My hands are stained with ink and dye, I’ve got a “vision” in my eye. I started with a simple plan, Then ignored it like a rebel can. The kitchen table? Gone from view, Buried under paint and glue. I bought more yarn, I bought more beads, To satisfy my “creative needs.” My spouse asks, Read More
Author: Miranda
When Handmade Starts Looking Fake: The Problem With AI-Generated Product Images
There’s a shift happening in the creative community, and not a good one. More and more, I’m seeing handmade products being run through AI image generators. Not edited, not enhanced, but re-created. At first glance, it might just look polished. A table placed in a cozy dining scene. Jewelry displayed on a perfect model. Everything Read More
The Broken Roses
Yesterday, while grocery shopping, we encountered the predictable Valentine’s Day spectacle—bunches of roses stationed strategically at the store entrance, their vibrant colors beckoning customers to participate in the annual ritual of commercialized affection. My partner and I have our own tradition. We wander to the card aisle together, read the funny ones aloud, share laughs, Read More
Why Focused Booths Sell Better at Craft Shows
If you’ve ever struggled with what to bring to a craft show, you’re not alone. Many makers are incredibly multi-talented. Jewelry and candles and soap and pottery. Creativity rarely stays in one lane, and that’s part of what makes the maker community so inspiring. But when it comes to selling at a craft show, there’s Read More
It’s Time to Retire “Handmade with Love”
Those three words, “Handmade with love.”, are everywhere in the maker community—on product tags, banners, social media posts, slapped onto everything from pottery to jewellery to woodwork like some kind of required disclaimer. I’ve been making and selling handmade goods for 43 years and producing craft shows for 26 years, and I’m convinced: it’s time Read More
What Most People Don’t See About the Cost of Making Art
This week, I stopped into a local art supply store to pick up a few paints I needed—just 8 small bottles (45ml each, or about 1.5 fl oz) and 3 tubes. That small haul came to over $100. To a fellow artist or maker, this probably doesn’t sound surprising. But to many people outside the Read More
The People Behind the Pieces: Why Handmade Is More Than Just the Product
Every morning when I reach into my cupboard, I’m greeted by a set of handmade pottery dishes. They have character—slight variations in the glaze, the subtle marks of the maker’s hand, the kind of beauty that only comes from something made with intention. They’re sturdy, beautiful, and uniquely mine—but what makes them truly special is Read More
Passion and Vulnerability: The Enviable Craftsmanship of Keith Brymer Jones
In a world that often encourages stoicism and emotional restraint, seeing someone publicly embrace their vulnerability is a refreshing and inspiring reminder of the power of authenticity. Keith Brymer Jones, a celebrated potter and ceramicist from the UK, exemplifies this beautifully. With over four decades of experience in pottery, he’s not just known for his Read More
Art vs. Craft: What is the difference?
Ever wondered where the line between art and craft lies? Spoiler alert: it’s not as clear-cut as you might think! Let’s dive into a colourful discussion that spans centuries and continents, shedding light on this ever-evolving debate. A Tale of Two Definitions Traditionally, “craft” refers to creating functional objects with a high degree of skill. Read More
Choosing Collaboration Over Appropriation in the Creative Community
I have been a part of the creative community for over 40 years, contributing as a maker, graphic designer, photographer, writer, teacher, event producer, among other roles. During that time I have become accustomed to seeing a lot of my work used without permission, whether it be my writing, graphics, photos, designs, or amazingly even Read More