What are arts and crafts
The arts and crafts sector covers a wide range of activities and hobbies related to making creative, decorative and useful items, such as paintings, sculptures, cards, mosaics, tapestries, and origami.Traditional crafts, such as wood burning and pottery, have been practised for centuries, while modern inventions, like cardmaking and scrapbooking, have only become popular in recent times. Historically crafts referred to a selection of professions under the guild system. Apprentices were trained to be master-craftsmen and once their training was completed they had all the necessary experience to set up in trade for themselves. During the Industrial Revolution the number of professional craftspeople fell dramatically and today crafts are most commonly seen as a hobby or recreation activity.
Most crafts require a combination of skill, speed, and patience, but they can be learnt by anyone either through self-learning or by joining a local craft club or art school. The terms arts and crafts also refer to the work of artists, illustrators, sculptors, designers, and jewellery makers, to name but a few.
Whether you're eager to learn a new craft and need the tools to get you started, or you'd like to pay a visit to a local art gallery to buy a piece of artwork, you can find contact details for arts and crafts shops, art studios, craft suppliers, art galleries and art restoration specialists in our listings section. Click here to go to the listings section now or visit one of our other features to learn more about types of arts and crafts and how to find arts and crafts.