The Development of Krajood Paper for Decorative Garland Production

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) develop krajood paper for garland production, and 2) investigate satisfaction with krajood paper garlands for decorative use. The study was conducted as applied research using a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative informants consisted of five garland-making experts from the Wutthai Traditional Handicraft Group, while the quantitative sample included 325 tourists in the Songkhla Old Town area. The research instruments comprised a suitability assessment form and a satisfaction questionnaire. The research procedure consisted of five stages: needs assessment of users, analysis and specification of paper properties, development of krajood paper properties, creation of paper prototypes and evaluation of their suitability, and development of garland prototypes followed by satisfaction assessment.
The findings revealed that the developed krajood paper was produced in three thickness levels corresponding to the components of the garland, namely paper for the main garland body, paper for the garland segments, and paper for the tassel ornament (uba). The use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) enabled the paper to meet the required properties, making it suitable for folding, heat pressing, and stringing together with a garland needle.
The suitability evaluation by the expert group indicated a high level of appropriateness (x̄= 3.78, S.D. = 0.31). In addition, tourists’ satisfaction with wrist garlands made from krajood paper for decorative purposes was also at a high level (x̄= 4.40, S.D. = 0.40). These findings reflect the product’s potential for further development into a decorative handicraft product with both functional value and cultural significance.