This probably goes without saying, but I love decorating with handmade items. It’s so satisfying to find the perfect piece that adds a unique touch to a home. It's what makes a space feel personal.
Though there are a myriad of reasons to choose handmade, I’ve picked three things to consider the next time you’re looking for something to add to your seasonal decor.
Decor you won’t find anywhere else
If you're reading this, there’s a good chance you already have a large collection of seasonal and holiday decorations. When buying something new, that item likely needs to be different than what you already own. Depending on where you shop, seasonal items can look the same from year to year and from store to store. Similar materials, shapes, and styles are chosen to have mass appeal, meaning your options may not vary much.
Handmade sellers create unique items that reflect their own distinctive style, perspective, and background. The process of making a product by hand creates a result that can’t be duplicated in mass decor, as the maker isn’t going to get exactly the same result each time they create something. Smaller runs of different designs make for items that are rarer or customized to the buyer.
That uniqueness and customization is what makes handmade decor such a great gift, as the receiver won't already own what you’re giving them. You’re presenting something that shows a lot of thought and effort, not just in what went into crafting the item but in finding it to give. That means there’s a story that goes along with the item you’re gifting.
And that takes us to our second reason . . .
Handmade products tell a story
How many times have you walked into a friend or family member’s home, seen something new, and said some variation of “I love that! Where did you find it?”. Every time that happens it creates an opportunity to share a story, whether it’s where, how, or when you found that new piece.
This is nowhere more evident than at a craft fair or bazaar. Handmade sellers are always happy to talk about how an item was made, the inspiration behind it, and what it means to them. The thing I enjoy most is watching people make products at their booths or seeing that production in videos posted online. It’s so interesting to see how a piece gets put together; the item is made all the more special because of the story.
Quality items to enjoy for years to come
Though I’m all about handmade decor, I’ll admit I enjoy looking at seasonal products in chain stores. However, each time I do, I’m reminded of a quote from the movie Clueless – to paraphrase Cher, from far away the items look okay but up close they’re a mess. Consider many seasonal garlands: end knots are on full display, there are glue and staples showing, and the materials aren’t good quality. No real care was taken in production, because so many had to be produced and at low a cost as possible.
Handmade items are created with care and attention to detail. Those little details are prioritized as makers consider how and where an item will be used. After all, they often started by creating a decoration for their own home first!
That sense of craftsmanship and quality show through in the finished piece, resulting in an item that can be enjoyed for years to come. If I look at my own seasonal decorations, many of my favorites are handmade. Whether created by a family member or purchased at holiday bazaar, they’re items that became part of our holiday traditions and are still used today.
The next time you’re shopping for seasonal decorations, I’d encourage you to go ahead and add a handmade item or two. It’ll bring something unique to your home and may end up being that special piece you and your family look forward to seeing year after year.
