Well here's your recession-bummer of the day: Crafty Wonderland, the long-running monthly sip 'n' shop at the Doug Fir has announced that it will scale back to just two events in 2010, citing poor sales. Next year you'll have to save up your crafting pennies for just the annual holiday sale plus and additional springtime event, both of which will be held at the convention center. Your last chance to kick it crafty style in the glowing environs of the Fir is on Sunday the eight of November, 11 am-4 pm. Go kiss a Portland institution goodbye.

Via FilmDrunk.

If you're already part of the local craft mafia (don't laugh craft mafias are a real thing, although most of their weapons are crocheted and don't hurt much), then you probably don't need me to tell you that Crafty Wonderland is now accepting applications for vendors at their annual holiday sale, rightly referred to in its proper name as colossal. This is so off the hook that two years ago there were lines streaming down several city blocks, with many turned away for lack of capacity, so that last year they were practically forced to move it to the Convention Center, and even though it went off in the midst of the Great Snowpocalypse that stopped the city to a near-complete halt, it was still a success. Especially since most people probably brought their entire holiday spending budget along with them so that they would only have to leave the comfort of their snowed-in homes once to shop. In other words, this one's a money-maker, and hooking up with the Crafty Wonderland crew is an essential step to getting your at-home crafting hobby out into the commercial world. You will need to start considering how you plan to support your glue habit eventually, you know.

Coming up the first weekend in April, the Museum of Contemporary Craft is hosting the Northwest premiere of Handmade Nation, the documentary film and accompanying book chronicling the rise of the modern craft movement (you can read my interview with the director and author, Faythe Levine, here). They're embellishing (haha, get it?) the event with a full day of craft-centric activities on Saturday, April 4 (they just launched a microsite with all the details): A panel discussion—er, I mean a CraftPerspectives Conversation with Levine as well as Susan Beal and Jill Bliss, among others, and moderated by the Museum's very cool curator, Namita Gupta Wiggers. There's also a "crochet-a-thon" with Mandy Greer, whose work is currently residing the Museum's first floor gallery space, an astonishing, forest-like installment of crocheted work (I reviewed the show here). And of course, there are the screenings: The fancy one is on Friday, April 3, and costs $25 to attend, but will go towards paying off the Levine's credit card debt, which is, unfortunately, what DIY financing usually boils down to in this country of ours. The $10 screening takes place on Saturday at noon, and you can conveniently stay put at the museum for the other activities, which are free. If you're interested, don't dilly dally: the screenings are at the Museum and there are only about 200 tickets available, so it's a distinct possibility that they will sell out.

It only seems like yesterday that it was the Christmas that nobody wanted and now here we are on the cusp of February with another holiday on the horizon: Valentine's Day. One good thing about the economy being in the crapper is that it's given people who were cheapskates all along an excuse just to be themselves, without apology, even if their own circumstances have not been affected. And this year the demand for free ways to celebrate el día del amor (Can you believe that one time I thought I would be spared the heart-day hoopla because I was in Peru? Man, talk about opposite.) is being met by several establishments, including us—obvs, there's no excuse not to compose a totally free Valentine for your honey (or your dog, mom, you get the idea) via the link on our home page. But if you want to go one further and make something with your bare hands the old fashioned way, so you can deliver something tangible, again without dropping a dime, Rerun (707 NE Fremont) is offering a hand. Way back in 2003 they threw an event called "Get Your Heart On," which combined a giant community craft party with music and films and rollerskating and photo booths, and.... that's not happening this year. But they still wanted to encourage people to avoid spending money by luring you into their store offering the space and unique supplies for valentine making. What they can offer you that you might not have at the ready at home is a trove of vintage print materials, from magazines to elementary school supplies to card stock and glittery whatnots. The dates are subject to change, but for now they're saying the craft area will be operational from Feb 1-14 (note that they are closed Tuesdays). Oblation Papers & Press is also holding an event on Feb 7, also free, where from 10 am-noon you can whip up a valentine and even seal it with sealing wax (very goth). Also, it's not exactly free, and I know it's not Cat Friday or anything, but I also recommend, if you're ready and able, adopting a pet for Valentine's Day. My boyfriend and I did that once, and it's the only memorably awesome Valentine's day holiday I can recall ever having (although that one time he gave me cash money was good too). There are about a billion pet adoption agencies in town (use your Google), but I'll give a plug to Oregon Friends of Sheltered Animals, the organization I got my cat Valentine (oh yes, we did) through. If anyone one else has more suggestions of free or cheap ideas (or if you think you can top the cuteness of pet-adoption), leave 'em in the comments.

Don't forget that this Sunday, from 11 am-7 pm, Crafty Wonderland will be having its biggest sale of the year, requiring it to move from its usual home at the Doug Fir to the Oregon Convention Center Hall E. Check out the complete, staggering list of vendors here and try to get there early—these things are like wild feeding frenzies, and with good reason. There has been more than one year in which I've been able to get all my shopping done in one swoop.

I got a phone call this morning from a publicist suggesting that I tell my readers about ebates.com, a shopping site that gathers a sort of "finders fee" for shoppers who use it to connect to its 900+ retail partners, like Sephora and Nordstrom's. They then pass this on to customers through rebates ranging from 1-25% off, and what little web buzz there is about the service looks positive, though I am doubly loathe toward something that both promotes big-box shopping and requires a membership process... however free, I increasingly find the endless cycle of online registrations unbearably wearisome. I did, however, find myself at the downtown Borders (my former place of employment, um, holla) on Saturday, where after exhausting every other available option, I wound up purchasing season one of The Sopranos. This always seems to come up near the holidays, when you finally think of something to get for your dad/uncle/sister-in-law, and try as you might it leads you down a corporate path. So, it's only in the spirit of holiday-shopping desperation that I concede that link, Ebates. For emergencies.

What I'd rather do, is remind you of the coming onslaught of Portland's famous (and famously popular) craft fairs, where you can find gift ideas with much more in the personality department. Of particular interest coming up is the Secret Society sale on the 30th (10 am-6 pm, at the Secret Society Ballroom, 116 NE Russell)--mark your calendar, this holiday stuff is going to come up fast. Best to ride the event tide and space it out. The extravaganza has the key advantage of being held close to liquor, in the form of the adjacent Secret Society Lounge, which you may well want to utilize in fortifying yourself against the craft-crazed crowd. It features a spectacular selection of vendors selling everything from soap and jewelry to vegan chocolates and clocks made of recycled bike parts. How Portland is that?

The creamsicle recycled bike clock by 1.by.Liz

I knew something was afoot earlier this week, but specifics have just been released regarding the Museum of Contemporary Craft's immediate future. And frankly, I was bracing for worse:

Museum of Contemporary Craft announced today a revised operations budget for fiscal year 2009. The Museum took proactive measures to right-size the organization's operations to reach optimal financial health. In response to the current national economic climate coupled with the goal to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization, the Museum's Board of Directors approved a revised operational budget of $1.53M for fiscal year 2009. The prior budget was $2.19M. Since opening the doors of the Museum's new facility in Portland's Pearl District in July 2007, the Museum exceeded visitor goals by fivefold, doubled membership and received international recognition for exhibitions and programming. While the Museum has the desire to sustain this level of public interest and momentum, the Museum felt, given the nation's uncertain economic environment, its commitment to fiscal responsibility needs to be priority. "Building on the momentum and excitement of our move to the Pearl last year and given what's happening nationally, we needed to find the balance in how best to respond to these issues. Right-sizing the museum before the end of the fiscal year enables us to maintain the community's interest while prioritizing our goal of sustainability," said Museum Board President Kathy Abraham. Another key part of the Museum's efforts in reaching optimal financial health is the transition of David Cohen's role as Executive Director. Cohen will now focus on the Museum's priority to raise unearned income. To support David's transition, an Interim Executive Director has been brought in to manage daily operations and provide the support needed for staff during this transition. Taking prudent measure to ensure fiscal stability resulted in the difficult decision to make necessary staff layoffs. The Museum's staff size was 22 and is now at 15. These outcomes reflect the right level of staffing and budget the Board believes the organization needs to be at this time. Additionally, the Museum anticipates a short-term impact to programming and may postpone some programs into the next fiscal year. "For more than 71 years, the Museum of Contemporary Craft has been an important part of shaping Portland's cultural landscape and does what no other museum on the West Coast does in the visual arts. Transparency and stewardship are our core values and we believe our due diligence today will ensure a solid future for the Museum of Contemporary Craft," concluded Abraham.

Tomorrow you can shop 'til you drop at three different crafty events happening around town.

First, the Portland Hallowe'en Bazaar is going on all day at the Memorial Coliseum. There you will find an array of local craft vendors peddling their spooky handmade wares. In addition to the one-stop Halloween shopping, there will be a costume/fashion show, Dark Horse Comics horror editors panel and Q&A, the Home Haunters' Flea Market, a shadow puppet theater, a Hallowe'en art show, a make up and prosthetic application demo, a kid's goblin dance party, a raffle benefiting the Multnomah Library Foundation (yay literacy) and much more. More info, including a list of vendors, can be found here.

Then, of course, there's the Portland Craft Mafia Kickoff Show happening at the Secret Society Ballroom. Browse through over twenty vendors, grab a drink or two, "oooh" and "ahhh" over the door prizes, and welcome the new famiglia to town. More info on this event, including a list of vendors, can be found here.

Last but not least, HandmadeNW is hosting the 1st Annual SoEaPo Summer's Last Rockin' Outdoor Fest at Plan B. Twenty local artisans will set up shop under covered tents outside. In addition, there will be a Portland celebrity dunk tank, live music, and a BBQ going on until midnight. More info, including a list of vendors, can be found here.

Portland Hallowe'en Bazaar, The Exhibit Hall at Memorial Coliseum, 300 Winning Way, Noon-6pm, $5 ($3 if wearing a costume), kids under 10 free, all ages; Portland Craft Mafia Kickoff Show, Secret Society Ballroom, 116 NE Russell, 5-10 pm, $2, all ages; 1st Annual SoEaPo Summer's Last Rockin' Outdoor Fest, Plan B, 1305 SE 8th, 4pm-Midnight, FREE, 21+

The Craft Mafia sounds like something that could have been invented in Portland, but it wasn't. And while one could scarcely say that Portland's craft scene has suffered from the lack of a Craft Mafioso presence, the fact that Portland has joined the mob is big ol' belated no brainer. Still, for the crafter who wants to take their business to the next level, there is a lot of support to be found in the arms of the mafia. (Gosh, that sounds exciting, doesn't it?) Interested crafters should peep this to find out how to "get made"--the new chapter is actively seeking members. For those who simply love a good craft fair, hold tight: The first Portland Craft Mafia event takes place on the 27th of this month at the Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell). There's a $2 cover charge for the all ages event (with a bar on hand for the big kids who like to combine therapies).

Louie here will make sure you get squared away with paying your dues.

If you waited in line around the several blocks of people trying to get in to Crafty Wonderland's holiday sale this past winter, you will be relieved to know that this time they're moving it to the much roomier Oregon Convention Center. And if you're a crafter, this event is a jackpot of customer crowds. If you want to be a part of the colossal sale, snag yourself an application on the Crafty Wonderland website linked above--but hurry! Applications are due on the 19th of this month. And, if you haven't already had a taste of the Wonderland, pop by the Doug Fir this Sunday (11 am-4 pm) for the monthly craft event, with special guest Susan Beal, author of Bead Simple!

Local artist/designer Diana Schreiber is the mastermind behind the charming creations of MOSS. Schreiber uses her love of fiber arts to create an irresistible array of work in a variety of styles and projects. You can check out more images of her work, along with a short interview, over on MOD.