Three Cheers for Handmade!!

Over the past 6 months, I have spent a lot of time at arts and craft shows and other handmade events – on both sides of the table.  This has given me a true appreciation for the folks that are out there trying to make a go of it by selling their handiwork. If you haven’t tapped into shopping handmade yet, here a few reasons I recommend it:

1. Handmade makers get really excited when you buy their products or share with your friends how much you like their work.   Contrast that to when you buy something at your standard big box store.  The person you hand your money too has absolutely zero connection to the product and really cares little that you happened to stop in that day.  Not so with your crafter (or really any small business).   They are usually thrilled to meet you, personally encouraged by your purchase, and would love to talk to you about what they do.  I’ve made some great connections with some local folks, such as Shelly from Neighborhood Blonde.  I attended an event in September and Shelly spent some time chatting with me and also encouraged me to apply to an I Madeit Market event .  When I crossed paths with her at the Harvest Marketplace in November which was my IMI debut, she remembered my name and our conversation!  That meant so much to me as a handmade newbie!  I can't tell you how many times I've seen a fellow maker or small business owner mention on Twitter or Facebook that they made a sale, or hit a milestone, or were mentioned in a blog.  These things make their day!  Really! 

2. Working with a handmade maker means you’ll get an item that is truly unique.  In many cases, your item may be absolutely one of a kind.  I know for example that in my work, even in a "set" of matching cards, invariably something is a little different in each one.  If you buy a purse or bag from a handmade artist, for example, you might be getting a piece of vintage material that they had just enough to make that one item.  You won’t be seeing the exact same thing on every shoulder on the bus.  Also, let’s say you like a jewelry design...but….you’d prefer a different color, or another strand of beads, or you want it to be a little longer.  Handmade artists often LOVE to do custom work.  I know that I do – in fact, there is nothing I like more than customizing a card or a wall piece with a particular person's interests as inspiration.   So don’t be afraid to talk to them, ask what they might be able to do to customize for you!  To see a few of the custom pieces I've done, check out my gallery here.  

3. Your purchased handmade items are really and truly a labor of love.  We will spend time getting it just right.  We’ll search for just the right item.  We’ll truly put a little bit of ourselves into it.  When we send it off with a customer, there is a part of us that is a little sad to see it go.  But we’re also really, really happy that someone loved it as much as we did!    

So the next time you are looking for something you could purchase at a big box store, or you could check out Etsy, or a local handmade event or boutique, or you could contact a friend or artist that has a business, consider the difference your purchase can make!

Is there is a local artist you really love? Spread the word!  Share their info with your friends; like them on Facebook; give feedback to them via social media venues.  The best way for a handmade artist to grow their business is organically through happy customers!  

Along those lines, I’d like to give a shoutout to a few of my local favorites that have spent time talking with me at shows or have made some of the awesome gifts I was able to purchase this holiday season.  I know they would LOVE to have you “like” them on Facebook, visit their Etsy shop, or drop by one of their local shopping venues (many of them have items at Boutique 208 downtown or Wildcard in Lawrenceville):

1.   Amy  of Bonne Amy (love her alphabet photography, especially with photos of Pittsburgh!)

2.   Gillian of Gillie Beans Boutique (I love appliqué and since I don’t sew, I am happy to purchase her items for the little ones on my list!) 

3.   Deirdre of Ride Red Designs (has made several custom jewelry pieces for me!  Its been so nice to get just what I want)

4.   Kali of Vehement Romantic (makes unique jewelry using items from nature, or her kitchen cupboard.  One of my favorite purchases this fall was a pair of red pepper flake earrings!)

5.   WhimsicalWonders, owned by Melissa and Lew.  They craft jewelry and other items from silverware.  My favorite gift received at Christmas was a spoon watch!  So fun!

I hope you’ll consider buying handmade.  Pittsburgh has some awesome handmade opportunities.  Carrie Nardini and the team at I Made it Market coordinate wonderful events all year long and select some great makers!  At the holidays, the Handmade Arcade is also great!  And of course, if you ever need a card, small gift or wall art item, please consider Charis Notes and Gifts!