photo by Kristen Von Hohen – “slip cast collage – presents”
Last week, I got the exciting news that I would be writing for a new site put out by Artfire: Handmade News. Unlike The Storque, Handmade News seeks to report news from all over the craft & DIY community without emphasis on any particular sales venue.
So here’s where I need your help! I’ll be writing for the Craft Trends department. What trends are inspiring you right now? Trends in fashion, literature, art, design, food… I’m sure there are up-and-coming ideas that are moving you creatively.
Leave a comment and tell me about them! If there’s an item in your shop or a post on your blog that relates, leave a link! You might just see your name in lights on what will prove to be a HUGE resource for the handmade movement.
The trend I’ve been following this year is ‘frugality’. Due to the economy, you see retailers and consumers alike focusing on thrift and frugality, either out of necessity or consciousness. For my part, I have been working hard to ‘buy less, use the stockpile more’ – here is one example: http://twosheepgreetings.blogspot.com/2009/02/economic-stimulus.html
Tara’s last blog post..More MORE Babies
Buy handmade, buy local when possible, support friends and family homegrown efforts.
Rosie’s Whimsy’s last blog post..HodgePodgery
Tara – I love the fact that “frugality” is HOT right now! As a stay-at-home mom, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one shopping the clearance racks, going to thrift stores, and stretching a buck whenever I can!
Recycling and deconstructing old fashion items and creating them into new things! It’s a cheap way of reinventing your wardrobe or accessories collection but still gives you the buzz of having something “new”.
I have been inspired by the generosity of the handmade community in Paying it Forward. There are currently more than 1,400 Pay it Forward (PIF) listings on etsy. In addition, there are many artists and artisans that share their creativity, energy and passion with others for the good of humanity. Every week, I feature one of those artists or artisans in Art from the Heart on my blog. In addition, I have blogged about paying it.
Lois’s last blog post..Monday Morning Musings
Congrats on the new writing gig! I’m inspired by the idea of nursery art that will grow with your child: parents can feel comfortable investing in a piece that will later fit in the “big girl/big boy” room or in another room entirely. I’ve created a number of child-friendly images for customers’ nursery walls that will still be treasured for years to come.
http://mkcphotography.com/section/86237.html
I have been doing the upcycle/recycle thing, in my shop & otherwise. Most of my shop items are of this type. I have also been trying to buy handmade & local (as well as vintage), as I think is is something we can do, on an individual level, to help the economy (& the environment).
Shelley’s last blog post..About my lists…
I have to agree that frugality is a great trend to follow. I find that it drives a lot of what I make because I want to make beautiful items that are still affordable. I’ve also been inspired by vintage buttons and beads in the effort to upcycle/recycle.
Hey, I’ll be writing for Handmade News, too. I will be one of the columnists for the Featured Artists department. So I’m looking for folks with crafty backgrounds looking to be interviewed for the mag. I found your blog by doing a search on Handmade News in Google to see what info I can find.
I am certain we’ll be able to collaborate down the road!
beverly’s last blog post..Ode to Billie Joe
Lois – I just finished an article on PIF items. Thanks so much for the tip! I quoted you and linked to your shop & blog!