Number 3, or What Does Handmade Even Mean?

Hi there,

Today I will be complaining about something I noticed in the craft field. Ok, we all know that running a craft business is tough in today’s economy. No one is willing to pay more for something that can be mass produced somewhere in China. Sure the mass produced item will be a bit crooked, less detailed, but hey, it costs only few bucks. As seasons change, we change clothes, accessories, furniture. We do it often and it has to be cheap and disposable.

I cannot blame people for that. Love for the handcrafted pieces has long gone, and it is no one’s fault. World is just too fast paced to wait for a month while tailor makes you a new coat. Nowadays you can get one off internet overnight. And this is what shocked me.

Few days ago, I was browsing through the pages of the popular online craft market (totally not sure if I am allowed to mention it, so I won’t). This particular website is positioned as a community of artsy people who appreciate unique handcrafted style (and I don’t mean only wood carved boxes and vintage looking dresses, there is nothing wrong with the modern looking craft pieces). So imagine how shocked I was when I read in the rules that it is ok to sell your designs that were produced offshore.

In a way, it became ok to sell factory made things, as long as you know who made them. Is it only me, or it looks wrong to everyone else as well? I thought we had big box stores for that. Craft in my opinion was something you that you put your hart and personal touch in. How come there are no more hands in handmade?

I do not know about you, it made me really disappointed, but on the other hand, it feels a bit philosophical: what does being an artist even mean?

That thought should keep you busy until next week.

Always yours,
Yulesblogger