What is the difference between handmade and handcrafted?
“Handmade” means making something using your hands, while “handcrafted” means designing and adding more intricate details to the product/item, which are made by hand. Handcrafted may allude to a specialised skill or craft, which makes the product more unique.
Let’s take the example of pottery. Here, when you make a pot from clay, it’s called a handmade object. When you add additional detailing like painting and decorating with beads, it’s called a handcrafted pot.
How to select the right handicraft?
There are no set rules to select an excellent handicraft. Art is subjective, and so are one’s preferences in interior decor. However, you can consider a few factors while purchasing home utilities, rugs, or other handcrafted products.
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Quality of the Product
There are many options for purchasing handicrafts but ensuring quality is a must for product longevity. Ask yourself these questions while researching a handicraft purchase:
- What type of handicrafts are you looking for?
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Which is the best place to purchase handicrafts in India (or any other country)?
- Who are the manufacturers?
- What is the durability of handicraft products?
- How to clean them? Know how to handle and aftercare the products.
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Material of the piece
Handmade items are made of various materials like leather, porcelain, marble, Kundan, bamboo, silk, mud, wood, jute, shell, brass, and many more. When you’re looking for a vase, consider the placement and use when you choose the material. This narrows down your focus and helps you find the desired handicraft easily.
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Budget
Budget is one of the most important deciding factors for your handicraft purchase. Keep in mind that the material and artistry involved in creating the product significantly determining the final cost. Budget for a product that suits your needs and preferences.
- Space
Take your time to decide what space your iTokri purchase will occupy, as it will create the ambience and feel for it. Is it the living room or showcase, or your reading room? Clarity on this aspect helps you to think about the size and texture of the product.
FAQ
1. Where can I get the best handicrafts in India?
iTokri has high-quality handcrafted products, which we get directly from the artists, so you can rest assured that they are authentic and last longer. There are many handmade accessories like earrings, neckwear sets, anklets, etc. In terms of decor, there are many paintings like Mysore paintings, Madhubani paintings, Warli paintings, etc. Explore the wide range of handcrafted products from iTokri.