Tuesday 4 December 2012

The "Buy Handmade" Phenomena

"Buy Handmade". I read that slogan for the first time about a few years ago when I first dipped my toe into this whirling pool of online community. Living in a country where most products available were mass produced in factories for minimized cost, my head just didn't quite grasp that concept at first. Of course, we have handmade stuff here in Indonesia. Mostly traditional crafts that attract tourists, yet seem too "old" for us locals. There was also a trend to buy imported branded goods, which at the end created quite a down point for the local businesses. So I wondered, how did "buying handmade"  fit nicely into the lives of people in other parts of the world?





When I first visited Etsy, I think the first thing I noticed (and loved!) was how these handmade goods seemed to show such high level of creativity of the makers. It's amazing how much personality is shown in each creation, not to mention the attention to details, and in many cases, affordable prices. But the one thing that really stood out was that these handmade goods were more than just crafts that would only end up in our display cabinets (as most cases found where I am!). These goods were replacements to ordinary mass produced things that we use in daily lives. Clothing, accessories, home decor, paper goods, and even fine art! To me personally, this was love at first sight. So what did I do? I heartily plunged in and joined this phenomenal way of life.




Now as I said before, at the time we didn't have that many daily handmade goods available for sale here. At least not ones that satisfied the cravings for tasteful, well designed things. So it was pretty fun going hunting for them. Shopping online was also an option and I spent plenty of hours at other sites such as Folksy and DaWanda, just feasting my eyes on all the awesomeness I could find. And they were plenty of hours well spent.




Nowadays, I'm happy to say that buying handmade has become quite a booming trend here in Indonesia. It's literally an ongoing festivity! There are now great vendors and workshops available throughout the country, making it very easy for craft lovers like me to make my lifestyle so much more fun and creative. Here are a few handmade goodies from Indonesian artisans... hunted and treasured! :)







My very special thanks to all the wonderful crafts-magicians above that have made this post fun for me to write. Please click on the images to visit their links!

And how about you? Do you buy handmade? Please share! :)





14 comments:

  1. Beautiful items...thanks for sharing...I love buying 'handmade' specially from local artisans....it makes me feel good to support my fellow artisans and their items are all unique and one of a kind....they are the best gift to give and to get! It's a big phenomena here where I live...where most products are mass produced for cheaper price...you kind of appreciate more the goods of local small businesses...you know they put there heart and soul in their work. I love being part of the 'handmade phenomena'... :)

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  2. Hurray for handmade! Great items.

    ♥ aquariann
    Featured Treasury: Blue Ice

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  3. What a beautiful post. I LOVE handmade..and it's wonderful to see so many gorgeous items that mean a lot to people who make them, and receive them. And how awesome that Indonesia is showing their creative awesomeness. Thank you for sharing these Amalia!

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  4. YES! Hooray for Handmade! I have such a soft spot for handmade plushies. These are all so wonderful!

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  5. What a delightful collection of beautiful items and so interesting to hear about your experience in Indonesia! Thank you for featuring my stamps!

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  6. Oh, thank you for included my hand painted houses! Lovely article!

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  7. Thank you very much Amalia!
    Handmade rulez! :D

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  8. Amalia, this is such an amazing collection of art and food for the eyes.

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  9. Since I was very young I've made my own clothes and bags and I'm so happy to see the resurgence of handmade everywhere especially in other countries. I had no idea it was becoming popular in Indosia as well! In the UK it's a combination of Cath Kidson developing her business at a time when the recession has hit us all and we're trying to go back to the 'make do and mend' era. Dressmaking classes and knitting classes are popping up all over the place, I never thought I'd see it so popular. :)
    Lovely items here as always!
    Jess x

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  10. ..I meant Indonesia, sorry I need to slow down my typing! ;)
    jess x

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  11. Wow. You had fun exploring the world of handmade. How interesting to hear the Indonesia perspective. Great finds. Thanks for doing all that you do, Amalia.

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  12. Beautiful:)
    I would like to invite you to my new blog :)

    http://innystyl.blogspot.com

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