In the past three years, I’ve spent quite a few week-ends attending various public markets and artisan fairs as a vendor. There is something very special about gathering local farmers and growers, artisanal food producers, artists and craft artisans, community organizations, topped with food trucks and live entertainment.
I enjoy taking part in these markets, they are bursting with tasty local food, unique products, friendly people and great music. As a vendor, they provide wonderful opportunities to acquire feedback on my products and earn new customers. People are really curious and they like to ask questions about the craft, the leather, the tools, they want to touch the products (smell it too!), observe how it’s made (I always bring my stitching pony along and use the down times to edge over with stitching tasks). I receive a lot of compliments about my products, most visitors are very enthusiastic about leather craft. Some of them however, hesitate a bit, then tell me “nice work” and move on to the next booth. I often secretly wonder why they held back, was it a personal preference, ethical or environmental concerns or was it maybe because of the price?
Nevertheless, there is still a percentage of the visitors that turn into customers and opt for a handmade leather accessory. Most of the time, they come back a few months later and buy again. I am going to preach for my parish, but there are several advantages of buying handmade leather goods. Here are 5 good reasons to support your local leather craft artisan:
1. Craftsmanship and connection
Every item is handcrafted with the highest care, one at the time. This is the exact opposite of mass-produced, factory-made items. Skilled artisan gives the utmost attention to every detail when creating a piece. Beginning with a careful curation of high-quality leather hides and continuing through the processes of transforming raw material into luxurious accessories, each stage is guided by a profound respect for the craft. Every item shows the distinct mark of the artisan's hand, giving it a distinctive character that resonates with individuals who value the fine things in life. Overall, the result is a product of unmatched quality which provides you with a special connection to the maker. Next time you visit a craft fair, take the time to connect with artisans and learn more about the craftsmanship and dedication what went into the creation of their products, I promise you it will make you appreciate your purchase even more!
2. Durability
Built to last, leather products are made from high-quality materials and crafted using traditional, century old techniques. The time-intensive nature of handmade production allows artisans to invest care and attention into each step of the process. This commitment to quality over quantity contributes to the overall durability of the final item.
Artisans typically select high-quality raw material for their handmade goods. Premium leather, especially full- grain or top-grain leather, is known for its durability, resistance to wear, and ability to develop a rich patina over time.
Many handmade leather items are hand-stitched rather than machine-stitched. Hand-stitching allows for greater control over the stitching process, resulting in stronger seams and a more robust final product.
3.Uniqueness and customization
Handmade items are often unique, as artisans may incorporate individual touches or variations in their work. Custom products can be tailored to the specific preferences or needs of the customer, allowing the customer to choose colors, styles, features and even add personalization. Also, leather is a product of wildlife and there will always be variations in texture, tanning, and finishing that contributes to the unique identity of each piece. There are a bunch of local markets, craft fairs, and artisanal shops around you that provide a diverse range of handmade items that can't be replicated in larger retail settings, providing a more unique and intimate shopping experience.
4. Supporting artisans and small businesses
Purchasing handmade goods supports independent artisans and help small businesses to grow while sustaining traditional craftsmanship. When buying from a small local business, the income generated stays within the local economy, fostering growth, creating jobs, and contribute directly to the economic development of your community!
Speaking of community, supporting local artisans brings people together, encourages collaboration, and creates a supportive network of individuals who appreciate and value the local arts and crafts scene. Without visitors, all markets, festivals and fairs wouldn’t be possible.
5. Sustainability and environment
I could write a whole blog post on ethical and environmental considerations in leather craft. At the end of the day, like in every industry, there are good players and bad players. It is the responsibility of the artisan to get informed about the production process of the tanneries he choses to buy from. With a little bit of research (organizations such as the Leather Working Group and the Consorzio Vera Pelle are great resources), one can decide to choose sustainably sourced materials, such as responsibly harvested leather or recycled materials, from tanneries with high animal welfare standards that also have environmentally friendly tanning processes.
As for the leather crafting process, investing in a handmade leather product helps fighting against throwaway culture. Long-lasting items reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimizing overall resource consumption and promoting more holistic and sustainable approach to the fashion industry, encouraging mindful consumption, ethical production, and environmental responsibility (also called “slow fashion”).
So, next time you visit a public market or an artisan fair, do not feel shy to interact with the vendors! Everyone has a different story but they all have one thing in common: they care about high quality, locally produced goods.