Do It Yourself goes beyond glitter, glue, and grannies
Have you ever received a hideous Christmas sweater you had to wear and wish your grandma would just find a different hobby? Or had to conceal your utter disgust for a colorful scarf your mom made especially for you?
When it comes to these circumstances, unfortunately, the world of crafting is not disappearing.
You'll have to continue pasting a pained smile on your face Christmas morning while you unwrap another sequin-studded reindeer sweater.
But fortunately for those who are looking for a new hobby, crafting has taken on an entirely new shape. The hobby has grown to become more than just knitting, macaroni noodles and glitter.
Los Angeles is one place that has embraced this revamping of the craft world, and has turned Do It Yourself (DIY) culture into a booming trend.
This weekend Long Beach Convention Center turned into a hub of crafting genius. The annual Harvest Festival for Arts and Crafts lured hundreds of attendees, who took advantage of the crafters and artists displaying their work; from handmade jewelry, to household trinkets the exhibits burgeoned with creative talent.
Young adults all over the country are embracing the DIY culture. Texan crafter, Joy Manos, brought her hand designed LED wine bottle night-lights to sell.
"The Festival welcomes fresh and creative ideas," said Manos. "The only way you know is if you try."
With websites such as Etsy, (a network focused on buying and selling homemade and vintage items), Craft Nights at local bars, and yearly craft fairs, crafting is affecting a new generation.
Craft captain Julianna Parrs has been a spark plug for the generation of DIY.
She currently runs a Craft night, every Wednesday night at Akbar in Silverlake.
Crafters meet at Akbar for Martinis and Cosmos and let their craftiness flow.
On her site, Parrs writes, "Adults forget to de-stress and simply play, using just their hands and their guts to create stuff."
Paco Soler, a designer of wearable art, his own clothing line of unique garments, says that he designs each piece of his collection as the "fabric speaks to him."
He encourages students, to not be afraid and just go for it. "If at first you don't succeed, try again and again if it is what you love," said Soler. "Making clothes is a great way of expressing yourself."
Individuality has been sacrificed in order to keep up with what is popular and socially acceptable. Why try to fit a mold, when you can make your own?
This is ultimately what the D.I.Y culture is about. On her website Parrs writes "It's a chance to drink, kibbutz and marvel at how your pipe-cleaner sculpting techniques have evolved since 3rd grade."
No longer is knitting a thing of the past or a hobby for lonely, unstylish older women.
It's a thing to do on a Friday night, a way to make an income, and a way to show your individuality.