Before I started making jewelry or giftbaskets, I'd comparison shop and wonder - "why would i pay $$$$$ for that when I can get it at some mall for cheaper?" Today, I understand "Why." I've moved from shopping primarily at mass malls to a mix of hand-made and boutiques, when I can help it. Everyone should shop where they want, and this is not a post to go hand-made. It merely highlights a few answers to questions I've had in the past. Enjoy!!!
Here are few reasons, excerpted from
EtsyWikiYou are purchasing higher quality products, made with love and care by the artisan.
You are purchasing unique items that are not mass-produced. Even if the same product may be made a thousand times each will be unique in some tiny way.
Buying handmade supports artists, crafters, designers and small business owners instead of large corporations - if you buy handmade you help someone live their dream.
When you buy handmade art objects you are also getting a piece of the artist’s soul.
Those who value handmade are usually eager to know about the artist that made their piece and they value the skill and passion that went into its creation. Handmade pieces have life, unlike items that are mass-produced by machines and basically untouched by human hands during the creation process.
You are helping to promote local economies and fair trade. Investment in the creative sector brings a huge boost to the economic, cultural and social vitality of communities.
Handmade products are increasingly being made with recycled materials. This is excellent for the environment.
You as the buyer vote with your purchase. This offers immediate feedback to the artisan and allows them to gauge which items to further develop. This feedback loop is vital to the handmade indiepreneur.
Handmade items appeal to trend setters, not trend followers.
Handmade items can push boundaries - they aren't in thrall to the dictates of the mass market.
Handmade items can often be custom-made, fit, and colored, to the buyer's specifics or wishes making it even more unique and, often, practical.
And staying true to the Ethnik Chik trend of Boutique Mix, here's a sneak peek at some of my cloth material........
And of course, no post would be complete without the Boutique Mix accessory of the Day - The Aloha Papparazi Clutch
Red Bamboo Elegance. This large elegant “eye-catcher” is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click here to buy this stunning purse.
Red Riding Hood. This medium sized beauty is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click here to buy your Red Riding Hood.
Green Bamboo Tote. This elegant tote is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click here to buy your green tote.
Green Bamboo Elegance. This gorgeous hand candy is hand made from eco-friendly bamboo, jute and seagrass. It has an inside drawstring closure, cell phone pocket and an additional zippered pocket. Comes with a dust cover. Click here to buy yours now.
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