Google's latest Doodle celebrates the colorful and creative world of scoubidou, a French craft that became popular in the 1950s and experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s. Scoubidou involves the art of knotting and weaving brightly colored plastic threads to create intricate designs and accessories, including bracelets, keychains, and decorative items.
“This handcrafted Doodle honors scoubidous, a French thread knotting craft that originated in the 1950s and enjoyed a global revival in the 2000s,” said, the caption below the Google Doodle.
Scoubidou: A French Craft With a Rich History
Originally gaining traction among French schoolchildren in the mid-20th century, scoubidou became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its simplicity and versatility. The technique involves using a variety of knotting styles, from basic twists and loops to more complex braids, which allow crafters to produce unique and personalized creations.
A Revival in the 2000s
Though its popularity waned for a few decades, scoubidou saw a revival in the 2000s, coinciding with the DIY craft movement that encouraged hands-on creativity. During this period, the craft gained a new generation of enthusiasts around the world, particularly in schools and summer camps, where kids would often exchange handmade scoubidou keychains and bracelets as tokens of friendship.
The Enduring Appeal of Scoubidou
The Doodle honoring scoubidou not only highlights the craft’s vibrant history but also serves as a reminder of the joy of simple, tactile creation in an increasingly digital world. The featured design reflects the playful and imaginative spirit of scoubidou, with its colourful, knotted threads representing the charm and creativity of this timeless hobby.
While scoubidou may seem like a small and simple craft, it has held a special place in the hearts of those who practice it, becoming a symbol of both nostalgia and artistic expression for generations.
Scoubidou’s enduring charm lies in its ability to foster creativity, dexterity, and community, making it a beloved craft that has bridged generations and cultures for over 70 years.
A Craft For Everyone
Scoubidou is a versatile craft that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, there's something about scoubidou that is both relaxing and rewarding.
The craft is also a great way to connect with others. Families, friends, and even strangers can come together to create beautiful and unique scoubidou creations.
Scoubidou's Continued Evolution
Today, scoubidou is still enjoyed by people around the world. The craft has even evolved to incorporate new materials and techniques. Modern scoubidou artists are experimenting with different types of threads, including yarn, leather, and even metal.
With its rich history, enduring appeal, and potential for creativity, scoubidou is a craft that is sure to continue to inspire generations to come.
This doodle celebrates Scoubidous, a brightly colored yarn that can be knotted to create intricate artwork and designs. On this day in 2015, people from La Chapelle-Saint-Hursin, France, set the record for the longest scoubidou.
Scoubidou’s origins date back to the late 1950s, when it became a trend in France. Families would give their children straps of thin rope to make colorful patterns and knots, using strap weaving techniques that had been taught to them for generations.
Scoubidou has remained popular, but it made a notable comeback in the UK in the mid-2000s. The most well-known threads are flat and colorful, but round and hollow threads also exist. Today, people use this knotting art to make everything from key chains to friendship bands. In some countries, Scoubidou parties have become popular, where children get together to experiment with new thread designs.
