The Value Added Creation of Reed Handicraft Products by Participation of Community in Tadindum Sub-District of Chai Badan Distric in Lopburi Province.

Abstract

          Tadindum sub-district, Chai Badan District, Lopburi Province, is a community where reeds are planted and used to weave mats. Currently, there is a group of reed mat makers that weaves mats and wants to develop products from reeds that reflect the identity of Tadindum. This research aimed to 1) to study guidelines for enhancing value of reed handicraft products, 2) to design and develop products from reeds that reflect the community's identity, and 3) to design a product label that reflects the product identity with participation of the community. This research utilized mixed methods. The key informants were 10 members, committees of Tadindum reed mat group and people who contribute to the development of the cultural career and wisdom of the community. The sample was 397 consumers. The instruments for collecting data were the interview form and the questionnaire. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.
          The results were found that the approaches for enhancing the value of reed products consisted of general-purpose product types and fit with modern style, focusing on weaving patterns to convey the craftsmanship, using yellow and black, which are the colors of Ban Tadindum School together with natural reeds and product label. Four products were desiged and developed, namely glass holders, hats, woven bags and a shoulder bag from reed mats. The consumers’ opinions towards all products in overall and individual aspects; design, price, and function were at the high agreement level. As for the product label design, concepts of mat weaving, reed, colors, fonts and water waves were taken into consideration and arranged the composition to get a brand that reflects the identity of handicraft products from the Tadindum reed community.