Arts & Crafts

Activities involving manual dexterity or skilled artistry.

Sub-headings:

Graffiti

Knitting

Resources on knitting, a way of constructing fabric by intertwining thread or yarn in a series of loops using a pair of long, thin eyeless needles or rods.

Quilting

Resources in this category:

American Art Pottery Association
http://www.AmArtPot.org/

The mission of AAPA is "To promote an interest understanding, appreciation, and recognition of American Art Pottery" and "To unify and strengthen the voice of collectors and dealers of American art pottery". The site includes book reviews, convention and event listings, and discussion groups.

The Arts and Crafts Society
http://www.arts-crafts.com/

"In the spirit of the societies inspired in the early 20th century by the historic Arts & Crafts Movement, this site has been created to provide an online "home" for the present-day Arts & Crafts Movement community: artisans, craftspeople, collectors, lovers, etc." This site provides links to information regarding events, shows, archives, forums, and sales.

British Society of Master Glass Painters
http://www.bsmgp.org.uk/

Founded in 1921, it is Britain's "only organisation devoted exclusively to the art and craft of stained glass". Membership is open to amateurs and professionals, students, art historians, collectors and anyone interested in the craft. It's activities are open to members and non-members. The associates and fellows are senior practicing members available to undertake commissions. The Society sets standards for the restoration, conservation and repair of stained glass. Twice a year,it publishes Stained Glass, and annually, the Journal of Stained Glass, which are sent free to members. The website has links to serveral sections like, List of Accredited Studios, Stained Glass Courses, Suppliers and other resources.

Canadian Knitwear Designers' Association
http://www.canknit.com/

"Here you will find Canadian Knitwear Designers, Teachers, Pattern and Yarn Retailers, Authors, Book Distributors, Hand and Machine Knitters, and Knitting Guides." Designed to promote knitting in Canada, the CKDA also maintains a membership directory, a calendar of events and posts "What's New" updates on a regular basis.

Crafts Association of British Columbia
http://www.cabc.net/final2/index.htm

The CABC is a nonprofit organization that "fosters a thriving crafts community dedicated to developing an aware, appreciative public audience for craft. It has acted as the coordinating body for all craft disciplines in British Columbia. Membership categories are: family, student, senior and affiliate. CABC members receive the Craft Contacts newsletter, exhibition and scholarship opportunities, award, attend workshops, lectures or symposia. The website has links to different sections which have brief descriptions so the user knows what to expect. Application for membership is provided through the Web.

Crochet Guild of America
http://www.crochet.org/

The CGOA's purpose is "to create and environment which shall provide education, network, resources and shall set a national standard for the quality, art & skill of crochet through creative endeavors. Membership is open to all who are interested in perpetuating the art of crochet. Founded in 1994, it has now grown to under 400 members. It holds an annual conference and publishes a newsletter.The website contains no graphics but is logically organized into prominent sections that yield lots of information. This site is updated frequently.

Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Inc.
http://www.eac.ca/

Founded in 1974, the EAC's mission is to "preserve the traditional techniques and promote new challenges in the art of embroidery through education and networking." It has 37 chapters and nearly 2,000 members in Canada and other countries. EAC accepts gifts, donations and bequests which are tax deductible. The website has several links including Correspondence Courses, Library, EAC chapters, etc.

Embroidery Trade Association
http://www.embroiderytrade.org/

First incorporated in 1990, the Embroidery Trade Association now has a home page that provides links to information regarding membership, resources, events and current news.

Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.
http://www.weavespindye.org/

The HGA was founded in 1969 to bring together weavers, spinners, dyers, basketweavers, patrons and educators interested in the fiber arts. It holds a biennial international conference for everyone who works in and loves fiber. Membership is open to anyone interested in this art. HGA publishes Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot, a quarterly journal that serves as an international forum for weavers, spinners, dyers, basketweavers and felters. It awards a Certificate of Excellence every 2 years to its deserving members to encourage research and exploration. The website is simple and well organized. It labels the sections that are new and updated. "Related links" has a link to sites of regional and local guilds and organizations.

Home Sewing Association
http://www.sewing.org/

"Since the 1920s, the Home Sewing Association (HSA) has represented the many facets of the home sewing industry. The Association brings together fabric, pattern, notions, fiber, craft, home decorating, publishing and sewing machine companies with manufacturers, retailers, educators, wholesalers and buying offices." Site includes "sewing tips, trends, free projects, sewing class and retailer locators, a calendar of events, press releases and trade membership information."

The Indian Arts and Crafts Association
http://www.iaca.com/

"The Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1974 to support the effective protection and ethical promotion of authentic Native American art and material culture. IACA has more than 700 members throughout the United States and five foreign countries. Members include Native American artists, wholesale and retail dealers, museums, collectors and others who support the goals of the organization." This site provides links to information regarding consumer education, advocacy, promotion and markets, as well as membership information.

International String Figure Association
http://members.iquest.net/~webweavers/isfa.htm

The International String Figure Association (ISFA) is a not-for-profit organization whose primary goal is to gather, preserve, and distribute string figure knowledge so that future generations will continue to enjoy this ancient pastime. The site contains information on becoming a member, the publications ISFA produces, a brief history of string figures and the association, as well as links to other relevant web sites.

The Knitting Guild of America
http://www.tkga.com/

This site contains information on how to join The Knitting Guild of America. It also contains links to their official magazine, "Cast On", the latest fun contest, information on conferences around the country, other knitting links, and how to get involved in their educational, Master Knitting Programs.

National Craft Association
http://www.craftassoc.com/

NCA is an "association of artisans, who range from hobbyist or beginner, to the seasoned professionals who sell their work." It's mission is "to link arts and craft entrepreneurs with the resources to assist them to succeed and thrive in their business." Members are artisans, with varying styles and different levels of expertise, from a diverse range of hand crafted art work. The NCA maintains the Craft Connection Shopping Mall, for artisans to display and sell their work on the Internet. The website's front page places emphasis on the Shopping Mall, scroll down to get to the Association's description. It has several clickable buttons to explore. This website is updated frequently.

National Wood Carvers Association
http://www.chipchats.org/

"NWCA's aims are to promote woodcarving fellowship among its members; encourage exhibitions and area get-togethers; list tool and wood suppliers, and find markets for those who sell their work. From a handful of members at its beginning, the NWCA has grown to over 56,000 members. Currently, the NWCA has members in each of the 50 United States and in 47 countries from around the globe!"

OrigamiUSA
http://www.origami-usa.org/

"OrigamiUSA formerly The Friends of The Origami Center of America is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational and cultural arts organization which is dedicated to the sharing of paperfolding in America and around the world. OrigamiUSA holds classes, workshops and an annual convention. It publishes a quarterly magazine, instruction booklets and the Annual Collection (a 300 page compilation of original models), and maintains a lending library which is available to OrigamiUSA members." The website includes membership information, a listing of Regional Groups, an events calendar, a database of over 4800 origami models and the publications in which they can be found, directions for origami models you can make, puzzles, and an origami supplies center.

Society of American Silversmiths
http://www.silversmithing.com/

Founded in 1989, claims to be the "only professional organization solely devoted to the preservation and promotion of contemporary silversmithing -- specifically in the areas of holloware, flatware, and sculpture. SAS aims to educate the public in silversmithing techniques, silver care, restoration and conservation. It also assists students interested in becoming craftsmen. This website contains lots of information for the interested reader and the articles are all copyrighted.