Craft Links a la Mode: 12.10.09

Sooo much of the focus in craft this time of year is on the shows and shopping. It's really hard to avoid if you're as broke as I am. But does it depress me? Hell no! Just because I can't buy anything, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the amazing parade of inspiration that is seasonal crafts! What do you think? I've tried to gather a few links of the non-shopping variety, but the shows are unavoidable people. Unavoidable. Go forth and at least window-shop all the great inspiration out there. Maybe it will help you make a list of new things to do/attempt in 2010.

• Over at Craftivism, Betsy announced the launch of Make and Meaning. I think this is going to be a really outstanding project: "We believe in making, and we love the fact that the internet allows makers to meet and geek out together, regardless of geography. There are many, many websites that celebrate making in all its forms. We created Make & Meaning to celebrate all the ways making enhances our lives, and all the things it causes us think about."
• American Craft Magazine posted an online exclusive "Crafty Living Online." You can read it here. I was sort of blown away by the comments just now and I'd be interested in hearing what you all think. Is there a place in American Craft for Etsy and Craftster?
  
• Another new project out there on the internets is The Hand Embroidery Network. "The Hand Embroidery Network (HEN) is a new exciting community for hand embroiderers across the globe. The website's aim is to encourage and promote the practice and knowledge of the art of embroidery in all its forms and to bring together like minded people who enjoy needlework and wish to learn and share their knowledge."
• Speaking of embroidery, Jenny Hart is in Los Angeles next week at Home Ec! The class is closed now, but you can still come to the book signing on December 16from 7 to 9. Stop by Home Ec's calendar for the details. And if you did get into the class, let me know...I'll be there too!
• Speaking of classes, the Urban Craft Center has their January Calendar up here. Yudu screen printing looks interesting and not out of range price-wise.
• Maker Faire is headed to the Motor City That's big news for our friends over at Handmade Detriot, and maybe Craft Con too. More as that develops.
  
• ArtFire has announced a huge change in the way crafters may list items in their shop: "As of today, there is no longer a limit on the number of items sellers (Basic or Verified/Pro) can list on ArtFire! There are no limits: no insertion fees, final valuation fees, commissions or hidden fees. Unlimited listing and selling is completely free for all members of ArtFire. "For some time, the ArtFire team has discussed how the cost of hosting a product listing today is dramatically lower than it was just 4-5 years ago. The old-fashioned model, which charges fees and commissions at every step, has been copied by almost every venue since eBay. This model was based on the very real costs of a listing in the late 1990's, however, the model has not kept up with advances in technology and costs of service, and it's time for a change."
• The Marimello Craft Calendar is hard work peoples...especially this time of year. Craft's blog seems to be doing a pretty good job though. I wonder if they have elves or something. Check out this week's list here.
• And finally, speaking of events, if you're not doing anything this weekend, why not volunteer at City of Craft? I got the message via facebook, but it's posted over on the Toronto Craft Alert here.