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Today, we think of crafts as an enjoyable activity to do in our free time. Working with one's hands gives pleasure and joy, plus it has the added benefit of having something to show for time well spent. The crafts we do today were basic survival skills in the past. Even though spinning, weaving and sewing clothing and household goods for the family were necessary, as soon as some of this demand was lifted due to innovations in manufacturing, women began to incorporate their decorative skills into the work of these kinds of items.

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Product Description: Our Lucet (4001) package includes a 6-1/2 inch lucet made of hardwood, cotton yarn for a beginner, illustrated instructions, and history. The directions in our kit show how this simple craft tool makes a single-strand, braided cord that was used in many Early American and Victorian-era homes.

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Product Description: With our My First Tatting Kit (4002), you can learn to make lace edgings the old-fashioned way with a tatting shuttle. This package also includes a skein of Size 5 pearl cotton, history, and illustrated instructions. Take this kit with you on your next trip! While this craft may not be as easy as crocheting or knitting, it is definitely worth the practice to be able to make beautiful lace.

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Product Description: Our Button Lover's Set (4003) includes a colorful assortment of buttons and The Button Book (94001), which includes projects, crafts, games, history, and information on collecting buttons. Many adults will remember playing button games at birthday parties when they were young or making a button box for their mother. The Button Book (94001) is also available as a separate item in our Historical Books section.

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