first resource when looking for new ideas. In 2010, both Michaels – North America's largest arts and crafts dealer – and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store hosted a variety of in-store demonstrations, make-it/take-it workshops, and other classes. Local craft stores often have projects for different age groups, as well as tips to get customers more involved in crafting.
The second source of crafting project ideas and information is the internet. The Craft and Hobby Association has an entire website with craft projects, resources, blogs, and more. It is located at Craftplace.org. Michaels also has a variety of how-to web videos with ideas, tips, and instructions on how to complete various projects. The internet is an endless source of free projects, you just need to look for them.
Crafting is not limited to sewing. There is also cross-stitching, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. Scrapbooking is becoming very popular, with entire stores dedicated to it. Painting at home allows for making a variety of items including garden stepping stones, Christmas ornaments, and personal cards. Crafters can also make collages, candles, jewelry, and beaded safety pins. Some more exotic alternatives include felt crafting, decoupage, glass etching, embossing – both dry and heat versions – paper mache, pressing and drying flowers, weaving, and printmaking. Tie dye is a wonderful craft project to involve kids in. A final option is making crafting materials at home, such as paper and paint.
More Activities Available Than Ever Before
National Craft Month is bringing awareness to consumers about craft products and projects. The increased interest by consumers has led to more craft areas to work with than ever before. New technology and increased knowledge are being used to develop new and exciting ideas for crafting. Additionally, increased internet use has brought millions of interesting craft projects to the fingertips of anyone with internet access.
Sources:
Craft and Hobby Association. (2004, June 9.) Crafters Give Their Feedback About National Craft Month. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2011 from CHA Media Center, Consumer Releases.
Craft and Hobby Association. (2005, May 2). The Craft & Hobby Association's National Craft Month Media Campaign Garners Unparalleled Exposure. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2011 from CHA Media Center, Consumer Releases.
Craft and Hobby Association. (2008, March 14). National Craft Month 2008: Fashion Crafting and Personalized Style. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2011 from CHA Media Center, Consumer Releases.
Craft and Hobby Association Press Manager. (2010, March 5). Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Promotes 'Take Time to Craft a Memory' in Celebration of National Craft Month. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2011 from CHA Blog.
Daily News, The. (1994, Mar. 16). Free Craft Kits Available. The Daily News, Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Michaels Stores Inc. (2010, Feb. 23). Press Release: Michaels Celebrates National Craft Month. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2011.
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