TUTORIAL: STARLIGHT MOBILE (TWIG AND TOADSTOOL;

Since we're now on the 'sunny' side of winter solstice, I'm yearning for longer and sunnier days to arrive.  A couple of these 'sunnies' hanging here and there will remind me that the glorious days of shimmer and shine aren't all that far away.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and bring in the sunshine.

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: CANDLE IN A VASE (DARICE; MARIE VENTRANO)

This clever idea might just be the ticket to brighten up your life if you're yearning for sun and surf on these winter days. It's also the solution to using candles outdoors when spring does arrive.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

TUTORIAL: ACORN BIRD FEEDER (DESIGN ORANGE; KATE PRUITT)

Those poor little birdies need a bit of TLC in the winter months; here's an inexpensive feeder that will make a flock of them happy.

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

FREE DOWNLOAD: PRYAMID BOX (AIMEE ASHER; AUDREY JEANNE ROBERTS

This little cutie is perfect for any holiday occasion. Fill it up with goodies (either the eatable or shiny variety) for gift giving, as a favor place card, in a grouping for table decorations, or hanging from the tree branches. Snow time never looked so good!

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) to print it. You will go through Check Out, but there is no charge.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: MINI BIRD HOUSE (MARKS PAPER COMPANY; DEANNA KNOLL)

Cute as can be and perfect for either a spring or winter (think Christmas tree) decor. Lots of embellishing ideas are provided so you'll quickly
create a house any birdie would love to call home.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to see it all.

COMFORT DOLLS PROJECT

Be sure to read the full account of the Comfort Doll Project...this may be exactly the donation program you've been looking for. I can assure you the recipients will send endless thoughts of appreciate for your creations. Course, it's a win-win situation for all concerned: you experience the joy of giving; the recipients learn someone understands.

Pat Winter is to be congratulated for coming up with this idea.