Handcrafted Artisan: The HYPE Over Handmade: The impact of how you shop

Hi Friends. How are you? Are you ready for the Thanksgiving Holiday? I am looking forward to my parents arriving tomorrow. Should be a good time. It will be nice to not travel this year as we normally do. Would love to hear what you are up to. Leave a comment below.

I recently came across this great blog post about shopping handmade and the impact it has. I am so excited to share this post with you from Rebecca at The Yuppiest Hippie. Without further ado here is the beginning of her post.

I get this question a lot, especially when working vendor shows. Sometimes the question is asked with tact, sometimes... not so much.

Regardless of how it's asked, it's a legitimate question. Why is handmade more expensive, and what's with all the hype surrounding artisans? Why are consumers willing to pay MORE for handmade?

Go grab a cup of coffee, for I'm about to explain exactly why- this is going to be a good one!

Handmade = fair trade, fair labor, Believe it or not, a person MAKES everything you own. Your shoes are made by someone. Your coffee is made by someone. Your jeans are made by someone (or at least someone running machinery that makes the item as part of a mass production assembly line).

So, who makes it? Cheaper items are typically made overseas, where inflation and cost of living allows companies to pay lower wages. Ethical companies pay a fair wage to their workers, which meets or exceeds a living wage. These items are typically marked with a fair trade symbol. According to the World Fair Trade Organization, fair trade has an impact beyond trade: It proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first. It is a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change, and economic crisis.

There are several organizations that independently evaluate and award a logo.

Some companies do not engage in fair trade. They pay a wage that is low, unlivable, or unfair to the worker, taking advantage of the scarcity of work and living conditions in developing countries. These savings are passed onto the consumer with a lower retail price; however, the workers pay for the difference.

When you purchase handmade, there is complete transparency on who the laborer is. You can have a conversation with the artisan, crafter, seamstress, or designer. You know exactly where your money is going. Because many artisans we purchase from live in industrialized counties, wages are higher. The cost of labor is built into the price of the item, resulting in a higher price.

....To read more of this great post head over to The Yuppiest Hippie....

Upcoming events:
Wacky Wednesday Sale: 10% off a purchase of $15 or more. Code THANKS10 Good every Wednesday starting Nov 22 through December 20. In addition, receive a free pair of Christmas ball earrings with each purchase, while supplies last!

Handmade Brown Paper Packages Charity Boxes:
Goes on Sale November 25. Small Shop Saturday, 8 am instagram.com/handcraftedartisanpr $25 each. All proceeds after shipping costs go to three different charities. Not only do you get to make a difference this holiday season but you will receive a box of handmade goodies from 10 different makers. Only 10 boxes available so act quickly! ( these boxes are not subject to any discounts)