Punk the Recession: Shop Handmade and Local

We're not sure how much we buy into shopping as the panacea for economic woes, but it sure is fun. Two of our favorite shopping events of the year are upon us. Tonight get your fix of local DIY craftiness at the ReadyMade Magazine's Winter Ball and Craft Show. It runs 6:30-9:30 at the Verdi Club (2424 Mariposa St). Expect Indie radness, extreme craftiness, reasonable prices and a cash bar.

The Lab (2948 16th Street) hosts its annual Post Card show beginning Friday night. For this small-format show artists submit a box full of work-- all priced below $30. In the past works by artists like Misako Inaoka have been spotted for $20. Expect a wide variance in the quality, but some real gems if you're willing to dig (and get into it with the rider of a fixed gear, or two). Open to the public starting Friday at 6.