Craft Making – JSS2 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Craft is the art of making useful or beautiful things by hand using simple materials.

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: JSS2
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what craft is and how it differs from fine art;
2. give examples of crafts;
3. state reasons why people make crafts;
4. name common types of paper used for crafts and things made with paper;
5. name different adhesives and describe how to use them properly.

What is craft?

Craft is the making of useful or decorative objects by hand, using simple materials and skill.

• Decorations: items that make a home, classroom or festival ground look beautiful.
• Gifts: items made for friends and family on special days.
• Useful objects: items such as mats, bags and baskets that we use every day.
• Long history: people made everything they needed by hand before factories and machines existed.
• Pride: making something with your own hands gives a feeling of achievement.

What is the difference between craft and fine art?

Fine art is work made mainly to be looked at and enjoyed, such as painting and sculpture.

Craft is work made by hand that is usually meant to be used, though it can also be beautiful and decorative.

What are examples of crafts?

Examples of crafts include paper work, weaving, moulding, sewing and beadwork.

• Paper basket: holds pencils on a desk.
• Greeting cards: made for birthdays and other celebrations.
• Weaving: a small mat woven from palm fronds.
• Clay moulding: animals and other shapes shaped from clay.
• Sewing: a small bag made from fabric.
• Festival decorations: items made to decorate a place for a celebration.
• Beadwork: jewellery made from beads.

Why do we make crafts?

People make crafts because crafts are useful, make good gifts, build skills, give enjoyment and can earn money.

1. Crafts are useful: you can make things you need instead of buying them. This saves money.
2. Crafts make good gifts: a handmade gift shows that you care because you spent time making it yourself.
3. Crafts help us be creative: you use your imagination and express your own ideas.
4. Crafts teach important skills: you learn to work carefully with your hands, follow instructions and solve problems.
5. Crafts are fun: making things with your hands is enjoyable and helps you relax.
6. Crafts can earn money: some people sell their crafts and make a living from their craft skills.

What materials are needed for craft making?

The common materials for craft making are paper and adhesives, and different crafts need different materials.

What is paper and why is it used for crafts?

Paper is a thin sheet material that is one of the cheapest and easiest materials for crafts.

• Cheap: it costs little and old paper can be reused.
• Easy to find: it is available at home, in school and in shops.
• Flexible: it can be cut, folded, rolled, torn and layered.

What are the types of paper used for crafts?

There are seven common types of paper for crafts: newspaper, coloured paper, cardboard, tissue paper, old magazines, brown paper bags and plain white paper.

What can you make with paper?

You can make cards, decorations, models, masks, containers and pictures with paper.

• Greeting cards: for birthdays and holidays.
• Paper flowers and decorations: for rooms and events.
• Origami: animals and shapes made by folding paper.
• Paper chains: for parties.
• Masks: for drama.
• Paper boxes and baskets: for keeping small items.
• Collage pictures: pictures made by sticking pieces of paper onto a surface.
• Paper fans: for cooling and decoration.

How do you work with paper?

There are five basic ways of working with paper: cutting, folding, rolling, tearing and layering.

• Cutting: cut paper with scissors carefully.
• Folding: fold paper along straight lines using a ruler.
• Rolling: roll paper to make tubes.
• Tearing: tear paper to give special effects.
• Layering: place different colours on top of each other.

What are paper gum and other adhesives?

Adhesives are substances that make things stick together, and you need them to join pieces of material in crafts.

What are the types of adhesives?

There are five common adhesives for crafts: paper gum, starch paste, glue stick, white glue and tape.

How do you use adhesives properly?

Use adhesives properly by applying a small, even amount and letting it dry fully.

1. Use just enough, because too much makes things messy.
2. Spread glue evenly with a brush or stick.
3. Press pieces together firmly and hold for a few seconds.
4. Let glue dry completely before moving your craft.
5. Keep glue away from your clothes.
6. Close glue containers tightly so they do not dry out.

How do you make a simple paper craft?

A simple paper craft is made by planning, preparing materials, shaping, joining and finishing.

1. Choose what to make, for example a greeting card.
2. Collect the paper, adhesive, scissors and ruler.
3. Measure and mark the paper with a ruler.
4. Cut and fold the paper along the marks.
5. Join the parts with a suitable adhesive.
6. Decorate the craft with drawings or coloured paper.
7. Leave it to dry, then display or give it as a gift.

How do you stay safe when making crafts?

Stay safe by handling tools carefully and keeping your work area tidy.

• Scissors: cut away from your body and carry them with the points down.
• Glue: keep it away from your eyes and mouth.
• Work area: clear scraps of paper and wash your hands after the lesson.

Evaluation

1. What is craft?
2. State three reasons why people make crafts.
3. List four types of paper used for crafts.
4. Name three adhesives and say what each one is used for.
5. State three rules for using adhesives properly.

Assignment

Write down three crafts you can make with paper. For each one, name the type of paper and the adhesive you would use.