TUTORIAL; BUTTON BRADS (CHEEKY MAGPIE; SHEILA)

Another button idea...the good times just keep rolling along! You'll find all kinds of ways to use these cuties. Nice having custom embellishments
for a creation.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easily and quickly they're made.

TUTORIALS; WATER COLORING (WATER COLOR PAINTING)

Here you go...the nitty gritty of water coloring. There's an humongous amount of info here. What you want to know, what you need to know, and how to do it.

Click TUTORIALS (above) and grab a brush (or two).

TUTORIAL: WOVEN BUTTON COASTER (CRAFT STYLISH; LINDA PERMANN)

Now you know why you bought all those buttons. As Linda warns you, this coaster isn't made in a snap, but the results are well worth the effort. Wonder if one strand would work as a necklace...? More options are included in reader's comments.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and button up!

TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS: BLOG STUFF (CUTE N COOL BLOG STUFF; ITKPILLI)

Blog stuff to the max...tuts galore, in addition to headers, layouts, backgrounds and images to download. Be sure to check out her blog to see more good stuff (including downloads). This is an extraordinary resource for anyone who has a blog.

Click TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see the fun.

TUTORIAL: KEY HOLDER (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; JESSICA JONES)

Now here's a neat idea for dad...you've got all sorts of designer paper that would be perfect. Doesn't take much time, and the supplies are inexpensive and readily available.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and go for it!

TUTORIAL: DOUBLE FAN ADHESIVE BOOK BINDING (GREEN CHAIR PRESS; KATH RED)

I think you'll be surprised to see how easily and quickly you can create books with a non-stitch binding that are so professional looking. This is a great tutorial, for all levels of book makers.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and begin the journey.

FYI: BLOGGING TIPS AND FAQ (TIP JUNKIE; LAURIE)

There's all kinds of blogging info here. If you have a blog, or are thinking of starting one, you'll find this a great source of info.

Click FYI (above) and read away!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FAMILY TREE CHART (MARTHA STEWART)

How about a framed family tree chart for dad on his day? Not too shabby an idea, if you ask me!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and start gathering family facts.

TUTORIAL: BUTTON TREE (BANANA CRAFT; DANIELE SINHORELLI)

Buttons are the hot embellishment these days. This tut is directed to fabric, but paper could just as well be the background for this button tree. Chipboard would be a good choice for larger buttons; teeny buttons would work well on card stock. Paper or fabric...your choice.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start gathering buttons.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: SUPER HERO TOWEL (MARTHA STEWART)

What dad doesn't deserve a Super Hero towel? Instructions are included for a cape...if dad is into capes, go for it, but just do the towel if that's all he'd want.

Clik TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to begin.

TUTORIAL/DOWNLOADS:; POP-UP SHIP CARD (ROBERT SABUDA)

A tut from the master himself...doesn't get any better than that! All the stuff (tut and downloads) is here waiting for you.

Click TUTORIAL/DOWNLOADS (above) and sail away!

SUPER SITE: HEDGEHOGS AND LADY BIRDS; LUCY)

The creations Lucy has on her blog are stunning...muted colors and outstanding combinations of shapes and embellishments. The final results are as good as they could be.

Click SUPER SITE (above) , sit back and enjoy.

FYI: USING COPICS ON YOUR RUBBER STAMPS (WHOOPSIE DAISY;JANE MATSUMOTO)

Copics CAN be used directly on rubber stamps. Thanks to Jane, all your questions are answered here.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get the nitty gritty.

TUTORIAL: DUCT TAPE ROSE (CUT OUT + KEEP; D)

What next, you ask! Hey, don't knock it...you just never know when having this tut in your files will pay off. Besides, it really looks good!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn (and laugh!).

VIDEO: GLITTER-LACE CARD (ART GLITTER; BARBARA TROMBLEY)

Need a glitter fix? This card will handle it, big time! Easy, quick and stunning...all the stuff you want when creating a card.

Click VIDEO (above) and grab some glitter.

RECYCLE: GUM WRAPPER CHAINS (WEE FOLK ART; KAMARA)

Member making these a bazillion years ago? They're as much fun to make today as they were way back when, except now you get to use bits and bobs of fancy paper to create unique embellishments. Like I said...fun, fun, fun.

Click RECYCLE (above) and have a good time.

FREE DOWNLOAD: TEACHER APPRECIATION CARD (COTTAGE INDUSTRAILIST; CAMERON BLAZER)

No excuses for not getting cards to the teachers when this one is a click away. Aim that cursor to FREE DOWNLOADS (above), click and print.

TUTORIAL: EMBELLISHING PUNCHED 'TIN' BUTTERFLIES (GINGERBREAD SNOWFLAKES; PAM)

Butterflies never, ever, go out of style (as opposed to other creators). So there's never enough tuts for creating them, embellishing them, and ways to use them. I think you'll have a grand time embellishing these butterflies; that link to the tut for creating them is in the second paragraph.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

TUTORIAL: SIMPLE MALE CARD ( GLITTER ADVENTURE; ANSO)

Making cards for the men in our life seems to present creator's block...what to do, what to do? Click TUTORIAL (above) to see a speedy solution to the problem.

IN THEIR HONOR...

TUTORIAL: PAPER MAKING (CRAFTSTER)

I've never seen a paper making tut as uncomplicated and speedy as this one...absolutely terrific! Even if you've never had any interest in making your own paper, this tut will probably change your mind.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start the process.

SUPER SITE:CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS; CAROL

You'll find soooo many terrific, knock-your-socks-off creations here that it'll take a bit of time to enjoy it all. Talent and creativity abound...

Click sUPER SITE (above) to begin your journey.

TUTORIALS/ TEMPLATES: MINI TIN BOX ALBUMS (SCRAPBOOK GRAPHICS)

You'll get a ton of ideas from the albums seen here, and the ideas are fantastic. Templates are found in the tuts for the last two creations.

Click TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES (above) and plan to be impressed.

FYI: COLOR COMBINATIONS (KULER ADOBE

This is one incredible site for color combos. You can register, if you want, or just use the combos. Finally! An easy solution to the 'what goes with this' question.

Click FYI (above) to be impressed.

FREE DOWNLOADS: FLOWERS, PAPERS, TAGS (THE PAPER ENGINEER;LESLEY WHARTON)

Wait til you see the beauties Lesley has for you! Absolutely beautiful.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and enjoy.

TUTORIAL:LIGHTED CD PHOTO CUBE (MAKE, GROW, GATHER; KELLY WILKINSON)

Recycled or new, this is one terrific use for jewel cases. The step by step pictures tell exactly how and when...piece of cake!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easy it is.

FYI: CARDS FOR HEROES

Click FYI (above) to see the rules and regs...then do it!

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED (MY GRAFICO)

All sorts of goodies here to print and enjoy to your heart's content. Sign up for the Newsletter and you'll receive notices when new Freebies are added, in addition to seeing the latest and greatest My Grafico products.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to start printing.

TUTORIAL: GRASS HOUSE (CRAFT TUTORIALS)

This creation doesn't use either paper or fabric...but it's a 'gotta do' if you have kids between the ages of 1 - 101 in the house. Just too much fun!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see what all the fuss is about.

TUTORIALS: FRAMES (DECOART)

Nothing better for dad on his day than a framed picture of his nears and dears. There's quite a variety here, so you're bound to find something you like. And...after you take care of dad, consider making one for yourself. The video shows you that pictures aren't the only things you can stick in a frame.

VIDEO: CLEAR ENVELOPE BRAG BOOK (TRACY''S CORNER OF CREATIVITY; TRACY)

Have an idea any dad would greatly enjoy receiving this book filled with pictures of his kiddos. This is an easy and quick creation...and always appreciated.

RECYCLE: CEREAL BOX BOOKLETS (TWO CREATIVE STUDIOS; SUE BLEIWEISS)

Having a few of these booklets in your Ready-To-Give Gifts stash is a good idea. They're easy and quick to create and are always an appreciated gift.

Click RECYCLE (above) and get to bookmaking!

TUTORIAL: CLOTHESPIN DOLL (GOING SEW CRAZY)

You gotta admit, these are too cute...adorable as they can be. Use the teeny pins if you want to use them as embellishments on cards, collages or layouts, or as jewelry (pins, necklaces, earrings).

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see them.

TUTORIAL: YARN BOWL (A FRIEND TO KNIT WITH)

This will bring back a few memories (the bowl, not the snow!). This is probably the time to resurrect this golden oldie...it was good then, and it's good now.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and recreate the memory...

TUTORIAL: PAPER MACHE BLUEBIRD IN SEVEN HOURS (ULTIMATE PAPER MACHE; JONNI)

Create this feathered friend in seven hours...not too bad! All the steps are here, so you won't have any problems.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and enjoy.

TUTORIAL: EASY HAND STITCH BINDING (CRAFTY NEST; MONICA EWING))

This has got to be one of the easiest techniques to use when hand stitching a book binding. Best of all, it looks terrific. If you've shied away from a stitched binding, here's the one you have been waiting for.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start stitching!

TUTORIALS: FOUR PANEL CARDS (CALIFORNIA PAPER GOODS)

Easy, quick and terrific! Thanks to the ideas found here, you'll be cranking out dynamite cards in a snap.

Click TUTORIALS (above) and start creating.

TUTORIAL: ROTARY CUTTER (THE PURL BEE; MOLLY)

I don't use a paper cutter...no reason to. I was a fabric person loooong before I fell under the spell of paper, and rotary cutters are as necessary to a fabric lover as ink is to a paper lover. Hardly a surprise that many (more than many!) of my sewing tools made the switch to the paper side of the table. None are more used than my rotaries. Soon as a blade slips on fabric (fabric requires a much sharper blade than paper), it spends the rest of it's life slicing and dicing paper, clay, metal, wire, acetate, and any other supply it will cut.

The mini (18mm) whips around curves and circles in a snap; the biggie (60 mm) slices through foam board with one swipe (push the blade into the foam board to begin the cut). The 28 mm and 45 mm are used on supplies that are either too thin or thick for those two.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to use these wonders.

TUTORIAL: BIG SHOT, BIGKICK CREASE PAD (PATTY'S STAMPING SPOT; PATTY BENNETT)

Wonder why those creases aren't really creases? Here's the scope, complete with step by step pictures.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get the nitty gritty.

TUTORIAL: COVERED SPIRAL NOTEBOOK (THERE SHE GOES; ANGELA)

This tut handles all the hows and whys for covering spiral notebooks. Doubt if anyone wouldn't be impressed when given one of these beauties as a gift...

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: BOX MAKING 101 (NO TIME TO STAMP; SHARON JOHNSON)

There's a slug of tuts and templates out there for DIY boxes; here's the low down so you can make one in the size you need without having to dig through all those tuts and templates. This is more than handy to have in your stash.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start folding.

TUTORIAL: SINGLETON BUTTONS (CRAFT STYLISH; DIANE GILLELAND)

These buttons are a terrific custom embellishment for paper art creations...or for clothing. Instructions for both uses are included in this tut.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how (and why!)

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: PAPER TOTE (STAMPS, PAPERS, SCISSORS; JANINE TINKLENBERG)

You'll love the handles on this cute tote...different and terrific. The tut is clear, so you won't have any problems in creating this multi-purpose tote (shower favors, container for cards or tags...whatever).

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and go for it!

SUPER SITE: LNUPPELINE DESIGNS; TONJE ALMNES

Gorgeous says it best...one gorgeous creation after another. Plan to be very impressed.

Click SUPER SITE (above) and enjoy your journey.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: GIFT TAGS (THE SPOTTED SPARROW; JULIA)

Between weddings, graduations and gifts for teachers, you're going to need a lot of tags in the next weeks. These tags are guaranteed to add a special touch to any gift.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start tagging...

TUTORIAL: FAUX COPICS BLENDING (THE FRUGAL CRAFTER; LINDSEY WEIRICH))

Here's how to blend those faux Copics. Easy as pie...AND frugal. To see Part 1 of this series, go to July 19, 08 (July, 08 Archives).

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to do it.

VIDEO: CHANGING COLORS OF PRINTABLE PAPERS WITH PICASA (CARD MAKING WORLD)

This is one neat thing to know, and it's beyond handy. The video handles all the questions, so it's easy as can be.

Click VIDEO (above) and have a ball!

FYI: ORIGAMI (PAPER FOLDING; ERIC M. ANDERSON)

Think you could call this the ultimate origami site. You'll find everything here from the basics to advanced folds to fantastic projects to links, and more. No thinking about it, this IS the ultimate origami site.

Click ORIGAMI (above) and start folding.

RECYCLE: LICENSE PLATE BOOKENDS (FUN IN THE MAKING; HESTER JANE)

Who'd a thunk it! No more nailing those plates to the garage walls...they've been promoted to the house. Fun as it gets.

Click RECYCLE (above) and go for it.

TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES: FANCY CARD 'FEET' (MEL STAMPZ; MEL)

The solution to flat footed cards has arrived. All kinds of ways you can sling these things; trace and cut along those edges to your heart's content. BTW: This is also the way you create a faux Top Note die cut (just remember, you didn't see that here!).

Click TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES (above) and get creative.

TUTORIAL: ACCORDIAN FOLD FATHER'S DAY CARD (JANLYNN; DEANNA DOYLE)

This is a spiffy card for dad...it's a card-album, and it's bound to please. Start gathering the pictures now so you'll be set in plenty of time.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: PADDING PRESS (DTG BUSINESS; FRED SHOWKER)

If you enjoy creating note pads and pads of printed lists, you'll find this tutorial more than useful (and interesting). In addition to saving time, using the press produces professional results.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to see the whats and whys of a padding press.

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED 'TIN' NAPKIN RINGS (MARTHA STEWART)

Looking for an inexpensive way to jazz up the dinner table? Add easy and quick to the mix , and these guys handle all the requirements Or, as the gal herself would say, 'it's a good thing!'

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start punching.

TUTORIAL: WALLET BRAG BOOK (LIVE LIFE, CREATE ART; JENNIFER DAVIS)

Dad will love this wallet, big time. As a matter of fact, grannies would love it too. AND...it's not too shabby a gift for members of a wedding party. Guess you could call it a universal gift.

TUTORIAL: FAUX FRESCO BACKGROUND (MEL STAMPZ; MEL)

You won't believe what happens when you combine wax paper, a Cuttlebug embossing folder (or border), tape, Mod Podge and ink...wahoo!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see the steps and results.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: COVERED BOX (EVIL MAD SCIENTIST LABORITIES; LENORE)

Trying to come up with a new and exciting gift for someone?  Give some thought to this box. It's one of a kind and a joy to receive. The tut is clear as a bell; the template is accurate. In other words...easy, peasy!

Click TUTORIAL.TEMPLATE (above) and get going.

TUTORIALS: PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES (OBSIDIAN DAWN)

Nirvana for Photoshoppers? Looks like all the bells and whistles can be found here...

Click TUTORIALS (above) and have a blast.

TUTORIAL: ALTERED FLOWERS (ELISABETH'S PAPER ART; ELISABETH)

Flowers never looked so good! Terrific ideas here...all of which you can use to your advantage.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start altering.

FREE EZINE: STAMPER'S QUEST

Sorry I didn't post this info earlier in the month...the May issue was released days ago. Better late than never? Grab this copy, then subscribe so you don't miss an issue when it hits the screen of your favorite computer.

Click FREE EZINE (above) and start reading.

RECYCLE: SPOONS (ROAD TO CREATIVITY; RENA SWATSKI)

No more chucking out the old spoons. Give those old bent-up things a new lease on life and have fun doing it.

Click RECYLCE (above) to see what I'm yammering about...

FYI: DIGITAL STAMPS (TECHNIQUES ZONE ARCHIVES; TRISH BAYLEY)

I think Trish knows everything about this wonderful world of crafts, and to add frosting to that cake, she does it all at the expert level. Amazing!

Click FYI (above) to get her lowdown on digitals.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

VIDEO: METAL BAILS AND BEZELS (LINDA PETERSON)

Here's one huge money saving technique for you! Although Linda uses a pendant made with Friendly Plastic, almost every other jewerly making supply (clays, paper, wood, glass, etc.) could be used to create the pendant

Click VIDEO (above) to see how easily this is done.

MOTHER'S DAY

TUTORIAL: COMPLEX BACKGROUND PAPERS (ART IN THE GARAGE; KAREN SMITHEY)

This tut is absolutely fantastic...every step is accompanied by pictures and is clearly described. Karen's use of the technique when creating ATCs is only one way it can be used; card fronts, layouts and altered books are a few of the other uses.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to enjoy (and learn).

CHALLENGE: THINK MONDAY - THINK ATC

Plan to see outstanding entries in this challenge blog. An added plus are the tutorials that accompany several challenges.

Click CHALLENGE (above) for the rules and regs.

SUPER SITE: CRAFTY STORAGE; PAULA PASCUAL

Never have enough ideas for the ultimate crafts workroom...or ways to store all that crafts stuff. Ideas galore here for rooms and storage. Be prepared to drool, sigh and whine every time you visit here.

Click SUPER SITE (above) to start daydreaming.

FYI: BLOG TOOL (STAMPIN WHEN I CAN; ALLISON)

Allison has all the details so you'll have no problems installing this handy item on your blog... provided you want to!

Click FYI (above) to learn how.

FREE DOWNLOADS: CHORE CHARTS (DLTK CRAFTS FOR KIDS_

These might be just the thing for aunties to give to nieces and nephews to give to their moms. The kids probably won't be too excited over them, but I have an idea the moms will.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print them.

SUPER SITE: MAGIC DIVA; FIONA

Fiona has one spectacular creation after another on her blog; many are challenge entries and cover a wide range of topics. You'll love what you see here.

Click SUPER SITE (above) to enjoy.

VIDEO: FABRIC COVERED BEADS: (MARTHA STEWART; JULIE HARDEE)

Still looking for a Mother's Day gift? Click VIDEO (above) to see what you think of this idea. Easy, quick and terrific results...

TUTORIAL: TRAVELING STUDIO (BITTER BETTY INDUSTRIES)

Getting to be time for vacations, and having a take-along studio is one fine idea. This tut is loaded with the tips and tricks you'll use to create one.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get ready to roll...

TUTORIALS/SKETCHES: CARDS (PAPER CUTS; DONNA)

Talk about tuts to the max! Beautiful cards to inspire, in addition to fantastic ideas. You'll love this combo tutorial/sketch blog.

Click TUTORIALS (above) to enjoy.

RECYCLE: ACETATE PACKAGING (BUTINGTING AND EVERYTHING; JOAN SWITALSKI)

Now you have a real reason for saving all that clear plastic packaging! Sure eliminates being accused of being a major hoarder of stuff that will never have a use.

Click RECYCLE (above) and learn how to enjoy your 'junk.'

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: PAPER FLOWER (STAMPIN ALONG THE WAY)

This flower is different from those normally seen. Lots of options for the use of these guys...none the least of which are terrific table decos. Bling them up as much as you want; a bit of glam never hurt anything.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to see and do.

VIDEO: QUILLED ROSE USING A SPIRAL PUNCH QUILL A SIMPLE FLOWER (GIDDY GREETINGS; MONICA)

Here's another use for that spiral punch...a clever one, at that! And it's one fast way to create mini roses for an extra special embellishment.

Click VIDEO (above) to see how quickly these roses are created.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE PICTURES (NANCY DOOREN)

This is an incredible assortment of stunning vintage pictures for you to use in your creations. Be sure to put this in your favs...you'll be glad you did.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and sigh.

RECYCLE: CARTON WALLET (FAMILY FUN)

Talk about covering the situation! It's all here...tutorial, template AND video. You gotta admit, this is one wild way to reuse milk and juice cartons.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see this cutie.

VIDEO: FOLDED PAPER ROSE (CURBLY; DIY MAVEN)

I won't deny that this rose probably will require a bit of practice before it looks like the one in the video, but it's worth every minute of the time. Leaning how to do this fold is like learning how to ride a bike...once you learn, you never forget.

Click VIDEO (above) to see how...there's a tut too, so all bases are covered.

FREE DOWNLOADS: GROCERY LISTS (KODAK)

Here's a super-speedy Mother's day gift. Print them out, stack them neatly then hold securely with bull-dog clips, slap some glue along the top ends, gift wrap when dry and give! Magnets on the back of a stack is optional. These also are great for teachers and brides...click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to get started.

FREE DOWNLOAD: MOTHER'S DAY POEM (SCRAP SMART)

This beautiful poem can be downloaded directly onto card stock or used as a transfer (remember to use the reverse mode when copying) to a porous surface.

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to see it.

TUTORIAL: 6 X 6 NOTECARD SET (FLOWERBUG'S INKSPOT; LEEANN GREFF);

Shower time is just around the corner, but these showers don't require an umbrella. Gifts, however, are required. Here's one that is always appreciated (and used).

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see Leeann's excellent tut.

TUTORIAL: CHUNKY BOOK (MEMORY MAKERS; KIM FRANTZ)

All the bases are covered in this tut...excellent pictures and a clearly written text. Binding is a snap (no stitching or machines needed!). Great for an album, stamp journal, or any other time a book format would be a good.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and begin the journey.

TUTORIAL: TRICKS WITH DIGITAL IMAGES (MEL STAMPZ; MEL

As always, Mel covers each and every step with explicit detail. This expanded tut contains all sorts of info; you won't be disappointed.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn (a lot!).

TUTORIAL: INCHIE ORNAMENT (MAGPIE'S NEST; PATTY SZYMKOWICZ)

Beauty in one inch...the sky's the limit when creating these gorgeous tidbits. Use them however you want, the list is endless.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get ready to create.

FREE DOWNLOAD: MINI FILE FOLDER (WHISKER GRAPHICS

This little guy is one handy item to have in your 'printables' stash. The list of suggested uses is handy too...two brains usually do crank out twice as many ideas as one!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print...

VIDEO: ENVELOPE MADE WITH SCOR-PAL (CROP STOP)

Make an envelope quicker than that; click VIDEO (above) to see how. No Scor-Pal...use the measurements given in the video.

TUTORIAL: BASKET WITH PAPER FLOWERS (MARTHA STEWART)

A basket filled with flowers...do I hear Mother's Day? Nice thing about these flowers is their longevity. The basket is a keeper too.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and gather the stuff you need.

HAPPY MAY DAY!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FAN (ELISABETH'S PAPER ART; ELISABETH)

Use fans as embellishments or as 'stand-alone' cards...either way, the results will be impressive. This is a handy tidbit to have in the Ideas section of your Craft Journal (I KNOW you have one...)

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to get started.