Small business owners are always hit the hardest when inflation hits, prices of materials rise, unfavourable political decisions and now a new threat has appeared called AI.
I dislike AI a lot, it poisons you cognitive brain, it threatens peoples employment, it kills nature and humans alike and it is used to spread misinformation, bullshit and slop. AI-cunts use it as an excuse for disabled people, but frankly its being used with people who are jealous, lazy and have absolutely no inch of talent. Mega corporations use the loom and doom of AI to make you fearful of your job position and I am not falling for that trap. Fire me and replace me with AI, I don’t give a flying fuck.
What I do care about is that I see a lot of people who have been succesful creating art and fun stuff struggling with AI encroaching on their livelyhoods. So I made it my goal to buy from at least one small business each month to make them and myself happy. They have made a sale and I have wonderful and often thoughtful items in return.
Bear_To_Abe from Japan.
I had already expressed how addicted I am to the handmade platform Minne. While it is not possible to order directly, you can use different proxies to act as a Japanese address for this platform.
I had put these two brooches on my favourites on Doorzo (proxie service) for a while now and decided to have my next purchase not be only a Pokemon Center haul but also one thing handmade. And when these brooches arrived I was blown away by the craftsmanship. The fabric used is corduroy with beads to accentuate the thing it is trying to envision. I don’t think my camera does it justice. They look away better in person and I am looking forward to wearing them.
I had posted the purchase on my Instagram and tagged in the creator which lead to a wonderful exchange as she was surprised that these ended up in the Netherlands via a Japanese proxie. She used my review to tell the travel story to her own followers and I hope to buy from her again in the future. I love the bear brooches but she does not have them up on her shop yet.
Instagram: Bear_to_Abe
Store: Minne Bear_to_Abe
EvanSky.Arts from France.
One of the artists I follow on Bluesky reposted Evan’s felt bird charms and I knew then I needed to get one for myself. Birds and cats are my favourites when it comes to sticker purchases and a handmade felt bird charm is something extra special to me.
I had a hard time making a choice between the different design, but it became the Common Kingfisher in the end. This is a very cool bird, that is spotted in the same province that I live in and the charm is so cool because of the vibrant colours. And I must say I have worked with felt myself, I can never achieve such neat stitching like Evan did. 10+ craftmanship.
Normally packages are announched in my postal app but it has been wonky lately so this one showed up unannounced when I got back from work. I needed a pick-me up and this was just what the doctor ordered. Colourful birds and a cool bag charm. Just need to find the perfect carabiner or strap to lenghten this charm as I do not have side zippers on my Uniclo bag.
Check out those Sea Slug Magnets, they are the best!
Instagram: EvanSky.arts
Bluesky: Evan Sky Arts
Store: Evan Sky Arts
Small business owners always go out of their way to make you, as a customer, feel special. A follow up e-mail after your order with the expression of gratitude for your support. A little thank you note, a small drawing or scribble. It just makes the whole experiance a hundred times better. I know it is not always possible for them to do this, but it is much appreciated when it is included. <3
I hope one day I will be able to open up my own shop, go to fairs and conventions and make others happy with what I have created. I have so many ideas and just started creating 6 different stickers of the photos I took. Maybe it will hit off, or maybe not. But I am having fun creating myself and buying from other creators and small business owners.