Crafting

Crafts are traditionally described as activities involving skill in making things by hand. The roots and evolution of crafts run deep. In indigenous cultures such as the Southeastern Cherokee, historian Sarah Hill found that women have developed their craft of basketry into four main traditions corresponding with the evolution of locally available materials, such as (1) rivercane, (2) white oak, (3) honeysuckle, and (4) maple. In Western cultures, however, crafting is typically a hobby and less an integral facet of heritage. This entry further defines crafting and discusses its evolution, the role of crafting in informal learning, and the role of communities in crafting.

Many crafts, such as woodworking and welding, have professional occupations and trades associated with them but can also be more leisure-oriented activities. ...