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National Handmade Day arrives every first Saturday in April, dedicated to honoring the skill and passion of artisans and crafters. It’s a day to celebrate the unique beauty of items made by hand, from pottery to knitting. Discover local makers, support small businesses, and appreciate the dedication behind every handcrafted piece.
Want to sponsor National Handmade Day? Learn how
Expected National Handmade Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, National Handmade Day typically inspires a wave of support for independent artisans and craft retailers. Expect online marketplaces like Etsy to feature special promotions on handmade goods, encouraging shoppers to discover unique creations. Craft supply stores such as Michaels and Jo-Ann Stores may offer discounts on materials, empowering aspiring makers. Smaller, local craft fairs and boutiques often host special events or offer limited-time deals on commissioned pieces. Look for independent artists and small businesses on social media platforms to announce their own sales and custom order opportunities. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 3 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Handmade Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHandmadeDay. Share photos and videos of your favorite handmade items or your own crafting projects, highlighting the unique details.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalHandmadeDay. Create short videos showcasing the process of making a handmade item, from start to finish, or feature a ‘haul’ of handmade purchases.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHandmadeDay. Join local craft groups to share your work, discover new artisans, and promote handmade markets in your community.
National Handmade Day Hero
Amy Bierstadt
History of National Handmade Day
From Scratch Farm is responsible for the creation of National Handmade Day. It is a website run by Amy Bierstadt, who describes herself as “Maker extraordinaire. Single mom to a high school senior, a sixth-grader, three hens, a corgi, and a Quaker parrot… Creator of National Handmade Day.” On her website, Amy writes that even though most holidays posted on social media are just “made for laughs,” National Handmade Day is important because it holds value for small business owners.
Handmade products are products that are made either partially or completely by hand, without the use of machinery. This excludes goods that are mass-produced with automated tools. Other terms for handmade art include handicraft, artisanal handicraft, artisanry, handcrafting, and arts and crafts. During the mid-19th century, the Arts and Crafts movement began. The movement was sparked as a result of the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization brought about startling changes in the nature of production, such as mass-production and the use of machinery, eclipsing the need for manual labor. This also led to a massive influx of workers into cities and factories, which contributed to environmental pollution.
The movement was headed by William Morris of England, who had become increasingly concerned by the changes caused in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. Morris founded a firm, made up of interior decorators and manufacturers.
National Handmade Day timeline
The Industrial Revolution takes place, where machines are used to do jobs that people did.
The Arts and Crafts movement begins in Britain and flows over to North America, Europe, and Australia, to resist the Industrial Revolution.
Charles Robert Ashbee designs jewelry and silver tableware for the Guild of Handicraft, which he establishes in London — producing designs for wallpaper, fabrics, tiles, ceramics, furniture, and metalwork.
National Handmade Day becomes a registered holiday in the U.S.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Handmade Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Handmade Day by spotlighting local artisans and their unique creations. Retailers can host a ‘pop-up’ market featuring handmade goods, offering a platform for local crafters to sell their work. Restaurants might incorporate handmade elements into their decor or offer special menu items crafted with care. Consider running a social media campaign to highlight the stories behind local makers, encouraging customers to purchase handcrafted items. Offering discounts on craft supplies or workshops can also inspire new creators in the community.
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See MoreNational Handmade Day FAQs
When is National Handmade Day?
In 2027, National Handmade Day is observed on Saturday, April 3. This annual observance consistently lands on the first Saturday of April, ensuring a weekend dedicated to creativity.
How big is the handmade goods market?
The handmade market continues to expand, driven by consumer demand for unique, personalized, and ethically produced items. Platforms like Etsy alone facilitate billions in annual sales for independent creators.
What are the most popular types of handmade crafts?
While traditional crafts like woodworking and sewing remain popular, modern trends also highlight digital art prints, custom stationery, and upcycled goods. The diversity of handmade items reflects a broad spectrum of artistic expression.
What are the benefits of buying handmade?
Beyond supporting small businesses, handmade purchases contribute to local economies and foster creative communities. Handmade items often possess superior craftsmanship and durability, making them cherished possessions for years to come.
How to Celebrate National Handmade Day
Buy a handmade product
Support a local business or entrepreneur by purchasing something made by hand. Whether it’s a lace doily or a loaf of artisan bread from a bakery, celebrate by buying a handmade item.
Do it yourself
Get creative and make something from scratch! Watch videos or read D.I.Y articles to prepare yourself for all you’ll have to do to bring your creation to life. You never know — it may spark a new hobby or business idea!
Give a handmade product
Show some love by making or buying a handmade product for someone. Go the extra mile by making it personalized. No matter how small, there’s a charm and thoughtfulness associated with handmade products.
5 Best-selling Handmade Items
Jewelry
Handmade jewelry is one of the most sought-after handmade items available on the market.
Clothing
Handmade clothes come with a unique and exclusive touch that keeps people coming back for more.
Dolls
These are a favorite among children — used as gifts and keepsakes, or even as home decorations.
Knitted or crocheted items
Knitted and crocheted items never go out of style, ranging from scarves, to purses, to sweaters, and even phone cases!
Books
Books, especially personalized books and journals, are another category of handmade items that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Why We Love National Handmade Day
It boosts the economy
Buying handmade products is a great way to boost the local economy. This makes it possible for producers of handmade goods to remain in business, thus leading to job creation in the local community.
It supports craftsmanship
National Handmade Day is important in a world of mass production and robots. We’re reminded of the beauty and craftsmanship that comes with simply making things by hand. The day supports and recognizes good craftsmanship.
It celebrates quality
As opposed to machine-produced goods, handmade products are usually of a higher quality because so much attention is paid to detail during the crafting process.
Social Media Tips for National Handmade Day
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