Archive for the ‘American Craft Council’ Category

I spent the entire weekend submerged in dialectics about the state of American craft and whether Martha Stewart represents the Anti-Christ or the gateway drug. I am a member of Team Martha The Gateway Drug for her ability to make craft accessible and relevant again when it seemed stuck with  a macrame/quilted photo album rep.  Not all contemporary makers have an arts education, are  part of the indie-craft movement, or had a family member to learn from; to many craft is the simple act of finding pleasure in making.

On the last leg of my trip, a short flight from ATL to SAV I sat back in row 32. With my reading light on hand-stitching another family portrait, I could hear the two flight attendants chattering. One went into great detail about a friend who made roses for  a wedding table centerpiece (above). A Martha Stewart project, it is made of coffee filters (click photo for link). The process is not simple, but if done correctly the end result is gorgeous. According to my internet research, many weddings have been graced by these roses (a great alternative if the real thing is a strain on your budget).

The flight attendant was so impressed with the transcendent nature of the process, and her friend’s role as the conduit for that change. She recounted her conversation with the friend–bear in mind she is blond, perky and southern, which has a large impact on the reading of her character.

Flight Attendant: You are so crafty! That is so wonderful!

Friend: You can be crafty too.

FA: Oh, no I couldn’t. I don’t know how.

Friend: Yes, you can be crafty, all you need is Martha!