Originally Posted by ghostrider
I grew up in the world of artists and craftsmen so that may have influenced my thinking somewhat, but I look for and expect excellence, not perfection, in any handcrafted item I purchase, sell, or gift. Doesn't matter what it is…paintings, pottery, jewelry, quilts, whatever. If I'm going to offer/take money for it or gift it to someone, it must exhibit the pride of the artist in his work from start to finish; design, execution and packaging. For me, mismatched seams and cut off points are not charming; they are basic construction flaws...thus deal breakers. I wouldn't buy a mug with a crooked handle either.
I agree. I have an enormous respect for craftsmanship and I have had years of enjoyment using handcrafted items, most of which I had the pleasure to purchase from the maker directly.
That said, everyone certainly has the option to make and sell whatever they want at whatever skill level they have and there is a huge market for items which are handmade, regardless of the level of craftsmanship. Just because an item might not make a juried exhibition doesn't mean someone wont like it and pay for it.