I recently read a forum post on pricing handmade goods and started wondering ‘why should a person buy handmade?’ You could say it is because handmade is:

- Unique and/or individual
- Well-made and/or high quality
- A high level of innovation
- Fair labour practices
- Traditional skills are used

However, I disagree that these are good enough reasons. Go and wander through top-end shops and you will find products that match all of these criteria.

I think that the main motivation that people buy handmade goods is for the story. But be careful because you can find a story in exclusive boutiques too. You can go shopping with a friend and talk about how elegantly the items are layed out, what the packaging is like, how you decided on your purchase . . . that is a story too. However, what is the ‘value’ behind the story? This is where I feel handmade wins hands-down.

When you decide to buy handmade you are a part of the whole story and not just a consumer, a number on a sales chart. For example: You walk along the street and you see a man carving a wooden sculpture. You stop and watch him in amazement. You see that in front of him are a few pieces for sale. You buy one of these. Why? Because when you get back home you have a story that is more precious to you than anything you could ‘buy’: you met the man himself, you saw him carve, you have an experience and this sculpture, the one you bought, reminds you of this precious moment.

That is why you buy handmade. You know the maker and the story behind your product. You know where it came from and you were a part of that. Your story does not begin after you have purchased the product.

The story of handmade has value.

Guest blog post, written by Wendren Milford from Wren.

Sue Blackwell’s book sculptures have the sort of fragile beauty that is both compelling and disturbing. She describes her processes as ‘irreversible’ and ‘destructive’ to ‘reflect on the precariousness of the world we inhabit and the fragility of our life, dreams and ambitions’.

The story telling aspect and the mellow lighting of some of the pieces lend an almost magical quality. I love the idea of the characters coming to life and escaping the confines of their pages.

To view more of Sue’s work visit www.sublackwell.co.uk.

Ornamental Things is four years old this Summer. They are celebrating in style with new designs, a new studio and a super duper sale. There’s a whopping 30% off everything on their website. Just type in FOURYEARS during the checkout process. The sale ends on 10th July.

So what are you waiting for? www.ornamentalthings.com

Manchester Craft Mafia is a group of crafty businesses dedicated to supporting and sharing a creative, maverick spirit of crafting in Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond. They’re craft and proud and looking for new members.

There are a number of benefits of joining the group, including promotion through their website and press releases, supplier discounts, member events and much much more.

For more information and to apply, go to www.manchestercraftmafia.com.

Illustrator Sarah McNeil has created these colourful bird brooches. Each one is hand drawn, hand cut and carefully pieced together. Many of the birds are native to New Zealand, Australia and South America and their intricate markings have been faithfully reproduced.

Shop at www.funiscool.etsy.com.

Many moons ago I was a temp. And it was bloomin’ hard work, I can tell you. But also kind of fun. I was always meeting new people and got to work on a variety of interesting projects. Jewellery design company Temporary Secretary definitely embodies this side of the job. The spirit is cute, fun and affordable. Think quirky sailorette earrings, cup cake pins and cutesy hair slides.

Go to www.temporary-secretary.com.

Have you got something to say on the subject of independent designers, makers, artists and crafters?

Is there a forthcoming craft fair or design show that you would like to promote? Would you like to have your say on a particular hot topic? Did you attend a recent event and would like to share your experience? If you work for a PR company or magazine, would you like to share tips / advice with our readers? Shop / gallery owners, are you looking for products or artwork to sell / exhibit?

If the answer is yes, we would love to hear from you. We are introducing a brand new ‘Guest Blogger’ section to run aongside our regular features. Our readers can now write their own articles and upload images on subjects that interest them.

Please note that this is not about openly promoting your own shop / products. If you wish to do this, please contact us in the usual way and we will review your website. This section is more about sharing your ideas, advice and experiences with our readers. Though we will of course include a link through to your website.

To find out more and to submit articles, please visit our Write for Indie Quarter page. Over to you.

I managed to grab a few hours out of the office yesterday, to visit Design Show Liverpool. The show doesn’t close until tomorrow and if you’re in the area, I’d highly recommend it.

The exhibits cover three floors of the Contemporary Urban Centre and include fashion, glass, lighting, eco products, jewellery, accessories, homewares and furniture. The event is open to the public as well as to trade, allowing you to browse and buy from the very best in contemporary fashion and design.

The above is a selection of pics taken on the day:

1. Chris Weir - chris_weir_efc@hotmail.co.uk
2. Both Textiles
3. Kitty and Dude, http://kittyanddude.co.uk
4. Étoile Home, www.etoile-home.com
5. Zumo, www.zumosilk.com

And a few more.

6. Kirsty Doyle, www.kirsty-doyle.com
7. Kitty and Dude, http://kittyanddude.co.uk
8. Tatty Devine, www.tattydevine.com
9. Both Textiles
10. Chris Weir - chris_weir_efc@hotmail.co.uk
11. Melissa Simpson, www.melissa.uk.com

And last but not least.

People will Always Need Plates, www.peoplewillalwaysneedplates.co.uk.