Group of four diverse women and one man celebrating with gold balloons, including a large number four balloon, against a plain blue background.
Four people smiling and celebrating a 4th anniversary, holding a large gold balloon shaped as the number 4, against a light blue background.
Four people smiling and celebrating with a large gold balloon shaped as the number four, standing against a light blue background.

WHO WE

ARE.

Tools of the Trades is an annual hybrid conference dedicated to connecting artisans, makers, and creative entrepreneurs in Philadelphia and beyond to the business resources they actually need. We believe that creativity is the engine of our economy, but community is the fuel.

This event is a concentrated period of participatory learning designed to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success on their own terms. We don’t just teach business, we facilitate a space where expertise is disseminated across generations and where no question goes unanswered.

  • We prioritize practical wisdom drawn from lived experience. We break down intimidating topics into attainable, structured steps that you can actually retain and practice.

    Shared Knowledge over "Book Learning"

  • We are at our best when everyone feels they belong. We foster a welcoming environment where makers at any stage can build long-term relationships and find a secure place to ask questions.

    Inclusive Community

  • Growth isn't one-size-fits-all. We provide the tools, peer-to-peer support, and open discussion needed for you to evolve your practice and solve problems with confidence.

    Self-Defined Growth

  • We are committed to installing "generational knowledge" within Philadelphia’s creative scene, ensuring that the successes of today’s makers become the foundation for tomorrow’s small businesses.

    Generational Impact

Text saying 'Craft Now' with 'Craft' in black and 'Now' in blue, overlapping words on a white background.

CraftNOW Philadelphia unites the leading institutions, artists, and patrons of Philadelphia’s craft community to celebrate the city’s rich legacy, its internationally-recognized contemporary scene, and its important role as an incubator for arts based in wood, clay, fiber, metal and glass.

More about CraftNow
NEXFAB logo in blue text.
NextFab logo in blue text

At NextFab, we provide access to machinery, education, membership, community, events, and professional services for anything you want to fabricate. By combining digital technology with traditional tools, we’re finding cutting-edge ways to make things, solve problems, and learn by doing.

More about NextFab
Colorful text spelling 'LAYER PHILLY' with each letter made from geometric shapes in various colors.
Colorful text spelling 'LADDER PHILLY' with each letter in different bright colors and shapes.

LaserPhilly is a retail shop and design studio specializing in well-designed, unusually clever home goods and quality custom laser cutting and engraving services for people and business.

More about LaserPhilly