DIY PATTERNS

VIDEO: LAYER AND BLEND WITH COLORED PENCILS (HERO ARTS BLOG; JACKI JONES)

After watching this video, you'll agree that Jacki is the Color Pencil Guru. Pumpkins never looked so good!

Click VIDEO (above), grab those pencils and go for it...

RECYCLE: NEWSPAPER CHRISTMAS TREE (MARTHA STEWART)

The video tells the story, so there's no hassle about creating these trees. Does take a bit of time to cut the squares, so you might want to do a few each day.

Click RECYCLE (above), grab your paper cutter and get to it!

FREE DOWNLOAD: ALI EDWARDS FONT (PINK PETTICOAT)

Talk about a deal...thanks, Pink Petticoat! Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to grab it.

TUTORIAL: HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN CALENDAR (THE FRUGAL LAW STUDENT; SHANNON BOLT)

Why not...we do countdown calendars for everything else? You've got two options here: go to Pottery Barn and get the ready-made one; go to your craft room and DIY. Your call.

Click TUTORIAL(above) to make up your mind.

VIDEOS/TEMPLATES: PUMPKIN FUN (THE PUMPKIN LADY; LISA BERBERETTE)

Everything you need to know about pumpkins! The videos are excellent, and the free templates are terrific. Those big orange gourds have never looked so good.

Click VIDEOS/TEMPLATES (above) and get to carving.

TUTORIAL: WEDDING INVITATION (LILLYELLA)

Even if you aren't planning a wedding, you have to look at this tutorial. I'm guessing you'll agree that this is one amazingly clever wedding invitation that is to die for. Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it (and learn how it was created).

TUTORIAL: PURSE NOTEBOOK (SISTER'S STUFF; ALISH)

Wait til you see this clever one! Cute as can be and handy as all get out. Perfect gift for any gal on your list.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how to create one.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: HALLOWEEN GARLAND (PAPER CRAVE)

Garlands, garlands everywhere, and why not when they're this cute? Easy, quick and inexpensive. Terrific!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to print and do.

FREE DOWNLOADS: STRING ART PATTERNS (STRING ART FUN)

How 'bout one of these beauties for that person who has everything...I have a good idea she (he?) doesn't have a string art creation.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see it and learn how to do it.

TUTORIAL: IRIS FOLDING 101 (THE WINNIE FACTOR; WINNIE SCHATS)

Can't be any easier than this...every step has a picture AND clearly written instructions. This tut is the end to Iris Folding hassles.

Click TUTORIAL (above), click Iris Folding (top menu), then click Crash course (2nd paragraph).

TUTORIAL: POLYMER CLAY STAMPS (DAISY YELLOW; TAMMY)

Can't find the stamp image you want...DIY! Easy as can be. Remember, if stamping on fabric that will be laundered, wash and dry the fabric (or clothing) without any softener in either the washing machine or dryer, press freezer paper to the wrong side of the fabric (shiny side of paper against fabric) and use an ink that requires heat setting for permanency (Clearsnap Ancient Page or Crafters are two examples).

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start making stamps.

TUTORIAL: A GHOSTLY GOBBLIN (ART MIND)

Time to get busy creating ghosty ghouls! The Scary Night is rapidly approaching, and there's nothing worse than not having a ghoul or two sitting around to get the scaries going.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to it.

VIDEOS: HAND EMBROIDERY STITCHES (NEEDLE N THREAD; MARY CORBET)

Talk about a treasure trove! Not only are there videos for dozens of stitches, but seeing how a specific stitch is formed eliminates any confusion. This site is a must-have fav for anyone interested in embroidering on either fabric or paper.

Click VIDEOS (above) to begin your journey into the wonderful world of embroidery

TUTORIAL:ORIGAMI ENVELOPE (WONDER HOW TO)

This fantastic tut belongs in your 'high priority' favs. The end of the NO ENVY problem. Thank goodness!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see this bit of cleverness.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED (CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL, NOVEMBER 2009)

Wait til you see these goodies! The assortment includes stuff to use for November (check out the darling, 'birdy' place cards for Thanksgiving) and December. Lots of fun here...

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above), then print to your heart's content.

TUTORIAL: FELT FLOWERS (CRAFT SANITY; JENNIFER ACKERMAN-HAYWOOD)

I love these! So cute and so easy. Use 2mm craft foam and don't use the bottle cap if you want them for embellies on either cards or layouts

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see these flowers.

TUTORIAL: STIFFENED FABRIC DO-DADS (CRAFTY POD)

Yea, I know do-dads kind of leaves you wondering ways these darling are used, but that list is long, so do-dads it is. Not a bad idea to have a goodly stash ready at the waiting...you just never know where you're going to need a do-dad (or two).

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easily they're created; some suggested uses are found at the end of the tut.

TUTORIAL: LARGE PAPIER MACHE' MONOGRAM (ME LIKE STUFF; ZAN)

How's this for a neat Christmas gift? No age restrictions here, everyone needs (deserves) a monogram for the wall of their room.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn the hows and whats.

TUTORIAL: ERASER EARRINGS (ROCK N ROLLERS; ELAINE ELWICK BARR)

How cute are these? Talk about a terrific stocking stuffer...talk about a terrific teacher's gift...talk about keeping some for yourself!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see Elaine's latest goody.

TUTORIAL: CHRISTMAS CARD (LISA SOMERVILLE)

Be prepared when you click TUTORIAL (above) to see one knock-your-socks-off card. It's not as complicated to create as it looks...Lisa leads you step by step through the process. Anyone receiving it will jump for joy and feel super special.

SUPER SITE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE; LORI CRAIG

Lori's creations are sheer delight...each and every one of them. If you're looking for ideas for those Chrismas cards, you'll want to spend some time checking out the beauties Lori has created.

Click SUPER SITE (above) and enjoy!

FREE DOWNLOADS: HALLOWEEN GOODIES AND GHOULIES (THE TOY MAKER; MARILYN SCOTT-WATERS)

Leave it to The Toy Maker (aka Marilyn) to create a ton of stuff for us to use on Scary Night. Fantastic...but that's no surprise.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see all the wonders Marilyn has for us.

TUTORIAL: GLASS PAPERWEIGHT (VINTAGE WORKSHOP; CHERYL)

One of the downers of this paperless society we now 'enjoy' is that paperweights are no longer found on each and every desk. I love them...especially those that look as though they originally were intended for a desk in victorian times.

Click TUTORIAL (above) so you can see how to create one of those golden oldies. Even a desk that doesn't have paper stacked hither and yon needs a bit of pretty.

TUTORIAL: PADDED ENVELOPE (KOJO DESIGNS; KRISTEN AND JORDAN)

Time to start thinking about how you're going to mail those super gifts you're busy creating for holiday giving. Here you go...easy, peasy with outstanding results. Don't know why you can't use some of that 'not-my-fav' 12 x 12 paper that came in a slab that was on sale at a ridiculous price. Hey, if the paper fits, use it!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get creative.

FREE DOWNLOADS: MASKS (INSTANT MASKS; PASTICHE)

You name the celebration, and you'll find a mask for it here. No surprise, there's more than a couple that would be super for Halloween.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print away.

FYI: VARNISH (WINSOR & NEWTON; DAVID PYLE)

Although at first glance you may think this article is of interest only to artists using oil, acrylic or water colors, many creations also deserve the 'final touch.'

Click FYI (above) to learn the value of a finish coat.

RECYCLE: EARRINGS FROM MAGAZINE PAGES (CRAFT STYLISH; KAYTE TERRY

These earrings will do a good job of reducing that pile of old magazines stuck in the corner. Click RECYCLE (above) and see how easy, quick AND inexpensive they are.

TUTORIAL: JACKOB'S LADDER CARD (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; BEATE)

This card is always a winner; anyone who receives it is more than impressed. Using coasters for the 'pages' is as good an idea as there is.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and follow Beate's steps to perfection.

TUTORIAL: FOLDED PAPER CD CASE (CURBLY; DIY MAVEN)

Easy, quick and super inexpensive...the perfect CD case (the perfect way to give a CD). Glitz it up with bling, stamping, embossing or whatever your little heart desires.

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

TUTORIAL: 'FLUFFY' FLOWERS (ARTSY CRAFTY BABE)

I keep warning ya...I'm into flowers! Think you'll really like these. You don't need a lot of fabric, so even the non-stitchers will have enough for a bouquet (or at the very least, enough to embellish a few cards).

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start gardening.

SUPER SITE: MADISON AVENUE; GENY CASSADY

You'll find tons of inspiration on Geny's blog...one outstanding creation after another. Click SUPER SITE (above) to see them all.

FREE DOWNLOADS: DIGI STAMPS (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS)

This will surely satisfy your hunger for digi stamps...one freebie after another here. Don't forget to add this link to your favs after clicking FREE DOWNLOADS (above).

TUTORIAL: FAUX BLEACH (FLOURISHES NEWSLETTER; SHERRY CHEEVER)

These cards are terrific...outstanding results without a lot of time and hassle. Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn Sherry's technique.

FYI: HOW TO LINK TO ANOTHER BLOG (ARTMIND)

Thank gooodness there are people out there in Blogland who know how to do this stuff...AND pass the info on the those of us who haven't a clue!

Click FYI (above) to get the know-how.

TUTORIAL: OMNI-GEL PHOTO TRANSFER (FIRE MOUNTAIN GEMS)

You won't have any problems following this excellent tut...each and every step is clearly explained.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to transfering!

TUTORIAL: FIVE POINT RIBBON FLOWER (PIN TANGLE; SHARON B)

Don't want to learn how to crochet so you can make those cute little flowers? Not a problem...this little flower is beyond the perfect embellie. You'll love it for all sorts of uses.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and grab the ribbon.

TUTORIAL: PAPER WINEBAG (DAISY JANIE; JAN DICINTIO

Talk about an inexpensive solution for fancy wraps for wine bottles...wahoo! Start making them now so you'll be set to go when the holiday season has you running around like a madpie.

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

FYI: BLOGGER FAQ (TRICKS FOR NEW BLOGGERS)

Don't you love it when a blog title tells you what it is? No surprises here...Tricks For New Bloggers says it all. Click FYI (above) to see what tricks are waiting for you.

TUTORIAL: TISSUE PAPER FLOWER GARLAND (RIFLE DESIGN VIA ONCE WED; ANNA BOND)

Make these floral delights as big (or little) as you wish...kind of a nice, if you ask me! Click TUTORIAL (above) to get the nitty gritty.

RECYCLE: TEALIGHTS (A LITTLE HUT; PATRICIA ZAPATA)

No more chucking out those rolls from paper towels...bet you didn't know how useful those guys coule be. Click RECYCLE (above) to see the fun.

TUTORIAL: SCRAPBOOKING CELL PHONE PICS (AUSSIE CRAFTS)

Everyone's doing it! Shoot, if you're not taking pics with that cell phone, you're not with the program. Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how to save and print those precious moments.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: HALLOWEEN LATERNS (MARTHA STEWART)

Scary-cute and easy, the ultimate Halloween deco. Martha provides the templates for the lantern and scary inserts. Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) to see and learn.

FREE DOWNLOAD/TUTORIAL: INVITATION (JINJERUP; lYNN)

Cute and clever...what every invitation should be. Click FREE DOWNLOAD/TUTORIAL (above) to see how quickly these darlings can be created.

TUTORIAL: SWITCH PLATE FRAMES (STAMPER'S QUEST; SUE)

Are you in for a surprise! You'll never guess that plain jane switch covers could look so good...terrific idea, outstanding results.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see these beauties.

TUTORIAL: CONCERTIAN/ACCORDION BOOK (THE CREATIVE SPIRIT; SUE SIMPSON)

Sue has the inside track when it comes to creating concertina/accordion books and cards. Cruise around her blog and you'll see one stunning example after another of her artistry.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn and see and, most of all, be impressed!

TUTORIAL: UPGRADED YO-YOS (WHIP UP; SHIRA COOPER)

And another great yo-yo tut! Upgraded from the traditional one layer type, they're a sight for sore eyes. Don't overlook the embellishment potential of these little guys...

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to work.

TUTORIAL: FAUX PRIMA FLOWERS (LEONARDO'S APPRENTICE; SARAH GLADMAN)

Ready to save a bit of money? Sarah's Faux Primas will do it for you...easily and quickly too. How's that for a good deal?

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

FREE DOWNLOADS: PAPER TOYS (MY FANTASTIC TOYS)

These little darlings are so super cute...use them as mobiles, table sitters, toys, tree decorations...or as cutouts on cards.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see (and grin) at the sweeties.

TUTORIAL: VINTAGE EARRINGS (GROSGRAIN FABULOUS; KATHLEEN)

I have an idea there's a slug of gals who would be delighted to get some of these beauties from you on Christmas. Kind of like chips...you just can't stop at one!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIALS: 10 MINUTE CARDS (CLEAN AND SIMPLE STAMPING)

Stick this link in your favs, and you'll be ready to go when you have one of those, 'good grief, I don't have a card for...' moments. Provided, of course, you don't need 30 minutes to find the stuff you need to make a 10 minute card.

Click TUTORIALS (above) and enjoy.

CRAFT ROOM IDEAS: SNAPSHOTS OF A GOOD LIFE; KAREN RUSSEL)

Mercy, mercy, how spectacular can a craft room be? You'll ooh and aah, and get all kinds of stupendous ideas when you look at this one. Click CRAFT ROOM IDEAS (above) to see it.

RECYCLE: BUTTON ART (A FINE HOUSE; STEPHANIE)

Up to your ears in buttons? Check out this project (click RECYCLE, above). It's really a recycle twofer...old frames and button overloads receive the attention they deserve.

RECYCLE: BOOK PICTURE FRAME; THE RED CHAIR BLOG; AMY CARY)

Can you imagine a better way to use a book that was scheduled for the landfill? Clever as it can be. As Amy warns you, it's not usually accomplished in an afternoon, so get started now for Christmas giving. It'll be the talk of the gang gathered around the tree, that's for sure!

Click RECYCLE (above) to begin.

TUTORIAL: PAPER PIECING DIGITAL IMAGES (PINK PETTICOAT; LIZ ARMSTRONG)

Good stuff to know! And you'll love the 'get-it-done-in-a-snap' method Liz shows you.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: PRINT YOUR VEGGIES (JUST SOMETHING I MADE; CATHE HOLDEN)

Harvest time is here, but the marvelous downloads Cathe has for us can be put to use anytime. She also includes several terrific suggestions for those downloads.

Click TUTORIAL/DOWNLOADS (above) to begin the fun.

FYI: DIGI TIPS (PAPER CUTS; MICHELLE BOYER)

More digi info for you...click FYI (above) to read it.

ULTRA SUPER SITE: MEL STAMPZ; MEL

There are blogs in Blogland that are on just about everyone's Must-See list. If Mel's blog isn't on your list, it should be! There's more stuff here than I could detail...just an incredible amount of information we want to know and see.

Click ULTRA SUPER SITE (above) to learn and enjoy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED PARTY ITEMS (MARTHA STEWART)

Just about anything you need to notify people about your up-coming celebration can be found here. All the nitty gritty for both Wizard and Word programs is included...all you do is fill in the blanks. It's a good thing!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and get to planning that party.

RECYCLE: FELTED WOOL FLOWERS ( OH SO CRAFTY; TRICIA)

Recycle? Know those old sweaters that have been washed a bizillion times and no longer feel (or look) like a knit sweater. The wool has become felted through the years. Now, the good thing is that those sweaters no longer ravel when cut...and that's why they're perfect for felted flowers (and qualify as recycled).

Click RECYCLE (above), dig out those old sweaters and make flowers. Fun, fun, and more fun!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: STITCHED SPIDER CARD (MAKE AND TAKES; MARIE)

Stitch up this card in a snap! It's the perfect card to celebrate Scary Night.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to get started.

TUTORIAL: ORIGAMI VOTIVE WRAP (CRAFT TUTORIALS; JENNI)

Woo! Talk about quick as a wink...it'll take longer to read the instructions than it will to create these wraps. Great idea...

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start folding.

TUTORIAL: PRINTING PAPER BAGS (LEE HANSEN PRINTABLES)

Be the first on the block to have custom printed treat bags...either to package the treats you hand out to the little goons and goblins or those your little goons and goblins lug around for the hand outs. How fun is that?

O K, you're waaaay ahead of me...course you can print any old thing you want on the bags, including any of those delectable background papers you'll find if you do a search here for FREE DOWNLOADS.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and print away.

HAVE A GOOD ONE!

TUTORIAL: ANTIQUED TAG; THE FEATHERED NEST; DAWN EDMONSON)

Sometimes we forget to use techniques we learned ages ago. Remember 'coffee antiquing?' It was a great technique then, and it's a great technique today.

Click TUTORIAL (above) for a reminder course.

TUTORIAL: WIRE WRAP TECHNIQUE (THINK CRAFTS; ANITRA CAMERON)

OK you bracelet lovers, time to get busy and create a few. This technique is easy, and the results are stunning.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get going.

FYI: DOODLING 101 (CREATIVE RUMINATIONS; BETHANY KARTCHNER)

Sharpen up those pencils and get ready to doodle! No right way and no wrong way, so do what you want, when you want, and where you want (within reason!). How sweet is that?

Click FYI (above) to start the fun.

FREE DOWNLOADS: HALLOWEEN PAPER TOYS (RAVENS BLIGHT; RAY O'BANNON)

You will not believe the assortment of Scary Night toys and gadgets found here! One chill-up-the-spine thing after another. Grab scissors and glue and have a ball.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to get there.

FYI: COLOR PALETTES (THE INSPIRED BRIDE)

Wait til you see the yummy color combos found here...to die for! Keep this link in your favs, and you'll never be at a loss for color selections again.

Click FYI (above) and be prepared to oh and ah...

FYI: BEADING BASICS (BEAD STYLE MAGAZINE)

Beading is getting hotter and hotter every day. You might want to print out this page (click FYI, above) so you'll be all set to go when the bug bites you.

TUTORIAL: BRIDESMAID INVITES (ONCE WED; ANNA BOND)

Got a wedding in the future? These invites for the bridesmaids are beyond special. What a fantastic idea! Course you could use the same idea for other celebrations...

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see this outstanding tutorial.

TUTORIAL: STITCHING A CIRCLE (TWO CREATIVE STUDIOS; TERRI STEGMILLER)

If stitching perfect circles isn't at the top of your 'me-likey' list, Terri has the solution in this tut. Easy to understand and easy as pie to accomplish.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easy circle stitching really is.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED (INDIE FIXX; JEN WALLACE)

Mercy, mercy...the generosity of others! Artists contribute works of arts weekly to Feed Your Soul at Indie Fixx for us to download. Be sure to read the particulars of this marvelous program (click About and Home in the top menu bar).

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see all of the downloads.

TUTORIAL: BEADED RING (CRAFT REVOLUTION; GROUNDSEL)

Man, do I wish I had thought of this when I was waiting for kids after carting them hither and yon. But there's nothing that says I can't do this when I'm waiting and waiting for planes, trains and whatever else that requires a wait.

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

SUPER SITE: RUBBERSIDE DOWN; JUANITA

Juanita creations are outstanding examples that 'less is more.' Don't ask me to pick a favorite cause I like them all.

Click SUPER SITE (above) for an enjoyable visit.

VIDEO: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO DIGITAL STAMPS (MY GRAFICO; WENDY)

Nothing is better than a video when it comes to clearly demonstrating the what, when and how. Click VIDEO (above) to see the nitty gritty about digi stamps

TUTORIAL: HAUNTED HOUSE (ALPHA STAMPS; KRISTIN BATSEL)

Time to start getting ready for Scary Night. This house has just the right amount of scary to do the job nicely.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to find how how it's created.

TUTORIAL: DISTRESSED BACKGROUND (STAMPARTIC)

This technique is sure to please, and as noted in the tut, it's an excellent background to use when creating cards for men.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how to create stunning backgrounds.

FREE DOWNLOADS: SEPT CARD MAPS (PAGEMAPS; BECKY FLECK)

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print September Card Maps.

TUTORIAL: MATCHBOOK BOOKLET (CRAFT STAMPER; KATY)

I have an idea that a grandma would jump and down with joy if pics of her grandbabies were on the pages of this little cutie...hmmm, sounds like a stocking stuffer to me!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and see what you think.

TUTORIAL: POM POM PUMPKINS (LIQUID PAPER;LAURIE BERTRAND);

Talk about easy and quick and cute...all sorts of fun ways these darlings can be used for Scary Night. Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how.

TUTORIAL: ONE HOUR BAG (RIC RAC; JODIE)

You know that cute little Janome sewing machine you got so you could stitch on cards...well, that little guy ALSO stitches on fabric (who'd a thunk it!). If you're a newbie stitcher, this bag is a great way to start your new addiction (trust me, fabric can be an addiction).

Pull that machine out of the closet and click TUTORIAL (above) to get started.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOAD: BLANK ADVENT CALENDAR (THE SMALL OBJECT; SARAH NEWBURGER)

Nice thing about this calendar is that it's not limited to the Christmas season...use it prior to any 'count-the-days-til' event.  Also nice is the download for the calendar.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and start counting!