After a coupla bad experiences with those colored macaroni-and-paste mosaic deals in pre-K—OK, college, actually, we never shoulda went to one of those “create your own curriculum” schools—we now enjoy crafts the way Nature intended, which is to say, by viewing and purchasing the work of others, and the ginormous event at the convention center (the American Craft Council’s flagship show, don’t you know) delivers the top work in contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home decor, plus there’s a drawing for a $250 gift certificate to spend on stuff that’s way better than that macaroni-tiger diploma we make our mom keep on the fridge. (Joe MacAronitiger)