Handcrafted products designed and made by a designer: a lifestyle choice
Industrialization is a symbol of that progress that we like so much but that at the same time has caused the gradual disappearance of craftsmanship and those trades that are part of an ancient tradition and handed down from generation to generation. The damage caused by mass production, by the throwaway culture are clearly visible today: nature rebels, showing a violent side of itself and significant imbalances. In a context of great criticality, handmade, which for years has been attributed a negative meaning, acquires an added value. Currently, the sector is among the few capable of implementing a profound ecological transformation. A handmade object is a small work of art, the fruit of imagination, planning and creativity, often made with recycled raw materials for a reduced environmental impact.
The creator of LA STANZA NEL BOSCO , Stefania, not only an artisan but also a designer, guides us in this exploration of the world of craftsmanship and the value of handmade products. The difference between an artisan and a designer-maker is in the design. The artisan creates objects with skill and dedication, while the designer-maker adds design to the process, creating objects that are not only beautiful but also functional and innovative. Both contribute to the return of a more sustainable approach to production, which respects the environment, supports local communities and celebrates individual creativity.
A designer who creates his or her designs by hand, rather than through industrial production, may be called an "artisan designer" or a "design-maker." These terms emphasize the ability to create one-of-a-kind or limited-edition objects, highlighting the artisanal and personalized aspect of his or her work. An artisan designer is distinguished by his or her attention to detail and quality, often using traditional techniques and high-quality materials to realize his or her designs.
Buying a toy pillow for our children or any other handmade object designed by a designer means ensuring that the market can develop an ethical orientation, in support of the community and all those small local businesses that operate with passion and commitment, in the continuous search for perfection. Handmade undoubtedly has a greater value than industrial production, even in terms of costs. However, people are not always able to give the right recognition to a handmade product.
So let's find out the reasons for choosing handmade.
1) Handmade allows you to obtain a unique, original and exclusive piece
For a long time, handmade was not seen favorably. Even today, for some, buying a handmade object is an expense reserved for only a few, while for others, it is synonymous with poor quality, something that everyone can do. In reality, behind plush pillows for children or another handmade product there is a piece of history, culture and a lot of work (which includes numerous studies, tests and sometimes even failures). Even by adopting various precautions, you will never be able to obtain a result identical to the original, but only a unique and exclusive piece capable of expressing the personality of the person who will use it.
2) It gives the possibility to establish a human relationship with the craftsman
Direct contact with the craftsman (in person, via email or telephone) is useful for deciding together how to personalize a product, choosing together the materials to use, the types of colors, the details and those valuable details that make an object unique and unrepeatable. The finished work therefore demonstrates that not everything that is beautiful must necessarily be mass-produced.
3) You become part of a craftsman's dream
By purchasing a handmade product, you become part of the complex world of an artisan. In addition to knowing the specifics (where the raw material used comes from, the techniques used for its creation, the time required for production), you have the opportunity to learn more in-depth information such as the source of inspiration, the number of tests before achieving a satisfactory result or the history of the professional (some, for example, have decided to exploit their skills and open a business after losing their job due to the pandemic or other adverse situations). Furthermore, an artisan is always proud to make his reality known to those who commission a work. Not infrequently, you can have the opportunity to directly access the laboratory and witness some phases of the processing live, without any filters, which helps to better understand its value.
4) It is certain that inhuman work and exploitation are not encouraged
Craftsmanship restores dignity primarily to people. By purchasing a hand-made embroidered cushion , a game or any other object with a handmade certification, you are sure not to exploit the work of underpaid workers or, even worse, children. It is impossible to hide your head in the sand. News reports, documentaries and various journalistic investigations have testified over the years to the inhuman conditions to which many workers are subjected, even at the minimum wage. Perhaps it is time to ask ourselves why some mass-produced items cost so little and what lies behind it.
5) Handmade is eco-sustainable
As is well known, most of the big international brands are not eco-friendly, even though many of them are undergoing a complex process towards lower carbon dioxide emissions into the air. Aware of the value of the environment, artisans prefer to work using ecological or recycled materials. In this sense, they limit the use of machinery and chemical products, consequently reducing waste production. Therefore, handcrafted objects are safe, free of phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, solvents and toxic dyes.
6) You have the opportunity to support local communities and realities
Buying plush cushions or other handmade objects at the small shop in the village helps support the activity of the local artisan, carrying on an ancient tradition. At the same time, the local economy is growing. It is a conscious choice and a strong signal to make many people understand that it is nicer to have a connection with those who produce culture than, instead, with a silent shelf in a department store!
7) Ancient traditions are kept alive
Craftsmanship, as already mentioned, is art and the fruit of ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation (just think of embroiderers and seamstresses, or goldsmiths or experts in wrought iron work). Owning a handmade object is a privilege, as well as an interesting investment. Modern crafters also have the extraordinary ability to blend history with a pinch of modernity, so as to be able to guarantee the production of unique objects that are always in step with the times.
8) Handmade gives value to people
The disposable industry mass-produces various types of items and toys that could satisfy the needs of only a part of the buyers. For the craftsman, however, the customer counts, has a value. He is a person and not a simple number, which is why he creates any creation with passion and attention to detail, acting as a severe judge of himself. For the crafter, in fact, each object must be able to express the personality of the person who buys it and not encourage mass purchases.
9) Handmade is not approximate
In the world of a craftsman there is no room for approximation. Every detail is taken care of with extreme precision even if this could mean using more time. Whether it is a particular stitching, the attachment of a label or a button, everything is defined impeccably. It is no coincidence that the prices of hand-made items are higher than those found on the shelves of large retailers, and rightly so.
10) Handcrafted objects combine and experiment with different styles
Fruit of the creativity and inventiveness of crafters with solid experience behind them, artisanal products reflect the needs of those who commission them. Made with love and passion, they are the direct consequence of new and different ideas, of the combination of innovative shapes and colors, of the experimentation of complementary styles and unusual materials. Unlike mass production, artisans manage to create a better world by expressing themselves with their imagination, while having fun at the same time.
Handmade therefore takes on a different value if the points just listed are considered. Buying from an artisan and spending a few euros more should not be a problem, especially considering that no one will ever have a similar object, as unique as the person who chose it. An excellent gift idea for a special occasion, but also to stimulate the development and growth of the little ones in complete safety, handmade products are a true privilege, like those available on the e-shop La Stanza nel Bosco.
Beautiful to look at and inspired by the magic of nature, our animal-shaped cushions are well-finished, high-quality, environmentally friendly and made from materials whose origin is easy to know. On the site, you can also find many other cute objects such as mugs, coloring books, but also embroidered and personalized pajamas.