This lifted our sad, oil soaked hearts. The Craft Gym will be hosting their 2nd annual Craft-Off competition this Friday. Following the model of Iron Chef, there will be a secret 'ingredient' revealed to teams before the 30-minute DIY battle begins. A random assortment of craft supplies and tools will be available for teams to use in the creation of their creative masterpieces. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, who will be......

Who needs the Sopranos when there’s the San Francisco Craft Mafia? That’s right, we said craft mafia. You got a problem with that? We hope not, because this group is taking over the city, organizing crafters of all stripes, helping to build up a community and a movement that’s showing no signs of slowing down. The first Craft Mafia was formed by three crafty business owners in Austin, Texas in 2003. The women came......

SFist interviews Leah Kramer of Craftster...

Wednesdays -- you're on notice! Go check out a free concert at that church across the street from the Metreon at 12:30 p.m. -- Bach cantatas by Jonathan Dimmick on the organ. Or celebrate the life of Nobel Laureate Saul Bellow (1915-2005) at a literary conversation at the Jewish Community Center at 8 p.m, hosted by Michael Krasny. Thursday: Feeling a little sniffly as you gallivant up and down Valencia Street? Well, stop by the Scarlet Sage Herb Co. on Valencia between 22nd and 23rd on Thursday night at 7 p.m. and learn how to treat common ailments with aromatherapy. $10 prepayment to reserve your spot; call 821-0997. and Friday: Our favorite Southern Exposure is hosting an opening reception for Mayhem, its annual exhibition of local contemporary artists. The "Mayhem" theme was chosen to encourage artists to respond to our current socio-political climate, so you know it's gonna be provocative! Reception starts at 7, at 401 Alabama Street. Or if SoEX inspires to create your own art, get across town and check out the Craft Gym open house -- come celebrate Craft Gym's first year of public crafting space at a Craft Corner Deathmatch-style Craft-Off contest. 6-9 at 1452 Bush (cross Van Ness). ...