3rd Journal: Elements of Handicraft

JOURNAL 3

Handicraft

             Handicraft is a type of work where useful and decorative things are made completely by hand or bu using only some simple tools. It is usually termed as traditional means of making goods. The Handicraft products often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are handicraft goods.

                     Handicraft is also sometimes expressed as artisanic handicraft and sometimes also called artisanry. and it is a traditional main sector or craft. Handicraft is the art of creating products using raw and indigenous materials. It develops the skills and creative interests of person towards a particular craft or trade. Handicraft is distinguished from the Art and Crafts category is some manner, such as handicraft items are intended to be used, worn, etc., having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicraft goods are generally considered more traditional work. Where as Art and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique.

Three Basic Elements of Handicraft

             Basic Elements of Handicraft Handicraft has three basic elements that are interrelated and which explain its conceptualization. You cannot create a handicraft without using all these three elements. These are: 1. Design 2. Material 3. Technique Design is an idea or an arrangement scheme that is expressed into a configuration, drawing, model, mould, pattern, plan or specification to work out the L ea rn i n g Goa ls a n d T a rgets K n ow form of an object. The design, drawn by a designer, will give perspective to the object and will help us visualize the expected finished product. The material, as an element of handicraft, refers to the basic substance either in its natural, modified or semi-processed state that is used as an input to a production process for subsequent modification or transformation into a finished product. The technique is simply the method and process of treating the materials to construct the object. The technique to be used will help determine the tools and equipment to be used. The relationship of the three elements is illustrated in the following diagram espoused by a handicraft expert, the late Prof. Lydia Arribas. It shows that a handicraft product is the realization of the elements of design and is most probably created as a response to a felt need. The material to use in executing the planned design concept is dependent on the design and function of the object. In turn, the material chosen will suggest the technique or how the material will be treated, processed and handled to convert it to the desired object. 

These are the types of Handicraft I'm interested most. When I see people doing these handicrfats, I was amazed by them. So, I want to do the same. Cross-stitch is the top handicraft which I can call myself as an expert. My mother taught me cross-stitching since I was a kid. Well, in fact I do have many cross-stitches in or home.

1st Journal: My Self Assessment in Handicraft

         JOURNAL 1

                                                      
Do I know what a handicraft is?

                   I know what Handicraft is . A subject that recreates something into another product using hands.  I have little knowledge on it. From my elementary to high school days, I was thought how to make handcrafted items such as hat using newspapers, vases, flowers, etc.. As this subject goes on, I know it would widen my knowledge and enhance my skills and creativity.

     Do I own a handcrafted item? What handicraft/s do we have in our house?

            Yes, I do have handcrafted items such as hats, flowers and vases.  I'm using these

 items for my self-fulfillment. Seeing these items you've personally made is heaven. I realize that I'm helping the environment and at the same time it makes me proud cause I could make something out of used crafts/materials. Also I'm using these to make these items more useful.     

 Do I like to use handicraft items? What are my reasons for using handicrafts?

              Yes, I do like handicraft items. Despite of the modernization and worldly gadgets, using these item are still useful and it beautifies our surroundings, our home. It also invites other people to make handicrafts.

  Do I have parents or relatives who have the skills in doing handicrafts?  What can I learn from them? (If possible, ask your parents)

                 No, I do not have any relatives who truly practice doing handicrafts.

What handicrafts can I do?
                 From my elementary days to high school days until now, I learned a lot of basic handicrafts: newspapers or papers such as hats, baskets, flowers, vases. I think I can do all the handicrafts as long as I am using my creativity, resourcefulness and of course my knowledge in doing handicrafts.

 What are my skills and talents that may help me in doing handicrafts?
                      I think my creativity, resourcefulness and my passion in doing something that makes me busy such as making DIY (DO-IT-YOURSELF) products (crafts) are the assets that help me in doing handicrafts.
                         

  Do I have the passion to learn skills in handicraft?

               Yes, I'm interested in doing DIY products, then I must also have the passion in learning handicraft. I'm the type of person that loves in doing something; something that makes me busy and something that is new and can add to my skills and talents.

 Do I envision myself being an expert in one handicraft technique? Or entrepreneur for handicraft products?

          Yes, of course. Everyone of us has talents, skills and a wide imagination. So, I Think I can envision myself as an expert on a technique n handicraft. I have a sense also of seeing myself engaging into a business in the near future so there will a possibility that I will be an entrepreneur of handicraft.