Hi everyone and thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I am the owner and aministrator of Sell Handmade, Australia's online craft market.
I began creating jewellery in 2002 and shortly after I also began to sell beading supplies. But I do come from a long line of handcrafters so I have been making knitted, crocheted and cross stitched items since I was 8. As most of us have done, I did my selling on eBay and also at local markets. Soon though, eBay began to get expensive and having to compete with cheap imports I decided to set up my own web store. So I cut down on my eBay selling and simply used it as an advertising means to get new customers to know about my online store.
I continued to sell at markets until December 2003. As most market stall holders will tell you, market fees have risen and on top of that you have rising petrol costs. Market stall holders also have to contend with cheap imports and mass produced products even at markets that profess to only allow handmade crafts.
All of these situations as well as having 4 children, led me to really consider setting up Sell Handmade. After a few glitches the 'proper' site was launched in March 2009. And I am really excited about the prospects of Australians been able to sell their crafts without having to compete against the rest of the world. I recently also allowed New Zealand residents to sell on Sell handmade as I feel they are pretty much in the same boat as us.
But let's not forget about the upsides of buying handmade. As a crafter myself I can say that I put care, effort and skill into my handmade products. I am not just selling an item, I am selling my skill and reputation. Most crafters do just the same. So you are sure to purchase a quality item.
Aside from that, buying from Sell Handmade guarantees that you are buying Australian Made because non Australian residents are not allowed to sell here. And with the wide variety of items on offer you are sure to find that perfect gift or personal item.
And another pro is that you do not have to visit craft markets around the state you live in or the country. As more and more crafters make their items available on Sell Handmade, you can buy from across the country without leaving your home.
So why not have a browse now, that special unique item you been searching for may be waiting for you.
Thank you kindly,
Barbara R Maccarrone
Sell Handmade
I love the boyish look of this card which is not usual in greeting cards. Most baby boy cards have that girly look to it. But this one is all boy with the bright colours and the boats. And it's very reasonably priced in comparison to mass produced cards of quality.
Diva-Mu is a seller on Sell Handmade. I have picked one of her items as I really like it, but she has others you may like youself. Click the seller logo on the right to be taken to her store.
You are just not going to find this gorgeous hair clip at any store, specially not a handmade one. How gorgeous would this feel to wear? And if you're like me and you just wear what you feel according to your mood, then you will probably wear this alot.
This agate necklace is a simple yet elegant piece. I can imagine wearing it with you favourite black top either in summer or winter. You could even wear it with turtle necks and still bling some jewellery in those grey winter days.
Sparkling Dragon Designs is a seller on Sell Handmade. I have picked one of her items as I really like it, but she has others you may like youself. Click the seller logo above to be taken to her store.
Thi is a cute necklace and very reasonably priced. It is quite different for that unique girl who doesn't follow fashion trends but wears what she feels.
