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As a maker ya can't blame me if I favor all things handmade. I am guessing you too appreciate well-crafted goods. They carry a story, they have meaning, they are pieces of someone’s art in one form or another. Here’s a little list of things I’ve learned from my own experience and the experience of others that illustrates how buying handmade from independent craftspeople is not only heart-warming, but economically, environmentally and socially empowering.
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When you buy handmade you’re truly receiving a one-of-a-kind item. That’s pretty cool.
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Handmade goods are meant to last. To combat our throwaway culture, buying higher quality handmade items means you’re ultimately consuming and disposing of less.
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When you buy from the maker you’re supporting that person’s ability to pay themselves fairly.
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You are affirming and celebrating the maker's creativity by choosing to purchase their art. We all need affirmations of our good work and independent artists don’t usually have bosses, co-workers or raises to do that.
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Buying directly can cut out middle steps and extra transportation of goods, hopefully making a smaller environmental footprint.
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Many independent artist make the conscious choice to source their materials sustainably and being their own boss allows them to stick to their values. Additionally, if they want to start more sustainable practices, they can do so the next day, there’s nothing stopping them.
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The ability to create your own schedule is worth its weight in gold. Buying from an artist allows them to sustain themselves on their own terms and flex their time. Often this means they can to be more involved parents, caregivers, community members, spouses, etc.
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People are happy doing what they love. Remember, it probably took many years for a craftsperson to build their skill and business to the point that it sustains them, and they’d only stick with it if they truly love it. The more support for people pursuing what they love, the more happy humans there are out there, which makes the world a better place for everyone.
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All rings pictured are available here. Nothing less than handmade and one-of-a-kind.
