Sunday 8 January 2012

2012 a Handmade Year

A lot has been spoken both on tv and forums about giving handmade gifts and cards. I think handmade is brilliant but unfortunately handmade, homemade and craft seem to have got a bad name recently, why? This is the hard question and after seeing the comments on the BBC news interviews last year following Kirstie's programme, think some of the public are under the impression that craft is cheap tat and badly made, this can be the case as I have seen at some fairs I have visited along with bought in goods. Because of this the true perfectionists of quality handmade goods are moving away from traditional ports of selling, moving to galleries and online venues.

Over the years when in recession more and more people turn to making gifts with a view to saving money, out of these creators there often is born a true talent that with nurturing can go on to make such beautiful items and stay the distance in the handmade market whilst others get found out and fall by the wayside.

Galleries for some are too expensive but could be considered a good point to start to get your products known and if well labelled with your contact details and website may produce further sales direct. There is however a strict selection process to enter galleries which some may find daunting. I like the fact that you often have to produce exhibition standard work for assessment by your peers refreshing that you know they care about what is displayed and you will exhibiting alongside other professionals. Approaching a gallery is no mean feat and be warned as they are often entered into through word of mouth recommendation rather than a direct approach and most of all they expect the exhibitor to be professional and you often have to book an audience in advance.

The hardest part of giving handmade is for the men in the family, mine have no interest in much apart from kindle books so this year had to resort to kindle vouchers, nothing handmade about it but one thing I always try to do is give the recipient something they want and not something to be relegated to the back of a cupboard, so in some cases handmade is not appropriate.

I made  silk boudoir cushions this year as gifts for two girlfriends and both were so pleased with the gift, Kim very kindly left a comment on my last blog post and Christine told me over the phone that she loved that I made her something each year. This type of response makes it so worthwhile that the time and effort is appreciated by the recipient. I love to give more than receive and especially love to make to give thinking of the colours and designs that the person would prefer and as time is so precious now feel any gift handmade is giving part of yourself as well.

So lets together make 2012 a Handmade Year boosting the true value of handmade and the uniqueness of the given gift.

On a creative note been playing with my machine and as Valentines day is only round the corner! plan to stitch a lace heart bag using water soluble backing then mounted onto wine red silk, will enclose a Swarovski heart on a lobster clasp, this can then be added to bracelets, pendants, bags etc with a hand stamped personal message card on the inside and a matching tag on the outside. You never know could be used for an engagement ring with 'will you marry me?' on the tag. Plus some heart confetti, such an old romantic and so long ago since I was asked, oh! approx 35 years ago now. Also to make this week an initial canvas, jacquard frame bag with a diamante heart details, so much to do not to mention post to my website, Wow Thank you, update my blog plus Facebook and Twitter. A crafters work is never done.

Check out the other blogs of tales of crafting do at 1st Unique Gifts blog


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19 comments:

  1. A very deep and heart felt post! I agree with the bad press and it is a shame that people would much rather buy in quantity rather than quality. I, like you, try to think of something the person really wants, or can use rather than than give them trash they will never get out or possibly throw within 6 months. Men are the worst to think for. In some respects I am blessed as my hubby is a geek and gamer so I don't have to stress too much, but other male friends are a nightmare to buy/make for!

    Let's hope this year will be a prosperous one!

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  2. Great post and sadly true. I made most of my gift the Christmas before, so my ladies already had bags from me, so this year purchased many from crafty pals, but as you so not so for the men.

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  3. Love the valentine's bag you are going to make - look forward to a picture. I too find it hard for the males of the family - though my uncle really liked the cowl neck thing I made him. Mich :)

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  4. I really do agree with your post, I wanted to make handmade gifts this year but had to be careful who to give them to for that fear of them not being well received for being too 'crafty'!

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  5. I do agree with what you are saying, it's hard to lift Craft up to where it belongs!

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  6. I heartily concur with what you have written, especially about quality of some goods falling however that does have a good side because when customers see well made goods they do stop and buy.

    As for gifts for chaps... don't get me started!

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  7. A very interesting post Caroline and one all crafters can appreciate and identify with. Hope 2012 is a good year for you.

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  8. This is what I love about blogging, speaking your mind and finding others that feel the same :)
    We did more handmade gifts this year than any other and they went down a lot better than the bought ones!!

    Kim xx

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  9. Couldn't have said it better myself! I am so sad that people aren't prepared to pay what our gorgeous products are worth when we have put in time and effort and love. Hopefully when the economy (yawn!!) improves people won't mind spending a bit more to get a truly unique gift. I'm all for joining your cause for 2012! I got engaged this Christmas too so can't wait to see your gorgeous creations :-) xx

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  10. Great post and definitely an eye opener to someone who's new to the handmade scene. I hope the impression of handmade can be changed. I made a few handmade gifts this Christmas and they were well received but I agree that for boys/men its all about electrical gadgets! Here's to a better 2012 for handmade. x

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  11. Very heartfelt post with lots of points other crafters can identify with. I agree that the image of crafting has its problems but it seems more of a problem at fairs than anywhere else - not sure why that should be. It seems some people see fairs as somewhere to buy cheap and/or get ideas for their own projects. I know some people see my prices as expensive at fairs but cheap online, which is quite odd!!

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  12. I have obviously missed the bad press - can you point me in the right direction, I would be interested to read. Keep on keeping on - Happy New Year

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  13. Brilliant post Caroline. Here's to a great 2012 for quality handmade pieces.... xx

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  14. I didn't see the BBC comments about Kirstie Allsop's program but did read some pretty horrible things elsewhere. I enjoyed watching, as i also enjoy watching other shows that show that this country is not just about computer games, reality tv and bad diets. Hurrah for people like Kirstie, Hugh F-W and Nigella, is what I say!
    Caroline your ideas for valentines day sound lovely andni look forward to seeing them on your blog!

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  15. I think you get good and bad in all walks of life, I thought Handmade was becoming more acceptable? It would be such a shame for people to stop buying gifts which, in the majority I find, are well made 'handmade' items. Here's to a successful 2012 and a revival of appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that goes into personalised gifts.

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  16. It's true, men are harder to make gifts for. And I have sons. :)

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  17. A great post and very well put. I agree about the galleries, I show some of my paintings at a couple of local galleries and hoping to show at a few more but it's quite difficult to 'get in'. Some galleries (not all) are quite cliquey and difficult to get a foot in the door.
    I look forward to seeing your Valentine items, you old romantic you :)

    Jan x

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  18. Hi Caroline!

    Happy New Year! Sorry I haven't visited you sooner. So many things going on,but all good. The days just fly don't they? Love your post. Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say hello and wish you all the best for 2012.
    xo

    Janet
    Janet's Creative Pillows

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  19. Your post really made me think - thank-you! I too try to give presents that will be used or are wanted. My last minute inspiration for the men in my life was watching the gadget show! A couple of good (relatively cheap) gifts came from there, though not handmade!
    Jo x

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