The Tides Of Change

I think that we all know how life's changes come and go in cycles. It seems like a new discovery is made and the next thing you know with that discovery or method comes a whole new cycle of commerce for us all.

In the past 10-15 years it has been the free trade market. Goods from all over the world have made their way to our homes and businesses. Many items made and sold for a fraction of the cost of like items made here at home in America.

Oh how we Americans have indulged! Its so easy to do. A little girls dress for only 4 dollars verses the $12.99 that it used to cost me in the late 1980's! This being only one example of a hundred I could make. However as always trends peak and then the tide ebbs as it seems to be with items made in vast quantity for cheap.

People are realizing that those low dollar items may mean you can buy multiples and certainly in a days shopping you can purchase a whole lot of stuff. But with that said where is the quality? Where is the workmanship that we all used to love so much? Buying a two dollar picture in a 1 dollar frame just doesn't hold the same intimacy of knowing the artist or hunting for that perfect piece of art or furniture for your home.

I feel like many Americans are returning to their roots and buying handcrafted items, and original fine art. The connection they feel is much more intense and the quality long lasting. There is a lot to be said about a home that shows that personal touch of quality furnishings, art, and other fine made items.

Its easy to feel the love and care given to the home and of course it lets you see what the homeowner is all about. I am always impressed when I enter a home and I notice that the owner has carefully collected items that are handmade. Many times I can feel the spiritual qualities in these items.

I really love it when I notice that a home is not only decorated with handmade items but is also using them for their every day tasks such as real brooms, cotton dish towels that have been emboridred like grandma used to do. Handcrafted botanticals and cleaners for bathroom and kitchen, door matts, furniture, mirrors, pictures, clothing, jewelry,candles and candle holders, windchimes and so much more.

Yea to any and all that snub that dollar item and instead save a few dollars each pay period and then go shopping for something that is made with joy and love, a handcrafted item that will last a life time and someday be a family heirloom with a history.