The Timeless Beauty of Wood in Crafts

Wood is one of the oldest materials used by humans in the field of crafts. From furniture to toys, wood has been a part of our daily lives for centuries. What makes wood so special is its inherent beauty, which is not lost during its transformation into a craft item. It only enhances its allure. Let's dive deeper into the world of wood in crafts and explore its charm.

The Sensory Experience of Wood

When we come into contact with wood, two of our senses are most intensely engaged: smell and touch. The unique smell of wood creates a pleasant atmosphere in a room, which is recorded in our olfactory memory and can be evoked years later. The warmth that wood evokes when we touch it is in stark contrast to the cold, impersonal feel of modern plastic or chipboard. The smooth surfaces and reliefs on wood add to the sensory experience and motivate our pleasure in the friction of our hands over them.

The Visual Appeal of Wood

The eye is not excluded from the attraction of wood. The whimsical contours of wood grains, the nuances of knots, and the authenticity of the raw material all add to its beauty. Even the symmetry and perfect geometry of furniture, such as a chair, or the imposing forcefulness of a carving machine, make wood visually appealing. Some pieces of furniture function as pivots in domestic spaces, such as bookcases, which add to the decor and invite us to begin or resume the act of reading.

Crafts Made from Wood

The craftsmanship of wood extends beyond furniture. Handmade toys are an excellent example of the versatility of wood in crafts. Toys not only help in the formation of skills but are also essential for the playful needs of human beings. The persistence of manual workers who keep alive the tradition of handmade toys is admirable. They require skill, firmness of the pulse, precise eye, and intuitive perception of the laws of physics. In contrast, industrial toys have turned children's play into a static activity, where only thumbs are used to control an electronic device.

In the kitchen, wooden objects are not only utilitarian but also contain the expression of a beautiful tradition. Wooden grinders are an indispensable part of preparing good chocolate. Some artisans use feet and hands, while others prefer a lathe connected to electric power. Other wooden objects, such as shovels, rollers, and chopping boards, are also a must in the kitchens of the country, with clear intentions of ornamentation, interpretations, or inventions of reality.

Conclusion

The beauty of wood is timeless, and it has stood the test of time in crafts. The sensory experience of wood, the visual appeal, and the versatility of this material make it unique. From furniture to toys and kitchen objects, wood adds charm and character to every craft item. The persistence of manual workers who keep alive the tradition of handmade objects is essential to preserving the beauty of wood in crafts.

In-Text Citation: Artesanía Mexiquense, La Magia De Nuestra Gente. 1st ed., Mexico, Gobierno del Estado de México, 2006.