A Brief History of the Make-Do

A make-do is created using items that are immediately available, historically out of necessity.  Make-dos can either be antique or new (often made to look old by primitive folk artists).  They incorporate items that broke and were repaired using whatever was on hand, or broken parts that were used in creating something new.  The most common make-dos are handmade pincushions added to the top of the salvaged bases of broken candlestick holders, oil lamps, or teapots.  Pincushion make-dos created by women who made do with what they had were prevalent during the 18th & 19th centuries.