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Decorating a product

When a product has been made, decorations can be added to make it more appealing.

These are called finishing techniques.

To make the product look more colourful and interesting, these decorations can be painted on, sewn on with stitches or stuck on with glue.

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What is an embellishment?

Decorations that are attached to a product, like feathers or beads, are called embellishments.

The type of embellishments used should link to the design brief and what the user needs and wants.

A design brief is a document that tells us:

  • what the product is
  • who the product is for
  • how the product will be used

For example, if the user likes the colour blue, then blue embellishments, like blue sequins or pom poms, could be added to the product.

A child's hand holding a fish made from felt and decorated with googly eyes and sequins
Image caption,
This fish has been decorated with sequins and googly eye embellishments.
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Types of finishing techniques

There are lots of finishing techniques that can be used to decorate a product.

They can be used on their own or together, as long as whatever is chosen fits with the design of the product.

Remember, you must always ask an adult to help you when using scissors, glue, needles or staples.

You can see some examples of finishing techniques in this slideshow.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, Close up of many colourful beads in different shapes and sizes, Beads Beads come in lots of different shapes, sizes and colours. They can be sewn onto the product or stuck on with strong glue. Make sure you ask an adult to help and wear gloves when using strong glue.
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Key words

AppealingAppealing means that something looks nice or interesting.
Finishing techniquesWays of decorating a product once it has been made.
EmbellishmentEmbellishments are items, such as sequins, beads and feathers, that are stuck onto a product to decorate it.
Design briefA document or plan that contains a short description of what to design, why and for whom.
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Activity: Decorate your own sock puppet

Have a go at decorating your own sock puppet with this activity.

Which embellishments will you choose?

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