great trends for cottage industries.....

[greenoak]

there are 2 great trends that should help us small cottage businesses ....one is made in america..the public wants that....we just need to do it better/cheaper....they have to be able to afford us...the public, imho, really wants more made in america.....they are kind of grossed out by all the china stuff...but cant find alternatives...i just read a big discussion about how hard it is to find little american flags....made here..and everybody knows how many jobs are overseas.....

the other is the green thing....and thats so perfect for the cottage minded....we automatically see the possibilities in castoffs..... and we can repurpose with ease..we love recycling......it fits like a glove...

our store sells lots of china goods,,,thats about all thats out there for our price range........but i figure the american companies could do a lot better if they tried....our company makes a lot that sells and we are small potatoes compared to the big guys...
morning thoughts...
ann
www.magpiecottage.blogspot.com
www.greenoakantiques.com

[white o'morn cottage]

You are so right. Everyone is so sick of mass produced in sweatshops stuff that they are beginning to appreciate truly crafted items. These items are made with care and love for the craft. That is something that can't be reproduced by the unfortunate people who are exploited in these places. They can't possibly put any real craft or love into each item. We who craft for the love of it do that. That's why it costs more and why it is worth more. Simply put - it means more to the person who produced it and the person who will enjoy it.

I live in Ireland so I can be considered to be fairly neutral on this, right? (OK, so I am a little biased, I just love America)

But to put it this way....If, (as a neutral non-American shopper) I saw that something was handcrafted in USA I would instinctively think it was of higher quality and would expect to pay more for it than a similar item that was mass produced in a hellhole in, well...wherever.

At the same time, I don't want to pay a fortune for it. If I want to pay a fortune for something I will buy art items from an Irish or English or American big name artist.
So, that middle ground - as outlined in the post, is ripe for reaping by you wonderful crafters out there. So say I...Pam