I can answer the question with one great word: Pots. I wish I had time to make them as I did 35 years ago!
~Carol Sauvion, owner, Freehand Gallery, Los Angeles

I collect and use studio pottery made by some of today’s most talented American artists: Paul Eshelman (Illinois), Maren Kloppmann (Minnesota), Brian R. Jones (Oregon), and Sanam Emami (Colorado), to name a few. I admire and respect the quality of their work and commitment to their craft. While I wish I could make studio pottery at their level, I am happy to support them through my advocacy and purchases.
~Fabio J. Fernández, exhibitions director, the Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston

I consider myself an ultimate consumer – an informed, very picky consumer. When asked what I buy that I wish I could make myself, not one but four items immediately came to mind: shoes, cutlery, dishes, and books. As I progress on my own creative path, I’m thankful to be a part of a creative community where, if needed, I can seek out these handcrafted items and continue to focus on my own independent research, focusing on process while doing so.
~Faythe Levine, filmmaker, author, and curator, Milwaukee

I would love to build my own bicycle. My frequent rides help clear my head and keep me healthy. The day I was asked to write a response to this question, I was riding a route that intersected with a time-trial race. While I won’t mention the number of cyclists that passed me on the route, as they sped by I kept thinking that my ride would be a lot more fun if I were riding a custom handmade bicycle.

I would build my dream bicycle from different types of wood to capture the beauty of the different grains and colors. I would customize my bike to fit my body and riding style, and create a unique name and logo to make it very obvious that I’m cruising ona handbuilt bicycle. ~Christopher H. Amundsen, executive director, American Craft Council, Minneapolis

I love dangling earrings that are vertically exquisite. A recent pair I purchased from the Society for Contemporary Craft are painted baby blue and gold, with 3D-printed classic gem-like structures that hang from a delicate chain. I often mourn the loss of a single earring, like when your favorite cup breaks. Of course it gives me (and another maker) the opportunity to form a new love triangle with the latest pair of handmade beauties.
~Holly Hanessian, professor of art, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL