article by Lee of OneClayBead
four quart casserole by HodakaPottery
We're all likely to buy a wedding or anniversary gift soon. This year I'm thinking of how my spending affects our troubled economy, and I'm joining the Handmade Revolution. Think about it! In buying this gorgeous four quart casserole by HodakaPottery, this distinctive Lavender Pillow by BlueTerracotta, or masterful solid oak turned bowl by holzfurhaus, 100% of your money goes directly to the artist, and directly into the Real Economy. 0% goes to CEO bonuses, golden parachutes, third world sweat shops, corporate irresponsibility, or any of the other depressing topics we were happy to never hear about until we were forced to last October of 2009.
Lavender Pillow by BlueTerracotta
solid oak turned bowl by holzfurhaus
It's better for our planet, too. Stoneware pottery made in an artisan studio will far outlive commercial dinnerware, and it uses less energy to produce. A good fabric artist or woodworker will always produce more durable goods with less waste than manufactured products. And some artisans specialize in the use of recycled materials, such as FolkArtVision, in her HeartLines mixed media art. Some artisans have clever upcycled lines- check out the vintage train case by GetReadySetGO.
Heart Lines mixed media art by folkartvision
Vintage Train Case by GetReadySetGo
Will I be spending more??? Will I be hi-jacked by my conscience, morals, ethics, and general soft-heartedness into doing The Right Thing? Heck, no! These 6 pc napkin rings by Humblebea are $21. Pretty much what I'd spend at an upscale corporate retail chain. The original acrylic painting by JessicaTorrant, titled Collective Support is $200. What an incredible value!
Napkin Rings by Humblebea
Original Acrylic Painting by Jessica Torrant
It's all pretty sweet. I used to just make stuff and love to shop, but now I'm a revolutionary! Because how you spend your money is very powerful.
Have you thought of yourself as a revolutionary, as part of the Real Economy, and as an alternative to corporate consumerism?
by Lee/ OneClayBead
27 comments:
Great post. I lost my corporate job over a year ago but realized I had 30 years of paintings that I could market.
Technology has made this revolution possible and global...and the CEO's are us!
very good post, Lee!
Clear and informative, love this kind of post !
Yes, i've consider myself a Nonconformist for years, now it's time to move it into the main stream.
Thank you for writing this and also for the inclusion.
Well written and well said Lee!
I spend my money by supporting handmade and it feels exceptionally good - just look at the talent and breadth of skill above!
Great post! I feel good when my money goes directly to the artist and I get something unique. Thank you for including my dolls!
Perfectly stated with a respectable logic and more than impressive creations to make your point.
Wonderfully written post. I haven't been to the mall in years. Giving something handmade is so much more special than anything they can put together in China.
Lee what a great post,!
I so much agree with you!! i left
a fantastic job as a textile desinger and stylist in the fashion indusry because i felt the same as you. Lets hope a lot of other will join us in this revoulution - or i call it a journey to a better life.
I am just like noblegnome, I rarely go to the mall. I have even given up my weekly trip to Target since I have joined Etsy. I love to buy handmade and give it as well. There is always something extra-special about a purchase when you know the item was created by hand. It's almost like it carries a story along with it. Today was my son's 14th birthday and his two favorite gifts were handmade. I think that's really impressive. considering he is a teen-aged boy!
Thank you so much for the feature, Lee!
You are so right Lee, it is important to be a revolutionary in this way. Beautiful handmade things have more life in them, more value. These items that you've picked--and everything to be found in the shops of the Artisans Gallery members--are the epitome of exceptional handmade art. Thank you for this thought-provoking post!
well said!
lovely pieces here too :)
great article, and fabulous handmade pieces, in your face the corporate world, the handmade revolution is hitting the world. ;-)
Great post. You are so right. I always try to support artists, shopping for me and to offer are almost always handmade. Walk around to look to the small producers of vegetables and fruits and also in that I have changed and ... for the better:) I do own the recycling of nearly everything in my studio. And I'm so much happier. One more thing ... Congratulations to the artists who were featured, his works are beautiful.
Absolutely fantastic choices,
Thank you very much for sharing!!
Absolutely fantastic choices,
Thank you very much for sharing!!
I love this article and your picks are great! I have made my gifts for years, since joining Etsy I give gifts that other people have made! It gives me such a good feeling!
Absolutely goregous! Every single item.
all wonderful reasons to choose handmade!! great post-- !
Food for thouht Lee, and an excellent post. I suppose I have always been part of the Revolution. I think it's vital to connect with the maker and we are expanding the economy exponentially.
Great article, Lee!
I never have much money to spend, but when I do have a little, I put it back into the network that supports me and my work! Being a part of the handmade revolution means buying as well as selling.
I own a few of Jessica's paintings and I can tell you that my investment is always growing- each day becoming more and more meaningful. Money well spent! I doubt the same can be said about all the useless, corporate products that people waste their money on! Most things people buy are destined to become waste.
Intentional spending practices tend to support intentionally made creations.
So very well said, Lee! I could not agree more. I love spreading the word of handmade and all the benefits of it!
Great post... I guess we are taking over!!!
Great post, l hate buying mass produced items and love to give something unique as a gift. I think more and more people are thinking along these lines, may it continue to grow!
Great post! Like Kendra, when I have a little extra spending money nothing compares to the gratification of buying handmade on Etsy. The revolution is happening one handmade purchase at a time and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it!
Great team!, fantastics items :)
Very good reasons for buying handmade ~ Lovely items as well!
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