While many of us enjoy buying beautiful, hand-crafted goods, we don’t always think of the positive impact our purchases have on our lives and community. In support of our Indie-pendence theme this month, I have 5 reasons to buy handmade.
1. Supports Local Economies
Buying from local businesses (crafters and artists) that are buying their supplies locally, you are putting your money back into the local economy, instead of large conglomerates that funnel their money to a headquarters across the country or across the world.
2. Builds Community
Supporting local artists allows a flourishing artistic community. It’s not just the local artists that benefit. It invites more galleries and boutiques as well as community artists projects, gardens, murals, arts education, and more.
3. Better Quality Goods
You know exactly what’s gone into each product and can speak with the crafter about the why and how of making each piece. In addition to the detailed craftsmanship, many handmade goods are made from natural or recycled materials. This and making the products to last for generations instead of years lessens our impact on the natural world.
4. More Beauty in Your Life
Many mundane and practical pieces used in everyday life can be enhanced by using instead beautifully crafted handmade goods. Beauty makes the soul rest easier and smiles more prevalent.
5. Responsible Buying
No sweatshops, less than minimum wage workers, nor corporate outsourcing. It feels good to be connected to where our goods come from, to know that each piece was made with joy and completed by one or maybe a handful of people.
Supporting handcrafted goods means we can become responsible for where our money goes and what we bring into our lives: beauty, health, and community.
Showing posts with label BetterThanJam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BetterThanJam. Show all posts
July 9, 2008
March 9, 2008
Re-cap of the Brooklyn Homeshow
Yesterday was the Brooklyn Homeshow, a unique event brought together by Michelle of Chelleline who graciously offered up her apartment to nine other vendors to host a one day shopping event. We set up shop early in the day, and opened the doors to shoppers by 10.
Despite pouring rain, many people came from New Jersey, Queens, and even Conneticut to support the indie community. It was really great. It was fun to chat with people and find out about how they heard about the show.
The vendors offered products ranging from original photography, gocco prints, collage cards, hand made jewelry, felted pin cushions, crocheted pins, scarves, neckwarmers, silkscreened shirts, unique dresses and bags, and even original photography. It really was quite a range, that all worked really well together, something for everyone.
AnnWilkinsonPhotography - Original Photography
BetterThanJam - Silkscreened Apparel & Accessories
Chelleline - Collaged cards
FadingFlowers - Gocco Prints
feille - Crocheted Accessories
Fubabee - Stationary & Invitations
joannetracydesigns - Jewelry
Kimmchi - Silkscreened Apparel
KreatedByKarina - Soap
MsKittyFantastico - Crafts & Accessories
TheHandOfFatima - Vintage Jewelry
November 29, 2007
Greenpoint Hearts & Crafts Affair
THE HEARTS AND CRAFTS AFFAIR…IT’S A HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 2nd, 2007
The Hearts and Crafts Affair, a network of young, bright and promising craft creators, will offer a selection of their latest work at Café Grumpy’s Greenpoint location (193 Meserole Avenue at Diamond Street) from noon to six pm. Back for a fifth time due to its unwavering popularity, The Hearts and Crafts Affair has become an opportunity that can’t be missed for the Brooklyn DIY set. Hostess Kira Birney curates a diverse and talented selection of local artists that promise a myriad of original styles. This winter the craft fair will showcase jewelry, paper goods, knit ware, confections, clothing, candles, journals, ceramics and drawings by 18 local independent artists and crafters. The event will also feature musical entertainment throughout the day by Mannequin Circus and friends.Café Grumpy is located near the Nassau G stop as well as the B48, 43 and 61 bus routes.
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