Buy local, handmade items online.

A Creative Life by Jen Merritt

One of my favourite things about my home is that most items have a story. The vase next to my computer was purchased from a Haliburton Glassblowing student who was on her way back to Chicago at the end of term – no room for the vase. I traded a print for the ring I wear, made by local jeweller Brenda Braun – the word S-E-R-E-N-E is engraved inside the band to remind me to stay grounded. I made the pillows on my couch to match my obsession with red and aqua, and the flowers that brighten my cubicle at work were created from some felt that I shared with a friend in Ohio when I was purging my craft stash. My life feels special when I can name the artist behind the object.

Flutter Petal Brushed Sterling Silver Necklace by PurplePeony.etsy.com ($48 US)

Welcome to a ‘Buy Local’ type of economy. It’s a good thing – a great thing! The re-emergence of farmer’s markets (Chatham and Ridgetown, to name a few) featuring local farmers is without a doubt, very encouraging. These markets also feature local artisans offering handmade items.  A visit to the Ridgetown Farmer’s Market (next to the Tim Hortons, Saturdays until Noon) showcased products ranging from knitted hats, soap, baby slings, jewellery, honey and flower bouquets, on top of the variety of lush fruits and vegetables. I think we all realize why buying local produce is imporant – cutting transport emissions, supporting local farmers, and there’s something satisfying about eating a peach that was picked from an orchard down on Highway 3, oui?

Does the same follow suit for the items in your closet, jewellery box, and home? You may think that buying handmade is expensive, but let’s look at the big picture. By buying handmade you…

• avoid the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful
• receive something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched
• support a local artist that uses  skill and craftsmanship that tends to be absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing
• get to reconnect to you. One-of-a-kind means that no one else has the same thing. How many times have you gone to the beach and noticed the same swimsuit on a gal down-shore? At least YOU looked better in it! (Side note: there were three girls at my high school prom with the same dress, and everyone else was wearing black. I designed my blue satin gown and Nana made it. Rock on, Nana Couturier!)
• save the Earth because small-scale independent artists and crafters are not mass producing their items, therefore not using up precious resources or causing extra pollution. In fact, many artisans reduce their impact on the environment by up-cycling (using items such as linens, broken jewellery, glass bottles, etc. to make new products).

Everyday Bag in Vintage Red Apple Print with Green Lining by missretromodern.etsy.com ($31 US)

If I can do it, Frugal Queen that I am, you can do it. Handmade does not mean it’ll empty your wallet. I have splurged on a few pieces, but the majority of my handmade items were purchased for less than what I would expect to pay at a chain department store. Take into consideration the amount of time each artisan puts into the piece, and the fact that it is unique, and it makes it all worth while. On top of that, you get the opportunity to converse directly with the creative mind behind each product. Artisans are more than happy to chat with buyers and love to share the story behind the piece. Most artisans jump at the chance to connect with their customers, and many are open to creating custom pieces.

Now that you are excited about buying handmade, you  may be wondering where to find local artisans. You can visit a few brick and mortar locations in Chatham-Kent, such as Creative Eye Stained Glass and Art Gallery in Wallaceburg (329 James Street, 519-365-0562), Decadence 2 artbar near Ridgetown (14103 Talbot Trail #3 highway, 519-674-3816) or Carrie’s Hair Shop in Chatham (321 Queen Street, 519-351-0576). On Saturdays this summer and fall drop by the Chatham-Kent Farmer’s Market (until September 5)

ACEO custom original painting Single Subject by ChristyDekoning.etsy.com ($20 US)

and the Ridgetown Farmer’s Market (until October 10). The Wednesday Market on Highway 2 probably has some artisans too, but I’m always at work so I don’t know for sure. If you are an online shopper, read on for an experience that will blow your mind…

Etsy.com, your place to buy and sell all things handmade. (From the Etsy.com website)

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. You’ll find a creative community of independent artists and designers and the very best in handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage. It’s an excellent place to find one of a kind items, to give as gifts – or as gifts for yourself! Since you’re buying directly from artists on Etsy, you have the special opportunity to form personal connections with the people who create your treasures.  There is a person and a story behind every item, and each is made with the care and attention that you just can’t find in mass-produced goods.

To buy or sell on Etsy, you will be asked to set up an account. Signing up is free and easy – click here to start exploring.

Wondering what this has to do with local artisans? Etsy is home to several local vendors. I have compiled a list below for you to peruse. I used the BUY LOCAL feature located on Etsy’s front page to search for each seller. I have also included a brief description of their Etsy products.

Christy Dekoning (Chatham) – contemporary portraits in watercolor, created from your photos. Original ACEO paintings, Twilight inspired artwork, and open edition Giclee prints.

Decadence2Artbar (Ridgetown) - vintage ephemera and supplies to tickle your creative muse!

Easy Care Bibs (Chatham) - bibs made of all purpose towels which are easy machine washable.

Jewellery by Eldon (Chatham) – Unique designs using many mediums such as: metals, chainmaille, natural woods, bone, leather, stones etc.

JustaBrenda (Ridgetown) – altered art: a carefully collected arrangement of ephemera and bits and pieces of the past

Miss Retro Modern (Chatham) – pillow covers, purses and wallets made from new old stock vintage, or reclaimed fabric

Mod Owl (Blenheim) - unique vintage clothing and home decor along with fun retro treasures from the past.

Design Your Own Crochet Flower Scarf by JenMerritt.etsy.com ($50 US)

Persephone’s Awakening (Chatham) - crocheted scarves, beach glass necklaces, and button accessories

Purple Peony (Ridgetown) - organic, freestyle jewelry created from found objects, sterling silver and gemstones shows the world that you are an individual with STYLE.

Suds Of Luv (Chatham) - kiddie safe soaps to unique soaps for all ages!

TwentySix7 (Chatham) – dabbling in jewelry-making, stained glass, mosaics, sewing, the list goes on.

Twisted by Shannon (Chatham) - wire products, costume accessories and bookmarks.

Wall Groove (Blenheim) - photography and artwork.

If you are a local artisan with a shop on Etsy and I missed you in this article, please post a link in the comments section below. If you’re ready to embark on the handmade adventure, please dive in… the water is so much nicer in our pool.