Why Buy Handmade?

Why is buying handmade so special? What's it all about? And why would you spend more on something that's handmade vs something mass produced? I'll tell you all about it and a few examples from my own handmade jewellery business. If you're yet to discover the magic of handmade, here are just a few of the reasons you might want to consider it.

Consciously crafted

Any craft takes time and attention to detail. And the person making it - is probably making it because they care. They love making colourful ceramics or minimal jewellery (😉) or adorable collars for chihuahuas/cats/goats.

For me, a lot of time goes into the design and making process. I make a prototype of every new piece of jewellery and wear it to see how it holds up. Because I want to create jewellery that is made to last and a joy to wear.

Making something by hand is really not worth the effort unless you're passionate about making that thing, and the very best version of that thing. So the end result is always going to be more thoughtful than something churned out by a machine.

Better materials

Materials go hand in hand with the making process and yep, they're usually much better than something that has been mass produced. I always choose ethically sourced gemstones, from a few suppliers who I trust. I love to use recycled silver whenever I can, and all the Honeydew Club packaging is biodegradable, recyclable and plastic free.

Less waste

Handmade goods can only be created in small batches - nothing is mass produced. This means that unlike the big businesses you find on the highstreet, there's much less waste. Overproduction is a huge problem in the fashion industry, with most of that overproduction ending up in landfill.

I keep very little stock of my jewellery - usually only 1 or 2 of each piece. This is so I can send it out to you as quickly as possible when you place an order, without keeping big volumes that might go unsold. I also keep every offcut of metal, whether brass or silver, to be recycled and used again. I'll always be looking to reduce waste and reuse everything I can.

Unique designs you won't find anywhere else

We all like to be a little bit different, and handmade jewellery is one way to wear something that only a few other people have. This is one of the reasons I love using gemstones - each one is naturally unique. There will only ever be a limited number of each piece of Honeydew Club jewellery, so you're truly buying something special.

Show you care

You could buy your friend another fast fashion necklace, or one that's been handmade in the U.K. with ethically sourced materials. Buying something handmade shows you took the time to think about what she would like and why. You get to introduce her to an independent maker and their story. And she has a piece of jewellery to treasure for years to come.

Supporting an artist to make a living

When you buy handmade, you're paying for a maker's time and skills. The years of practise and learning that have gone into their craft. The failed experiments, the late nights and the hard work it took to bring a design to life. And you're supporting a dream. Independent makers can only continue to pursue their passion with your support!

But don't just take my word for it, I asked a few fellow small business owners what buying handmade meant to them.

Zoe from Prints By Nature, an organic homeware and accessories label, said:

Wherever possible I like to shop for independent and handcrafted items because it fills me with absolute joy knowing that in some small way I am supporting another person's passion and dreams whilst providing myself or a loved one with a completely unique and beautiful item. Something that brings me a little bit of love and joy every time I wear, use or look at. One my my most favoured groundbreaking craftsman and socialist activists says it best - “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” William Morris

Skip and Katherine from Libra Fine Arts, who create gifts and homeware from hand drawn illustrations, said to buy handmade:

To make sure skills and talent survive the rest of time!

Whether it's a tea cosy for your grandma, a scented candle for your sister, or a beautiful piece of minimal jewellery for yourself, there are so many good reasons to buy handmade.

Here's a fun tip: save the work of your favourite makers to a collection on Instagram and next time you need a gift, or someone inevitably asks "What do you want for your birthday?", you'll have a ready made gift list of wonderful handmade things.