Firstly I must say I am not against store bought as I do purchase items from local shops. However being a crafter myself, I do appreciate the love and personal touch that handmade has compared to store bought. When I make a piece of jewellery a little part of me goes into it. Firstly I am inspired by something or someone which gets me thinking of a new creation, and from there I go on to create a new piece of jewellery. I always take my time to make sure every piece of jewellery I make is finished just how I envisaged it from the start. Of course when I sell my jewellery I always package it lovingly and I always write a personal note to the buyer, thanking them for supporting me in my art. When I buy store bought there is nothing personal about it and I certainly know I am not going to receive a lovely note from the maker.
Before I wrote this blog I decided to do a little research on the internet about other peoples opinions on handmade, and here are some quotes I found from different forums.
“Oh I love handmade products. It’s nice to have those you know carefully handmade. It’s award-winning. And I want to know how it is made myself.” (from Lhenni site myLot)
“By purchasing handmade you are supporting independent designers and artisans who have worked hard to develop their skills and knowledge and who play a role in keeping these skills and innovative design alive into the future.” (from Simone Walsh handmade jewellery)
“Handmade means giving a product meaning.
Every creation you buy on Mosey was bought to life by a maker with a unique story.
Think back to a time when you knew who made your clothes and where your food was produced.
Buying handmade means supporting the Australian and New Zealand makers behind the product.
Mosey is created with the hand, inspired by the heart and loved by the eye.” (from Mosey)
I like the way Mosey say’s that every creation you buy is bought to life by a maker with a unique story. This is so true as individuals we all have a a story, which will give each of us a different take on the craft we do. For example I know as a crafter making my own jewellery, there are so many other crafters making jewellery I could think to myself why bother, look at the amount of competition out there. But I don’t think like that as a matter of fact I think the very opposite, I love to see what other talented crafters make for we all have a unique style, and there is always someone out there who will love the way that style comes across in our jewellery making.
Here I have added a couple of pictures of candles for you to see the difference in something store bought and something handmade. Notice the store bought candles are something you can find anywhere. Yet look at the handmade candles and notice the unique way they have been made adding different textures and even fruit to the candle.
Store Bought Candles
Handmade Candles
I believe there is a place for store bought and hand made, it is up to the individual. I personally think it is great we can have a choice and of course I tend to love handmade, as I like the idea of knowing I am purchasing something made with love.
What are your thoughts on handmade verses store bought, please share…
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