I can make that....

That is what a lot of people say when they see handmade items. I have been guilty of that as well I will admit. In some cases I really could make it, however I never have. I suppose most of us could learn to make many items that we see at shows or in stores that have handcrafted items. The reality is that by the time you get the stuff to make the item and find the extra time, it is so much easier to just support the artist and buy their wares.

Everyone thinks that they can make it cheaper, that may be the situation with some, if say you are looking at a handcrafted wood frame and you are a woodworker with all the tools and know-how. Yeah it might be pretty easy to make a similar item. If you aren't a woodworker you may look at it and say to yourself, that is just wood put together in a rectangle... how hard is that and why are they charging "so much" for it? It is easy to forget that maybe in some crafts the supplies aren't all that expensive but you are also paying for the time and effort put into it. The expertise and design skills, years of experience, all the little expenses that go into running a business no matter how big or small, all need to be factored into the price of an item, on top of the artist paying them self, which in many cases isn't enough. That is another issue in itself, more on that another day...


Another example for me is fabric bags, I love them. Again this is something I think I can make, I have a nice sewing machine, could easily get my hands on some neat material, but I am not the best at sewing. So, yes, I am sure I could make myself a decent bag but sewing isn't something I do everyday. I finally know myself enough to know I am not going to make the tons of crafts that I admire or have dabbled in to the level of quality that the talented artists create.


Most people get started in their craft and find out it is their passion by testing the water after seeing an item they really like that someone else made. I know I have always been interested in making jewelry from when I was little. I started with beaded items and did that for years then in high school had my first taste of making metal jewelry and I was hooked.


This isn't to say that you shouldn't take a shot at trying to make something that you saw. You may do it and love it and voila - you have a new hobby or career! That would be wonderful I am all for people tapping into their creativity but I guess this post is best summed up with... When shopping around for handmade items remember that there is a lot more than a few dollars of supplies being invested in creating what you are looking at. Hopefully when you purchase an item you will keep in mind that you just made an artists day by supporting their craft and livelihood.