Religious arts and crafts
Religious arts and crafts allow artisans and artisans the opportunity to display the symbols of their faith and the opportunity to create an expression of their faith in tangible form. In this way, religious arts and crafts provide the faithful with a way to proudly acknowledge their beliefs and profess their love for their god or gods. Religious arts and crafts often do this by referring to the main textual tenants or predominant symbols of their religion.
What religions use arts and crafts to express beliefs?
Religious arts and crafts, as commonly thought of in Western society, refer primarily to Christianity. For this reason, the common symbols of Christianity: the cross, the fish and the loaves, the angels, Jesus Christ, etc. – are commonly incorporated into American arts and crafts. Another popular theme is incorporating scripture quotes. Of course, Christianity does not have a monopoly on religious arts and crafts; arts and crafts are well known within the Jewish tradition, for example. Jewish arts and crafts generally focus on the most widespread symbols of Judaism and include the Star of David, menorahs, and other icons of the belief. Jewish sayings also appear frequently in Jewish arts and crafts.
Ideas for religious arts and crafts
Religious arts and crafts are designed to serve as home, office, vehicle, or church decorations. Although religious features can be displayed in virtually any type of craft, here are some popular ideas for religious arts and crafts used for decoration:
1. Beaded Crafts: With a set of beads and strings, pipe cleaners or safety pins, the devotee can create beautiful and creative religious crafts. The possibilities for these crafts are almost endless and are ideal for the whole family. These beaded crafts can be designed as jewelry, decorations, and other ornaments. Virtually any religious symbol is possible with this versatile craft idea, from the Star of David to the Shroud of Turin.
2. Paint yours: Try to let your creative side out and paint your religious items for decoration and display or even for use in a religious service. Special ceramic paints are ideal for painting, decorating, and personalizing ceramic crosses, angels, and even scenes from the Bible. Personalize these paintings with names, birthdays, and scriptures to make wonderful personalized gifts.
3. Cross Stitch and Embroidery: While it may require more skill and experience, with a little practice, most devotees can become adept at creating arts and crafts for sewing. Religious sewing is especially noteworthy as it can combine graphic images of crosses, angels, doves, and biblical scenes, as well as scriptures, biblical verses, and other inspirational words. Some more popular options for religious arts and crafts that use cross stitch and embroidery include religious pillows and biblical covers.
4. Stained Glass Art and Dream Catchers: Stained glass art is popular for religious arts and crafts, as stained glass is generally associated with churches and places of worship. This does not mean that you have to be a church to be able to afford stained glass art. Far from it, inexpensive stained glass kits are available at most craft and hobby stores, and can be used by those with no prior experience.
5. Window Hangers and Ornaments: Window ornaments and hangers are usually fairly simple to create; In the absence of specialized skills, all you need is a little imagination and a pinch of creativity. The ornaments can be designed specifically for the holiday season or they can be year-round crafts that can be hung anywhere, even on the rear view mirror. Search the internet for some fun ideas for religious ornaments, hangers, and other crafts.
6. Handmade jewelry: Most religious people will happily wear the symbols of their faith as a personal reminder of their faith and devotion. Handmade religious jewelry is very popular and can include anything from resin angel earrings to homemade metal crucifixes. Brooches, necklaces and bracelets are also very popular, and although they are generally designed for women, men are becoming more and more comfortable wearing handmade crucifix necklaces.
Looking for resources to make religious arts and crafts
Many arts and crafts shows will feature some religious arts and crafts. While there are rarely shows designed specifically for this niche, a very high percentage of artisans and artisans present work that includes a religious focus. If you can’t make it to any shows, don’t give up hope. When looking for other ideas for religious arts and crafts, head to your local Christian bookstore or specialty store. These stores will almost always maintain special sections dedicated to arts and crafts of a religious nature. These stores also often have crafts ready to buy and give as gifts. If you’re more adventurous, go to a hobby and craft store and turn a secular hobby kit into a testimony of your faith.
