I make my stuff, really!

[bmermaid]

Hahaha it kills me, but there are times when people don't believe I make my own stuff. I dye and print clothing... most of which I buy already sewn but white. Especially at a mixed show, I will point out that I dye everything myself... I have had people actually check my hands for dye stains! I pay them back with a very long, involved artnerd explanation of my process. Shuts them right up.

Anyway, it's a huge peeve to see imports at a 'juried' handmade show... like why make us submit pics at all? That guy is selling beads and rocks, not even pretending it's jewelry! I saw one booth that actually had Made in China printed on the bags the necklaces were in. Or what about those African carved statues or baskets? One show I do has a family selling woven hammocks that say Made in Mexico right on them, they say their family makes them in Mexico. Right.

I like to ask about how things are made... I have experience in just about every medium, so it's fun to ask lots of specific questions.

[thealteredchick]

I agree , It's very, very upseting to be at a handmade show and two booths (about 3 booths apart) had the exact same bags , same fabric, same decorations. The sign said locally hand made, I said , "when is China local." I also had a vendor want me to by some of her things and sell them. "I said it has to be hand made."She said "it is" I walked away. Thats how they think they can get away with it. It is handmade, but not in the US.
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[thealteredchick]

It is fun to ask them questions about how they "handmade" the item. They get very funny trying to come up with answeres, or just go on and don't answere the question.

[bmermaid]

Hi thealteredchick, welcome to the forum! I'm curious about your name, do you make clothing too?