FREE DOWNLOADS: BACKGROUND PAPERS (THE HYBRID CHICK: NICOLE SEITLER)

Wait til you see these beauties! Hard to believe they're free. Nothing better than having them stashed on your hard drive ready and waiting for you.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print away!

RECYCLE: NEWSPAPER HOTPAD (MAYA MADE; MAYALUNA)

Although the tut does not include specific details for creating the hotpad, I don't think you'll have any problems figuring out how to attach the rolls to one another.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see how to create this nifty pad.

SUPER SITE: THE CREATIVE CLOSET; CINDY LAWRENCE

Regardless of the style you prefer, you'll love (and admire) Cindy's creations. Each one is a prefect combination of image, color and design. Outstanding!

Click SUPER SITE (above) and plan to be impressed.

DO IT! FREE RICE

Click DO IT (above), then do it...

VIDEO: ENVELOPE CARD (CHICK N SCRATCH; ANGIE)

This card can be your 'go-to' card...what ever the occassion, this card will fit the bill. Click VIDEO (above) to see exactly how to create it.

RECYCLE: GIFT BAGS MADE FROM ENVELOPES (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; JESSICA JONES)

Too clever! What a terrific way to put those old envys from bills to good use. There's even a label to download to make things easier (and faster) for you.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see it all.

VIDEO: CROCHET A CHAIN STITCH (CROCHET WORLD; BETH ESSLINGER0

Wondering if crocheting is your thing...click VIDEO (above) to see the first step that will get you started.

TUTORIALS/TEMPLATE: THREE DIMENSIONAL DOILY DECORATION ( MARTHA STEWART)

This is for those of you who 'plan ahead'...never too early to start getting ready for the busy month. Click TUTORIALS/TEMPLATE, and be prepared.

TUTORIAL: PAPER KITES: CRAFT JR)

What fun these cuties are. The step by step photos guarantee results (with no hassle).

Click TUTORIAL (above) and go fly a kite!

TUTORIAL: LACE FLOWER (CHEEKY MAGPIE)

Quick as a wink and handy to boot! Stick 'em or stitch 'em where ever you want.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start your garden.

FYI: HOW TO USE DIGI STAMPS (THE FRUGAL CRAFTER; LINDSAY WEIRICH)

Good tips here for those who haven't taken the plunge...click FYI, above, to see them.

VIDEO: PERFECT DISTRESS (TIM HOLTZ)

Tim always, always has the best videos...look and learn, as they say! Click VIDEO (above) to see this one.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: FANCY NANCY POCKETBOOK (MARTHA STEWART; JANE O' CONNOR)

Fancy Nancy I'm not...no fooling! But Martha has something you can do to acquire the title. Fun and fast, and the video shows it all.

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (above) and have a blast.

RECYCLE: PLASTIC BEADS (CUT OUT + KEEP)

Free beads! And it doesn't take much to create these freebies. One word of caution: heating plastic results in fumes that aren't the best...be sure the windows are open (better yet, do this outdoors).

Click RECYCLE (above) and go to town.

TUTORIAL: WIDE ORIGAMI BASKET (BLOOMIZE)

Don't you love origami tuts that show each fold? I call these tuts, No Problem Origami. Click TUTORIAL, (above) to see this one.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: DOUBLE ACCORDIAN BRAG BOOK (CREATIVITY PROMPT; AVITAL)

Explicit instructions and a video eliminate any hassles in completing this nifty book. I have an idea you'll want to make one than a couple of them.

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (ab0ve) to find out how.

FREE CLIP ART: VICTORIAN CLIP ART (AVERYL'S ATTIC; AVERYL)

Lots of beauties waiting for you here. Print away...a quick click on Free Downloads, above, is your ticket to fun.

TUTORIALS: CROCHET IN THE ROUND (CROCHET ME; DONNA)

Not interested in crocheted flowers? How about little crocheted rounds? These little cuties can be used as embellies in the same way as flowers. Donna includes all the stuff you need to know, so they're quick and easy.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and grab that hook!

TUTORIAL: CROCHET TINY ROSEBUD (3D DIGEST; JUDI MADDIGAN)

These little darlings are perfect embellies for everything from clothing to scrapbook pages. Judy has pics for each step, so crochet newbies will not have any problems.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start your garden.

TUTORIAL: PEARLY BOX (CRAFT STYLISH; ERIKA KERN)

Almost worth cutting buttons off old shirts! Then it becomes a recycle creation...especially if you use an old box. Fun and clever.


Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to use those buttons.

FYI: SCRAPBOOKING 101 (SCRAPBOOKING; EBONY TAYLOR)

Just in case you haven't been bitten by the bug, this might be the info you've been looking for...click FYI (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIAL: RUBBING PLATES (TWO CREATIVE STUDIOS; TERRI STEGMILLER)

Do yourself a huge favor and create some rubbing plates. More fun than you can imagine!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to begin.

RECYCLE: TIPS FROM HERO ARTS DESIGN TEAM

Click RECYCLE (above) to see a couple recycling tips from Hero Arts...the site has many more.

TUTORIAL: CLAY PENDANT (BANANA FROG)

It's too late to win the give-away, but it's not too late to make a pendant or two. Stamps and clay go together like salt and pepper. And the results are wonderful.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and become a jewelry designer.

TUTORIAL: GLITTERED T-SHIRT (ART GLITTER BLOG; NANCY WARD)

Yea, humble me tooting my horn...click TUTORIAL (above) and take a look.

TUTORIAL: ACCORDIAN FLIP ALBUM (CAN'T STOP MAKING THINGS; GAIL)

If you're not in need of a wedding album, don't fret...this album isn't limited to weddings in any way, shape or form. On the other hand, if you need a wedding album...here you go! Either way, you'll flip (sorry!) over the detailed text and pictures Gail provides.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and create!

FYI: RIBBON STORAGE BOX (COOKING UP A FAMILY; COURTNEY)

You gotta admit, this is one neat way to keep ribbons nice and tidy. No instructions, but it's easy to figure out what to use to make it happen. Not sure, but you just may be able to stick another dowel below the top one. Would depend upon the height of the box, but it's worth some thought.

Click FYI (above) to see it.

FREE DOWNLOAD: PRINTABLE PLANT (KIND OVER MATTER; AMANDA OAKS)

Love it! I am so in awe of the clever ideas people come up with...and this is one clever idea!

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) and get to 'planting.'

FYI: ELOQUENCE (QUIETFIRE DESIGN)

Here's the go-to spot whenever a quote is needed for your creation. The array is complete and excellent.

Click FYI (above) to see the quotes.

TUTORIAL: DORSET BUTTONS (CRAFT STYLISH; DIANE GILLELAND)

If you're looking for a substitute for those crocheted flowers everyone is sticking hither and yon, consider always-in-style Dorset Buttons.

Easy enough to make when you're sitting in the car, a waiting room, the Principal's office, or where ever you get stuck waiting and waiting for someone to finish whatever. Those little plastic rings are found in the curtain section of a fabric store and are available in different sizes (if you're lucky you'll even find them in colors). Want something bigger than the plastic curtain rings...go for it! Nothing says you can't make them as large as you want. Don't overlook bling, glitter and/or glitz either.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to become a button maker. And for those of you with a good (excellent) memory...Diane's tut, Singleton Buttons, was featured here in May.

FYI: BLOG TIPS (TIPS FOR NEW BLOGGERS)

Think this qualifies as the Ultimate Blog Answer blog. Wooza, if you can't find the info you need here, I don't think you'll find it anywhere. Don't let the title of the blog mislead you...the level of the info found here ranges from newbie to old-hat.

Click FYI (above) to get the answers you need and don't forget to bookmark this incredible resource.

TUTORIAL: PIMA-LIKE FLOWERS (A SCRAP ADDICT; DEANNE BURTON)

No die cutting machine or die needed to create these little beauties...a paper punch does the work. Great activity for those nights when the best show is on The Weather Channel.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start punching.

TUTORIAL: PAPER QUILT 1, 2 and 3 (PAINTED THREADS; JUDY COATES-PEREZ)

I won't kid you...these are not 10 minute creations. Quite a bit longer than that, as a matter of fact. However, the finished work is one you'll be very proud of, and it'll be a joy to all who see it.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn the process.

EDIT: Note to self...DO NOT listen to music when writing blog entries. Seems as though Judy Collins took over my brain (or what's left of it!). My apologies to Judy Coates-Perez, for my goof.

TUTORIAL: MATCHBOOK CARD (365 CARDS; KRISTIE SESSIONS)

Neat card! Just a bit out of the ordinary, but enough to make it interesting (and neat).

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see what I'm talking about.

FREE DOWNLOADS: PINWHEELS (CRAFT JR)

Print 'em, cut 'em out, stick 'em on a stick...and let the wind do its job. Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and have a ball.

TUTORIAL: BUTTON SHANK EARRINGS (THINK CRAFTS; ANITA CAMERON)

Button, button...another way to use those buttons! Quick, easy and gift worthy. Could you want anything more?

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how.

FREE DOWNLOADS/TEMPLATE: INVITATION/ENVY (IS*LY; MELISSA)

Everything is in place for The Party Of The Year, and suddenly you remember you need invites. Not to worry! Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above), then print, cutout, fold, slap a stamp on the front, and drop in the mail box...such a deal! And if you're not in need of invitations, print out the blank envy; no such thing as having too many envy templates in your stash!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: PURSE ALBUM (CREATIVITY-PORTAL; ANNIE LANG)

It's a purse; it's an album; it's both! It's also one great idea. Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to learn how to create it.

TUTORIAL/DOWNLOADS: BABY SIGN BOOK (ROBERT SABUDA)

Just cuz it's cute doesn't mean it's not useful. Anyone with bitties in the house will love receiving one of these books.

Click TUTORIAL/DOWNLOADS (above) to see what the pop-up master has waiting for you.

TUTORIAL: EMERGING COLOR EMBOSSING (CLEARLY I STAMP; KATIE RENZ)

This tut is terrific...the instructions are clear as a bell, and the samples are gorgeous. You'll love the finished results.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and begin the fun.

TUTORIAL: RIBBON WREATH (HOME BY SUNSET; MONICA EWING)

Up to your eyeballs in ribbon? Here's one way to pare down that stash. Although this wreath is for the holiday season, there's no reason you can't use a variety of ribbons types in complementary colors, ribbons with another motif, or a hodge podge of short pieces (too short to use, too long to throw away) to create a different look. The size of the wreath ring can be varied too...depends upon your ribbon, and/or the occasion. Teeny rings with teeny ribbon would be cute embellishments.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and dig out the ribbon.

SUPER SITE: PEACHY PAPER CRAFTING (MARTHA)

I love all the recycling tips Martha includes in her blog...lots and lots of ideas for creating with an item that was originally intended for something other than crafting. Terrific creations and terrific ideas.

Click SUPER SITE (above) to see Martha's wonders.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: NAPKIN AND INJET TRANSFER (ALL NORAH'S ART; SHARON TOMLINSON)

Talk about gorgeous! Transfers never looked so good. This is a series of two videos, plus a tutorial. Every step from start to finish is included. You'll love it!

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (above) to see how it's done.

FYI: MAKE AN IMAGE POST CLICKABLE (STAMPIN WHEN I CAN: ALLISON)

Another tip from Allison for those of us who struggle with even the most mundane computer stuff. Click FYI (above) to acquire one more step to become the geek you aspire to be.

RECYCLE: DOVE TEMPLATES (FUN IN THE MAKING; HESTER JANE)

Don't think for a minute these doves are limited to an embellishment for a wedding gift...you'll find all kinds of uses for them. There's two dove designs, with three sizes of templates for each. Print on a transparency for a permanent template.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see the tut and templates.

FREE DOWNLOAD: MONOGRAM KK, REGULAR FONT (ABSTRACT FONTS; KOEIEKAT)

This gorgeous font is perfection for invitations, collages, sketches, layouts and monograms (embroidery or printed). Stick it in your font stash...you'll be glad you did.
Fonts
Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to see and print.

TUTORIAL: REACTION TO BLOG POST BUTTON (BLOGGER BUSTER)

We have now officially entered the world of 'give me a button to click!' This add-on is perfect for blog-hoppers who are either in the fast lane or have too many jobs scheduled in the five minutes following their reading of a post on your blog.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how you can offer a helping hand to these over-worked, over-stressed folks.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: TEA BAG/COOKIE GIFT BOX (MARTHA STEWART)

Martha included this tea bag/cookie gift box in her wedding favor section. Looks to me like it'd be a great gift for any occasion, especially those 'little' gifties we always need for the holidays. Martha included dividers for the box, printable paper and and gift tags. Nifty, if you ask me!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above).  When the page opens, click the Tag link to go to the downloads  and the tut..

FREE DOWNLOADS: DIGITAL LAYOUTS (A CHERRY ON TOP)

There is a huge slug of downloadable items here...a HUGE slug! So grab the ones you want and have fun.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see them.

TUTORIAL: SOY WAX BATIK (TWO CREATIVE STUDIOS; SUE BLEIWEISS)

No more excuses about wanting to create batik beauties, but you have no idea where to get good instructions. Everything you need (want) to know is here, so start melting that wax!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: MINI ACCORDIAN BOOK (CRAFTY NEST; JESSIE AND DEE LORIMER))

Nothing better than a tut AND a video to clearly explain each and every step. On the other hand, an excellent tut and an outstanding video IS beyond nothing better.

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (above) to get the full scoop.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: NAME TAGS (MARTHA STEWART)

I know these are 'supposed' to be used as a tag for a pet, but I don't know why they wouldn't be great tags (with or without the name and phone number) to hang on other stuff. Have an idea lots of kids would love a few of these hanging from their backpacks...might even be the basis for a swap! Never can tell what will be the latest, greatest, new thing on the block (bag).

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to see them.

TUTORIAL: FLOWER POT BIRDBATH (TIP NUT)

For some reason, I'm guessing stamps will be used to decorate these birdbaths...bet you agree!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see the next stamped creation you'll be busy completing.

VIDEO: BOW MAKING (MONICA'S PASSIONS; MONICA GALE)

Monica shows you how to make three bows in this video. Each one is excellent for cards (not too shabby for packages either!).

Click VIDEO (above) to learn how to become the best bow maker on the block.

FREE DOWNLOADS: FAUX WOOD (DEF CON)

You won't believe how realistic these prints look. Shoot, you just may end up printing out enough to panel your den. Super, duper stuff.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to be impressed.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: GIFT BOX (MARKS PAPER COMPANY; PAM CALLAGHAN)

Perfect little box for those perfect little gifts. Easy, quick and useful...a crafter's dream.

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

FYI: PRINTING PDF FILES (ANGELS LANDING)

Here's the nitty gritty for printing PDF digi-stamps. Easy peasy...

Click FYI (above) to see how easy it really is!

FREE DOWNLOADS: BOOKPLATES (PAINT IN MY HAIR; LAURA GUNN)

These bookplates are perfect for adding a bit of flair to your books...also help in getting the books you lend to friends (and family?) back on your shelves. A stack of them just might be the best gift your kids could give their favorite teacher (or librarian).

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print.

TUTORIAL: YO-YOS (WHIP UP; CRAFTPALOOZA

How about these? Cute, easy, AND the fabric can be cut in your handy-dandy die cut machine to speed up the process. I think these little cuties would be a great substitute for the crochet flowers seen hither and yon these day...wanna be a trend setter?

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get going.

TUTORIAL: ORIGAMI LILIES (REBEL INKER; STACEY KING)

The graphics Stacey has in this tut clearly show each step; creating the lilies is as easy as it can be. The flowers are perfect for an arrangement, card front, layout or collage...or any other spot waiting for a floral eye-catcher.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

RECYCLE: SECURITY PAPER ENVYS (CRAFTING A GREEN WORLD; HERNANDEZ)

Now you have a reason to be happy when those bills hit your mail box. The insides of those colorful security envelopes are just the thing for so many creations.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see this one.

TUTORIAL: PAPER PURSE (CRAFTER'S KITCHEN; JAK HEATH)

Jak cooks up one fantastic creation after another in that kitchen of hers. Lucky us...we get to savor the delights.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see this goody.

TUTORIAL: SPIRAL CARD (3 2 1 STAMP; CATHERINE HARWOOD)

This is one nifty card...fun to create, even more fun to get. You're gonna love it!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see what I'm talking about.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO/TEMPLATE: US MAP (MARTHA STEWART)

Martha presented this map as an election day treat, but election day has come and gone, and we're in the middle of summer vacation...time for the kiddos to get a geography lesson. No reason the lesson can't be fun and entertaining, and this map project will provide those two important elements.

Click US MAP (above) to begin it all.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VARIOUS (THE ANGEL COMPANY)

The Angel Company has some excellent downloads for us to print and enjoy...none the least of which is a darling paper doll and her outfits.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see what The Angel Company has for you.

TUTORIAL: MARTHA'S BOW (MARTHA STEWART)

1, 2, 3, 4, and it's done! One great bow that can be twisted and turned to suit your purpose. Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easy it is.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED ITEMS (MEMORY MAKERS)

All sorts of goodies in a wide variety of topics here. So click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print to your little heart's content.

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED TULIPS (REBEL INKER; STACEY KING)

Bet you never thought you could create terrific tulips with a few punches...click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

TUTORIAL: FAN CARD (CREATIONS BY PATTI; PATTI LEE)

This card is too cute for words, and clever as it can be.  Patti includes a link to the fan template, which is a great help.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how it's done.

FYI: PUNCH ART (MARTHA STEWART; VALERIE COURTNEY)

Ah, life is never boring for a crafter...click FYI (above) to see some wonders.

TUTORIAL: MOLLIE FLOWERS (LITTLE GREEN; BRIGITTE READ)

These little sweeties take just a few minutes to crochet, and what a treat they are! Brigitte has explicit pictures and instructions, so even if you're new to crocheting, you won't have any problems.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get started.

TUTORIAL: BACKGROUND PAPER (QUIET FIRE DESIGN; KRISTY CHRISTOPHERSON)

This is about as speedy as a DIY background paper could be...but the results look as though it took ages to complete. Click TUTORIAL (above) to see Kristy's terrific technique.

TEMPLATE: BLANK ENVELOPE (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; JESSICA JONES)

Just what you've wanted...a template for a blank envy. Print it on the back of patterned paper, or on colored paper, or on a transparency, whatever suits your fancy (or need). If you'd rather trace the envy, print on a transparency. That will give you a heads-up when positioning the template on patterned paper.  Size the template to your requirements.

TUTORIAL: SWEET PEA BOUQUET (CASTLE IN THE AIR; AIMEE BALDWIN)

These little beauties truly are little beauties. You'll love creating them, and enjoy the finished results even more. Clear text and plenty of pictures lead you step by step.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and begin your garden.

FYI: TRANPARENCIES 101 (SCRAPBOOKING; DI HICKMAN)

Why am I not surprised that the hot background paper these days isn't paper, but is clear as a bell and smooth as glass. The fact that this stuff offers endless creative options just might be the reason. Di's 101 class is excellent...read and learn!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it.

TUTORIAL: NATURAL CONTAINERS (CALIFORNIA PAPER GOODS)

If you're looking for the ultimate hand crafted gift, I have an idea one of these creations will fit the bill. Now's a good time to gather the materials...unless you happen to live in Australia or New Zeland.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and gather the materials...

FYI: QUILLING 101 (ALL THINGS PAPER; ANN MARTIN)

How great is this? You create a gorgeous card in the process of learning how to quill. Talk about a no-pain and lots of gain situation.

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

HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A HAPPY 4TH!

RECYCLE: NO-SEW FABRIC NAPKIN RINGS (MERRIMENT DESIGN; KATHY)

Perfect as can be, and easy, easy, easy. And a great way to convert what normal people consider trash into a beautiful, useful item.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see how to pull it off.

HAPPY 4TH!!!

VIDEO/TUTORIAL: COFFEE FILTER ROSES (MARTHA STEWART; CASSIE CHAPPELL)

All the info, including a 2-part video, you need to create these beautiful roses is here. They really do look like the real thing and well worth the time spent creating them. BTW: die reinkers are an excellent substitue for the watercolors listed in the supply list.

Click VIDEO/TUTORIAL (above) to see.

Hmmm...suppose you noticed all three entries today are for some type of floral creation. What can I say!

VIDEO/TUTORIAL: WATERCOLOR ROSES (PATTY STAMPS; PATTY)

Wooza...beauty to the max. The video shows each step, and you'll have no problems duplicating this gorgeous technique.

Click VIDEO/TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIAL: FLORAL FASCINATOR (CRAFT STYLISH; LINDA PERMANN)

This tut not only shows you how to create a beautiful faux hat (fascinator), but the resulting flowers would be perfect embellishments. Hey! If it does the job, why not?

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: TRI-SHUTTER CARD (ROBIN'S CRAFT ROOM; ROBIN)

Great tut here...every step is clearly described, and the templates eliminate any guessing. Tri-shutter cards are fun cause they always receive a big WOO when opened.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to begin.

RECYCLE: NEWSPAPER BASKET (CRAFT STYLISH; JEFFREY RUDELL)

This is one terrific way to create a basket. Clever as it can be. There's nothing in the rules that says you can't slap a coat of paint over the basket when you're finished...unless newspaper motif is your thing.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and gather up those newspapers.

TUTORIAL: SEEDLING KIT (WITH THIS RING)

Nooo...these aren't limited to favors at a wedding. Fact is, they're a great gift for just about every occassion. Different too, which is always fun.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIAL: CD RECEIPT ORGANIZER (WALTZING MOUSE; CLAIRE BRENNAN)

This is really neat...and great for keeping or giving. Never underestimate the creative opportunities offered by a CD case!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see one of them.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: PAPER FLOWER (STYLE GUIDE)

Here's a set of templates you're going to want to stick in your favs...handy, handy, handy AND suitable for either paper or fabric (including felt).

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to see a sample; the link is on the right side of the page.

FREE DOWNLOADS: LOVE STAMP INSPIRED IMAGES (PAPER CRAVE)

You're gonna love what's waiting for you when you open this link (click FREE DOWNLOADS, above). Absolutely lovely (OK, OK, I'll quit).