Get BUYING Not Just Crafting!

Further to a post I made earlier, I thought I'd just like to point out the unique potential for buying handmade crafts on websites such as Folksy, Etsy and eBay.

I have been buying handmade, upcycled or customised items from these online platforms for a few years now, simply because they offer me a better chance of finding a fabulous present that represents the people I'm buying for. All to often around gift-giving festivals, we find ourselves trapped in the unhelpful mindset that we have to buy something - ANYTHING - for our loved ones! In fact, because we're too busy stressing, our brains don't seem to work logically and thoughtfully. Simply put, we don't end up getting the things we'd really feel happy giving.

Why not try a purple Halloween cobweb dress on for size?
Designed by Jennifer Lilly Designs

Well, the great news is (it's not news - it's merely a wake up call) that you can get all these things online! No pointless gifts, no dragging your tired self from store to store and lugging all your ill-advised spending after you - instead, you can be guaranteed that the quality of your present bought from Folksy, for example, is exceptional because someone has slaved over it, as opposed to it being casually ignored in the quality control of a huge factory somewhere on the other side of the world.

But chances are if you're reading this it's because you're into hand crafted items, you may even dabble yourself. However, as I pointed out two posts back, so many designers who upload their own work to these sites don't actually buy from fellow designers and crafters. You don't need me to tell you they're a great source of rich and innovative present ideas. You must know that yourself! So what's stopping you from buying?

Purple Halloween Cat Cushion.

Designed by Emily MacLeay, Miscellany Designs

Over the past two-three years I've bought: 2 hand-printed T-shirts (football and cricket), one hand-printed constellation tie, one upcycled malt sack beer bottle carrier, one clutch bag, one upcycled button earring and bracelet set, one beautiful burgundy handbag - that's just off the top of my head and all that must have cost about £50! I know there's even more I could list, I just can't recall it! I already have some presents lined up for this year's shopping list (which, let me tell you, is a weight off the ol' shoulders), and I recently bought myself a Halloween cushion - which, I supposed, is more to the point of this blog!

My Halloween cat cushion was a great find and is happily sitting on my bed as my favourite addition to my Halloween decoration this year. But there are so many more! In fact, if you're looking to add some handmade Halloween items to your repertoire this season, then do so NOW before you run out of time! The Folksy gift guide is a great starting point. Handmade Halloween (or Christmas for that matter) decorations are a worthwhile investment. You won't get in a tangle putting them up, they're environmentally friendly, they're designed with love so they're definitely unique and homely, and you don't have to throw them away  because they won't rip or be broken!