Why Handmade Matters in the Age of Mass Production
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I’ve been thinking a lot about today’s topic—handmade versus mass-produced—and let me tell you, it’s a rabbit hole. This conversation can take us in a hundred different directions, touching on our habits, values, and even those deep-seated beliefs we didn’t know we had.
But that’s the beauty of choice, isn’t it? We get to decide what speaks to us, what delights us, and what makes our hearts do a little happy dance. And sometimes, that means choosing something crafted with love rather than churned out by machines at lightning speed.
The Price Tag Dilemma: Costly vs. Expensive
One of the first things people notice when comparing handmade and mass-produced items is the price. Let’s be real—sometimes budget dictates our decisions. But what if I told you there’s a difference between “costly” and “expensive”?
- Costly is that well-made piece—crafted with care, built to last, worth every penny.
- Expensive is that disappointing impulse buy that looked great online but falls apart after two uses. You paid a lot, and now you're sitting there, betrayed by a zipper.
Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Costs
What we buy affects more than just our wallets. There are personal, social, and even cultural consequences to our choices. When we choose handmade, we’re often supporting real people—artisans who pour their talent and passion into every stitch, cut, or brushstroke. And honestly, isn’t it kind of magical knowing someone’s hands (not just machines) played a role in making something just for you?
Take the Olivia Clutch from Carol’s collection, for example. You can feel the difference in the buttery leather, the careful stitching, the way it just fits in your hand. That’s not something you get from an assembly line—it’s a little piece of art you can carry around.
A Little Q&A for the Soul
I love a good list, so here are some questions I like to ask myself when making a choice:
🤔 Does it matter?
🤷 Does it matter to me, or does it matter to everyone?
💭 Why does it matter?
⏳ Does it always matter?
🤦 When doesn’t it matter?
No right or wrong answers—just food for thought. And maybe in another blog, I’ll share mine!
Final Thought: Handmade is a Love Language
At the end of the day, life is a mix of practicality and passion. Some things are best left to mass production (hello, paper towels), but others? They deserve a little extra love. Handmade isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about appreciating the care behind it. And maybe, just maybe, choosing a piece that tells a story rather than one that just fills a shelf.
Thanks for reading, and remember—life is good, and a little sincerity goes a long way.