Trading
Its not something we normally think about doing. If I go over to Whole Foods, I expect to fork out some dough. Their prices are set and if I want it, I have to pay what theyre asking. I wouldnt dream of trying to haggle or ask them if they would be willing to trade. "Im hungry, you have dry skin. Lets work something out."

The holiday season is upon us, and this year folks are getting creative. Certain economic realities have hit us crafters hard but we are bound and determined not to let it set us back, especially as far as holiday shopping goes. Many of us have taken to trading, and I just love it. I dont just love it; Im excited about it. I could sit here all day and list the reasons why but Ill stick with my favorite: it brings us together. Trading forms a more solid bond between us than trading for paper money, and I think its because we are exchanging "handmade with love" for "handmade with love" instead of "green that Im desperate to hang on to". Over the course of this year I have traded with other crafters on Etsy just for the hell of it. Ive made some nice friendships, and was exposed to some great products while getting mine out there too.

Ok, heres my second favorite reason why I LOVE this newfound trade practice: it keeps our dollars with us AND away from large corporations. Im far more willing to spend money at an Etsy shop than I am at the mall, especially if I can give them soap as payment. This double-whammy of awesome is great for us crafters, and Im so glad that as a group we are mature enough to handle this. So far Ive had great experiences and Im looking forward to an all-handmade Christmas in my house.

So Whole Foods, you should really think about accepting cash, check, card, or soap!