"That is so cool! Where did you get that?"
I finger the conversation piece, "Oh, it was handmade, it's one of a kind."
I try to say it casually, like it's not a big deal, but as usual there is a moment of silence-then,
"Oh. So someone made it that you know?"
Here is where things change. Sometimes I say yes, and tell them it's someone that sells online, other times I say that I bought it from etsy, other times, I didn't know the seller and just smile mysteriously while saying that I can get the the info if they want one "almost" like it.
This all happened to me once again on Friday. I never know when it's going to happen, I just know that when it does it makes me happy. You see, there is something special about handmade or NOT mass produced items.
A unique way each person leaves their fingerprint on their craft
A special story behind why every crafter creates
A touch of pride each artist has in making sure their item is just perfect
Each piece is different no matter how much they were made to resemble.
But back to my story...
Where I work I have to wear a uniform, and for certain reasons we're not supposed to wear acrylic nails, any earrings that aren't studs, or any shoes that aren't black (to name a few little rules). Basically, we all look somewhat alike. I think we all want to be unique, but my way is usually to put on some sparkly aqua nail polish or a pair of custom made earrings.
Friday, it was the necklace. This adorable bottle cap necklace was made by an online friend Ingrid who you can find by clicking that name or going here . I can't remember why she was having a giveaway, but I won this necklace from her on her facebook fanpage. Around lunch time, about three co-workers gathered around me. One-a guy-said, "Can you turn it over? I want to see what it has on back." another said "Is that really a bottle cap?" a lot of "wow"s followed.
While we were all standing there another strolled up and said "That necklace is really cool..." Everyone looked at him and said "Duh, we were just talking about that."
My customers also commented; one noted that it matched my nail polish. I beamed...But casually, y'know?
I will wind down by saying this: I know you're a fashionista, a trendsetter, and all that. Prove it to everyone else by wearing things they couldn't copy if they wanted to! Nothing burns a girl up like being told that something they complimented can't be obtained by them. They won't be so upset that they will dislike you though, they'll just go find something similar, but never the same. See how that works? You're welcome.
Feel free to go check out my friend's shop...and of course with Christmas coming soon I'm working my poor fingers to the bones and I will once again be posting a bunch of great etsy shops for you to buy handmade/custom made from!
Also important: My website is coming along; I'm so excited to show it to you--when it's ready.
Elisabeth Arona
