The Handmade Artists’ Shop relaunched in May of 2011 is bringing a new dimension to handmade marketplaces on the net. With sites like Etsy, Artfire, and Zibbet out there selling handmade plus vintage, supplies, and mass produced items from resellers, the Handmade Artists’ Shop (HAFshop) was a breath of fresh air to the handmade world.
The HAFshop or as known to some (HAS) has been in existence for almost 2 years, it’s first effort to establish a truly handmade artisan venue did not do well do the platform they were using to build their website. So the Handmade Artists’ Shop went into private development to come up with a marketplace that was fast and easy to use. Since it’s relaunch in May 2011 the HAFshop has gained well over 200 handmade artisans from around the world. Most of these artisans sell on other online venues as well but are tired of competing with the mass produced resellers out there and are tired of dealing with vintage items as well.
Only altered vintage items are allowed on HAS, so you can take a piece of your grandmothers jewelry for example, tear it apart and make something else with it. You can not just put up your grandmothers jewelry or a scarf for sale. The philosophy of the Handmade Artists’ Shop is that all items should be made by the artist, and they stick to it.
Since the relaunch artisans have been turning to the HAFshop as a venue that they can compete on an even level with artisans from around the world. Taking the big box or flea market mentality out of picture has been a huge service to the artists.
It is very easy to sign up as an artist and also to purchase from the site as well. The Handmade Artists’ Shop is becoming the new era in handmade marketplaces that will allow artisans a safe and secure venue to interact directly with potential buyers.