The assembly line of handmade gifts continues at Bittersweet. Each time I begin putting together a new made by hand gift a feeling of joyful contentment fills my heart.
These little coin purses are easy to make and require only a few scraps of fabric. I used an old linen tablecloth for the lining that had been tore and tattered beyond repair. I've slowly cut around the worn pieces of the cloth to create other things over the years. I purchased the clasps at our local craft store, but I noticed they are available online too. They cost a few dollars less at the craft store. I usually take advantage of coupons that arrive in the mail and then purchase one or two each time I visit.
Here we go....
Since Bittersweet makes so many different handmade items we need to know exactly what our manufacturing cost for each item that's made. The cost is then calculated and reflected into the finished product. We demand quality supplies and make every attempt to by American before choosing any other manufacturer.
I've written numerous past posts about how much time can be spent trying to find reliable,quality minded made in America wholesalers that provide excellant service and product. I believe the time invested is worth it as the final prototype is proudly not only created in America, but the items used to design it are as well!
From our midwest friends at the sheep farm to our lavender and snowberry harvesters from the south we are appreciative of your service and quality products.
Going back a bit...I have not been able to find an American company that makes the small coin purse clasps as of yet, but my search continues♥
Lately there seems to be a lot of talk about how we should buy American. I believe we should have been thinking about that years ago. Although not impossible, it will be a challenge to turn things around. Our country would be the wealthiest of nations if most everything was made in our home land.
Five years ago when I managed the retail Bittersweet shop downtown it became clear to me how most items that lined the shelves at specialty boutiques were not made in America. Since I made everything that I sold in my shop I was a minority. Having experienced that helped me to further see the future of what was to come.
I remember customers excitement the first time they entered Bittersweet Boutique. They most always asked me, "where do you get all the items you sell?" I would always reply with the same answer, "I make them." They would say, "All of them!" Then a smile would appear on their face and they quickly began filling their baskets with handmade Bittersweets. I'm proud to say, most of those same patrons remain Bittersweet customers to this day and frequent the Saturday Studio.
Nowadays it has become a sacrifice to purchase items made in America as the other guys have sold us out and our operating a huge monopoly. You remember playing that game when you were a kid, don't you? Using the game Monopoly as a metaphor seems kind of strange, but that is exactly what's happening.
How can we BEGIN to change how things run? I stress the word BEGIN because to make this change will be long and drawn out and will take a number of years possibly I won't even see it in my lifetime. That's if we start NOW!
It's not like you need to run out and purchase everything made in America! In fact, if you're looking for say a new big screen television you're out of luck anyway!
No, the process of purchasing American made begins small, but finishes BIG!
Something to ponder, h'm....
Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.
Warmly,
Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)
