Handicraft

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Handicraft, also known as craftwork or simply craft, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship 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 handicrafts.

Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts (as distinct from the Arts and Crafts movement) is a matter of intent: handicrafted items are intended to be used, worn, et cetera, having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicrafts are generally considered more traditional work, created as a necessary part of daily life, while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap.

[edit] List of handicraft trades

Handicrafts include:

• Quilting
• assemblage – collage in three dimensions
• beadwork
• bone carving
• collage possibly involving seeds, fabric, paper, photographs and/or found objects
• cooking
• cordwain
• embroidery
• gardening
• knitting
• marquetry
• metalwork
• modeling
• mosaic
• needlework
• pottery and ceramics
• pressed flower craft — uses real flowers and leaves
• sewing
• shoemaking
• spinning
• puppetry
• stained glass
• woodworking
• cabinet making
• chip carving
• wood burning

[edit] See also

• American craft
• Artisan
• Arts and crafts
• Rural crafts

Please Note: