"Macaroni stuck on a bit of card and covered in glitter is all very well when you're five," said the sniffy, aspirational yummy mummy, "but making stuff yourself is a bit cheap, is it?"
A few seconds passed when all I could do was blink in aghastment (is that a word? it should be).
"Well, er, um," I stuttered, not really sure how to answer her question. It occurred to me that the question might have been rhetorical but - dammit - now my shock had transformed into irritation, there was no way I was going to let her get away with such a silly remark.
"I suppose not everyone can afford to buy imported, mass produced catalogue crap," I observed, quietly impressed with my restraint - believe me, that was restrained. I walked away before I made her cry.
I was still pondering on this conversation well after I got home this evening. Is it cheap to make my own cards and gifts? Does not spending a fortune on Christmas mean that I love my family and friends less than someone whose credit card gets a pounding each year? No, I don't think so and I bet a million crafters out there would agree. If anything, spending hours thinking about something special and personal and then actually making it shows you really care enough to notice what other people like and what's important to them. So what if it looks a bit "homemade" - that's because it is! And you know it's going to be around a lot longer than some bit of soul-less tat.
And then I got to thinking about the macaroni. Seriously? Is that the impression people get when they hear the word "craft"? There is some beautiful stuff out there. You only have to look in places like Etsy and Folksy to find crafters who are bursting with talent. People who are dedicated to quality over quantity, and have the creativity to adapt and develop their work to make unique pieces each time. I am even sure there are people out there who do great work with dried pasta, too.
So, here's to all you crafters and creators, for keeping old traditions alive, bringing them into the crazy twenty-first century and filling our lives with your wit, beauty and imagination.
Wishing you all a fantastic 2012.
Lara at HobbityDog x
1 comment:
What a twit eh?! I've come across people with this stupid attitude and I'm sure others have too. However there are plenty of more sensible, enlightened people who have a real appreciation for the care and hard work put into the crafting of so many beautiful and unique things. I have the most wonderful customers, on the whole. They're supportive, encouraging and appreciative. Those who don't appreciate hand crafted work are in the minority and, whilst recognising their right to an opinion, I prefer to just ignore their rudeness.
PS. Your work is always wonderful!
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