http://mod.portlandmercury.com/mod/archives/2008/09/16/the-new-portland-mafia Comments On: The New Portland Mafia by Marjorie Skinner en-us Copyright 2009 Portland Mercury. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, Portland Mercury readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact Portland Mercury. webmaster@portlandmercury.com (Portland Mercury Webmaster) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 -0800 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800 Foundation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
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.



Posted by portlandoregoncraftmafia]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:29:20 -0700 Portland Mercury Posted by SallyF]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:08:14 -0700 Portland Mercury Posted by egirl13]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:49:43 -0700 Portland Mercury
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.
Posted by Louise]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:50:48 -0700 Portland Mercury