This week's a big one for the craft-conscious of New York City, because Handmade Nation--which is both a film AND a book available at the Library--comes to town!

This long-awaited documentary of the indie craft movement will have its New York premiere at the Museum of Arts and Design on Thursday evening. In addition to the screening, director Faythe Levine will be there to talk with artists Mandy Greer, Kate Bingaman-Burt, and Callie Janoff. As of this morning, the event is 80% sold out. So if you plan to go don't delay in purchasing your own tickets. The Museum will screen the film two more times, though without the panel discussion, on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th at 2:00pm each day.

But there is more! On the evening of the 11th, Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn's hosting a great book launch event celebrating and exploring craft in America. Levine and Handmade Nation co-author Cortney Heimerl will be joined by Sabrina Gschwandtner of KnitKnit fame and Andrew Wagner, editor in chief of American Craft.

So, I recommend that you give yourself or a friend a very special valentine this week by checking out one of these events, or by

at the Library. You can also learn more about the film, the book, and the creative people behind both at this

.