That's Clever!

That's Clever! is an engaging television show that originally aired on Home and Garden Television (HGTV) from 2004 to 2007. It has since become a beloved classic for art and craft enthusiasts around the world, owing largely to its unique format, creative subject matter, and engaging presentation. The show offered millennial audiences a refreshing departure from conventional, often dry do-it-yourself art and craft tutorials, infusing each episode with humor, wit, and personality.

Featuring a lively host with a quirky sense of humor, the show was known for injecting wit and fun into the instructional format. The host playfully narrated each episode, accompanied by animated figures who poked fun at the crafting process in a light-hearted, sometimes sarcastic tone. The show and its format was, however, highly respectful of the artists and their creative journey, and succeeded in showcasing the skill, patience, and attention to detail that crafting requires.

That's Clever! revolved around the stories and projects of various arts and crafts enthusiasts from across the United States, many of whom were ordinary people with extraordinary talent. Every episode was an opportunity for viewers to meet a new artist, learn about their life, their creative journey, and most importantly, their art-making process.

Each episode followed a distinct three-part format, telling a sequential story that was as much about the individual artists as it was about their craft. In the first segment, viewers were introduced to the artist, gaining insight into their background, inspirations, and the unique path that led them to their craft. The second segment was a detailed step-by-step guide to creating a specific piece of art, offering viewers an exclusive look into the artist's creative process. The third and final segment capped off each episode with a reveal of the completed art piece.

Throughout the run of the show, That's Clever! covered a myriad of art styles and craft genres. Projects could range from beaded jewelry and clay pottery to mixed media art and intricate paper crafts. Other pieces included painted furniture, fabric arts like quilting and embroidery, elaborate scrapbooks, decorative mosaics, glassworks, and metal sculptures. The variety of techniques and materials demonstrated on the show were impressively comprehensive, making it a wealth of information for any art and craft enthusiast. It was not just about successfully reproducing the featured project, but more importantly, it was about understanding the creative thought process behind it.

One of the appealing aspects of That's Clever! was the relaxed pace of the show. Each artist was allotted the time needed to explain their process and demonstrate their techniques, enabling viewers to witness and appreciate the patience and skill any craft project requires. Moreover, it underscored the idea that good artwork could not be rushed and that the journey was just as important as the end result.

Overall, That's Clever! was a celebration of the DIY ethos before doing-it-yourself became mainstream. The show deconstructed the mystique surrounding art creation, delivering it in an accessible, fun, and relatable way. It championed the idea that crafting was not an exclusive club for the 'artistically gifted' but rather a platform where individual creativity could flourish regardless of skill level. It was not about being a celebrated artist, but about the joy and satisfaction derived from creating something handmade, something unique, something with a story.

With its unique blend of humor, step-by-step instruction, and personal stories, That's Clever! managed to make art and craft accessible to all viewers. Whether an expert wanting to pick up new tricks, a novice seeking to learn the basics, or simply someone with a passion for arts and crafts, the show offered an inclusive and enjoyable platform for artists and viewers alike to express and celebrate creativity. The legacy of That's Clever! lies in its ability to inspire, educate, and entertain, making it a remarkable piece of television history.