Handmade is the New Luxury: Why More and More People are Turning to Handmade Crafts
Whether it’s a recession indicator or a return to simplicity, one thing is clear: handmade products are having a moment in the spotlight, so much so that handcrafted products might be considered the new luxury.
For a long time, money has been equal to luxury. Being able to spend lots on a new item of decor or clothing meant that you were wealthy, that you had a luxurious lifestyle, but priorities seem to be changing now. It is now considered more of a luxury to own unique, handcrafted pieces that take a long time to create and may carry one or two imperfections that make them completely individual.
We live in a fast-moving society. Hustle Culture is everywhere, and turns time itself into a luxury item. Being able to dedicate time to creating a handmade decoration, for example, is a quiet display of both commitment and free time. Having the ability to put aside time to make something is a luxury in itself, while others might struggle to balance their busy schedules.
It is undeniable that similarity is quite common nowadays, with trending clothes, devices, and hair dye colours; individuality is rarer. There’s nothing wrong with it in particular, but maybe this upward tick in homogeneity is what has pushed the latest trend back into the realm of uniqueness. A handmade item is just that: individual, unique. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, it isn’t a mass-produced item. You own something that not everyone does, and it can be thrilling to know that.
Handmade crafts are not just a trend, they're a part of a wellness movement. People are prioritizing mindfulness and reducing screen time, especially during the darker winter days. Making something by hand means spending less time on your phone and having something tangible to show for it. It’s a therapeutic activity that allows you to unleash your creativity, step away from the screens, and enhance your overall enjoyment of life.
It’s also a suitable replacement for other social activities. Instead of just going to the pub, people might choose a sip and paint with their friends. You still get to have a drink if you wish, but you’re also doing a creative activity, and you’ll have something to take away with you at the end of the session. Pottery painting is also another popular pastime. You go along, pay for your chosen item, whether it be a mug, a trinket dish or a vase, and you can lean into your imagination and paint whatever you like. It’s a great option because you don’t have to pay for all of the paint supplies yourself.
Another popular craft is scrapbooking. Whether it's a general scrapbook or one for a particular holiday, you can really lean into your creativity by cutting out photos, adding stickers, and drawing designs. It’s such a unique and personalised way to keep your memories, instead of just scrolling through your camera roll.
It seems like a widespread phenomenon to embrace creativity and the handmade arts right now, with words like “whimsical Christmas” trending on TikTok. More and more people are choosing to make paper chains, orange garlands, and paper stars rather than just buying decorations, and there are lots of reasons for it. Of course, it can be a cheaper option to create handmade decorations from materials you might already have at home, and it’s also better for the environment, something that Gen Z in particular are passionate about. Aside from that, however, making your own decorations and crafts is nostalgic. It can take you back to school days, when you would cut snowflakes from sheets of paper and bake orange slices to hang up.
Most importantly, in a time when technology is so abundant, handmade crafts and decorations can be comforting, whether you buy them or make them yourself. They remind us of our creativity and our humanness; they’re made with hands, fingers and soul, not just by a machine.
Written by Freya Dunlop @Freyadunlop
Edited by Shaunamay Martin Bohan @f4wnfatale
