COUPON: HOBBY LOBBY (EXPIRES AUGUST 6)

The good guys (gals?) at HL have a money-saver for you here...so spend, spend, spend.

TUTORIAL: PAPER MACHE' CATS (PAPIER MACHE; DAVID OSBORNE)

These kitties are the kind every home needs.  Not too good when it comes to hunting for mice, but they sure are darling to look at.  And wait til you see how they're created...

VIDEOS: HOW TO TIE A SCARF (SCARVES.NET)

Can you believe it?  There's about a bizillion scarf-tying videos here,  No way this stuff should be kept secret.

TUTORIAL: CREPE-PAPER LOTUS BLOSSOMS (MARTHA STEWART)

Talk about blooming blooms!  Anyone would agree that these flowers make a strong statement. 

LEFTOVERS: DAISY CARD (REBEL INKER; STACEY KING)

Now if this isn't one super clever technique for creating daisy petals, I don't know what is.  Bet you're impressed too.

SUPER SITE: HEART'S DELIGHT CARDS; CINDY

Oh me, oh my...what a treat.  One eye-popping creation after another.

RECYCLE: GLITTERED CHRISTMAS TREE FROM A PAPERBACK (JOLI PACQUET; JEANNE)

Remember making these in grade school?  Back then, the book of choice was a copy of Reader's Digest.  Who said kid's crafts can't be upscale and decorative?

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: NAPKIN FOLD CARD (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; CAROL HURLOCK)

Fancy, dancy!  This is the card you go to when you want to make a huge impression.  Thanks to an excellent tut and video, it's easily created.

TUTORIAL: YO-YO HANDBAG (CRAFT STYLISH; DIANE GILLELAND)

It's hip to be yo-yoed...very hip.  Grap some fabric, cut some circles (my BigKICK and a circle die does it for me), stitch a bit, then stitch a bit more...and enjoy the fruits of your labors big time.

VIDEO: FOLDED STAR CARD (BELLA MIO; MILO LINDEN)

There's only one way to describe this card...knock-your-socks-off spendor.

FREE DOWNLOADS: EPHEMERA (PAPER SPONGE; BRIAN CARLISLE)

If you enjoy ephemera, you'll be in hog heaven here.  Explore, enjoy, print and use...it's up to you.

TUTORIAL: ENVELOPE BOOK (CREATIONS BY PATTI; PATTI LEE)

Thanks to Patti's text and pictures, this inventive book is a piece of cake to create. The binding is so versatile and is suitable for books composed of pages...more bookmaking fun!

FREE DOWNLOADS: ANGRY BIRDS (LITTLE PLASTIC MAN)

If you, or one (all?) of yours, is an AB fan, you're gonna love this spot.  One click is all you need to enter the land of those mean-faced creatures and print to your heart's content.

ULTRA SUPER SITE: INVENTIVE SOUL; AMBER DAWN

Oh, my...Amber creates stuff the rest of us wish we could.  Do youself a huge favor and set aside a bit of time to explore her blog. You'll enjoy each and every minute you spend here.

TUTORIAL: MATCHBOX BOX (FLUTTERBY ATOMIC BUTTERFLY; KELLY LUNCEFORD)

We never, ever have too many tuts for boxes...it seems that each one has a certain something that makes it different.  This tut has all the bells and whistles.  You'll like it.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: 12 X 12 OSW AND BAG-A-LOPE (FLOWER BUG; LEEANN GREFF)

Talk about a haul!  Can you believe a 12 X 12 OSW that results in 16 cards?  How about a template for an adorable Bag-A-Lope to hold them?  It's all here waiting for you.  Have a blast!

TUTORIALS/TEMPLATES: TISSUE PAPER AND PAPER FLOWERS (LOLLYCHOPS;LOLLY)

There's three tuts here...one you've probably seen; one I'm guessing you haven't seen; one you may have seen.  All three are terrific.  So...click away and get to flowering.

TUTORIAL: QUICKIE DECOUPAGE NECKLACE (CRAFT STYLISH; LINDA PERMANN)

Don't know why this fun is directed to kids...although, I guess the age of the kid could range from 6 to 96.  Whatever age, this is one neat way to create necklaces and earrings.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: MARY JANE SLIPPERS FOR KIDS (SCHWIN AND SCHWIN; SHAUNA)

I'm a hard-core Mary Jane lover...every little girl deserves them; every little girl HAS to wear them.  Templates are provided for ages 3 to 12 months   Go forth and create Mary Janes!

TUTORIAL: DIY FLOWER EMBELLISHMENTS (SOAPBOX CREATIONS; LAURI)

First is the card...and what a card it is!  The tut for the flowers follows...and what flowers they are!  Lots to see and learn here...have a blast!

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED (SCRAPBOOK ETC.)

WooWee!  Do I have a surprise for you.  Click  here too see the many goodies Scrapbook Etc. has for you.  Everything from pierced paper images to background papers to templates to whatever you need (or want)...

TUTORIAL: OFFICE SUPPLY TIN (MY LOVELY INSPIRATIONS; NELIE HARPER)

Can you imagine a better gift for those times when 'little and thoughtful' apply?  We all know how appreciated this will be...

SUPER SITE: ALL OCCASIONS CARDS; IRENE

This blog is packed with one outstanding creations after another.  You will have a blast clicking through the posts...one huge blast!

TUTORIAL: MAGNETIC PAPER DOLLS (ONE PEARL BUTTON; ALLLI)

I can hear the, 'awww' as this link is opened.  Just too darn cute!  Recycle a mint tin if you have one handy. Another option...create your own fashions for the McCalls fashion divas.  Nothing in the rules says you can't...

COUPONS: HOBBY LOBBY

Remember when I told you about Hobby Lobby's Mobile site...the spot you used with your smart phone to scan HL coupons at store registers?  That mobile site isn't limited to smart phones; you can access it from any computer.  The site has links to the specials and/or coupons HL is featuring that week, to the HL site, and store locations (great when you're traveling and in need of a crafts store-fix). 

Stick this link in your favs...you'll find it handy.

VIDEO: SPELLBINDERS EDGEABILITIES MIX 'N MATCH (SPELLBINDERS PAPER ARTS; STACY AND KIM)

Did you know about the many switch-a-roos that Edgeabilities offers?  Too many to list, that's for sure.  More valid reasons to spend more money...

STORAGE/ORGANIZATION: LABELS (LOLLYCHOPS; LOLLY)

If you follow this plan, your goodies will be so organized that you'll craft with a constant smile on your face.  Plan to spend a day or two to get all those little ducks in a row, but it'll be soooo worth it.

SUPER, DUPER, HOT SHOT YUMMY SITE: MARK MONTANO

If you haven't seen it, it's time you did!  Mark's blog is so packed with stuff that it's impossible to provide  an adequate description.  Your visit will be beyond pleasant.  Honest...

TUTORIAL: PEBBLE BOOT TRAY (CLEAN AND SCENTSIBLE; JENN)

How about this for those drippy, muddy boots?  You have to admit the cost is right, and the time to create one also is on the short side.  Great idea!

PAPER FACTS: PAPER WEIGHT AND SIZE (THE IMAGINATION GALLERY)

Either save this on your hard drive or print it out to put in your Journal (which you always have handy), then it'll be at your finger tips when you need to know the facts.

TUTORIAL: FELT FLOWER (GROSGRAIN FABULOUS; KATHLEEN)

It doesn't get any faster or easier than this...these flowers truly are as quick as can be.  Cute on shoes, dresses (use a pinback), belts, cards, layouts...even walls!  If your die cutting machine handles felt, that's the way to go.

COUPON: A C MOORE (EXPIRES JULY 30)

Peel yourself off the front of the AC and get over to Mr. Moore's place so you can use this.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: HYBRID CARD (PAPER CRAFT JUNKIE; TRACEY GRUNDY))

What's a hybrid card?  Think of it as the new mingling with the old...although the new isn't that new anymore.  Give it a whirl, bet you like it. 

TUTORIAL: BEADED NECKLACE (P S, I MADE THIS; ERICA DOMESEK)

Bet you never thought you could whip up a beaded necklace this quickly (or easily).  The tut shows how...

VIDEO: BIRTHDAY CARD (STAMP WITH HEATHER; HEATHER SUMMERS)

Heather has included sooo many techniques in this card.  You will be very impressed. Click here to see and learn.  You know what else you'll like? 

TUTORIAL: NAPKINS RINGS (JACQUARD PRODUCTS; MELANY BRADLEY)

These are one terrific gift idea...but I have an idea you'll be reluctant to part with them once finished.  Give a quick click here to see what you think.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: POP UP CHRISTMAS CARD (SPLIT COAST STAMPERS; KIM SCORE)

Start creating these wowzers now so you'll be up and runnning mid-December.  You'll be the talk of your Christmas list when these pop out of the envelope.

TUTORIAL: COVER FOR ELECTRONIC GADGETS (MY DESERT COTTAGE; KAREN VALENTINE)

Now don't get the idea that shoving that lap (pad, tablet, reader) into a paper bag on your way out the door isn't acceptable...but you will have to admit, a cover like this would add more than a touch of class to those electronic gadgets we must have witnin reach at all times.

Hmmm...if it isn't one cover, it's another...

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: DIAPER COVER (MADE; DANA)

If an 'exposed' disposable diaper on your little darlin's bum isn't your idea of a fashion statement, these covers are the solution.  All the info needed to create them is given in detail...no frets if you're a beginning stitcher. Will that cute little Janome do the job...absolutely!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: PAPER AND PLASTIC WALLET (VINTAGE RIC RAC; JODIE CARLETON)

How about one of these cuties for one of your cuties...?  All the stuff you need is here; you can enlarge the pattern pieces if you want.  Such a deal!

BTW:  If you don't have a Teflon foot for your machine, lay a strip of adding machine tape (or cut computer paper in 1" strips) over the line that will be stitched, then stitch.  One edge of the fabric must be along the outer edge of the fabric (the edge adjacent to the stitching line). The paper will keep the foot from sticking to the plastic as you stitch.  When finished stitching, gently tear away the paper.

FREE DOWNLOADS: BUTTERFLY IMAGES (ARTFULLY MUSING; LAURA CARSON)

These images of butterflies are gorgeous...you'll find many ways to use and enjoy them in your creations.

RECYCLE: PAPER BAG BOOK (SCRAPPY, STICKY, INKY MESS; MARY ANNE WALTERS)

There are tons of tuts for paper bag books out there in Blogland, but you won't find any as comprehensive as this one.  The step-by-step pictures are terrific.  Start gathering those bags...

LEFTOVERS; TINY BUNTING AND BEADS (CUT OUT AND KEEP; SMALLEST FOREST)

You are going to love this tut...uncomplicated as could be.  You could use paper, rather than fabric, but paper will require a finishing coat of some type (acrylic varnish would be best).

FREE DOWNLOADS: PRINTABLE PAPER RULERS (VENDIAN; MITCHELL CHARITY)

No more whinning about lost rulers...print up a slug of these, and the whinning will come to an end.    Might even be a good idea to keep one in your purse for those times when something needs to be an exact length (or width or height).

TUTORIAL: NO CARVE STAMPS (CRAFTZINE; JEROMINA JUAN)

Woo...talk about easy DIY stamps.  Kind of nice not having to deal with the cuts, nicks and scrapes our little fingers acquire when carving stamps.

COUPON: MICHAELS CUSTOM FRAMING (EXPIRES JULY 23)

If you have some items in need of  framing, Mikey has a good deal waiting for you here.

VERSES: ASSORTED (IMAG-E-NATION)

Looks like all the bases are covered here...might want to stick this in your Favs.

FREE DOWNLOADS: TURQUOISE AND GOLD LABELS (I DO IT YOURSELF; LUZEL)

Love this color combo...bet you will too. Also have an idea you come up with all sorts of ways to use these labels.

TUTORIAL: JOURNALING ON WASHI TAPE (HAMBLY SCREEN PRINTS; KIM)

Hey! No way do scrappers get to have all the fun.  No reason a card can't have Washi Tape printed (or stamped) with words of your choice.  No way, no how!

COUPON: MICHAELS MARTHA STEWART CRAFTS (EXPIRES JULY 30)

Go forth and save, save, save with this coupon.

COUPON: HOBBY LOBBY (EXPIRES JULY 23)

Beat the prices with this one...

SUPER SITE: OLD PHOTO ALBUM: CHRISTINE ANNETTE

Moses me, this assortment is too good to be true.  There's about a 90% chance you'll find what you want here.

DIY: FLOWER PRESS (MARK MONTANO)

Everyone HAS to have a flower press...you just never know when the urge (need) for pressed flowers will hit.  Be prepared!

VIDEO: METALLIC TRANSPARENCY (CANADIAN SCRAPBOOKER MAGAZINE; JACKIE LUDAGE)

Thermal embossing transparencies is easy as pie...provided you use the correct type of transparency.  Jackie has the info you need so your creations will be perfect in every way.  Click here to see how .

FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE CLIP ART (CAROL ANNE'S BOUTIQUE; CAROL ANNE)

Just wait til you see the pretties here, and the downloads are only the beginning.  Carol Anne has included her stunning creations for us to savour and enjoy.

STORAGE/ORGANIZING: STORING VINYL ROLLS (CARD MAKER LESLIE; LESLIE)

Those hunking rolls of vinyl present a huge storage problem...til you see this no-cost solution.

RECYCLE: FAUX GILDED VOTIVES (ONE PEARL BUTTON; ALLI)

Suppose you could use new cups or glasses, but dig through your stash to see if  you've got glass containers that will work.  Easy, super cheapo, terrific idea...don't you love stuff like this?

TUTORIAL: WIPE OFF BOARD (MAKE AND TAKES; LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS)

You have to admit that this is the bee's knees.  Clever as can be and useful to boot.  Good as it gets.

TUTORIAL: WAX PAPER RESIST WITH A TWIST (THE PINK ELEPHANT CHALLENGE; ROBIN WILLIS)

Twist is right!  This is one of those terrific techniques that's done in a snap and costs a pittance.  Don't you just love techniques like that...

FREE DOWNLOADS: VINTAGE SEWING POSTCARDS (KATIE'S ROSE COTTAGE; KATE)

If you've been searching for vintage sewing postcards to download, here's the end of your search.  And...if you haven't been looking, might want to stick thesein your favs so they'll be ready and waiting when needed.

TUTORIAL: HAND AND MACHINE EMBROIDERY ON CARDS (EHOW; NANCY BREEN)

If you've been wondering if embroidery (hand or machine) could be successfully accomplished on card stock, you'll find the answer here.  Really quite easy...so go for it!

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOAD: 3D PAPER LIZARD GIFT TAG (SKIP TO MY LOU; LARISSA))

Young and old kids will love this creature...either as a gift tag or as a toy.  Everyone needs a lizard in their download stash.

TUTORIAL: 3D RIBBON ROSE (CUT OUT + KEEP; ABBY

Another ribbon flower technique...the fun never stops!

ULTRA SUPER SITE: THE FUNKIE JUNKIE; LINDA

OK, be sure you're good and comfy before you click here. I guarantee you will be spending some time exploring and savouring the many stunning creations Linda has for us.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ASSORTED (TECHNIQUES ZONE; TRISH B)

Man, oh man, wait til you see the assortment Trish has waiting for you here.  Almost too good to be true.

BLOG LINKS: NUTT N HONEY

No more yearning for a huge list of blogs to visit...searching for a blog search is finished soon as you click here.

COUPON: LIMITED TO TEACHERS (MICHAELS; NO EXPIRATION DATE)

Michaels offers a 15% discount on all purchases (I'm guessing sale items are excluded) to teachers; this offer does not have an expiration date.  Check with your local Michaels to get the low down.

You might want to check the other crafts stores in your area to see if they also offer a teacher's discount.  Don't be surprised to learn that they do!

COLOR COMBOS: THE COLOR OF (FUNG KWOD PAN)

I'm warning you right now...this is one addictive spot.  Once you start, you'll have a hard time stopping.

VIDEO: SOUR CREAM CONTAINER (DAN 99; DAN)

This video is as good as one could be...every step is shown and described in detail.  Great vid...great creation.  Although the containers shown are directed to Advent, a change of decorations opens the door to any occasion.

TUTORIAL: ASSORTED FLOWERS (LOLLYCHOPS; LOLLY)

How about three flower tuts?  Pretty good, if you ask me!  They're not exactly the same-old, same-old, so you'll enjoy seeing (and creating?) them.

RECYCLE: SUITCASE CHAIR (SEE KATE SEW; KATE)

If this doesn't take the cake, I don't know what will!  Terrific (super terrific) idea,  and the tut is as good as  can be. The solution to your seating problem...?

RECYCLE: WINE CORKS (DAILY DANNY;DANNY SEO)

What fun!  Not to worry if you're not a wine drinker...ask a local restaurant or bar to save the corks for you.  All kinds of nifty ideas here (be sure to read Comments).

TUTORIAL: BOOK SLING (PENNY CARNIVAL; MEGAN COOLEY)

How bout these for books and other stuff?  Colorful...and super easy.  Scroll down a bit in the tut to see completed slings.

TUTORIAL: DOODLING TIPS (SCRAPPY, STICKY, INKY MESS; UK MARY ANNE)

Call it Doodling, Zendoodling or Zentangles...there's few differences in technique.  The tip to use a transparency as a 'test' surface to determine if the finished result will have the desired affect deserves a Clever, Clever, Clever award.  Click here to see and learn.

VIDEO: TWISTED FABRIC FLOWER (BEVERLY'S; KATHY)

Here's a good (great) way to use up the bits and parts and bobs of fabric you can't bear to chuck.  Make them small (embellishments) up to super large (wall art).  Another bonus...creating these is one pleasant way to endure TV ads.

FREE DOWN LOADS: CHRISTMAS DIGITAL KITS (NORTHRIDGE PUBLISHING)

There's quite a selection of Christmas/holiday themed items here,  Start planning (printing) now so you'll be more than ready when this stuff is needed.

TUTORIAL: MAGIC CARD (STAMP ARTIC; MARIANNE)

And it is magical!  Whomever receives it will be impressed at your cleverness...and for your caring to create the very best.  Fortunately, difficult it's not.  Click here to get the low down.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: CENTER STEP CARD (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; FRANCES BRYNE)

Step cards are always a crowd pleaser...everyone is impressed with them.  Although these cards usually have a stamped image in the center area, a photo would also work very well.  Something to think about...

TUTORIAL: STRAW FLOWER STICKS (THE LITTLE TREASURES; MAYA)

Now here's a fun way to spend the time when the commercials are beckoning on your favorite show...easy and quick and super cheapo...plus cute.

SUPER SITE: DUDE CRAFT; PAUL OVERTON

This spot is one huge interesting journey from hither to yon.  Neat stuff all the way around.

TUTORIAL: DECORATED PLATE (DESIGN*ORANGE; KATE PRUITT)

No whinning about your inability to draw...nice thing about this is that you don't have to be able to draw a straight line.  Trace the outline of the plate on a sheet of plain paper and do a  couple of practice 'drawings' in the traced area.  Then go to town!  Click here for inspiration (and the tut!).

TUTORIAL: CROCHETED FLOWER (EASY MAKES ME HAPPY; TARA)

This is a new look for a crocheted flower.  Super, super fast and easy.  Click here for the low down.

FREE DOWNLOAD: DOLLY DINGLE DOLL (VINTAGE IMAGE CRAFT)

Think you'll agree this little gal is beyond cute...and all set for you to consider using her in the current challenge at Vintage Image Craft.  Good luck!

TUTORIAL: PLEATED FLOWER ROSETTE (THE PRETTY POPPY; HEIDE AND LYNSEE)

This isn't exactly a rosette, and it's not exactly a flower, so I'm calling it a Flower-Rosette.  The secret is to have a bit of a space between the stitches along the edge of the ribbon.  If the stitches are closely spaced, the the ribbon will be gathered, rather than pleated.

VIDEO: GAUZE FLOWERS (CANADIAN SCRAPBOOKERS; JACKIE LUDLAGE)

These flowers are neat as can be...yep, they're created with gauze from the drugstore.  There are those who might wonder if anything is sacred anymore.

TUTORIAL: MINI WALL TERRARIUMS (RUFFLED)

No way do you need a wedding as a reason to create these wonders. If these aren't the cat's pajamas, what is?

RECYCLE: DRYER SHEET ROSES (KATIE'S ROSE COTTAGE; KATIE)

Dye the sheets in the color of your choice...and away you go!  In this case, dye includes everything from coffee grounds to tea bags to reinkers to water colors to food coloring.  Fun, easy, and super, super cheap!.

SUPER SITE: FABRIC ART; ANNI

Beauty abounds here...one gorgeous creation after another.  You will have a most enjoyable visit.

TUTORIAL: BLOOMING BELT (ALISA BURKE)

Fashion perfect flowers.  Perfect on belts, dresses, shoes...or embellishments on just about anything you'd like.  Easy and quick...click here to find how out.

RECYCLE: MEMO HOLDER (GREEN UPGRADER; DOUG

Clever to the max...love it!  Easy, quick, useful  and close to free.  You'll have fun with this one.

TUTORIAL: GLOVE TOY (FIDGETY FINGERS)

Beyond cute!  And how easy can it get?  This little guy (gal?) is a charmer and will delight any age.  Click here

IT'S THE FOURTH!

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: PAPER SHOE (SKIP TO MY LOU; CINDY LOU H.)

OK, you've got two ways to go here...either stick the templates in your Halloween folder, OR overlook the spooky paper and use it any old way you want (or need).   You have to admit, they'd be terrific for bridal showers and birthday parties.

RECYCLE: SHREDDED PAPER FLOWER (MAYA MADE; MAYA LUNA)

Man, oh man, will you love these flowers!  Talk about super speedy...and super looking...and super useful.

TUTORIAL: BEGINNER CROCHETED RUFFLED SCARF (TIP JUNKIE; ANNELIESE)

The pattern for this stunning scarf is not all that you'll find here: Anneliese also provides a link to the first tut in the How To Crochet series.  Excellent!

TUTORIAL: ROLLING PIN PRINTS (CRAFT CHI)

When you've got a big job to do, use a BIG roller stamp.  And...thanks to the incredible die cutting machines a lot of us own, cutting the shapes for printing is done with either a roll of the handle or a click of the On button.  Course, scissors and craft knives work fine if you don't want to use the machine.  An old cookie sheet is a good substitute for the plexiglas sheet listed in Supplies.

TUTORIAL: INK JET IMAGE TRANSFERS (PHOTOJOJO)

Easy as can be...and fun to boot.  Click here to get the nitty gritty then crank up that printer.

TUTORIAL: CARDBOARD LOOM WEAVING (CRAFT STYLISH; DIANE GILLELAND)

Remember making one of these in grade school?  Happens all the time...a golden oldie becomes the latest and greatest.  In addition to directions for making the loom, Diane includes weaving basics.  This is a good thing...

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: LOOPY FELT FLOWER (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; TOSHA LEYENDEKKER)

Only a bit of machine stitching is required when creating this flippy, floppy flower.  You're gonna love it.

VIDEO: BOOK PAGE DOOR WREATH (JENNA DEANGELES)

This is not a get-it-done-in-a-night creation...so plan ahead.  The good news...cheap, cheap, cheap.  The better news...stunning.

RECYCLE: PAPER BRACELETS (MARK MONTANO)

How much fun can trash be?  Easy, quick, cheapo and stunning.   Such a deal...

LEFTOVERS: FABRIC FLOWERS (THE DESTASHIFICATION PROJECT)

Pretty as can be and so useful.  What card or layout wouldn't be enhanced by a few of these beauties scattered here and there?  Click the link at the bottom for a tut to make leaves to acccompany the flowers.

TUTORIAL: PAPER BAG PINATA (THOUGHTS OF A SAHM; JAMIE)

How about one of these at the shindig on the fourth?  Fun for everyone...

RECYCLE: FAMILY WALL HANGING (THE GUNNY SACK; TONIA)

It's so great to find a use for those tattered frames that are stacked in a closet.  Can't imagine a better one than this...either as a keeper or giver.