The value of art and craft work

is so under rated because of the mass commercialism of things, that is very hard to look at some thing and say well, that is worth at least $100 when you know you can get a poor copy or something similar for $5 at the local dollar store. The reason I bring this up is because of this post on her blog which I read on regular basis.

I come across a lot of blogs were things are sold. Some like this one are a pure delight and I think to myself if only I had $60 to spare for the swaddled baby on her Esty shop or $90 for her boyfriend 1. Doing arts and crafts things myself, I realise how much time and effort are put into this kind of work. Pottery is another thing I go ditsy over and of course painting. My god if only I could afford a painting by Margaret Hunter or Eileen Cooper. My house would be so crowded. Unfortunately I don't have the money so I contend myself with drooling over web pages and blogs.

I must admit though I will go to craft fairs, looking for cheaper stuff. Not because I don't appreciate the work and skill that is involved but simply because the purse isn't big enough to buy anything much over $40, especially as most fairs charge a large fee to get into and I have a husband attached who doesn't understand the attraction to dolls etc. He does like wooden boxes though. Unfortunately most of the good stuff is way over that price.

Of course I don't have a good opinion of most of the craft fairs I have been to in this area as a lot of the vendors are trading exactly the things that making being an artisan difficult, mass productions items from China or Taiwan. If I go to a craft or art fair I want it to be made by the person who is selling the item, thats the reason I am there, not to see something mass produced I can get in any local store. If they are selling stuff I want a blog or website address so I can see more of their work. I am a pig of a customer it seems.

Anyway I am resolved to buy one of Mimi's dolls but not this month as I have just spend a fortune on beads.