AN ASSIGNMENT

ON

TEXTILE / HANDING CRAFT AND PRINTING

BY

ERABO BLESSING

FOE23/24/299754

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILE AND FASHION DESIGN

COURSE CODE:D/FAA206

AN ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FAA

FACULTY OF ART,

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA

WHAT AFRICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

African craftsmanship is an essential component of the African cultural heritage that has
been passed down from generation to generation. The artistry involved in the creation of
African handcrafted products is unmatched, and it serves as a bridge between the past and
the present while allowing for the preservation and promotion of African cultural traditions.
The cultural significance of African craftsmanship cannot be overemphasized as it
showcases the artistic expressions unique to Africa and reflects the continent’s heritage,
diversity, and rich cultural identity.
Here are 10 different types of creative craftwork, with references to their location and
function:
1. Origami (Japan)
• Location: Japan
• Function: Origami is the art of paper folding, often used for decorative
purposes or as part of ceremonial traditions. It can also be functional, as in the creation of
paper cranes for good luck.
2. Pottery (Mexico)
• Location: Mexico (particularly Oaxaca and Puebla regions)
• Function: Pottery in Mexico is both functional and decorative. Clay vessels,
bowls, and plates are often painted with intricate patterns, and some are still used for
cooking and storage, while others serve as ornamental pieces.
3. Beadwork (Africa)
• Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Maasai tribe in Kenya and Tanzania)
• Function: Beadwork is used for both personal adornment and ceremonial
purposes, such as creating jewelry, belts, and decorative items. The beads are often
symbolic, representing status or community ties.
4. Weaving (Peru)
• Location: Peru (Andes region)
• Function: Traditional weaving is used to create textiles, such as colorful
blankets, ponchos, and bags. These fabrics are not only functional but also carry cultural
significance, often featuring intricate patterns that represent regional or familial identity.
5. Wood Carving (Indonesia)
• Location: Bali, Indonesia
• Function: Wood carving is a prominent craft in Bali, where artists create
intricate statues, masks, and furniture. These pieces often have religious or spiritual
significance, with carvings used in temples or for rituals.
6. Glassblowing (Venice, Italy)
• Location: Venice, Italy (Murano Island)
• Function: Glassblowing in Venice is famous for creating beautiful, delicate
glass objects such as chandeliers, vases, and decorative sculptures. Murano glass is highly
prized for both its artistic and functional qualities.
7. Basketry (Native American Tribes)
• Location: Various Native American tribes (e.g., Navajo, Apache, and Pomo)
• Function: Basket weaving is used to create functional items like storage
baskets, fishing traps, and ceremonial baskets. In many cultures, the designs and
techniques are passed down through generations and carry cultural significance.
8. Quilting (United States)
• Location: United States (particularly the Appalachian and Southern regions)
• Function: Quilting combines both creativity and practicality, as it involves
sewing together pieces of fabric to create blankets or bed covers. Often, quilts are passed
down through families and can be rich in historical and personal significance.
9. Metalworking (Morocco)
• Location: Morocco (Fes and Marrakech)
• Function: In Morocco, metalworking is used to create functional items like
lanterns, trays, and teapots. These pieces are often adorned with intricate patterns and are
also used for decorative purposes in homes and public spaces.
10. Tatting (Eastern Europe)
 • Location: Eastern Europe (particularly Hungary and Romania)
• Function: Tatting is a form of lace-making using a shuttle to create delicate
lace patterns. It is used for creating ornamental lace for clothing, household linens, and
accessories, such as collars, edging, and handkerchiefs.

These crafts reflect the diverse ways in which creativity is expressed across cultures,
blending functionality with artistry.

Understanding Leaf Printing

Leaf printing is a simple yet artistic form of printmaking that uses natural leaves to create
unique patterns on paper, fabric, or other surfaces. It captures the texture, veins, and shape
of the leaf in a print.

Steps Involved in Leaf Printing Process

1. Gather Materials
• Fresh or dried leaves (with distinct veins and textures)
• Paint (acrylic, fabric, or poster paint)
• Brushes or sponges
• A roller (optional)
• Printing surface (paper, fabric, or canvas)
• Palette or plate for mixing paint
• Newspaper or protective sheet (to avoid mess)
2. Prepare the Leaf
• Select a leaf with prominent veins.
• Clean the leaf to remove dust or dirt.
• Pat it dry before applying paint.
3. Apply Paint
• Use a brush or sponge to evenly coat the underside of the leaf (vein side)
with paint.
• Avoid excessive paint to prevent smudging.
4. Position the Leaf on the Surface
• Carefully place the painted side of the leaf onto your paper or fabric.
• Press it down gently using your hands or a roller to transfer the details.
5. Remove the Leaf
• Slowly peel the leaf off to reveal the print.
• If necessary, touch up areas with a brush.
6. Repeat or Add Layers (Optional)
• Use different leaves, colors, or overlapping prints for creative effects.
7. Allow to Dry
• Let the print dry completely before handling.
• If printing on fabric, heat-set the paint by ironing (if required).
8. Finishing Touches (Optional)
• Add extra details using a brush or markers.
• Frame or display the final artwork
Difference Between Craftsmanship and Creativity

Craftsmanship refers to the skill, precision, and expertise involved in creating something by
hand. It focuses on mastering techniques, following traditional methods, and ensuring high-
quality execution. A craftsman aims for perfection and consistency, often refining their skills
over years of practice. For example, a skilled potter who creates identical, well-balanced clay
pots demonstrates craftsmanship.

Creativity, on the other hand, is the ability to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and
produce original works. It is more about innovation, imagination, and self-expression rather
than just technical skill. A creative person experiments with different concepts, materials,
and techniques to create something unique. For instance, an artist who reshapes a clay pot
into an abstract sculpture is demonstrating creativity.

While craftsmanship ensures quality and durability, creativity brings originality and
uniqueness. The two often go hand in hand—great craftsmanship enhances creative ideas,
and creativity pushes craftsmanship beyond traditional boundaries.

Five Units in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts and Their Functions
1. Painting Unit
This unit focuses on the study and practice of painting using different mediums such as oil,
acrylic, and watercolor. Students and artists explore color theory, composition, and various
painting techniques. The unit emphasizes both realistic and abstract forms of painting for
artistic expression, decoration, and communication.
2. Sculpture Unit
The sculpture unit involves the creation of three-dimensional artworks using materials like
wood, metal, clay, and stone. It teaches carving, modeling, casting, and assembling
techniques. Sculptors produce figurative and abstract works for galleries, public spaces, and
cultural exhibitions.
3. Ceramics Unit
This unit specializes in the production of clay-based objects such as pots, plates, tiles, and
sculptures. Techniques like hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing are taught. The unit
serves both artistic and functional purposes, with ceramic works used in homes, industries,
and decoration.
4. Textile Design Unit
The textile unit focuses on fabric decoration techniques such as batik, tie-dye, weaving, and
embroidery. Students learn how to create patterns and prints for fashion, interior décor, and
commercial use. This unit bridges the gap between traditional textile art and modern fashion
design.
5. Graphic Design Unit
This unit is centered on visual communication using digital and traditional design methods. It
covers typography, branding, advertising, illustration, and multimedia design. Graphic
designers create logos, posters, book covers, and digital content for commercial and artistic
purposes.
Each of these units plays a vital role in the development of fine and applied arts, combining
creativity, skill, and practical applications. Would you like more details on any specific unit?