Are handmade things still worth it?
The hidden happiness of “handmade” movements
Handmade Happiness: Why Making Things Matters
In a world where we can order almost anything with a few taps on a screen and have it delivered within hours, the idea of spending days knitting a scarf, weeks building a wooden chair, or hours painting a pot may seem quaint—or even inefficient.
And yet, handmade items persist. They keep appearing at farmers’ markets, Christmas fairs and, of course, in our homes. Why? Because “handmade” means far more than just an object—it’s a process, a story, and a dose of joy that no factory production line can replicate.
Crafting for Your Mental Health
Let’s start with you—the maker. The simple act of creating something with your own two hands can be a balm for the mind. Studies show that crafting reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts overall happiness. It’s a sort of moving meditation: whether you’re kneading dough, crocheting a blanket, or painting rocks for the garden, your focus narrows to the task at hand. That quiet concentration leaves less room for life’s noisy worries to barge in. It is also a fantastic detox from screens and social media if you remember to switch off and plug out. (But its OK to listen to a podcast or audiobook if you want to…)
There’s also the glorious moment of transformation. A ball of yarn becomes a beanie. A lump of clay morphs into a mug. A bag of flour and sugar emerges from the oven as cookies. You get the double hit of calm and the thrill of accomplishment. And unlike playing 20 levels of Candy Crush, this leaves you with something tangible at the end.
The Beauty of Imperfection
One of the most delightful things about handmade items is that they wear their imperfections proudly. A slightly uneven stitch, a wobbly paint line, or a quirky glaze drip doesn’t ruin the piece—it makes it unique. These “flaws” are proof of the human hands behind the object.
In fact, the Japanese have a whole philosophy around this idea: wabi-sabi, which celebrates imperfection and impermanence. That uneven ceramic bowl? It’s not a failure—it’s character. Compare that to machine-made goods, which might be technically perfect but lack soul. Handmade items remind us that beauty doesn’t come from uniformity, but from personality.
A Story in Every Stitch
When you receive something handmade, you don’t just get an object—you get a story. That scarf your friend knitted isn’t just wool. It’s the tale of evenings spent curled up with needles, maybe a few muttered curses when stitches were dropped, and the ultimate triumph of binding it off. A loaf of homemade bread carries with it the story of hands kneading, flour dust in the air, and the smell of baking that filled the house. Even the smallest handmade trinket says: “I thought of you, and I spent my time—not just my money—on this”
Handmade Connections
Handmade gifts and goods also strengthen bonds between people. A crocheted baby blanket passed down from a grandmother isn’t just fabric—it’s a hug across generations. A hand-painted birthday card says more than a store-bought one ever could. And when you share your creations—cookies with coworkers, jam with neighbours—you’re not just giving food, you’re sharing a piece of yourself.
Communities, too, thrive on handmade culture. Think of quilting bees, knitting circles, pottery classes, or even just “paint and sip” evenings These gatherings aren’t just about making things; they’re about making connections. In a digital world, handmade crafts anchor us in the tactile and the communal.
Park Runs are great, but did you know we have a South African Quilters Guild?
Also try:
Paint and Sip (In Jo’Burg)
Online: SewYeah social club
Handmade History
For most of human history, everything was handmade. Clothes, furniture, tools—if you wanted it, someone had to physically make it. The Industrial Revolution flipped that on its head, bringing convenience and affordability but also a certain loss of intimacy with our belongings. This is why handmade items carry a nostalgic weight. They connect us to traditions of craftsmanship, self-sufficiency, and heritage. They keep history alive.
Think of heirlooms: a handmade quilt, a carved walking stick, or a beaded necklace. These pieces often outlive their makers, carrying stories forward. That’s not something you can say about mass-produced throw pillows from the bargain bin.
Why Handmade Matters in a Mass-Market World
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a quick mug from the store. But handmade items add richness to our lives in ways mass-market ones can’t.
- They’re unique. No two handmade items are ever quite the same.
- They’re sustainable. Handmade goods often use local or recycled materials, and they resist throwaway culture.
- They’re personal. A handmade object tells you something about the maker.
- They slow us down. Both in making and appreciating them, handmade items remind us to pause, value, and savour. (And once you are the one buying the raw materials you become pretty resource frugal!)
Can Handmade Be Trendy?
Absolutely. Walk into any hip café and you’ll likely see hand-thrown pottery mugs or hand-painted murals. Farmers’ markets teem with artisanal soaps and candles. Instagram is full of makers turning hobbies into side hustles. Handmade isn’t just rustic anymore—it’s stylish, modern, and cool. In fact, “handmade” has become shorthand for authentic, something people crave in an age of mass-produced everything.
Not Just for Gifting
Handmade isn’t only about what you give to others—it’s about what you keep for yourself. That shelf you built, that painting you splattered onto canvas, even the clumsy clay cup your child made in school—these items fill your home with meaning. They reflect not just your taste, but your effort, your history, and your heart.
It’s not about being good. It’s about being genuine.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be “good” at crafting to reap the benefits. Handmade isn’t about perfection; it’s about expression. A lumpy loaf of bread is still delicious. A crooked scarf still keeps you warm. Handmade says: I made this, and it’s mine.
Handmade = Human
At the end of the day, handmade matters because it’s human. It reminds us that our worth isn’t measured by how fast we can click “add to cart” but by the time, care, and love we put into the world. A handmade object is proof of patience, creativity, and connection. And buying something handmade, particularly when it’s local, is a great way to ensure you are supporting the right parts of the economy. Temu supports a dock worker or cargo loader. Takealot supports a delivery guy…but a handmade décor piece or clothing item can support a whole different grassroots industry.
So whether you’re kneading, stitching, painting, carving, or baking—embrace the handmade. It might not always look perfect, but it will always matter.
