Handmade Nation

Since we are in super boring editing mode and there isn't much to share about the film right now I am going to make an effort to post stuff that I think is important for our community...

Starting now.

#1 Leaders of the DIY Movement Speak at American Craft Counsil Salon
Everyone should go and read this blog, it's fantastic.


#2 I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with the amazing show that happens once a year in Chicago called the DIY Trunk Show- if not, well you should check out their site. I especially like their
Craftifesto......

The DIY Trunk Show Craftifesto: The Power is in Your Hands!

The DIY Trunk Show is an annual event that brings the best of the Chicago area's alternative craft community to the people.

We believe:

Craft is powerful. We want to show the depth and breadth of the Chicago crafting community. Anything you want—clothing, jewelry, art, music—you can probably get from a real live person here in Chicago. And buying handmade, one-of-a-kind goods from your neighbor kicks the ass of buying mass-produced, slave-made corporate stuff.

Craft is personal. To know that something was made by hand, by someone who cares that you like it, makes that object much more enjoyable. And it makes you feel less lonely when you realize that you know the name of the person who made the bar of soap you use, the earrings you wore when you met that special someone, or the scarf that kept you from freezing while you waited for the train.

Craft is political. We're not just trying to sell stuff. We're trying to change the world. We want everyone to rethink corporate culture and consumerism.

Craft is possible. Everybody can create something—you don't have to be an established business to make stuff. The DIY Trunk Show encourages new crafters by giving them a place to sell their work for the first time. We hold workshops to teach people how to make things. And we're creating friendships and connections between crafters‹being a small business owner doesn't mean you have to work in isolation.