#communitycraft

One of the coolest things I have ever done has been volunteering at two amazing organizations in Dallas, Tx.  The first was at the Crow Collection, a private museum that specializes in collections of Asian Art.  It is free to the public to visit and if you are in Dallas I highly recommend it.  Volunteering there opened up a whole new world for me.  As a history lover, learning about the artifacts and exhibits from some of the top experts in the area was fascinating and then sharing that knowledge during group tours was always a joy.  Unfortunately, my time there was shorter than I had wished it to be.  One thing about volunteering at a museum is that most of the time they need you is during weekdays, but if you have even one day a week you can do this and you are a history lover, I would consider this.

The other organization was the Eisemann Center for Preforming Arts in Richardson, Tx.  This was also a neat experience.  Volunteers served as ushers and greeters and often got to see performances free.  They had a great system that allowed you to book yourself into the performances that fit your schedule and to volunteer as much or as little as life allowed.  

I know from talking to the people that ran both these programs that other institutions have similar programs, so look for something in your area and get involved.  You won’t regret it.  I know I will be looking for something like these here in the Orlando, FL area when I get completely settled in.

Have you volunteered somewhere that might give others an idea?  Share it in the comments!

http://crowcollection.org/

Where Learning Begins Without a Blackboard

In a Telangana village, learning does not begin with a bell. It begins with a circle.

Women sit together in the shade of a neem tree. Men gather near a loom that has seen many seasons. Children watch quietly, pretending to play but really listening. Someone laughs. Someone corrects a stitch. Someone tells a story from long ago.

This is how learning happens here—through people, not classrooms.

Knowledge Passed Hand to Hand

Craft in Telangana was never taught alone. It was always shared.

A mother showed her daughter how to hold the needle. A father taught his son how to listen to the loom’s sound. Elders corrected gently, never loudly. Mistakes were part of learning, not something to fear.

Community was the teacher. Watching was the lesson. Doing was the exam.

This way of learning shaped Telangana’s crafts—and the people who made them.

The Process Learned Together

When cloth is made, no one works alone.

One spins thread. Another sets the loom. Someone else checks the pattern. Tea passes from hand to hand. Advice flows freely.

A young learner starts with small tasks. Slowly, confidence grows. The first finished piece brings pride—not just to one person, but to the whole group.

Here, skill is shared, not guarded.

Lives Woven With Support

Artisans grow with their community around them.

When someone struggles, others step in. When work is plenty, it is shared. When a loom breaks, neighbours help repair it.

The pride of the craftsman is quiet but strong. They know they belong. Their skill is respected. Their learning continues even in old age.

When Community Begins to Thin

Today, this circle is breaking in places.

Young people move away for faster income. Time to sit and learn is less. Markets reward individual speed, not collective care.

Without community, learning becomes harder. Skills fade. Loneliness grows.

Support from Outside, Strength from Within

Government programs encourage skill development, SHGs, training centres. Some help rebuild learning spaces. Some bring hope.

But true learning still happens best when communities are strong. Schemes can support—but they cannot replace togetherness.

Why This Way of Learning Matters

Learning through community keeps craft alive.

It teaches patience. It builds trust. It respects human rhythm.

In Telangana’s crafts, knowledge is not owned—it is carried together.

When Others See the Craft

When someone holds a handmade piece, they are holding more than skill.

They are holding many hands. Many lessons. Many voices working together.

That feeling stays.

A Thought to Carry Forward

Learning does not always need a book. Sometimes, it needs people sitting close.

When we respect community learning, we protect more than a craft. We protect a way of life.

In Telangana, learning still lives—passed quietly, person to person, heart to heart.

To know more about this living heritage, visit: https://banjaraembroiderytg.com

Related Craft Links (Explore & Learn)

https://cheriyalscrollpainting.com

https://ikathnalgonda.com

https://lacbanglescharminar.com

https://cottondurrieswarangal.com

https://bathikpaintingsiddipet.com

https://zarizardosihyderabad.com

https://handembriderynagaram.com

https://handembriderynizamabad.com

https://bobbinlacestationghanpur.com

https://nirmaltoycrafts.com

Telangana, the youngest state in India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and world-famous handicrafts. Its traditional arts include Cheriyal Paintings, Nirmal Toys, hand embroidery (Nagaram, Nizamabad), Bobbin Lace, Banjara Embroidery, Zari–Zardozi, cotton durries, lac bangles, Baithak paintings, Ikat, pearl jewellery, intricate stone carvings, and hand-printed cotton textiles, each deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.

The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), under the Ministry of Textiles, aims to holistically develop handicraft clusters across India, including Telangana.

Supported by: The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the nodal agency for promoting and developing the Indian handicrafts sector, focused on artisan empowerment, market expansion, and sustainable livelihoods.

Executed by: The Andhra Pradesh Productivity Council (APPC), an autonomous non-profit organization established in 1958 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, implementing the project in Telangana through consultancy, micro-enterprise development, skill development, training, surveys, energy audits, and rural livelihood initiatives.

Years ago home ec was removed from most high school curriculum because it was considered training for the career of housewife which was no longer thought to be a valid career choice.  It was replaced with more “college prep” offerings.  There was some major faults in this logic.  The things taught in this class have…

We have a deficient of common sense in the world today.  It takes effort to pass some skills down to the next generation.  In ancient generations, these skills meant the difference between survival or not so they were always taught to the next generations.  More recently, the stakes are no longer life and death but…

We have a deficient of common sense in the world today.  It takes effort to pass some skills down to the next generation.  In ancient generations, these skills meant the difference between survival or not so they were always taught to the next generations.  More recently, the stakes are no longer life and death but they are still tied to quality of life.  Knowing how to sew on a button may seem silly when fashions change by season, but when it saves a favorite shirt, its different.  When its the day before pay day and money is gone, being able to create dinner out of 5 cans from the pantry can save the evening.  This also applies to small car repairs, lawn care, and less practical skills like woodworking or knitting.  There is a whole generation looking for ways to unplug and feel that sense of accomplishment.  Many of the “Xers” were taught to succeed but not how to enjoy life.  You have wisdom they need.