Hum. Thank you for bringing this up. I have no idea if Substack has that feature. Let me investigate. At the very least, it may be possible to put up the script with podcasts. Very sorry you couldn't listen. I will do my best to find out how to solve this problem.
So refreshing to hear you ladies discuss issues I hold in my heart and wonder if anyone else realizes these things. 🩷Ironing is a chore, but why can’t it be a joy as well?
If I were going to take a tour with ladies I would certainly consider one you both created.
Well, this brings up another conversation altogether. Things like ironing always get stuck in unpleasant spaces, which makes it seem like punishment. If we'd upgrade laundry areas the way we have kitchens over the past 75 years, maybe we'd all be dying to get in there! Good thought!
I really enjoyed the podcast but I feel that you minimized the impact of price on the ability of people to buy hand crafted products. Admittedly most people listening to the podcast are likely not affected as profoundly by cost, but I think it’s unrealistic to say that it isn’t a major consideration for many people.
I certainly did not say that it isn't a major consideration, but it's true the point didn't come up, so thank you for mentioning it. I agree with Isabelle (below) that often something looks cheaper up front, but then isn't in the long run. Take shoes, for example. A really good pair will be very expensive, but then last for years and eventually pay for themselves, whereas cheap shoes (which may look cheap) have to be replaced many times over during that same time span. On the other hand, some less expensive things are indestructible. I have a set of Duralex drinking glasses, for instance (the cheap glasses you see in every French café), that I use every day. They're factory stuff, but I love them anyway. One good thing about keeping in mind the true value of things is that it can stop us from impulse buying. So often (in North America anyway) the reflex is to snap something up just because it's cheap, even if we don't need it. Goodness, so much to discuss! Maybe I need to figure out a way to have follow up to podcasts in some interactive form so that people can weigh in. Wish we were all around a table so more points like yours would come out. Thanks for giving us more thoughts to chew on! :-)
Hi Jennifer - thanks for your comment. I think that if one takes a long term view of the price of a craft item, the price is competitive. But I take your point that at the time of purchase it can present a challenge for many people. Maybe the solution is that for items that are not immediately needed one can wait to purchase a handmade item until funds are available. It’s a balance. Do you think that the approach of waiting for the good stuff has gone out of our purchasing habits?
Yes, I think that most people have become used to immediate gratification rather than waiting and saving for higher quality, more expensive “good stuff.” There are a few bright spots though, for example, my daughter is a huge thrifter and does a great deal of her shopping at second hand shops, which often have gently used “good stuff“ as it holds up far longer than the cheap disposable stuff.
I agree. Things for the everyman were better made in the old days. Sometimes it makes much more sense to buy, say, an antique table than a new one. I thought of another point just now out on my walk which is that people spend according to what they think is important. There are those who would be outraged at the thought of spending $500 on a well-made lamp, but at the same time drop $500 at Sephora on a few bits of make-up without batting an eye. The same person who criticizes another for taking a trip or buying a piece of art can be the same person who drives around on a $3000 ATV for fun.
I really enjoyed this interview! Handmade objects are such treasures because when you use them you remember the maker, the story behind the object, and the time and effort that goes into making them. I have several handmade baskets from Okinawa that are very useful as well as beautiful. The maker was a very old man with such pride in what he produced. Even at an advanced age it gave him purpose.
Loved this podcast episode! Are either of you familiar with Rajiv Surendra's YouTube channel?
Yes, I have seen it. Very nice.
A trip to France around those themes sounds AMAZING! I'm in :)
I wish there were close captions for the hearing impaired. Maybe there is and I couldn't find it.
Hum. Thank you for bringing this up. I have no idea if Substack has that feature. Let me investigate. At the very least, it may be possible to put up the script with podcasts. Very sorry you couldn't listen. I will do my best to find out how to solve this problem.
So refreshing to hear you ladies discuss issues I hold in my heart and wonder if anyone else realizes these things. 🩷Ironing is a chore, but why can’t it be a joy as well?
If I were going to take a tour with ladies I would certainly consider one you both created.
Well, this brings up another conversation altogether. Things like ironing always get stuck in unpleasant spaces, which makes it seem like punishment. If we'd upgrade laundry areas the way we have kitchens over the past 75 years, maybe we'd all be dying to get in there! Good thought!
I really enjoyed the podcast but I feel that you minimized the impact of price on the ability of people to buy hand crafted products. Admittedly most people listening to the podcast are likely not affected as profoundly by cost, but I think it’s unrealistic to say that it isn’t a major consideration for many people.
I certainly did not say that it isn't a major consideration, but it's true the point didn't come up, so thank you for mentioning it. I agree with Isabelle (below) that often something looks cheaper up front, but then isn't in the long run. Take shoes, for example. A really good pair will be very expensive, but then last for years and eventually pay for themselves, whereas cheap shoes (which may look cheap) have to be replaced many times over during that same time span. On the other hand, some less expensive things are indestructible. I have a set of Duralex drinking glasses, for instance (the cheap glasses you see in every French café), that I use every day. They're factory stuff, but I love them anyway. One good thing about keeping in mind the true value of things is that it can stop us from impulse buying. So often (in North America anyway) the reflex is to snap something up just because it's cheap, even if we don't need it. Goodness, so much to discuss! Maybe I need to figure out a way to have follow up to podcasts in some interactive form so that people can weigh in. Wish we were all around a table so more points like yours would come out. Thanks for giving us more thoughts to chew on! :-)
Hi Jennifer - thanks for your comment. I think that if one takes a long term view of the price of a craft item, the price is competitive. But I take your point that at the time of purchase it can present a challenge for many people. Maybe the solution is that for items that are not immediately needed one can wait to purchase a handmade item until funds are available. It’s a balance. Do you think that the approach of waiting for the good stuff has gone out of our purchasing habits?
Yes, I think that most people have become used to immediate gratification rather than waiting and saving for higher quality, more expensive “good stuff.” There are a few bright spots though, for example, my daughter is a huge thrifter and does a great deal of her shopping at second hand shops, which often have gently used “good stuff“ as it holds up far longer than the cheap disposable stuff.
I agree. Things for the everyman were better made in the old days. Sometimes it makes much more sense to buy, say, an antique table than a new one. I thought of another point just now out on my walk which is that people spend according to what they think is important. There are those who would be outraged at the thought of spending $500 on a well-made lamp, but at the same time drop $500 at Sephora on a few bits of make-up without batting an eye. The same person who criticizes another for taking a trip or buying a piece of art can be the same person who drives around on a $3000 ATV for fun.
That’s another yes from me, re: a trip of that type and place!
French trip is great. Quality is best for sure when buying for your home
I really enjoyed this interview! Handmade objects are such treasures because when you use them you remember the maker, the story behind the object, and the time and effort that goes into making them. I have several handmade baskets from Okinawa that are very useful as well as beautiful. The maker was a very old man with such pride in what he produced. Even at an advanced age it gave him purpose.
I'm jealous of your baskets! They sound gorgeous and so personal.
A French trip --- I'd be interested.
I would be interested in a '25 French trip!
I would be very interested in the 2025 French trip!