Monsoon Reviewers Chosen

Wow.

Just wow.

We never expected this level of interest and participation when we hatched the idea to ask the community to participate in this exercise. With over 60(!) essays, several artwork and photo submissions, we quickly realized we underestimated the talent and enthusiasm of those who have supported us in our endeavors. Dozens and dozens of stories, some several pages long, kept pouring into our inbox over the short time we allowed for entries. We read every single one. Poems, memories, and philosophy on the merit of work were among the focus of the essays. It was a very difficult decision to choose such a small group of people to send pens to for review. In fact, we added two extra spots in the essay category because of the sheer number of entries. We wish we could choose everyone, but had to pick a select few. As stated in the rules, this wasn't a contest of skill, or of who was the "best", but to see what resonated with us the most when we reviewed the entries. If we can figure out a way to share more of the entries in the future, we will do so, but until then, here are the entries that we chose:

ART ENTRIES

Eric Schunk (@schunky_monkey on Instagram)

"What 'Made in America' means to me. I sketched the idea out in pencil and inked it with my copper Fountain K."

Phillip Barlow (@pensandgaming on Instagram)

Phillip submitted this original design for a custom desk for consideration. Not all artwork hangs on walls.

Jeff Butler (JB2)

"So here is my "Made In America" "artwork". Not all art has to be on canvas. Everything you see here is Made in America! Everything used to build this was Made in America. I had a request to build a holster and saddle bag so that a cowboy could carry his Bond Arms Derringer "Snake Slayer" (made in Granbury, Texas) with him out on the range to combat his rattler problems. I designed and hand made this to fit his needs and I only use materials made to last and Made HERE! I ask you What's more American than a old west style derringer custom leather holster and saddlebag, fit for a cowboy to use?"

PHOTO ENTRIES

Using some tools made in the US to create other stuff in the US. Cool concept @karaskustoms @karaspenco thanks for the #monsoonreview opportunity #fieldnotes #bluechippicks #renderk #collingsguitars #mandolin

A photo posted by @left2write on Aug 11, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT

Made in America: this set of murals by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts honors the industrial heyday of American made pride. Those two little girls and I sat in this hall for quite some time looking and sketching last month. (They were Made in America too!) 😉 #monsoonreview #madeinamerica @karaskustoms #karaspenco

A photo posted by Keith M. (@randomthinks) on Aug 11, 2016 at 12:02pm PDT

Founded in 1917, the Halsam Products Co. made a variety of toys that have no doubt entertained generations of children and their adults. My parents are moving from the home I grew up in, and my mother pulled these vintage checkers out of the closet this morning while packing. I don't remember the game pieces from my childhood, but I do have fond memories of playing games with my family. My childhood was Made in America, and I'm going to miss coming "home". #madeinusa #monsoonreview @karaskustoms @karaspenco

A photo posted by Christopher (@vintagebrain) on Aug 14, 2016 at 12:55pm PDT

See the essays after the jump...


ESSAYS

Monsoon Essay

Karas Pen Company

When I was a boy, I remember having a conversation with my grandfather about his choice of pick-up truck. My grandfather only bought and drove American made vehicles. He believed in what the American companies stood for and why it was important to support products made in our own country. When I asked him about why he didn’t try out one of those foreign made cars, I remember him saying, “we buy American because products made in America stand for quality of craftsmanship and hard work. Our nation was built on hard work and committing ourselves to a job and seeing that it gets done with integrity and pride. We buy American made products because it provides jobs for people of our own country. We buy American because we make things to last. It may cost us a little more, but the price is worth it when it makes our county a better place to work and to live.”

I honestly didn’t think much of his comments at 12 years old, but now that I’ve grown to appreciate hard work and commitment to one’s craft, his words resonate deep within me. To be Made in America means that great care was taken to develop and build a finely made product, everything thing from trucks and cars to knives and pens. These things are made by American people of our own cities and neighborhoods. These men and women and moms and dads who work with great pride in what they build. We often unknowingly rub shoulders with them every day, and they are putting in hard hours of work to produce something that will not only be useful for us today, but will be useful for our children and grand-children as well.

To be Made in America means taking pride in what we make and in how we make it. We don’t cut corners to save on production costs because that inevitably compromises the quality of the product. We take our time to develop something people will appreciate and are happy to use as often as they can. Yes, the end cost may be a bit more, but we know that when we buy American, the product will last and so the few extra dollars are worth the investment. When so many hours and days are put in to constructing a product, you want your name to go on that product because you are proud of it. Other hard-working Americans are going to purchase your products with their own money, and we owe it to them to create useful things that they will never regret purchasing.

To be Made in America means that our companies and small-businesses are employing fellow Americans which keeps our dollars in our own country rather than supporting the economies of other nations who do not hold the same values as we do of quality work and commitment to one’s craft. Other countries may make things cheaper, but we make things better, and that really does mean something.  

I am proud to be an American and I am honored to be able to support American made companies, just like my granddad. Just last week I was tightening a loose bolt on my son’s bicycle, and I pulled out an old crescent wrench. He told me it looked old and asked me where I got it. I told him it was my grandfathers’; that old wrench must be 80 or 90 years old now.  Under all the grease and grime on the handle, I could see the letters U.S.A., and I was reminded of what my grandfather taught me so many years ago: “We buy American because we make things to last.” I told my son that one day that wrench would be his and he would give it to his son one day. I think he was pretty impressed by the fact that he would one day own a 100 year old wrench. When he asked how I was sure it would last that long, I told him “because it’s Made in America son.”

By; Oren Conner

Proud owner of a Karas Kustoms EDK and Ink

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What will you CREATE?
Jennifer Rei Kasuga Cameron

6:30 AM- ­I’ve already hit the snooze button three times now. One might think that this is because I hate my job and can’t bear to face the day but the reality is, I just really like to sleep. I am truly blessed to have one of the best jobs on the planet. The first thing I do before dragging myself out of bed is to be grateful for my work, for the day, for my supportive husband, and my two furbabies. It’s time to get up and be amazing!

7:30 AM­- Breakfast burrito and coffee in hand, I head out. It’s gonna be a great day! I spend my long commute to work contemplating what my day is going to be like. It’s when some of my best ideas hit. That, and when I’m in the shower. Has anyone else experienced this?

8:00 AM­- Strolling down the street from the garage to the office, cat­ear headphones blaring some Lindsey Stirling or maybe some Swedish House Mafia, I’m getting pumped! This is part of my morning routine. I unlock the back door, disarm the alarm, and drop my bag in my “office.” I don’t actually use it except for storage. Nobody is in yet. It’s too early for that. This is my time. I walk through the double doors from the back offices into the main space. The lights are all off and it is so quiet. For me, this is a sacred moment. It represents potential energy, the calm before the storm. I take a moment just to stand in the darkened commons, letting the peace of the space fill me. This is another moment of gratitude that starts the day. I owe this place my life, after all. It has forever changed me.

By now, you are probably wondering, “Where on Earth does this girl work?!” and you’ve probably guessed that it’s not your typical office in corporate America, either. It is quite the opposite. I work in the community center and maker space, CREATE at Arizona Science Center, where our motto is to Inspire, Design, Make, and Connect. We are the very definition of what it means to be Made in America. We exist to inspire the young makers out there but also to rekindle creative confidence in adults. I don’t think I have to tell you that this country is in trouble on this front. According to a study by Adobe conducted on 5000 individuals in 2012, 8 out of 10 of those individuals felt that unlocking creativity was critical to our economic growth but only 1 out of 4 of those same people felt as though they were living up to their creative potential. It’s for this reason that I think we feel we have to outsource to other countries to meet the growing demands of this nation. There are so many people that visit CREATE where I see this lack of creative confidence. These same individuals are the ones that ask us if they can pay us to make them something but that’s not how we operate. We supply the means, the resources, and the training to get you started and then it’s up to you to fulfill your dreams or needs, in some cases. So many of these folk shy away, as soon as they are told this, claiming that they aren’t nearly creative enough to make their vision a reality. It is sadly this mentality that has the country under its thrall. We can’t figure out how to build XYZ? No problem, let’s just ship the idea to China to figure out and engineer. They’ll probably do it cheaper, too.

There is a bright side to this dark tale, however and it the part that gives me hope. CREATE probably has close to 30 active pass holders now that use our space for various projects. Some of them are even running their own business by selling their creations. These folk are the beacons, the voices that are speaking out against the apathy and proving that, yes, it is possible to make a living off of your own ingenuity. They will also be the first to tell you that it didn’t all come easy, either. They’ve spent months, maybe even years refining their products to their exacting standards of quality. There is a level of pride in their work that can’t be experienced in anything you’d pick up at your local big­box store. CREATE is only one part of this revolution that is changing the way people think and what they value. This movement is a united front of artisans, craftsmen and women, inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs that are slowly bringing back traditional skills and trades into the public eye. We represent what it means to be Made in America. This movement is the voice that reminds people that there is real value in learning these crafts or supporting fellow craftsmen, to leave something meaningful to future generations.

I mentioned that I owe CREATE my life. It wasn’t too long ago that I was one of those many people, stuck in a dead­end job, uninspired and seemingly trapped. I had talent as an artist and a seamstress but I wasn’t willing to make the leap to do it professionally. I was too scared of failure and the uncertainty of it all. Now, not only do I get to practice my craft everyday, but I get to teach others and hopefully get them to realize that they have the ability to do the same. My husband has made that realization and together, we have plans to start our own shop so that he can get out of his dead­end job. I’m proud of our work and I am hoping it inspires others to follow so that one day, this country will realize that there is no need to outsource, that we have plenty of talent to solve any problem the universe throws our way. We are the Makers of America.

 

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So, I'll call this an essay, maybe it's more of a ramble.

When I see "Made in America" on a label I always start asking myself questions. Where in America? By whom in America? Generally I see the label and associate it with Craftsmanship. That's Craftsmanship with a capitol "C." That's blood sweat and tears capitol "C." But what happens behind the label? That's what I want to know. I can easily see both extremes. I'm going to talk about the great equalizer; Hamburgers.
I'm fortunate. I live in an old mill building that used to make shoes. In this old building, in the bottom floor is a brew/pub. I can walk down there in my slippers in the dead of winter and get quality beer and a Hamburger. Not just any hamburger, but one made in house, by hand with local ingredients. That cow had a name. Not only did it have a name, but the person who brought the meat to the brew/pub knew that name.  So as I sit there in my slippers and drink my handcrafted beer, I think about all the effort and love that went into my lunch. Local growers for the lettuce/tomato/hops... Betsy or whatever her name was for the meat... Loving kneading hands from the kitchen staff for the bun... That's made local, made in my town, my county, my state. That's made in America.

I have a friend who loves McDonald's. Says they're an all American company. Started and grown here. Represents the American dream. Made in America. I nod. I smile. I keep the questions about the origins of all the ingredients to myself. I try not to think about the many nameless creatures (hopefully all cows) that went into the burger and gently steer the conversation elsewhere.

Therein lies the root of my questioning; Is it because INSERT ITEM HERE is simply made in America?  It can't be only that. What else is it? At work I deal with "Buy America" laws that make our non-profit public transportation agency jump through hoops ensuring we purchase vehicles that are "produced" in America. With parts from where? Assembled where? Where did the metal come from? More questions.

I'm fortunate; I found love. I'm married to a Swiss woman. I'll be joining her in her homeland soon. So, to ask the question from a different point of view, what does it mean to be, "Made in Switzerland?" I can walk through Zürich and see the Schweiter Heimatwerk stores. Swiss Handcraft for those that don't speak Swiss German. Lot's of touristy stuff, but all crafted with love by hand. Lot's of Swiss army knives. Made in Switzerland. There's a lot of pride surrounding what is made in Switzerland. And there's a lot of it. Made in Switzerland is far more common for the Swiss than Made in America is for us here. There a lots of factors in that; trade agreements, European politics and the small matter of those gosh darned big mountains in the way. But to see the craftsmen and women selling their goods, to see the general population going out of their way to ask, not just "Is it made in Switzerland?, but to ask which Kanton (state) or even village it was made in... That's amazing to me.

There aren't a lot of Hamburger restaurants in Switzerland. It's a specialty item. I can find a good one... I know who to ask. I could also go to McDonald's in Zürich. I would pay a lot more for that hamburger than I would at a McDonald's here. More questions, but that one has an easier answer; that person selling me a Big Mac is earning a living wage. At McDonald's... That's amazing to me.

So I won't go so far as to say that I'll buy a hamburger from a Swiss McDonald's simply because I know I'm supporting the people who actually made said hamburger, but that is getting close to my question. What does "Made in Switzerland" mean? What does "Made in America" mean?

For me, ideally, it means that when I buy this item, whatever it may be, I am supporting the people that brought it to be, not some nameless, faceless company, American owned or not. Someone touched this. I want them to be able to live, find love and be happy. I want my purchase of this item to directly benefit those who touched it, who dreamed it, who crafted it. I want their blood sweat and tears to be valued. So for me, "Made in America", our own Heimatwerk, means this was made by Betsy.

Thank you Betsy. You made a damn fine burger.

Thank you Karas Kustom for the opportunity to submit this.

And thank you for all of you blood, sweat and tears.

Cheers,

Toby M. Schreier

 

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What does made in America mean to me?

Let me start by what it doesn’t mean to me. Patriotism. I don’t get that tingly feeling up the back of my neck when I hear the words “Made in America” just as I feel no pride whatseover when I hear The Star Spangled Banner (Although I think the lines about “the rocket’s red glare” and “twilight’s last gleaming” are really cool.) 

Am I unpatriotic? No. Am I un-American. Definitely.

Why?

I’m Australian!

Don’t get me wrong I love America. I’ve been there a bunch of times and I love the place and I love the people. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, LA, New York, New Orleans, New Hampshire. Fantastic. I’d even love to live there for a few years. But I’m not American, and never will be. So the words “Made in America” don’t count for much on the pride front. If I said they did I’d be a liar or crazy.

(I must admit admit your National Anthem is fifty times better than ours musically and lyrically.)

The words Made In Australia, well, that’s a different story. That’s why I buy R.M. Williams (you’ve probably never heard of them, but they make amazing boots.)

So, what does Made In America mean to me.

Let’s take a look at the alternative. Made in China?

Those words could mean anything. China is capable of manufacturing awesome stuff to incredibly high standards. iPhone anyone? 

But they also make the world’s worst crap, like 99 percent of stuff you find on Ebay and the entire contents of a $1 shop.

“Made in China” can mean so much that it ultimately means nothing.

If you’re going to make something in America you’d better have a good reason for it. Making stuff offshore is cheap, and it might even be good. Maybe. 

When someone decides to make something in America they are doing it because they want to make it themselves, and they want to make it themselves because they’re passionate about it.

Where there is passion there is commitment. Where there is commitment there is skill and care and talent. 

If someone is making something in America they are going to use great materials to honour their high labour costs. They are going to use the most skilled craftsmen and they are going to care about what they are doing and how they are doing it. This is not somebody’s else’s work. This is not being done just for the money. This is being done out of pride - not necessarily national pride - but the pride of self, the pride of good workmanship.

In short, made in America means that the thing I’m buying is going to be pretty damn good. 

God bless, Australia

 (Steve Walsh)

 

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We appreciate everyone who took the time to send us their thoughts, artwork, and photos. We will surely do more of this kind of thing in the future. We would be nothing without our customers and their support. 

 

Thanks

 

-Karas Pen Co