Here’s a TESDA-aligned module on incorporating natural fibers, cords, and metal findings for agarwood bead jewelry, suitable for workshops, training manuals, and UTPRAS documentation.
🧵 Incorporating Natural Fibers, Cords, and Metal Findings in Agarwood Jewelry
1. Objective
Trainees will learn to:
- Select appropriate natural fibers, cords, and metal findings for agarwood jewelry
- Integrate materials to enhance aesthetic, functional, and cultural value
- Apply proper techniques for stringing, securing, and finishing beads
- Maintain bead integrity and natural aroma while incorporating other materials
2. Materials Overview
| Material | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Fibers (cotton, silk, hemp, jute) | Soft, tactile stringing for beads; traditional look | Best for spiritual malas or eco-friendly jewelry |
| Synthetic Cords (nylon, polyester, elastic) | Durability and stretch; bracelet and layered designs | Can be used for modern or mixed-material jewelry |
| Metal Findings (jump rings, clasps, crimp beads, eye pins) | Secure beads, create connectors, enhance aesthetics | Prefer metals that are tarnish-resistant (brass, sterling silver, gold-plated) |
| Spacer Beads / Accent Materials | Decorative and functional separation of agarwood beads | Metal, gemstones, or wood spacers |
3. Selection Guidelines
Cord / Fiber Selection:
- Strength: Must support bead weight without stretching or breaking
- Diameter: Fit the bead hole snugly, allowing knots or crimps
- Flexibility: Adequate for comfortable wear and movement
- Color / Theme: Complement natural resin hues; maintain harmony
Metal Findings Selection:
- Size: Compatible with bead dimensions
- Finish: Smooth to prevent scratching agarwood
- Style: Match design concept (traditional, modern, minimalist)
4. Techniques for Incorporation
a. Stringing Beads on Natural Fibers
- Cut cord slightly longer than finished jewelry length
- Thread beads sequentially according to design plan
- Apply sliding or fixed knots to secure beads
- Optionally, insert spacer beads or accent beads for visual balance
b. Using Metal Findings
- Attach beads to head pins or eye pins for pendants
- Use jump rings to connect multi-strand arrangements
- Apply crimp beads for bracelets or layered designs
- Ensure findings are tight but not overly compressing resin-rich beads
c. Finishing Techniques
- Trim cord ends and seal natural fibers using wax or adhesive
- Buff metal findings to prevent rough edges
- Check bead rotation and spacing for uniform tension and aesthetics
5. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, trainees should be able to:
- Select suitable cords, fibers, and metal findings for agarwood jewelry
- Apply stringing and assembly techniques without damaging beads
- Secure beads using knots, crimps, or connectors
- Evaluate the final piece for aesthetic harmony, balance, and structural integrity
- Incorporate design principles while maintaining natural aroma and tactile quality
6. Practical Workshop Activity
- Trainees plan and sketch bracelets, malas, or pendant designs integrating fibers, cords, and metal findings
- Assemble jewelry pieces using appropriate stringing and connector techniques
- Instructor evaluates structural integrity, design harmony, and bead preservation
- Peer review for creative integration and functional usability
7. Tips for Successful Material Integration
- Always match bead hole size to cord/fiber thickness
- Use high-resin beads as focal points with minimal stress
- Color-coordinate fibers and metal findings for design harmony
- Keep knots and crimps tight but gentle to avoid splitting beads
- Test wearability before final presentation
If you want, I can draft the final TESDA module: final finishing, polishing, quality control, and packaging of agarwood bead jewelry, completing the end-to-end competency-based curriculum for UTPRAS submission.
Do you want me to do that next?