by Kathryn Kirby

Created on: January 27, 2008

Imperfections are a major selling worry for most makers and sellers of homemade crafts. Many strive to make perfect pieces, thinking that this is what the customer is after. However, when purchasing something homemade, many customers are looking for that little something different that no one else has.

Yesterday I made a quick trip to the local Wal-Mart in search of a gift to send to my ill father. I searched that store for two hours and never did find the right gift, nothing original jumped out at me. Then as I was leaving the store, a display to my left caught my attention and I was drawn to their little table, despite the steady cold rain.

Two pleasant young men greeted me as I approached the handmade wooden objects displayed under their small shelter. Beautiful crosses and plaques lined the space; made by residents of the Christian Youth Program I was told. As I looked over the table, I was drawn to one piece in particular.

A beautiful light colored pine cross with three nails wrapped in thin copper making up a second cross that was mounted to the wood. There were probably twenty of these crosses resting there, each a perfect match in wood and grain, but this one was different. The maker of this cross had chosen wood that most would throw away.

Ragged, dark knots graced the pieces this crafter decided on, knots that would have turned most woodworkers away. The edges of my cross are uneven and shaped as the wood decided, lending the character to the piece. I could not resist and the cross came home with me.

Imperfections in a homemade/handmade piece are what give it the potential to draw a customer's attention. Most of us are not looking for something perfect; we get enough of that in our lives. We want something original, unique, imperfect. As a crafter, I try to keep this in mind and have been known to add a few imperfections to make the piece perfect.

To other crafters I give this advice, relax when you are making your product to sell. Do not worry that it is not perfect, remember the new perfect is imperfect. Moreover, everyone is looking for that imperfect homemade article for just the right gift or decorating accessory. If however you are doing a custom project, perfect is in order.

My husband makes custom cabinets and furniture for a living and perfection is his middle name. Every item that leaves his shop is perfect in every way possible. But then, it has to be or the items will not perform their intended jobs. If a cabinet is slightly off, the doors will not close right and the drawers may not shut. Custom work equals perfection for most customers.

Learn more about this author, Kathryn Kirby.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.