I’m delighted to share that I’ve recently become a member of Heritage Crafts, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting traditional craft skills across the UK.
Why Heritage Crafts?
As someone who creates and teaches some traditional button-making techniques like Dorset and Yorkshire buttons, I’ve always felt drawn to the rich history behind handcrafts. My connection to traditional crafts goes back to childhood, where I was my grandfather’s eager assistant for various projects, including making my first wooden sewing box (which I still have over 40 years later!). Together, we also restored my great-grandfather’s wicker fishing basket – another family treasure I’ve kept to this day. Those early hands-on experiences sparked my interest in handcrafts that eventually led to my current passion for textile crafts.
Heritage Crafts’ mission particularly resonates with me because I believe deeply in the importance of preserving these traditional skills. The language of handcraft connects us across cultures and national identities – beyond borders and bringing people together through shared creativity and appreciation of skilled workmanship.
What Does Membership Mean?
Becoming a member is primarily about offering support and raising awareness for the important work this charity does. Heritage Crafts works tirelessly to:
- Document and preserve endangered crafts
- Advocate for the importance of traditional making skills
- Connect and support makers across various disciplines
- Provide resources for both new and established craftspeople
Their resources have been incredibly valuable in my own practice, so joining feels like one small way to give back to an organization that contributes so much to our craft community.
Looking Forward
While my specialty of button making isn’t currently on the endangered crafts list, I’m looking forward to exploring Heritage Crafts’ resources and maker directory more deeply.
I’m excited about the possibility of discovering new techniques that might influence my future workshops and creations.
I’m also eager to learn about upcoming events and initiatives through their newsletters, and to feel connected to the wider community of people who value traditional crafts as much as I do.
Join the Community
Heritage Crafts membership is open to everyone – from the craft-curious to longtime makers. As they say on their website: “Become part of a growing community that is helping to support, promote and safeguard heritage crafts skills and knowledge for the future.”
If you’ve ever felt drawn to traditional crafts, or simply appreciate the value of preserving these important cultural skills, I encourage you to consider joining. Together, we can help ensure these precious traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
Membership information can be found here
How do you connect with craft traditions? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Get in touch!
