Hosted annually by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, 2019 marks the 17th time we are celebrating National Craft Day (Hari Kraf Kebangsaan). From 28th February to 11th March, the general public is invited to the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex to discover the diversity of Malaysian cultures through handicrafts. The exhibition will immerse visitors in a visual treat revolving around the concept of “Culturizing Craft in Lifestyle” – a concept to help preserve and reinforce the skills and knowledge of traditional crafts in our daily urban spaces.
Local artisans will be invited to showcase their talent and get the recognition they deserve for protecting the cultural heritage of the country. A robust array of handcrafted wares, both traditional and modern contemporary, will be displayed and sold. Works in this exhibition will range from functional to representational forms including home furnishings, garden decorations, jewellery and accessories. There will also be a lineup of live demonstrations and performances in the schedule.
Highlights include:
- Exhibition and sale of products crafted from bamboo, rattan, leaves, beads, wood, metal, fabric and clay, as well as traditional foods.
- Demonstrations of woven crafts and traditional foods (pulut udang [Perlis], apam pasang [Perak], kuih kelupis [Sabah], dodol kukus [Pahang], etc).
- Performances including drums, cultural dances, music and chants.
- Knowledge sharing sessions about entrepreneurship, market info, finance and business basics, and success stories in the craft industry.
- Experiential opportunities to get involved in hands-on workshops and games.
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
Location: 5, Jalan Conlay 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Date: 28th February to 11th March 2019
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.kraftangan.gov.my/hkk2019
Meanwhile, celebrate National Craft Day with one of these easy DIY projects:
1. Batik Cloth Napkin (Glue-resist technique)
Image: Candice Ashment Art and The Outlaw Mom
The original hot wax-resist batik dyeing technique will be replaced with white glue to make it child-friendly.
Materials
– Cotton cloth
– Glue
– Acrylic paint
– Hot water
Steps
i. Draw motifs with glue. Set aside to dry.
ii. Paint over using diluted acrylic paint. Set aside to dry.
iii. Soak the cloth in a tub of hot water for up to 30 minutes. Gently scrub away the glue to reveal batik design.
2. Wau Bulan (Malaysian Moon-kite) Paper Mobile
Image: Juice Online
Materials
– Cardstock
– Scissors
– String
– Coloured pencils
Steps
i. Draw Malaysian moon-kites in different sizes.
ii. Personalize with motifs of choice and fill with colour. Cut them out.
iii. Connect the kite units with strings to assemble the mobile.
3. Anyaman Tikar (Woven Mat)
Image: Artful INKables Blog
This is a basic weave technique using ribbons instead of the traditional screwpine leaves or bamboo.
Materials
– Cardstock
– Ribbons
– Tape
Steps
i. Tape ribbons along two sides of the cardstock.
ii. Interweave the ribbons, over and under.
iii. Tape the ends to the back of the card.
4. Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppetry)
Image: Ann Arbor Art Center
Materials
– Cardstock
– Scissors
– Brads
– Coloured pencils
– Tape
– Popsicle sticks
Steps
i. Draw and cut puppet.
ii. Fill with colour.
iii. Attach the body parts together with brads.
iv. Stick popsicle sticks to the mobile parts.
Keeping Future Generations Thinking About Art
Continue inspiring children to learn about art, nurture their creative talents and sharpen their skills with dynamic art classes brought to you by:
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Malaysia 017-628 8336 / 03-6250 0290