At Just Makers, we are proud to support handmade, Yorkshire-made and our artists and makers who put so much care into all that they produce.
When so much in today's world is faster, cheaper and available at the click of a button by either same day or next day delivery, it's actually quite refreshing and powerful to discover something handmade.
Buying handmade means slowing down, connection to real people and remembering that real art and quality craftsmanship takes time.
Being surrounded by handmade art and products in our shop every day is something we don't take for granted. Every piece tells a story and knowing those stories, the artists behind the products and being able to see the joy in a customer who falls in love with a particular piece is a true privilege.
Why then does buying handmade really matter?
1. Handmade involves a human touch
Handmade means just that. It's been produced by a person and not a machine or production line. Each of our artists and makers has spent years learning their craft, experimenting, perfecting and putting their creativity into their end results.
When you pick up a hand-thrown ceramic dish or an oil painted landscape, you really are choosing a piece of work that stems from an individual's patience, skill and care.
2. Handmade means unique and yes, it can mean imperfections
The beauty of handmade items is that they can rarely be replicated by a machine. The small variations, such as a differing brush stroke, a different size to a stitch or swirl in the glaze makes each individual piece unique. Some might see these as imperfections, but if they are, surely that's what makes them wonderful?
3. Handmade supports real people and traditional skills
Every purchase from Just Makers not only ensures that we can keep our shop open, it also supports a Yorkshire artist or maker and keeps traditional skills from dying out.
And that support doesn't end there. Your purchases also help a wider community. At Just Makers, we and many of our artists aim to also collaborate with or purchase from other local businesses, including framers, printers and support services. Buying handmade means putting your money into a community where sustainability and creativity matter.
4. Handmade lasts
Mass produced items that are churned out in a factory are generally made to be replaced quickly. Most of our handmade items are made to last and to be treasured. Choosing handmade can mean choosing quality and longevity over throw-away trends.
5. At Just Makers, handmade means Yorkshire made!
We are proud to be within a county that's renowned for its artists and craftsmen. Yorkshire has always been a place of creativity, from mills and workshops to the modern studios of today found nestled in stone cottages. That spirit of craftsmanship runs through this county's core.
When you buy something handmade in Yorkshire, you take home a small piece of that heritage.
6. In a frantic world, handmade slows us down.
Exploring the beauty of handmade invites us to pause, appreciate the skill and time that has gone into something and it allows us to surround ourselves with things that have meaning. Shopping handmade from a small business like ours might not be click of a button, same day delivery, but they say that the best things in life are worth a wait!
Next time you visit Just Makers, whether that's by visiting our shop or our website, take the time to more closely consider the items on the shelves. Every item has a story and we are always happy to tell you more about the artisan's story behind an item you are considering. Or if you are browsing online, you can always click the 'Meet the Maker' button to learn more.
