Handicraft, also known as craftwork or simply craft, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion, such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicrafts.
Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category Arts and Crafts is a matter of intent: handicrafted items are intended to be used, worn, et cetera, having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicrafts are generally considered more traditional work, created as a necessary part of daily life, whilst "Arts and Crafts" implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap.
Among the Kisii soapstone producers, are people who own permanent houses that would be impossible for an ordinary family to put up, business premises and plots to show, children who are going to school among other things, all attributed to soapstone and fair trade practices.
Part of the surplus accrued from the handicraft business goes towards the sponsorship of an average of ten bright and needy children into formal education annually.
Handicraft business, as indeed, the other income generating activities, is one of the USK's long-term efforts towards sustainability.
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