SUPER SITE: PAPER HUGS AND STAMPED KISSES; KIM HUGHES

You'll be delighted with the array of stunning cards found here.  For the most part, CAS applies, and the results are as good as can be.

TUTORIAL: ORNAMENTAL PLASTER APPLIQUES (THE POKA DOT CLOSET; CAROL)

You'll be amazed how easily these appliques are created...helps greatly that this tut rates an A++.  Nothing I like better than a well written tut!

RECYCLE: BRAIDED RAG RUG (CRAFT PASSION)

You tell me a better way to re-use those old sheets, and I'll give you a gold star!  These rugs are beyond handy; the cost factor is this side of zip.  So...grab those old sheets and get to tearing and braiding and stitching.

VIDEO: FRINGED FELT FLOWER (PAPER TRUFFEZ; JULIE EVERSOLE)

It'll take you longer to decide which color felt to use than it will to create this flower.

RECYCLE: SOCK WREATH (BLUE CRICKET DESIGN; BECCA)

Finally!!! A great way to use those socks-without-a-mate.  There's only so many socks you can use for dusting in the course of a year, and those sock-stealing gremlins that lurk in the machine are always ahead of the game.  Go forth and create!

TUTORIAL: RAGGEDY FABRIC FLOWERS (ARTSEE BLOGGERS; DIANE)

Time for another flower (won't be the last though, I promise).  This one is created with fabric.  Paper is an option, but it'll look somewhat different than one from fabric.

TUTORIAL: CROCHETED UTILITY CORD BRACELETS (GREEN EYED MONSTER; ASH AND KIMMY)

Time to be a fashion-diva...no excuses.  Helps mightly that it's an easy title to acquire thanks to these nifty bracelets.

LAYOUTS: USING PAPER STRIPS (GET IT SCRAPPED; DORIS SANDERS)

Granted, these techniques are intended for layouts...but there's nothing in the Book of Rules that says the same techniques can't be used for cards.  Or any paper creation.  And...if you're fresh out of paper, but have fabric up the yazoo...use fabric strips.  Why not?

RECYCLE: CANDY BAG POUCH (PUNKIN PATTERN; VANESSA)

This little pouch will please anyone between the ages of 1 - 101.  It's one fantastric recycling creation.

FYI: PAPER EYELASHES (ALL THINGS PAPER; ANN MARTIN)

Ann Martin's site, All Things Paper, is  packed with stuff to wonder at and do.  These paper eyelashes  are enchanting...and the perfect something for that special someone who has everything.

RECYCLE: WATER BOTTLE TOYS (CRAFT; VANESSA COPPOLA)

It's true, give a kid a bottle filled with stuff, and you'll have some time to craft.  Guaranteed fun for every one.

VIDEO: CUPCAKE FLOWERS (ROBERTS CRAFTS; BRETT LUND)

If you've been searching for the perfect flower embellishment for that theme party...here tis! 

TUTORIAL: CRAYON WALL ART (WHATEVER; MEG DUERKSEN)

Don't know why it can't be called wall art...shoot, call it any old thing you want.  Colorful it is, and beyond fun is an understatement.  Click here to see it.

RECYCLE: HOME DECOR FROM CAST-OFF JEWELRY (BHG)

Oh dear...another reason to go yard sale and thrift store shopping.  Too many terrific ideas here for me to pick a favorite.  I'll leave that up to you.

FREE DOWNLOADS: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TREATS (IT IS WHAT IT IS; (BETH PROUDFOOT)

Adding some splash to that first day of school is always fun...for you and the kids.  I have an idea these printables will be greatly enjoyed.

VIDEO: BOX MAKING BASICS (PAPER CASTLE; HEATHER)

Everything you need to know about making a box is found here...handy, handy, handy.

TUTORIAL: DIY FLOWER PRESS (PRESS FLOWER; KATHY CHU)

Getting time for some of us to accept the fact that it won't be long before those beautiful flowers in the yard will be gone, gone, gone.  One way to keep the memory of those blooms alive is by pressing them when they're at their peak.  An old book will work as a press, but this one will do a much better job. Fortunately, the cost  minimal.

Kathy has a wealth of info on her site about pressed flowers...it's a good spot to do some exploring.

RECYCLE: BOX MADE FROM A BOOK (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; LESLIE OCCHIPINTI)

This is just way too clever and terrific!  You don't  need to be reminded that using the box for sewing supplies is only one option...one of many.  Click here to begin the process.

RECYCLE: SPICE RACK STORAGE (DIY MAVEN)

You're going to love having another excuse for hitting those yard sales.  Can't image a better place to find spice racks, although thrift stores deserve a star too.   Then the fun begins...big time!

TUTORIAL: ZIP-IT COIN PURSE (CRAFT PASSION)

You know how I love cleverness...and practicallity...and easy...and fun.  All that stuff is found in this terrific little purse.

RECYCLE: NEWSPAPER GIFT BAGS (SIMPLE LIVING; SHERRIE)

Don't you love it when you can use  up the old to make new?  These bags are the perfect recycling creation...absolutely perfect.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: HAUNTED HOUSE (THE CREATING KEEPSAKES BLOG; CINDY TOBEY)

This super-duper haunted house offers all sorts of spooky options.  First choice for me is to mount it on foamboard for a wall poster.  I'll let you decide  your first choice...

TUTORIAL: DIY PHOTOGRAPHY LIGHT BOX (HAND MADE SPARK)

Easy as pie, cheap as sin (?), quicker than that...can't be any sweeter!  Scroll down a bit to get to the tut.

VIDEO: ONE SHEET 16 PAGE BOOK (WONDER HOW TO; GOLIC)

Now this is one super neat creation...bookmaking as easy as it gets.

TUTORIAL: MAP COASTERS (MARTHA STEWART)

Vacation times are almost at an end; keep those memories lingering by using the maps, brochures and programs to make coasters.  Here's how...

RECYCLE: VINTAGE SUITCASE STORAGE (STORAGE AND GLEE)

Don't know about you, but I think this is one out-of-the-box storage plan.  (You will forgive that pathetic attempt at humor...?).  Searching for old suitcases at yard sales is only part of the fun...filling them up with stuff adds another dimension.

TUTORIAL: EMBOSSED GLUE ALBUM (FAVE CRAFTS; HEIDE BORCHERS)

Easy peasy, cheap as sin, quicker than that...and the finished creation is terrific.  By any standards, this is
A Good Thing.  Click here to see what's done.

TUTORIAL: HALLOWEEN CANDY BOUQUET (INSTRUCTABLES; VETA5)

Might be a bit early to start thinking about stuff for Scare Night...so consider this food for thought.  Click here to see this fun filled goody.

VIDEO: FELTED CARDSTOCK (UNDERSTAND BLUE; LYDIA)

Don't you just love it when a technique is super easy, and the results are super fantastic?  This technique is one of those wonders...enjoy!

TUTORIAL: STAINED BACKGROUND PAPERS (FAVE CRAFTS; THERESA CIFALI)

You won't believe the 'secret' ingredient that makes the colors of this paper pop...clever as can be!

TUTORIAL: STITCHED FABRIC FLOWER (MAKE IT AND LOVE IT; ASHLEY)

Here's  a slightly different way to create a fabric flower...this time the sewing machine attaches the 'petals' to the base.  Neat way of doing it!  To save time, use a circular die in your die cutting machine to cut the circles.

RECYCLE: PAPER TUBE OWLS (FACTORY DIRECT CRAFTS (FDCSJESS)

Cute as can be...and quick as can be to create.  Where you'll place them determines the look when finished.  Click here to get the low down.

TUTORIAL: PAPER CUP (SCOR-PAL; KITTY FRANKEN AND VALERIE STANGEN)

You will love this cup!  It's the perfect vessel for treats (including those luscious instant coffee blends), and works as well as a place to dump pens, pencils and markers (and other assorted stuff).  You'll love it.

TUTORIAL: ORIGAMI EVENING DRESS (HOMEMADE GIFTS MADE EASY;

Instructions for an origami evening dress are hard to find.  This dress is a stunner and suitable for many purposes, the least of which is on the front of a card.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: CHERVON CLUTCH (GROSGRAIN FABULOUS; KATHLEEN FRANCES)

Think you'll agee that this is one terrific tut...the steps detailing how to combine plain colored fabrics to create chervon stripes are exceptional.

Click here for the facts and how-to.

TUTORIAL: DECORATED HOLE REINFORCEMENTS (HAMPTON ART; JAMIE HARPER

Remarkable what a bit of marker does...remarkable!  Click here to see the fun you can have on a rainy day.

TUTORIAL: THE ULTIMATE NO-STRESS BOW (MY PAPER CREATIONS; NIKI ESTES)

Bet you never thought a bow could be so easily (and perfectly) created...and be USPS friendly.  Click here to see this wonder.

TUTORIAL: CROCHETED GLITTERY FLOWER (FAVE CRAFTS)

Mini flowers and bling...does it get any better?  Cause they're mini, it only take a few minutes to create one.  Click here to get the low down.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: EMBEDDED IMAGE CARD (SPLIT COAST STAMPERS; HOLLY MCMILLEN)

Plan to hear some oohs and aahs for this card ...classy bling has a way of doing that!   Click here to get the facts.

TUTORIAL: PENCIL COZIES (CRESCENDOH; JENNY DOH)

How about some of these for the teachers in your kids' life?  Never underestimate the need for glitz in a clasroom...

TUTORIAL: DOILY LIGHT FIXTURE (GROSGRAIN FABULOUS)

You have to admit, these make those string-wrapped balloon lights look like chump change...

RECYCLE: JAR TEA LIGHTS (MARK MONTANO)

How about these wonders?  Start saving those jars so when the occasion calls, you're set to go.

VIDEO: FLOWER PAPER BALL (METACAFE)

There's just a slug of times this  creation (or a group of them) would be the perfect addition.  Then there's the options offered by different types of paper.  Beyond easy, beyond fast, beyond useful.

TUTORIAL: CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (PAPER, PLATE AND PLANE; JEROMINA)

Now's the time to begin creating these ornaments for gifting (or keeping).  The sky's the limit when it comes to options, so plan to have a blast.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: HIGH HEEL SHOE TREAT BOX (PAPER, PLATE AND PLANE; JEROMINA JUAN)

Now if this isn't the cat's pajamas, I don't know what is.  Bet you're coming up with all sorts of ways to use this beauty...and even more ways to bling it up.  Fun as it can be.

TUTORIAL: CONFETTI-CUT FRONT CARD (MADE BY JOANNE; JOANNE WARDLE)

This is one of those' hit your forehead while muttering DUH.'  Guess that's why we have blogs...so the smarties can show us the latest and the greatest.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOAD: ACCORDIAN ENVELOPE CARD (SIMPLY MODERN MOM; TIFFANY BIRD)

How's this for a new spin on an oldie?  All sorts of occasions work for this clever card, all sorts and sorts. And as an added bonus, there's a download for a 4 x 4 envy.

VIDEO: COFFEE FILTER FLUFFY FLOWER (YOUTUBE; UK MARYANNE)

Here's another version of a 'filter flower.'  When you want fluff, this is the way to go.  BTW:  The vid has music, but no verbal instructions, so mute your speakers if you want peace and quiet.

TUTORIAL: LEATHER AND LACE BANGLE BRACELETS (ONE PEARL BUTTON; ALLI)

Could also be RECYCLE...depends if you have a bangle bracelet you haven't worn in a couple of years.  Even if you purchase a wooden one at a crafts store, the price for these beauties is cheap.  Great all the way around (sorry...).

TUTORIAL: BEADED TREE ORNAMENT (FAVE CRAFTS; DONDI RICHARDSON)

Talk about the perfect sit-in-front-of-the-TV-creation.  Couldn't be a better way to watch and do.

TUTORIAL: SOCK MONKEY (CRAFT BITS; KRISTINE HOWARD)

I wonder how many years ago the first sock monkey was created?  Nice to know they provide as much joy today as they did way back then.

TUTORIAL: PRESERVING PRESSED FLOWERS (INSTRUCTABLES; BAJA BLUE)

Never, ever thought of doing this...makes sense, when you think about it.  Don't you love it when someone comes up with a fantastic solution like this?

FREE DOWNLOAD: WOODLAND FAERIES SCENE (CREATE WITH TLC; PAULETTE)

If you believe in faeries, you will adore this charming scene.  It's perfect for a card front,  framed wall art, or the cover of your art journal (which you have, right?).

FREE DOWNLOADS: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BANNER (HOW DOES SHE; SHELLEY)

You have to admit, this is one darling idea.  What a great memory keeper.

TUTORIAL: BEADED CROCHETED EDGING (CROCHET ME; TONI REXROAT)

When just a little bling will do you, go with beaded crocheted edging.  Click here for the low down.

VIDEO: THERMAL EMBOSSED BACKGROUND (STAMP TV; GINA K. DESIGNS)

This background is stunning...to a fault.  No one will believe you if you tell them how quickly and easily it's created.  So...there's no reason to tell them.  Just say thanks when you're showered with compliments.

TUTORIAL: SUPER QUICK NAPKINS RINGS (MARTHA STEWART)

No more whining about not having napkin rings...you won't believe how quickly these are created.

VIDEO: UNBELIEVABLE EASY AMAZING EASY PAPER HAT (METACAFE; GOLICS)

We just never know when we're going to need a paper hat or two...just never know.  This one is super easy and quick, so sticking it in your favs will handle the situation when it arises.

STORAGE IDEAS: BHG; KATE BARATTA

Need some storage ideas...cheapo storage ideas?  Here you go!

TUTORIAL: ICE CREAM CONE PINATA (SIMPLY MODERN MOM; EZ)

What could be better for that Labor Day picnic than a pinata shaped like an ice cream cone?  Is there a kid (up to age 100) who doesn't love to wack away at a pinata?

TUTORIAL: FABRIC FLOWERS (WHIFF OF JOY; GIO)

Pretty as can be...and easy as can be.  Plant these flowers where ever you want (including on a pin back).

TUTORIAL: MAGIC BOXES (LIFE AS LOU; LEAH KILLIAN)

Magic they are...eye-popping magic.  You'll be the toast of the town when you give one of these boxes.  Thanks to Leah's excellent tut (and pictures), creating oneof these masterpieces is as easy as pie. 

TUTORIAL: STORAGE RACK (MICHAELS)

How about this as inexpensive paper storage?  I'm not sure if it can be completed in the hour that's listed, but it won't take more than a couple, that's for sure.  Let us know if you make one...

VIDEO: FIVE INTERSECTING LETRAHEDRA (JON AKASHIMA)

Is this complicated?  You betcha!  Does the video make it a piece of cake?  You betcha!  One fold at a time, and before you know it, you will have completed this incredible creation.

FREE DOWNLOAD: THANKSGIVING POSTCARD (CHEEKY MAGPIE; SHEILA)

I know, this is pushing the calendar a bit...but for those who really enjoy planning ahead, this is perfect timing for this charming postcard.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS PYRAMAGE CARD (CRAFTICIOUS; ELAINE)

If you're looking for the 'perfect' Christmas card, take a look at this one. Elaine has everything you need, including the background papers.  Neato!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: BIRD MOBILE (JOANN)

Bring the outdoors in with this bird mobile...easy, quick, and stylish.  All the things we love.

CHALLENGE: DIGIITAL TUESDAY; CORA

Be sure to visit out this challenge blog...the vintage digital stamps used for the weekly challenge are exceptional.  Long as you're looking...you might just as well get involved.

VIDEO: HOW TO CARVE A STAMP (ELVIE STUDIO; LORI VLIEGAN)

If you have even the slightest interest in carving a stamp, this video is where you start the process.  If you don't have any interest in carving a stamp, let me warn you...after watching this video, you're be raring to start carving.  On a scale of 1 - 10, this vid rates a 15.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FLAT GIFT/TREAT BOX (PAPER GARDEN PROJECTS; CATHY)

This is one handy box to have in your stash...great for everything from gifts to storing stuff  to treats.  Now that's a good thing!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: PAPER BUTTERFLIES (HOME MADE SIMPLE)

Butterflies to the max here...all sorts of templates, so the making is easy.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (BURLAP BIRD ORNAMENT (THE COUNTRY CHIC COTTAGE; ANGIE)

Image this little bird hanging from branches of THE tree, dangling from a mobile, or sitting on a shelf...you decide.  BTW: Scroll down a bit to get to the tut.

TUTORIAL: GIFT BOX GARLAND (A CHERRY ON TOP; JULIANA M)

How clever is this?  Select the card stock suited for the occasion, and away you go.  Need a template for a small gift box...the preceding post has a link to a site with one.

TEMPLATES: LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BOXES

This is where you go when you're searching for a template for a box.  You name it, and it'll probably be found here.  Don't you love one-stop spots?

TUTORIAL: MASKING MAGIC (CRAFTING THE WEB; THERESA)

This card is stunning...and easy.  Great when those features can be combined.  Theresa's tut is as good as it gets...enjoy and learn.

VIDEO: HAT BOX CARD (BELLA MIO; MOLLY SCRAP)

This box (card) is out of the box...way out, as a matter of fact.  The finished size is optional; the size of the selected dies will determine the finished size.  This is a great video.

TUTORIAL: POCKET CARD (REBEL INKER; STACEY KING)

How neat is this?  Now you have the perfect little 'holder' for those perfect little gifties (including gift cards).

FREE DOWNLOADS: MAILING LABELS (CRATURE COMFORTS; EZ)

Slap these on that next package (or envy), and it'll be delivered with a smile.  These are great when a small, but thoughtful (and useful), gift is needed.

VIDEO: WATERFALL CARD (WONDER HOW TO; KIM BURMEISTER)

Everyone loves receiving a waterfall card...everyone!  Kim's video shows you how to quickly and easily create one.  Piece of cake!

TUTORIAL: GIFT CARD (DENA'S STAMPING CORNER; DENA)

This creation shows why it's a good thing to bring back a technique we once thought was fantastic...

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: SHRINK PLASTIC BUTTONS (SCISSORS, PAPER,WOK; KIMANH)

Either use the downloads provided or design your own images for these buttons.  You know what I like most about this tut?  Kimanh took the time to test markers to determine the brand that would endure laundering.  Thank you, Kimanh!

TUTORIAL: SCALLOPED EDGED BOX (PEEJAYS RAMBLINGS; PAM)

You are gonna love this box...neato, keeno, that's for sure.  Click here to get the hows and whys.

FREE DOWNLOAD: CROSS STITCH CHRISTMAS SAMPLER (PLAID ON LINE)

Plenty of time to stitch this beauty.  Great for giving; super for keeping.  Your choice.

FREE DOWNLOADS: BOWS (SIMPLY MODERN MOM; EZ)

Who needs to be able to tie the perfect bow when we have these at our beck and call.  Now if this isn't great, I don't know what is.  Then there's the USPS Friendly Factor...no bulk, no extra postage.

TUTORIAL: DOILY SNOWFLAKE GARLAND (DESIGN*ORANGE; GRACE BONNEY)

No better time to start to get ready for Christmas than August...right?  If that doesn't appeal to you, stick this tut in your favs.  It's a good one...fun to create, fun to have, fun to give.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: 3D OWL WALL ART (SKIP TO MY LOU; LARISSA HOLLAND)

If owls are your thing, you'll flip over these two.  Easy, quick and cheapo...all the good stuff.

TUTORIAL: COFFEE LOVERS CARD (CARD CASTLE, JACKIE MARIE)

Coffee lovers unite!  This is the card your cafeine-addicted friends will love and enjoy.  Jackie suggests using a Velcro Snap, rather than a magnetic one, if you stick a gift card in the optional pocket.

TUTORIAL: POLY CLAY BANGLE BRACELETS (PC POLYZINE; SYNDEE HOLT)

Can't be any easier than this.  Which is good cause your friends will be bugging you nonstop to create a few for them.

SKETCHES: CARD POSITIONING SYSTEMS

Words to the wise: You'll never, ever be at a loss for a sketch long as you have this site in your favs.  Click here to see what I mean...and to get the nitty gritty to be a contributor (do prizes entice you?).

TUTORIAL: CAS CARD (AMBROSIA & IRON; JOANNE ALLISON)

CAS usually means Clean And Simple...in this case it means Clean And Stunning.  And stunning it is...

TEMPLATE: PAPERCUTTING BIRD SCENE (AKIT DIGITAL DESIGNS; AKIT)

This template can be printed either on the paper you will be cutting, or on printer paper with the image being tranfered to the paper you will be cutting.  Another use: place the print under acetate and trace the print with a permanent, fine point marker to use as a framed print. And the last...a DIY carved stamp. Your Choice.

TUTORIAL: MINI BOOK NECKLACE (CHERIE BLOGS; CHERI BURBACH)

How about one of these for the book lover in your life?  Better yet, how about one for you?  It'll be a conversation piece, regardless of who is wearing it.

VIDEO: SUPER EASY PAPER FLOWER (INSTRUCTAGLES; GOLICS)

You will never believe how incredibly easy this flower is created...never.  So, to prove a point, I ask that you click here.  See...I WAS right!

TUTORIAL: SKEWERED COFFEE FILTER FLOWERS (ARTSYVILLLE; AIMEE)

This qualifies as a great technique to do outside...provided the temp isn't hovering around 100 or dipping to 10.  Another good one for the ever-useful coffee filters; the fun never stops.