Think carefully: what was the last time you bought something truly handmade? Many of us may have purchased a mug made of clay or a handwoven basket. But bet it that the majority of us may not have even spent a single penny on any handmade product in our lifetime. This means the art and voice of artisans have been ignored. Due to this, hundreds of artisans have already switched their occupation. Now, it has become more important for us to support the remaining artisans in any way. In this article, we will share with you 5 different ways to support local artisans from today.
1. Say Yes to Handmade, No to Factory-Made
Honestly speaking, we are all now used to buying things that are cheap and convenient. But somewhere in that rush, we’ve detached ourselves from authentic things. When you choose handmade instead of factory-made, you’re choosing the true art. It can be a rug, bracelet, picture frame or wooden animal figurine. There’s no doubt that factory-made items look impeccable, but they’re often monotonous.Â
Handmade pieces, on the other hand, have minor imperfections that make them appear exclusive and real, just like the people who craft them. Plus, buying handmade supports an artisan directly to pay their bills, inspires them to continue their craft, and motivates them to pass their skills to the next generation.
If you have no idea where to start, visit your local art market, small boutiques, or even Instagram shops where artisans showcase their work. Each purchase, no matter how small it is, it matters a lot. Overall, it’s about making a contribution to the growth of local artisans.
2. Get to Know the Origin of the Craft
Every handmade item has a unique element in its design, and all credit goes to the artisan who created it. When you take a moment to understand the concept behind a craft, it changes the way you see it. The clay cup on your shelf might have been made by someone who learned the skill from their ancestors. The scarf you may wear could have come from a small village where weaving is a legacy. If you think of these products from this perspective, you will see someone’s journey in them.
This emotional connection with the crafts helps us to appreciate the human touch. You can also do it by chatting with artisans at local fairs, reading about their process, or following them on social media to see their daily work and challenges. Even a 5-minute conversation can make you realize how much patience, creativity, and heart go into what they do.
A great example is how young artisans are tying up with rural craft communities to share their side of the story with others. This simple act of storytelling has helped forgotten crafts find new admirers and buyers. It reminds us that behind every handmade item, there’s someone who dared to keep a tradition alive, despite very little profit.Â
3. Spread the Word—Online and Offline
We often underestimate how much our words matter, especially online. A single mention, tag, or shout-out can attract hundreds of new customers. Just think about it—how many times do you come across something new just because a friend shared it on social media? The same thing applies to handmade crafts. When you post a photo of a wooden puzzle box, you’re helping the artisan find new eyes and new admirers.
The key point is that you don’t need to spend a dime to do this promotion. It can be done with a short review, a comment, or featuring an artisan in your next story or blog post. Even offline, you can spread the word by talking about where you bought it, gifting it to someone and sharing its story.Â
Sadly, local artisans do not have their marketing teams or ad budgets. Their biggest support comes from people like you—real customers who genuinely love their craft. So, if there’s something you bought that makes you happy, let others know. Remember, sometimes the loudest form of support is simply sharing what you love.
4. Collaborate or Commission Custom Work
If there’s any way to make an impact, it’s by collaborating with local artisans instead of just buying from them. Collaboration gives their craft a new stage or platform and gives you an opportunity to do business, which is very rare. Just like an interior designer works with a local carpenter to create custom furniture, small businesses can use hand-painted packaging made by village artists. These partnerships not only help artisans to increase their bottom line but also lend a unique flair to every project.
Custom commissions are also influential. When you ask an artisan from anywhere to create something just for you—a personalized gift, a mural, or even a wood desk organizer—you’re giving them the freedom to experiment and express. It’s a creative exchange where both sides grow. The artisan gains exposure and confidence, while you get something meaningful and exclusive.
The best thing about these collaborations is that they spark innovation without losing the appeal of tradition. They merge heritage with modern design and prove that handmade art still has a place in today’s noisy world. So, the next time you plan a project or event, look around your community. You might just find a local artisan who can turn your vision into something truly unforgettable.
TLDR
Supporting local artisans is not a charity. It’s about respecting creativity, culture, and art that no machines can ever replace. Every time you buy a handmade item, you are playing a huge part in keeping the tradition alive and helping a creator continue their passion. At ArtistryBazaar, we work closely with artisans to bring their handmade creations to global markets, helping their art reach homes and businesses everywhere. We also offer free worldwide shipping, door-to-door delivery, flexible payments (just 30% upfront and 70% before dispatch), and an extra up to 10% off with our promo code.