I like the idea of the Craft Mafia, but their website doesn't really get into the fine-print details of what one could expect upon joining. "Website & print cross-promotion" and "support & friendship" seems like the easy kind of things people could do on their own, for free, through their own personal networking.

Also, how does the Craft Mafia expect to bring in the shoppers by charging a $2 cover to their events, especially with all the other free crafty fairs going on here in PDX all the time?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a hater. I love the craft scene here and I think having a craft mafia is a good idea. I just think their website needs some more information on how this all works.

I'm not a crafter, just a buyer & collector. I just wanted to respond to Louise's apparent unhappiness with the Craft Mafia's website. What addtional information would you need? Either you want to go solo or you like the idea of being in a group where you can bounce ideas off each other, offer & receive support, share resources, etc. Seems like a simple enough choice to me! And I'm sure if CM's $2 cover doesn't work out they will re-think that. You seem to want to have a negative position but I really don't get your beef.

I'm in a Craft Mafia in the UK (Manchester Craft Mafia) and we've found that while the central site gives you the core benefits, each group then develops it in their own way. Giving too much fine detail would restrict that a bit. It's a good model fo us, we can dip into the network, resources, tap other people's brains etc whilst creating something that works for what our unique need is. In the UK for example we're setting up an exhibition about the craft mafia idea featuring UK makers so we'll all get exposure that we couldn't dream of acheiving alone. Plus the name Craft Mafia has oepned a lot of doors for us giving us amazing opportunities like being involved in the launch of a new PLAYSTATION game. So I think you take the benefits listed as a starting point and then think about how a wider network and amazing concept can be developed for you. There's always more strength in numbers and the craft mafia idea gives you a platform for shaping that.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and read our site as well post your questions! I hope I can answer them for you.

Why the Craft Mafia?

Autumn from Autumn Comfort Candles said it best, “I am a current member of the small, but rapidly growing Portland Mafia, and I must say that for someone such as myself, I feel like membership gives me promotional possibilities that on my own would be completely unattainable. For a measly 5 smackers a month I am linked to one of the largest networks of independent crafty cooperatives in the country. If I wanted to buy press to reach that kind of audience it would cost me hundreds to thousands of the big bucks”.

What press is Autumn talking about?

Jesse Kelly-Landes is one of the founding members of the original Craft Mafia. Her input and mentorship has been invaluable to our new group. She is always there ready to answer all our newbie questions. The larger Craft Mafia organization pools the membership dues to purchase ads in very large publications that cost hundreds of dollars if not thousands. Not many small up and coming businesses can afford these types of ad campaigns. Jesse explains, “By joining the Craft Mafia you receive the benefit of all the promotion every Craft Mafia is getting world-wide. You get exposure every time someone reads an article about the Glasgow or the Vancouver or the Los Angeles Craft Mafia.”

$2 Gets you In Plus a Whole Lot More!

We, the Portland Craft Mafia, began planning our first show many months ago. I don’t think any of us predicted the amount of money, time and effort required to put on a show of this caliber. The decision to charge a small entry fee at the door came from researching other shows and events in the area. Our show will feature door prizes and other fun giveaways that other events don’t offer. The venue for our kick off show is unique and fun. We as artists, crafters and most of all shoppers wouldn’t be deterred by a small entry fee. Also there are plenty more free events by the Portland Craft Mafia to come including a craft off, kids craft days and benefit sales.