What is Folksy?
Hello,
Folksy was created with the aim of showcasing the work of UK designers and makers. James Boardwell and Rob Lee came together to build Folksy in 2007 after being inspired by the energy in the craft communities in the UK as well as North America and Australia. At the same time the web was offering ways to crowd source solutions to problems and we were inspired by the work of Clay Shirky amongst others in pointing out that the web could lower the cost of doing things as a group. The site launched in summer 2008, employed its first member of staff in 2009 and has since risen to become the most popular UK site for handmade gifts and supplies.
Folksy is based in Sheffield. We have a team of six full and part-time people all passionate to reclaim craft in the UK and promote the benefits of making things with our hands.
What we’re about
1. Strength in numbers. We believe that professional, portfolio and hobbyist designers and makers can reach a mainstream audience, test markets and grow their business more effectively together with Folksy than through costly galleries and boutique shops.
2. Cottage industries are the future. Small scale production and handmade goods offer ways to be creative, manage resources effectively and support local economies. We’re not anti-corporate but we want thriving micro-global people brands too.
3. Meritocracy is good for everyone. Folksy is not a juried site. We allow all designers and makers to list their work as long as it is hand crafted (no vintage, for example). This creates a meritocracy where great work from hobbyists can rub shoulders with the best from established professional crafters. The work should stand for itself.
We’re active on Twitter and on Facebook so do say hello to us there.