Crafts bring people together. In an increasingly technological world, the pleasure of creating things oneself has not yet been lost. Moreover, sharing a hobby has always been a good source for community building. CraftIY links the general act of tinkering with natural materials of the region of Berlin-Brandenburg and helps people to connect with their own territory.
It is an open source, community based online platform that as a starting point focuses on two particular craft techniques: Weaving tree bark and Knotting wooden sticks together. The platform offers a community forum and information on the surrounding nature, in addition to tutorials and examples for both techniques and the combination of the two. Eventually, using them to create frames and surfaces will enable people to build objects for everyday uses in a sustainable way. It requires a very little budget since the main materials are collected in the woods and no expensive tools are needed. Therefore it represents in some cases a solid, more sustainable alternative to traditional shopping.
