Ok, so I was sitting at my computer one day, reading through all of the great stuff on Etsy when I started thinking about the handmade revolution.  Oh, it may not have hit the masses yet but there defiinitely is an underground revolution among the younger generation to buy items that are handmade -- but why?

Why should we buy handmade?  Here are some interesting thoughts that I came out with -- let's see if you agree!

*Buying handmade is the greener option.  Thinking about this framed in a carbon emission viewpoint, let's buy a blanket from Target.  Where was that blanket made?  More than likely, China.  First, the fabric must arrive at the textile plant (which has no pollution control) and it is assembled by underpaid workers.  Then the blanket is shipped to the docks, where it is shipped out on a boat for the United States.  Once the blanket reaches the US it will be shipped to a warehouse where it will be shipped to a store.  That's a pretty large carbon footprint for one tiny little baby blanket.  Now, let's think about this another way...  You purchase a handmade baby blanket from a retailer on Etsy.  They made the blanket in their home and they'll ship it directly to your door.  So, which one is the greener option?

*Buying handmade is great for the US economy.  When you purchase something from a large retailer, stop and ask yourself where the majority of profits go.  Is it to the local workers in the stores?  Is it to workers in China?  Is it to the fat cat CEOs?  When you purchase something from a crafter you're directly supporting a hard-working person -- be it man or woman -- and 100% of the profits go to them and their families.

*Buying handmade is unique and fun.  Who doesn't get tired of seeing the same old products in every store?  If I see the same tired cloth diaper burp cloth with the embroidered duckie on it for $4, I'm going to scream.  Isn't it nicer to have something that very few people have?  Wouldn't it be nice to whip out a burp cloth out in public and have people exclaim "Oh wow!  That's such a nice burp cloth, where did you get it from!?"  Wouldn't it be nice to have strangers complement your baby's blanket or outfit as unique and beautiful?  I know the first thing I'm attracted to, when shopping, is uniqueness -- how many other people are going to have the exact same thing I have?  If you're buying from Babies R Us, Macys, Target or Wal-Mart, the answer is going to be A LOT.  Afterall, how many people do you know who bought the Zanzibar crib bedding from Babies R Us?  I can think of THREE right off the top of my head.

*Buying handmade is simply better quality.  When you purchase a blanket from Wal-Mart for $10, do you expect it to last through multiple babies?  I certainly hope not because it won't.  How many times have you washed a Target blanket once only to see it start to falling apart on you?  Handmade, simply speaking, is of a much higher quality than mass-produced, commercialized junk made in China and sold to the masses.  Many artists and crafters put hours upon hours into their work, striving for the best in durability and beauty -- how many large retailers can claim that?

Can you think of any other reasons to buy handmade?  If so, post them in the comments -- I'd love to hear them! 

Jen