“Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and has filled him with a divine spirit of skill and understanding and knowledge in every craft: in the production of embroidery, in making things of gold, silver or bronze, in cutting and mounting precious stones, in carving wood, and in every other craft. He has also given both him and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has endowed them with skill to execute all types of work: engraving, embroidering, the making of variegated cloth of violet, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen thread, weaving, and all other arts and crafts.” – Exodus 35:30-35
According to a USA Today article*, “handmade is the new black”.
If that’s true, will handmade items make me look thinner?
If so, I should be super skinny by now.
{Humph … doesn’t appear to be working.}
But if handmade items really are the little black dress of consumerism, then everyone should own them, right?
I’ve been sold on the benefits of buying handmade for a very long time.
Recently, marketplaces such as Etsy, Craftster and indiepublic, have helped to boost the sales of artisans, designers, crafters and entrepreneurs around the world. Not only have they increased sales, but they’ve reduced the stigma and negated traditional stereotypes of handmade goods. I meet many people who still think craft marketplaces and church bazaars are filled with lace doilies and dough ornaments (and I am NOT knocking the craftsmanship involved in making these items, as I assure you they are both beyond my skill level).
But I encourage you to walk into one of these venues and not be impressed by the originality, beauty, passion and creativity around you.
If you’re still not sold on the benefits of buying handmade, let me share a few insightful viewpoints with you …
From BuyHandmade.org …
Why buy handmade?
1. Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.
2. Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.
3. Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.
Convinced? Take the pledge.
* by Laura Vanderkam, published January 26, 2010
