Handicrafts

Question 1

Vocabulary

Answer 1

Handicrafts = handcrafts = 1) hand-crafted items / 2) activities

Let’s make some handicrafts.
Let’s do some handicrafts.

Arts and crafts = 1) hand-crafted items; 2) activities
Let’s do some arts and craft.
I like doing arts and crafts.
I like doing craftwork.

Question 2

Different handicrafts (activities)

Answer 2

Weaving
Carving
Pottery
Embroidery

Question 3

Different handicrafts (items)

Answer 3

Vases
Baskets
Candles
Bags
Wallets
Jewellery

Question 4

Word families

Answer 4

A craft (n) - an activity, a skill
To craft (v) - to make skillfully
I’ve crafted this lovely candle.

Crafty (adj) - clever and cunning
Craftsmanship (n) - skill, ability
I admire her craftsmanship

Question 5

Places to buy handicrafts

Answer 5

Flea markets

Street markets

Cheap handicrafts can be called…
Bric a brac (n) uncountable
Trinkets (inf)
Knick knacks (inf)

Ornaments
Adornments

Question 6

Skills for making your own handicrafts

Answer 6

Dexterous (adj) - uses your hands skillfully
Nimble-fingered
Handy

Creative
Innovative
Artistic
I’ve got an artistic bent.

Mass produced goods
Machine made goods
Handicrafts are handmade goods.

Question 7

Should we encourage children to make handicrafts?

Answer 7

They can unleash their creative mind/ artistic talent.
They can develop their artistic flair/bent.
As far as I can see, it’s a great way to earn a living.
It can develop their motor skills.
It’ll make them more dexterous.
It helps keep our tradition intact.
It ramps up/ builds up their creativity.
It’s a rewarding activity.

Question 8

Short talk

Which handicrafts are popular in your country? Why?

Answer 8

I think handmade jewellery is one of the trending handicrafts in the UK.
I think the ease with which you can buy and sell it online has also boosted its popularity.
You can get all sort from intricate designs to minimalist designs and with a wide variety of materials.
I suppose the fact that many pieces of jewellery have a personal touch also adds to their appeal.
I recently bought my Julie a bracelet at a flea market, you know on one of those bric-a-brac stalls thay sells all kinds of trinkets, and she loved it.
She said it was unique and beautifully crafted.
I think handicrafts make a lovely gift.

Question 9

Expressions

Answer 9

Weaving, it’s a lot harder than it looks.
I can while away the hours knitting or doing crochet.
It’s quite a fiddly thing to do = difficult because it deals with small pieces
Sewing is fiddly, embroidery is fiddly.
You need patience and perseverance.
You need a steady hand.
Many handicrafts have a personal touch (customised for you).
They help preserve traditions and local heritage.