If you have shopped for various handcrafted treasures, you must have bumped into various terms such as handmade and even handcrafted.

It’s very understandable at times like this, we cannot differentiate between the two, but do they hold the same meaning? 

Not quite. Each of them has its meaning in the broad sphere of creativity, workmanship, and artistry. 

Understanding the difference can add another level of appreciation for what you buy or what you are going to make.

Difference Between Handmade and Handcrafted

Technically, handmade products are the process of making the exact same thing by hand and also with the use of machinery and electronic tools. 

If the crafter shapes the product with a handsaw, files, and smoothes it using various machinery and so on, anything that also involves the electric tool is classified as a handmade product. 

When something is “handcrafted,” it means the product was made entirely by hand or with common tools like a knife, brush, and needle. Basically without involving the machines. 

When you buy a product labeled as handmade or handcrafted, an artisan usually makes it using basic tools or heavy machines.

Should You Choose Handcrafted over Handmade? 

The decision between buying something labeled as handmade or handcrafted comes down to a few things only:

Quality of Your Product

Many times crafters cannot make some products by hand, so they simply use modern machines.

The story behind the handmade squeeze wax product is as important as the product itself because it adds value to it the way mass-produced items can’t. 

People at your wedding want to hear how you selected the diamonds on your rings from a particular stone and every scenario to add more value to it.

What people at your wedding want to hear is how the diamonds on your rings were selected from a certain stone to add more value to them.

The Maker or You Call it a Crafter 

It all depends on the artisan’s skills and years of experience in making their products because a handcrafted item can sweeten up on value compared to a handmade one. 

Every experienced crafter will examine every piece for quality assurance to maintain the best result of the product. 

The Quality of the Raw Materials Matters Too 

The last but not least important fact is to consider the material used in making the product.

Crafters typically use natural and organically sourced materials in handcrafted goods.

We also use more ecologically friendly procedures and methods in creating our products, and most of the time this results in higher-quality products. 

Which is Better, Handmade/crafted or Mass-produced?

Although manufacturers can sometimes make bulk items that match or even satisfy the appearance and quality of a handmade product, these items usually reveal their mass-produced nature.

When it comes to handmade squeeze wax, slight differences set it aside from the mass-produced items and give it the honor it deserves. 

Manufacturers typically produce bulk items at a lower cost, making them appear high in quality, but they often compromise on quality and substance.

Closing Thoughts On This 

When you’re looking to buy handmade or crafting products, it doesn’t matter much, but if you want to add more value to your piece or product, choosing a handcrafted one will do the job.

Both of these terms have a human touch, but they also highlight the different levels of craftsmanship and skill. 
If you want a story behind your product that is linked to the time and effort put into the product, whether it is Handcrafted Treasures or handmade wooden bowls, just know that you are supporting a craft and their hard work creating such masterpieces.