Who knew we were on to something during our seventh-grade obsession with decoupage? A perfect complement to the ever-persistent green movement, crafting and doing-it-yourself have transcended the hippies and the blue-hairs and become desirable, marketable, and even cool. Crafty types have found an easy-to-use, streamlined marketplace for their goods on Etsy.com — and we, in turn, have developed an obsessive habit of perusing the site for undiscovered talent. (It’s even possible to search specifically for Boston-area artisans.) On a brick-and-mortar local level, Davis Square favorite Magpie (416 Highland Avenue, Somerville, 617.623.3330) peddles “shiny things for your nest” created by independent, often local, designers and artists, while eco-minded Newbury Street newbie Oak (31 Gloucester Street, Boston, 857.362.7311) offers how-to classes along with its handmade clothing and gifts. Now if only we could get these damn knitting needles in sync for scarf-making.
