Many, many people have turned to crafting in recent years. And why?
Some need the creative outlet and decided to try their hand at selling...an enjoyable hobby/business.
Some have always tried to sell...a career.
Some are doing it to save money for themselves....environment and economy minded folks.
Some are doing it to supplement their incomes...those whose other jobs aren't cutting it.
Some are crafting to create an income....the unemployed.
And there are various combinations of those reasons.
The reason really doesn't matter but the product does. When and if you see an item at a festival, online, or at a crafter's co-op, think of the person behind the product. Think of the hands who molded the clay, threaded the needle or held the paint brush. You have a direct link. Think beyond them to their homes and families who might be very similar to yours. What might your purchase do for them? Their families? If you stop and think about it, it may become an additional reason to buy. We don't do that enough and the opportunities aren't really available.
Will we think about the oil rigger who had a hand in the gas we're pumping? No.
Do we think about the farmer who sowed the seed for the tomatoes in that jar of sauce? No.
It's back-to-school time now and the holiday season is right behind....big shopping events.
I think, I hope, you get my point. You can really have a direct impact on the lives of others when you choose to buy handmade. We all must spend our precious dollars carefully these days and when we choose handmade, besides a wonderful item, you'll feel good inside. Not a bad buy!!!
12 comments:
Great post! I started the new blog just to highlight handcrafted work and your post reinforces my decision.
Good post -- hope people read it.
I'm back -- keep thinking about this post, as I have several craft shows coming up and am struggling on pricing; one friend advises, don't price cheap, as your handmade items won't seem as valuable and high end. But on the other hand, not sure how much people are willing to fork out for a handwoven shawl, unless it's as a gift...any advice?
That is SO true!!
Great post - so much thought and effort goes into handmade items. It's worth it in so many ways to pay a little extra to support the person behind the piece rather than some giant company that's paying pennies to workers overseas to produce its mass-produced counterparts. I do wish that more people would think about the big picture when shopping for not only gifts, but products for themselves and their homes, too...
Hurray for handmade! I own a handmade only store in NC and I try to get customers to do this exact same thing. Many like the fact that I can tell them who made the item they are looking at, what town they are from, etc. Sometimes it's hard to convince them that it is a superior product to something mass produced and that's why it may cost a lttle more. Thank you for this! It made my day.
You need a tweet button -- I would tweet this as I follow a lot of crafters!
Excellent post Barb, It is true that in this economy, most people are looking to save a buck or two. We, as sellers, must educate the shopping public about the many advantages of buying handmade. You are off to a great start.
-Debbie
I wholeheartedly agree.
I know. I wrote about the reasons to buy handmade last Christmas season in my blog. Even went so far as to do a comparison price, i.e. If you buy a nice dinner for $20.00, it may be nice but it is gone instantly. If you buy something handmade for $20.00 and you only enjoyed it for a year. It would cost you approx. 06 cents a day. How cheap is that? So many advantageous to buying handmade as you listed and good reasons too as well. Pricing is the hardest darn thing as well. Some people don't seem to take the time to realize that things cost what they do or don't because of the materials used in the products. Or they just don't care.
Off to share~`
I could not agree more! Great post!
Awesome post, Barb! :)
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