Crafting an Heirloom

As I was busy pinning various images and links to my boards in Pinterest, I started to realize how many of the items I see people post are quickie crafts or items that may be cute for the moment, but may not last or stand the test of time. I wonder why we don't value true craftsmanship like we used to, or if we do, we don't value the time and energy that went into making an item, therefore we may appreciate what it would truly cost if it were for sale. I think two things have killed true craftsmanship and wonderfully handmade items. The first is that we are not taught from a young age to learn how to sew, knit, crochet, metal smith, woodwork, etc like our grandparents or great grandparents did. Seeing old embroidery samplers carefully and beautifully stitched by young girls in the 19th century speaks to the discipline, time, and commitment that it took to produce such an item. It also tells us that things were made to last, to endure, and were not here today and gone tomorrow. Even the embroidered and crochet edged pillow cases that homemakers made in the 50's and 60's still came from that same tradition of using quality materials to produce something that was not only used by one generation, but by many.

The other reason why handcrafted items aren't given the value that they should is that too much of what we buy and have in our homes may be fashion forward, beautiful or 'just the thing', but these items are often cheaply made and many times not made to last. We can blame the Chinese and their factories, we can blame IKEA and Target and their buyers, but we can also blame ourselves. We need to quit buying junk and start buying quality. If it matters that we have things in our homes and lives that we can treasure and possibly hand down as an heirloom, then I think that it is important to purchase or create things that can stand the test of time in both workmanship and design. Not all of us are creative or may not want to be, but if we are, take the time to really make something...not just quick 5 minute cute crafts. Really learn a craft and create your own personal heirloom. Really learn a process. We have a family friend who has stained glass pieces and a large Hawaiian quilt that she made and displays in her home. They are beautiful and you can appreciate the time and talent that went into creating these items when you look at them. She has crafted heirlooms.