BARCO — In today's global economy, people can buy manufactured items that look similar to those made by hand hundreds of years ago.

Because household items such as embroidered linens, wood furniture and ceramic vases can be made faster and cheaper by machinery, some believe the unique skills of individual crafters will soon be forgotten.

To help preserve an appreciation for the work of hand-crafters, staff at the Currituck center of the Cooperative Extension Service will host the first meeting of the Currituck Craft Club Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Extension building in Barco.

Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Georgia Kight said that two Currituck residents, who attended a craft workshop in Plymouth a few months ago, came up with the idea for starting the craft club.

She said that the club will be for those who are already skilled at a specific craft, as well as those who wish to learn a new one.

"We have a small committee that met last month and set Aug. 19 as our first meeting to invite the general public to gain interest in creative crafts," Kight said. "The individuals on the committee all have personal craft skills and are willing to share those with others."

Those already involved in the organization enjoy such crafts as crocheting, knitting, floral design, stained glass, smocking, silver jewelry, tatting, scrapbooking, basket making, sewing and origami. Kight said that other crafters are encouraged to join.

The club will meet at the Extension Center on the third Tuesday of each month.

Attendees are asked to bring a friend and a bag lunch. For more information about the club, call the Extension Center at 232-2261.