After having a not-so-successful time at trying to get some teenagers interested in crafting, I started wondering about the popularity of crafting these days when it comes to a younger generation. Maybe my approach was off? Maybe I didn't bring the right type of crafting supplies? Maybe crafting has skipped a generation because of the digital age? What do you think?
Comments
I think overall folks are crafting less. It seems that the crafting is swapping from “making something from very little” to crafting with high-priced kits and specialty supplies.
I think they are crafting more. I see lots of DIY projects, jewelry-making efforts, and embroidery projects going on with my younger friends. There are so many products available and so much information online to help them get started.
Off the cuff —Crafting is about three things: creating what you need / want by your own hand, making something for the pleasure of creating, and entertaining ourselves.
The latter generations have become entertainment consumers….but impatient ones. The entertainment industry has become more and more about immediate gratification.
Hopefully, the pendulum will begin to swing back the other way soon. Crafting can help people slow down; a necessary thing in this world or rush, rush, rush.
I seem to see more 25+ people crafting than 20 and under. I can’t help but think some of that is related to the digital age. I grew up crafting, but that was back when the only electronic device that we had around was a TV with 3 channels on it!
I think they craft less because they are used to instant gratification and buying what they want either in a store or online, there is not so much patience around for sitting, planning, gathering the materials and doing the job. IMHO.
Thinking about my own nieces and nephews, I would definitely say that they do a wider range of crafts than I did, however they don’t seem to be learning a craft. They have lots of kits which seem to cover everything from rug-making through to making garden gnomes. At the same age I was learning and developing specific craft skills. I think some crafting has got very commercial – however that’s a whole new subject!
I think that folks under 20 are crafting MORE! It’s true that there are tons of distractions like television and the internet, but at the same time… never before has there been such a strong presence in the craft community – television shows, magazines, podcasts, websites, blogs, newsletters, books about crafts are exploding all over and there is a plethora of resources for the younger crafter. I can think of half a dozen or more younger crafters just off the top of my head. Avalon Potter, Mackenize (Wendy from Vintaj’s daughter), Scarlett Lanson (who is an editor for a bead magazine and hosts the Use the Muse Contest), and my favorite craft super star, Azalea, my niece!
I think it’s all too easy to feel disconnected from a different generation, but the foundations and fundamentals of growing up haven’t changed much in a few millennia. The circumstances may have changed a little, but there will always be those who are drawn to the making of things – and people come to it at all ages.
I think overall they are crafting less partially due to video games and technology usage, but even more, because of the HUGE increase in homework in over the last 15-20 years. Schools teachers and administrators pile on the homework with little regard for a student’s important after-school activities such as music, art, dance, sports, physical fitness, crafting, reading for pleasure, and family time. If parents would only speak up about the amount of homework being given to their kids, they would help their children become more well rounded, less stressed out human beings.
Honestly, I’m a little surprised by the results of the poll so far. I had to answer that I “didn’t know”, but I didn’t expect the answer that is currently in the lead to be the winner!