By Michelle Stark, CLC Exhibition Manager
These days, you can find pretty much anything processed, prepared, packaged and waiting for you on a shelf somewhere. Though it’s convenient to be able to purchase all of your holiday items at once by going to the mall or a superstore like WalMart, Shopko, Target or Best Buy, I think the better choice is to make a more conscious and interesting purchase from the people and establishments in your community that support a Do It Yourself philosophy.
By buying DIY in your area, you are supporting a system that encourages growth in your community and thus supports your economy. As Local First Utah’s Board statement states, “Every time you spend a dollar in a locally owned, independent business, three times as much of that dollar is re-circulated in the community than is the case when that same dollar is spent in a chain store.”
In addition to supporting the ‘right system,’ you are also supporting artists, crafters or other creative individuals who have something handmade and unique to offer. In my opinion, this is a much more ethical choice than purchasing an item that was made far away by hands or machines that can’t relay the story behind the item you are interested in. Having a connection with the maker of your gift and being able to retell the story behind it not only makes the gift more meaningful, but reveals your added care and concern in the selection of said gift to the recipient.
At this point, you might be thinking, “I’d love to buy handmade items for all of the people I care for, but such items cost more than similar items that I can get at a superstore AND it takes a lot of time to accomplish.” To that I say, “not necessarily.” You can get an item like a handcrafted bar of soap, lip balm, body scrub, bath salts or lotion from Craft Lake City alum Tami Thornton of Beehive Body Care for prices ranging from $4 – $8 http://www.beehivesoap.com.
If you are looking for something more specific, sentimental or uncommon, check out http://craftlakecity.com/2012/exhibitors for a varied range of amazing items.
Handcrafted bath soap from the Beehive Soap & Body Care
Handcrafted lotion from the Beehive Soap & Body Care
If you already want to buy handmade, but are concerned about the time involved in being so thoughtful about your gift giving, keep in mind websites like Etsy and Big Cartel are easy to find, navigate and use. There are also individual websites for artisans who are eager to make and ship you whatever you fancy. Craft Lake City’s own Rachelle Smith from Hook’d Crochet has a booming Etsy business http://www.etsy.com/shop/yayhookdcrochet, and Andy Joy Chase has a Big Cartel store that offers up uncommon and beautiful prints and pillows http://andyjoychase.bigcartel.com.
During the holidays, most of us participate in some tradition of giving. Giving is a lovely gesture to show people their value and importance in your life. Give to your community this year by showing support to local artists and Do It Yourself participants.
*Our friends at the Beehive Bazaar will be holding their annual Winter Market on November 29 – December 1st at The Riverwoods. It’s the perfect place to pick up your locally made gifts! Visit www.thebeehivebazaar.com for more information.
