Craft today is the product of high levels of innovation and creative flair as well as skill and workmanship.
It includes very individual, but practical items such as furniture, tableware and fashion accessories as well as collectors’ pieces for display, all rewarding to own.
Many people find the idea of going into an art gallery intimidating, because they fear they do not know enough or the work will be too expensive.
Where as a crafts outlet .. with a few rare exceptions, stock craft work at
a wide range of prices, You can visit regularly and not have to buy something
every time.
Imagine what you might be missing if you don’t go in for a look!
The staff know that if customers feel comfortable and welcome they will come
back to make purchases when they are ready.
The Trend of Craft
It is more likely that people will be tuned to the handicrafts, simply by environment.
It's a habit we pic up from our home and community, along our growing years we are eager to adopt new popular fashionable trends, but as we settle into a long lasting set of rite and wrong, we fined our selves going back to our roots of habits and traditions, because they work.
So in plain English ..
If our mum, dad or grandmother .. our friend, teacher or Santa Claus .. introduce us at an early age to the world of crafts ( a hand made gift or a craft set that we will make with a hand made creation our selves ) .. the appreciation for handcrafts will stay and grow with us.
Today, as dependents, others buy for us .. in the future as independents, we will do it for others.
We always glorify .. The Good Old Days
A type of product that is useful and decorative, made completely by hand or using only simple tools with traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion, often have a cultural significance.
Handicrafts are mostly made with sustainable materials, inspiring ideas to reduce, reuse and recycle!
The aim of promoting Handicrafts in order to benefit craftsmen and artisans. The main focus is on their future prospects, compensation, education and better standard of living. The key motive is to promote economic security and financial independence.
The rate of employment is comparative, people can indulge in the handicrafts.
These straightforward objectives of artisans smooth the progress of growth for them. It even allows them to enjoy the benefits of socially devoted and highly stable establishment.
why buy craft?
Any object which has been hand-produced by someone who has thought about why
they are making it, what it’s to be used for and how it looks, will have far more
presence than a machine-made object.
The personality of the craftsperson (now often called ‘maker’) will be part of the
piece, making it unique.
Craft is still moderately priced in this country. Work by the top makers can
be bought at a fraction of the cost of an average painting. It may have taken
years of training, experimentation and experience for the maker to arrive at the
piece you are buying. Taking this into account, plus the cost of materials, overheads etc, the price is often incredibly good value for money.
finding craft work to buy & sell
• Find out about crafts and craft outlets in magazines like Crafts, Ceramic Review, Selvedge, Artwork, and the websites
• Become knowledgeable by going round craft galleries/craft fairs/workshops.
• Art college degree shows are another good source.
• Ask the staff questions about the crafts in stock. Most are extremely
knowledgeable people who are happy to talk about the work on show.
how much to spend on buying craft?
This is a personal matter .. but it's worth it to consider
• Prices range from a few pounds for production pieces (repeatable items)
by up-and-coming makers, to several thousand for one-off pieces by
established craftspeople whose work may be in public and private collections
around the world. Between those two extremes there is something to suit
every pocket.
• Choose to suit the space available in your home or to match your style and
personality.
• Buy what you like. It is not a good idea to think you are buying as an investment:
fashions change and values go down as well as up. Buy to get enjoyment out of
the piece for many years to come – if it becomes valuable then that’s a bonus.
• If the piece is in a glass case in the shop ask to examine it. Feel free to handle
objects: the texture, weight and finish of the piece will affect the way you feel
about it.
Offering guiding Tips .. caring for the craft you buy
If you are unsure about how to care for the piece you have bought, ask the maker
or gallery for as much information as possible. If it requires specialist care this
is usually clear in the information provided. The best advice is to treat everything with respect:
• wash by hand and with care. Don’t use a dishwasher, microwave, washing
machine or tumble drier unless you are certain that it’s alright to do so!
• avoid direct sunlight on textiles or works on paper which have the
potential to fade
• dust with care
• don’t clean jewellery that has stones, pearls or enamel by using a silver dip
solution – use a cloth or soft brush and possibly some washing-up liquid
• ask an expert if in any doubt but mostly...
• use your common sense! Always keep receipts, if only because it’s
good to remember where and when you bought something. If you’re lucky enough
to be buying a valuable piece take a photograph to keep safely for insurance
purposes.
You should also insure it separately and not just under your
general household insurance.
• learning more ...
Meeting the maker is always a bonus when buying craft work. Finding out what
inspires them, the methods they use, their background and experience adds
to the pleasure of owning their work.
Craft fair stands are usually staffed by the makers themselves. Their workshops,
especially in rural areas, are often open to the public at specific times, giving you the opportunity to see them at work. Do phone and check before you set off though.
The outlet staff will usually give you a copy of the maker’s CV and a statement about
their work. This is a reminder of who made the item so you can keep informed
about their new work or, if the piece is a present, the recipient will know that their
gift is unique.
If the ring you like doesn’t quite fit or the table you’ve found has already been sold
do not despair. It is often possible to commission the maker to produce a piece
specially for you. It takes time to create craft objects so plan ahead if you are
buying for a special occasion. Most makers are happy to discuss commissions.
The process can be as individual as the work you are buying
and the experience thoroughly rewarding.
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