Letter to the Editor: The personal experience of handmade
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Have you ever stopped to think how much time it takes to make craft projects? Do you have any hobbies like I do, maybe sewing, card making, jewelry making, or photography? My daughter makes unique crocheted toys, which she designs by making her own patterns. She tries to sell them at craft fairs. This morning I offered to go with her to one but she said she could set up her tent and all her displays by herself if she left about 3 hours ahead of time. She hopes she will be close to someone nice she can ask to watch over her booth if she has to go to the restroom. I'll go give her a break this afternoon. One problem is the fee for a spot has to be paid in advance. Then, like today, there is a good chance of rain all afternoon. So rain or shine, no matter how hot, no matter if very many people come to the event she is committed to being there until the fireworks. Afterwards she has to pack everything up and fit it into her van before going home. It makes for a very long day but she loves sharing what she loves to do.
People come by and look at the handmade items like hers that each crafter makes. Sometimes they buy. Other times they say, "I could make that" and pass on by. Recently my daughter and I rented space for a month at a new little craft shop in Parkersburg. The business was just opening up. We didn't sell enough to pay for our spots so we pulled out but I would have loved to stay longer. It can be too expensive to pay for a place to sell craft items. When you love to create you have to find some way to share though.
If you go to craft fairs take a moment to think how much time and in some cases how much love the vendor has put into each item. Consider the expense they have invested in the supplies for each project. Maybe they have special tools they had to buy to make their items. If you can make the same thing, fine, go ahead and make it but if not think about supporting these crafters. Could you use a birthday, anniversary, or thinking-of-you gift for someone? How about shopping ahead for Christmas presents?
There is so much being offered online these days it makes it easy to stay home and shop. Wouldn't it be better if we support our local crafters and keep the personal experience alive when we shop? Looking around at a crafting event can be fun. Give crafters a chance to show you what they make.
You might even be interested in learning how to do what they do. Some crafters, like my daughter and myself, are willing to give lessons so you can enjoy making things too. I have friends over to my house to help them make greeting cards, embroidered items, jewelry, quilts and other sewing projects. I'm busy all the time with someone or some project of my own but I still like to look at what other people make. Hobbies that produce gifts can be so rewarding. So get out there and support our local crafters. Then go home and get busy making a craft project yourself.
Bonnie Eaton
Vienna