Monday, January 19, 2009

Shameless Plug For Us Little Guys In A Tough Economy

In this current time of economic uncertainty where so many people are losing their jobs due to layoffs and the closings of entire companies and the possibility of rising gas prices ,we are all cutting back on certain luxury items, only purchasing what we need, not what we want or would like to have.
We have seen so many corporate bailouts with probably more to come. It can be pretty frustrating and depressing that is for sure. However, it came to me this morning that, not inspite of the economy, but because of it, that we should still take the time to be good to ourselves and to others. Yes, we need to make sacrifices, and sacrifice is good, good for the character and good for the soul. Still, from time to time, we still need to do something good just to make us feel a little better. I am not talking hedonistic excess, no way! But every so often we need to treat ourselves to that little piece of chocolate or that dinner out. There is still the friend or neighbor who could use a little pick me up, whether you offer to run errands for them, bring over a dinner, or stop by for a visit.

So, here comes my shameless plug. In spite of tough times and probably tougher times ahead, we still need to occasionally treat ourselves to something special or buy that birthday or mother's day gift, or get that invite to the baby or bridal shower. When these things come up, can I make a suggestion? Why don't you check out your local craftsman or artisan? Their work is quality and made with love, not assembled in a sweat shop overseas or by a robot. You will also find that these items of good quality are priced a lot lower, though not always, than what you might find at the big box stores. Either way you will either save money or spend it on something that will last, not fall apart right after the warranty expires.

In this year ahead, help out the little guy, and I mean myself too! and check out some of your local art and craft shows, who knows what deals you may find, and spend your money on a quality gift item for yourself, family member or friend. Check out the online venues of handcrafted goodies like Etsy or Artfire. Do a Google search, there are plenty more out there too. Also, check out your local bead store. Besides supplies, they also sell beautiful, one of a kind pieces of jewelry.

Please forgive my shameless plug. I am not advocating unrestrained spending. I'm just saying that when those things come up in the coming year, when you know you need to get a little something for someone, don't forget us little guys.

12 comments:

Sarah Stahl said...

JOan,



Great post!! Thanks for sharing that with me! I realy enjoyed your take on that!



SArah

Joan Piwowar said...

Appreciate it, Sarah. I was a little nervous about sharing my opinion on a little more than crafting!

Joan

Sara of Sell Handmade Crafts Online said...

Well put Joani. It is not the act of commerce that is bad but the impersonal nature of what it has become. Buying handmade means your money goes to a real person with a mortgage and bills, not some faceless corporation operating overseas.

Thanks for the reminder.

Tony
EVP Artfire.com

Magnolia Blossom Art said...

WOW ... that is great stuff! So inspiring ... no pun intended! You hit it on the head and so nicely put ... THANKS!!!
Sharon

Magnolia Blossom Art said...

BEAUTIFUL bracelet ... BTW!!
Sharon

Joan Piwowar said...

Tony, I think you just said it better than me!

Joan

cindy said...

Nice blog post. And you are right! This past year, I did purchase most of our Christmas gifts from handmade shops, mostly on Etsy. We do have to stick together during these tough times!
Cindy
http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.etsy.com
http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com

Sherryl said...

Joani, this was not a shameful lplug. Made a lot of sense to me. I enjoyed it, everything said is oh so true.

Joan Piwowar said...

Thanks Cindy and Sherryl!
Joan

Joan Piwowar said...

Aw, thank you Sharon. I will go check it out.

Joan

susanpariseau said...

I love the crochet jewelry. I have a book that teaches the technique but I tend to learn better by watching someone do rather than tell. I would love to attend classes, not having luck finding any close to me. I need to buy 6 different colors of beads and do as the book suggests, color to color crocheting. Any suggestions/tips I'm all ears. I am at awe the talent that is out there in the handmade jewelry market. It is humbling to see. Joani I think your polymer clay beads are amazing and you said they came out ok or good. I want to learn how to do so many different things plus I knit and crochet my own clothing. Not enough of me to do everything I want to.

Joan Piwowar said...

Hi Susan,
Actually that is not crochet, it is Kumi-himo, a beaded braid or weave. I'm sorry but I know nothing about crochet. Like you though, there are things I can't learn from books and this is one of them. I was able to take a class locally and learn from the instructor.
Thank you for your kind words,but it sounds like you have more talent than I. Knitting and crocheting your own clothes! Do you sell on Etsy or Artfire or someplace? I would love to see your 'stuff'!