Live in Melbourne? Want to get your hands dirty? (Well maybe not dirty, but there could be all colours of paint, glue and unusual mediums involved!) This is your opportunity to jump in & do some public crafting - and meet a whole lot of like-minded new friends in the process.

The CRAFT IN is being held tomorrow (Monday 8.12.2008) in the Bourke St Mall, Melbourne CBD. The organisers are Melbourne's Craft Cartel - a group which celebrates all that is irreverent, kitchy, delightfully offensive & made lovingly by hand. The Craft Cartel is about providing community support for makers of objects that don't normally have a space within the retail sphere. They also see the importance of strong communities and like to open the craft cartel experience to people of all walks of life.

The Craft Cartel will be supplying craft materials at the Craft In and encouraging passers-by to make a crafty gift or card themselves. The Craft Cartel will also be handing out an alternative gift buying guide, with plenty of ideas for christmas gifts that don't cost the planet or our communities. The Craft In demonstration coincides with the Government's hand out of cash bonuses this Christmas, and the Craft Cartel aim to raise awareness about the importance of buying handmade - one of the most effective ways to truly support the economy. Buy handmade and buy local this festive season!

Check out the Craft In web site for the facts about buying handmade, such as: For every $100 spent at a locally owned business $45 goes back into the community and our tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store only $14 comes back.

So join the Craft In on the street to spread the message of buying handmade. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their work and promotional material to spread to people on the streets. Come talk to passers-by about the pressures faced trying to earn a living making and selling handmade goods. You'll have a fantastic time doing so, as well as show off your crafty talents!