Barter is the New Black

"We're all a little bit obsessed with cutting corners these days. Personally, I've been checking the free ads on Craigslist list like it's a daily itch that needs scratching. You'd be amazed at all the things that I've found that I never knew I needed. But even better than accumulating dilapidated sofas and cords of firewood that I can't burn while its been raining for the last month, I've also been dabbling in some good old fashioned bartering. The other day I found that I simply could not live without a bright and colorful photo from fellow Craftinista member Houry Semerdijan. So I called her up and made a trade for some of the new shirts that we're making for Button Inc. Later that afternoon I also got a call from Craftinista mob boss St. de Ville and I swapped some necklaces for a pair of groovy new tees.

These recent transactions have gotten the old gears turning. I wonder how much I can make and trade, how many non-cash transactions I can substitute for cash ones. I've noticed that the more things I make the more appreciation I have for my possessions. It really brings home the value of non-commercial, non-manufactured things. Anyone else interested in a small social experiment to barter more this month and see what happens? Here's what I've got to trade: some clothing from the Jenny Irene winter collections, a batch of the most delicious scones ever and lots of garlic, chard and onions from the garden. I'd love to hear from you about a barter, or just your comments on the experiment.