contents
Summer 2016
14
Craft Benefits for Mind, Body and Spirit
18
Scrapbooking Memories to Help Memories
22 26
Rebuilding Veterans’ Lives Through the Power of Arts and Crafts Craft for Your Life
In Every Issue 4 The Buzz Craft Community Crusaders
8 Industry News 2017 CHA Conference & Trade Show, 2015 Craft Intelligence Research, YARN and More
10 Chit Chat Yarn & Yoga
12 Trend Report Crafts that Heal
13 Do-It-Yourself Hand Crafting with 3D Printers
28 New Products 30 Index of Advertisers 30 Designer Directory
22 13 18 Summer 2016 Volume 6 No. 3
Craft
Industry THE CRAFT & HOBBY ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
Editorial Maureen Walsh mwalsh@craftandhobby.org Keri Cunningham kcunningham@craftandhobby.org Catherine Martell cmartell@craftandhobby.org Kristen Farrell kfarrell@craftandhobby.org Jason Baum jbaum@craftandhobby.org
Advertising Tim Braden tbraden@fwpi.com Darlene Ryan darlene@fwpi.com
Publisher Fahy-Williams Publishing PO Box 1080, 171 Reed St. Geneva, NY 14456 800-344-0559 Fax: 315-789-4263 fwpi.com Craft Industry Today is distributed to CHA members on a complimentary basis. Subscription fee for nonCHA members is $25 a year. Craft Industry Today is published quarterly for members of the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA). CHA is an international non-profit trade association consisting of thousands of member companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution, and retail sales of craft products worldwide. For more about CHA, the value of membership, or its award-winning Conference & Trade Show, please visit craftandhobby.org.
The Craft & Hobby Association 319 East 54th St. Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 201-835-1200 Fax: 201-797-0657 craftandhobby.org CRE8TIME.org facebook.com/CraftandHobby twitter.com/CraftandHobby youtube.com/user/CraftandHobby pinterest.com/craftandhobby linkedin.com/groups/Craft-Hobby-Association-1565337 Additional copies are available upon request pending availability. To order, contact CHA at 201-835-1207. Copyright © 2016 The Craft & Hobby Association. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
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The Buzz Craft Community
Crusaders
Bradley Hospital
“It takes a village…” African proverb
by Kristen Farrell
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For any cause to gain momentum, it takes a group of dedicated individuals who put that cause above everything else. While many of us go home to have dinner and then decompress, activists of many causes are ordering takeout, or skipping the meal and spending every waking moment to further their mission – an all-consuming passion they possess to make a difference. This issue of Craft Industry Today features several organizations that advocate arts and crafts as a means of wellness. This article has no less to offer. Read about these small businesses that are healing lives in their local communities.
Bradley Hospital – East Providence, Rhode Island Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital was the nation’s first psychiatric hospital dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents. It’s a private, not-for-profit hospital licensed as an acute care psychiatric hospital, residential treatment facility and certified special education school. Today, it remains the only facility of its kind in Rhode Island. Its mission is to provide a wide range of family focused, high-quality mental health care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults with emotional disorders and/or developmental disabilities. Committed to improving the health status of its community, Bradley Hospital inaugurated the Healing Arts Program in 2012. Developed and directed by art therapist Maegan Gubata, LMHC, ATR, the program provides creative and therapeutic activities that improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children and adolescents who are enrolled in the hospital’s wellness programs, including individuals who are psychiatric inpatients or have autism or developmental disabilities. Maegan partners with other staff members, and artists and musicians from the community who share their time and talents to use the arts as a means to heal patients. The Healing Arts Program offers a variety of visual art projects, performance arts and musical programs to help children and adolescents express thoughts and feelings, cope with traumatic experiences, become more self aware, improve social skills, increase self esteem, decrease feelings of
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frustration, and increase concentration and focus. For more information, visit www.bradleyhospital.org.
Charity Wings Art & Craft Center – San Marcos, California Recently, medical facilities have begun to incorporate art programs as a means of patient wellbeing. What does this say about art? Well, clearly and simply stated – art heals. Charity Wings Art & Craft Center opens its doors to organizations who wish to incorporate art into their programs. Individuals dealing with issues ranging from autism to post-traumatic stress disorder partake in free creativity sessions. “Art can speak volumes for those who find it hard to express themselves. It transcends all boundaries and gives everyone a voice,” says Elena Lai Etcheverry, founder. However, one does not have to be diagnosed with a particular disorder or suffer trauma to experience the healing properties of art. People are burdened by work, family and school, but have no idea how to deal with the feelings that bottle up. A holistic approach is art. Art will help reduce the level of stress and increase one’s sense of purpose. Since art prompts positive psychological changes, it is recommended that people incorporate art into their lives to achieve a fuller development and healthy lifestyle. Charity Wings strongly believes in the power of art and thus offers a space in which anyone is welcome to create. This year, the organization celebrates 10 years of using art as a tool for people to feel happy, feel a sense of hope, and healing. For more information, visit www.charitywings.org.
Project Knitwell – Washington, D.C. Project Knitwell brings the joy of knitting and its therapeutic benefits to people facing stressful situations. It is a 501(c)(3) with ongoing programs for patients, family members and staff at Washington, D.C. area hospitals, including Medstar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH), Children’s National Medical Center, and Virginia Hospital Center. The organization also conducts programs for adults and children at community and school sites. Many who have participated in Project Knitwell’s programs
have found that knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms. It is relatively easy to learn, requires no artistic talent or prior experience, it is portable, and results in a useful product. Program participants report, “Knitting gives me peace of mind,” “It is very soothing,” “Knit purl knit purl. It’s like a heartbeat,” “Even though I could not hold [my baby in the neonatal intensive care unit], I poured my love into a sweater for her.” The results of a study conducted by two nurses at MGUH who learned to knit with Project Knitwell was published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing in February 2016. It revealed that knitting is a beneficial way to combat compassion fatigue (burnout) among oncology nurses. Project Knitwell was founded by a mom in 2010. She had successfully used knitting as a tool to cope with stress when her daughter was a pediatric patient at MGUH many years before. For more information, visit www.projectknitwell.org.
PeaceLove Studios – Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Las Vegas, Nevada PeaceLove is changing how people think about mental health. The organization provides expressive arts programming to help individuals and communities create peace of mind. PeaceLove uses creative expression to inspire, heal and
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Through the CREATORS program, PeaceLove in Rhode Island helps frontline professionals deliver an expressive arts curriculum to communities in need.
communicate emotions that are often difficult to convey in words. PeaceLove programs strive to inspire, educate and build self-confidence through creative expression, inclusion and a message of hope. Through the CREATORS Program, PeaceLove equips frontline professionals to deliver an expressive arts curriculum to communities in need. Facilitators work directly with individuals, families and groups throughout the country to help them achieve improved mental health and better quality of life. After receiving training, CREATORS deliver a workshop series consisting of visual arts, storytelling, sounds and movement with the purposes of providing new resources and skills to achieve mental health. Since 2009, PeaceLove has helped improve the lives of 19,431 individuals throughout the United States. That number is forecasted to increase to 25,000 individuals this year. For more information, visit www.peacelovestudios.com. CIT
Industry News 2015 Craft Intelligence Research CHA-UK, in collaboration with Immediate Media Co. has produced the 2015 Craft Intelligence Research Report, providing members with key insights into the Great Britain creative and craft market. The report is available free to members. Download the report at www.craftandhobby.org.
Education begins: 1/19/2017 Trade Show Opens: 1/21/2017 Exciting changes are underway for CHA’s annual Conference & Trade Show, taking place January 19-23, 2017. 0UK\Z[Y` WYVMLZZPVUHSZ JLSLIYP[PLZ HUK PUÅ\LUJLYZ ^PSS NH[OLY to experience a vibrant creative destination brought to life by CHA. Attendees will explore inspiring neighborhoods, discover inventive innovation programs, and learn from OPNO KLTHUK [YLUK ZWLHRLYZ ([[LUKLLZ ^PSS IL ÄYZ[ [V hear the results of the long-awaited 2016 State of the Craft Industry Report, and more. To start planning your trip to exhibit or attend, visit www.chamegashow.org. Badge Registration opens this summer. Conference registration opens September 13.
“YARN” Release Date: Summer 2016 Film Director: Una Lorenzen
Reserve Your Room Today to Guarantee Lowest Rates! Craft & Hobby has partnered with onPeak to secure reduced-rate hotel rooms to make your trip to Phoenix affordable. Through the travel experts at onPeak, rooms are H]HPSHISL VU H ÄYZ[ JVTL ÄYZ[ ZLY]LK IHZPZ )VVR LHYS` MVY best selection and price. Visit www.chamegashow.org or call onPeak at (855) 922-3353 to book your hotel today!
Northern California Chapter CHA is happy to announce a new chapter in the Northern California region. The purpose of the Chapter is to be a resource for local members to stay connected through meetups, webchats, events and more – and we hope you'll join! If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Chapter Leader, Lisa Fulmer at lisafulmerwrites@gmail.com.
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“YARN” follows top artists and knitters as they bring yarn to the streets and into people’s lives in new ways. :[HY[PUN PU 0JLSHUK [OPZ X\PYR` HUK [OV\NO[ WYV]VRPUN ÄST takes viewers on a colorful and global journey to discover how yarn connects us all. Featured in the documentary are world-renowned wool NYHMÄ[P HY[PZ[ 6SLR PU[LYHJ[P]L [L_[PSL JYLH[VY HUK J\YH[VY Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, National Humanities Medalwinning writer Barbara Kingsolver, and more. These women collectively have been changing the notion of crafts, as well as the portrayal of women within the art world, all the while creating innovative new works. Visit www.yarnfilm.com to ÄUK V\[ ^OLU P[Z JVTPUN [V H [OLH[YL ULHY `V\
NEW MEMBER BENEFIT UPS Savings Program® New for US and Canada! CHA is excited to announce the UPS Savings Program for our members! You and your business can now save on UPS’s broad portfolio of shipping services, including air, international, ground and freight. Whether you need your documents or packages to arrive the next day or are looking for an affordable shipping option, UPS understands the importance of speed, reliability, and cost. You can receive these discounts even if you already have a UPS account. Plus, the more you ship, the more you can save with UPS. Visit www.craftandhobby.org for more information.
2015 CHA Conference & Trade Show Makes TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows List Trade Show News Network, a leading news and online resource for the trade show, exhibition and event industry, gathers information from show management and available data to annually rank the shows by net square footage. The CHA Trade Show was ranked number 162 on the list, and is the largest trade show in North America dedicated to the international creative arts industry. The Show brings together retailers, suppliers, publishers, industry experts, and designers VM JYLH[P]L WYVK\J[Z MVY Ä]L KH`Z VM LK\JH[PVU UL[^VYRPUN and product innovations.
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Chit Chat
Yarn & Yoga
The seven women of Yarn & Yoga
by Catherine Martell
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What are some examples of health conditions that would greatly benefit from yarn and yoga? /LYL»Z H SPZ[ ‹ (Y[OYP[PZ ‹ )HJR 7HPU ‹ -PIYVT`HSNPH ‹ *OYVUPJ -H[PN\L ‹ *HUJLY ‹ 0YYP[HISL )V^LS :`UKYVTL ‹ *OYVUPJ 0UQ\Y` 7HPU ‹ /PNO :[YLZZ ^OPJO PZ RUV^U [V L_HJLYIH[L WHPU HUK P[Z YLJ\YYPUN J`JSLZ
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Trend Report Crafts that Heal by Kristen Farrell
Memory Boxes The Memory Box Program aims to comfort families of newborn infants who die in the hospital or are stillborn. The program connects artists and crafters who handcraft these boxes with hospitals in need. Since its launch in 1998 at the Society of Decorative Painters International Conference & Expo, more than 613,700 boxes have been provided to hospitals around the world. memoryboxes.org
Lion Brand Yarns Stress Relief Gloves For years, knitters, crocheters, quilters and other craft enthusiasts have worn our stress relief gloves. These lightweight gloves provide comfortable support and warmth while allowing you the freedom of movement to craft. Boost your bottom line with Lion Brand Yarn’s Stress Relief Gloves. theraglove.com
Soft Touch “Steel” Crochet Hooks For individuals with hand problems, Clover USA’s patented ergonomic soft-touch handle makes crocheting, beading, jewelry making and lace making easier. Available in eight sizes. clover-usa.com
Colors of Loss and Healing Deborah S. Derman, Ph.D, authored the first coloring book intended for adults who are experiencing grief. Each design focuses on words or phrases that evoke thoughts and feelings that guide healing and recovery. deborahdermanphd.com
Premier No. 8 Easy Action™ Bent Scissors Awarded the Arthritis Foundation® Ease-of-Use Commendation, Fiskars’ Easy Action™ Scissors allow people with arthritis or limited hand strength to experience the benefits of fabric and paper crafting. The tool has a spring-action design that reduces hand strain, and an ergonomically curved handle with Softgrip® for comfort. fiskars.com
Embossed Paper Dresdens
r o s e a n d m e y e r. c o m
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6 5 1 - 3 4 2 - 0 1 5 2
Do-It-Yourself Hand Crafting with 3D Printers Excerpts from “Renegade Crafts Stateside” by Carmen Flores Tanis (CHA Designer Trend Report, Winter 2016)
F
create innovative and improved designs, all of which For many years, the popular view of 3D printing has been that are shared with the e-NABLE community. it provides an interesting and practical method for producing ¸;OL KLZPNU VM WYVZ[OL[PJ KL]PJLZ YLHSS` ILULÄ[Z ^OLU P[ prototypes, small items and knickknacks. The collective library brings in people with a variety of backgrounds. In my case, a of 3D-printed projects is growing as more people have access background in jewelry, massage therapy, and teaching, as well to this technology. HZ ILPUN [OL MH[OLY VM H JVUNLUP[HS HTW\[LL OH]L PUÅ\LUJLK In 2011, Ivan Owen made a puppet hand out of metal for T` JVU[YPI\[PVUZ [V [OL ÄLSK 6US` PU HU VWLU ZV\YJL a steampunk convention and, as many people would, shared it environment can we attract artists, makers, clinicians, and online. Little did Ivan and his wife Jen know that commonplace action would spin into a 3D printing solution for the prosthetics amputees themselves to the process of prosthetic design. A maker can gain a tremendous sense of satisfaction in the act of industry. Ivan, who lives in the United States, received inquiries making and giving a prosthesis to a person from individuals on the other side of the world who can use it. Particularly motivating is the PM OL JV\SK JYLH[L M\UJ[PVUHS WYVZ[OL[PJ ÄUNLYZ fact that this work really helps people, and and hands for them. offers to so many people the power to enrich Today, a global network of crafters and their own lives and the lives of others. When makers are using 3D printing to make a you share a design with the public it allows difference in the lives of people in need of anyone in the world to collaborate on that prosthetic devices, thanks to Ivan. In 2013, KLZPNU HUK [V ILULÄ[ MYVT [OH[ KLZPNU ( Ivan and Jen launched enablingthefuture.org, single design improvement has the potential an information resource for thousands of to impact the lives of hundreds or thousands individuals from all over the world who are of people,” states Peter. using their 3D printers to create free 3D printing of prosthetic limbs 3D-printed hands and arms for those in need might not jump to mind as “crafting”. Yet, it VM HU \WWLY SPTI HZZPZ[P]L KL]PJL +LZPNU ÄSLZ LUJVTWHZZLZ HSS [OL KLÄUPUN JOHYHJ[LYPZ[PJZ are published on the website as open-source of crafting as we know it: creativity, and public domain, so that people can Peter Binkley with his son Peregrine expression, a sense of discovery, individuality download and print the designs and create of design, family and community involvement, empowerment prosthetics for anyone in need – anywhere in the world. and most importantly, fun. To date, approximately 2,000 devices have been gifted to Peter is just one person in a community of thousands of individuals in over 45 countries. makers, tinkerers, artists, designers, humanitarians, teachers, Peter Binkley is one of the e-NABLE community’s most active and successful 3D-printed hand designers. Peter’s interest students, parents, children, engineers, occupational therapists, medical professionals, philanthropists, inventors and everyday in 3D printing prosthetics was motivated by his son Peregrine, people using their 3D printers, design skills and artistry to ^OV ^HZ IVYU ^P[OV\[ ÄUNLYZ VU OPZ SLM[ OHUK 7L[LY»Z QV\YUL` create free hands and arms for those who need them. began when his son saw an e-NABLE viral video of a young People are using their hands to create hands for others. boy throwing a baseball with his prosthetic. In 2013, Peter The e-NABLE community illustrates vividly the ultimate power IV\NO[ H + WYPU[LY HUK THKL OPZ ÄYZ[ WYV[V[`WL \ZPUN [OL of crafting and making, with the ability to improve lives and e-NABLE community’s designs. With an artistic background in change the world for the better! CIT jewelry design and leatherwork, Peter uses his craftsmanship to Craft Industry
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by Jenny Barnett Rohrs
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything you can do to express yourself is a form of art.â&#x20AC;?
Why does this matter?
actress Emily Rios
Well, as craft and hobby professionals, we want to embrace all of the ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z VM [OLYHWL\[PJ HY[Z and crafts while respecting [OL IV\UKHYPLZ VM H credentialed profession. The good news is that [OL HY[ [OLYHWPZ[Z KV H NYLH[ KLHS VM ZJOVSHYS` YLZLHYJO HIV\[ [OL ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z VM HY[ THRPUN JYHM[PUN [VV HUK ^L JHU KYH^ MYVT [OVZL Z[\KPLZ [V Z\WWVY[ V\Y PUZ[PUJ[Z [OH[ ILPUN PU]VS]LK PU H JYLH[P]L WHZ[PTL PZ PUUH[LS` NVVK MVY \Z
Art versus craft versus art/craft therapy 0M `V\ SVVR VU [OL JV]LY VM THU` HK\S[ JVSVYPUN IVVRZ `V\ ^PSS Ă&#x201E;UK [OL [LYT ¸HY[ [OLYHW`š YPNO[ [OLYL PU IVSK SL[[LYZ (Z H MVYTLY IVHYK JLY[PĂ&#x201E;LK T\ZPJ [OLYHWPZ[ HUK HU HY[ [OLYHW` THQVY MVY H [PTL 0 MLLS [OH[ P[ÂťZ PTWVY[HU[ [OH[ ^L \UWHJR [OVZL [LYTZ HUK NL[ VU [OL ZHTL WHNL :V MVY [OL ZHRL VM JSHYP[` SL[ÂťZ Z[HY[ ^P[O [OL ^VYK ¸[OLYHWL\[PJ š
Therapeutic, adjective 1. of or relating to the healing of disease. â&#x20AC;&#x153;diagnostic and therapeutic facilitiesâ&#x20AC;? synonyms: healing, curative, remedial, medicinal, restorative, salubrious, health-giving, tonic, reparative, corrective, beneďŹ cial, good, salutary â&#x20AC;&#x153;the therapeutic effects of acupunctureâ&#x20AC;? 0U H U\[ZOLSS PM ZVTL[OPUN PZ [OLYHWL\[PJ P[ÂťZ OLHSPUN (UK JLY[HPUS` HY[Z HUK JYHM[Z HYL [OLYHWL\[PJ )\[ HYL HY[Z HUK JYHM[Z ¸HY[ [OLYHW`š& 3L[ÂťZ ZLL
Art Therapy, noun 1. a type of psychotherapy that encourages the expression of emotions through artistic activities such as painting, drawing, or sculpture; psychotherapy based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.â&#x20AC;? Pablo Picasso
Make everyday items unique with Deco Tape.
;OLU [OLYLÂťZ [OPZ MYVT [OL (TLYPJHU (ZZVJPH[PVU MVY (Y[ ;OLYHW` â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conďŹ&#x201A;icts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.â&#x20AC;? The critical difference here is that art therapy is employed by trained professionals based on psychotherapy.
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cognitive functioning … Some participants were assigned to learn a new skill – digital photography, quilting, or both – which required active engagement and tapped working memory, long-term memory and other high-level cognitive processes.” Keeping cognitively engaged and learning new tasks can TLHU X\HSP[` HNPUN HUK `LHYZ VM HKKP[PVUHS PUKLWLUKLUJL ZV RLLW SLHYUPUN [OVZL UL^ JYHM[PUN ZRPSSZ As a former therapist/clinician, I used to assess the needs of potential patients using this basic CAMES model: Communication skills, Academic needs, Motor skills, Emotional (psychological) health, and Social skills. Going IHJR [V [OPZ TVKLS ^L JHU \UKLYZ[HUK OV^ JYHM[PUN Ä[Z PU[V [OVZL HYLHZ HUK JHU WYV]PKL [OLYHWL\[PJ ILULÄ[Z
Communication skills (expressive, nonverbal) Arts and crafts by their nature are often nonverbal. However, the need for nonverbal communication is often PTWLYH[P]L ;OPUR HIV\[ OV^ PTWVY[HU[ P[ PZ [V WYLZLY]L MHTPS` memories with photos, ephemera and even the written word. When we hold these scrapbooks in our hands, we are telling our story for generations to come. By our choices of materials and design, we are also communicating our own likes and preferences, and our progeny will get a glimpse into the maker’s personality. :PTPSHYS` [OVZL ^OV LUNHNL PU ÄUL HY[ X\PS[PUN TP_LK media, etc., often feel that their work speaks for them; they JHU L_WYLZZ [OYV\NO [OLPY OHUKP^VYR ^OH[ ^VYKZ JHUUV[ JVU]L` ;OPZ TH` IL L]LU TVYL ZV MVY MVSRZ ^OV OH]L JVTT\UPJH[PVU KPMÄJ\S[PLZ ;OL MLLSPUN VM UVYTHSPaH[PVU HUK feeling included and whole, even in the face of disability, can be incredibly meaningful. When we grieve, often no words come. It is in these situations that getting out of one’s head and into one’s hands can be the most meaningful form of communication – again, letting the art/craft speak where words fail.
Academic needs (new learning) One of the things that impresses me most about crafters is our thirst for knowledge. So many of us are what I jokingly call “serial crafters.” We keep picking up new media, skills, [LJOUPX\LZ HUK Z\WWSPLZ (SS VM [OPZ PTWSPLZ JVUZ[HU[ SLHYUPUN and studies have shown that learning challenging skills, like WOV[VNYHWO` VY X\PS[PUN HJ[\HSS` [HW PU[V ^VYRPUN TLTVY` and higher-level cognitive processes. ;OL MVSSV^PUN ZUPWWL[ MYVT 7Z`JOVSVNPJHS :JPLUJL X\V[LZ YLZLHYJO KVUL I` +LUPZL 7HYR VM [OL <UP]LYZP[` VM ;L_HZ H[ Dallas. “Older adults are often encouraged to stay active and engaged to keep their minds sharp, that they have to ‘use it or lose it.’ But new research indicates that only certain activities – learning a mentally demanding skill like photography, for instance – are likely to improve
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Motor skills/physical health When you learn a new craft, often you are training your IYHPU HUK `V\Y OHUKZ [V ^VYR TVYL JSVZLS` [VNL[OLY ;OPUNZ like eye-hand coordination are imperative when learning to sew, paint, or draw. For young learners, this eye-hand JVVYKPUH[PVU JHU WH]L [OL ^H` [V TVYL KLSPJH[L HUK ÄULS` tuned coordination, which can be applied to playing musical instruments, handwriting and more. For adult and mature crafters, our eyes and hands can Z[HY[ [V MHPS \Z /V^L]LY [OL WO`ZPJHS ILULÄ[Z VM JYHM[PUN Z\JO HZ JVU[PU\LK QVPU[ Å\PKP[` SV^LYLK ISVVK WYLZZ\YL HUK [OL feeling of creating can compensate for the frustrations of stiff ÄUNLYZ VY KPTPUPZOLK ]PZPVU Just today I received this comment on my website from a YLHKLY! ¸0 ^HU[LK [V [LSS `V\ [OL OLHS[O ILULÄ[Z [OH[ JYHM[PUN has had for me aside from the mental health. It is one of the best pain management tools I have in my arsenal. It helps me to regulate my blood pressure, also.” (Z +Y 7L[LY +L6YLV \ZLK [V ZH` PU V\Y [YLH[TLU[ [LHT TLL[PUNZ ¸7H[PLU[Z ^OV MLLS IL[[LY HYL IL[[LY ¹ HUK MVY THU` JYHM[LYZ [OPZ PZ HU HIZVS\[L [Y\[O ;OL JVUULJ[PVU VM MLLSPUN ^LSS HIZVS\[LS` [YHUZSH[LZ PU[V HJ[\HS WO`ZPVSVNPJHS ILULÄ[Z
Emotional/psychological health ;OL HYLH VM LTV[PVUHS WZ`JOVSVNPJHS OLHS[O PU relationship to crafters is almost unchallenged. I hear V]LY HUK V]LY OV^ JHST HUK YLSH_LK JYHM[LYZ MLLS HUK [OL TLTL ¸*YHM[PUN PZ 4` ;OLYHW`¹ VY ¸*YHM[PUN PZ *OLHWLY [OHU ;OLYHW` ¹ PZ HSTVZ[ \IPX\P[V\Z )\[ KPK `V\ RUV^ [OH[ repetitive crafts, such as knitting and needlework, create responses in the brain that are similar to those created by meditating or doing yoga? “Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of The Relaxation Response says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation and yoga … But unlike meditation, craft activities result in tangible and often useful products that can enhance self-esteem.” (The New York Times) ;OL MLLSPUN VM JYLH[PUN H SLNHJ` ZVTL[OPUN YLHS MYVT HU HIZ[YHJ[ [OV\NO[ VY JVTWSL[PUN H KPMÄJ\S[ [HZR JHU HSS YLSLHZL endorphins, increase self-esteem, and make us feel like our lives are productive and whole.
Social network/community skills I often joke that crafters are my tribe. When I meet a crafter of any kind we immediately jump to show and tell! Crafters are usually very sharing, open teachers; happy to impart tips, tricks and techniques we’ve mastered. We love to share our passion for crafting with everyone we meet. To this end, crafting provides a social network in the form of cropping groups, knitting circles, quilting and art guilds, polymer clay retreats, online groups – the list goes on and on. Don’t forget that many crafters also join altruistic groups [V KVUH[L ÄUPZOLK NVVKZ MVY SVJHS OVZWP[HSZ [OL (TLYPJHU Red Cross, and countless other organizations. The sense of community and social good that comes from these kinds of groups can be essential for a sense of purpose and ZLSM LZ[LLT ([ SLHZ[ VUL Z[\K` ZOV^Z [OH[ OH]PUN H ZLUZL of purpose can actually extend your lifespan. Here’s some information from the research conducted by Patrick Hill and Nicolas Turiano at Carlton University in Canada.
Lastly, I also issue a call-to-action to all of us in the crafting industry to keep sharing our knowledge with the younger generation, as well as making adaptive crafting supplies (such as built-up handles for crochet hooks, OttLites, and ergonomic tools) to include crafters with special needs, WO`ZPJHS JOHSSLUNLZ HUK V[OLY SPTP[H[PVUZ 0[ ^PSS ILULÄ[ V\Y industry and our bottom lines. CIT
“Our findings point to the fact that finding a direction for life, and setting overarching goals for what you want to achieve, can help you actually live longer, regardless of when you find your purpose,” says Hill. “So the earlier someone comes to a direction for life, the earlier these protective effects may be able to occur.”
Jenny Barnett Rohrs is the owner/founder of CraftTestDummies.com, a website that provides craft product reviews, tutorials, and industry news. She is also the current host of the PBS show “Hands On Crafts for Kids” and is a digital media/content specialist for many well-known brands. Jenny enjoys performing in community musical theater, being an AFS host mom, traveling with husband Jeff and encouraging a love of the arts in her kids.
In the study, greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan, showing the same ILULÄ[ MVY `V\UNLY TPKKSL HNLK HUK VSKLY WHY[PJPWHU[Z HJYVZZ the follow-up period. From my perspective, this is a ringing endorsement for crafts and hobbies of all kinds. You cannot deny the cognitive, LTV[PVUHS ZVJPHS HUK WO`ZPVSVNPJHS ILULÄ[Z [V SPML SVUN JYHM[PUN HUK THRPUN (UK ^OPSL P[»Z UV[ HY[ VY JYHM[ ¸[OLYHW` ¹ crafting, hobbies and art-making are irrefutably therapeutic!
The takeaway • •
+L]LSVWPUN JYHM[PUN ZRPSSZ OH]L SPMLSVUN ILULÄ[Z MVY TPUK IVK` HUK ZWPYP[ HUK [OVZL ILULÄ[Z HYL Z\IZ[HU[PHS and substantiated. While crafting is therapeutic, it is wise to seek an art [OLYHWPZ[ VY JYLH[P]L HY[Z [OLYHWPZ[ MVY ZWLJPÄJ [YLH[TLU[ The more we support our diverse crafting population, the healthier we are as an industry and a society.
Sources http://www.arttherapy.org/upload/whatisarttherapy.pdf http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/ learning-new-skills-keeps-an-aging-mind-sharp.html http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/ having-a-sense-of-purpose-in-life-may-add-years-to-your-life.html http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/the-health
ILULÄ[Z VM RUP[[PUN &FY$ Craft Industry
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Layout by Megan Hoeppner
Scrapbooking to Help Memories
18 Summer 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Craft Industry today
by Jennafer Martin
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Crafting brings joy and relaxation to so many lives. But for some, it can go a step further and be therapeutic. Recent research notes that scrapbooking can be used as a therapy [V ILULÄ[ [OVZL ^P[O Alzheimer’s disease. Memory keeping and the creativity [OH[ WV^LYZ P[ HYL OLSWPUN Alzheimer’s and dementia patients by engaging their minds, building a bridge for short-term memory loss, reducing anxiety and L]LU I\PSKPUN UL^ UL\YHS WH[O^H`Z PU [OL IYHPU
Scrapbooking and Alzheimer’s We hear much about Alzheimer’s disease in [OL UL^Z HUK [OYV\NO [OL experiences of loved ones HUK JV^VYRLYZ )\[ ^OH[ PZ this disease? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s “a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.” ;OVZL HMÅPJ[LK MLLS [OLPY memories and their sense of themselves eroding, resulting in confusion, frustration and anger, a lack of ability to connect to others, depression and more.
Friends and family of people suffering from Alzheimer’s experience stress and pain from the day-to-day uncertainty if the person [OL` SV]L ^PSS RUV^ [OLT let alone be able to talk to VY JVUULJ[ ^P[O [OLT 0[»Z H MH[PN\PUN KPMÄJ\S[ KPZLHZL to experience. One of the YLHZVUZ ^L OLHY ZV T\JO about it is that it’s becoming more common; in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, someone in America is diagnosed ^P[O [OPZ KPZLHZL L]LY` ZLJVUKZ (UK ^OPSL THU` amazing organizations JVU[PU\L [V ^VYR KPSPNLU[S` [V^HYKZ H J\YL ^P[O TLKPJHS research and advancements, it’s currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. With statistics like these, it’s likely that you or one of your customers RUV^Z ZVTLVUL HMÅPJ[LK ^P[O (SaOLPTLY»Z KPZLHZL Many drug therapies are THRPUN OLHK^H` PU [YLH[PUN patients, but healthcare professionals and caregivers have noted that nonmedical remedies, such as pet and music therapy, offer great ILULÄ[Z [OH[ OLSW WH[PLU[Z enjoy a better quality of life, including increased relaxation.
Scrapbooking is one of the nonmedical therapies recommended because it provides a lift to patients’ TVVKZ 7S\Z YLZLHYJO ZOV^Z that reminiscing can help YLZ[VYL HUK JYLH[L UL^ UL\YHS WH[O^H`Z PU [OL brain, help the short-term memory resurface for short periods of time, and stave off quick progression of the disease. Precious moments of restoration and connection can mean much to those HMÅPJ[LK HUK [OLPY MHTPSPLZ “Scrapbooking helped my grandma so much,” says Megan Hoeppner, editor-in-chief of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine. “She suffered from dementia HUK ^HZ TLU[HSS` HIZLU[ most of the time – until my mom took her a scrapbook VM T` NYHUKTH»Z SPML 0[ ^HZ SPRL ZVTLVUL ÅPWWLK [OL lights back on in her eyes. :OL RUL^ ^OV WLVWSL ^LYL hs, and even in the photographs,
ZLLTLK [V RUV^ \Z MVY H IYPLM THNPJHS TVTLU[ 0[ ^HZ H YLTHYRHISL L_WLYPLUJL 0»SS UL]LY MVYNL[ HUK ^L OH]L H scrapbook to thank for it.”
Crafting companies for Alzheimer’s With their fundraising efforts, sponsoring initiatives, H^HYLULZZ YHPZPUN HUK TVUL` donations, many crafting companies have aided in the mission to end this disease. 0U MHJ[ VUL JVTWHU` ^HZ MV\UKLK ZWLJPÄJHSS` to create scrapbooks for Alzheimer’s patients: :JYHWIVVR 7H[O^H`Z 0[ ^HZ founded by Brenda Strong, ^OV JYLH[LK H ZJYHWIVVR MVY OLY MH[OLY PU SH^ KPHNUVZLK ^P[O (SaOLPTLY»Z PU (M[LY^HYKZ [OL U\YZL HUK avid scrapbooker noticed that looking at it helped lift his spirits and strike up conversations during the periods of silence he ZVTL[PTLZ ^LU[ [OYV\NO ZVTL[PTL
Scrapbooking can give patients a lift, connect them to their their family and friends, ends, and stimulate new neural pathways ays to grow in the brain.
Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics at a Glance First discovered in 1906 Type of disease: Degenerative Affects the brain, memory, behavior, language, thought processes Emotional effects: Loss of connection, depression, frustration, anger Cure: None currently Therapies used for treatment: Drug, behavioral, occupational and alternative (music, pet, art, etc.) Amount The National Institutes of Health spends on research for a cure: $480 million annually Craft Industry
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r Alzheimrsethr’e s“Quilt to Quilting fo so Association spon
The Alzheimer’s g handmade ve, an ever-growin Remember” initiati th or have passed those who live wi quilt to honor all tia. To contribute eimer’s or demen away due to Alzh it alzquilt.org. to this project, vis
After his death in 2009, Brenda discovered medical research about scrapbooks ILPUN H WHY[ VM H ILULÄJPHS therapy for Alzheimer’s patients called reminiscence therapy. The evidence also showed that the hobby she loved didn’t just spark memories – it helped reverse the effects of the disease by creating new neural pathways in the brain. Inspired by this and her personal experience, Brenda founded Scrapbook Pathways (scrapbookingpathways.weebly.com) to provide creative, pre-made scrapbooks in which families can place photos and memorabilia for their loved ones to peruse. These products have caught the attention of many, and the company continues to grow and help families troubled by this disease.
Help your loved one reconnect From looking at photos to crafting elaborate pages, scrapbooking tells the unique story of your loved one’s life. Try scrapbooking with your loved one using any of the following methods to help him or her reconnect to memories in a creative way.
Peruse old photos Simply looking through photos can get your loved one remembering without the task of getting out the art supplies. Look at photos
together, asking your loved one to tell you about what’s going on in the pictures. Take notes or record the stories to create scrapbook pages later, if you like. Reminiscing in a low-stress way is relaxing for Alzheimer’s patients. In fact, a study published in Boston College Magazine found that looking at photos and reminiscing about them suspended the effects of Alzheimer’s disease for patients.
Create a scrapbook for your loved one Looking at scrapbooks is a wonderful way to help Alzheimer’s patients reconnect to often-fading memories and reclaim their hobbies, pastimes and relationships. Keep albums simple, focus on the photos and short captions or journaling, and use memorabilia and photos that are meaningful to your loved one. Use sensitivity when scrapbooking about potentially emotional subjects, such as loved ones who have passed away and world events like wars and September 11, 2001. Here are two ideas. 1. A yearbook – This album sums up a year in the life of your loved ones, giving them a way to associate years to events; something that can get fuzzy or lost as the disease progresses. 2. A topic – Compile a scrapbook based on a topic
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that’s of interest to your loved one to help him or her relate to things that make them happy. Possible topics include your loved one’s family, friends, town or city, home, charitable or community roles, pastimes or hobbies. Or, create an album about your loved one’s current surroundings, including pictures about the home or facility he/she currently lives in, those caring for him/her, people who visit him/her, and so on.
• Keep things simple, even when it’s tempting to create scrapbook pages that are works of art. Keeping things simple will help alleviate stress for your loved one, and keep the focus on the fun. “A scrapbook page doesn’t have to be complicated or involved to be powerful,” Hoeppner notes. “The stickers and decorative extras are nice, but they aren’t the secret sauce that makes a page special. It’s the images and the memories they bring about that make scrapbooking (in any form!) a truly powerful creative activity.”
Create a scrapbook page with your loved one
Scrapbooking with HUK MVY [OVZL HMÅPJ[LK ^P[O Alzheimer’s disease is both enjoyable and therapeutic for all involved.
Alzheimer’s patients may need assistance to create scrapbook pages or albums, but working together patiently through a creative process can provide a memorable bonding experience for both of you. Here are some tips. • Choose the photos that you’ll scrapbook together. Purchase or gather archival-safe materials, including paper, embellishments, scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. If your loved one is up for an outing, shop for materials together for added fun.
Sources Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org Boston College Magazine, bcm.bc.edu Creative Memories, creativememories.com Everyday Health, everydayhealth.com Scrapbooking Pathways, scrapbookingpathways.weebly.com Synergy Home Care, synergyhomecare.com
Find out more
about symptoms, treatments and research sur rounding Alzheimer’s disease through these amazi ng organizations. • Alzheimers.net • Alzheimer’s Associatio n, alz.org • Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org • Centers for Disease Con trol, cdc.gov • Fisher Center for Alzhei mer’s Research Foundation, alzinfo.org
Rebuilding
Veterans’ Lives Power of Arts and Crafts
Through the
22 Summer 2016 • Craft Industry today
by Jennafer Martin
Brandon Sanford and his dog, Rexo
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When most people hear there might be a bomb nearby, they try to get as far away as fast as possible. That was not the case for United States Army Specialist Brandon Sanford and his bomb-sniffer dog, Rexo. Sanford and Rexo were part of the Army’s IVTI KL[LJ[PVU \UP[ [HZRLK ^P[O ÄUKPUN life-threatening explosive devices. Sanford enlisted in the Army in 2000 and served in the military police. Six years later, he enrolled in the bomb-detection dog handler school. He and Rexo deployed to Iraq in 2008. “I ^HZ ULY]V\Z VU [OL ÄYZ[ WH[YVS TPZZPVUZ ZPUJL V\Y K\[` ^HZ [V ÄUK L_WSVZP]LZ designed to kill American soldiers,” said Sanford. His worst nightmare came true in April 2008 when a roadside bomb exploded near the vehicle he and Rexo were in. Sanford suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other wounds; Rexo was also injured. As a result of his injuries, Sanford suffers from seizures as well as WYVISLTZ ^P[O IHSHUJL ÄUL TV[VY ZRPSSZ and more. A simple task like buttoning a shirt can be daunting for him and thousands of other military personnel who encountered similar experiences.
Hospitalized Veterans has distributed more than 29 million kits since 1971, averaging 43,000 kits per month. They distribute kits representing hundreds of craft categories like woodworking, leather, models, and a variety of needle crafts. The kits often give the patient a creative outlet for stress, and a way to YLI\PSK OPZ VY OLY TVIPSP[` JVUÄKLUJL and self-esteem. When young men and women return from war, they often bring home more than their duffel bags. Tens of thousands of them have been severely wounded in the line of duty and require long-term rehabilitation. Arts and crafts provide therapeutic and rehabilitative ILULÄ[Z [V WH[PLU[Z YLJ\WLYH[PUN MYVT amputations, shrapnel wounds, paralysis or TBI; and those suffering from memory loss, stroke, or extremity weakness. 0U ZVTL JHZLZ [OL ILULÄ[Z HYL physical. For example, stringing together a leather craft might help with hand-eye
coordination and dexterity. Painting or model building can ease symptoms of PTSD or depression. Other activities help create a sense of community or improve family bonding. As projects are completed, they instill a sense of accomplishment, improve self-esteem, and sometimes even reveal unrecognized artistic talents.
Medicine that doesn’t come in a bottle Unlike other veterans’ service organizations, HHV provides a tangible product to those it serves. It maintains a manufacturing plant – a modern 22,000 square foot structure – that employs dozens of individuals, many of whom are veterans themselves. Their work is to turn raw leather and wood materials into arts and crafts kits. The kits range from moccasins, belts, wallets and purses, to birdhouses, clocks, boxes and more – all designed to assist veterans in their recovery. HHV also uses donated
Producing healing arts that enrich lives Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), H UVUWYVÄ[ VYNHUPaH[PVU MV\UKLK K\YPUN the Vietnam War, supplies free arts and crafts kits to injured servicemen and women, and to U.S. war veterans. As America’s largest supplier of therapeutic arts and crafts resources, Help Craft Industry
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Making the HHV Craft Kits
components from companies that believe in the mission; many are CHA members. They use the donations for the kits and for embellishments at arts and crafts centers. Then, craft kits are purchased or produced through charitable donations.
The assorted kits with basket
HHV’s craft kits are often a part of a patient’s treatment prescribed by their doctor or occupational therapist. Kits that require many hours to complete are recommended for patients in extended care facilities. As they recuperate and go through rehabilitation, they look forward to making progress on their arts and crafts project. In the home setting, family members can also work on the projects, giving the recipient a productive activity to enjoy together with his or her family. Based on reports by caregivers, family members and recipients, HHV’s craft kits have done wonders to counteract one of the biggest obstacles of health care recovery – patient
boredom – that can manifest itself in separation from family life and endless hours of TV watching or video game playing. The kits greatly improve morale, which enables them to become more responsive to treatment. The challenge of completing a kit helps a person discover that he or she can once again be useful and productive. Particularly among spinal cord injury patients and geriatric patients, working on kits injects new meaning into their lives. They gain a sense of personal worth, which often brings about a remarkable change in their entire outlook. Patients begin to show an interest in what is going on around them, both at home and in their local communities.
“Working with small pieces has helped me with my hand-eye coordination. I also have short-term memory problems associated with my TBI, so working on the kits helps train my focus and concentration skills.” Brandon Sanford
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BP-Model
Crafts support the healing process According to the “2009 State of the Field Report” by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, creative expression can alter moods, attitudes and emotions, and also; • reduce blood pressure while boosting the immune system and reducing stress • promote relaxation and well-being • reduce anxiety, depression and pain • improve quality of life Craft kits have consistently proven to be effective tools for veterans’ rehabilitation and healing. In a study conducted by Health Care Data Inc., 89.6 percent of patients surveyed felt HHV craft therapy helped maintain or improve their physical capabilities. With one of every three Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, TBI or both (Tanielian & Jaycox 2008), and the suicide rate for United States military members rising, creative outlets like crafting are an increasingly important part of the healing process. Crafts can reawaken veterans’ enthusiasm for life.
Enrich the lives of veterans and military personnel Following Sanford’s hospitalization, two things improved his quality of life. First, his wife discovered that the Army
was considering Rexo for discharge, and she knew her husband was deeply worried about his dog. She discretely inquired about the Army’s WSHUZ MVY 9L_V HUK VUJL JVUÄYTH[PVU was received that the dog was being retired from the military, she applied for his release to their family. Within 90 days, they were driving to El Paso to pick him up so he could live the rest of his life in comfort with the Sanford family. Second, Sanford met Richard Burke, craft-care specialist with Help Hospitalized Veterans, and he soon began to utilize arts and crafts kits as a diversion from anxiety and frustration. Soon he recognized other tangible [OLYHWL\[PJ ILULÄ[Z HHV would like to say a special thank you to members of CHA who, in the past few years, have donated materials for America’s veterans. They include MCG Textiles, as well as Plaid Enterprises, which donated more than 38,000 crafts and components.
For more information about Help Hospitalized Veterans and how you can change veterans’ lives in a healthy and rewarding way, visit www.hhv.org or call 951-926-2210.
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even if they don’t consider themselves very good – can help them slow down or stave off dementia. A study in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy concluded, “As a skilled and creative occupation (knitting) has therapeutic potential – and area requiring further research.” Personally, I hope the trend JVU[PU\LZ (Z T\JO HZ 0 SV]L 5L[ÅP_ Hulu and Facebook, it feels good to look away from the screens and actually produce something. The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) released its Changing Global Health One Stitch at a Time video in 2014, which featured interviews with a wide range of people from older adults to grammar school kids about their experiences with knitting and crocheting. This video, available on YouTube and the CYC website, contains discussions with Dr. Carrie Barron and Dr. Alton Barron, a psychiatrist/psychoanalyst and an orthopedic surgeon who coauthored The Creativity Cure: How To Build Happiness With Your Own Two Hands. Dr. Carrie Barron states, “Making things, bringing things into being with your hands is one of the most important things you can do for your happiness and wellness.” Dr. Alton Barron, whose focus is the physical HUK TLU[HS ILULÄ[Z ZH`Z ¸2UP[[PUN is preventative medicine.” The act of knitting involves different mental states, from the meditative aspect of repeating a series of stitches over and over to problem solving when you’ve made a mistake or have to change needles or colors. These examples show how such a crafting activity can keep your brain working at its best. According to Dr. Carrie Barron, “there’s a very powerful relationship between hands and mind.” There’s also the social aspect of crafting in general, and knitting ZWLJPÄJHSS` 0U H Z\Y]L` VM RUP[[LYZ [OH[ was published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, authors Jill Riley, Betsan Corkhill, and Clare Morris MV\UK [OH[ ¸RUP[[PUN OHZ ZPNUPÄJHU[ WZ`JOVSVNPJHS HUK ZVJPHS ILULÄ[Z ^OPJO can contribute to wellbeing and quality of life.” The survey also showed strong relationships between knitting with others and mood. In fact, it suggests that
people who considered themselves depressed felt markedly better after knitting with a group. The same study also found a link between knitting with others and learning new skills. While some of the people surveyed felt knitting helped them learn new skills regardless, the number increased when they were participating in social knitting. What can this mean for knitters not participating in a study? How does it parlay into other crafts? Can ripping up the seams of a dress you were so excited to make really help you cope ^P[O SPML»Z KPMÄJ\S[PLZ& 5VUL VM [OL Z[\KPLZ acknowledged the frustrations of crafting; yet, they spoke to the cognitive strengths gained by learning new things. Therefore, I think the dress that had to be torn, the beads from the bracelet that spilled all V]LY [OL ÅVVY HUK OH]PUN W\SSLK Ä]L carefully crafted, but still wrong, rows out of your knitting all count as learning. If you’re reading this, the chances HYL `V\ HSYLHK` \UKLYZ[HUK [OL ILULÄ[Z that crafting offers for your health. “Middle-aged folks who see themselves as generally quite creative were also more optimistic,” states the study mentioned above. Maybe you couldn’t explain it beyond a sense of pride before, but medicine is catching up, studies are being published and books are being written about that feeling of wellbeing you get from a knit-a-long – whether it’s in person or virtual. There’s even evidence that the textiles themselves can have healing ILULÄ[Z ;OH[ [L_[\YL HUK JVSVY L]LU PM you do nothing with the soft, eyelash yarn you bought because you adored the JVSVY JHU ILULÄ[ `V\ 4H`IL P[»Z [PTL [V visit the local yarn store and look around. Pick up some pretty needles or crochet OVVRZ ÄUK H ZVM[ KLSPJPV\Z SVVRPUN `HYU and ask the owner if there are events or classes you can join. Even if you feel like you know everything there is to know, there are things to learn from social knitting or crocheting evenings.
How will you leave your mark on the world? Maybe it’s time to take out your ÄYZ[ ZL[ VM ULLKSLZ HUK ZVTL `HYU [OH[ isn’t being used for anything and teach the children in your life to cast on. “Creating jewelry enhanced the women’s generativity in two ways: by increasing their connection to others, and by giving them a chance to leave a mark on the world,” says Dr. Adams-Price. Will your children and grandchildren treasure the blankets you made? I know I do, and so do my children. My mother knitted a blanket out of yellow yarn before my sister was born. She ran out of yarn halfway through and the skein she IV\NO[ [V ÄUPZO P[ ^HZU»[ [OL YPNO[ ZOHKL She tucked it into a chest and I found it, years later. Do my children care that the JVSVY PZ VMM& 5V [OL` JHYL [OH[ 5VUUH made it and it’s special.
What can we conclude from these studies? Can this truly mean that we can keep our minds sharp as we age? Maybe, but if it helps us right now, there is no harm in starting as soon as possible. At best, I realize this is anecdotal evidence, but my soon-to-be grandma-in-law is the most “with it” 83 year-old I’ve ever TL[ :OL»Z ILLU H KYLZZTHRLY HUK ÄILY artist her whole life. (Although I don’t know if she would consider herself an artist.) As I pull out my knitting needles to help with the stress of life just before my second wedding, I can only hope that my continued dedication to knitting rectangles will help not only relieve the stresses of today, but do any part to help myself and others who pursue creative expression improve our cognitive functions. CIT
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The Twisteezwire Bracelet Kit includes everything you need to create four unique coil bracelets. The ‘TW-BK’ pack includes instructions, assorted beads and buttons, and 13 vividly-colored, plastic-coated copper wires. Party packs are available with wire, buttons and beads to create 16 bracelets. Fun for ages 8 and up.
203-393-2397
New “Color Me” Cling Stamps are perfect for crafting with your favorite inks and markers. The deeply-etched, natural gum rubber, cling-mounted stamps are safe to use with all crafting inks. Available in a variety of themes. Made in the USA.
orders@deepredstamps.com
28 Summer 2016 • Craft Industry today
Momenta’s Art-C Luxe Paint is a unique acrylic paint with a sparkling, luxurious finish. It’s easy to use and clean up, but also weatherproof and waterproof, making it perfect for adding sparkle to any surface.
603-766-3158 Ornament and Star-Shaped Embossed Paper Dresdens are easy to make. Pleat ribbons into a circle, glue stacked Dresden shapes in the center, and add a hanging loop for an elegant Christmas tree ornament, package topper or prize medallion. Schedule a fun and easy craft class in your shop. Available in silver or gold, and many different sizes and shapes.
roseandmeyer.com The Gemini from Crafters Companion is an automatic, electronic die-cut and emboss machine that’s engineered to provide exceptional power. It easily cuts through intricate dies and a variety of substrates at the push of a button! Visit CraftersCompanion1 on YouTube for a detailed product introduction.
800-399-5035 Imagination International’s Glitter Deco Tape is extra-long, easily tears by hand and adds personality to craft projects. Each roll contains 11 yards of 1-inch, mess-free glitter tape. Available in gorgeous gold and stunning silver.
866-662-6742
Faber-Castell’s Design Memory Craft Gelatos® Open Stock Display is
Lineco’s unique tools, accessories and supplies are used by bookbinding professionals and enthusiasts around the world. From bone folders to beeswax, Lineco has the right tool for the job.
available in 60-count or 30-count – will brighten up your mixed-media department! It houses the entire collection for single color purchase, and includes inspiring signage and a hanging Gelatos Compendium card that illustrates techniques. It can be hung on slatwall or pegboard. The display is FREE with the purchase of the Gelatos®.
www.designmemorycraft.com
800-322-7775
Craft Industry
today • Summer 2016
29
Creativity Is Our Business
Contact a designer today to schedule a class, arrange for a consultation, improve your social media or solve your design dilemmas.
beth | watson
DESIGN STUDIO &+$ 'HVLJQHU ,QVWUXFWRU 0L[HG 0HGLD $UWLVW EZGHVLJQVWXGLR EORJVSRW FRP
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Upcoming Event Sizzix artist Eileen Hull and her vintage camper Scotty are preparing for Paper Trail 10, a two month teaching tourfrom Virginia to the Pacific Northwest and down to Texas. Please contact Eileen if your store would like to be a stop on the Paper Trail!
Reserve your space in the Designer Showcase of Craft Industry Today magazine by calling Darlene Ryan at 800-344-0559.
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American Orthopedic ...................10
Faber-Castell....................................... 7
Paper House Productions ............23
BC Designs ........................................30
Imagination International ...........15
Ranger Industries ............................. 9
Beth Watson Design Studio ........30
JPS Digital/Deep Red Stamps ....17
Rose & Meyer ...................................12
Chase Products Co. .......Back Cover
Lawn Fawn ........................................10
Sha & Co .............................................30
Crafter’s Companion .....................31
Lineco/University Products.........25
Tape Technologies..........................11
Dare2bArtzy .....................................25
Little Pink Ladybug .......................... 5
Therm O Web ..................................... 6
Eileen Hull .........................................30
Momenta Inc./Art-C ......................... 2
Witzend Workshop LLC ................12
30 Summer 2016 • Craft Industry today