10 Reasons Handmade is Best.

ARTE, the Makers’ Market is a place for the wonderful creatives of the UAE to gather and sell their products. Over 13 years of hosting markets in five star shopping malls in Dubai and surrounding Emirates, we have come to realise that hand created is best and here is why.

#1.  Handmade is Thoughtful.

Each item is a creation of love and skill. The artisan uses all their abilities to create a beautiful item that celebrates their craftsmanship. They have imagined each piece, from beginning to end. The thoughtfulness extends to the buyer, who appreciates all the effort and skill.

#2. Handmade is High Quality.

Hand created products are made to the highest quality because the maker understand the value of each piece. Remember paying less means your getting less. Hand crafted work is built to last. It is not there until the next upgrade or until the guarantee runs out.

#3. Handmade is Green.

There is not large factory or industry behind hand made. Generally the products are produces and sold in one region or home town. Products pass through fewer hands than big companies, creating a smaller footprint. Who doesn’t value that today?

#4.Handmade is Sustainable.

Creators of handmade items care greatly about the quality of the materials they use. They spend time looking for recyclable packaging, Eco-friendly suppliers or local producers.  Where there is an over production of certain goods their is the likely hood of unethical sourcing. The better the materials, the better the end product.

#5. Handmade is Supportive.

When buying a hand crafted item you are supporting the local economy, the local community and a real person. Each sale makes a huge difference in their lives. You are supporting a child going to school or a meal for their table, not a huge corporate brand.

#6. Handmade can be Customised.

This is my favourite reason for buying hand-made. You can make it your own! Personalising your piece creates a feeling of pride that it is unique to you. Every artisan wants to see a happy customer. By helping create your very own bespoke item they attain this happiness.

#7. Handmade has a Story.

Hand crafted items are created under one roof, by one maker. By supporting the maker, you support their creativity and skill. You get to shake the hand of the creator of your beautiful piece. The Artisan has spent many nights learning a skill, perfecting a technique and pouring their passion into what they make. Your gift has a very special story of a lifetime woven into it.

#8. Handmade Keeps Traditional Skills and Crafts Alive.

Yes, you support learning, creating and history by allowing craftsmen to practice, showcase and carry on traditions. We are a society that values the art and creativity and by buying handmade you support the continuation of the arts for the next generation.

#9. Handmade is Unique.

Handmade is not mass produced. Each item is a unique display of craftsmanship. Each has their own character that is to be admired. When you buy handmade, you are buying a commitment of authenticity, a guarantee that no other piece will ever be the same.

#10. Handmade is Better for Your Conscience.

You are more aware of how your actions influence the bigger picture. Not supporting mass market products, unethical sourcing or low cost labour. You are supporting peoples livelihoods with a responsible decision to redistributing wealth.

But most of all Handmade is a community!

Join ours and discover the wonderful world of Handmade, you won’t regret it! The Artisans of the Emirates have stories to tell.
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Shireen McGurn – Truly a Rare Find

The sign says: “No sales pitch, if you’re not crazy in love with it, please say no and walk away.’ and she means it. Shireen is hardworking, honest, straight to the point and very gifted. She is one of the quiet ones at ARTE but don’t let that fool you. She is super talented and highly supportive of hand created in the UAE and her fun loving attitude bubbles with energy.

We had a little chat with her and discover her passion for ART, why she loves ARTE, the Makers’ Market and why she creates.

Meet Shireen McGurn

Why do you love ARTE?
I can sell what I truly love making. It is the best platform for my creative ideas.

When did you discover your passion for your artisan’s work?
The minute I could doodle.

How did you get where you are now?
People asked to buy things that I made.

What or Who is your inspiration?
Inspiration is not a set thing. Everything, all around, people I meet, artists, children. Sources of inspiration are ever changing.

What is your favorite piece of work that you have created?
The Camel Dubai.

What is your trick to make the sale?
No tricks. I’m honest and open with customers. I’ve even told customers to return products if they change their mind. These are my creations, why would I want someone to keep something I’ve put my heart into, that they don’t really want it.

What is your best seller, what are you known for in the artisans’ community?
People know me for my artwork and signs. The artworks are unique Dubai pieces. The signs are fun and make people laugh and that’s why most people stop to look.

What does your artisan’s work really mean to you? Is it business, pleasure, passion?
It’s my business but it comes from passion and a need to create.

I always say: “I’m one big creative mess.”

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any new projects coming up?
I’m working on new artworks to go with my Camel Dubai.

Who or what at ARTE do you like or admire?
I love true handmade products. ARTE is the one market that believes in true artisans. All the vendors with their original ideas inspire me. I love seeing their ideas come to life.

Do you use any unusual, or special materials in your product?
Not really, I make things from materials I have around me, I always have.

Which part of your work do you enjoy the most, the design part, the finding of materials, the combining of colours, the marketing, the packaging, the selling?
I love the undistracted moments of being creative. Getting engrossed in a project, painting, working on a piece of jewellery. I also enjoy meeting people at ARTE, seeing reactions and hearing people’s stories. Where else would you come across such a wide cross-section of people?

Shireen is truly a rare find and you should pop into the ARTE market and discover her amazing talent and friendly personality. Her signs will make you giggle, her work will take your breath away and you will be better for meeting this talented creative.

Meet Shireen at the ARTE Market:

Dubai British School on 13th December 2017
Mercato Mall on Friday 15th December 2017
Times Square Center on Friday 22nd December 2017

Find her on Social Media:

Facebook – @RareFinddxb
Instagram – @Rarefind99

ARTE, the Makers’ Market is the UAE’s largest, hand created market which also includes an exclusive vintage section. Make sure you follow our events page HERE for all our next markets.

The Best Gifts for Mother’s Day

Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day with a unique, handmade gift.

Mother’s Day is that special time that we can show our Moms how much we love and appreciate them. ARTE has chosen the best hand made, one-of-a-kind gifts that your Mom is going to love and you will definitely be voted as the Child of the Year.

The Holistic shop

The Holistic Shop creates crystal healing art and these rose quarts hearts and planters is specially made to show your unconditional love for Mom.

Agate handmade Jewelries

Gorgeous handmade fashion jewellery and accessories made with a variety of products including, gemstones ,beads ,brass and copper.

Desert Patch

Mom loves when you put effort into the gifts that you give. Join Desert Patch and create your own unique decoupage hearts that Mom will treasure forever.

pictoresca design

Lina Saurez will create your custom pillow filled with special memories of you and Mom.

Deseneros

Make sure your Mom rocks her jewels with a signature piece from Deseneros!

H makes bags

Handmade bags made by Heather, using a combination of new, vintage and recycled fabrics.
Grab one of the  Burqa sisters and spoil Mom.

Ups designs by Upasana kapoor

Her handmade abstract journals ,feather bookmarks and cute jute or brocade bag will definitely make your Mom smile.

Jewellery by Leah

Pure silver personalised jewellery from bracelets and necklace pendants. Children’s hand prints, footprints and drawings can be incorporated on to the jewellery to make gifts and keepsakes perfect for Mother’s Day.

Handy-Craftz & Artz

A beautiful union of candles and the traditional art of henna.These elegant candles are hand-painted with natural henna paste and will look lovely in any home.

Audrey’s Cat

Vintage Moms will be delighted with any of Lynda Kirby’s vintage collection items. Jewellery, clothing or even a stylish hat that she can wear to the Horse races later this month, will make her day.

Inkycamel

Each picture is handmade to order and with a pattern of Arabic letters and numbers. Spell out your Love for Mom.

Handlettered by lama

Fantastic cups that lets Mom know how special she is to you.

Arlene’s Dreamcatchers

Make sure Mom gets a good nights rest with one of these lovely hand created dream catchers. Make sure you chat the Arlene to get a customized item that will be as unique as your Mom.

Blooming Basket

Real preserved flowers from Blooming Basket has under gone a preservation process which allows the flower freshness and suppleness to be kept for a long time without losing its beauty. A flower that lasts.

If you have forgotten about the most important woman in your life, make sure to join us at the ARTE Market , Friday 17th March at Mercato Mall and Friday, 24th March at Times Square Center to find your perfect Mother’s Day gift.

We would like to wish all our special ARTE Moms a very Happy Mother’s Day. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Don’t miss the next ARTE, The Makers Market!
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