Venus is certainly busy helping out us makers these days! Besides publishing some wonderful words penned by our own Steph, they’re currently taking votes online for their fourth annual “Hottt List.” I endorse anything with obsessive use of the letter “T” (thanks, Paris!), so this is just dandy by me. The survey is looking for the best in DIY couture, if you will. Here are the nominees for Best DIY Business:

• Blissen.com
• BuyOlympia.com
• Etsy.com
• Fredflare.com
• Indiefinds.com
• Ishopindie.com
• Naughty Secretary Club
• No Sweat Apparel
• Plainmabel.com
• Queen Bee Creations
• Qylaar
• Sparklecraft
• Sublime Stitching
• Supermaggie
• thesmallobject.com
• Other, please specify

The results will be published in the December issue.

Venus is also now taking entries for the second annual Holiday Craft-Off. Take a look:

“The Second Annual Venus Zine Holiday Craft-Off, a contest pitting the craftiest in the land against one another to come up with the best, most creative, most fantabulous DIY creations imaginable… for less than $25. Winners will be chosen from the submissions received, and the best projects will be featured in the winter 2006-07 issue of Venus Zine. Winners will receive a free one-year subscription to Venus Zine, and additional prizes to be announced.

That should keep you busy for a while.