How Do I Begin? As with any pursuit, craft starts with finding a project that allows you to learn basic skills, while giving you the satisfaction of completing it. It means getting comfortable with your tools, discovering the properties of the materials you’re working with, and keeping at it – in other words, trying.
Fiber artist and clothing designer Deborah Cross displays her work at the Smithsonian Craft Show, Jennifer Gerardi photograph
See more work by Cross in our virtual exhibition
Lessons at schools, community centers, guilds, or the local Y are a help for the beginner – and even for those more advanced. Watching someone do it can not only give you a sense of what’s involved (and help you decide if that medium is for you) – but it also helps you feel more comfortable with tools and materials that may be totally foreign to you. Some magazines and books will provide “how to” instruction; all offer creative fuel to fire your imagination.
The learning curve for some fiber crafts is a short one – needlepoint and knitting come to mind – and you can be well on your way. Others may take a weekend to get used to your stuff; some really require a week-long immersion or longer to get the hang of what you’re doing, especially techniques and tips that will make your craft more rewarding.
Some crafts, like quilting, can be a social event, with many quilters working on a large project. But, for the most part, craft is a solitary experience that takes patience and time. The scholar Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls it “flow” – an almost zen state where you and the work are one. It’s one of the requirements of a seasoned craft artist. It’s also one of its sheer joys.
Renowned quilter, Hystercine Rankin, second from right, at Mississippi Cultural Crossroads, Courtesy of Mississippi Cultural Crossroads
One final note: You will find that in many ways, established craft artists, whether they are teachers or people you meet along the way, are extraordinarily generous in their time and advice. They will share their accumulated knowledge – often very extensive – to encourage you and your advancement. Make the most of it. And as you progress, you become part of a community, with an obligation to remember and observe this tradition.
Candace Kling, Candy Sampler: Crème de la Crème, 1998, John Bagley photograph
Gustine Atlas is one of the many talented needlework artists continuing the quilting tradition at Mississippi Cultural Crossroads, producing articles of historic and social significance - Learn more about them HERE
We filmed American Indian Pat Courtney Gold for the MEMORY episode.
30 Artists who work with Fiber are represented in the Exhibition - see the Fiber works online HERE
Want to collaborate to make a quilt or mural? Download a lesson plan HERE
Many of America’s important Fiber artists are featured in the Book. Learn more about the Book and where to order HERE
Over 4 hours of video available online. To view a list of all video content click HERE
