Economy rebounds on strength of sequins, paste

Think the American manufacturing base is dead? Think we can't still, you know, manufacture automobiles and cars and... bases? Think again.

SAN FRANCISCO — Feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, some holiday gift-givers are saving money this year by making their own presents or — for those who lack the time or talent — buying handmade gifts from others.

Craft stores, from giant chains like Michaels Stores to small scrapbook supply shops, are reporting that sales are higher compared with the last holiday season, and online marketplaces for handmade goods, like Etsy, are seeing a boom in listings and transactions.

You heard it here first: this holiday season, DIY is the new black. This will pay dividends once the power cuts out and we're forced to subsist on a diet of popsicle stick coasters cooked over a scrapbook barrel fire.

Ah, who am I kidding? Like we'll be able to afford barrels.