THE HANDMADE MANIFESTO

There is a quiet revolution sweeping the world.

You’ve noticed.

In almost every store. Somewhere in almost every refrigerator. Restaurant. Closet. Winery. Bakery. Beauty counter. Service provider. Artisan-made. It’s right there, boldly on the label, silently staring back at us.

Why? Because people really do care. In a world increasingly anonymous and consolidated, we seek balance. Instinctively and purposefully. We crave meaning and authenticity—now more than ever. And perhaps, just perhaps, we begin to remember who we are. Not so long ago, most of us were artisans. A hundred years ago? Less? Welcome home, we might start saying to each other. Welcome home. And let’s start talking about it.

Handmade is a movement of We. It belongs to all of us. It is core to our beings. It is a partnership of many. Fundamental to those of us who choose to vote with our dollars for quality, fair trade, and authenticity—in every realm of our lives. The Handmade Movement is fast outgrowing its original niche of artisanal companies and supportive customers. We are many, many millions, everywhere.

Handmade is a very powerful concept. It is a belief system. One that appreciates quality. Culture. Heritage. Nature. Accountability. Fair trade. The Handmade Movement is relevant in all aspects of our lives, and bridges all lines of work, all cultures, all borders. It’s apolitical. Handmade is the alternative to a future most of us won’t accept. Where everything is the same. Where everyone looks the same. Eats the same. Where meaning and culture and tradition are lost.

Handmade is the beautiful, attainable alternative.

We are honored to be one of the founding voices in the Handmade Movement, dating back to our parent company Novica’s launch in 1999. We work very hard, every single day, to assist the world’s keepers of the arts. Handcrafts are our realm, our passion, our focus. We’re thrilled that our impact group has already climbed to millions of customers and tens of thousands of artisans and their dependents. So many lives improved thanks to our visionary logistics teams, our innovative tech teams, our devoted in-country region teams, and our impassioned customers.

To our customers—you make a difference every single time you choose handmade over factory made. We’re profoundly grateful to you for this choice.

In every aspect of our lives, each of us encounters handmade choices every day. The choice to support our fellow human beings and small businesses, rather than anonymous conglomerates. The choice to buy or grow organic, rather than factory farmed. The choice to invest in meaningful products that endure—and a healthier, sustainable, equitable future. Because it’s the right thing to do.

Join us. And fasten your seatbelts!

Oh, and welcome home!