It's giveaway day on Smile and Wave which means ONE HAPPY COMMENTER will win ALL OF THE GIVEAWAYS BELOW! A few of this month's sponsors are generously offering items ranging in value of $25 - $50 to a lucky Smile and Wave reader. Read through and see how you can enter to win.
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"Hi, my name is Stacie and I run Gingiber, and online nursery decor shop. I love to create doodles that will appeal to both the kiddos and adults in a home! I am super excited to be giving away a $25 credit to my shop!
Giveaway: $25 shop credit
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Arian Armstrong is a wife, mommy, drawer of cute things, experimental chef, crafter, and lover of all things vintage.
Giveaway: 3 prints of the winner's choice, value-$45
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Hi!! Green Dandelion is a very new business set up by three sisters Lauren, Jess and Tatum to create and sell clothes, toys and accessories for children (sizes 2-12). With a love for thrifting, a majority of our pieces feature upcycled and vintages materials found on our treasure hunts.
For us the ultimate goal is to be a 100% ethical, fair trade, organic company catering for adults and children in all sizes. If you have any questions or want to work together to create a custom order, email us on info@greendandelion.com.au and together we can work something out.
Find us on our website Green Dandelion and from there you will find links to our online store, facebook and twitter.
Xxx The Green Dandelion Girls
Giveaway: $50 gift card to Green Dandelion
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The-Loudmouth
Hi! My name is Stephanie. I'm a small-town girl who recently moved to Los Angeles with big dreams & a zest for life! I have a blog about food, fashion and city adventures at The-Loudmouth.com and an Etsy shop that showcases my photography! I am sure one of these prints would look great in your home :)
Giveaway: Your choice of 5 prints, valued at $25.
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Hello! I'm Faith, designer and creator behind OrdinaryMommy. My line includes hair accessories, jewelry, and home decor pieces full of color and soft textures; intertwined in all of my designs is a love for fun, style, and also my unique perspective! My fondest wish is that my pieces make you smile. If you open that package and there's a smile on your face, that's what really matters to me.
Giveaway: Plush Owl Door Hanger shown above. Valued at $25.00.
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One winner will receive ALL of the giveaway items mentioned above!
TO ENTER TO WIN leave a comment below sharing something you love about the handmade community. Short and sweet or long and wordy! The comments will close on Monday and a winner will be announced soon after. Thank you to all the sponsors that joined in on this fun giveaway!
Also, I'm making the move over to a new blog soon. I'm MORE THAN A LITTLE excited about this space getting a fresh look! If you'd like to join Smile and Wave as a new summer sponsor check out this post for details.
xoxo,
Rachel
I love how the handmade community is friendly, supportive of each other, and loving. It's vibrant, ingenious, and there is room for everyone. It's like hugs and sunshine but even more awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is validating. You find there are so many other people who 'get it.' And, so much of the community is on the internet, you can be a part of it no matter where you are.
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community is so creative. I see so many things you just don't see in the stores. Also I love how makers of handmade pay attention to detail and quality.
ReplyDeleteI love the beauty of creativity!
ReplyDelete:-) thanks for the giveaway!
I love how the handmade community is made up of authentic people. I love buying something that is truly a labor of love.
ReplyDeleteYour sponsors are amazing! Mwah!!
ReplyDeletethat it's so diverse! it seems that every time I think I've seen it all, someone else makes something that is just incredible and new - always fresh!
ReplyDeleteI love the handmade community to be able to directly support the artist/creator with my $s. I also love that I always get an 'original'. There is just so much creativity and ingenuity out there in the handmade community I am always in awe!
ReplyDeleteThe best part of the handmade community is not only receiving original pieces, but knowing that the maker loves to make. So you always know that love and care were put into the item!
ReplyDeleteAllison
Great giveaways! I love that the handmade community is so diverse - between its makeup of artists and the goods it actually produces, there's something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love all handmade hair accessories :)
ReplyDeleteI love the hand-made community!! I spend hours daily looking a blogs and crafts. It is such a beautiful way to combine design and sustainability. As an architecture student, my goal in life is to always bring beautiful design to our communities... but I am a strong believer in doing so in a very earth-consious way. Handmade things have a unique and special energy to them which will light up your life and home. I love how these crafts bring friends and family together... always giving an excuse to spend hours in each others company, creating.
ReplyDeleteI love that there is a little bit of each artist's heart reflected in each piece they make.
ReplyDeleteI love how supportive the handmade community is, and how every time you buy a handmade item, it has it own unique story behind it.
ReplyDeleteI love the creativity, constant inspiration, being part of a large community, sharing my skills and talents with like-minded people as well as people new to the "movement"!
ReplyDeletep.s. your sponsors are wonderful!
I love how creative & supportive the handmade community is. Also, it's a plus knowing exactly where your money is going. It's such a trusting community. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the friendly people & constant inspiration! :)
ReplyDeletexo, Jamie
Basically, handmade isn't just handmade. It's also heartmade. I love that there are people who are willing to put their time and patience into pouring their love into something.
ReplyDeleteHandmade always reminds me of when I first learned, in a museum, of the first items that human ancestors ever made that weren't some sort of survival tool. They were beads! Handmade lives in us.
I love how the handmade community inspires so much creativity. There is never a time when I'm not browsing through do I not go into complete awe of the wonderful things people can make.
ReplyDeleteI love the encouragement and positivity found in the handmade community. It's seriously like nothing else I've ever seen.
ReplyDeletei love how the handmade community is well..handmade! it's nice to know that the stuff you get is fair trade and it is not something a person in china did not make it and get paid 50 cents for doing it! you get what you pay for and handmade makes me feel better about what i buy. there is something so beautiful about handmade! i just love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm well, I like the community for how it all bands together, and create magical things.
ReplyDeleteSo fun! I love the community aspect. Just getting to know people of similar interests who care about the same things.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about the handmade community is that people are doing something they are truly passionate about. They didn't get into it to make money. It was something that started out as a hobby and turned into a business. I believe this is what inspires so much awesome creativity in the community.
ReplyDeleteI love the brilliance that you don't seem to get with commercial goods. So unique and amazing.
ReplyDelete♥ sécia
www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
im often blown away at what is thought up and created in the handmade community.
ReplyDeleteThe handmade community is supportive and offers so much inspiration for my creative efforts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaways!
I love the courage that the handmade community has in both sharing their creations with the world and in making giant leaps of faith based on their desire to be self-sufficient.
ReplyDeleteI love that when you buy a handmade item you know there is a personal story behind it!
ReplyDeletei love the heart that is in the handmade community! i also love how unique and special everything is! :)
ReplyDeleteWith todays economy there is a resurgence of creativity and recycling, I love it! Being a flea market junkie my whole life and Yardsale Queen now I am the trendsetter ; )
ReplyDeleteI love that basically no two items are the same. I also love how I am always so impressed with how creative and talented people are. I find so much inspiration in the craft/handmade community.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing what everyone comes up with.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about the handmade community is how utterly willing to share everyone is. I have never had anyone NOT want to share their secrets. That is such a beautiful thing. We're not competing with one another. We're working together.
ReplyDeletei love the creativity flowing around in the handmade community, it's contagious. I've run into nothing but friendly, helpful, positive people since I've started my blog/shop and it's been a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteWe might be online but we are a strong knit community! Go us!
I love how much more personal it feels to purchase and own things that were made by hand, and how lovely it is to give something handmade away. It's like going back to the origins of community - when all we had were our personal skill sets, what we could grow or make by hand, to barter or gift with. I think it reminds us how connected we are.
ReplyDeletewhat a fabulous giveaway! my favorite thing about the handmade community is how supportive everyone is for each other <3 thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeleteI love all of the inspiration and the sense of community! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'm always being awed by the originality and creativity of the handmade community. Everyone is supportive and accepting of all types of arts and expressions.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome giveaway! I love how the handmade community is inspirational... not only in all the amazing things people create but also by all the amazing people creating those things!
ReplyDeletestephklatte (at) yahoo (dot) com
The handmade community is always willing to share tips, validation, and love! It's amazing to be a part of a such a supportive group.
ReplyDeletei love the handmade community because it reminds me so much of my mom and grandmas who can make pretty much anything. my mom saved the baby clothes she sewed for me and they are exquisite!
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone is so personable. It's about the customer and creating a real relationship :)
ReplyDeletei love the creativity and individuality of the handmade community, and how supportive they are of one another.
ReplyDeleteI love that there is so much variety in the handmade community--there is something for everyone and anyone.
ReplyDeleteI love how people are able to do what they love, benefit others and earn a living in the mean time! What a dream come true for so many people! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletei love the creativity and camaraderie of the handmade community. it's a constant source of inspiration, fueling new ideas and immense satisfaction... and the feeling that we're all walking this simple-living way together. i love the excitement with which newly discovered do-it-yourself project how-to's are shared!
ReplyDeleteThis may not count, but I love that Twitter makes the handmade community so accessible to each other, in terms of chatting AND business!
ReplyDeletei love supporting other crafters doing what they love! plus filling my home with super cute handmades isn't bad either ;p
ReplyDeletexo,
lucy
I love how inspired I get just browsing through etsy shops and blogs-I feel like my own personal style and been refined and focused just by becoming a member of the creative community! Thanks gals!
ReplyDeletethe thing i love about handmade community is how each item is personal to both the artist them self and the community
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community are more friendly to each other. Somehow they are a nicer bunch, in my opinion :)
ReplyDeleteBuying homemade makes the item more special due to the time, detail, love and dedication to making their product superior to those you buy in the store. Just the uniquiness alone makes the item more precious to the buyer.
ReplyDeletesunlite705(at)aol.com
I love being able to support other people's talents.
ReplyDeleteI love all the handmade maker's.. everyone with their great skills and wonderful imaginations!!
ReplyDeletems.amandahitchcock(at)gmail.com(dot)com
I love the uniqueness of each person's craft! It makes gift-giving so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI love how generous the handmade community is! There's lots of giveaways & sharing of tutorials & tips & that's awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful thing for me about something handmade is the part of someones soul that goes into a piece. The handmade community is a place to share yourself.
Thank you, Gabrielle
I love the variety of things people create and the various projects that people join together to do.
ReplyDeleteI love the almost one of a kind feel to it (no matter the replicas). It's made with thought and love!
ReplyDeleteamazing giveaways as always!
I love everything about the handmade community! It's so much friendlier to shop handmade, then going to the mall or a department store, PLUS the best thing is probably the quality of product. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you can always find something one of a kind! :)
ReplyDeletexo,
christen
christenkrumm.blogspot.com
I like how personal gifts seem when I buy from the homemade community. It seems each piece is special and made with love. I really think the creative passion shows in the finished product. I also like to support anything made in America, because I believe our country is full of wonderfully talented artists and artisans.
ReplyDeleteI love how everything and everyone is just so unique!!
ReplyDeleteI feel like every handmade piece I buy is made with love. I would much rather buy handmade than from a a store. Any day!
ReplyDeleteI like the supportive nature & all of the personal interests that are supported.
ReplyDeleteBuying cute handmade things to support or raise awareness about cancer, adoption, or etc. is just awesome!!
Also, it's serendipitously cool to support crafting vices :)
Of course, it's nice to get super creative things for less than high-end store prices :)
I love that the handmade community is full of people who are living out their passion through creating.
ReplyDeleteI think the feeling of accomplishment and that you didn't go buy it from an unethical cheap store. As lame as it is, being made 'with love'.
ReplyDeletewhat i love about the handmade community is the originality & heart put into each creation.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I just stumbled onto your page and I am absolutely gob-smacked (and a little bit jealous!) and the amazing creativity of you wonderful people. The "Take courage" picture almost made me cry... Beautiful~!
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community sticks together to help each other out and support each others business and projects.
ReplyDeleteI love the handmade community because I am always amazed by people's creativity. Just when I thought you couldn't get any more creative with cardboard or buttons, you go and surprise me. ;]
ReplyDeleteI love that when you buy handmade you're getting something JUST FOR YOU! That item has not been mass produced, but specially made just for you {okay, maybe not JUST for you, but you catch my drift}! I also tend to be pretty jealous of everyone with a special handmade trade because I pretty severely lack the creative gene!
ReplyDeleteI love being able to look around, buy stuff, knowing it has come not off of an assembly line but from someone's own hands, with love.
ReplyDeletewhat do I like about handmade? eee everything! it's unique, and when you are buying something for example on etsy you always receive a beautiful package which makes the gift even more more special!
ReplyDeleteI love how handmade things are a tiny reflection of the personality and creativity of the creater. It makes me appreciate and love it so much more then any item I ever bought in a store.
ReplyDeleteI love how sweet everyone is! (and so caring for each other)
ReplyDeletexx
i love how tightly knit the handmade community is. everyone, for the most part, seems to really support each other and care about one another's success. for instance, the recent UO -vs- handmade/small business issue. i think that really goes to show how great a community it is.
ReplyDeletei am loving everything in this giveaway! so many great offers. :)
lydiajkassinger@gmail.com
Great! I wanna be in! What I love about the handmade community is that I know the products were not made in a sweatshop and in massive amounts. I like to own stuff that is unique.
ReplyDeleteMiki.
shower_your_love@yahoo.com.ar
wow I'm so drooling over my computer right now.I'm one of those gals that never win but it never hurts to hope...right? everything looks amazing and I wish you and your sponsers the best of luck:)
ReplyDeleteAs a student I don't have a lot of time be creative, so what I like about the handmade community is that it makes me dream about my future as an artist.
ReplyDeleteI love the camaraderie between us. For the most part it is supportive, caring, and responsive.
ReplyDeleteI love that by purchasing handmade, I can support someone who is doing what they love
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is so supportive of one another. ♥
ReplyDeleteI love buying handmade things that you cant usually buy in a store. Some of the things I've seen are incredibly well made and so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am forever amazed at the articles that the creative and wonderful members of the handmade community come up, Not only to they dream up these ideas, but they actually put them into practice, I often have many many ideas of things to make, but they often dont blossom from just the idea into a reality. I sometimes go as far as buying what I need to complete the project but never start. I admire in each and evry one of these creative people is that they think and do!!!! This is the biggest thing i admire and love about each and evry one of you - you are Do-ers!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the passion that is put into each handmade piece. These creative, crafty people create works of art!
ReplyDeletei love that when you buy something handmade, you are buying Unique Piece of Art, which often has a story behind it, who made it, the inspiration behind it, & it's always been made with love :)
ReplyDeletei love that someone has put love into their product, they made it because they love it! i also love how friendly everyone is, and how enthusiastic they are when they talk about their products!
ReplyDeleteb x.
I love how the handmade community stretches and inspires across oceans, there are no barriers!!! From a crafty girl reading in northern Ireland!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is so accepting. It doesn't matter what are you are, what country you are in, what job you do... If you like making things, that's all you need. And that's so unlike the rest of the world, it's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love the handmade community because it's an important alternative to all the massproduced stuff!
ReplyDeleteLike Betsy Greer of craftivism puts it: "The creation of something with your own two hands is one way of resisting a consumerist and materialist based culture that is built upon the backs of less fortunate individuals" Well said!
I love the sharing of creative ideas and the inspiration. There's just so much out there on flickr and various blogs, the inspiration is endless!
ReplyDeleteI love being inspired by the ideas I find through other creative people out there. I love the uniqueness and individuality of everything that is handmade. Handmade items hold a story about their maker - sometimes without the maker even knowing :)For me, the handmade community is always a place of discovery.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the creativity and support in the online handmade community. It is such a great world to be a part of :)
ReplyDeleteThe best thing is the support for one another!
ReplyDeleteI love the "realness" of people in the handmade community. I love nothing more than opening my package and seeing a handwritten note from the seller. Makes my day!
ReplyDeleteApart from the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I see a beautiful handmade item. I feel the handmade community is genuinely changing lives and building confidence of burgeoning artsits. Handmade connects me to my past, and keeps these wonderful skills alive.
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is so inspiring and encouraging. They genuinely want beginners to learn and succeed. And on a side note, I love that "handmade" isn't taboo anymore and that it is much more desirable than "store-bought" these days!
ReplyDeleteI love that for the most part, the handmade community is just that, a community. It doesn't matter what part of the world you live in, there is always someone to bounce ideas off and get inspiration from.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the creativity and inspiration that floats through the world of 'handmade'. Although at this stage of my life I'm simply a 'buyer' and not a 'seller', it still feels as if there is a lot of support systems set up for sellers of handmade. Things like craft fairs, online blog parties (and sponsorship) and even conferences. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteSarah M
I love how supportive the handmade community is of each other!
ReplyDeleteI love how sweet everyone in the handmade community is. Everyone always seems so kind and compassionate not only about what they do about what their friends and strangers do also!
ReplyDeletexo
Christine
(yelloworanges@comcast.net)
I love the way the handmade community makes their wares with so much love. Plus I know they are women/men just like me, probably working out of their house doing something they're passionate about.
ReplyDeleteI love that handmade community is full of people who genuinely want everyone in it to succeed, even if they are their "competitors". It's a great community!
ReplyDeletei think the handmade community is the best thing ever. everyone can find anything for herself or himself, and handmade things er the best gift for friends and family!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things about the handmade community is the support. Everyone loves to share and try to increase the community as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI love all things handmade! You know that each item was made with love, and it means so much to me. I always wonder about the person who took time to think of and put together their beautiful wares.
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community is so inspiring. Seeing people do what they love for a living and make beautiful things is the best!
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community is so friendly and awesome!! We all have things in common and the majority of us in my city are stay home mommies!! We all love hanging out with each other. Weather it is a play date at the park or our monthly girls crafty night out. Being a part of something so creative with such amazing women and men is amazing!!!
ReplyDeletemy favorite part of the handmade community is the personality that inevitably shines through each unique piece! you can learn so much about someone through the things they create.
ReplyDeleteI love how I can be connected directly to other creative people and support their work without going through any corporations. There is so much talent and creativity and joy and I just love being plugged in to that!
ReplyDeleteI love how kind everyone is - and the individuality of items I find, I love the little imperfections that make them unique.
ReplyDeleteLets see... What do I love about the handmade community? A better question: What DON'T I Love???
ReplyDeleteI Love love love all the creative ideas and inspiration :)
i love getting great ideas from seeing other people's handmade work! and i love when i buy things knowing i'm supporting the efforts of one person and their creativity!
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community is so friendly and supportive. There's so much inspiration shared and I just love how it's so far from most of the commercial, heartless way of doing things :)
ReplyDeleteI love that its a loving, friendly platform to just create and be unique.. support and the fact that you can be a part of it anywhere you are.
ReplyDeleteI love the kindness of everyone!!
ReplyDeleteThere is endless encouragement and inspiration within the handmade community.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I love the handmade community? Because it offers unique products and because I know there are people behind each product putting their heart and soul into their work. Plus, I love that creative individuals are able to make money from their awesomeness.
ReplyDeleteI love the handmade community because they always bring the unexpected. New designs and fun spins on what's already here!
ReplyDeletei love how it encourages me to be creative and look at ordinary objects in a new light.
ReplyDeleteJordofordo(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love that the homemade community inspires so many people to try something new. I never thought of myself as creative until I tried crafting a few years ago, now its a very important part of my life!
ReplyDeleteI love being able to find something beautiful and unique, something for children not plastered with tv characters all over it. Thanks for the incredible giveaways!
ReplyDeleteI'm always inspired by the handmade community. Whenever I am blue, I go plug into my favorite creative bloggers and I can just feel my mood change instantly.
ReplyDeleteI love how that in the handmade community everything is completely unique. You'll never find something from the handmade community at a commercial store, so you know that the quality and and originality are at 100%.
ReplyDeleteI like how you can see and feel the love and hardwork that goes into handmade art. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI love how unique and creative the handmade community is!
ReplyDeleterebatink at gmail dot com
I love using something or seeing something every day that is unique and that was made with love and care.
ReplyDeleteI love how there is room for everyone in this community! even though we're technically each other's "competition" everyone is so supportive and encouraging!
ReplyDeletexo
I love how supportive of each other the handmade community is!
ReplyDeleteI would love to get the ordinary mommy design giveaway!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove E.
frasere3@hotmail.com
i love how just being in a handmade community inspires you to be a better person, in your things, and in your self.
ReplyDeleteI love figuring out how to do things and the handmade community gives me the courage to do it!
ReplyDeletecowilcox(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh i love all of these beauties :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway , i love how the handmade community is so connected even across the world. I love how people support each other even if they have never met. It just makes it seems so warm and inviting!
Rub&Flo.
I love being inspired by people's creativity. Everyone has such a unique take on things and I like to see the fruit of that.
ReplyDeleteI love that everything is unique and made by someone who really loves making things, it makes everything so much more special!
ReplyDeletei love the creativity!
ReplyDeleteI love how creative our world is and with the use of the internet how we can have access to not only my own handmade community but those communities elsewhere!
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is supportive,kind,offers constructive criticisms,and are SO DANG CREATIVE it hurts!!!
ReplyDeleteThe handmade community is great for sharing creativity and inspiration! It's amazing how talented everyone is!
ReplyDeleteI have recently started blogging and have discovered a whole new world of beautiful creative and extremely kind people - everybody loves what they do and it shows. I am loving this new world and so incredibly grateful for the friends I have met. Handmade communities just gives me zest of life. THANKS.
ReplyDeleteA xx
i like the genuine excitement, love and passion they have for their craft, i find it contagious and it inspires me to be crafty too.
ReplyDeletemissmoonspinner(at)gmail(dot)com
I love that the handmade community is so unique. I love finding a wonderful item that I know I wouldn't see 50 other women carrying out of my local superstore. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
I love how international the handmade community is; inspiration from around the world and friendships found no matter what the country.
ReplyDeleteClaire
I love that the handmade community help and support the ones to the others :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win Rachel!
I love how CREATIVE everyone is! I'm constantly surprised by the great ideas people get.
ReplyDeletei love how supportive the craft community is and how they are so willing to help out their peers :)
ReplyDeletei love how the handmade community speakes all languages!
ReplyDeleteDganit from israel...
the handmade community is creative, and soooo original. also, i have yet to find one snobby... handmaker...? i could also just be naive (:
ReplyDeletealyssahickman28@gmail.com
I love how the handmade community is personal. You can directly interact with the person that created the piece you are purchasing and that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love the unique one-of-a-kind things that I can buy, make, or be creativly inspired by in the handmade community.
ReplyDeleteI love how someone can take the time and make something so special and unique, the attention to detail and quality just give it so much more value.
ReplyDeleteI love how special it is and how there is nothing else like it.
ReplyDeleteI love how handmade artists take time to make quality durable things. Not stuff that falls apart really easily.
ReplyDeleteI love how inspiring the handmade community is. Awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love the camaraderie! Everyone is so willing to help/promote each other. It's an amazing connection.
ReplyDeletei love that everyone puts their heart into what they make, and people who make things really appreciate what others make.
ReplyDeleteI love the amazing handmade community because of its inspiration. Its unity.
ReplyDeletethe inspiration and support!
ReplyDeleteI love the unique, quality gifts that I can give to others (and myself!)
ReplyDeletesometimes i feel like etsy changed my life, and i'm so much more a consumer than creator of handmade goods. i am a 33 year old mama and have been living independently (as a renter and now homeowner) since i graduated high school 16 years ago. with each yearly move as a renter i would purge and eventually i really had nothing in the way of decoration, as nothing i owned spoke to me and asked me to please pack it up and keep it. photos weren't on the walls, i had a few pieces of art made by friends but that was it. and then, a couple of years ago i guess it's been now, i discovered etsy. pieces on there spoke to me! looking at the amazing work people do inspired me and i always feel good parting with a bit of my small budget when it's going to an artist. i've even started to try my hand at sewing and creating, in my few spare moments. i seek out much more handmade and vintage/thrifted goods in shops, too. buying handmade helps me keep it local (even when i use local as the whole community of my fellow north americans), and it fits with my values. when i want to make something, i usually try my local independent fabric shop, or local makers of beauty goods or foods. i find i rely on the handmade community for all of my gifts, as a source of inspiration and/or instruction when i want to try a project on my own, and as a way to pass some time on the internet just enjoying the aesthetics of it all. i am continually impressed and delighted by the wonderful work i see out there.
ReplyDeleteoh my. that was long! i just love the handmade community.
Having something handmade is having a piece love. And the handmade community is full of love, inspiration, admiration,and artistic abilities not one person could dream. Handmade makes my heart smile ♥
ReplyDeleteYou seriously have amazing sponsors! What I love about the handmade community, is that we all seem like family! If I find out someone makes something, I'm like 'oh really? I make...' and it's like we're instant friends! :)
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community finds creative ways to make old things new!
ReplyDeleteI love how it lets so many incredible ladies help support their family's and still be stay at home moms who bring so much creativity and beauty into their homes. In want that!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how we all work together to help one another succeed.. love that about it! hugs bonitarose
ReplyDeletebonnieangel1797@gmail.com
I love that people put their heart & soul into handmade. It's good to know you are supporting an artist who handmakes each item, rather than mass produces it. There's much more attention to quality.
ReplyDeleteI love that whenever I look through Etsy, half of the time, I can't even fathom coming up with such a fun project...and I love that the things I see encourage me to be more creative in my own life.
ReplyDeleteI love the unique nature of handmade products - somehow their imperfections only add to their beauty.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe handmade community is pretty amazingly supportive of eachother, and always encouraging to new comers! I LOVE IT.
i love the uniqueness about things handmade and that you know that you are helping someone when you purchace their product.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that everyone in the handmade community is so unique and friendly. I learn so much from visiting all of the different blogs and stores.
ReplyDeleteThere's a certain feeling of love and pride you get when you make something for your home or your kids or as a gift. I love that there's a whole community of people who feel that it is still worthy of their time and energy to make things unique, beautiful and special for themselves, their homes, kids and for others.
ReplyDeleteI have found the handmade community to be such a generous group of people. Generous with knowledge and little gifts. It's a pretty loving community.
ReplyDeletei love the handmade community because it's a great alternative to all the mass produced stuff out there! And is like a family really we all support each other. :) Kim
ReplyDeleteI love how supportive the handmade community is... As a girl who loves to play with jewelry and dreams of selling it one day, I feel safe knowing there is a network of other crafty-preneur's out there that I connect with and ask for support, advice, etc... Yay handmade!
ReplyDelete-jenn
I love the inspiration and creativity that comes from the handmade community, it is truly a beautiful thing!
ReplyDeleteI love it that so many people have so many new and fresh ideas. Especially coming from someone who is not crafty at all.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel! What I adore about the handmade community is the support for people who do/make what they love. You can be so creative and different without judgement :)
ReplyDeleteI love how the handmade community inspires me to make do with what I have, re-purpose what doesn't work any more, and walk away from things that aren't timeless.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I HAVE got to have that take courage print!
I love the generosity of the makers and the love that is shared among fellow crafters. I love the spirit of community that exists even though we are spread across the globe.
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community has a history-- in my (your) grandmother's depression-era embroidery (to make things "nice" even in hard times), in the warmest crocheted blanket, in doilies and paintings and carefully stitched wedding dresses. I love that I can capture 100 years gone by pulling out my mother's steel sewing machine, my grandmother's heavy scissor's, my great grandmother's sewing box. I love that in carefully teaching myself how to sew from patterns or how to freeform crochet I'm teaching myself the joys of my family, your family, 10,000 other across the world families and that so easily I can connect & get advice from children, mamas, and omas all together.
ReplyDeleteI love how, even though people in my "real life" don't understand the things I do, there are people out in this community who do!
ReplyDeletei love the connection i feel between others who believe in the value of making things. it's great to feel supported by a group of creative people.
ReplyDeletewow, these giveaway is amazing! What I love about the handmade community is that it is so supportive! If you need help, you sure going to get it!
ReplyDeletexoxo trine
I like to read blogs from sewing community - good picture, nice tutorial, interesting contents, inspiration, giveaways :). I just loves sewing blogs :)
ReplyDeletecheers from hueisei ^^
I love that the handmade community is always a source of positive support for creative people!
ReplyDeleteOh so inspiring! It makes me feel that one day when I'm not as busy with the kiddos...I can sit down and create lovely things too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even today :)
i love how everyone supports each other and helps promote each others business! plus everyone is soooo creative! i love the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThe handmade community is a place to be free and creative without restrictions :)
ReplyDeleteI love all the giveaways.
What I like most about the handmade community is the diversity. Of ideas, styles, personnalities etc. wrapped in a community wich allows convergence and links and even bonds to be born between all these various individualities.
ReplyDelete(Forgive my english, my mother tongue is french ^^)
I love the handmade community because within it you find such passion for art, fashion, and craft, and one of a kind products that you can not find anywhere else!
ReplyDeleteI love how helpful the handmade community is, and how gorgeous the things they make are.
ReplyDeleteOh wow some amazing giveaways! I've got my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that when I buy something handmade I also buy a story. The story of the creator of something unique - and the story made by the creator and put into my new homemade treasure. A story I then ad my story to...
ReplyDeleteI love that handmade items are born with a "heart" :-)
and I love how unique everything is in the handmade community - its incredible how beautiful it all is and how you can't find it at some huge store like Wallmart. Nice to know that someone has really put in a lot of effort for you :)
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! so many lovely things!
ReplyDeletei am starting to become a bit obsessed with arian's work. i just ordered her "home" print and have been deciding on which other ones i want to hang up! plus, NOM's little owls are absolutely adorable.
thank you for the great giveaway!
the thing i love most about the handmade community has to be the pride and love that goes into every item made. i love buying handmade because i know someone loved it dearly before i had the chance to and that love definitely translates to the item itself. also, it definitely makes for a happier home. :]
The handmade community welcomes and embraces the creative spirit in various forms and I love this.
ReplyDeleteI love that the handmade community is beginning to be taken seriously by people outside of the community. It's a market that is always changing and is completely international thanks to the internet. It's also made up of the most welcoming, selfless people I have ever met.
ReplyDelete