The Place of Craft in Art Education

Defining Craft

Craft can be defined as the creation of objects by hand, often with a focus on skill, tradition, and functionality.

Unlike fine art, which is typically conceptual or expressive, craft emphasises technique, materials, and practical use. For me, it’s the ‘practical use’ that helps me look at something and decide if it’s art or craft, or possibly both.

The boundaries between art and craft are increasingly blurred, with many contemporary artists incorporating craft techniques into their work. Artist Grayson Perry is an excellent example of this. He makes ceramic pots and sculptures and also tapestries.  Pots and tapestries could be classed as ‘craft’ but Perry’s work, with its conceptual and expressive nature, is most definitely fine art.

In an educational setting, craft plays a crucial role in developing students’ technical abilities, creativity, and appreciation for different cultural traditions. It can be a great excuse for including some ‘making’ in your curriculum and give those students who don’t excel at drawing a chance to shine.

What is Heritage Craft?

Heritage craft refers to traditional craftsmanship that has been practised for generations and is often deeply connected to cultural identity. These crafts are typically made using highly skilled techniques, materials, and tools, preserving historical methods.

Heritage crafts include weaving, basketry, blacksmithing, and traditional woodworking, among others. Many of these activities are a risk of disappearing as these skills are not passed down the generations in our throw-away, consumerist society.

What Craft is in Your Local Area?

Connecting with craft makers in your area can bring your curriculum to life for students and help them learn about the area they live in.  Here’s some suggestions:

UK: Harris Tweed in the Outer Hebrides, Cornish pottery, Worcester porcelain, Somerset basket weaving, silversmithing/jewellery making in Birmingham, lacemaking in Honiton or Bedfordshire. Or why not link blacksmithing which happens in many rural areas with working with wire in the classroom?

USA: Appalachian Quilting, Navajo Weaving, Shaker Furniture Making in New England, Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Signs, Basket weaving in Gullah communities, South Carolina and Georgia, Native American beadwork, decoy carving in Chesapeake Bay, Tin Punching in New England, Cowboy book making in Texas, Scrimshaw (whale tooth carving) in New England, Amish Quilting in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Tole Painting in the Midwest, rug hooking and Northeastern U.S.

Australia: Pitjantjatjara Wood Carving in Central Australia, Kulin Nation Basket Weaving in Victoria, Shellwork in the La Perouse Aboriginal community, colonial embroidery and samplers in settler homes in Sydney and Melbourne, woodcraft in Tasmania, traditional tool making in Arnhem Land, lacemaking and needlework in Calala, bark painting in Arnhem Land and Northern Territory, Opal Cutting and Carving in Coober Pedy.

New Zealand: Māori Whakairo (carving) in North Island, Kete (flax weaving), Ta Moko (traditional tattooing), Korowai (feather cloaks) North Island, bone carving in North and South Islands, Greenstone carving, South Island, especially around Hokitika, Raranga (plaiting weaving) across Aotearoa, Harakeke paper making, Tukutuku panels (lattice weaving) in North Island, Waka Carving of canoes Bay of Islands and Rotorua, colonial quilting, wool spinning and felting in Otago and Canterbury regions.

Canada: Inuit soapstone carving in the Nunavut and Northwest Territories, Métis Beadwork in the Prairie provinces, Haida wood carving, Mi’kmaq quillwork in Atlantic Canada, bark canoe building, birch bark biting in Ontario and Manitoba, wood hooked rugs in Newfoundland and Labrador, totem pole carving in Coastal British Columbia, finger weaving, quilting bees and copper tool making.

Craft Professions

Craft encompasses a wide range of disciplines, each requiring specialised knowledge and techniques. Some key types of craft include:

• Textile and Fiber Arts – This includes embroidery, quilting, knitting, and felting, all of which require precision and patience.
• Ceramics – The shaping, glazing, and firing of clay objects, from functional pottery to sculptural works.
• Jewellery Making – The creation of wearable art using metals, gemstones, beads, and other materials.
• Paper Crafts – Includes bookbinding, papermaking,

Is print making an art or a craft?  I’m not sure.  I think, on the whole, I think of it as a fine art, but perhaps if it’s used for card making, it could possibly be a craft. What do you think?

Why Incorporate Craft into Your Curriculum?

We should all be aiming for a broad and balanced curriculum that engages the learners in our classrooms. 

Incorporating craft can teach practical skills, research skills and soft skills. With the right planning, the craft lessons you create can include creativity, independence and problem-solving.  Students have the opportunity to develop patience, dexterity, and an appreciation for materials.

Teaching craft also introduces students to different cultural heritages, allowing them to explore traditions from their local area or around the world. It provides opportunities for collaboration, community engagement, and possibly even entrepreneurship, helping students see the real-world applications of their artistic skills.

By integrating craft into the curriculum, art teachers can offer students a well-rounded education that balances skill, creativity, and cultural awareness. Whether through heritage crafts, contemporary maker movements, or digital fabrication, craft continues to play a vital role in art education today.

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