Making Future Heirlooms By Hand
One of the most treasured family heirlooms in many families is a handmade quilt. Until the early days of the 20th century, most bed coverings for average citizens were made at home. Quilts were a popular item because they were economical and because they provided a social event. The economy came from the fact that most patches were not created from new fabric specifically bought for use in a quilt. Most patches were cut from work clothing that was no longer useful for wearing. So rather than throwing the clothing away, women would cut it into pieces and make quilts. As for the social aspect of making quilts, women would often assemble in groups for a "quilting bee" where they would stitch by hand while socializing with each other. Through the years, the humble quilt that started out as a serviceable household good later became a work of art.
In early days, women used their own imaginations and experience to create different patterns and designs for quilts. Nowadays you can buy a pattern at the store, design your own, or use a pattern that has been passed down through generations of your family. Although you no longer need to make patches out of used clothing, doing so will make for a unique quilt with a personal touch. Most people prefer to make quilts by hand, if only for the nostalgia of doing so, although machine-sewn quilts have grown in popularity. Machine-sewn quilts may be more technically accurate, have straighter seam lines, and be faster to make - but hand-sewn quilts have more warm thoughts sewn into them because they take longer to make, and they afford quilters the opportunity to gather together to craft their wares and socialize.
Another popular hand-made item for gift-giving, especially to collectors, is a handmade doll. Usually a handmade doll represents a specific nation, reflecting a specific time in the country's history and culture. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of hand-made dolls as far back as ancient Egypt. Most handmade dolls crafted around the world are not too realistic and sophisticated, but they do portray humanity and regular daily life just as realistically as manufactured dolls can.
You can make a handmade doll out of cloth, then stitch the cloth body parts and stuff them with synthetic cotton. Before stuffing, the cloth can be draped around a metal frame for a firm body structure. Faces are also made from cloth, with cotton stuffing. The facial features of handmade dolls are often painted painstakingly by hand. All the arms, fingers, and toes can be stitched and crafted individually, to allow for more realistic depiction of various bodily gestures. Accessories and clothing are also stitched by hand.
Handmade dolls are usually quite beautiful, and there are many collectors around the world that seek out dolls from various countries and cultures, to learn more about that specific civilization. For example, by using a collection of handmade dolls crafted in India, you can become acquainted with the art and culture of the various states of India by noting the dresses of rural people and common citizens, and the bridal dresses and ceremonial costumes. If you are making handmade dolls created from clay, then you will most likely use modeling clay, acrylic paints, and decorating items such as glitter and pebbles. It is usually best not to bake the dolls, because they will become firm enough with simple air drying.
One of the most useful everyday handmade items you can make for someone is a handmade handbag. Such handbags are routinely sold in wholesale markets throughout India. They are also sold in retail outlets and in designer boutiques throughout the world. Handmade handbags are often used by trend-setting celebrities, because they seamlessly blend art and fashion with usefulness. Each handbag is usually crafted individually by a talented artist, and is therefore unique, exciting, and original.
Some of the most spectacular handmade handbags come from Pembrokeshire, in West Wales. These handbags are of extremely high quality, and there is great attention paid to every single detail. Each is made from the highest quality fabric, with the most vivid colors and designs. Some original designs of many handmade handbags use strong handles and a firm base. But others have a button and cord fastening, or a brass magnetic strap. Expensive handmade handbags usually come with a special fabric bag to protect them from getting dirty.
Anyone can go to a department store and buy a gift of jewelry, clothing, or household items. But to really show someone you cared enough to get them something unique and lovely, you can't go wrong with either purchasing a handmade item, or making something yourself. Your gift will not only be appreciated and enjoyed by the recipient, but it may still be an important part of the family's legacy long after you're gone.
