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Fait main/ Hand Made What does it really mean?

I thought I would share this question here as well as on Facebook to sound out the maximum quantity of opinions. At the risk of creating a dispute and sort of on the back of another crafter's recent experience I have been turning over in my mind the question of Fait main ( Hand made) and what does it legally mean ?

When I began as an Artisan here in France, a good while ago, I was asked to re word all my sign-age on a particular expo as I had chosen to work as "Claire Owen - Fait Main". There had been a complaint from someone that I couldn't put Fait Main as I used a sewing machine. There doesn't seem to be an official description of what Fait Main really means from an artistic point of view. Nowadays I just put Fabrication Artisanale, meaning made by a craft person.

It's just that more and more I see other artisans, artists and AE's with notices up at expos saying Fait Main or 100% Fait Main.

The dictionary definition says;

de l'industrie.

Etsy seem to be having a go at allowing anyone who puts a hand on something to be defined as handmade but I don't think it is wise to allow Etsy to make the definitive rules for the legal practicalities of labelling.

There is apparently a definition of Fait main as far as shoes making goes........ who knew but I can't find any hard and fast rules for sewing, knitting, jewellery etc.

Reply to
Claire in France
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Wwhen I had woven labels made a few years ago, I discussed this issue with my label designer, and we finally decided on "Custom Made By":

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This seems to cover the bases as far as "made by me", whether by "hand" or "machine", since literally both are used. I don't know if this tranlates well into French. I will be following this thread, I hope the debate here helps your situation.

Reply to
BEI Design

The legal definition will vary - according to jurisdiction and case law, in my opinion. Your situation in France could be very different from someone in USA ; there might well be differences all across USA jurisdictions ... John T.

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Reply to
hubops

snipped-for-privacy@ccanoemail.com wrote: : The legal definition will vary - according to jurisdiction and case :law, in my opinion. Your situation in France could be very :different from someone in USA ; there might well be differences all :across USA jurisdictions ...

There's not a good legal definition in the US. There's one for jewelery making, sort of, which clearly allows the use of power tools, as long as they're manaully operated.

Reply to
David Scheidt

In the US, for sewing appears to mean "made by a single person", with or without machinery.

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And for a laugh:
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I'd say if there's an official definition in France, well, that's what you've got to use. But if this is your market people making a fuss, are there any woodworkers or metalworkers there? Are they allowed to use power tools and still use Fait Main?

Don't a remember that at least some members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture now use at least straight stitch sewing machines for some side seams and the like? Wasn't there a flap 15-20 years ago when someone dared use a (gasp!) serger?

Kay

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

Thank you for the links Kay.

I laughed at the serger gasp!!

I have emailed my local contact at the Chambre des Metiers and will see what comes back.

Reply to
Claire in France

I know Beverly that's why I switched marking myself with Fabrication Artisanale which translate more kindly to made by an artisan.

I have contacted my Chambre des metiers and will see what comes back.

Reply to
Claire in France

I realise things will vary between countries but I don't think a legal definition exists either side of the pond .I can't find an EU ruling with a simple search and of course I am not a legal person just a curious artisan, who gets frustrated by what seems to be unfair labelling.

I have contacted my Chambre des metiers and will see what comes back.

Reply to
Claire in France

There doesn't seem to be one here either, I will keep digging.

Reply to
Claire in France

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