Putting Soul in your Handmade Shop

[#1]

I was on the marketing committee for my local team's holiday market last year (go HandmadeMN!), and when I was interviewed about it by a local magazine, they asked me, "Why handmade?" My answer, in a nutshell, was that handmade has soul.

That interview got me to thinking about how, exactly, soul is evident in handmade items. As makers, we all know that something that is hand crafted is made with care and attention, by a real person who is attentive to the process and whose creative energy has brought something new and beautiful into the world. But how is that expressed in the final product, and how do we convey that soulfulness in an online marketplace, where we don't get to meet our customers face to face?

To puzzle it out, I looked to the handmade purchases I've made, and what compelled me to take the final step of committing to buy a handmade item. The biggest factors were:

1) Connecting. I had gotten to know the maker via teams or Twitter, so I laughed with them, or brain-stormed with them, swapped recipes, or simply had a cup of coffee on Twitter with them in the morning. Through those interactions, I also got to know their creative processes, and I could picture them in their studios, tinkering away at wire-wrapping, or burning wood, screen printing a tee, or pouring soap. Now, whenever I wear those earrings, or write a note on one of those cards, or wear my awesomely soft and beautiful new tee, I think of my friends who made them.

How can you do this? Connect and engage in whatever form of social media you use. Not just to talk about your shop or products, but to interact with folks who have similar (or even dissimilar) interests. Just hang out.

2) The maker's essence was evident in the uniqueness of the product, and the item itself had personality that could not be mass produced. Since I don't know the forum etiquette on using example shops, even in a positive way, let's just say there are some very, very funny greeting cards here on Etsy.

How can you do this? Highlight the uniqueness of your product in your photos or descriptions. If you are in a highly saturated category, and you know there are many others who have a similar product, then perhaps describe a detail about the day you made the item. It would be helpful if it is a detail others could relate to, would bring a positive association to most people, or might resonate with others in some way.

3) The maker was deeply connected with his or her craft and was mindful of the origin and sustainability of supplies or ingredients he or she used. Between the item's title, description, and photographs, it was obvious to me that the maker poured him or herself into every stage of the process. The finished product was something I resonated with because I got where the maker was coming from, and I was coming from that same place.

How can you do this? Describe your product from a personal level, using first person singular ("I" not "we" - it took me a long time to figure out that "I" makes it much easier to connect with the fact that an individual human being, with thoughts and emotions and soul, actually made this item), what compelled you to make it, why you chose the ingredients/supplies/design you chose, something about your process. Share yourself with the customer. I know this can make you feel vulnerable, but that's what makes us human.

4) I knew on some level that there could be a continued connection after I made the purchase. I can tell the seller "I wore my shirt the other day and got so many complements on it!" It makes both the maker and me happy, and that's just a win win.

How can you do this? Make yourself approachable and available. Tell your story in your profile - who are you? Not just as a seller/maker/crafter, but as a person? Mention in your listings and your profile that customers are welcome to convo you with any questions. If someone initiates contact with you, respond to them in a friendly and timely manner, and make sure to let them know you appreciate their interest in your shop.

5) The item was something I needed, and I just felt better about buying it directly from a real person who I knew made it herself, rather than from a big box store that sold something similar.

How can you do this? Explain why someone needs your item. Is it to make a living room more cozy and unique? Would it look totally hot with a plunging neckline? Would it be an awesome conversation piece? Does it make organizing easier? Does it cover your hands better than those goofy little short cleaning gloves at the grocery store? Will it help the customer reduce, reuse, or recycle? Will it dress up any outfit? Think about why you made it, and why or how YOU would use it, and express that in your description.

I've been trying since that interview to incorporate these kinds of things into my own shop, but I'm curious to hear from other sellers as well. How do you put soul into your shop?

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the tips! I need to subscribe to your blog :)

[HelensHatbox]

Going to try to reword some of my listings. My listings don't come near describing what goes into my hats and what I feel about them. I've done a lot of things that people have recommended and still NOT ONE SALE.

Going to make some complicated church hats and see what happens. I'd like to figure out how to get my military hats "out there" but I can't buy a special spot and wish that Etsy had a category within accessories for hats. They have categories for jewelry, shoes and purses, Why not hats?

[Former_Member]

So many good points that we can relate to. You are exactly right sacredsuds. Sellers make purchases on here too and we should think why we buy certain items. We have marked this to return to in the future. Thank you for sharing and motivating us!

[Former_Member]

I love handmade items, and love to support my fellow artisans. You are right, there is a lot of soul in handmade. Sometimes it is hard to part with an item due to the soul it had after it was made, and all through the process. My drawings are a part of me.:)

[HillCountrySilver]

Love this post! We do it because we LOVE doing it, whatever it is, and I find it fun trying to convey that in each listing!

[HillCountrySilver]

@helenshatbox, or is it copperhairartist-I'm confused?? Your hats are beautiful, but would look better (and probably sell better) if there was more HAT showing in your pics, not so much white styrofoam head. Maybe a wig or a real person. Best of luck!

[Former_Member]

Great post! Much to think about and add to my shop descriptions!

[Former_Member]

Wow. What a great post! I will be back later to read through the thread more (I'm on page 1!)

This has been really helpful to me. Even though I am a writer, I have a really tough time writing engaging descriptions for my work. This post has given me some great ideas.

I guess I worry about getting "too esoteric." Sometimes, when I think of one of my items, a quote from a poet or a snippet of poetry or an asbract image will come to mind, and I worry that if you're TOO "out there," that can turn some people off. I have a hard time finding the sweet spot between dull and "woowoo!" LOL!

[Former_Member]

@JenniferLynnProducts I think you should absolutely add quotes or poetry or anything like that that has meaning to you - that little touch is what makes you YOU, and gives your items that extra distinctive touch. Great idea!

[BeyondCrochet]

Reading this post and all the wonderful comments has been very inspiring. I take great pride in what I make, and truly hope that the heart and soul I put into my work shows.
I just recently "opened up" and revamped my Profile to really say who I am. Most of what I've put for sale so far has been very conservative - and although it IS one aspect of my personality, it is not the only one. I've been afraid to show too much of my wild Bohemian side in my work, but after reading all these posts I'm inspired to really let myself go. One thing I'm learning from just starting out is: There's a market audience for everything....so let yourself go, be yourself, and don't be afraid to show the many facets of your personality. There's nothing to say that I can't be both conservative AND eclectic. :)

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful insights.

[Former_Member]

great info and posts..i dont tweet or blog but when I get to etsy in the morning (even though a newbie) I always have convos or feedback and I feel i'm getting back up to speed with the folks I'm getting in more regular contact with..my circle is growing and it touch's my heart and soul..:) Thanks again for sharing!

[Former_Member]

What a great point to ponder upon. Putting one's soul! I absolutely love this idea or thought! Its made me so uppity and positive...a BIG Thank You!

[Former_Member]

@BeyondCrochet - "One thing I'm learning from just starting out is: There's a market audience for everything....so let yourself go, be yourself, and don't be afraid to show the many facets of your personality." - Exactly!! I couldn't have said it better myself :-)

[Former_Member]

Thank you, sacredsuds, for helping me reaffirm why I do this. Creating something by hand is a state of mind! I have a need to create, and when you purchase one of my artpieces, you take with you a part of me,

[Former_Member]

Great post! It is rewarding find a treasure created by a new friend. Shops that focus on creativity do catch my attention when I'm shopping.

[Former_Member]

Yes, I really need to include some soul part of the creative process. I draw and paint, then make note cards- which isn't a quickie one-day process. But the excitement of starting a new theme (most recently, giraffes) and following through on the path of developing their personalities is a blast. Thanks for another way of thinking in how I present myself and my work. SOUL, yeah, I can relate to that.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the idea. When I list my bracelets in my shop this week I will add a special remark my husband has made about these bracelets that were left after the sale of matching necklace and earrings. This will make the listings special and stand out.

[Former_Member]

Sacredsuds,

Thanks so much for sharing this! As a newish, just starting out seller these are all such valid points (and admittedly, things I was missing without knowing it). Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and starting the conversation!

Jen

[Former_Member]

Andrea this is a brilliant post - I couldn't agree more about the soul thing. Somebody asked me recently what inspired me to make things (not just my silver beads but anything creative at all); I told her it was because a little piece of my soul is in everything that leaves my workshop and that makes me feel connected with whoever eventually owns my work. I don't know if it's an age thing or a change in culture but for the past few years connecting with others has been awfully high on my agenda ;-)

[HelensHatbox]

I like the part about letting your soul flow through your listings. I try to make church hats that are glorious and would honor God and the woman who makes the hat beautiful by wearing it. It is part of who I am, along with being an artist and being patriotic and being tolerant of all of the creatures on the earth. I also know that putting your soul in things means making the things you love, putting that love out in the universe and waiting for someone to pick up on it. I've only sold 4 things so far, one to a lady I was in a BNR with and three to my best friend from college. I do know and feel however that sometime soon someone who needs and likes my hats will find my shop and buy a hat. Faith is something that you can't describe but you know that you weren't given the talent you have to let it go to waste. You also know that SOMEONE in the universe needs and wants EXACTLY what you have, they will find your shop and buy your creative dreams.

[Former_Member]

I can really relate to point #4 of your post.

I recently had one of the best interactions with a customer. She was buying one of my photos from Paris and mentioned that she was going there for a month-long visit with her 3-year-old daughter. I gave her all sort of advice on what to do, where to stay, etc. The interaction was really fun! She even ended booking an apartment with the same agency that I always use.

It's such a great feeling to make such a personal connection with a customer. She has promised to tell me how her trip went. I can't wait to hear about it.

After reading your article, I decided to add to my profile that I would love to share my advice and perspective on visiting Paris with anyone who felt like asking. :)

Great post! Thank you!

[Former_Member]

Hi

I am new to Etsy and this is a great post, I check my etsy first thing when my two year old is sitting on my lap at 6 am and my 10 week old is cooing away next to me. I catch up again at the end of the night when Lucy has gone to bed and James is snuggled on my lap. Sometimes James is just snoozing away surrounding by pots of pearls while I string my pearls! I just hope he doesn't wake and kick otherwise we get into a real mess"

This has inspired me to put more of my family and working story into my tweets and start my blog I have been a bit lost on how make them interesting enough. My tweet is @piccolissimoj
S

[myatticscharms]

Hi, new here...I have really enjoyed this posting and the thread that followed. I just wanted to add a word from the vintage seller world.
First, this has inspired me to get back to my art...which has been ignored for decades...I will be picking up my pen and ink pens again in the near future...thank you for reminding me...life can be such a creative numbing process.
Secondly, I wanted to point out that while I sell vintage items....and they are not handmade by myself...the soul, my soul, that I put into finding them, posting them and describing them is a big passion of mine.I love the hunt. Being a closet archeologist, I know the quality that some past lives have poured into these items, even though some were mass produced. I respect that. I treasure that they have survived through the years and love with my heart and soul sharing them with others...
Just wanted to point that out.
I love all of your creativeness and again thank you for reminding me of mine.

[Former_Member]

@mysticscharms I am so glad that you pointed out the soul in vintage - not just in the stories behind the items themselves (the hands that held them, the history each piece holds), but the passion involved in being a vintage seller. Beautifully said!

[Former_Member]

Loved this article! Thanks so much for sharing! I have so much to learn!