This may be a different topic that I usually write about but as someone who appreciate arts and crafts, I feel the need to share this thoughts about handmade stuff. I’m talking about things that people pour their time, sweat and money into making it by hands. It’s not as simple as it looks.
There are two things about people who doesn’t understand or appreciate handmade that irks me; first, they think handmade should be cheaper if they’re buying more. Second, they think handmade is just a “sit down and whip it up” kind of work, so if they order it today, they expect you to be able to deliver it by tomorrow.But you know what? People are willing to pay thousands and thousands for authentic Louis Vuitton bags which are handmade by skilled craftsmen. They’re also willing to wait. Then why are they oppressing small time business owners who sell handmade items? This is a debate for another day.
Regardless, let’s break it down so we can all understand and appreciate handmade a little bit more.
Handmade Takes Time and Effort
Making something by hand is no joke. It’s hours of work, attention to detail, and sometimes a battle with the tools of the trade. Ever heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or blisters? Yeah, crafters know these all too well. Things like chemical burns from lye during soapmaking, electrical hazards from power tools in woodmaking, or accidentally stabbing themselves with a needle while sewing.
Every piece is a process from designing to actually making it. It’s not just a product; it’s a piece of someone’s time and effort. So when you’re holding that handmade candle or scarf, know that a lot went into it.Why Bulk Doesn’t Mean Cheaper
For anyone asking a crafter to knit 10 sweaters and then saying, “Hey, can I get a discount because I’m ordering in bulk?” deserves a smack on the head because they don’t understand the logic of handmade. In factories, making thousands of something usually lowers the cost per item. But for handmade? Nope. Each item takes the same amount of work. In fact, bulk orders might even be harder because crafters have to make sure every single piece is just as good as the first one. Consistency is often a struggle for handcrafter because their energy and concentration fluctuate. They’re not machines! It’s not like they can press a button and make ten identical items appear. If only, right? Handmade means repeating the process for every single item, which takes just as much effort (if not more) than making one.
The Real Value of Handmade
Handmade isn’t just about the finished product. It’s about the thought and care that go into it. That crocheted dolls? Someone spent hours making sure every stitch was perfect. That custom painting? It’s not just paint on a canvas; it’s creativity and skill coming together.
When you buy handmade, you’re getting something unique. It’s not something that’s been pumped out by a machine. It’s personal. And that’s worth something.How You Can Support Crafters
If you want to support crafters, here’s how you can do it:
- Pay the price they ask. They’ve done the math and know what their time and materials are worth. If the price is out of the range you can afford, don’t say things like “Oh it’s so expensive!” Whenever I come across something I can’t afford, I would rather tell the artists, “I really love your items and I wish I could afford it.”
- Spread the word. Tell your friends, share their work online, and leave nice reviews. Little things like that make a big difference.
- Respect the process. Understand that handmade takes time. If you need something by tomorrow, handmade probably isn’t the way to go.
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