Make a Pledge: Buy Handmade
Release your inner creativity.
Make a pledge to buy handmade, instead of shopping at the big box stores for gifts and presents. It is such a simple act, but one we generally overlook, especially when it is so easy to give a gift card or a generic gift item from a department store.
However, when you make the effort to buy a handmade gift item or take the time to make a present, the end result is so much more meaningful.
Increase your individuality
Become a conscientious consumer and increase your individuality by making the pledge to buy handmade gifts. When you make purchases of products produced on the small scale, you break free of the homogenous chain-store culture--and who wants to be like everyone else?
Support independent designers and artisans
Unlike the usual humdrum at department stores, gifts made by independent designers and artisans are at once humorous, unique and edgy--and in many cases, something not likely to be found in a chain store. Plus, when you purchase handmade gift items, you invest in the diversity of our consumer culture and support individuality.
Help revive the economy
These days, it seems like if your gift items aren't mass-produced in China and then handled by at least 20 middlemen before making it to the shelves of a major department store, then it can't possibly be for sale. Rebuild the relationship between the consumer and the manufacturer. When you purchase gifts directly from independent designers and artisans, you invest directly to the people in your neighborhood, city, state, or county.
Make or purchase unique gifts
A handmade gift is more meaningful by a thousand-fold than a store-bought present. When thought, time, and care go into creating and giving a gift, the result is obvious--and the receiver will know it!
Handmade Resources
It has never been easier to buy handmade or learn to make your own handmade gifts. Below is a variety of craft-related resources, to help you improve your crafting skills or connect with artists and artisans.
Etsy.com: Etsy is "your place to buy and sell all things handmade." This online community is comprised of over 60,000 independent designers and artisans from all over the world. One visit to etsy.com and you'll be hooked.
Indiepublic: Indiepublic is the perfect social networking site for crafters, makers, and buyers. The site is a fantastic forum for sharing ideas, tips and techniques for creating handmade gifts.
Burdastyle: Burdastyle is an open source sewing site. Don't just buy your wardrobe, make it! Learn to sew, find patterns, access tutorials, and get helpful sewing tips and techniques.
Craftster: This online community with over 100,000 members is a fantastic place to share ideas and inspire creative endeavors.
