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In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Sandra Barnidge  is a writer who wears many hats. She’s most often a freelancer for universities, nonprofits, and foundations, where she writes in-depth features about scientists, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers. She also has a novel about religion and sports in the Deep South forthcoming from Belle Point Press.

Recently, Sandra and her brother launched a new project, called Handcraft Nation. This is an online directory of artists, crafters, and makers of all kinds who live in the United States. Think of it as a rolodex for crafters, especially those who sell their work predominantly at arts and crafts shows and festivals.

Tune in to Heart & Hands of a Maker to hear more about their mission and future plans to become a hub for all things handmade, including jewelry, personal care items, and clothing.

For a limited time  you can sign up for an annual membership for free! In the future, as a listener of Heart & Hands of a Maker, you can apply a special code and save 10% on your annual membership. Use code: HeartHands10

Artists work shown above (center) can be found on Handcraft Nation.

Clockwise starting in the upper right:
Copper Baskets
Shepherd Industries
Sand’s Stones
Dara’s Soapery

Handcraft Nation Artisan Directory

Handcraft Nation is a platform created to support artists and makers in the United States. 

This online tool was created to address the challenges artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites. Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies. The platform currently has around 60 makers listed, with plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Handcraft Nation is a platform that supports artists and makers in the United States by providing a directory of their work and linking to their websites and online shops.

  • The platform addresses the challenges that artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites.

  • Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies.

  • The platform plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.

Design by Sandra Lupo

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction to Handcraft Nation

15:13

Buying Less and Buying Better

33:37

Putting Small Towns on the Map as Creative Hubs

43:03

The Path Forward: Embracing Creativity

Copper Baskets by Virginia Fisher

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