Handmade Pledge Revisited

Recently, a friend stopped by to visit and I was putting on the finishing touches to this Daisy quilt. She asked me how much I would sell something like this for and I told her around $45.00.

Her comment floored me...'$45 for handmade, I wouldn't buy it, I can get a blanket/quilt at WalMart for $10.' She is right, at Walmart you can purchase a blanket or quilt for probably less than $10 and it was probably made by 8 year olds in some sweatshop in China, since that is where most of WalMart's things come from lately.

I am not a famous quilter, I am not Amish, I don't have a quilt show, or write articles in magazines, I haven't published a book and there is nothing wrong with these people, matter of fact their love for quilting was my inspiration.

But, my time counts. The cost for the material I put into a quilt counts and I just don't understand why someone wouldn't rather purchase at WalMart than handmade. I am in an Alice in Wonderland apron swap and several of my tuck-ins I purchased from someone who makes handmade items. School is starting soon and the girls will have a few handmade hair ties and barrettes from a Zibbet/Etsy or Artfire shop.

I undertand the waning economy, I understand people tightening their belts, what I don't understand is how someone can put so much time and effort into making a quilt and then sell it for $20 & free shipping like some do on Ebay. I simple won't give something away for nothing, it defeats the purpose of having a handmade shop.

WalMart makes millions on its cheap junk because when the item you paid $5 or $10 falls apart and it likely will, they are counting on the fact that you are going back and buying another one. A handmade artisian is counting on the fact that they put so much time, effort and love into making their product and knowing you are happy with it, that when you come back it will be because you still have what you purchased and are thrilled with it.

So, whether you are a crafter, a quilter, a producer, a buyer....when you make your next purchase for something and you want it to be special and most likely something unique that no one else will have...check my right sidebar for a few special shops...choose handmade, I can almost guarantee you that the service and quality of your purchase will far surpass what WalMart has to offer!

Art Fire, Have You Heard The News?

Have you heard about the website/listing site for handmade items...Art Fire? It is a really unique site at this time, allowing you to list your hand crafted items for free. No charge for the listing, no charge for adding pictures, no final fee's & best of all, no hidden fee's, it is free!

I just listed some of the things I have listed on Etsy and what I found interesting, is they showed up in a showcase type of listing for no extra charge. I have sent some of you an Email about it, however, I think I forgot to add my URL, so I get the credit if you sign up.

Please click on the following link: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=power_up&refuid=36381

and start uploading all the wonderful handmade gifts I know you each make. I think you will be glad you did!

Its That Time of the Month...

No sillies. Not THAT time! The time of the month when I start thinking that payday is right around the corner and that means two things around this blog house.
1- It is time to reveal my chosen 'handmade' purchase(s) of the month.
2- Time to remind everyone that there is still a few days left to post a comment for March's giveaways.

Maestro, drum roll please...The chosen businesses of the month I am supporting are:
KC Soap Company in Bend, Oregon where they make soap with goats milk and shea butter in dreamy scents like Blackberry Sage and Chocolate and Lilac. I can't wait to order these and share with you my opinions.

The second is Nancy's Needles and Pens Etsy shop also out of Oregon that sells baby bonnets and booties. With our latest grandchild living in Arizona and it being in the 80's and no car, baby needs a stroller bonnet.

While things are lean all over, I am still doing my share to purchase handmade items to help others. If all goes well, I will also be treating myself to a cutting table and mat I found on sale at Joannes.

My February Handmade Choices

I have already decided where I am spending my February money I set aside for handmade items this month. The choice was really pretty simple with the fact my son and his soon to be wife are having a baby and they have nothing for it. It isn't they don't want to be ready, he lost his job and is working as a cab driver and some days he makes $5 and they don't have any extra cash.

So, I have been busy the last few days as you know. I made a quilt, a receiving blanket, washcloth and am working on another quilt. The box I am sending off will also have a baby dress, booties and 3 small bottles. I have a friend here who has generously offered to send them a package of newborn diapers and a few small items.

So, it goes without saying that I was looking for baby themed handmade items this month when I came across D's Chic Boutique, an Etsy shop by Dawn Stevens that makes and sells handbags and one that would work perfectly as a diaper bag for a young mom and so very reasonably priced at only $29.00. Dawn also makes wallets, checkbook covers and journals and she her prices can't be beat.

If you are looking to start your Christmas shopping, birthday gift shopping,bridal or baby shower shopping and wanting something unique, I recommend D's Chic Boutique!
When you stop in and look around her shop, let her know I sent you via my blog.

The second handmade/small business/local is leading me to be torn in two different directions.
One is I would like to purchase some handmade soaps from another Etsy shop, but I am also needing fabric and wanting to make a trip to Blue Heron fabrics in Ocean Shores at the end of the month or supporting one of the wonderful quilt shops that help make the Quilt Dash
such as huge success by supporting the dash and contributing to the prizes.

Speaking of the Quilt Dash, they are also starting a baby dash coming very soon called the Stork Dash. If any of you want to join in and take your chance at winning some great prizes, join the Stork Dash.

As always, do your best to support local shops, handmade shops, stay at home moms and dads, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc. If we all support these type of shops during our trying economic times, we really can make a difference in someones life!