First blog ever!

Last week I wasn’t sure if you “are” a blog or you “have” a blog. I actually answered that question- but have a lot to learn. My intention is to write each week about something I find interesting in my “Out of Hand” life.

Grabbing most of my attention is my first trip to the New York Gift Show. I’ve been in Vail during an avalanche, Guadalupe during a terrorist attack and Los Angeles during a major earthquake, but I’m intimidated by going to New York alone to shop.

I’ve tried to find top notch, affordable, handmade, fair trade, recycled treasures in many different ways. I consider my efforts warm-ups for the big event.

I want to look for candlesticks, baby gifts, pet toys and anything else that captures my fancy. Absolutely no jewelry or clothing accessories. I already have quite an array of goodies that fit my criterion. I hear they have a section “Handmade” in the USA. I’m especially looking forward to that.

People visiting the store often ask if all the artists are local. Even though the Bay Area is vibrant with creative people, wholesale crafts are not their main interest. I’m always open to finding more but it is a special breed and unfortunately rarer than one might imagine. So I’ve chosen a second focus. I love artists who have formed woman’s co ops around the world to produce their products,

Wholesale crafts require quite a different artistic mentality. I’ve represented a number of artists who filled one order then decided quantities were not for them. I mourn the loss of the ones whose work sold quickly.

The most inspiring show is in Philadelphia. I went in February and met the champs who produce Wholesale American Crafts. I stayed in a small boutique hotel surrounded by stellar café’s and ice cream shops. It totally changed my “not so positive” feeling of Philly. It was delightful.

So off I go- looking for the best NYIGS has to offer.
Until next week,
Chris Butler
Out of Hand, Proprietor
www.itsoutofhand.com