In theory we all know that there are great benefits to buying handmade. Whether we’re buying from local artisans and crafters, or supporting a handmade artist. Have you ever really thought about exactly what the advantage is of buying handmade, and who gets what out of the transaction?
There are of course the benefits for you as the purchaser, and to the maker as the business owner. But there are more far-reaching benefits in buying, using and making handmade products.
1. HANDMADE IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Handmade products are great for the environment. Most handmade products do not require a factory or large production facility. Instead, nearly all are made in small craft studios and workshops, the transformed shed at the bottom of the garden, or people’s own homes.
Handmade is often very local, so it doesn’t travel hundreds and thousands of miles to get to you. When you order from Made By Rachel, you know that your handmade order is coming from within the UK and it’s made here in the UK too!
2. EACH HANDMADE PRODUCT IS UNIQUE
Unlike gifts that are mass-produced, you will often find unique differences in each handmade item, which really makes the product and the purchase very special. Nobody in the whole world will have exactly the same item, and that’s pretty unique!
A lot of the handmade gifts you can find with Made By Rachel are made to order and can also be customised and personalised to your specification.
3. HANDMADE IS SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
When you buy a product from Made By Rachel, you are directly support a UK based artist. Although it may not be directly local to you, the money stays in the UK, and that’s a pretty big deal. Instead of your money going to large international companies where the maker or designer receives a fraction of the product price, it goes directly to the person who made your wonderful gift.
But it’s not just about money. Each purchase, gives the artist, the maker, the crafts person a confidence in their product, chance to develop their skills further, opportunity to re-invest the money back to their business and carry on producing beautiful works of art.
4. HANDMADE WITHSTANDS TIME
Remember those days, when you bought something and it lasted for a very long time? Most handmade items are made to last. They are made from a material that will withstand the time and the changes are that you are going to keep them for a long time.
5. HANDMADE IS QUIRKY AND IS ON TREND
Independent designer makers and crafters are often on trend much quicker than large businesses and commercially produced gifts. As a small business I can afford to experiment and make one off item to see whether it will gain interest, to spot a trend and design a collection quickly that fits the trend perfectly. To introduce a new product within large commercial organisation can take easily 12 months, small independent designer will be a lot more flexible than that.
6. THERE IS A STORY BEHIND EACH PRODUCT
Each handmade product has its own story, each handmade shop and the person who created it puts a lot of time and effort in to making something that’s unique, beautiful and made just for you. There is a reason behind every choice throughout the stages of your product creation – why the gems selected for your silver bracelet have a beautiful peacock green colour, or why the colour of your beads are a particular shade of purple.
7. BUY HANDMADE DIRECTLY FROM THE MAKER
It can’t be simpler than this. You buy directly from the person who makes your handmade gift. If you need to ask any question about the product (materials used to make it, how to look after it, colour & size options) you will talk directly with the person who made it. They know their product inside out and will be able to give you the best advice. When you place your order with Made By Rachel, the notification comes directly to the maker (me!!), and I will prepare your order – make the product, personalise, beautifully wrap it (yes, we creative people have a thing about pretty boxes and sparkly tissue paper…) and take it to the post office.
8. BUYING HANDMADE KEEPS THE CRAFT SKILLS AND TRADITION GOING
This might be a bit altruistic reason, but by supporting your local artisan you are also supporting the craft skill they practise. By supporting the traditional crafts, such as silversmithing, clay artist, glass artists, weavers or many others, we are helping them to pass the skills to the next generation and keep the art and craft alive.
9. WHEN YOU BUY HANDMADE IT SHOWS THAT YOU CARE
If you buy your friend a commercially produced necklace, the chances are that somebody else will have it too. It might be pretty and it might even be expensive, but it’s not necessarily unique.
By buying handmade and personalised jewellery, you show your friend that you’ve taken the time to research what she likes and that you’ll treat her to something that nobody else will have.
10. HANDMADE IS MADE BY REAL PEOPLE
When you buy a handmade gift you know that the maker is passionate about their craft so each gift is made with love. With handmade products, there’s always a lot of love, care & attention to detail to create something unique and to be treasured.
So next time you need a gift, a new item for your home, or simply want to treat yourself to a piece of jewellery, consider handmade.
You’ll get a better quality and unique product. You’re supporting a handmade business owner’s life and craft. Plus, you’re keeping otherwise lost skills alive, and making a greener purchase.
Happy handmade shopping!