Heart. Soul. Mind. Handmade.

Many of you probably noticed my “Handmade Pledge” sign at the bottom of my blog.

Why did I do that?

Well, I’ve been thinking about doing it for a while and why not? It will be a good project for me. I already have a good collection of handmade things that people have given me or I've bought over the years (earrings, necklaces, shawls, soaps, small furniture, clothing, tea set, decorations, frames, etc.). Even our wedding rings were custom designed (my wonderful hubby did mine and I did his) and handmade!

I've always loved buying things that were handmade by people and not by machines in factories. It gives me a special feeling when I buy something that is unique and MAYBE one other person in the world might have the same one. Whenever I find a store or sidewalk vendor that has handmade things...it’s like finding gold! I would look and look for hours (less if my hubby and girls are with me) before I finally walk away with a little something. I feel a great sense of accomplishment to admire someone's work, buy it, call it my own and tell people about it.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because I want accountability…well, sort of :o) I figure if I put that pledge on my blog, I should share with all of you the handmade things I've bought to support my pledge. Now, I will do my best. Sometimes there are things you just can’t find handmade…such as a food processor (laughing). I will do my best to buy handmade when I need it and when the financial budget permits it.

So, this last Saturday we took Jon’s parents to a nearby town, Sarchi. This town is known for the famous handcrafted ox carts and making furniture. We had a great time wandering around the small shops (we stayed away from the big touristy ones) and looking at LOTS of handcrafted rocking chairs, ox carts, jewelry and things made out of beautiful Costa Rican wood. Here in Costa Rica there are many opportunities to buy handmade things. We even saw on the way to Sarchi a small furniture store with boys weaving chairs out front!! I really wish I was able to stop and take some pictures, but next time for sure.

Back to the point, we walked into a store that was selling Tagua Vegetable Ivory jewelry (What is Tagua?).  They are eco-friendly and 100% handcrafted AND made here in Costa Rica. Their motto is: "Don’t kill elephants, buy vegetable ivory!" Here’s a website that sells Tagua products from Ecuador. I loved the colored ones (naturally hand dyed and GORGEOUS colors) and almost bought a pair of blue earrings, but decided to get these instead:


So, this is my first handmade purchase since I made the pledge! I believe this is a fun challenge for all of us to get away from “mass-quantity and factory-made” things we buy from Target, Wal-mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc… Some of the perks of buying handmade: Will most likely be locally made, uniqueness, personal contact between you and the artist & made with tender loving care (TLC).



Some of you might be thinking, “but most handmade things are so expensive.” That is not entirely true if you look at how much we spend on other “cheaper” things from Target or Walmart. When things are cheaper it makes us want to buy more, right? Because we all like deals and sales ;o) I find that when I spend a little more on a handmade item:  One) It lasts longer because I care for it more.  Two) I’m forced to think about what I am spending my money on.  Three) I actually save more money because I choose to CONSUME LESS.  Four) I know I am supporting that person’s time, effort and work on that particular item.

Now, I am slowly learning to live much simpler and consume less. Before we moved to Costa Rica, we had a big church sale. I could not believe how much stuff I had. I had more than one of the same item, why?!  Now living in Costa Rica, I am force to be creative and use what I have. The import taxes here are silly expensive, so all things that are made outside of Costa Rica and imported in is two or three times more than what it would cost in America. So, when I need something and it can be handmade, I’m all for it!

So, along with buying handmade…I would like to make more things myself if possible. I don’t know how to use a sewing machine, but I plan to learn! My dad is very good at building things, so I will be learning a lot from him also. I will do my best to post all my future handmade purchases and the things I make on the blog. If you would like to make this pledge, click on my “Handmade Pledge” sign at the bottom.

Let the Handmade Challenge begin!! (NOTE: there are 39621 people who have taken the pledge so far and I am number 39560)


Buy Handmade Video from Etsy on Vimeo.