Why handmade always outshines bulk-made
I’ve thought about this a lot When I think of offering a gift to someone special, more often than not I will lean towards the beauty of handmade or handcrafted. And if you are on the receiving end of a special gift, what could be more special than something utterly unique that is handcrafted with care and passion. So, with that in mind, I’ve written here about why a handmade gift always outshines a bulk-made gift (in my well-crafted opinion, anyway!).
Every handmade piece is unique For me, a handmade item is one that expresses the influences in my life. For a socially averse, health challenged, hypersensitive, pain-afflicted introvert like me, I resonant most with the quiet natural word; listening to the rain, breathing deeply through tai chi movements or watching the white blossoms pop out of dead sticks on my plum tree. This all finds its way back into my creative work as inspiration and is why I’m convinced that handmade will always be more authentic than something made by a machine. I’m sure that you can sense the music I listen to or the cups of Dilmah extra-strength English breakfast tea I imbibe in the sun when I need a break. And an industrial machine certainly doesn’t stop to take the dog for a walk!
Crafted with care Every handmade piece I create is completely unique and takes its own sweetest time. Handmade art prioritises care, while bulk production prioritises speed. I’ve always been drawn to quiet uniqueness (perhaps because I never really felt I “fit in” to this world). I’m sure this is what makes my handcrafted items so compelling for me to share, as they reflect my distinct take on life, the universe and everything. I ensure that no two watercolour paintings are exactly alike, and each felt ornament or figure receives my personal attention. And, so I’ve been told, 81% of customers say that uniqueness is their number one reason for choosing handmade over bulk made, something that’s precious rather than throwaway. That’s great news!
The story behind the piece matters When I wake up in the morning, my focus is firstly on the energy levels my health allows, which leads to what I can do in a morning and late afternoon (my most creative times). I choose whichever “creative station” set up throughout the house I want to work on for the day (painting, DIY kits, felt decorations, sewing, knitting, writing, botanic jigsaw puzzles, etc.). When I am preparing and stitching felt ornaments, it’s a slow and considered process, with each colour or bead selected for its connection to the whole piece and where my conscientiousness (revealed in my earliest school report) ensures the highest quality. When I paint, I’m absorbed into the inspiration of my creation, and, as you’ll see from my eclectic range of watercolours, I am constantly inspired. I love it when the paint hits the water: it’s mesmerising to watch this process and to see how the water and ink develop. I’m sure that this level of connection is what makes handmade feel different in your hands or to your eyes.
Handmade supports sustainability - what could be better? Since I was young, I’ve always loved the idea of “making do” or repurposing what’s around me. This started mostly out of necessity, when we only had access to random stashes of bits and pieces that our crafty mother had collected. I didn’t know the word “sustainability” then. So “making do” to me now means upcycling fabric and sourcing locally or creating with whatever is available so that there’s less waste. Even tiny scraps of felt can used to make little leaves for pōhutukawa flowers or the hearts of little flowers – scraps that might otherwise be thrown out (I cannot bear waste – it hurts my sensitive soul!).
Does a bulk-made product ever tell you a great story? When you hang one of my watercolours or display one of my embellished felt Christmas ornaments, you carry part of New Zealand, and part of my life with you. My New Zealand flora and fauna art works are designed to be keepsakes, not disposable clutter. Living at various times in England, Hong Kong and France has contributed to the fine-tuning of my eye to the colour and detail of different cultures. Each of my works is also imbued with my family life, music, languages and nature, not to forget my health. Because I live with a connective tissue disorder, this determines how much I can do on any day. For example, between a spine fusion and a heart attack, I pulled out all of my leftover patchwork fabrics and created metres of colourful baby-sized bunting. It was a vital way to create within my physical limits and a fabulous and colourful way to rehabilitate.
Building creative connections One of the loveliest things about buying handmade is the personal connection with the maker. For a social introvert like me, online communication is the best way to chat and connect: sitting for hours at a craft stall just isn’t possible. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I should share what I do, until I realised that if I liked my pieces, then surely someone else might too! So, when someone orders from me, it’s more than a transaction; it’s sharing a significant part of my life story and connecting with others who appreciate the internal reasons many of us create. I am thrilled when buyers let me know how much they love their watercolour print or whatever their felt creation means to them.
Would you like to bring a piece of my handmade joy into your life? Visit my Sara Meade Design shop to explore my range of watercolour prints, greeting cards, and felt ornaments. I’m also providing felt ornament DIY kits as fully supplied kits, along with PDF knitting patterns for bouncing babies and cosy toes. Watch out for 2026 calendars coming soon!
Best wishes, Sara
