Making Matters

Making Matters by Clare Hunter is an insightful exploration of the joy found in handmade traditions. This work of art and history examines how the act of creating shapes the human mind and imagination. By analyzing various crafts and hobbies, the author illustrates how engaging with physical materials allows adults to reclaim a sense of creativity often lost after childhood.

The book covers a wide range of categories, from needlework and embroidery to papercrafts and book printing. Hunter blends culture and politics with storytelling to highlight remarkable objects and the people who made them. This study of creativity serves as a guide to seeing beauty in unexpected places through the lens of technical manufacturing and occupational therapy. Making Matters encourages readers to use their hands to engage with the world through lanterns, puppets, and pinhole cameras.