HAPPY NEW YEAR!

RECYCLE: READER'S DIGEST CONDENSED BOOKS CRAFTS (JUST SOMETHING I MADE; CATHE HOLDEN)

Another great excuse to go to thrift stores (unless you already have a stash).  These great old books offer all sorts of fun options.  Click here to get started.

FYI: DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC CUTTERS COMPARSION CHART (PAPERTHREADS)

When (if) you decide to purchase an electronc cutter, this chart will prove to be invaluable.  It was updated this month, which makes it even more valuable.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: NO LINES PRESSURE EMBOSSING (STAMPING ADDICTION; LYNETTE)

These pesky lines surrounding embossed designs created with a folder aren't exactly cool.  Here's an easy solution ...easy as can be.

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2012 CALENDARS (TODAY'S CREATIVE BLOG)

Just in case you don't have a 2012 calendar...click here.

VIDEO: MAKING A SCENE; VIVA LAS VEGASTAMPS; GERRY SPROUL)

You're going to be making a scene after you watch this super fantastic video.  Trust me...

TUTORIAL: ROUND GIFT BOX (MEL STAMPZ; MEL)

Finding a box for that bottle of wine you're giving the hostess is easier said than done.  Solution: create one! Here's the nitty gritty...

TUTORIAL: ECLECTIC BRAIDED BRACELET (THE SCRAP SHOPPE; MICHELE)

Still looking for the perfect bling for the big party?  Check out this beauty...

TUTORIAL: FOAM BOARD CABINET (PAPER CASTLE; HEATHER)

Wait til you see what Heather has for you!  Her tut is excellent, so you won't have any problems creating this terrific cabinet.

RECYCLEL: DENIM POM POM (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI)

No need to chuck those beloved old jeans into the trash...give them a new (and meanful) life!  Jessica shows how here.

TUTORIAL: PAPER FLOWERS (ALTERED BOOK LOVER: ELIZABETH)

These flower tuts just keep coming and coming...can you tell I love 'em?  Think you'll be as impressed with this one as I am.  Thanks to 'fun paper,' it qualifies for a Cleverness award.

RECYCLE: BLING HOOP EARRINGS (I SPY -DIY: JENNI)

We all have a pair (or two) of plain hoop earrings in our stash...poor things, they rarely see the light of day.  Dig 'em out and go to town...the end of the mundane and nondescript hoop.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: FOAM BOX (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; CYNTHIA SNODDY)

This is one clever way to create a box.  Very impressive...

JOY, PEACE AND LOVE

RECYCLE: HOLIDAY SPARKLE EARRINGS (REDEFINE CREATIVITY; ALISA BURKE)

Nothing's better than a second life for holiday glitter and glitz...especially when earrings are needed for the big party that's coming up.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS...

TUTORIALS: MIZUHIKI 101 (CRAFT-CRAFT)

Here's the spot to get started with Mizuhiki creations...and these are only the beginning of the creations possible with this supply.  BTW: The cord used in these tuts is 'Satin Rattail' and found in fabric stores and departments; Mizuhiki cord also is suitable.

TUTORIAL: GIFT BAGS (HER CREATIVE SPIRIT; LYNN)

These little gift bags are just wonderful, and I guarantee they won't end up in the 'wrapper-trash' bag Christmas morning.  Add as much or as little as you want...remember, you're the boss!

FREE DOWNLOADS: NANI BIRDS

If you haven't seen them, you're in for a treat and a giggle; if you have seen them, here's the latest and greatest.  Absolutely fantastic we have them at our beck and click.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: LITTLE GNOMES (GINGERCAKE; VIRGINIA LINDSEY)

What could be more precious than a 'family' of these little darlings sitting here and there.  No reason they can't be dangling from the branches of THE tree...or any other place.

TUTORIAL: WOODBURNING 101 (THE DIY CLUB; HOLLY L)

This post might be responsible for another 'gotta have' to add to your list. Woodburning opens up all sorts of creative opportunities...here's a few examples.

VIDEO: FABRIC ROSES (THE DIY DISH; KIM AND KRIS)

More blooms!  These beauties are created with fabric.  Easy and quick...and stunning.

VIDEO: T-SHIRT FLOWER (COOL2CRAFT; LINDA PETERSON)

Another fabric flower!  Easy as can be and a terrific way to recycle old T's.  Click here to see how.

TUTORIAL: SUPER QUICK FRAME (BASIC GREY BLOG, MELANIE BAUER)

Don't despair!  This frame is created in a snap.  Don't you just love life-savers?

RECYCLE: NEW THINGS FROM OLD SWEATERS (SQUIDOO)

Creating items from old sweaters is rapidly becoming THE hot activity for craters.  There's a good assortment of tuts here ...give one of them a whirl.

FREE DOWNLOADS: GIFT TAGS (LILAC N LAVENDER; MEGAN)

Precious is the best description of the Santa and child tags...click here to see them and the vine tags.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FELT GIFT BOX (CURBLY; DIY MAVEN)

What a terrific little box...options to the max, and it's created in the wink of an eye.  Click here to see how.

TUTORIAL: CARD BOX (MY CARD SHACK; STEPHANIE HESTER)

If that assortment of cards you've made for friends (and/or family members) needs a box, your search is over. Click here to see how quickly these boxes are created.

VIDEO: TEXTURED BACKGROUND PAPERS (EMPTY EASEL; CARRIE BURNS BROWN)

Play time!  Remarkable that so much fun ends up producing such beauties.  Click here to get the low down.  BTW: Don't overlook using these papers for gift wrap...

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS:TOY STORY WOODY MARIONETTE (FAMILY.GO; DISNEY)

Got a Toy Story fan in the house?  Finding Woody in their stocking will bring a big smile and whoop.  As you well know!

RECYCLE: EARRINGS ORNAMENTS (RUBBER ROAD ADVENTURES; BECKY LEMIRE)

Need a few more ornaments for the tree?  Dig out those large earrings you haven't worn in ages and create away.

TUTORIAL: FABRIC COVER FOR COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK (DIXIE MANGO; CARRIE)

Nothing brightens up a day better than a bit of glam...and this cover handles that job very nicely,  Very nicely, indeed.

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2012 CALENDAR (MY GRAFICO)

Now this is a calendar!  Hit Print and you're set to go. Nice, nice, nice!

TUTORIAL: QUICK CHRISTMAS POP UP CARD (ARCHIVERS)

If you're in need of a quickie card that packs a whallop, click here.

VIDEO: EASY WREATH BOW (BROWN PAPER PACKAGES; KIERSTE)

You won't believe how easily you will tie this dynamite bow, and it's perfect each and every time.  Even better...scissors are the only tools required.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: TRIANGLE SANTA GIFT BOX (CRAFT IDEAS.INFO)

This darling, little box is perfect for small gifts, treats, and/or decorations (tree, mantle, table, mobile, etc.).  Cute as can be...

FREE DOWNLOADS: WATER BOTTLE LABELS (LIVING LOCURTO; AMY)

Want to bring a bit of sunshine to someone?  These labels will do it!  Print out a slug to have at the ready...and away you go.

FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS IMAGES (BUMBLE BUTTON)

If you haven't finished those pesty cards yet, consider these.  Print them on white cardstock, write a message on the back, and you're done.  These beauties also are wonderful gift tags...IF your cards are a done-deal.

TUTORIAL:/ GERMAN STAR WREATH (CRAFTIDEAS.INFO)

Been looking for something interesting to create while sitting in front of that TV?  This wreath will garner a lot of compliments.

TUTORIAL: MATTED PHOTO CANVAS (UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING; STEPHANIE LYNN)

Can you possibly imagine a gift that would bring more smiles to the face of a grandparent than this one?  Long as you keep your mouth shut, no one ever know how easily it was created...

RECYCLE: BOTTLE CAP PIN CUSHION (INSTRUCTABLES; VERY BIG JEN)

How about this little darling as a stocking stuffer?  Cute as a bug...AND so very handy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS IMAGES (FREE TRINKETS AND TREASURES;KIMBERLY)

Prepare to see an outstanding array of Christmas and winter images when you open this link....it really is an impressive assortment.

VIDEO: CHANUKAH WREATH (EXPERT VILLAGE; JINNY)

Now this is a super speedy wreath...clever too.  Click here to see how super speedy it really is!

RECYCLE: FOLDED MAGAZINE TREE (DON'T BOTHER ME, I'M READING;JAMIE LEUSCHEN)

If your kiddos want to add their touch to the holiday decorations, there's no better creation than these 'trees.'  Kids (and adults) have been creating them for ages and ages...it's easy to see why.  BTW: Check thrift shops for copies of Readers Digest.

FREE DOWNLOADS: WINTER HOLIDAY SENTIMENTS (PAPER CRAFTS MAGAZINE)

Looks like all of the winter holidays are covered...one click does the job.

TUTORIAL;/VIDEO: PYRAMID CARD (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; KIRSTEEN GILL)

Your friends will love the surprise tree found inside this classy card, and you'll have a grand time creating the card.  Good for all concerned...

FREE DOWNLOAD: CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE WORD TREE (BETTY CROCKER WANNABE; KRISTEN)

This download is set for an 8 x 11 1/2 sheet of paper.  Either framed or transfered to canvas, it's  marvelous wall art for the season...

BTW: If you prefer not to listen to music when viewing this link, mute your speakers before clicking the link.

TUTORIA/FREE DOWNLOADS: PERPETUAL CALENDAR (CRAFT ZINE; DIANE GILLELAND)

How about this for your sewing/craft room?  It's perpetual, so don't pay any attention to the 2011 date.  If you don't have a sewing machine, glue will work as well as stitches.  Click here for the low down.

TUTORIAL: BUTTON CHRISTMAS TREE (MODERN MINERALS; PENELOPE)

Wait til you see the adorable tree  that's created with buttons...cute, cute, cute.   Dig out that button box and get going. Click here for the details.

TUTORIALS: CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (THE CRAFTY CROW; CASSI)

There's 25 tuts here, so the chances are good you'll find a couple to your liking.  Don't be misled by the title of the post, adults also will enjoy creating them.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: HONEYCOMB ORNAMENT (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; BECCA FEEKEN)

WOW doesn't even come close to describing this beauty.  Becca's tut and vid describe each and every step, so creating one is super easy.

TUTORIAL: BIRD FEEDER (SWIRLY DESIGNS; LIANNE AND PAUL STODDARD)

Been looking for a gift for your kiddos to create for the nears and dears?  This bird feederjust might fit the bill.  Take a look...

TUTORIAL: PEARL ORNAMENT (DO IT YOURSELF DIVAS; MEGAN AND STEPHANIE)

Drop dead gorgeous...and then some.  This ornament is a guaranteed attention getter.

TUTORIAL: DISTRESSED CANVAS PHOTO ART (THE SHABBY CREEK COTTAGE; GINA)

Photo canvases are THE thing these days.  Hardly a surprise since they offer so many options.  This technique is slightly different than others you may have seen...take a look.

TUTORIAL: BOOKMAKING WITH A RIBBON BINDING (MUCH OF A MUCHNESS; DIANE ALDRED)

Here's something to consider: create a handmade book for that special someone on your list..  This tut shows you how all the tips and tricks so you can easily create a beautiful book.  Think about it...

RECYCLE: USE PAPER MACHE' WITH GLASS BALLS (BLUE CRICKET DESIGN; BECCA)

No reason to chuck out those grungy glass balls when you can turn them into a thing of beauty... here's how.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOAD: PAPER DREIDEL (MARTHA STEWART)

This little Dreidel is the perfect container for either sweets or small gifts.  Takes but a second to print, cut and fold...start by clicking here.

TUTORIAL: PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE (CRATE PAPER; LOLLY CHESSIE)

Don't fret if you don't have the cartridge or die listed in the tut...substitute with any that resembles a flower petal.  You have to admit, these trees are cute as can be.

TUTORIAL: CANDY CANE CENTERPIECE (MY ECOPOLITAN BRIDE; ECOCHIC;)

Perfect!  That's what you'll say when you see this charmer.  Now there's no sense in my telling you that this terrific centerpiece is limited to weddings...

EDIT:  After receiving the Comment from Joyce, it occurred to me that there's no reason to use 'real' candy canes...use the plastic ones found in crafts stores.  No hassle storing those (don't think the bugs are too interested in plastic) til the next year; no hassle trying to find the canes in flavors you like. 

RECYCLE: TAPE CORE ORNAMENT (A LITTLE HUT; PAT ZAPATA)

Use any size core for this ornament...the bigger the better!  Although little ones would be great on a wrapped gift.

VIDEO: LINE FRAME 101 (PAPERTREY; NICOLE HEADY)

It's remarkable how a single line can add so much.  Nicole's vid shows you each step of the process...easy as it could be.

RECYCLE: LIGHT BULB ORNAMENT (CRAFTS BY AMANDA; AMANDA FORMARO)

This snowman is cute as can be, and you'd never believe he began life as a light bulb.  Nice to be able to  keep those bulbs going and going and going...

RECYCLE: LARGE MEDALLION FROM OLD BOOK PAGES (BHG)

This beauty is great on top of the tree, as a wall deco, or a centerpiece.  Good way to use up pages of an old book (catalog, piece of music, scrapbook papers, etc.).  Use either a fleur-de-lis image as suggested or select an image of your choice.  This medallion is quickly made and always enjoyed...so do it!

VIDEO: DECORATED SHOES (LETERSET BLOG; SJ DOWSETT)

When the shoe is bland...decorate it!  It's fast and easy, and the results are terrific. The vid tells (and shows) how. The music is only at the very beginning...so don't bother muting your speakers.

RECYCLE: NEWSPAPER CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS (VALLEY BREEZE; LAURA ORCHARD WARD)

Creating these beauties is a lot more fun than dumping the papers in the recycling bin...lots more fun!  In case you wondered...Laura and I aren't related.

TUTORIAL: PHOTO TUNNEL BOOK/CARD (PHOTOJOJO)

Call it a book or call it a card...either way it's one super fantastic way to send greetings to your nears and dears.  Click here to see how.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: SECRET BOX (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; HEATHER PERREAUX)

I love this box...who doesn'tt?  Heather's tut and vid lead you every step of the way, so what would seem like a very complicated creation is a a piece of cake. 

TUTORIAL: TABLE-TOP CHRISTMAS TREES (PUTTING ON THE GRITZ)

These beauties are about the easiest way I can think of to add glitz and glam to your tables...using silver candle sticks is the extra step that sets the trees apart from the norm. 

TUTORIAL: BEADED BOX (BEAD DESIGN STUDIO; DIANE WHITING)

This is the box that's used when you really do care enough to give the very best...it certainly will knock-the-siocks-off anyone who receives it.  Not sure what you could include in the box that would create as much  attention than the box itself (a HUGE diamond ring?).

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: FELT T-REX (MEGGIE CAT; RANDOM HOUSE)

Any chance you know a T-Rex lover?  If so, that little darling will have a huge smile if this guy is sitting udner the tree.

RECYCLE/FREE DOWNLOAD: BIRD ORNAMENT (UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING; STEPHANIE LYNN)

I love this bird!  Handy (perfect) for THE tree, in the window, on a package, or hanging from the ceiling...any old way you want.

RECYCLE: BOTTLE CAPS AND BUTTONS WREATH (CRAFT CRAFT; KERI)

Although the sample pictures are of a wreath for Christmas, this type of wreath certainly is not limited to the holdiays.  Select the theme and go for it!

TUTORIAL: COOKIE SHEET MAGNETIC BOARD (CRATE PAPER; TARA ANDERSON)

How about one of these for gramma this Christmas?   Fill it with creations and pictures of the grandkids...and her smile will light up the sky.  Pretty neat, if  you ask me.

GTK: NO ROOM FOR A TREE? (APARTMENT THERAPY)

You have to admit, some of these ideas are pretty clever...

TUTORIAL: BUTTON BRACELETS (BLUE BIRDS LIVING IN THE MEADOWS; JEAN ZOSS)

Jean calls these beauties Button Bracelets...they're way more than that.  Soon as you look at the tut you'll be raring to start creating them. 

TUTORIAL: RHINESTONE FLAMINGO (ZOMBIES WEARING HELMETS; ZOMBIE LEAH)

Now, if this isn't the gift for the gal (guy...?) who has everything, I don't know what is.  Love it!

LEFTOVERS: GIFT TAGS (CARLOLYN'S HOMEWORK; CAROLYN)

Now this is one handy, dandy way to use up bits and parts and pieces left after the creation is done.  Don't overlook fabric bits too...they work as well (sometimes better!) than paper.  If you have either a tag die or a cartridge with a tag, you'll probably cut your own rather than purchasing a box of pre-cut ones.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: SLIT LATCH GIFT CARD HOLDER (SPLITCOAST STAMPERS; JANE MATSUMOTO)

Never knew a time when a gift card wasn't a welcomed gift.  This holder is a beaut and will add to the pleasure.  Click here to see the hows and whys.

TUTORIAL: TWINE BALLS (MUSINGS OF A GLAMOURPUSS)

No reason that pre-schoolers get to have all the fun (and mess)...and no reason twine (including Baker's Twine) can't be substituted for left over yarn.  So grab some plastic gloves if you can't stand gloppy fingers and go to town creating these beauties.

SUPER SITE: DECK THE HALLS OF HOME WITH JOY; BRENDA

Just in case you need a couple more ideas...click here.

FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS/WINTER IMAGES (VINTAGE FEEDSACKS)

Prepare yourself for an incredible array of images feast when you click here.

TUTORIAL: CHRISTMAS CARD (SIMPLY RADIANT; STEPHANIE FORD)

Now this is an idea that is clever, cute, outstanding, and way out of the box (in more ways than you can guess!).  Hopefully your local PO will be a bit more sympathetic than Stephanie's.  Click here to see this winner.

GTK: SUBSTITUTE SUPPLIES FOR TIM'S TAGS (LOST MUSE JOURNALS; TRISH BEE)

Just in case you don't have all the bits and parts and pieces listed on Tim's blog for a tag, Trish has provided a list of substitutes here. 

TUTORIAL//TEMPLATE: CHRISTMAS LANTERN (CRAFT IDEAS)

The template included for this lantern is a Christmas tree...no reason you can't use any shape...no reason at all.  I suggest you use acetate for the template:  it's handy being able to see through the template when tracing; the edges won't get frayed with repeated use.

RECYCLE: WREATH FROM TIES (GOOD HOUSEKEEPING)

Another great use for those ties that are too wide or too narrow or too long or too short.  Don't wanna stitch...grab your hot glue gun.  No hot glue gun...use a Styrofoam wreath and use staright pins to secure the ties on the wreath.

TUTORIAL: ADJUSTABLE SLIDING KNOT FOR SATIN CORD (THE SATIN CORD STORE)

This is one super good knot to know...and it's not limited to necklaces (think cards).  Thanks to this tut, it's a piece of cake.  BTW: Most fabric stores refer to this cord as 'rattail cord.'