Why Reading Labels Is Important

Lately, the past 5 years or so,I seriously read all labels. Whether I am buying a food item, a gift, an article of clothing or an item for my house, I read the labels carefully.
Regarding food items, I am always watching my diet. Although I fortunately don't have any food allergies, I check fat, carb, salt and calorie information as well as the ingredient lists. Shopping may take longer but it is well worth it.

Clothing.........almost nothing is made in the USA anymore but I still look and hope. Though it is hard to find American made clothing, there are definitely countries I will not buy from....that's another blog post, maybe! Of course, materials are important as I do have a wool allergy, so I check that as well.

Home and gift items.......here's the stickler and the provocation for this post. Today I was in a store downtown that advertises itself as an "old fashioned general store". They sell clothing, home goods, shoes, candy, etc. Do or did they have these stores in Vietnam? China? Rangoon? I walked towards some tiny sock monkey key chains....made in China. Nearby were local college mugs and sports paraphernalia...made in Vietnam. Across from them were embroidered towels made in Thailand....you get the picture, I'm sure.
And then I was reminded about buying handmade....items like sock monkeys and embroidered towels and sports paraphernalia that don't have labels because they are made in the USA by wonderful craftspeople with their blood, sweat, tears, talent and love.
So read labels. Be informed and when tempted to choose an item, check out handmade for similar and probably better items that keep your dollars local and support your neighbors. I certainly know price is often an issue, an important one but.....!

By the way, they had magnetic bookmarks, similar in concept to mine, with the store logo on them. I sell mine for $3.50....their's were...are you ready?......$0.99. Here are some of my new ones and I will unabashedly say bigger, prettier and well worth it. Oh, yeah, theirs were made in China but you knew that!

The Economy and Handmade

Okay, let's just get it out there....the economy sucks. We know it. We're living it. There's barely anyone who isn't affected somehow. Young,old and in between.
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!!!

Why I Buy Handmade

I collect little Santas....little,under 5". Yes, I have bought many at craft shows but many more in retail stores. This was before the internet availability of so many handmade goodies.
I just received this from Creations By Gena

In EVERY way, it is adorable and perfect from the bell on the velvet hat to each strand of his tea stained beard. In fact, I just ordered a 2nd as a little gift. No where is there a little tag that says "Made in China". In fact, it comes from a neighboring state!
I know I made Gena happy with my purchase and yet she elated me and I am trying with my feedback, forum posting and this blog entry to let her know how happy I am....and further convinced how wonderful a handmade purchase can be. Thank you, Gena.

Imperfect Perfection

I ♥ handmade. I embroidered a piece that said so;


That piece sold and I decided to make another since I ♥ Handmade.

Well, this time I purposely off centered the words and had the last letters as if they were falling down and I left a thread hanging.
Handmade is not perfect. We've all had disasters, throw aways, rip outs, smudges, splashes, dropped stitches, broken wires, frayed threads, tears....I could go on and on. So this piece is not perfect but that is why I ♥ Handmade!

I have agita........

Agita to me is that gnawing,anxious feeling inside when you don't know quite what to expect in the future. Unsettling.
I have not one, but 2 craft shows this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. I'm flattered that I was 'invited' to both but.....will they like me? Will my things sell? Will I hear "Now I know what to do with my box of buttons?" Will my DH be bored to tears and desert me? Will I bring enough change? Will there be people I should know but forgot their names? Will there be people I don't want to see? Will it be cool or warm? Will my back break from standing?
UGH....too many 'ifs'.
Everything is tagged and priced and looked over for flaws and packed. I have all the equipment and paper and tissue and tape and and and..........
So why am I doing this if it makes me crazed?
Well, I spelled it out below and I want to share. And a few cents won't hurt!

"Share the Love - Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan"

Anne, of Made For Me by Oaklie is not only a talented designer with several online shops but also the driving force behind several online promotion sites, particularly
OnFireForHandmade. She is incredibly helpful and generous and also helped me solve a sticky issue with MadeItMyself for which I am indebted! Starting this week, shops from the OnFire site will be highlighted. Take a wander into their shops...you'll be pleased you did!

MADE FOR ME BY OAKLIE - Handmade Fashion Scarves and Accessories
http://madeformebyoaklie.com
Shops:
MadeitMyself
Artfire
Etsy
Zibbet

Us Chickens and a Turkey!

Our Thanksgiving was the most peaceful in years. It was just the 3 of us and although the others were missed (they did call) it was so relaxing for me. I wasn't conflicted as to cooking and serving vs. playing and chasing. I am thrilled the other parents had a chance to see the boys as it's been way too long for them. The 3 of us ate too much, laughed alot and groaned with gusto as we stuffed ourselves. Jas went home with more than 2 meals and we have plenty for tomorrow. The best is the soup which simmered for hours today as I steadfastly refused to leave the house for the shopping frenzy. I don't get the thrill of the chaos but to each their own. Anyway, my shopping is just about finished as I stuck to my buy handmade/etsy plan this week. I am waiting for 3-4 packages and done! This is what came the other day from inedibleglass. I am pleased and hope my daughter-in-law will like it.