I recently went to a well promoted craft show. National talent, something for everyone.
Well, that much was correct. There was something for everyone. From inexpensive doo-dads to the same types of log furniture you might find in upscale catalogs. There was one major problem. The majority of these "crafts" were not home-made.
As a crafter, I know the time, money and effort that goes into making a quality product. There's a little bit of me in each item I make. It doesn't matter if it's yarn spun, a basket woven or soap batched. I take pride in each and every item I make. I know, for a fact, that other folks who create feel the same way.
So, it offends me to be offered an item (at a craft show) with a made in China sticker on it. Not that there's anything wrong with the folks in China making things. I just feel that a craft show is not where that should be show-cased.
There's a big push on to have folks buy items that are "made in America". I agree with that sentiment. But the frustration comes in when you believe that you are buying American, only to find that you've been duped.
To me, a craft show should be just that. A gathering of artists selling their wares. With the amount of talent in this country, you should be able to find whatever it is you're searching for. Might you have to pay a bit more for that item? Probably so. Will it hold up better than its foreign counterpart? Most definitely!
That unique brooch you bought may become the next family heirloom. The handthrown pottery may be passed from generation to generation.
Here in America, skilled artisans are still making things that last. Items that will stand the test of time.
This holiday season, please visit a local craft show. The kind that is held in a school gym or a church basement. More often than not, you will see the person who created their wares busily working on their inventory....making more goodies for all to enjoy. Feel free to talk to the artist. I know it's almost as nice to chat with customers as it is to create what they will (hopefully) buy! It may be a small step in the "made in America" movement, but every movement begins with a single step.
