A recent post about the culture of cheap on the new Crafting an MBA blog got me thinking – A LOT – about the importance of talking about handmade and its essential role in our lives.

As craft-makers and lovers, we sometimes think the act of making a craft is the most important part of then selling it.  But, it’s essential that you talk about the story behind the piece: inspiration, materials chosen, process, setbacks, resolution, etc.  Tara Gentile has great insight on the PA Crafts blog today about sharing your space in pictures.

The story of the work’s creation is why someone wants to buy the piece. Sure they may want to buy it simply because its red and matches their shoes.  But that story is why I, for example, bought a $30 woodturned dish for my son’s first food bowl instead of a $1 piece of plastic.  I want it to last, I want it to matter and I want to care about what it is.  I didn’t want it to just fill my immediate need of having a bowl.

I want us all to commit to talking about craft more often, more openly, being open about pricing and explaining the real cost of handmade goods.

If you’re a craft-maker and have neighbors or friends or family members that don’t know what you do, tell them what you do. Show them how you do it! And state why your work costs what it does. It’ll go a long way. If you love craft, share it. Make the norm to give handmade and include a business card of the maker. It connects the person behind the work with its new home.

Yes, handmade craft costs more than plastic junk (or craft imports), but its actually a real cost. It pays a living wage. Not just a ‘fair trade’ wage but a living wage. And one worth paying.

Thanks for listening to my little rant.  I hope you share in the comments below about your thoughts on the subject.  I’m leaving you with this video from Craft Scotland called ‘The C Word.’ I hope it’ll inspire you to share your craft.

1. Golden Dahlia necklace by jibbyandjuna - $38

2. Mr Wrestling Number 2 Garden Cup and Saucer by khouser - $40

3. Recycled Coffee Tote Bag by kamatrice - $40

4. Apple – Upcycled Fabric Plush Stuffed With Recycled Shopping Bags by ArtTales - $25

5. wood paneling in bronze earrings by tundradear - $18

6. Toast Brown Fingerless Gloves by ginaminda - $30

7. Moby Dick GYOTAKU (fish Rubbing) Original matted art by Barry Singer by fishfanatic - $20

Jenya is a Philadelphia based artist who focuses on the concept of unique and original designs that are done using free form technique. Her forEvaMore handmade clothing line features one-of-a-kind pieces made with natural materials and her EvaForeva shop is full of hand knitted winter accessories.

Must. have. these.

Tess (originally from Sweden, now in Philadelphia) from Nova Designs says that these remind her a the bean sprouts her mother made her eat as a child. I love me some bean sprouts – that and sushi were the foods I missed while I was pregnant. These earrings would make fabulously unique everyday pieces. They are also available in a black finish. You can pick them up for only $15!

Kim (in Pittsburgh), from Sunstone Soap, will be hosting a giveaway in a few weeks but I couldn’t wait to tell you about this yummy soap! Pictured above is the Honey & Cinnamon flavor. The scent is earthy without being “crunchy” and it works up a lovely lather. With ingredients like oatmeal, milk, and honey, it’s good for your soul, your body, and the Earth! Kim’s soap is never tested on animals and do not contain chemicals or animal fats. At only $4.75 per bar, you can treat yourself to 3 for less than $15!

Noelle (in Philadelphia) from Xenotees is currently featuring select t-shirts – like the one above – for only $15!

This is one of Xenotees’ signature tees. It features the collective names of animals – as in, “gaggle of geese” but also, “‘unkindness of ravens’, a ’smack of jellyfish’, [and] a ‘business of ferrets.’”

This week’s Friday Favorites features more great handmade goodies to treat yourself on the cheap!

Need a little bright spot on your desk? You can prop up your business cards with this aqua fused glass card holder from Pixie Dust Inc. It’s only $11! [Read more →]

For your weekend shopping pleasure, I bring you jewelry to treat yourself on the cheap!

Pamela from Penelope & Anastasia, in Royersford, let me know that most of her earrings are under $15! Her shop is full of color and vintage inspiration. Each piece has a certain reserved exuberance that would make quite a statement – whether elegant or casual.

Janessa from la la la, in the Lehigh Valley, has this ring that features a vintage cabochon which has been hand-painted and attached to an adjustable base. This weekend, she’s having a buy one, get one half off sale, as well!

As you may remember, I’ve been pretty obsessed with ceramic & porcelain jewelry lately. Melinda from Orrtec Designs, in Muncy, has this funky porcelain daisy pendant for only $9.99.

Kim from B.B. Bellezza, in Lancaster, is having fun innovating her jewelry design with hardware & electrical wire! You get two bracelets for $16 (so I think they count!) each made from an electrical wire & strung with nuts and washers.

Have a great piece for under $15 you’d like to see on “treat yourself on the cheap?” Email me at tara AT handmadeinpa DOT net with “cheap” in the subject!

Emily from disCARDS wrote me last week to let me know of a fundraiser being held for the organization she works for as a “day job.” POWER – Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery – is looking for donations for the raffle at its Night of Promises event. “POWER’s mission is to provide gender-specialized quality treatment & support services to women who are changing their lives through recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.”

Emily wants to combine her two of her loves: supporting POWER and supporting PA crafters. Please consider donating an item, large or small, for the raffle. Donations will be put into themed baskets & raffled. You can send business cards in addition to your donation – one will be put in the basket, the others will be set out for attendees to pick up! Gift certificates are also welcome!

Donations are due by May 1, 2009 and you can download the donation form here. If you’d like more information, please email Emily.

small pleasures

Look to relax without spending a fortune at the spa? Try one of these Organic Flaxseed Warming Bags from Mary Beth at E-A-Poo’s!

Simply microwave them for 45-60 seconds and apply where it hurts! Use warm, all-natural materials to relax away the day for only $12.75!

special announcement!

I’m so happy to announce that I’ve been asked to present at this PA Guilde of Craftsmen workshop. I’ll be talking about using social media to market your handmade business. Other topics include email marketing, blogging, and web tactics. There are still spots available in the class!

Last week, I put out a call for items under $15 on Facebook. I’m not big into bargain hunting on Etsy – I believe crafters should be paid what they’re worth – but I do look for small things to treat myself with if I can’t afford a larger splurge. I’ll be bringing these items to you one or two at a time over the next few weeks – and possibly longer!

When you purchase one of these small items, you’re helping that seller do the same! What a great way to consume!

If you have an item you think should be featured in one of these spots,
email me!.

Treat yourself to a handy organizing tool & stylish accessory in one! Amanda from OhMandie! let me know that all her hand-bound journals are only $10. Not only are they beautiful, they’re eco-friendly. Amanda explains, “All of the inner bristol board paper is recycled from a local paper mill – the cuts of paper were too small for them to use, but perfectly wonderful for me to make journals for you from! Helping the planet one piece of paper at a time!”

craft for a good cause

Maggie from LizDarcy (Media)sells her wares to support Sprout Yoga, “a nonprofit working to provide free yoga to people overcoming eating disorders and post traumatic stress disorder, and training yoga teachers, educating mental health professionals, and so much more!”

Maggie is a photographer and “lotions & potions maker.” She’s been crafting for quite awhile, saying:

I’ve been knitting since I was 12, sewing since 13, painting since 16, and beading since 18, though I really started my craftyness when I worked for Beadazzled bead store in Washington, DC. Once I got a camera in my hands in my twenties, it was off from there!
I started making my own lotions and potions because of my allergies to food additives, and now I sell lip balms on Etsy.

The shop will soon have yoga t-shirts & accessories to help promote the healing power of yoga!