Friday, December 31, 2010

YIPPEE!!!

RECYCLE: CHRISTMAS WRAP AND CARDS (RUBBERSTAMPING.ABOUT; KATE PULLEN)

Before you chuck out Christmas stuff, take a look at all the ways they can be used...click RECYCLE (above) to get the tips.

TUTORIAL: FOX LAMP (MATSUTAKE BLOG; MATSUTAKE)

This lamp is so stinky cute that you're going to want to create a slug of them.  Foxes are only one 'suitable' animal...pick your favorite creature and go with it.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start your zoo.

TUTORIAL: PAINT CHIP KEY CHAIN (ADDDICTED 2 DECORATING; KRISTI)

Here's another one of those 'back of the hand against the forehead while sighing, DUH'. Too reasonable to be real. 

Click TUTORIAL (above) grab the stuff you need and create!

RECYCLE: HAND MADE PAPER (ALTERED ALCHEMY; LUTHEIN THYE)

If you've thought you might enjoy creating paper, but didn't want to fiddle with expensive kits and a lot of rules, this is exactly what you're looking for.  This technique is as easy as it gets, costs next to nothing, and the rules are almost non. 

Click RECYCLE (above) and give it a whirl!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

FREE DIGIS: ASSORTED (PENNY DUNCAN CREATIONS)

The array of digis found here is mind boggling...huge, enormous, out of sight!  Click FREE DIGIS (above) and have a blast.

CUTTLEBUG: CUTTLEBUG SANDWICHES (PROVO CRAFT)

No more trying to remember which plates to stack; no more trying to remember what plate goes where. Talk about a fantastic time saver.

Click  CUTTLEBUG (above) save it to your hard drive (I put mine in My Pictures folder), then print a copy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED SVGS IMAGES (FREE SVGS)

If you use SVGs, this blog has got to be at the top of your list.  There's over 200 of the darlings here...it'll be hard not to find exactly what you want.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and crank up that machine...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

RECYCLE: METAL EMBELLISHMENTS (MICHAEL STRONG)

Pop (soda for some folks) cans never looked so good!  Michael shows every step, so creating these beauties is done in a flash.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see how to keep cans out of the landfill.

SUPER SITE: TANGLE PATTERNS; LINDA FARMER

If you haven't tangled yet, now's the time!  This site has all the info you've been looking for...links galore too.

Click SUPER SITE (above), grab that pencil (pen?) and go.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: PINATA (HOLIDASH; KENDRA SMOOT)

How 'bout having one of these at the ready when those January 1 football games are done.  Here's a thought: use the colors of the school you hope loses, then have a blast smashing the pinata. You have to admit that using cupcake liners for a pinata is one terrific idea.

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

FREE DOWNLOADS: GIFT BOXES (CRAFTICIOUS; ELAINE)

If you're looking for the perfect box for New Year's Eve party favors, here 'tis.  Another plus...there's an assortment of sizes, so you have options.  The examples Elaine provides are gorgeous.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to create.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FABRIC PRODUCE BAG (DAISYJANIE; JAN DICINTIO)

This tut is one of the best I've seen for this type of bag...the kind with a flat bottom.  Between the excellent instructions and graphics, creating it is a piece of cake.  And, as you can guess, the technique also applies to paper (with a bit of tweaking here and there).  Outstanding!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and get busy creating one (or more) of these handy dandy carriers.

FREE DOWNLOAD: 2011 DESK CALENDAR (3 EYED BEAR; MAARTEN JANSSENS)

Just wait til you see this calendar...fantastic!  No question it'll be the talk of the town when it's put on display January 1.

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to see this charmer.

Monday, December 27, 2010

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: TISSUE BOX COVER (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; DIANE ZECHMAN)

Getting to be that snotty time of the year, so having a box of tissue within arm's length is a necessity.  No reason those boxes can't have a bit of bling and flair...this tut shows how to create that.

Click TUTORIA/VIDEO (above), and get ready to create.

TUTORIAL: ORNAMENT WREATH (CALMITY ANNE; ANNE)

Hey...what's the deal?  Christmas has come and gone, so why the wreath?  Read Anne's tut: you gotta buy those balls after Christmas when they cost a pittance. 

Click TUTORIAL (above) buy, save, and have a ball!

RECYCLE: PAPER TOWEL ROLL FLOWERS (DESIGN BY NIGHT; KOLLEEN KILDUFF)

More flowers!  Just can't get enough of them.   Besides, finding a good use for those paper towel rolls is another plus.
Click RECYCLE (above) and think spring!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

HAPPY KAWANZAA!

TUTORIALS: NAPKIN FOLDING (NAPKIN FOLDING GUIDE)

Having this site in your favs is a good idea...you just never know when fancy folded napkins will be needed.  The  multiple pictures provided for each napkin eliminate any hassles.

Click TUTORIALS (above) and start folding.

TUTORIAL: MODERN PAPER ORNAMENT (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; JESSICA JONES)

If you have a gang coming over to celebrate the New Year...here's a decoration that will impress each and everyone who walks in the door.  Supplies are very inexpensive; although not speedy, the time factor for each ins't that long.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get ready to celebrate!

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2011 SPANISH CALENDARS (CALENDAR IOGRATIS; SAVETZ PUBLISHING CO.)

These calendars are in Spanish, which can be somewhat difficult to find.  Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) print, cut out ....and most importantly, enjoy!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU...

PEACE, JOY, LOVE AND HEALTH....

TUTORIAL: FOLDED PAPER BORDER (CREATED BY YOU; SHARON FIELD)

No more fretting about which side of double sided designer paper to use...here's the easy way around that problem.    This technique is also an outstanding way to use up leftover strips of those  papers.

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

TUTORIAL: FINGER KNITTING (CRAFTZINE; VICKIE HOWELL)

How neat is this?  What a terrific way to test the 'knitting  waters,' so to speak.  Give it a whirl to see what you think.  If nothing else, you'll end up with a scarf.

Click TUTORIAL (above) grab some yarn and go.

Friday, December 24, 2010

HE'S COMING TO TOWN...

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: STITCHED RIBBON OR LACE FLOWER (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; BEATE JOHNS)

This flower is a super easy quickie.  Use either ribbon or lace...the choice is up to you.  If you're still wrapping gifts...one of these flowers would be an excellent substitute for a bow.

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (above) and gather up all those odds and ends of ribbon and lace.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED TEMPLATES (PAPERSCRAPZ; TANYA WEINER)

There's a bizillion (well, maybe not quite that many) templates waiting for you here.  Doesn't stop there...links, resources, and more.  Yeppers, this is the second link I've posted for this spot.  Wanted to make sure everyone knew about it.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and enjoy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2011 CALENDARS (CREATIVE PORTAL)

You'll love the options found here.  Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see them and select the one(s) of your choice.

FUN TIME: SCRIBLINK

This is way too much fun.  Takes less than 10 seconds to figure out how to do it, then away you go.  Be sure to print out the ones you like best (think background papers).

Click FUN TIME (above) and have a blast.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

THOSE WERE THE DAYS...

Click THOSE WERE THE DAYS...sit back and enjoy.

TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS SUBWAY ART AND BANNER (EIGHTEEN 25; JENNIFER, JAMIE, JODIE)

Woo!  Talk about perfect last minute gifts (to keep or give).  Either creation is completed in a flash and provides solutions to those last minute needs.

Click TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and get crackin...

TUTORIAL: WORRY DOLLS (WISE CRAFTS; BLAIR)

These are the days that it's necesary to keep the kiddos busy so they'll stay out of your hair.  No question, they're at the top of their excitement level til Santa comes to town.  These little dollies are a great project to keep their minds and fingers busy...and they can give the results to anxious friends, relatives and family members.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and let the kids go to town.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

TUTORIAL: GLITTERED TREE BALLS

This is a golden-oldie I posted way back in 2007.  These balls are created in a flash, snap, or drop of a hat.  The kind of project you need about now.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and go to town.

FREE DOWNLOAD: ANGEL TREE TOPPER (FAMILY FUN)

Not too happy with your tree topper? Take a peak at this one...it only takes a minute to create it.

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above), print, cut and stick it on the tree.

FREE DOWNLOADS: TAGS AND GIFT ENVELOPES (HOW DOES SHE?; CHICKABUG)

Perfect tags and mini envys for that last minute wrapping...although last minute to me is a little after midnight on the 24th.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print away.

Monday, December 20, 2010

SUPER DUPER SITE: ISH; CAROLE

You've been running around like a chicken with your head cut off, and you really do deserve a rest and a bit of enjoyment.  Carole's blog will provide you with both.  Gorgeous stuff here that you'll savour.

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

TUTORIAL: SILVER PAINTED SANTA (RACKS AND MOOBY; KYRA)

Don't fret if you're drastically in need of some super super decorations that cost pennies...here's the solution.  They're done in a flash and look terrific.  No one will ever guess how quickly you created them, or how inexpensive they were (provided you keep your mouth shut...)

Click TUTORIAL (above) and grab that spray paint!

RECYCLE: PAPER DECORATION (LORA JEAN'S MAGAZINE; LORA JEAN)

This beauty isn't limited to holiday decor.  In fact, the paper you select determine the theme.  This example uses pages from old books for a fantastic look.   A bit of glitter along the edges of the petals result in an entirely different look. You decide the papers; you decide if bling is needed; you decide where it'll go; you decide when it'll be used.

Click RECYCLE (above), gather your supplies and create.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

FREE EZINE: CELEBRATE (GOING HOME TO ROOST; BONNIE)

Shoot!  I'm really disappointed I didn't find this free magazine earlier...it's packed with all sorts of holiday goodies.  But there's still enough time for you to create many of  the projects Bonnie has for us.  Am guessing you won't need me to suggest you sign up to receive the next issue...

Click FREE ZINE (above) and have a ball.

QUICKIE GIFT: CHRISTMAS COASTERS (A PUMPKIN AND A PRINCESS; MRS. OWENS)

It's really getting down to the finish line...and these coasters are created in a snap.  Perfect for stocking stuffers, and for those times when a little gift is all that's needed (or expected)

Click TUTORIAL (above) and coast to the finish (how lame is that?)

ULTRA SUPER SITE: PAPER MODEL KIOSK; ALEXIS

This site is an absolute treasure of paper Christmas models.  There's an extensive array of information concerning creches and other valuable facts.  Many downloads are free; registration is required in order to download them.

Click ULTRA SUPER SITE (above) and be prepared to be impressed.

FREE DOWNLOADS: THANK YOU CARDS (CREATIVE PROMPT; AVITAL)

Print 'em up, and they're be ready when you need them.  These thank you cards offer the option of either adding some bling or leaving them plain.    Nice, nice, nice.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above), crank up the printer and do your thing.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

TUTORIALS: CHINESE KNOTS (MIDDLESEX COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION)

Chinese knots are an exceptional addition to just about any creation.  This site has the tuts you need in order to become an expert knot maker. 

Click TUTORIALS (above) to learn and create.

TUTORIAL: SCANDINAVIAN INSPIRED STAR GARLAND (CREATURE COMFORTS; EZ)

Oh, man...this garland is beyond charming.  It's easy, quick and a true eye-catcher.  The garland is also a terrific addition to any wrapped gift.  Super spectacular!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and create, create, create.

TUTORIALS/ FREE DOWNLOADS/TEMPLATES:CHRISTMAS CRAFTS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGAES (FAMILY CIRCLE)

Chance are good the kiddos started the holiday vacation yesterday, and there's nothing more fun than a house full of excited kids.  There's a slug of neat stuff here that will keep them busy., in addition to several that will be of interest to you.

Click TUTORIALS/ FREE DOWNLOADS/ TEMPLATES (above) and keep 'em busy creating.

Friday, December 17, 2010

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: SNOWFLAKE GARLAND (MY CUTE STAMPS; HOLLY)

You know what's nice about this decoration...it can hang around after the holidays.  It's nice having a bit of  cheer lingering on for a while after all the hoopla is finished.

Click TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see how to create this beauty.

CHALLENGE: CCEE STAMPERS

Eye candy to the max here...one stunning creation after another.  This is a weekly challenge, and it's an active group.

Click CHALLENGE (above) to see the rules and regs.

TUTORIAL: ONE SNIP FIVE POINTED STAR (GINGERSNAP CREATIONS; LINDA LIDDELL)

Five pointed stars can be a bugger to create...the usual way is to use a compass.  Here's an unusual way that doesn't use a compass, is easy as can be, and NEVER fails. Perfect star all the time. Now that's a trick we all need to know!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

TUTORIAL: BUTTON BOOKMARKS (CREATEOLOGY)

Can you imagine a better stocking stuffer for a book lover?  Perfect...and charming.  Excellent!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see them.

TUTORIALS: BUTTON GARLAND and BUTTON WREATH (UK LASS IN US; DAWN)

You get two tuts here...the garland and the wreath.  Both are terrific and a snap to create.  If you were looking for an excuse to get more buttons, here 'tis!  The next post today will give you even more reason to go on a button-buying-binge.

Click TUTORIALS (above) and dig into that button box.

TUTORIALS: BOX/3-D FLOWERS (MAGIC BOXES; ELAINE)

You'll find two tuts here...one is for a butterfly box and the second is for a 3D flower.  PLUS there's a link for a printable metric/inches ruler.
Click TUTORIALS (above) to see, learn and be impressed.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

TUTORIALS: NAPKIN TIPS (MARY MULARI)

Napkins deserve a bit of attention for a holiday meal...long as the attention doesn't cost an arm and a leg, take ages and ages to create, and works with the napkins you'll be using.  You'll love the ideas Mary has for you.  Quick, uncomplicated, cost affective, and very, very stylish.

Click TUTORIALS (above) to see a variety of napkin adornments.

ULTRA SUPER DUPER SITE; PAPER CLIPS AND BOXES; MARGIT AMMENTORP

There are so many exceptional Christmas and holiday templates and downloads here, that you will have a difficult (if not impossible) time picking your favorite. This is one fantastic blog.

Click ULTRA SUPER DUPER above) and enjoy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TICKETS (MISS CUTIE PIE GOES 80S; MISS CUTIE PIE)

Mercy me...you'll be grinning from ear to ear when you open this link (click FREE DOWNLOADS, above).  What a delight!  There's way too many ways these beauties can be put to good use.  Such a treasure.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2011 CALENDARS (HP)

There is one huge slug of calendars here..huge.  Information about a calendar can be seen by placing your cursor over the thumbprint of that calendar.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and pick the one(s) you want.

FREE DOWNLOAD: CHRISTMAS IMAGE (THE VINTAGE WORKSHOP; AMY)

This line drawing of two children and a fir tree offers several creative options.  It's a beauty...

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to save and print.

TUTORIAL: DECAL PENNY PENDANT (JUST SOMETHING I MADE; CATHE HOLDEN)

Terrific idea and a terrific gift. When you care enough to give the very best, you create it!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see this neat gift.

Monday, December 13, 2010

TUTORIAL: GNOMES (GINGERCAKE; VIRGINIA)

What you'll find most difficult about these darlins will be creating enough for all the many ways they can be used.  Tree ornaments, shelf sitters, pocket toys, mobiles...the list goes on and on.  Don't be surprised if everyone who sees them will want one...or two...to three.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn and do.

TUTORIAL: CUSTOM COLORING BOOK (HIP CHICKS CRAFT TOO; HEIDI)

Nothing's better in a Christmas stocking than a custom coloring book.  What fun for you; what fun for the kids. 

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start printing those pages.

TUTORIAL: POINSETTIA PUNCH FLOWER (CARLA'S SCRAPS; CARLA)

This tut is absolutely wonderful...the poinsettias are beyond belief.  Have to think they'd be quite an addition to a wrapped gift.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

TUTORIAL: GERMAN PAPER STAR (CRAFT IDEAS)

This star always attracts attention...and compliments.  Thanks to this tut, it's easily and quickly created.  The suggestion to use metallic paper is a good one.  Has there ever been a time when there's too many 'blingy' holiday decorations?

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to blinging..

FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS IMAGES (CLEARLY VINTAGE; CORA)

These images are an absolute delight...each one is guaranteed to give a boost to your Christmas spirit.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to enjoy.

TUTORIAL: NIGHT LIGHT COVER (MARY ENGELBREIT)

Bet you didn't think that a night light would be a great holiday decoration...neither did I!  Mary tells us how, and it's done in a snap.  Thanks to the Velcro dots, the covering can be easily changed whenever you get the urge.

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

Saturday, December 11, 2010

FREE DOWNLOAD: PAPER TREE (ALLSORTS; JURIANNE MATTER)

Don't know about you, but I think this darling, adorable, precious tree is too good for words.  Have an idea you know I absolutely love it!

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

FREE DOWNLOADS: BOOKMARK 2011 CALENDAR (RUBBERSTAMPING.ABOUT; KATE PULLEN)

These little guys will do it for so many on your list.  Think about it: everyone uses calendars and bookmarks.  Talk about hitting two birds with one stone (NO, I don't run around chucking stones at birds, nor do I encourage others to do it). 

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print...and give.

Friday, December 10, 2010

VIDEO: ECRAFT BIRTHDAY CARD (NICKI'S CARDSTOCK CREATIONS; NICOLE BUCHER)

Quicker than that!  eCraft does do it fast.  Not having to fiddle with an adhesive mat is another plus.

Click VIDEO (above) to see the machine in action.

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2011 CALENDAR (MY OWL BARN; SHIVANI)

Shivani has gathered incredible art for this calendar.  Just wait til you see the options available for each month.  Outstanding!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and start the process.

TUTORIAL: YARN BALL AND ORNAMENT WREATH (LIFE THROUGH A LENS; KRISTI)

Stunning is the first word that came to my mind when I saw this wreath.  No question about it, it's an
eye-catcher.  It's easy to create, and the supplies are inexpensive.  One outstanding creation!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

TUTORIAL: INCHIES GARLAND (CAROLYN'S STAMP STORE; CAROLYN HASENFRATZ)

Now this is one terrific idea!  Inchies are so much fun to create, and using them as a garland only adds to the fun.  Select the theme of your choice for the Inchies, although I'm guessing holidays will be at the top of the list these days.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to create this wonderful holiday decoration.

TUTORIAL: QUILLED 3-D MONOGRAM (SUZY'S ARTSY CRAFTSY SITCOM; SUZY)

You'll have to decide if you're going to create one of these to keep...or  create some to give away.  Course you can do both, and it'll be an outstanding addition to any room.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and see what you think.

BEYOND ULTRA, SUPER DUPER AND SUPER: MADE BY JOEL; JOEL HENRIQUES)

If you have kiddos in your life, this blog will be one you'll visit on a regular basis.  It is so packed with terrific ideas, downloads and tutorials, that only the most superlative adjectives apply. You'll have a difficult time picking your favorite...one of many for me is the April 2. 2010, entry, Paper City.  The link for this is on the right side of the page under '5 Most Popular Posts.'

Click BEYOND (above) to be very, very impressed.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

TUTORIAL: STOCKING HANGER BOARD (CRAP I'VE MADE; CHAR)

Talk about a simplistic solution to an age-old problem!  If you're 'mantle-less,' you'll love this.  If you're not, hang other stuff from it.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see this clever creation.

TUTORIAL: RIBBON POINSETTIAS WREATH (LILLYELLA)

Been searching for a good looking indoor wreath?  The search is officially over!  Size and color are up to you...which also is a good thing.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to creating.

FREE DOWNLOADS: COOKS' HELPERS (MARTHA STEWART)

Show me a cook who wouldn't appreciate receiving these Helpers, and I'll show you someone who graduated from culinary school (they got them there).  Handy, handy, handy!...and they're a great stuffer.  Martha has suggestions for them, and I'm sure you'll have more.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print away!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: GINGERSNAP CREATIONS; SHAR

Click THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, above.

TUTORIAL: NECKLACE (MICHAELS)

Don't know about you, but this looks like the perfect bit of bling for that New Years Eve party.  Helps greatly that it's easy and takes far less time than you'd think.

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

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: CLEAR TREE ORNAMENT (MICHELE MADE ME; MICHELE PACEY)

I'll warn you right from the git go...create a slug of them.  Anyone who sees them on your tree will be begging for one.  Be prepared and have some all ready to hand out to those beggars.  The good news...one less name on that list.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and get busy.

BLOGGING TIPS: BLOG TIPS AND TRICKS (BLOGS BY HEATHER; HEATHER WRIGHT-PORTO)

Seems most sites containing informational material for blogs are directed to BlogSpot (Blogger) blogs.  Not so here. In addition to BlogSpot, Typepad and WordPress are included.  So nice that those two are no longer the forgotten children of Blog Land.

Click BLOGGING TIPS (above) to learn all kinds of neat stuff.

Monday, December 6, 2010

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: ACRYLIC BLOCK BACKGROUND (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; BEATE JOHNS)

Why not use that block as a stamp?  Thanks to Beate for this fantastic idea. 

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

TEMPLATES: GIFT TAGS (CREATIVITY PORTAL; CHRIS DUNMIRE)

You've got choices here: single or double fold with red or green snowflakes.  Click TEMPLATES, above, print 'em up...and you're set to start wrapping those gifts.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: OWL ORNAMENT (THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE; DYLAN AND JO JAMES)

Don't limit this darling to ornaments...gift tags, bookmarks, banners, mobiles...are some other options to consider.  Although a few of them perched on the limbs of THE tree would be fetching and charming.  BTW: bet you never thought about sanding painted fabric...

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and have fun.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

TUTORIAL: CANDY CANE HEART (CHRISTY NELSON)

Two ways to do this: buy the canes now and use these cute little heart favors as stocking stuffers and/or  handouts to the neighborhood kids; wait til December 26 and buy a few boxes so you'll have them for the Valentines you (and your kids) hand out to friends and family.  OR...do both!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and figure out what you're going to do.

TUTORIAL: GIFT WRAPPING WITH MIZUHIKI CORD (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI)

In Japan, gift wrapping is an art form. Classic Japanese supplies produce stunning results.  Mizuhiki cord is frequently used; Jessica provides examples and instructions here.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and enjoy.

TUTORIAL: SPARKLY BOW NECKLACE (VICKIE HOWELL)

Can you possibly imagine a better necklace to wear during the holiday season?  If made as a gift...make it an early one so the full impact can be enjoyed.  What fun!

Click TUTORIAL (above) gather your stuff and create!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

VIDEO: MINI BOOK (SCRAPBOOK SHOW GRAM; SANDI GENOVESE)

This mini book also could be used as one super fantastic greeting card for good friends and/or family members.  It's a hot shot creation, regardless of how it's used.  Sandi describes each step in detail, so complicated it's not.

Click VIDEO (above) and start the list of whom will be receiving this book/card.

TUTORIAL: POSTCARD/GREETING CARD HOLDER (COUNTRY CREATIONS; TOYNA HOPKINS)

Think this qualifies as a twofer...either as a darling little carrier filled with either postcards or greeting cards (or both), or as an outstanding selection whenever a thoughtful gift is needed.

TUTORIAL (above) and start creating.

Friday, December 3, 2010

FREE TYPEFACE: MATCHBOOK IN TWO FONTS (ONE BY FOUR STUDIO)

The two fonts of matchbook typeface found here are sophistication to the max and will be an excellent choice for many creations.  They'll be an excellent addition to your typeface library.

Click FREE TYPEFACES (above) to see them in all their glory...

TUTORIAL: PICTURE CHRISTMAS CARD (HERO ARTS; NANCY)

Be prepared to grin when you click TUTORIAL (above).  What a doll baby!  And what a great way to create a picture card.  Easy, quick, fun and soooo appreciated by all who receive it.  Fantastic all the way around.

TUTORIAL: BIND-IT-ALL FLIP BOOK (LISA SOMERVILLE)

I can't imagine that anyone who receives one of these books wouldn't flip (sorry!) for joy.  This is one fantastic creation.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get busy.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FABRIC ORNAMENT (MCCALLS QUILTING; ELLIE BROWN)

You must admit, we never (ever) have too many ornaments.  The cutting of the circles is done in a slightly different manner in this tut: a spray glue is applied to the back of the sheet of printed circles; after pressing the template to the fabric, the circles are cut out.  This method works for any printed template and is an easy way to guarantee accuracy when cutting.

Click TURORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and start creating.

TUTORIAL: ORIGAMI HEART EARRINGS (CHUBBY HOBBY; JO)

Last time I looked, there's wasn't anything in the Book of Rules that said heart stuff is limited to Valentine giving.  Hearts work for all seasons, far as I'm concerned.   These cuties are super quick and easy...and lots of fun.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to creating!

TUTORIAL: SNOWFLAKE CARD (INKIDO; KRISTINE)

Super quick and super stunning...just what the doctor ordered!  Kristine has examples of other motifs if snowflakes aren't your thing.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

FREE DOWNLOADS: LABELS AND TAGS (PAPER WISHES)

How neat are these?  Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print and cut...and enjoy!

TUTORIAL: PAPER STRIP ROSES (SWEET PAPER TREATS; BRENDA WEAVER)

Warned ya...I've never seen a flower tut I don't like.  This is a super one.  It puts a new spin on a golden oldie technique, and it's easy, fast, inexpensive, with awesome results. 

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

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: BACKPACK BOX (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; MARY ARIMA)

You'll have a hard time deciding which gift is special enough to be placed in this box...just be careful so that the box isn't more spectacular than the gift!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to start creating.