Handicrafts is a field that focuses on teaching the artistic skills and techniques needed to create traditional and modern handmade products. This specialty includes a wide range of activities such as sewing, knitting, weaving, sculpture, pottery making, leather work, and stained glass. The major aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to produce unique and beautiful handicrafts. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key aspects of the crafts major:

Handicraft Basics:

• Understand the basic principles of creating crafts.
• Study the history and development of handicrafts across different cultures.

Sewing and embroidery:

• Learn manual and machine sewing techniques.
• Study traditional and modern embroidery methods to create intricate designs.

Knitting and weaving:

• Learn how to use threads and fabrics to create knitted and woven pieces.
• Study weaving techniques such as handloom and machine loom.

Pottery and ceramic making:

• Learn pottery making techniques such as hand and wheel shaping.
• Study how pottery is glazed and fired to achieve final finishes.

Leather works:

• Learn how to cut, shape, and decorate leather to create products such as bags, belts, and wallets.
• Study the techniques of tanning and embroidery on leather.

Stained glass and glass works:

• Learn how to cut and shape glass to create colorful glass designs.
• Study of hot and cold glass blowing and shaping techniques.

Sculpture and woodwork:

• Learn wood, metal and stone carving techniques.
• Study how to use hand and power tools to create sculptural works.

Hand typography and graphic design:

• Learn hand printing techniques such as screen printing and block printing.
• Study the basics of graphic design and how to apply them to handicrafts.

Paper crafts and decoration:

• Learn how to use paper to create art pieces such as collage, cut and paste.
• Study techniques for making paper decorations and handmade cards.

Creativity and artistic development:

• Encouraging creative thinking and innovation in designing handicrafts.
• Study examples of innovative craftsmanship to understand how to apply new ideas.

Marketing and promotion of handicrafts:

• Learn how to market and promote handmade products to reach a wide audience.
• Using social media and digital marketing tools to increase outreach and interaction.

Craft project management:

• Develop project management skills from planning to implementation and evaluation.
• Understand the financial and marketing aspects related to running a DIY business.

Safety at work:

• Learn basic safety procedures for working with different materials and tools.
• Use personal protective equipment to prevent injuries.

Practical training and applied projects:

• Gain practical experience through training in workshops and craft studios.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in real work environments to develop practical craft skills.

Interaction with customers and the public:

• Develop communication skills with customers to understand their needs and expectations.
• Learn how to receive feedback and modify designs based on it to achieve customer satisfaction.

The Handicrafts major provides broad job opportunities in multiple fields such as fine art, product design, teaching, organizing educational workshops, and managing craft businesses. This major contributes to providing students with the necessary skills to create high-quality artistic handicrafts that meet market needs and achieve artistic and commercial success in the dynamic and changing handicraft industry.