Handmade - a story to weave

Consumers understand responsibility:

The industry has grown manifold and with every passing decade, a new trend takes precedence. The changing trends had to witness a sea change, so a growing demand for handmade products was expected with the variety seeking consumer. The consumer is more conscious of lasting trends, engages in a lifestyle that holds a greater meaning, willing to be socially impacting and believes in the ‘eco’ sense of things for a better planet. Every decision will be backed by a story that touches hearts and knowing the origin of their purchase makes them more aware of their lives. In essence, handmade is on everyone’s minds. The beauty of this modern twist called handmade is that it does not let a past fade away and finds a way to be accepted in the modern minds.

Handed with perfection:

Handmade is a mantra that was inevitable primarily individualistic and not the answer to the masses. Quantities will be limited but the exclusivity and quality is unlimited. It is the pinnacle of creative pursuit and a means to support communities with a purpose, to preserve the culture of a fading past. Some facets are reinvented while for many it’s just a lineage passed on. With the advent of technology, social media, online platforms and platters that touch consumers, it has been simple to link artisans and these creative specialists with the right people, thereby giving rise to these concept markets – online and offline!  Given the level of work in handmade products, it usually commands a price much higher than the mass produced items, but endorsing its rarity and quality, consumers today are willing to pay the price. Most people believe, it’s their way of contributing to the makers who truly deserve it along with promoting products that are environmentally rewarding. 

Woven with class:

Though manpower intensive and demands high skills, the hand-woven industry is high demand and requires more work. The products when compared to power looms are of a unique quality. The intricacy in weave and the finish is unparalleled. So naturally the efforts will be channeled and is priced according to the scope of labor involved. Fabrics like jacquard are made through this method for creating beautiful jackets and dresses. The pure cotton used makes these products breathable, of a unique color variation with eco friendly dyes and often holds the positive energy passed on by artisans weaving them. Hand-woven silks add a sheer of brilliance and class, making the fabric rare, unmatchable and exquisite even with designers. Ensuring that the artisans are given their due, the consumer is aware that any product used must be ethically sourced and recognized with honesty.

No fixed boundaries:

Handmade has found its way in home décor with products like lamps, trays, boxes, wall hangings, linen, coasters, wall hangings, table centerpieces, artifacts, garden accessories and more, with the list being endless. This domain has also given rise to the importance of recycled products in home décor with the use of anything that doesn’t seem to be of use. So with some tweak, refurbish and decoration, innovative products are created from what would otherwise be termed as ‘waste material’. Handmade gifts are considered priceless and valuable. The fad in jewellery has gone beyond the likes of gold, silver, platinum and other metals. In the wave of handmade, consumers seem to fancy handmade thread products which are available with an abundance of colors and designs seen in jewellery, clothes and more. With hands clad in bangles, ears sporting the aura of these colors with danglers, this makes a fun fashion accessory, easy to use with a host of color changing outfits.

The future ‘hand in hand’:

This industry’s potential is in the hands of not just the seller, but the consumer too! The more we adopt, encourage and share stories, the more creative and unique will be the created products. We need to care enough, look forward to untold stories and soak in an unforgettable past to reinvent and radiate! As Amy Sedaris says, “My favorite things often have a story behind them and are usually handmade and discovered at a flee market”. So explore handmade today!