Why Handmade?
This question brings up so many other questions.
Is handmade better?
Am I making an impact by purchasing handmade?
Who really cares?
Why might an item cost more when handmade versus mass produced?
What does supporting handmade artisans say about me?
Can I really make a change in my local community through choosing handmade?
Does the artist benefit from our interaction? Do I?
If you really REALLY LOVE handmade and jump first to think of local craftspeople you’ve met when you have an occasion to make a specific purchase, you are already on the handmade train. Or, if you are involved in making items or have friends who do than you are clearly already onboard. If Etsy is bookmarked on your favorites list and you have all hand knit winter accessories…you know where we’re heading with this.
But, if you are on the fence, if sometimes the asking price makes you pause, or you wonder why you can’t just pick up a plastic version at the local big box store some other time, than maybe you could use just a gentle push to understand why your support of local artisans is SO FANTASTIC and NECESSARY and incredibly motivational to handmade craftsmen.
Are you put off by the thought of walking up to a booth and speaking to the artist because you don’t want to feel pressured to purchase? No problem! The artist realizes that many purchases of this sort involve relationship building. If there isn’t a specific occasion to purchase one of their wares, you may still be banking their information away in your head for future purchases – or thinking about a friend who would love to know about this particular artist. Not every conversation results in a direct sale but every conversation can be meaningful. Artists enjoy talking about their products and educating consumers about their processes and materials.
But let’s not discount (pun intended) the importance of support to the artist. What would our world be without art and imagination? Each purchase motivates and encourages the artists to carry on – to continue with their passion to be a maker and to create lovely beautiful wares for others to enjoy. Just get a few makers around a table and you’ll understand. It’s this creative juice that leads to innovation, collaboration, aesthetically pleasing fashion and design. So do your part this weekend and come on down to the SouthSide Works Exposed to see what we are talking about.
We’re going to explore more about this subject this week. The I Made It! Market Intern Team will be writing up their views of the benefits of purchasing locally created handmade wares. Share yours with us as well in the comments or on our Facebook page or Tweet with us!
