I have taken the handmade pledge.
Though I’m THE most uncrafty person, and–let’s face it–a disgrace when it comes to hand-eye coordination, I admire and firmly support those who have these abilities.
My biggest aversion to doing crafts or homey things like baking (remember this fiasco? ) is the clean-up. Here is the deal with me: I only like activities where I can quit at a moment’s notice. I don’t want to have to worry about putting things away or finding a place for something to dry. I simply have no patience and a hair-trigger “knock-it-off” button. If I can’t push my chair away from the task at any time and say “I’m done with this” and then walk away, you can pretty much count me out.
That’s why I’m well-suited for blogging, photography, and making short videos–all things that are perfect activities for us quitter-types.
This is why I love my crafters, artists, jewelry makers, knitters, and bookmakers. They truly sacrifice for their art…and I suspect spend hours happily wiping glue off their dogs, searching for lost beads in the carpet, and purposefully tackling each aisle at Michael’s. I love them for it. I really do love them all.
Our family has decided this Christmas we will buy exclusively all handmade and vintage gifts. Although I will miss my traditional J.Crew Sweater (**sniff**sniff), and Larry his Old Navy boxers, I’m certain we will find equally poshand practical selections on Etsy.
Here is a clever video about the Handmade Movement:
Buy Handmade Video from Etsy on Vimeo.
So take this holiday season to line the pockets of independent artists, so they can buy….ummm….whatever it is that artists have to buy to make things like this , this, or this. I will be posting handmade items starting next week and suggesting places in Orange County to buy handmade, just to help you along.
…and look at that bunny for their logo. You know how I love a good bunny logo.
This is just great, but I don’t think I could live without Target, Nordstom, and gift cards for the holidays. You can give it a shot and let us know how it goes. If anyone can do it, you can.
I’d like to buy George. He’s handmade right?
I want that puppy. And I will shop with buying Handmade in mind. I promise.
Great idea Suzanne!
How cute! I really like the idea of buying more “handmade” stuff. I told my parents Id like to do a more “old fashioned” christmas. What is the name of that website where you buy a bunch of art and stuff. I forget?
This is such a good idea. We have a whole movement here in Detroit, with a weekend market, devoted to DIY crafts. I’ve been meaning to get down there and see for myself. A handmade gift has so much more meaning than the cookie cutter stuff at the mall.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. I was hoping to skip the whole Christmas gift giving/receiving all together, but this is a great idea.
What a great idea! Last night I commented that we were going to scale WAY back for Christmas this year. Can’t wait to see your handmade posts:)
The only problem I will have is with my daughter. Her Christmas Wish List? Cash and Gas Cards. Oh, to be 16 again!
Do we get the irony that George is sporting the “I buy handmade” sign….and he has no HANDS? Okay I am done.
Wait. Oh yeah, I TRY to buy handmade. I do. And I kinda think PSP’s and gameboys are handmade in some factory somewhere right?
Actually I am a huge Etsy fan. And I buy from there whenever possible. Its just my kids aren’t so crazy about getting a felt camera cozy this year. But for everyone else? You bet sistah.
🙂
I’m willing to take the pledge just so I can put that awesome bunny logo on my blog. I love the whole idea.
Keep us posted. I love crafty stores and handmade gifts. I’ve been known to make a few myself; it’s in the genes.
But that clock?? not the best advertisement for Etsy. 🙂 Can’t wait to shop with you!
This made me laugh. I am sooo with you. I have the utmost respect for all crafty people, but I am not one of those people. I applaud your Christmas endeavor. Seriously. It’s an impressive thing to take on when you are crafts-challenged. Best of luck!!