Buying handmade can become a total lifestyle choice. Choosing to buy handmade is just like choosing to buy local produce. You simply cannot compare mass produced products to artisan created goods in terms of inspiration, quality, and attention to detail.
I love to frequent our local farmers market for that very reason. One item I particularly enjoy is an Herbs de Provence chevre made by MiaBella Farm. This stuff is simply amazing and I can definitely tell the difference in quality, texture, and taste when compared to regular supermarket brands.
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| Chocolate Chip Buttercream Cookie-wich by Tookies on Etsy |
The same is true for many other handcrafted items. The raw materials are better, the workmanship is superior, and the finished product is truly something to be treasured and enjoyed.
There is also an undeniable, irreplaceable element of the designer or producer in every handcrafted item – a spirit and soul that stamps each item in a way that mainstream production cannot replicate.
In addition, many artisans welcome the opportunity to use their creativity and skill to create items that are custom, one of a kind, and uniquely personalized.
Buying handmade is also a tremendous boost to small business and to the economy as a whole. It’s small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. We need thriving small businesses in order for everyone to prosper. This certainly plays into our local markets, but in this day and age of global integration, the world economy can benefit as well.
With global, online marketplaces, the sky is the limit for sellers desiring to reach new audiences and for buyers wanting to purchase quality handmade items outside of their local markets.
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| Leather and Rhinestone Cuff by Sayagdis on Etsy |
I have had the opportunity to connect with sellers and buyers from all over the world who have a common vision for global exchange of ideas, design inspiration, and who are passionate about the growing interest in buying handmade and supporting small businesses.
If you are interested in buying handmade, summer is a great time to start with all of the craft and community festivals, art shows, farmer’s markets, and open air events. Make sure to check out activities in your area.
There are also some great online venues for buying handmade items. Here are just a few:
Deviant Art is a great place to browse and purchase art and artisan crafts
Etsy is a global online marketplace where you can buy and sell handmade and vintage items
Artfire is another premier artisan marketplace for buying and selling handmade
Made It Myself is a smaller site, but full of great talent
I Shop Indie is a fantastic site where your will find more terrific items
Guest Article by: Rew Elliot Style
03. Jun, 2011 
12 Comments
About The Author
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Good points! I especially like handmade that uses elements of vintage for upcycled and repurposed. Those items seem to have a depth of soul that some brand new is missing.
I sell my handmade jewelry on Etsy, and whenever I can, I buy handmade too. For all the reasons above. I love to buy handmade beads to make my jewelry with, and all sorts of packaging, ribbons etc, to make beautiful packing for my own customers,as well as many, many more items for my home and myself.
Sue
Amazing Beads
What a great article and SUPER examples of handmade crafts ! I am going to ‘share’ it right away, hoping to raise people’s awareness of the wonderful world of ‘HANDMADE’ right in their own community or easily availabel through the internet. Will have a little expedition into the links you recommend.
Thank You ! x
WE actually have a crop circles mug! <3 it..i love the aspect of knowing the artists and being able to get exactly what you are looking for, knowing that you are supporting micro business and where it came from! handmade items have thier own energy and presence! thanks for a great article!
There’s also ShopHandmade.com. I have a shop there:
http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Shadowcutter
Exactly! For all the reasons you mentioned and more! You just cant beat hand made fore the beauty of the item and the love within. Thanks for the great post… I am sharing….
All the best!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SerendipitousLove
and
https://www.facebook.com/SerendipitousLoveEtsy
offer great handmade products!
Great article and products!
Thanks for great article. One more think what I’ve got to love about handmades is also the opportunity for disabled people to create and sell online. So we started to encourage more people to do so. For example here: http://crafts-world.com/arlekina
Great article! One day our handmade clothes will takeover and will make this place a better world
I sell my Handmade Bohemian and Beach Style clothes on Etsy as well, this website is really good.
Also you are more than welcome to check out my own homepage:
http:///www.bluseagal.com
Have a nice day,
Gigi