28 comments The Number One Reason Why We Buy Handmade
by papernstitch
05/10/11
When I sat down at my computer to write this post, I stared at the blank page for almost an hour. Not because I had nothing to say, but because I have so many thoughts on a topic like this, I wanted to choose my words carefully.
The importance of buying handmade is not as cut and dry as it may seem on the surface. Although many people try to fit it neatly into whatever box happens to meet their agenda.
But the fact is… the real reasons why each one of us buys handmade goods is just as complex as the topic itself. There are a lot of layers to peel back. And everyone and their grandma has an opinion on the topic and their own set of reasons, as well they should. And guess what?
Each one of us has our own truth.
Yes, we all have our own reason(s) to support and contribute to this movement in arts and crafts. And it seems like some of us have forgotten that. So the one thing I want you to remember, in this amazing journey we have all willingly embarked on, is this…
We all buy handmade for different reasons…
1. Some of us feel a sense of camaraderie and community when we purchase something that was made by another individual.
2. Some of us prefer the quality of handmade goods to cheap, manufactured alternatives, and see buying handmade as a way of quietly (or perhaps loudly) protesting mass produced goods.
3. Some of us believe in mindful spending: respecting every dollar as an extension of ourselves.
4. Some of us interpret our purchases as a means of support and love for another.
5. Some of us like the originality and authenticity found in handmade goods.
6. Some of us like it “just because”.
7. Some of us follow the eco craft theory (thanks pns reader Amina for sending the link).
8. And some of us believe everything above is true.
But do you want to know the best part about those reason listed above, and even the reasons that aren’t listed?
No one reason is more right or wrong than another.
So although this post is actually called ‘The number one reason why we buy handmade‘, there is no number one reason. That’s right. There is no one, singular, definitive reason to reject the mass market of mediocrity in favor of handmade goods. There are MANY.
And my reason is just as good as yours. Your reason is just as good as mine. And there is enough room for everyone’s thoughts and opinions.
–
image above book planter by M JPorter Design
This entry is filed under buying handmade, handmade culture, the handmade movement, the number one reason to buy handmade, why to buy handmade.
so true
erin * sparkle & hay commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:09 amMy reason to buy handmade is just as good as yours and you’ve summed it up nicely in your final sentences today. That is, to reject the mass market of mediocrity.
Michele commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:10 amMichele recently posted..Series 6- The Box Chain 2 – Junk Mail Rosettes
Thanks Michele and Erin for stopping by!
papernstitch commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:15 amNot on the list, and maybe not a #1 reason, but a nice perk: the handwritten notes, little freebies, and unique business cards! So much more fun and personal than a plain old packing list or receipt!
Natalie commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:17 amThat’s a great reason Natalie. And a very good point. Those handwritten notes and occasional freebies make us feel more connected to the person(s) on the other side of the “line”. Don’t they?
papernstitch commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:31 am-Brittni
So true lady, so true!
Jordan commented on May 10th, 2011 at 12:18 pmJordan recently posted..Honey- Im home
Absolutely! If you support handmade, no matter what your reason, it’s still awesome, helpful, and good for the community.
thezenofmaking commented on May 10th, 2011 at 3:17 pmthezenofmaking recently posted..Sunday Snapshot- Mothers Day Hello Kitty Shoes
Exactly Thezenofmaking! Thank you (and Jordan) for stopping by!
papernstitch commented on May 10th, 2011 at 3:18 pm-Brittni
Handmade is often a way to express things that are hard to put down in words. It is a wonderful way to connect to the other person, because handmade means something made with love, with the heart and where emotions are involved.
Mesas de dulces commented on May 10th, 2011 at 5:50 pmThank you for submitting a well balanced article.
Chris commented on May 10th, 2011 at 7:02 pmIt is nice to hear someone appreciating others opinions and choices. Choice and opinion are two privileges of the American system which are often over looked and ignored.
Great thoughts Mesas de dulces and Chris! Thanks for stopping by.
papernstitch commented on May 10th, 2011 at 9:36 pmFunny that you’re posting this now, since I was thinking about this topic very recently! Among the several reasons I buy handmade, two of the biggest reasons are these:
I want to support talented people who are passionate, thoughtful of their art, and more often than not have spent years laboring away working a job they hate while doing their true passion on the side. I think it’s important to support the dreams of creative individuals, be it an online shop, building a massive tree fort, sailing around the world (which is the reason I have my shop) or simply the dream of being able to be your own boss. Every penny counts for these handmade sellers – especially those of us trying to pay off expensive school debt while surviving from day to day!
I say this because I speak from my own experience – I support handmade to pay it forward. I hope that this type of love and support will make its way back to my life, will be reflected in sales from people with a similar mindset. People who want to see me succeed, share beauty and inspire.
jamie | sharks keep moving commented on May 11th, 2011 at 5:11 amI like that thought Jaime, “supporting the dreams of creative individuals”. Very well said. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the dialogue!
papernstitch commented on May 11th, 2011 at 11:38 am-Brttni
Thank you so much for posting this – I can’t agree more. Buying handmade is a very personal process. It’s taking that leap away from what you know and have always know, buying mass-prouced goods. And that’s scary for some people! I would never want to force anyone to buy my products, just because I make them by hand. Education is key, so thanks again for enlightening us.
Michelle | GOLD-HEARTED GIRL commented on May 11th, 2011 at 12:11 pmMichelle | GOLD-HEARTED GIRL recently posted..the artist bracelet
You are so right Michelle. It can be scary for some people to make that leap. And I do feel that it is our duty to educate those people and let them know the MANY (not one) reasons to buy handmade goods and support small businesses.
papernstitch commented on May 11th, 2011 at 1:00 pm-Brittni
What a fabulous post. I agree with many comments that have been made. I like what Natalie above said–it’s just “fun!” I also appreciate Jamie’s thoughtful comment. I know as a creative entrepreneur myself, I support the handmade community because it supports me. I wholeheartedly believe in the handmade movement and am awe-inspired to be a part of it.
Mai commented on May 11th, 2011 at 1:35 pm“I support the handmade community because it supports me” Yep! Another good one Mai!
papernstitch commented on May 11th, 2011 at 2:34 pm-Brittni
Great article. I like to support people that have a passion.
Tammy commented on May 12th, 2011 at 10:11 amgreat post today brittni! i really admire your perspective and openness on topics like this.
i think buying handmade items…is pretty comparable to choosing to eat healthier…locally grown…food. yes, it’s more expensive, but the value of owning something handmade and knowing that it’s not massed produced eventually outweighs the cost. same with food. it’s more expensive to eat healthy, but people tend to live happier, healthier lives down the road when they’re not stuffing themselves with fatty foods all the time (but i’m not saying it’s horrific either..cuz i sure as well know that i sometimes can’t resist the craving of a nice and greasy burger), but you get my point. haha..
hope your week is going well!
linda commented on May 12th, 2011 at 1:29 pmlinda recently posted..mia- emma- and that hair
Thanks for your thoughtful response Linda. I greatly appreciate your input. You bring up a very good point about relating handmade to food. So true! Eating healthy and/or organic costs more, but what you get in return (the nutrition it provides for your body and mind) well outweighs the price. And handmade is very similar in that way.
papernstitch commented on May 12th, 2011 at 2:34 pm-Brittni
I agree with every point you’ve raised about buying handmade. I put my money where my mouth is and support local and international artists I admire. It’s a win-win, you support a talented artist and receive something unique that’s far superior to ubiquitous retail store offerings.
It’s up to you to support the art and handmade products you love.
I could go on and on, I’ll just finish with saying my heart is in handmade 100%.
Vanessa commented on May 12th, 2011 at 4:06 pmVanessa recently posted..Thrifters Around the World- Thrift in Vancouver- Canada with SixBalloons
lovely post and even lovelier comments, i especially liked vanessa’s.”my heart is handmade 100%”so cool..
maslinda commented on May 13th, 2011 at 3:52 pmmaslinda recently posted..100 reasons to start making your own clothes
Buying a handmade craft is like buying directly from the maker. Every handmade craft shares a story. It adds an interest to itself.
ihandmade101 commented on May 26th, 2011 at 8:59 amI find in handmade stuff a source of inspiration, and respect to all of these people that made it possible. I started realizing that not so long ago (it’s a pity I didn’t realized it earlier) and now I’m loving it
Sasa commented on May 29th, 2011 at 6:54 amSasa recently posted..Buscando inspiración- prints I
[...] at Papersnitch, there is a great article about why people buy handmade, rather than machine-made, [...]
Why do YOU buy handmade? « zenobiasouthcombe commented on June 1st, 2011 at 5:36 pmThanks, Brittni, for doing a post with a topic close to all our hearts!
Cookie Cutter commented on June 15th, 2011 at 12:58 amCookie Cutter recently posted..Taipei – VVG Bistro
Continue to encourage creative consciousness and consumer consciousness. This world needs more of both.
ACL Handweaver commented on June 15th, 2011 at 6:03 amI was just writing an article about this myself. And even though I haven’t posted mine yet, it will probably echo yours. I have 3 girls I make clothing for, but ironically began sewing at first for my son. I think handmade clothing are absolutely awesome! They showcase the uniqueness and creativity of a person, and no store can rival that!
TailormadeGirl commented on July 14th, 2011 at 9:50 pm