Handicrafts turn simple things into beautiful and useful creations, but every project begins with the right supplies and materials. Today you will explore what crafters mean by adhesives, appliqué, embellishments, textiles, supplies, and materials, and how these pieces work together. You will connect different handicrafts to the items used to make them and start classifying materials by where they come from. As you read, reflect on how thoughtful choices of supplies and materials affect quality, cost, and creativity in every craft project.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Describe the difference between handicraft supplies and materials using concrete examples.
- Identify common handicraft supplies and materials and match them with their basic functions.
- Explain why careful selection of supplies and materials is important for quality, safety, and cost in handicraft projects.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Supplies – The tools and consumable items used while making handicrafts (for example, scissors, glue, needles, and tape).
- Materials – The main substances that become part of the finished handicraft product (such as fabric, yarn, beads, and paper).
- Adhesive – A substance used to bond materials together, like white glue, glue sticks, paste, or double-sided tape.
- Appliqué – A decorative technique in which pieces of fabric or other materials are attached onto a larger surface to form designs.
- Embellishments – Extra decorative elements added to improve appearance, such as beads, sequins, ribbons, buttons, and lace.
- Textiles – Woven or knitted fabrics made from natural or synthetic fibers, commonly used in sewing and fabric crafts.
- Craft materials by source – A way of grouping materials according to where they come from: plant, animal, inorganic, or man-made sources.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Activate what you remember from earlier lessons about handicrafts and tools before focusing on supplies and materials.
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Name one type of handicraft you studied previously and one product that can be made from it.
Show Answer
Sample answers: Weaving – placemats, bags, or table runners; Basketry – baskets or storage boxes; Embroidery – decorative pillowcases or wall hangings; Woodcraft – picture frames or key holders. -
In your own words, what is the purpose of tools in any handicraft activity?
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Tools help the crafter work more accurately, safely, and efficiently. They make cutting, measuring, shaping, and joining materials easier and neater. -
Give one example of a material you have used in a school project and describe what it added to the project.
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Example: Colored paper added bright color to a poster; Yarn made a bookmark soft and textured; Beads made a bracelet more attractive and personal. -
Why is it important to consider both creativity and safety when working with handicraft materials?
Show Answer
Because a project should not only look good but also be safe to make and use. Some materials may be sharp, flammable, or irritating, so they must be handled properly.
📖 Explore the Lesson
How to use this section: Work through six checkpoints. Each includes a mini-goal, guided discussion, real-life tie-in, mini-summary, and three guiding questions with hidden answers.
Checkpoint 1 – What Makes a Craft “Handmade”?
Mini-goal: Recognize the role of human skill, supplies, and materials in creating handicrafts.
Guided discussion: When we say an object is a handicraft, we do not simply mean it is colorful or cute. A handicraft is something carefully made by hand using specific techniques and tools. It might be a woven bag, an embroidered handkerchief, a beaded bracelet, or a carved wooden spoon. In each case, the crafter uses their hands and mind to plan the design, choose what to use, and control each step of the process. Even if some simple tools or equipment are used, the human touch is always visible in the final product.
Without supplies and materials, however, our ideas would remain inside our heads. Think about a simple friendship bracelet. The design might be clear in your imagination, but you still need thread or yarn, scissors, maybe beads, and tape to hold one end while you braid. Supplies help you perform the steps of the technique; materials become the bracelet itself. Together with your skills, these two elements bring the project to life.
As you learn more about handicrafts, you will discover that different products require different sets of supplies and materials. A project made of fabric will use needles and textiles, while a woodcraft project will use saws, sandpaper, and wooden pieces. The more you understand these choices, the easier it becomes to plan projects that are realistic for your budget, time, and available resources.
Real-life tie-in: Many communities in the Philippines and around the world earn income from handicrafts such as bags, mats, baskets, or jewelry. These products depend on what materials are available locally—bamboo, rattan, shells, or recycled items. Knowing how to use nearby supplies and materials can turn local resources into opportunities.
Mini-summary: Handicrafts are products shaped by human skill using specific supplies and materials. Supplies help you work; materials become the final item. Understanding this connection is the first step in planning successful craft projects.
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Why are supplies and materials both important in any handicraft project?
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Supplies allow you to perform techniques more easily and safely, while materials become the actual object you create. Without either part, the project cannot be completed. -
Give one example of a handicraft product and name at least one supply and one material used for it.
Show Answer
Example: Beaded bracelet – supply: scissors; material: beads and elastic cord. Woven placemat – supply: weaving needle or shuttle; material: palm leaves or straw. -
How can understanding local materials help a community start a handicraft business?
Show Answer
It helps them use abundant, low-cost resources to create products that are unique to their area, making production more affordable and sustainable.
Checkpoint 2 – Supplies vs. Materials: Spot the Difference
Mini-goal: Distinguish clearly between handicraft supplies and materials with practical examples.
Guided discussion: In everyday speech, people sometimes use the words “supplies” and “materials” as if they mean the same thing. In handicrafts, it is helpful to separate them. Supplies are the tools and consumable helpers you use while working. Examples include scissors, glue, rulers, pins, needles, tape, paintbrushes, and cutters. They help you measure, cut, join, draw, or attach things. Some supplies (like glue or thread) can be used up, while others (like scissors) can be used many times.
Materials are the substances that form the body of your finished product. These are the items that remain in the craft when you are done: fabric in a tote bag, yarn in a scarf, beads in a necklace, paper in a greeting card, wood in a picture frame. When you sell or give away your handicraft, the materials travel with it, while most supplies stay with you for the next project.
Sometimes an item might act as both supply and material, depending on the project. For example, thread becomes part of the final product when visible stitching is part of the design, but it also functions as a supply because it is used to join pieces. What matters is how you use it and whether it remains a noticeable part of the finished work.
Real-life tie-in: When planning a project budget, crafters have to estimate how much each material will cost per piece, and also consider the cost of supplies they must buy only once (like scissors) or regularly (like glue sticks). Understanding this difference helps them price their handicrafts fairly.
Mini-summary: Supplies are tools and helpers used during the crafting process; materials are the substances that make up the finished product. Some items may play both roles, depending on the project.
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Classify each item as mainly a supply or a material for a fabric tote bag: fabric, scissors, pins, ribbon handle.
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Fabric – material; Scissors – supply; Pins – supply; Ribbon handle – material. -
Why is it useful for crafters to separate materials from supplies when planning a project?
Show Answer
It helps them estimate costs and quantity more accurately, organize their storage, and decide which items can be reused and which must be replaced. -
Give your own example of something that might act as both supply and material and explain why.
Show Answer
Sample answer: Decorative thread can be both supply (used for stitching) and material (visible part of the design). Glue might be a supply that also remains hidden inside the product.
Checkpoint 3 – Adhesives, Appliqués, and Embellishments
Mini-goal: Identify and describe important decorative and joining supplies used in handicrafts.
Guided discussion: Many handicrafts would fall apart without the right adhesives. Adhesives include white glue, glue sticks, hot glue, paste, and other sticky substances that hold materials together. Each type of adhesive works best with certain materials—for example, school glue with paper or light fabric, stronger glue for wood or plastic. Using the wrong adhesive can cause parts to peel off or become stiff and unattractive.
Appliqué is a technique that uses both supplies and materials. A crafter cuts shapes from fabric or other materials and attaches them onto a base fabric. To do this properly, they may use scissors, pins, needles, thread, or fabric glue. The appliquéd pieces become part of the design and can turn a plain cloth into a unique artwork.
Embellishments are any extra decorations used to improve the appearance of a craft. These include beads, sequins, ribbons, lace, buttons, charms, and small fabric flowers. Embellishments can express culture, personality, or theme. However, they should be chosen carefully to match the product’s purpose; for example, items for small children should not have small pieces that can easily be pulled off and swallowed.
Real-life tie-in: Look at clothes, bags, and accessories you own. Many of them use embellishments such as buttons, patches, printed designs, or lace edges. Someone decided which decorations to add, how much to use, and where to place them so the product would be attractive and safe.
Mini-summary: Adhesives join materials, appliqué adds layered designs, and embellishments provide decorative details. Choosing and using them properly improves both beauty and durability of handicraft products.
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Why might a crafter choose fabric glue instead of regular school glue for a textile project?
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Fabric glue is designed to stay flexible after drying and to bond well with textiles, while school glue may dry stiff, crack, or fail to hold during washing. -
Give one example of an appliqué design you could add to a plain tote bag.
Show Answer
Examples: a flower made from fabric scraps, a geometric pattern, a letter or name initial, or a simple animal shape like a butterfly or fish. -
What safety concern should you remember when using small embellishments on items for children?
Show Answer
Small embellishments can become choking hazards if they detach, so they must be attached very securely or avoided on items used by young children.
Checkpoint 4 – Textiles and Other Craft Materials
Mini-goal: Explore textiles and other common craft materials and how they affect design choices.
Guided discussion: Textiles are among the most familiar craft materials. They include cotton, denim, linen, polyester, and many blends. Each textile has its own thickness, stretch, texture, and strength. For example, cotton is comfortable and easy to sew, while denim is thicker and stronger. Lightweight textiles might be good for decorative wall hangings, while heavier ones might be better for bags that carry weight.
Besides textiles, many other materials appear in handicrafts: yarn for knitting and crochet, paper and cardboard for card-making and papercraft, wood for carving and frames, clay for sculpting, and natural materials such as raffia, bamboo strips, shells, and seeds. Recycled materials like old magazines, bottle caps, and fabric scraps can also become interesting craft materials when used creatively.
Crafters often think about texture, color, and durability when choosing materials. For example, if you are making a coaster for hot drinks, you would want a material that can resist heat and absorb moisture, like thick fabric or woven straw. If you are making a wall decoration, you may choose lighter materials so it is easy to hang.
Real-life tie-in: Visit a local market or imagine its stalls. One area sells textiles, another sells beads and ribbons, and another sells wood and bamboo items. These different materials support different types of small businesses and handicraft traditions.
Mini-summary: Textiles and other craft materials differ in thickness, strength, texture, and appearance. The type of material you choose must match the purpose and style of the handicraft you want to make.
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What kind of material would you choose for a durable eco-bag and why?
Show Answer
Possible answer: A strong fabric such as canvas or denim because it can carry heavy items, resist tearing, and be used repeatedly. -
Give one example of how recycled materials can be used creatively in handicrafts.
Show Answer
Examples: Rolled magazine strips turned into coasters; bottle caps used as decorative centers for flowers; fabric scraps sewn into patchwork pillows or quilts. -
Why is it important to think about the purpose of the craft when choosing materials?
Show Answer
Because the material must be suitable for how the item will be used—strong enough, safe, and appropriate for washing, heat, or outdoor exposure.
Checkpoint 5 – Classifying Materials by Their Source
Mini-goal: Introduce the idea of grouping craft materials according to where they come from.
Guided discussion: One helpful way to understand handicraft materials is to classify them by their source. Plant-based materials come from parts of plants: leaves (buri, pandan, anahaw), fibers (abaca, cotton), wood, and bamboo. Animal-based materials come from animals, like wool from sheep, silk from silkworms, leather from animal skin, and shells from sea creatures. These natural materials are often popular because they are renewable and can show local culture.
Inorganic materials come from minerals or non-living sources, such as metals, stones, and glass beads. Man-made materials include plastics, synthetic fabrics (like polyester and nylon), and other substances produced through industrial processes. Many crafts combine natural and man-made materials—for example, a fabric bag (plant-based) decorated with plastic beads (man-made).
Classifying materials by source helps crafters think about availability, cost, and environmental impact. Local plant-based materials might be cheaper and easier to find, while imported man-made materials may be more expensive but provide special colors or effects.
Real-life tie-in: Traditional Filipino handicrafts often use plant-based materials like rattan, bamboo, and pineapple fibers. These not only support local farmers and gatherers but also showcase Filipino culture to tourists and buyers.
Mini-summary: Craft materials can be grouped as plant-based, animal-based, inorganic, or man-made. This classification helps you plan projects that use available, appropriate, and sometimes eco-friendly resources.
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Place each material into a group: bamboo, wool, glass beads, plastic buttons.
Show Answer
Bamboo – plant-based; Wool – animal-based; Glass beads – inorganic; Plastic buttons – man-made. -
Why might a community choose mostly plant-based materials for their handicraft products?
Show Answer
Because such materials may be abundant locally, cheaper to obtain, culturally familiar, and more environmentally friendly. -
Give one advantage and one possible disadvantage of using man-made materials in handicrafts.
Show Answer
Advantage: They can be very durable, colorful, and available in many forms. Disadvantage: They may not be biodegradable, can be more expensive, and may depend on imported supply.
Checkpoint 6 – Choosing Supplies and Materials Wisely
Mini-goal: Connect the choice of supplies and materials with quality, safety, and cost.
Guided discussion: Even the most creative design can fail if poor-quality supplies and materials are used. Dull scissors may tear fabric instead of cutting cleanly, weak glue may cause decorations to fall off, and cheap thread may break while sewing. At the same time, using very expensive materials without planning can make the final product too costly for most buyers.
Wise crafters consider several questions before starting a project: What is the item for? Who will use it? How long should it last? How much money and time are available? They then choose supplies and materials that match these answers. For example, a decorative display that hangs on a wall may not need very heavy materials, but a bag that carries books must be strong with reinforced handles.
Safety is also crucial. Some adhesives have strong fumes and should be used in well-ventilated areas. Certain finishes or paints may not be safe for items used by children or for food. Keeping labels, reading instructions, and following school guidelines help prevent accidents and health problems.
Real-life tie-in: Small business owners who create handicrafts for markets and online shops must balance beauty, strength, safety, and price. Their reputation depends on products that do not easily break and are safe to use.
Mini-summary: Wise selection of supplies and materials considers quality, safety, purpose, and cost. Careful choices lead to handicraft products that are attractive, durable, and affordable.
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Give one question you should ask yourself before choosing materials for a handicraft project.
Show Answer
Examples: “Who will use this item and how?” “Do I need the material to be washable?” “Is it safe for children?” “Can I afford enough of this material?” -
What problem might occur if you use low-quality glue for a beaded bracelet?
Show Answer
The beads or knots may come loose easily, causing the bracelet to fall apart and disappoint the wearer. -
Why is it important to read labels on adhesives, paints, and other chemical products before using them?
Show Answer
Labels give instructions, safety warnings, and proper uses, helping you avoid accidents, skin irritation, and damaged materials.
💡 Example in Action
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Example 1 – Supplies and Materials for a Bookmark
You plan to make a simple handmade bookmark for a friend. List at least two supplies and three materials you will need.Show Answer
Sample supplies: scissors, ruler, hole punch, glue. Sample materials: cardboard or thick paper, ribbon or yarn for a tassel, decorative paper or stickers, small beads (optional). -
Example 2 – Sorting the Craft Basket
Your teacher gives your group a mixed basket containing fabric scraps, glue sticks, pins, yarn, sequins, and tape. How will you separate the items into “supplies” and “materials”?Show Answer
Supplies: glue sticks, pins, tape (helpers for joining or holding). Materials: fabric scraps, yarn, sequins (these form visible parts of the final crafts). -
Example 3 – Choosing an Adhesive
You want to attach paper cutouts and light fabric shapes onto a card. Which adhesive would you choose and why?Show Answer
Possible answer: Use white craft glue or glue stick because they work well on paper, dry clear, and are easy to control, helping the card stay neat. -
Example 4 – Matching Material to Purpose
You are choosing between thin tissue paper and thick board paper for a gift tag that will hang from a bag. Which is more appropriate and why?Show Answer
Thick board paper is more appropriate because it is stronger, less likely to tear, and can handle being handled or bumped while attached to the bag. -
Example 5 – Classifying by Source
A craft store sells abaca twine, plastic beads, shell pendants, and cotton fabric. Classify each material by its source.Show Answer
Abaca twine – plant-based; Cotton fabric – plant-based; Shell pendants – animal-based (from sea animals); Plastic beads – man-made.
📝 Try It Out
Answer these items in your notebook. Then open the answers to check your work.
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In your own words, define supplies and give two examples from any craft you know.
Show Answer
Sample: Supplies are tools and helpers used during a craft project. Examples: scissors and glue, or ruler and paintbrush. -
In your own words, define materials and give two examples.
Show Answer
Sample: Materials are the substances that become part of the finished product. Examples: fabric and thread, paper and cardboard, yarn and beads. -
Make a two-column list labeled “Supplies” and “Materials.” Sort these items: ruler, beads, cardboard, needle, paint, yarn.
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Supplies: ruler, needle, paint (used as a working medium). Materials: beads, cardboard, yarn (stay in the final product). Some answers may vary if learners explain their reasoning clearly. -
Write three sentences explaining why adhesives are important in many handicrafts.
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Look for ideas such as: adhesives hold parts together; they make work faster and neater; they allow joining materials that cannot be sewn or nailed. -
Draw a simple design for an appliqué patch you could place on a notebook cover. Label the base material and the appliqué pieces.
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Teacher checks for a base surface (for example, cardboard or fabric) and separate shapes to be attached (such as hearts, stars, or letters). -
Choose one textile (for example, cotton, denim, or silk). Describe one handicraft item you could make from it and why that textile suits the item.
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Sample: Cotton is good for pillowcases because it is soft and washable; denim is good for bags because it is strong and durable. -
List one plant-based, one animal-based, one inorganic, and one man-made material used in handicrafts.
Show Answer
Examples: Plant-based – bamboo; Animal-based – wool; Inorganic – glass beads; Man-made – plastic ribbon. -
Imagine you have a limited budget. How will this affect the materials you choose for a simple wall decoration?
Show Answer
Learners may say they will choose inexpensive or recycled materials (magazines, cardboard, scrap fabric) and avoid very costly embellishments. -
Think of one possible problem when choosing materials for a keychain and suggest a solution.
Show Answer
Problem: Material is too weak and breaks easily. Solution: Use stronger cord or metal parts; test the material before making many pieces. -
Complete this sentence in your notebook: “When I choose supplies and materials for a craft, I want my work to be ________.”
Show Answer
Encourage answers like strong, neat, unique, eco-friendly, or meaningful. Focus on personal goals related to quality and responsibility.
✅ Check Yourself
Use this short quiz to review key ideas from the lesson.
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(Multiple Choice) Which statement best describes supplies in handicrafts?
a. Substances that form the finished product
b. Tools and consumables used while making the craft
c. Only recycled items used for crafting
d. Expensive imported materialsShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Tools and consumables used while making the craft. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following is not usually considered a material?
a. Fabric
b. Beads
c. Glue gun
d. YarnShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Glue gun (it is a supply). -
(True/False) Materials are the items that remain as part of the finished handicraft product.
Show Answer
True. Materials are what the final product is made of. -
(True/False) Using any type of glue will always give the same result on fabric and wood.
Show Answer
False. Different adhesives work better on specific surfaces; using the wrong type can lead to weak bonds. -
(Short Answer) Give one example of an embellishment and one example of an adhesive.
Show Answer
Embellishment: beads, sequins, ribbons, lace, buttons. Adhesive: white glue, glue stick, hot glue, double-sided tape. -
(Multiple Choice) Cotton fabric, abaca rope, raffia, and bamboo strips all belong to which group?
a. Animal-based materials
b. Plant-based materials
c. Inorganic materials
d. Man-made materialsShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Plant-based materials. -
(Short Answer) Why might a crafter choose to use recycled materials in a project?
Show Answer
Possible answers: to save money, reduce waste, protect the environment, and create unique designs using available resources. -
(Short Answer) What is one safety precaution when working with chemical adhesives?
Show Answer
Examples: work in a well-ventilated area, avoid skin and eye contact, read labels, keep away from open flames, and store out of children’s reach. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following pairs correctly matches item and classification?
a. Scissors – material
b. Yarn – supply
c. Buttons – material
d. Tape measure – materialShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Buttons – material (they remain on the product). -
(True/False) All man-made materials are always better than natural materials for handicrafts.
Show Answer
False. Each type has advantages and disadvantages; the best choice depends on the project’s purpose and values. -
(Short Answer) Why is it important to match the material to the purpose of the handicraft product?
Show Answer
Because the item must be strong, safe, and suitable for how it will be used, such as carrying weight, being washed, or being handled by children. -
(Short Answer) How does understanding supplies and materials help you become a better planner of craft projects?
Show Answer
It helps you estimate costs, prepare the correct items in advance, avoid waste, and choose combinations that will produce quality results. -
(Multiple Choice) Which combination best describes a possible set of supplies for a paper-based craft?
a. Paper, beads, buttons
b. Scissors, glue, ruler
c. Yarn, fabric, lace
d. Clay, sandpaper, stoneShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Scissors, glue, ruler. -
(Short Answer) In your own words, what is one thing you learned today about choosing the “right” material for a craft?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Look for ideas about matching material to purpose, quality, safety, and appearance. -
(Reflection Check) Which type of material (plant-based, animal-based, inorganic, or man-made) do you feel most interested in exploring in future projects, and why?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Encourage learners to connect their interests with culture, environment, creativity, or business opportunities.
🚀 Go Further (optional)
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Craft Box Inventory – At home or in school, list all the supplies and materials inside a craft box or drawer and group them.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to classify each item as supply or material and, if possible, by source (plant, animal, inorganic, man-made). Use the lists to discuss which items are missing or overstocked. -
Material Hunt in the Community – Observe your surroundings for possible local craft materials.
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Teacher guidance: Learners may take notes or sketches (no need to collect if not allowed). Discuss which local materials could be used for eco-friendly handicrafts. -
Adhesive Experiments – Test different adhesives on small scraps of paper, fabric, or cardboard.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Plan a supervised experiment where learners compare drying time and strength. Emphasize safety, ventilation, and minimal waste. -
Design with Limited Materials – Challenge yourself to design a simple handicraft using only three materials and two supplies.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage creativity and problem-solving. Learners can share their designs and explain why they chose each item. -
Mini Research on Traditional Materials – Research one traditional Filipino material (for example, abaca, piña, or rattan) and how it is used in crafts.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Have learners write a short paragraph or create a mini-poster about the material’s source, common uses, and cultural importance.
🔗 My Reflection
Notebook prompt:
Think of one handicraft item you would like to create in the future (for personal use, as a gift, or for a small business). Describe the item and list the supplies and materials you would choose. Explain how your choices will help your project be creative, safe, and affordable.
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