The Happiness of Handmade

10 Reasons to Buy Handmade Goods

In a world dominated by mass production and ethically dubious fast-fashion, the allure of handmade goods holds a special charm. Whether it's an item of jewellery, a hand-crafted piece of furniture or our leather tote bags for women, handmade items carry a sense of authenticity and uniqueness that cannot be replicated by machines.

And if consumer behaviour is anything to go by, shoppers are increasingly getting their craft on. Commissioned by the Craft Council, the biggest ever survey of the craft market revealed that 73% of UK adults had bought craft in 2019 – snapping up almost 25 million handcrafted objects.

The explosion of makers online market Etsy is a case in point. In the second quarter of 2020 it surpassed a whopping 2.5 billion U.S. dollars. Furthermore, the global art and craft market size is estimated to be $50.9 billion in 2024.

So why are global consumers having a love affair with all things handmade? From supporting local artisans and makers to buying beautiful, unique treasures that last the test of time, here are 10 reasons to buy handmade.

Unparalleled Individuality

Tired of blending in with the crowd? Handmade goods are the ultimate antidote to cookie-cutter sameness. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, imbued with the unmistakable stamp of its creator's personality and style.

Those uneven glazes and weathered leather patinas? All beautiful imperfections that are part of the item’s unique personality. Say goodbye to generic and hello to fabulous uniqueness.

Craftsmanship That Speaks Volumes

Quality is the name of the game when it comes to handmade goods. Forget flimsy, mass-produced junk that falls apart after a few seasons; handmade products are built to last. And consumers know this. According to a Pak Crafts survey, 23% of US adults strongly believe that handmade items are high quality.

From handmade leather bags whose every stitch tells a story of precision and care to exquisitely blown glass vases, each piece is a testament to the artisan's skill and dedication. Handmade items are a reminder that true quality takes time and skill, and that the pursuit of perfection is an art form in itself.

Sustainable Style

Who says you can't be eco-conscious and stylish at the same time? Handmade goods are often crafted with sustainable materials and ethical practices, making them a guilt-free choice for the planet-conscious consumer. Think; upcycled fabrics, bamboo, recycled paper and plant-based plastics.

At ROWDY, our handmade leather handbags are crafted from high-welfare, sustainable aniline and nubuck leather sourced from our dedicated tannery in Namibia. Our premium leather comes as a by-product from the beef industry, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to a zero-impact ethos.

Customization Galore

Why settle for off-the-rack sameness when you can have something made just for you? One of the benefits of buying handmade is the customisation opportunities handmade goods offer, allowing you to express your unique style and preferences.

Want a pair of earrings in your favourite colour? A leather wallet with your initials? A suit tailored in your dream fabric? The sky's the limit with customising handmade items.

Supporting Independent Artists and Makers

When you choose handmade, you're not just buying a product; you're supporting a dream. Independent artisans and small businesses pour their hearts and souls into their enterprises, and your purchase helps them continue doing what they love. It's like being a patron of the arts, but way cooler.

A Global Tapestry of Culture

Handmade crafts are like a passport to the world, offering a glimpse into different cultures and traditions. Whether it's a hand-woven rug from Morocco or a ceramic plate from Japan, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and heritage that transcends borders.

From roomy shoppers to versatile crossbodies, each of our handmade leather bags is lovingly crafted by our team of artisans from our Cape Town workshop. When buying handmade items from around you’re sustaining communities’ crafting traditions that have been passed down the generations.

Emotional Connection

There's something special about owning a handmade piece—it's more than just a product; it's a connection. Consider the energy exchange of the maker that’s imbued in every aspect of its creation. Think about the story that’s behind it and the unique personality of who made it.

Whether it's the joy of giving a thoughtful gift or the nostalgia of owning a piece of art, handmade goods evoke a sense of warmth and emotion that can't be replicated. And gifting a handmade item means so much more than a mass-made one. It shows you care and creates a meaningful connection between you - the giver - the recipient and the artisan.

Fairness and Transparency

Fair trade isn't just a buzzword; it's a guiding principle for many handmade artisans. Being a small, mostly circular economy, the handmade industry is aligned with ethical practices.

By choosing handmade, you're supporting fair wages, ethical working conditions, sustainable materials and transparent business practices. Then of course there’s the uplifting of local communities and cultural preservation of age-old techniques. Shop handmade and you’ll be making a difference, one purchase at a time.

A Playground for Creativity

Handmade products celebrate creativity and innovation, inspiring both makers and consumers to think outside the box. Whether it’s marrying weird and wonderful materials, experimenting with colour or pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques, handmade goods are a playground for out-there creative expression.

Connecting with Creators

Ever wanted to pick the brain of the genius behind your favourite find? With handmade goods, you can. From online marketplaces (hello, Etsy) to local craft fairs, there are countless opportunities to connect with creators, swap stories and forge meaningful connections.

And when you connect with creators, you're not just purchasing a product; you're gaining insight into the passion and creativity that went into crafting it. You might learn about the inspiration behind a particular design, discover the techniques and materials used to bring it to life or be inspired to kickstart your own handmade journey yourself.

Shop ROWDY’s sustainable, handmade leather handbags, leather travel pouches and more.