About Handicrafts

Handicraft, more precisely expressed as artisanic handicraft, sometimes also called artisanry, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It is a traditional main sector of craft. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisan ship of the items is a paramount criterion, such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods.

Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts is a matter of intent: handicraft items are intended to be used, worn, etc., having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicraft goods are generally considered more traditional work, in traditional non-industrial and transitional societies created as a somewhat more necessary part of daily life (in comparison to industrial societies), while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In Britain in the late nineteenth century, however, the Arts and Crafts Movement was not a matter of hobbies, but of creating useful as well as creative work for people, using natural materials and traditional techniques. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap.

The history of handicrafts in areas generally now comprising India and Pakistan is an old saga. To peep in to the traces of Indian handicrafts we need to go back almost 5000 years. The first references to handicrafts in the Indian subcontinent can be found from the Moen jo Daro, Sindh Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC-1700 BC). The craft tradition in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the patrons and royalty, along with an eye for foreign and domestic trade. These craft traditions have withstood the ravages of time and numerous foreign invasions and continue to flourish till date owing to the assimilative nature of Indian culture and broadmindedness of the handicraftsmen to accept and use new ideas.Therefore the handicrafts are a mark of golden history of our country.

The Indus valley civilization had a rich craft tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the field of pottery making, sculpture (metal, stone and terracotta), jewelry, weaving, etc. A lot of material information from excavations at Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro, etc. substantiate the craft tradition of the Indus valley civilization. The craftsmen not only catered to all the local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via ancient sea routes.

Handicraft is the art of creating products using raw and indigenous materials. It develops the skills and creative interests of students towards a particular craft or trade. The basic training provided in a specific craft prepares the students to become competent craftsmen and artists who can contribute to the establishment of cottage industries, thus contributing to the economic growth of the country.

How to Make Paper Beads

Making paper beads is a great way to recycle junk mail, newspapers, or magazines and it’s about as inexpensive as beads get. To either make beads from per-designed paper or to design your own using white paper and markers, simply follow these instructions.

1. Cut long triangles out of magazines, colored construction paper, wallpaper, etc. Choose colors that you like. The base of the triangle will be the width of the bead and the longer the triangle is, the fatter the bead will become. The slender 1-inch (2.5cm) beads used in this method are made from 1-inch by 4-inch (2.5cm x 10cm) triangles, but 1/2-inch by 8-inch (1.27cm x 20cm) triangles would create fat 1/2-inch (1.27cm) beads. Cut accordingly.

2. Turn a triangle design-side down and apply a bit of glue to the pointy end. A glue stick or a tiny bit of liquid glue will do.

3. Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle around itself using a dowel or other slender cylinder. A rounded toothpick or bamboo skewer would work nicely. For a symmetrical spiral, keep the triangle centered as you roll; for a more free-form look, allow the triangle to become slightly off-centered.

4. Glue the tip of the triangle to the rolled paper. If the bead doesn’t stay tightly rolled up, apply another dab of glue.

5. Recommended: Extend the life of each bead by glazing it. Use a finish like Marvin Medium, Hodgepodge, Diamond Glaze, or a solution of one part clear-drying glue to two or three parts water. Let it dry thoroughly, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything. (For example, you might shove a toothpick into a pincushion, or a piece of Styrofoam, or remove the bead and hang it to dry on a piece of string.)

6. Slide the bead off the end of the dowel. If it is well wrapped and glued, it will hold.

7. Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to make as many beads as you want. For earrings or a bracelet, you might make only a few beads. For a necklace or other larger project, you’ll need more.

Tips:

• Use a plastic bristled hairbrush for a drying/glazing rack.
• Avoid using thick paper or construction paper for the triangles. Thinner paper will roll more easily.
• Don’t forget gift wrap and fancy papers found in the scrapbook section of craft stores. One sheet will go a long way.
• Look for photographs with colors and textures in them you like. The subjects won’t be very visible after being chopped into triangles and rolled up, but the palette certainly will be. The beads in these photos started life as a jacket ad in a catalog.
• Work over paper to avoid making a mess. Put a cutting mat or old piece of cardboard or magazine underneath to spare your table if you choose to cut the triangles with a craft knife.
• You can measure the widths or eyeball them for a more variable, handcrafted look.
• Try these beads as a three-dimensional addition to a collage or paper mosaic.
• You can even paint the outside of the beads with nail polish. This gives them an extra sparkle and makes them sturdier.
• You can also make this type of bead using plastic wrappers, such as the ones from bread, hot dog, and hamburger sacks. Look for colorful ones.
• You can cut them after they have dried to make different sizes as needed. You need to wait until the glue has completely dried, or they will simply unroll back into strips.

More Paper Beads @ https://evsumricote.wordpress.com/?page_id=358&preview=truex

 

How to Make a Friendship Bracelet

 

1. 1

   Choose several strands of embroidery thread in your desired colors. Embroidery floss is thicker than normal sewing thread and comes in many different colors. You must have more than one color to create a striped effect. The more strands you choose, the wider the bracelet (and the more visible the pattern) will be.

   

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2. 2

   Measure and cut your first strand. Measure a length of thread slightly longer than the distance from your fingertip to your shoulder, then cut it.

   
3. 3

   Use the cut strand to measure and cut the remaining strands. You need to have at least 3 strings to make this bracelet, but you can have as many as you want. 4 to 6 will make a really skinny bracelet; 8 to 10 will make a thick one.

   
4. 4

   Don’t feel obligated to make every strand a different color; using the same color multiple times will result in more (or thicker) stripes of that color depending on how you arrange them.

   
5. 5

   Pin the bracelet to your pants while you make it. Tie all the ends of the threads together in a square knot and fasten it to something. There are various ways to hold the bracelet in place while you’re making it:

   
6. 6

   The most common method is to put a safety pin through the knotted end and then pin the bracelet to the leg of your pants (on your thigh) far enough away that, as the bracelet lengthens, it doesn’t start creeping up your torso.

   
7. 7

   Some people leave a little extra thread at the beginning to tie around a toe. Toes can be convenient holders as long as you are flexible enough to reach them.

   
8. 8

   Spread the threads out so that, from left to right, the colors are in your desired order. To make the knotted end of your bracelet less bulky, try not to cross the threads over one another too much.

   
9. 9

   For additional flair, make several short braids in the bracelet before spreading the strands out to begin the pattern. Later, you can do the same thing at the opposite end to make the bracelet more interesting (not to mention easier to tie shut).

   
10. 10

    Knot the far left thread (Strand 1) around the thread immediately to its right (Strand 2). Loop it over the front of Strand 2, then around the back, and, finally, up through the loop you’ve created. Pull the end to tighten Strand 1 into a knot. Repeat to make a second knot.

    
11. 11

    As you knot Strand 1, hold Strand 2 taut; this way, you will tie Strand 1 around Strand 2, not with it.

    
12. 12

    immediate right, moving horizontally across the entire row of threads. Use the same method outlined in the previous step for each knot. Eventually, you will have made knots of this color across the entire row.

    
13. 13

    Repeat Steps 6 and 7 using Strand 2, tying the new knots below the existing ones. When you’re done, you will have made a second row of colored knots beneath the first.

    
14. 14

    Continue knotting rows of knots across the threads until the bracelet is the right length. To make sure it fits well, try it on your wrist, there should be enough extra room that you can fit about 2 fingers in next to your wrist, since the bracelet can shrink in water and become too tight (although it will stretch back out when dry).

    
15. 15

    Finish the end of the bracelet in braids if necessary. Be sure to make as many the second time as you did the first.

    
16. 16

    You can also add charms or beads to the end.

    
17. 17

    Tie the loose ends of your strings into a second square knot. Make sure that the knot doesn’t take up any of the length you need to wear the bracelet.

    
18. 18

    Trim any loose ends. Your bracelet is now ready to give to a good friend!

    
    • 
19. 19

    Finished.

    

 

 

Crafts & Handiwork – Weaving Your Home Decor Spell With Woven Ribbon Pillow Covers

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How to Start a Crafts Business

The handicraft industry has seen an increase in demand in the past few years. More and more people are seeking out original handmade items that are functional and eye-catching, yet more affordable relative to artworks such as paintings. Areas that have experienced a surge in tourism also saw a heightened demand for craft items as tourists purchase unique cultural items as souvenirs for family and friends, as well as for their own personal use.

However, you may have the skills for creating beautiful handiwork, but starting a successful crafts business demands a whole different set of expertise.

Start-Up Considerations

If you are planning to turn your love for crafts into a business, there are a number of factors that you need to consider:

Decide why you’re really starting this business. Your goals for converting your hobby into a business can spell the difference in the level of success that it can generate. If you want your craft business to generate or supplement your family’s income, then you have to get serious and start treating it as a business.

Verify the demand for your products. You need to know with certainty that people will want and buy your handicrafts. There are crafts that cater only to a very small market and cannot profitably support the operation of a business.

One way to find out if your particular craft has a sizeable audience is by checking eBay. Do a search on eBay about your craft (e.g. bead art) and look at the auctions listed as “ending today.” If most auctions ending that day have no bid, it may indicate that there is a lackluster demand for the product. Also do a search on Google to check how many e-commerce sites are selling your products. This approach can help you gauge your competitors, find out what they offer, and identify your possible niche or selling point.

Understand the business basics. Creating crafts is one thing; knowing how to turn a profit from it is another. Understand all the requirements and have reserve capital to meet expenses before you are able to produce sales and earn a profit.

Do your homework. If you have no previous background in business, now is the time to begin learning about the basics of managing and running a small business. You will not only produce the products, but you will handle its marketing, selling, bookkeeping, purchasing and a thousand other things. If you will hire other people to help you produce your products, you will need to learn about managing and keeping personnel. Buy or borrow books from your local library on how to run a small business. If you feel that you are weak in bookkeeping, you may want to take a crash course on the topic from your community college.

Find out about local regulations. As a business owner, you should familiarize yourself with local regulations, including licenses and permits that you need to operate your business. Even if you intend to sell only at the local flea market, you will be asked for your permit and will need to collect sales tax.

Separate your business from your personal account. While this is not essential to your start-up phase, having a separate business account from your personal account can make life easier for you especially at tax time. You need to prove that your craft business is not a hobby – and that it is indeed a business – before you can be allowed to deduct your business expenses from your income. Getting a separate bank account under your business name is the first step.

Know where you will work. Find an area where you can work, giving consideration to efficiency and the eventual expansion of your business. Whether you will be working in a spare room or rent a workshop area, your studio must fit your needs in terms of size, services, security and safety. You may want to work from home during the startup phase to help you operate with lower overhead and start with a smaller amount of capital. Make sure that your workplace has an adequate electrical service and ventilation system, particularly if you are using chemical dyes.

Selling Your Crafts

Craft items can be sold in a variety of outlets. Here are a few of them:

Retail stores. The most popular way of selling craft items is through specialty craft or gift stores. You can also try selling your items to department stores. Approach the owners or the merchandisers about carrying your products. You can first start-off with the smaller boutique stores, offering them discounts for wholesale purchase of 12 or more. Find out the stores’ requirements – some will require UPC codes insurance on your product while others will lock you into purchasing contracts.

Consignment stores. Consignment stores are another excellent venue for selling your products. They will pay you only after they sell your work, keeping 20 percent to as much as 60 percent of the sales amount. Read carefully the consignment agreement. Some will require you 1-year booth contract and a monthly fee, in addition to the commission they get from the sales of your products.

Craft and flea markets. Craft shows, flea markets and local fairs are a great way to sell your merchandise. People who visit these markets are on the lookout for unique pieces not commonly found in department stores. Check professional craft associations and your county’s business information center about schedules of craft shows and markets. If there’s a regular flea market in your area, get in touch with the person in charge. You can set up a small booth, which can cost you anywhere from $20 to over a thousand dollars for a 10×10 space. Depending on whether the craft market is held indoors or outdoors, set-up can be as simple as putting a couple of tables to display your products and having a canopy to protect your merchandise from the elements. Craft markets can offer you the chance to get to know buyers and what they are looking for, as well as check out your competitors.

Internet. The Internet has become an important distribution channel for crafts. You can create your own e-commerce site, join virtual craft malls, or sell your products at online auctions. Evaluate the costs of utilizing each online channel, and which one could bring the most customers for your business. Know the various marketing tools that are peculiar to the web. Learn how to take good quality pictures: your sales depend on it. Note, however, that successful online marketing takes time, patience, persistence and knowledge of marketing principles.

Marketing Your Products

The most effective form of marketing a craft business is your reputation for high quality work. By consistently producing fine craft products that are exciting and innovative, your reputation can serve as your word-of-mouth advertising. Word-of-mouth, especially if given by an opinion leader (e.g. newspaper columnist), is a powerful tool that can build the inertia for your business.

Other marketing ideas that work well for craft business owners include:

• Business cards and pamphlets illustrating and describing your work. Choose your best product to showcase and ensure that its photograph is first-rate.
• An interesting story about your craft business. It could be the unique way with which you produce your crafts, the indigenous materials that you use, or how you started doing what you love. You can put your story in your web site, pitch the story idea to a newspaper editor, or include it in your brochure.
• Portfolio of your works. Create a portfolio of your best works using quality photography. Creating a binder-full of your finest pieces can be expensive, but essential when presenting your business to galleries, boutiques and other retailers, interior designers, even architects.
• Direct mail. Ensure that you get targeted mailing list. Use a printed postcard, instead of flyers or brochures to cut costs.
• Online advertising. There are many forms of advertising on the Web that you can try: buying targeted banner ads, Google ad words for your keywords, or even donating a craft item for web site contests.

 

Tips

 

• Determine if you have storage space for your inventory, materials and completed items. If not, consider renting extra space.
• Something else to keep in mind is where you will be selling your crafts. Carefully planning this can make all the difference. Make sure that your products match the show, and aren’t out of place for the type of customers that will be there.
• Keep in mind too that there are a lot of free resources to help you get going, as well as the paid resources. You can search under craft show display to find more help.

Basic Materials Used for Making Filipino Handicrafts

Do you love using hand-made products like bags, purses and hats? If you do, then you’re probably aware of the various materials used on popular handicrafts, right? This is one of the best things that a Filipino should be proud of –  that the craftsmen here are way too creative that they can turn anything into something that’s more useful! Who would think that an ordinary abaca leaf can be woven into a nice basket or bag? Well, even frog skins are being processed to make purses out of these natural materials!

However, there are times that you won’t really be able to figure out what materials were used. So just to give you an idea, here are some of the basic materials used by craftsmen in making Filipino handicraft products:

1. Abaca – This is one of the most popular raw materials that can be found here in the Philippines. Also known as Manila hemp, Abaca fibers are used for making various products like bags and slippers. Some Filipino-made espadrilles are decorated with Abaca.

2. Rattan – Familiar with the word? This material is often used in making furniture. In a typical Filipino house, you will see a set of furniture made with rattan, a bamboo-like wood which is more hallow and solid. These grow into hundreds of meters long.

3. Bamboo – This is a kind of grass (you heard it right) that’s used in making most of Filipino-made furniture. Unlike Rattan, bamboo plants are more flexible and stronger. However, when it comes to the weight, these are definitely heavier than Rattan. As for the price, bamboo are very much affordable. On some provinces, every 5-meter bamboo can be bought for only 150-200 pesos.

4. Coconut Shells – If there’s one kind of tree that you can surely say “abundant” in this country, it’s the Coconut tree. Aside from the tasty coconut fruit and strong planks of coco lumbers that this tree produces, craftsmen also find use in Coconut shells. Various products are being made out if this material such as coin banks, buttons, flower vases and lamp shades.

5. Fibers – Although this material can be produced be a variety of plants, there are chosen plants that are known for producing good-quality fibers. Some of these plants are abaca, banana, buri, pineapple and maguey. Fibers are used to in creating products like carpet, seat pads, barong tagalog and mattresses.

Because of these raw materials, the country is known for its various Filipino-made products. Mind you, these creations are being exported outside the country. That only means that Filipino products can be compared or leveled with the products produced outside the country. Even more, you can clearly say the the craftsmen here are really skilled and up to par.