Crafting Through the Years: How Fun Crafts to Do at Home Spark Multi-Generational Connections

As children, many of our childhood memories focus on experiences with those near and dear to us. What are your most cherished childhood memories? For many members of the Simply Inspired team, we hold fond memories of creating and learning with parents and grandparents. The beautifully hand-woven potholders made with a Harrisville loom and colored cotton loops were some of the greatest treasures exchanged. You’re picturing them now, right? The remarkable thing about this craft is that every time you use that potholder, the memory of its creation comes back into your mind. Who you made it with, where you were, what fun you had choosing the colors and learning the motions to create such beauty. Who knew that fun crafts to do at home could spark such nostalgia and joy? This is precisely why we carry these crafts and more in our Simply Inspired collection!  

 

Embroidery & Weaving Throughout the Years

 

Many modern-day crafts are inspired by historical traditions or even necessities. Embroidery and weaving are no exception. They say that the first sign of embroidery and weaving were from the Neolithic Era, over 30,000 years ago. While few actual pieces are remaining, we know that they created tools like needles and looms from bone, clay, and stones. It was also depicted in art. 

Throughout history, these traditional art forms have served as a form of self-expression, a sign of wealth, and skills that allowed women to be gainfully employed for many years. In the 1800s, women attended school to learn skills like these to run a household later. If they didn’t learn in school, it was a trade that their mother or grandmother taught, passed down between generations. This generational transfer of knowledge has only recently.

While today these crafts aren’t limited to just women, nor are they a necessity, they offer unique value. These traditional crafts that are now fun crafts to do at home allow you to relax, disconnect with technology, and reconnect with yourself and others around you. That’s just one of the many things we love about these fun crafts to do at home!

Fun Crafts to Do at Home That Spark Memories with the Next Generation 

 

We believe it’s essential to keep these traditional arts alive. Not only do we want to revive these age-old crafts, but we want to provide families with the opportunity to make memories. Because that’s what life is all about! 

We carry the two product lines to bring crafting to the next generations: Harrisville Designs and Corrine LaPierre. Each of these companies has a mission to preserve traditional crafts while teaching and celebrating art!

 

Metal Potholder Loom from Harrisville Designs

You probably played with the original potholder loom during your childhood! Made by Harrisville Designs right here in New Hampshire, USA, at the company’s factory in a historic woolen mill.

 

Wooden Peg Loom from Harrisville Designs

A new take on an old favorite, this loom teaches similar skills with wool yarn rather than cotton loops. Great for older children! This wooden peg loom is a winner of the Teachers' Choice Award and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal "Best Toy" Award.

 

Vintage Heart Garland Felt Craft Kit from Corinne LaPierre

This sweet product is a fun craft and a great DIY décor project. By hand, you sew the intricate soft wool pieces together to form a beautiful garland that can you can hang as a celebration of love.

 

Linen Lavender Bags Embroidery Kit - Bees from Corinne LaPierre

Corrine LaPierre is a company that uses high-quality products from the UK and Europe, and this specific product is no exception. You fill each bag with beautifully fragrant lavender grown at a cooperative in Provence, France. They make lovely gifts, too. There’s nothing like a gift handcrafted with love and care!

These fun crafts to do at home are great for all ages and skill levels. Try your hand at creating beauty with one of the above kits, or browse the collections to see which designs speak to you and your family!

 

Shop Our Gifts for Crafters Collection to Find Fun Crafts to Do at Home 

 

It’s time to make new memories, don’t you agree? Even if you don’t necessarily have the weaving or embroidery expertise that your grandmother did, you still have knowledge to share. So, shop our simple kits for fun crafts to do at home that will bring you closer to your children as you learn and create together. 

 

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