Monday, December 1, 2008

Craft In!


Melbourne Craft Cartel helps patch up economic woes - Call to action!
Craft-in demonstration to be held in Bourke St Mall, Melbourne CBD, Monday December 8th
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.

On Monday December the 8th the Rudd Government is giving big cash bonuses to pensioners, parents, low income families and first home buyers. The objective of this handout is to boost peoples spending in order to keep the economy pumping. What the Government isn't talking about is the most effective way to spend this handout to truly support the economy. As crafters we understand the importance of buying handmade. We know that buying a handmade present means supporting your local community as well as giving a big finger to mass produced sweat shop crap. We know that buying handmade is infinitely better for our environment too.

As crafters we also understand that in times of economic pressure, people are less likely to spend a few more dollars for the handmade option.We want to give the community the message that if they really want to contribute positively to the Australian economy, they should forget the plasma tv and Buy Handmade and Buy Local this festive season.


Did you know?

- 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.

- Small local businesses are the largest employer in Australia. Every $1million spent locally equals 14 jobs!- Non-profit organisations receive 250% more support from small local businesses than from large businesses. So if you support local business you support local causes too!
- Local business are more likely to purchase goods and services from other local businesses which dramatically reduces transport costs, one of the biggest causes of climate change.

- Handmade goods are more likely to include recycled materials which reduces the need for landfills

- Handmade goods are unique, high quality and set trends rather than following them!

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.We are looking for more crafters, designers, makers and handmade retailers to join us on the street to spread the message of buying handmade. We encourage people to bring examples of your work and promotional material to spread to people on the streets. We want people to come talk to passers-by about the pressures they face trying to earn a living making and selling handmade goods.

So come join us on the street and spread the word amongst your communities about buying handmade!

RSVP on Facebook and spread the word

Proudly supported by the following businesses and organisations:

Earthsharing Australia
in.cube8r Gallery
Meet Me At Mikes
Craft City Melbourne
Friends of the Earth Bookshop
Fat Mumma's
Scrumptious Productions

Polka Dot Rabbit
Leeloo
indie.com.au Contact us to add your business or organisation to this list