WHAT IS ART AND CRAFTS? The term "craft" denotes a skill, usually employed in branches of thedecorative arts ( eg . ceramics), or in an associated artistic practice ( eg . lace-making). A key feature of crafts is that they involve a high degree of "hands-on" craftsmanship(hence the colloquial term "handicrafts) rather than just skill with a machine.
HANDICRAFTS Handicraft is a skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands or by using tools rather than being produced by machines in a factory, or an object made by such an activity.
IMPORTANCE OF HANDICRAFTS Cultural preservation Employment and livelihood Economic Impact Sustainability Unique and artistic expression Preservation of traditional skills
IMPORTANCE OF HANDICRAFTS Customization Heritage and Tourism Support for local communities Quality and durability Cultural exchange Personal connection
Cultural Preservation Handicrafts are often deeply rooted in a region's culture and tradition. Employment and livelihoods Handicraft production provides livelihoods for many artisans, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
Economic Impact The handicraft industry contributes to the local and national economy through the production, sale, and export of artisanal products. Many handicrafts are made using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Sustainability
Unique and Artistic Expression Handicrafts often exhibit the creativity and artistic talents of artisans. Preservation of Traditional Skills Handicrafts require artisans to use traditional crafting techniques, ensuring the survival of these skills and knowledge.
Cultural Exchange Handicrafts can facilitate cultural exchange by showcasing a region's distinct artistic expressions and allowing people from different backgrounds to appreciate and understand each other's traditions. Personal Connection Handicrafts often have a personal touch and a story behind them, creating a sense of connection between the maker and the buyer.
Customization Handicrafts can be customized to meet individual preferences and needs, offering a level of personalization that mass-produced goods often lack. Support for Local Communities Buying handicrafts directly from artisans or cooperatives can provide direct support to local communities, helping them thrive economically and socially.
Quality and Durability Many handicrafts are known for their quality and durability, often surpassing mass-produced alternatives. Heritage and Tourism Handicrafts play a role in attracting tourists interested in experiencing the culture and traditions of a region, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
Role of Handicrafts in the Economic Growth of the Country
Employment Generation Income Diversification Poverty Alleviation Contribution to GDP Export Earnings Tourism Attraction
Cultural identity and branding S ustainable and eco-friendly practices Quality and Uniqueness Preservation of traditional skills S upport for small scale interprises Rural development
Employment Generation Handicraft production often involves a significant portion of the population, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Income diversification Handicraft production often involves a significant portion of the population, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
Proverty Aliviation Handicrafts can be a means to lift people out of poverty, particularly in areas with limited access to other economic opportunities . Contribution to GDP The handicraft industry contributes to a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the production and sale of artisanal products, both domestically and in the international market.
Export earnings Handicrafts can be a source of export revenue, especially when they are of high quality and reflect the culture and traditions of the country. T ourism attraction Handicrafts are often a significant attraction for tourists.
Cultural identity and branding Handicrafts reflect the unique cultural identity of a region or country. S ustainable and friendly practices Many handicrafts are made using sustainable materials and techniques.
Preservation of traditional skills Handicraft production requires the use of traditional skills and techniques, preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the continuity of traditional knowledge. Support for small scale enterprises Handicrafts are often produced by small-scale artisans and cooperatives.
Rural Development Handicrafts can be a driver of rural development, offering economic opportunities in areas where agriculture may be the primary occupation. Quality and Uniqueness Handicrafts are often known for their quality and uniqueness, attracting customers willing to pay a premium for these attributes.
Indigenous Materials for Handicraft Making
Rattan vines are used for making furniture, baskets, and woven items due to their flexibility and strength. RATTAN CRAFT
Various parts of the coconut tree, including coconut shells, husks, and coir fibers, are used for creating handicrafts like jewelry, home decor, and utensils. COCONUT CRAFT
Bamboo working is the activity or skill of making items from bamboo, and includes architecture, carpentry, furniture and cabinetry, carving, joinery, and weaving. BAMBOO CRAFT
Abaca fibers are known for their strength and flexibility and are used for making bags, hats, mats, and textiles. ABACA CRAFT
Palm leaves are commonly woven to create items like mats, hats, and bags. PALM LEAVES CRAFT
Seashells are often used for making jewelry, decorations, and ornaments in coastal regions. SEASHELLS CRAFT
WOOD CRAFT Various types of wood are used for carving sculptures, masks, furniture, and other wooden crafts.
FEATHER CRAFT Indigenous cultures in some regions use feathers from local birds to create traditional clothing, masks, and decorative items.
BARK CRAFT Tree bark is used for making traditional paper, masks, and woven items in some cultures.
Clay is used for pottery and ceramic crafts, ranging from functional items like pots and dishes to decorative pieces. CLAY CRAFT
Indigenous artisans in some areas use local stones for carving sculptures and creating traditional tools. STONE CRAFT
Handwoven textiles using indigenous plant fibers or natural dyes are used for clothing, accessories, and decorative items FABRIC CRAFT
Local grasses and reeds are woven into baskets, mats, and bags. GRASS AND REED CRAFT
Leather from locally raised animals is used for making various leather crafts such as bags, footwear, and accessories. LEATHER CRAFT
Made from the inner bark of certain trees, bark cloth is used for clothing, wall hangings, and traditional crafts in some cultures. BARK CLOTH CRAFT
Handicraft tools
SCISSORS Used for cutting various materials like fabric, paper, and thread.
NEEDLES Essential for sewing, embroidery, and other needlework. They come in various sizes and types for different purposes.
PLIERS Used for bending, gripping, and cutting wires or metal in jewelry making and other metalwork crafts.
CUTTING MAT Provides a safe surface for cutting with knives or rotary cutters, commonly used in paper crafting, quilting, and other crafts.
X ACTO KNIFE OR CRAFT KNIFE Used for precision cutting in paper, cardboard, and other materials.
TAPE MEASURE Used to measure fabric, wood, or other materials accurately.
RULER Provides straight lines for cutting and measuring in various crafts.
EMBROIDERY HOOP Holds fabric taut for embroidery and cross-stitch, making it easier to create even stitches.
SEWING PINS Used to hold fabric pieces together before sewing.
THREAD SNIPS Small scissors designed for trimming threads in sewing and embroidery.
KNITTING NEEDLES Used in knitting to create stitches and fabric.
CROCHET HOOKS Used in crocheting to create loops and stitches.
WOOD CARVING TOOLS For carving, shaping, and detailing wood in woodworking and carving crafts.
POTTERY TOOLS Various tools for shaping, cutting, and detailing clay in pottery and ceramics.
PAINTBRUSHES Used in painting and various art and craft projects.
EMBOSSING HEAT TOOL Produces heat to emboss and melt embossing powder in paper crafting.
HOT GLUE GUN Dispenses hot glue for bonding various materials in crafts and DIY projects.
METAL STAMPS Used to create impressions and designs on metal in jewelry making and metalwork.
LOOMS Used in weaving to create textiles.
WOODBURNING TOOL For burning designs into wood, gourds, or leather
WIRE CUTTERS Cuts wire in jewelry making and other crafts.
MALLET OR HAMMER Used for shaping and flattening materials in metalwork and jewelry making.
SANDING TOOLS Smooths and finishes surfaces in woodworking and model-making.
POTTERS’S WHEEL Used in pottery to shape clay into symmetrical forms.
PROJECT PLANNING
Project plan is a formal document designed to guide in the execution of a project. It must be prepared before starting because it serves as the key to a successful project.
Project Plan Example
Projects made from indigenous materials
BAMBOO FURNITURE Craftsmen in many regions use bamboo to create furniture like chairs, tables, and shelves.
RATTAN BASKETS Rattan is commonly used to weave baskets, which are both functional and decorative
ABACA TEXTILES Abaca fibers are used to create textiles for clothing, bags, and accessories. The Philippines, for example, is known for its abaca textiles.
COCONUT SHELL CRAFTS Coconut shells are transformed into a variety of items, including bowls, containers, and jewelry.
WOOD CARVINGS Wood from local trees is carved into intricate sculptures, masks, and figurines. These are often found in cultures with a rich tradition of woodworking.
CLAY POTTERY Indigenous communities around the world create pottery using local clay. These pieces may include functional items like pots, bowls, and decorative sculptures.
SEASHELL JEWELRY Coastal communities often use seashells to craft jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
HANDWOVEN TEXTILE Skilled weavers use plant fibers, cotton, or wool to create textiles with intricate patterns and designs. These textiles are used for clothing, rugs, and tapestries.
PALM LEAF ART Palm leaves are intricately woven or folded to create various art forms, such as masks, fans, and decorations.
LEATHER PRODUCTS Indigenous communities often use locally sourced leather to craft products like bags, wallets, and footwear.
STONE CARVINGS Artisans carve stone into sculptures, idols, and ornaments, often depicting local deities or cultural symbols.
FEATHER ART Some cultures use local bird feathers to create traditional clothing and elaborate feather art pieces.
GRASS AND REEDS MATS Grasses and reeds are woven to create mats, rugs, and baskets, often with intricate patterns and designs.
BARK CLOTH Made from the inner bark of certain trees, bark cloth is used to create clothing, wall hangings, and ceremonial items in some cultures.
GOURD ART Gourds are carved and decorated to create functional items like containers, as well as ornate art pieces.