Today you will look more closely at how a handicraft product is planned before it is made. You will explore how style, theme, and design ideas become clear product specifications such as size, materials, colors, and price range. You will also examine how product specifications protect the customer and guide the maker toward safe, durable, and attractive items. As you read, discuss, and sketch, you will begin to think like a young entrepreneur who prepares handicrafts not only to express creativity, but also to satisfy real users.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between style, theme, and design in handicraft products and explain how they affect appearance and use.
- Identify common parts of a product specification for handicraft items, including size, materials, colors, and target users.
- Prepare a simple, clear product specification for a proposed handicraft item that reflects both creativity and safety.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Style – The overall look or character of a product, often described by words like simple, modern, traditional, playful, or elegant.
- Theme – The main idea or concept that connects the details of a design, such as “floral,” “ocean,” or “Philippine culture.”
- Design – The planned arrangement of shapes, colors, lines, and materials that shows how a handicraft will look and function.
- Product specification – A written description of a product that includes details like size, materials, colors, function, and special features.
- Target user / market – The group of people for whom the product is intended, such as children, teens, adults, or tourists.
- Dimensions – The measurements of a product (for example, length, width, height, or thickness).
- Finish – The final surface treatment of a product, such as varnish, paint, polish, or protective coating.
- Safety requirement – A condition that protects users, like avoiding sharp edges, toxic paints, or small parts for young children.
- Costing – Estimating how much a product will cost to make and what a reasonable selling price might be.
- Prototype – The first trial version of a product used to test design, materials, and specifications.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Review yesterday’s ideas about the basic elements and principles of handicraft.
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Name the three basic elements of handicraft that you studied in Day 1.
Show Answer
The three basic elements are: design, material, and technique. -
Give one example of “form follows function” from any handicraft or object you know.
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Sample: a woven shopping bag has a wide opening and strong handles because it must carry groceries safely. -
Think of a handicraft you saw or used recently (such as a bracelet, fan, or keychain). Which materials were used, and do they match its function?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Look for connections like: “The bracelet uses elastic cord so it can stretch and fit easily,” or “The fan uses stiff woven material so it can move air well.” -
Recall one principle that helps avoid waste in handicraft making.
Show Answer
The principle of economy of materials and techniques, which reminds crafters to use materials wisely and plan steps carefully.
📖 Explore the Lesson
Checkpoint 1 – Style, Theme, and Design: How a Product “Feels”
Mini-goal: Distinguish between style, theme, and design in handicrafts.
When you see a handicraft product for the first time, you usually react to its “feel” before you even touch it. You might think, “That looks cute,” “That looks classy,” or “That looks too heavy.” This first reaction is often connected to the product’s style and theme. Style is the overall character or personality of the product. It may be simple, modern, playful, traditional, rustic, or elegant. Theme is the main idea that ties the details together, such as flowers, sea life, geometric patterns, or national symbols.
Design is the actual plan that turns style and theme into specific shapes, colors, and arrangements. A designer chooses what patterns to repeat, where to place decorations, and how different elements will support the product’s function. For example, a “nature” themed desk organizer might use leaf shapes, green tones, and recycled cardboard. The style might be simple and fresh, while the design shows exactly where each compartment and leaf cut-out goes.
Style, theme, and design must respect the basic principles you learned earlier. If the style is “relaxing,” colors might be softer and lines smoother. If the theme is “Philippine culture,” patterns might be inspired by local textiles or indigenous symbols. The design will show how these ideas are arranged without making the product too crowded or confusing. Good designers consider the target user and the place where the product will be used. A playful style might be great for children’s keychains but not for formal office décor.
Real-life tie-in: Think about the difference between a simple, plain mug and a colorful, cartoon mug. Both hold drinks, but each has a different style and target user. When you buy, you often choose the one whose style fits your own personality.
Mini-summary: Style describes the character of a product, theme expresses the main idea or story, and design is the detailed plan that arranges shapes, colors, and materials to match both style and function.
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In your own words, how is style different from theme?
Show Answer
Style is the general look or character (simple, elegant, playful), while theme is the specific idea or subject (flowers, ocean, culture) that appears in the design. -
Give an example of a possible style and theme combination for a pencil holder.
Show Answer
Example: style – modern and simple; theme – geometric shapes using black, white, and gray triangles. -
Why should the designer think about the target user when choosing style and theme?
Show Answer
Because different users have different needs and tastes. Style and theme should match the user’s age, interests, and setting so the product will be accepted and used.
Checkpoint 2 – What Is a Product Specification?
Mini-goal: Understand the purpose and parts of a product specification.
Once a design idea is clear, it must be written down in a form that is easy to follow. This written description is called a product specification. It works like a contract between the designer, maker, and future buyer. It answers questions such as: “What exactly will be made?” “How big is it?” “What materials will be used?” “What colors or finishes are allowed?” and “Who is this product for?” A good specification is complete enough that another person could produce the same item by following it.
Product specifications usually include several parts. A short product name or description tells what it is (for example, “Recycled Paper Pen Holder”). Dimensions give exact measurements in centimeters. Materials list what will be used, such as type of paper, glue, coating, or decorations. Colors and finish describe the product’s appearance. Some specifications mention target user (like Grade 8 students), purpose (for storing pens), and special features (such as a separate space for erasers).
Having clear product specifications helps in many ways. For the maker, they serve as a guide during cutting, assembling, and quality checking. For the customer or teacher, they make it easier to judge whether the final product is acceptable. Specifications can also be used when comparing suppliers or when calculating costs. For example, if the specification says “must use water-based, non-toxic paint,” then the crafter must choose brands that match this safety requirement.
Real-life tie-in: In online shops, product descriptions often show size, material, and color. These act like simple product specifications so buyers can decide whether the item fits their needs before ordering.
Mini-summary: A product specification is a written description of what a product should be like. It includes name, dimensions, materials, colors, finish, purpose, and sometimes target users and special features.
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Why is a product specification important for a handicraft project?
Show Answer
It guides the maker, informs the buyer, and provides a standard for checking size, materials, appearance, and safety. -
Name three basic pieces of information that should appear in most product specifications.
Show Answer
Possible answers: product name, dimensions, materials, colors, finish, target user, purpose, and special features. -
How can a product specification support safety?
Show Answer
By stating safety requirements such as non-toxic materials, rounded edges, and limits on small parts for children’s products.
Checkpoint 3 – Defining Dimensions, Materials, and Finish
Mini-goal: Identify key physical details that must be specified in a handicraft product.
In handicraft, guessing is risky. If you say, “I will make a small box,” but do not specify its size, different people may imagine different things. That is why dimensions are important. They tell the exact length, width, height, and sometimes thickness of the product. For a desk organizer, the specification might say, “Length: 15 cm, width: 10 cm, height: 12 cm.” These measurements help the maker know how much material to prepare and allow buyers to check whether the product will fit on a shelf or inside a bag.
Materials must also be clearly described. Instead of just writing “paper,” the specification might say “recycled carton from cereal boxes” or “210 gsm colored board.” This level of detail matters because different materials behave differently. Some are stronger, smoother, or more water-resistant. When materials are specified carefully, products become more consistent and predictable in quality. If a product will hold wet items, the specification might require waterproof coating or plastic lining.
The finish of a product is another important detail. It describes the final surface treatment, such as matte or glossy varnish, clear lacquer on wood, protective sealant on paper, or simple sanding to remove rough edges. Good finishing not only improves appearance but also protects the product from moisture, dirt, and wear. When finishes include chemicals like paint or varnish, safety must again be considered. For example, an item for young children should use non-toxic, child-safe coatings.
Real-life tie-in: When you buy school shoes, you notice whether they are made from canvas or leather, whether they have glossy or matte finish, and whether they are water-resistant. All these are part of the product’s specification, even if you do not see them on a technical sheet.
Mini-summary: Dimensions, materials, and finish give clear physical details of a handicraft product, making it easier to produce, check, and use safely.
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Why are exact dimensions important in a product specification?
Show Answer
They remove guesswork, help plan materials, and ensure the product fits in the intended space or use. -
Give one example of a material specification for a handicraft product.
Show Answer
Example: “Body made of 3 mm-thick recycled cardboard, wrapped with colored gift wrap paper.” -
How does specifying the finish of a product support quality?
Show Answer
It ensures that surfaces are properly treated for appearance and protection, helping products look neat and last longer.
Checkpoint 4 – Target Users, Safety, and Cost in Product Specifications
Mini-goal: Recognize the role of target users, safety, and costing in planning handicrafts.
Not all handicrafts are for everyone. Some are designed for children, others for teens or adults, and some for tourists or special occasions. The target user should be mentioned in the product specification because it influences many choices. For children, products must be simple, colorful, and safe from small parts or sharp edges. For working adults, products might need to look more formal and durable. For tourists, products may highlight local culture and be light enough to carry home easily.
Safety must be built into the specification. This includes avoiding poisonous materials (like lead-based paints), preventing sharp edges that may cut skin, and ensuring that accessories are not easily pulled apart by small children. Specifications may include rules such as “no loose beads smaller than 1 cm for children under three” or “edges must be rounded and sanded.” When safety is written clearly, it is easier to check during inspection whether the product is safe to use.
Costing is also related to product specifications. When you specify materials, size, and finish, you can estimate how much they will cost. This helps you decide a reasonable selling price. If your target market is students, you may want your product to remain affordable while still covering costs and giving a small profit. Costing also reminds you to support economy of materials: any waste will raise the cost and may make your product too expensive for your target buyers.
Real-life tie-in: When a company designs a toy, they must follow strict safety standards and think about the price parents are willing to pay. Your small handicraft business might not be as large, but the same ideas apply: respect your customers’ safety and budget.
Mini-summary: Target users, safety, and costing are vital parts of planning handicraft products. They make sure the product suits the users, protects them from harm, and remains reasonably priced.
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How does knowing the target user affect the style and materials of a product?
Show Answer
It guides choices of colors, strength, size, and decorations so the product will be attractive, safe, and useful for the intended group. -
Give one safety rule that could be written in a product specification for children’s accessories.
Show Answer
Example: “Use only non-toxic paint” or “Avoid small detachable parts that can be swallowed.” -
Why is costing important when preparing product specifications for a school-based or home-based business?
Show Answer
It helps set a selling price that covers material costs, rewards effort, and stays affordable for customers.
Checkpoint 5 – Writing a Simple Product Specification
Mini-goal: Practice writing a short but complete product specification for a handicraft.
Writing a product specification may seem difficult at first, but it becomes manageable when you follow a pattern. You can think of it as filling in blanks under several headings. For example, start with Product Name and Description. Write something like, “Recycled Desk Organizer – a three-compartment cardboard organizer for pens, pencils, and small items.” Then describe Dimensions, such as “Base: 15 cm × 10 cm; height: 12 cm.” Next, list Materials: “Recycled carton, white glue, colored paper, clear tape, water-based varnish.”
After that, specify Colors and Finish like “Main color: blue; accent color: white; finish: smooth, matte varnish.” Then identify the Target User and Purpose such as “Target users: Grade 7–9 learners; purpose: organizing school supplies on desks.” Under Special Features, you might add: “One small front pocket for erasers and paper clips.” Finally, you can include Safety and Cost Notes, for example: “Use only non-toxic glue and varnish; estimated material cost: ₱40 per unit.”
This kind of simple specification prepares you for the next lessons, where you will develop project plans and actual products. You can also use your specification as a communication tool when working in pairs or groups. Instead of arguing from memory, you point back to the agreed specification. If changes are necessary, you can update the document together, keeping everyone informed. Over time, as your projects grow more complex, your specifications will become more detailed and professional.
Real-life tie-in: Small businesses often use printed product sheets when meeting buyers. These sheets include pictures and specifications. Practicing this skill in Grade 8 gives you a head start in possible future entrepreneurship.
Mini-summary: A simple product specification includes product name, description, dimensions, materials, colors, finish, target users, purpose, features, and safety and cost notes. It guides making, checking, and improving handicraft products.
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What are at least five headings you can use when writing a simple product specification?
Show Answer
Examples: Product Name, Description, Dimensions, Materials, Colors, Finish, Target User, Purpose, Special Features, Safety Notes, Cost. -
How can a written specification help group work in handicraft projects?
Show Answer
It gives everyone the same plan to follow, reduces misunderstandings, and makes it easier to agree on changes. -
Why is it important to include safety and cost notes, even in a simple school project?
Show Answer
They remind you to protect users’ health and manage money wisely, building responsible habits for future work or business.
💡 Example in Action
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Example 1 – Comparing Two Keychains
Keychain A shows a simple heart shape in one color with the word “Friend” written neatly. Keychain B has many mixed colors, dangling parts, and very small beads. Which keychain is more suitable for young children and why?Show Answer
Keychain A is more suitable for young children because it is simpler, less likely to break into small pieces, and easier to clean. Keychain B may be attractive but has many small parts that could be a safety risk. -
Example 2 – Specifying Dimensions
A learner writes: “I will make a small storage box.” Her teacher asks for clearer dimensions. She changes it to: “Length: 18 cm, width: 12 cm, height: 10 cm.” How does this improve the specification?Show Answer
It removes confusion about what “small” means, helps her calculate material needs, and allows others to check whether the box fits certain spaces. -
Example 3 – Choosing Materials for a Coaster
Two designs for a drink coaster are proposed. Design 1 uses thick cardboard covered with paper. Design 2 uses woven plastic strips. The coaster must resist moisture. Which material is more suitable and why?Show Answer
Woven plastic strips are more suitable because they resist moisture better. Cardboard and paper may absorb water and weaken or deform easily. -
Example 4 – Matching Style to Target Market
A group plans to sell handicraft bookmarks. They choose a formal, elegant style with gold accents and a theme of classical books. Their target users are Grade 3 learners. What might be the problem with this plan?Show Answer
The style may feel too mature and serious for Grade 3 learners, who might prefer brighter colors and playful themes. The target market and style are not well matched. -
Example 5 – Sample Product Specification
Read this short specification:
“Product: ‘Eco-Pen Buddy’ recycled desk organizer; Dimensions: 15 cm × 10 cm × 12 cm; Materials: cereal-box carton, white glue, blue gift wrap, water-based varnish; Target users: Grade 7–9 learners; Purpose: store pens and small school supplies; Special features: one small front pocket; Safety: use non-toxic glue and varnish only.”
Which key headings from Checkpoint 5 can you see in this example?Show Answer
Headings present include: Product Name/Description, Dimensions, Materials, Target Users, Purpose, Special Features, and Safety Notes.
📝 Try It Out
Answer these tasks in your notebook. Then compare with the suggested answers.
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Think of one handicraft product you might want to sell in a school mini-bazaar (for example, a keychain, bracelet, or desk organizer). Write a sentence describing its style and theme.
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Example: “My product is a playful, colorful keychain with a fruit theme, using small fruit charms and bright beads.” -
For your chosen product, list your target users and explain why you chose them.
Show Answer
Sample: “Target users: Grade 7–10 students who like cute accessories. They often use keychains on bags and wallets, so the product fits their needs.” -
Write three specific materials you might use for your product, including details like thickness or type when possible.
Show Answer
Example: 3 mm-thick recycled cardboard; 2 mm elastic cord; assorted plastic beads; cotton crochet thread; water-based acrylic paint. -
Decide on reasonable dimensions for your product and write them clearly in centimeters.
Show Answer
Answers vary. Check for complete statements such as “Length: 12 cm; width: 4 cm; thickness: 0.5 cm” for a bookmark, or “Diameter: 7 cm” for a coaster. -
Describe the finish you want (for example, matte or glossy, varnished or unvarnished, smooth or textured).
Show Answer
Example: “Smooth, matte finish using clear, non-toxic varnish on top of colored paper to protect it from dirt.” -
List at least two safety requirements for your product, based on your target users.
Show Answer
Examples: no sharp edges; no loose, tiny parts for small children; use non-toxic glue and paint; ensure strong knots so beads do not easily fall off. -
Make a simple table in your notebook with three columns: “Material,” “Estimated Cost per Unit,” and “Reason for Choice.” Fill in at least three rows.
Show Answer
Sample row: Material – recycled carton; Cost – ₱5; Reason – cheap, strong enough for organizer, good for environment. -
Using headings (Product Name, Description, Dimensions, Materials, Colors/Finish, Target User, Purpose, Special Features, Safety/Cost Notes), draft a complete product specification for your chosen handicraft.
Show Answer
Teacher checks that all headings are filled with realistic information that matches the earlier answers on style, theme, size, and safety. -
Exchange specifications with a seatmate. Underline one strength in their specification and write one respectful suggestion for improvement.
Show Answer
Look for comments like “Your dimensions are very clear” and suggestions like “Maybe you can add more details about the material to make it easier to follow.” -
In 3–4 sentences, reflect on how writing a product specification changed or improved your original idea.
Show Answer
Answers may mention realizing size was too big/small, changing materials for safety or cost, or making the style more suitable for the target user.
✅ Check Yourself
Answer the questions, then reveal the answers to check your understanding.
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(Multiple Choice) Which statement best defines style in handicrafts?
a. The main idea or story of the design
b. The exact measurements of the product
c. The overall look or character of the product
d. The cost of the materials usedShow Answer
Correct answer: c. The overall look or character of the product. -
(Multiple Choice) A product specification mainly helps to:
a. Keep the workplace clean
b. Describe clearly what the product should be like
c. Decide what music to play while working
d. Make the product more expensiveShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Describe clearly what the product should be like. -
(True/False) The target user of a handicraft product has no effect on its style or materials.
Show Answer
False. The target user strongly influences style, materials, safety requirements, and size. -
(True/False) Writing exact dimensions in a specification helps avoid confusion about product size.
Show Answer
True. Clear measurements guide both making and buying decisions. -
(Short Answer) What is one key difference between theme and design?
Show Answer
Theme is the main idea or concept (like “ocean” or “flowers”); design is the detailed plan that arranges shapes, colors, and materials to show that theme. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following is usually not part of a basic product specification?
a. Product name
b. Dimensions
c. Favorite song of the maker
d. MaterialsShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Favorite song of the maker. -
(Short Answer) Why is it important to specify “non-toxic” for paints or glue used in children’s products?
Show Answer
Because children may touch or accidentally put items near their mouths, and non-toxic materials reduce health risks. -
(Short Answer) Give one example of how costing is linked to product specifications.
Show Answer
When dimensions and materials are specified, you can calculate how much each unit costs to produce and set a fair selling price. -
(Multiple Choice) Which situation best shows a mismatch between style and target user?
a. Bright, cartoon-themed pencil case for Grade 3 pupils
b. Simple black-and-white notebook cover for office workers
c. Very dark, serious design on a toy for toddlers
d. Floral-themed fan for a summer festivalShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Very dark, serious design on a toy for toddlers. -
(True/False) A well-written specification can help different people produce similar products even if they work at different times.
Show Answer
True. Clear specifications serve as a common guide for all makers. -
(Short Answer) What does “finish” mean in a product specification?
Show Answer
It describes the final surface treatment of the product, such as paint, varnish, polish, or texture. -
(Multiple Choice) A sample specification says: “Target users: tourists; Weight: must be light enough to carry easily.” What is the main reason for this requirement?
a. To make the product more expensive
b. To make the product harder to pack
c. To match the needs and behavior of the target users
d. To use more material than necessaryShow Answer
Correct answer: c. To match the needs and behavior of the target users. -
(Short Answer) How can a product specification help when evaluating the finished handicraft?
Show Answer
You can compare the finished product with the specification to check if size, materials, colors, safety, and features match the original plan. -
(Short Answer) Why is it helpful to include both creative details (like theme and colors) and practical details (like size and safety) in your specification?
Show Answer
Because handicrafts must be both attractive and useful/safe; including both sides leads to balanced, well-planned products. -
(Reflection Check) After today’s lesson, which part of writing a product specification do you feel most confident about, and which part do you want to practice more?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Encourage learners to mention a clear strength (e.g., choosing materials) and one area to improve (e.g., writing dimensions accurately).
🚀 Go Further (optional)
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Product Specs Scavenger Hunt – Look at labels, tags, or online descriptions of three household items. List any details that are similar to product specification parts.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to highlight name, size, material, safety warnings, and target user information. Connect these to handicraft specifications. -
Style & Theme Collage – Using old magazines or printed pictures, create a small collage showing a style and theme for a future handicraft product.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: After the collage, ask learners to write 3–4 sentences describing what style and theme they chose and who the target user might be. -
Re-Design Challenge – Choose a common product (for example, a coaster or keychain) and write a new product specification that changes its style or target market.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Compare original and new specifications to show how style and target user affect other details. -
Mini Market Survey – Ask 3–5 classmates which styles and themes they prefer for small accessories and record their answers.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Use the data to discuss how knowing customer preferences can guide product specification and future project planning. -
Specification Template – Design a reusable “Product Specification Form” in your notebook or on bond paper with blank spaces for all key headings.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage learners to keep and reuse this template for future TLE projects to build consistency and professionalism.
🔗 My Reflection
Notebook prompt:
Imagine that you will sell one handicraft product at a school fair. In a short paragraph, describe your chosen product’s style and theme, target users, and two important points from its product specification (such as size, material, or safety). How do these details help you feel more prepared and confident before you actually start making the product?
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