Everyone is hopping online and joining the wave of social media. In increasing numbers people are launching websites and joining online social communities to spread their presence, influence, and to connect with their fans (and trolls). Crafters and crafting communities have joined the world of social media, taking what is considered "craft" to a whole new level and inviting people to join the do-it-yourself revolution.
Almost everything and everyone is online now. I wouldn't be surprised if my computer-phobic mother added me on MySpace tomorrow. The uses for the internet have changed drastically over the years - it's no longer simply an information network: it's an entirely different world.
So, where do arts and crafts and do-it-yourself projects fit into this scheme?
At first, the combination of technology and crafting seems a little odd. Yeah, I know what you picture when you hear that someone who crafts.
It's not pretty, am I right?
So of course, the idea of combining crafting and computers is weird - at least it was at first. Crafting is generally associated with people who have lots of free time: little old ladies who have nothing better to do since they've outlived all of the men in their lives.
We all know by now that the stereotype of little old ladies and bored housewives crafting just isn't true. Times have been tough lately, forcing more people to consider how their lives would be different if they could do it themselves at home. From cooking at home, to decorating and tailoring your own clothes, everyone is finding ways to cut back. And, more importantly, they're taking part in the crafting revolution.
Crafts are online. They've invaded.
And I don't just mean you find Flickrs full of photos of Susy's latest paintings, or Jimmy's new pottery. You find fully functional communities, where individuals come together to exchange information and resources, as well as make friends.
What does the internet have to offer crafters? For independent artists and crafters who make a living selling their products, they no longer have to wander from craft fair to craft fair, or spend hours working on their own website, only to see one piddly sale per week.
Sites like Etsy and Artfire make it easy for independent artists and crafters to sell their wares at minimal cost to them. Instead of hoping that someone will find their site among millions of hits on Google for "hand made beads", they are now part of a smaller group. Both sites offer affordable advertising and tools necessary for promoting and selling your wares.
Not only are there sites to sell, but there's the Craft Mafia. A group of Austin crafters came together to help others sell quality craft projects and bond over their love of crafts, and the Craft Mafia was born. Now a somewhat-international group, the Craft Mafia promotes a sort of ethics among crafters.
But the internet isn't all about shopping, even though some would like us to believe that's true.
Sites such as Get Crafty and Church of Craft rely on regular contributors, proucing columns with information, and organizing get togethers.
But the experience between crafters and the internet is not a one way experience. Sites like Craftster and Cut Out and Keep
encourage crafters and other do-it-yourselfers with tips, tricks, and
step-by-step photo tutorials. Relying on user generated content rather
than a set staff of contributors, the array of information and
expertise available is much wider than you find in craft magazines and
other resources. Much like MySpace, Twitter, and other popular social media projects, these sites rely on the users to shape the experience visitors have.
The interaction between crafters and social media is not limited to Craftster and Cut Out and Keep. There are a plethora of sites devoted to various types of crafting that invite their users to interact with each other. Craft-specific sites such as Ravelry (home to crocheters, knitters, and other fiber artists) flourish and help to create both internet and in-person communities.
With forums, project notebooks, regular columns, tips and tricks, photos, and other information, crafting websites encourage crafters to not only pick up the scissors and glue, but to put them down sometimes and get to know like-minded individuals.
Big benefits to integrating old school crafts and social media:
- Long time crafters can find friends not limited to local groups and friends. Most importantly, you can find people who are just like you with a wide range of interests. You can find biochemists who enjoy painting, or porn stars who love to knit.
- Crafting groups can launch websites, advertise their group, join communities, and recruit new members
- Those interested in learning how to craft can find videos, photos tutorials, and step-by-step written instructions for almost every type of craft known to (wo)man
- Affordable resources for individuals or groups interested in selling their products
- No more wondering "did I do this right?", you can look at thousands of examples
- Younger, cooler crafters (I file myself into this category) can find tips and tricks, as well as other resources, without the intimidation factor that can be involved with going to visit local groups
- Like you can with the internet in general, you can access the information anywhere. Which is a major bonus if you forget that awesome scrapbooking tip you read about on that blog last week...
- Inspiration from other crafters
- Tons more shopping opportunities with a wider selection, which can also lead to saving money
- If you need help with something, odds are someone can answer your question within a matter of minutes, or, better yet, someone has already asked and the answer is only a search away
- Some crafts have involved, literally taking the paper, scissors, and glue out of the equation
- It works both ways, and the internet benefits as well: creative individuals who love to craft are finding new ways to connect the internet with their everyday lives
So get your Google on! Learn how to paint silk scarves, knit, sculpt, carve, or sew! Whatever your heart desires, you can learn how to do it. If you've always wanted to learn origami, why not start today?