VIDEOS: LEARN TO KNIT (KNITTING HELP)

Videos showing Continental and English methods are included here; watch both to determine which method you prefer. Lots of other good info here too...if knitting is about to become your latest and greatest thing, you'll need this site.

Click VIDEOS (above) to see and learn (and decide!)

TUTORIAL: COILED BASKETS (CRAFT YARN COUNCIL OF AMERICA)

I can't begin to tell you how much fun creating these baskets is...and how very useful they are. Pick the size, color, coiling supply and usage, and away you go. Easy enough for young kids to complete; options provide interesting challenges for adults. They are REALLY a good thing!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to coiling.

RECYCLE: 12 WAYS TO USE OLD T-SHIRTS (GROCERY SHRINK; ANGELA COFFMAN)

These suggestions are heck of a lot better than the usual solutions when it comes to old T-shirts: keep wearing it; chuck it in the dog's bed; throw it out; stick it under the tires when you get stuck in a snow drift).

Click RECYCLE (above) to get the scoop.

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED FLOWER (LORD HAVE MERCY; MERCY KERIN)

Quick as a wink! Easy too...how good is that? Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and do.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER (ANN THE GRAM)

Hot water bottles are finally seen in stores again...back in the 'old' days, every house had a hot water bottle. Nothing is better for the tummy of a colicky baby than a baby sized hot water bottle.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how quickly you can make a cute cover for your hotie...easy, peasy!

TUTORIAL; RIBBON ROSE (ELSIDUNYAMIZ; HIFA)

Soon as you click TUTORIAL, above, scroll to the bottom of the tut to see thr finished rose. I guarantee you will be more than impressed with the beauty of this flower. Stunning doesn't even come close to describing it.

RECYCLE: PAPER TUBE FLOWERS (GROWING UP CREATIVE; TALI)

This is one fantastic recycled creation...as good as it gets. Start saving those rolls from paper towels and wrapping paper so you'll have enough to create this terrific wall decor. Course, the flowers also would be perfect embellishments...

Click RECYCLE (above) and start saving!

TUTORIAL: POLYMER CLAY BUTTONS (CRAFT STYLISH; LINDA PERMANN)

Next time you need a button in a certain size, color or shape, take the easy road and DIY. Polymer clay buttons are terrific either as embellishments on craft creations or as closures on clothing and accessories. The clay withstands laundering in the machine (gentle action)and dryer (low heat). Many crafters wrap aluminum foil around the clay before beginning the laundry process.

You can punch buttons either with a hand punch or die...place the rolled clay (thin enough to insert into the slot of a hand punch) between two pieces of cooking parchment paper before hand punching. Place the clay between two pieces of cooking parchment paper before cutting with a die. The paper can be left in place when curing; remove it after the clay has cooled.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start conditioning that clay. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions for oven temps when curing the clay.

TUTORIAL: FIVE MINUTE SKIRT (ANGRY CHICKEN; AMY)

Attention all stitchers: here's the solution to the 'I don't have a thing to wear' whine. This skirt is a lickety split creation you can whip up in a flash.

Click TUTORIAL (above), grab some fabric and your machine, and away you go.

TUTORIAL: CREPE PAPER ROSE (SIMPLE THINGS; LINDA ALBRECHT)

These roses are as pretty as you can imagine. Easy, quick and inexpensive too.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start.

TUTORIAL: WRIST WARMERS (THINK CRAFTS; ANITRA)

Super easy, super quick, and super useful. Although the stitching can be done by hand, a machine would be my choice.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how to create these clever toasties.

WORDS TO THE WISE...

Click WORDS TO THE WISE, above...consider, ponder, and enjoy!

TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES/FREE DOWNLOADS (CARD MAKING INSPIRATION)

Next time you have a few hours free (it might happen!), click the title of this post to see an incredible array of stuff directed to the wonderful world of card making. Needless to say, sticking this link in your favs is highly recommended...

TIPS AND TRICKS: PINK PERSIMMON; SAMANTHA

You're gonna have to open the link (click TIPS AND TRICKS, above) to see what sage advice Samantha has for you...I will tell you, it's good stuff!

TUTORIAL: CUPCAKE TOWER (MY DIY WEDDING DAY)

OK...cupcakes aren't limited to weddings. In fact, they're becoming the desert of choice for just about every festive get-together. Time to create something special for displaying them til the hungry hoards grab and gobble.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easily you can create a cupcake tower.

FREE DOWNLOADS: WRAP-AROUND ENVY LABEL (FEDERICO DESIGNS)

Pick the color of your choice in these beautiful and stylish labels. The size of the envy you're using will determine if the return address area wraps to the back of the envy.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print and cut.

TUTORIAL: FOLDED MINI ROSE (ALL THINGS PAPER; ANN MARTIN)

I love these little darlings...absolutely love them! Make a slug of them cause you'll find all sorts of ways they can be used.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start a rose garden.

CHALLENGE: OUR VINTAGE AFFAIR

OK, you vintage lovers, here's the spot you want front and center on your favs list. Challenges, free downloads and tips galore. Such a deal!

Click CHALLENGE (above) and have a grand time.

FREE DOWNLOAD: ALICE IN WONDERLAND CHESHIRE CAT (ALICE 2010)

If you're an Alice In Wonderland fan, this kitty will be a familiar critter. Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to print, cut and fold.

VIDEO: PAINTING WITH EMBOSSING POWDER (STAMPENDOUS; FRAN)

Wait til you see this technique...leave it to Fran to come up with this terrific idea. Easy and fast too, just what we love!

Click VIDEO (above) and start embossing.

TUTORIAL: RIBBON EMBELLISHED CARD (PAPER SOURCE)

The example show is a wedding invite,but this super quicky embelishment can be used for any type of card. Super quicky really is super quicky here.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to embellishing!

TUTORIAL: RUFFLE SCARF (SEW MUCH ADO)

Gotta tell you, this fashion-wise creation is terrific. Easy, quick, inexpensive...it'll be one of those use-it-all-the-time goodies in your wardrobe.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start stitching.

VIDEO: FLOWER SOFT CREATIONS (FLOWER SOFT)

Here's the nitty gritty about Flower Soft...the many creations shown here are only the beginning of the many options offered by this neat supply.

Click VIDEO (above), sit a spell and enjoy!

VIDEO: ROLLED FABRIC FLOWERS (HOUSE OF 3 DESIGN DISTRICT; RHONNA FARRER)

This very comprehensive video has it all: what to use; how to use it; suggested uses for the finished flower. Nothing has been left out! Click VIDEO (above) to see it all.

TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE (VINTAGE WORKSHOP)

Click TUTORIALS/DOWNLOADS (above) for a wide variety of tuts and downloads for victorian creations....all of which are excellent.

FYI: HOW TO READ CROCHET LESSONS (WHIP UP; KATH RED)

There's a slug of info here...even advanced crocheters will find a tid bit or two. Click FYI (above) to read and see and learn.

FYI: JAPANESE MASKING TAPE (LITTLE HAPPY THINGS)

When you see the array of patterns and colors available in this masking tape, you'll understand why its popularity is growing and growing. No tuts here, but the visuals are enough for you to get the idea.

Click FYI (above) and enjoy!

TUTORIAL: MAKE A STAMP FROM A PHOTO (SEW SEW ART; BETH)

Next time you're snapping pictures right and left, consider items that would make a good stamp. Do yourself a favor and don't snap fiddly and/or highly detailed items for the first couple of stamps you make. Stamp carving isn't hard, but it does take a bit of practice to achieve the stamp of your dreams.

Click TUTORIAL (above)and get to making a few stamps.

TUTORIAL: WOVEN SEED BEAD RINGS (NELKIN DESIGNS; LAURA)

I am betting that you're going to see a lot of these rings on fingers (and toes) in the next few months. They're a snap to make, the options are endless, and they're fun to wear. The detailed pictures make this a Four Star tut.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start ring making.

FREE DOWNLOADS; TROUT (THE MOUNTIAN VILLAGE; YOSHIKAZU FUJIOKA

If you're a fish lover, this site will be an absolute joy. If fish aren't your thing, don't walk away without a look at these incredible downloads. Quite something.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see some trout; click the Home Page link (bottom of the page) to explore this marvelous site.

TUTORIAL: FABRIC ORIGAMI POCKETS (ALISON BY HAND; ALISON GUINEE)

These little darlins' can hang from THE tree, dangle from a wall hook, hold party favors, embelish layouts and cards...and lots more. Easy and quick, they're really a good thing.

Click TUTORIAL (above), grab some fabric and start folding.

RECYCLE: HURRICANE LAMP COVER (A LITTLE HUT; PATRICIA ZAPATA)

You'd never believe that the rolls from a couple of paper towels would result in this stunning creation. What a way to use up those tubes...

Click RECYCLE (above) and start saving those tubes.

TUTORIAL: MINI ALBUM (HAMBLY SCREEN PRINTS; DENISE)

I'll warn you right now...this tut is packed with ideas and tips that are suitable to use with an album of any size. Terrific stuff!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it.

TUTORIALS: DOOR DRAFT SNAKES (CRAFT TUTORIALS; JENNI)

You're gonna giggle when you see the supply used to make these snakes...who'd a thunk it? They're easy to make, colorful, handy, and most of all, very practical.

Click TUTORIALS (above) to begin.

VIDEO: DIY WHITE AND COLORED FLOWER SOFT (HOG WILD ABOUT STAMPING; HOLLY)

Talk about easy and quick! Best of all, there's no running to the store in the middle of a creation cause you don't have the right color. Great idea, great tut.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to find out how easy it really is.

VIDEO: ACRYLIC/ALCOHOL BACKGROUND (48HIC48)

This background technique creates an incredible look. You determine the number of colors and layers used; as a result, each piece is different. Nothing is better than DIY paper designs...absolutely nothing!

Click VIDEO (above) to watch and learn.

RECYCLE: WOVEN MAP BASKET (CRAFT ZINE; JANE PATRICK)

Fresh out of maps? Not to worry...any papers set to go to recycling will do the job (you may have to do a bit of adding one piece to another to achieve the needed length). Left alone, they're great; paint adds another dimension; bling takes it one step further.

Click RECYCLE (above) and start weaving.

FREE DOWNLOADS: BOXES, TOYS AND MORE (PAPER BOX WORLD)

This site is soooo much fun...one fantastic download after another for you to cut, fold and enjoy. The link list leads you to more sites. Whoopee!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and have a blast.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: FLORAL PILLOW (MARTHA STEWART)

You've got some options here: use either a store bought pillow or make your own in the desired size and color; use felt, rather than Ultrasuede; forget the pillow and use these terrific flowers as embellishments on paper creations. Choices, choices, choices...

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) and decide which option works best for you.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

 

TUTORIAL: PICTURE PUZZLES (SCRAPBOOKING; JAMI PETERSON)

Puzzle blocks are the rage these days, and here's another one to add to your list. This one uses a photo in the center blocks, but there's no rule that says you can't use something else.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and gather those blocks!

EZINE: NONPAREIL

Beauty abounds on the pages of this magazine. Gorgeous projects are only a portion of the many features found here.

Click EZINE (above), then subscribe so you don't miss a single issue.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINE GOODY BAGS (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; KATHLEEN)

Kathleen of Twisted and Twig has designed two perfect downloads for the fronts of valentine treat bags...cute and quick. Print, fill and hand out...how easy is that?

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and get busy (time's running short!)

TUTORIAL: PARTY HORNS (UTTERLY ENGAGED)

Not too late to whip up a few of these for the party tomorrow night. Too busy...not to worry...save this tut so you'll have it for the next shindig you're throwing.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and do it.

SUPER SITE: BALLPOINT BLISS; JULIET A

Noooo, this blog isn't packed to the hilt with ballpoint drawings, renderings and colorings. There's a Zentangle thrown in here and there, but plan to see (and enjoy) a wide variety of gorgeous creations.

Click SUPER SITE (above), sit back, put your feet up and explore the beauties Juliet has waiting for you.

SUPER SITE: FUN GADGETS (ADAM BOWMAN)

These gadgets are computer gadgets...and fun they are. Click SUPER SITE (above) to see and play. Adding one to your blog is another option.

RECYCLE: VALENTINE GIFT (NAP TIME JOURNAL; BECCA)

Quick, clever and easy...just what you need for those last minute valentine gifts.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see and do.

TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES: VALENTINES (ABOUT; SHERRI OSBORN)

If you're still looking for valentine inspiration, the search will be finished soon as you click TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES (above).

TUTORIAL: WHIRL-IT LAMPSHADE (PICKLES)

You have to remember soaking string (yarn, thread, etc.)in glue and winding it around balloons when you were a bit (just a bit) younger than you are now. This super-sized version is the solution when a stylish lampshade is needed.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start winding!

RECYCLE: WALL CALENDAR CREATIONS (THE PAPER SOURCE; KAREN)

I can't stand to chuck wall calendars at the end of a year. Main reason I bought them in the first place was due to the wonderful art found on each month's page.

Click RECYCLE (above) to see how to continue your enjoyment of your wall calendars.

ULTRA SUPER SITE: FOLD SOMETHING

If you've had problems obtaining the desired results in origami, this is the spot for you. Between the exceptional videos and fantastic projects, you'll have a blast here. Even tried and true folders will find many tips and tricks.

Click ULTRA SUPER SITE (above) and fold to your heart's content.

FREE DOWNLOADS: LABELS (THE RUBBER PUNKIN; EMILY)

Is it possible to do too much organizing? Well, maybe so, but you'll admit these circular labels aren't going a step too far. Handy and always useful...and that's a good thing!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print and use.

FREE DOWNLOAD: VINTAGE VALENTINE (RUFFLED; CAROLYN)

No worries about getting to the store in time with this in your stash. Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to see and print.

TUTORIAL: TINY CROCHETED HEART (KUNDHI; JULIE)

Looking for a perfect little gem to add that special touch...look no further! Quick as can be too.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and crochet to your heart's content.

RECYCLE: BOOK CLOCK (INSTRUCTABLES; MDHAWORTH)

Now this is one neat idea, and it's a great way to use that stack of books you got to alter. Is there such a thing as a Recycled Recycle Creation?

Click RECYCLE (above) and get into clockmaking.

ULTRA SUPER SITE: CAROL ANNE'S BOUTIQUE

The array of beautiful downloads Carol Anne provides for us is only a portion of the glories found on this blog. It's truly a seven course feast for the eyes.

Click ULTRA SUPER SITE (above) to enjoy the feast.

TUTORIAL: MARTHA STEWART SCORE BOARD/ENVELOPE MAKER (JOAN'S CREATIONS; JOAN)

A little birdie told me some people were having problems with Martha's Scoring Board Envelope Maker. Click TUTORIAL (above) for the solutions to those problems.

FREE DOWNLOAD: VALENTINE GARLAND (KIND OVER MATTER;AMANDA)

Every home needs at least one valentine garland...one at the very least. Here's a quickie if you haven't created one yet.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and enjoy!

VIDEO: POTTY TRAINING CHART (ANDREA WALFORD; SOPHIA LANDRY)

If you're in the throes of potty training a cutie pie who doesn't seem to be too impressed with the idea, this just might be the key to success (no promises!). Too bad you can't convince the little darling that the only thing you want for Valentine's Day is a dry pull-up...oh well, guess this is another one of those things on 'The Joys of Motherhood' list.

Click VIDEO (above)...good luck!

RECYCLE: DENIM BOOK COVER (THE IMPATIENT CRAFTER; MARGOT POTTER)

How about using old jeans to make book covers? Now that's one clever way to save money.

Click RECYCLE (above), grab some jeans, and get busy.

TUTORIALS: VALENTINE'S DAY CRAFTS (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI)

Click TUTORIALS (above) to see a terrific array of valentine creations that are quickly and easily made. You're gonna love them!

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINE TAGS (SIMPLY HANDMADE; JERI)

I have an idea you'll find uses for these darlings. There's no such thing as too many tags. Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print.

TUTORIAL: FAUX TOPIARY (TALES AND TRIALS; ABBY)

How about a topiary rather than flowers for Love Day? It'll be a long lasting reminder that you thought enough to give the very best...

Click TUTORIAL (above) to start.

FREE DOWNLOADS: FEED YOUR SOUL (INDIE FIXX; JEN WALLACE)

Feast your eyes on the fantastic art work offered here each week. Each piece can be downloaded (personal use only, please) to savor and to feed your soul. This is beyond a good thing...

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to see this week's offering.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINES (HEAD VS HEART; COURTNEY)

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and your valentines are done in a snap...print 'em, write a note on the back, stick them in an envy, slap a stamp on the front, and let the PO do their thing. Or...use them as a tag for those special gifts reserved for your nearest and dearest.

TUTORIAL: HOMEMADE LETTERPRESS (THE FRUGAL CRAFTER; LINDSEY WEIRICH)

Love the look of letterpress, but would prefer to use the tools you have on hand? Lindsey has figured out how to use the Big Shot (and the other die cut machines) to achieve the letterpress look. Huge money saver!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and give it a shot (yea, I know that's really cheesy).

TUTORIAL: COBWEB VALENTINE (MARTHA STEWART; JOCELYN WORRALL)

Mercy, mercy, just wait til you see this gorgeous creation. Although it looks very intricate, it's a piece of cake (provided you pay attention when cutting).

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to it.

TUTORIAL: HERSEY NUGGET PURSE (SCRAPBOOK EXPRESS; KAY)

These little darlings are the perfect little gift for Valentine's Day...is there anyone who doesn't need chocolate?

Click TUTORIAL (above)and create away.

FREE DOWNLOADS: SHOWER OF LOVE (JAK HEATH DESIGNS)

Another page of beauties from Jak, and as always, they're prefection. Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINES (HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS; RHONDA)

Be preared for one huge treat when you click FREE DOWNLOADS (above). One great download after another...love notes and scrapbook layouts galore. Such a deal!

FREE DOWNLOADS: HEART FORTUNE COOKIE MESSAGES (CHINESE FORTUNE COOKIE)

After your fortunes cookies are created, click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print out sweet sayings to place inside the cookie. Fun, fun and more fun!

VIDEO: PAPER FORTUNE COOKIES (E-HOW; LYNN REYNOLDS)

There's absolutely no reason that a fortune cookies can't be the carrier of the message on Valentine's Day...no reason at all. So check out this video, make the cookies then print out the sayings you'll find in the next post.

Here's a tip when cutting out circles curved edges: rotate the paper and keep those scissors tips pointed straight out in front of you when cutting. Works every time! Course what also works is either a circular die for your machine or a circle punch.

Click VIDEO (above)to create the cookies.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: WINTER FLOWER WREATH (PURL BEE; PAGE)

Just wait til you see this beauty...it's drop dead gorgeous. And to add frosting to the cake, the tut is beyond excellent. Every single step is detailed with text and photos. Even more, there's an extensive array of flower templates. Fantastic!

You'll have a grand treat when you click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above)

TUTORIAL: HEART SHAPED EASEL CARD (CRAFTY CARDMAKERS)

Think you'll like this card. It's slightly different, and it offers several options. Make it cute, sophisticated or vintage...the choice is yours.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get to work!

TUTORIAL: VINTAGE BUTTON HEART (THE PRAIRIE GIRL; JENNIFER)

Just think of the many ways this darling heart embellishment can be put to good use. Make it in the sizes you need in appropriately sized buttons. Too much fun!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get out the button box.

TUTORIAL.VIDEO: POP UP TWIST CARD (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; MAREN BENEDICT)

If you're interested in putting a new twist on a valentine card, this is the one you'll create (sorry, no way could I ignore the 'twist' thing). Although it looks a little complicated, the tut and video eliminate any problems.

Click TUTORIAL/VIDEO (above) and start doing the twist!

FREE DIGIS: FRED, SHE SAID

You're gonna love the free digis found here...remember to refresh the page each time you open it so you'll see the latest additions.

Click FREE DIGIS (above) and go to town!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES; EMBROIDERY HEART (MAGGIE MAKES; KAREN)

These are so adorable...use them as pins, necklaces, garlands, magnets, embellishments....However they're used, they'll be enjoyed.

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

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED CIRCLE BORDER (MY CREATIONS; ILINA CROUSE)

This is one handy, dandy idea...you're going to find all kinds of ways to put it to good use. Clever as can be.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and enjoy!

TUTORIAL: VALENTINE BLOCKS (TWIDDLE THUMBS)

Here's a fun way to use those wooden blocks after you've unmounted your stamps...no need that each block is the same size. On the other hand, if you prefer blocks being identical in size, Mikey has bags of blocks waiting to get decorated.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start your valentine blocks.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

How's that for a title? Special it is, so click SOMETHING SPECIAL (above) to get the nitty gritty.