craftsthat

Craftsthat is a term used in maker and craft communities to describe projects and practices that integrate narrative elements with traditional crafts. In this usage, the focus is on how material choices, process sequences, and final presentation convey a story or theme, rather than on speed or trend alone.

It emerged in online forums and social networks where crafters share not only instructions but also context, such as memories, myths, or personal histories behind a project. The term operates as both a descriptor and a loose methodological framework rather than a formal discipline, and it is characterized by openness to different media, techniques, and cultural perspectives.

Typical craftsthat projects emphasize sustainable materials, thoughtful documentation, and accessible techniques. Projects might pair with journaling, wall text, or video narratives; catalogs or pattern instructions often include narrative notes to guide the maker's intent. The approach values craft as a vehicle for meaning and connection with others, not merely as a finished object.

Reception of the concept is varied. Proponents argue that craftsthat strengthens maker communities and deepens audience engagement. Critics caution that the term can become vague or instrumentalized for marketing. As with many emergent terms in the crafts world, its meaning continues to evolve with practice and discourse.