I like handmade things.

They may be imperfect, they may be a bit rough around the edges, but they have been made with care, attention and skill.

They are probably more repairable, more durable and certainly will develop a lot more character than a mass produced, machine made, souless object that has travelled thousands of miles to be stacked on a shelf and forgotten.

A handmade stoneware, locally fired mug may cost more initially than a cheap one picked up from a supermarket. But it will serve a different purpose and take on a diferent role.

The handmade mug will support that craftsperson who made it and fired it. It will not get pushed to the back of the cupboard. It may not get used in the garden or the woodland, but thats what tin mugs are for. Tea tastes better from a tin mug, drunk outdoors. The handmade mug will age, possibly chip a little, collect tannin stains and memories. At some point, a relative or friend may have to box it up after you’ve gone, and they may remember you sitting at the table drinking from it, late at night, sharing a slice of cake, maybe a story, listening and laughing.

Or a leather belt. Properly riveted, thick full tanned leather, that will develop its own patina and creases as you wear it, and that will never fit anyone else in quite the same way.

Handmade may seem more expensive at the outset. But you’ll only need to buy it once rather than replace it all the time. And, you’ll get something repairable, durable, independent, unique and different.