So where can I get a handmade orange frog, anyway?

Prepare for a bit of soapbox! Ready? Ok, go!

OK, not so much of a soapbox as a sales pitch for others. You see, clearly I’m a big fan of crafting, and if you’ve read this site at all you know I’m also a big fan of buying other people’s crafts, DIY projects, indie art, and other homemade and handmade items. I’m very much that person who won’t shop at Wal-Mart because of all the local businesses they shut down (don’t get me started) and was saddened when I heard that the last locally-owned shop on 125th Street in Harlem went out of business. Machine-made, mass-produced items and stores are all very well and good, and I’m sure we couldn’t support our society without them, but ….

But I believe that unique artisan items and small shops have more personality and character and, well, soul. By buying these items you don’t just get something, you also support someone who is brave enough to step sideways out of the flow and create something unique and perhaps even try to make a living doing so. I think supporting these arts supports the individuality, creativity and uniqueness of being human. Sure, they cost more, but that’s because more went into their making - time, effort, ingenuity, thought. They really are worth more than cheaply mass-produced, heavily advertised product.

So I’d like to start putting together a page of resources and places in which to find said Indie/DIY/Handmade items. Like I did last week, I plan to feature some of these avant garde artists as well. Sometimes I’ll show off what I’ve bought, or perhaps put together more outfits I wish I could buy or otherwise just pass along things that I find. Some of these are blogs devoted to the idea, others are directories of sites, some are actual places you can buy things.

Here’s the link to the page again- not much yet, but give me time! Just thought up the idea!

And now - recent purchases! Below are two pendants I bought from Blossom Arts on Etsy. I just got them today and they’re even better than the pictures indicate! I love the original jewelry in this shop She also designs and makes bags to sell.