Moving and wrapping up things at work really gets distracting! But I'm going to post some links from my friends and then maybe some more this weekend.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's excited to share her first how to video called Ribbon's & Lace. Take a quiet moment, grab a cuppa and stop by and see what its all about.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is learning more every day when it comes to her Etsy shop, like the importance of tags and the number of items you should list, but it's definitely a work in progress.

The Artful Crafter
Advice on selling large lots of craft supplies.

Mixed Media Artist
Can you ever have too much fabric? Cyndi thinks not! Come and add your favorite link to Cyndi's favorites.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Read loads of great tips on Cross Stitch and then share your own - what tips and tricks have you learned that keep you out of tight spots?

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make a recycled sweater gearhead hot pad inspired by the book- The Journal Junkies Workshop

About Family Crafts
Is getting to be that time of year when people get out more whether it be day trips, camping trips, or gathering with friends and family and having picnics and barbecues! Find out how you can incorporate crafting into your camping and picnic fun.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a hot new Look. Learn, and Create video featuring Barbe Saint John showing us how to make a Steampunk hair pin, a free bow graphic download, how to add words to a journal page and a bow, and an inside peek into 1000 ideas from 100 Fashion Designers.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares her Zen Master Slacker Mommy's Guide to Letting Things Ride.

I swear I'm going to start a blog post saying something like "What a calm and quiet weekend I had!" But this was a great weekend regardless, even if it wasn't calm or quiet. I got to visit family and some wonderful forever friends. I helped my Mom with a project and we did a little garage saleing (how do you spell that??). And there's nothing better than laughing and joking with good friends over lunch that lasts for hours.

But now I'm home and there's much to do, but I wanted to share some links before I dive into the work to be done.

The Artful Crafter
Ideas for decorating canvas tote bags.

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is our author schedule for Maker Faire-booth #219!, Lab 47 from the wonderful book Collage Lab and the cake die cut design I did inspired by it, tips on how to get your dog to sit for a photo and info on the gallery opening A Consequential Tea in Brooklyn with Kristin Muller.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge has sold her seventh book! Read all about it and about negotiating a contract in the fourth installment in her How to Write and Publish a Craft Book series

Beading Arts
Cyndi has launched the first installment of her brand new e-book on bead embroidery...and it's free! Hurry over for your copy!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's offering a Blog Giveaway! See what she's giving away and the many ways you can enter to win!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Embroidered scissors from the book Redwork from the Workbasket

Cathie Filian
Cathie shows you how to print your own fabric with dishwasher gel and cookie cutters.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Create a stitching-themed sampler with a saying from Ellen Birdseye Wheaton. All back stitch and a single color of your choice. Challenging but quick stitch.

About Family Crafts
Learn how you can make your own personalized garden stepping stones.

Travel is how I started my week--check out the treasures from my travels. And travel will wrap up my week--visiting my Mom and my Sister for Mother's Day. In between, I worked, took care of some personal business, had a date with my guy, and got my hair done. I also picked up my contacts and had a checkup for those, picked up my new glasses and sunglasses and got them fitted, and got my phone back from its repair shop and returned the loaner. As I look back, it really WAS a busy week! And not just for me. Check out what my blogging buddies have been up to.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Alexa shows you how to make Fontalicious Wall Art that is bold, graphic, and fun! And definitely cheap and easy to do!

About Family Crafts
Let's celebrate Half-Way to Halloween! Some people may think that it is too early to think about Halloween, but actually, Halloween seems to top the of list of people's favorite crafting holidays.

Cross Stitch at About.com
One of Connie's friends says the free When This You See pattern looks like a brain. Connie was inspired by the pocketbook plant. No matter what you see, the abstract design with traditional saying will be a fun stitch.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge reviews Jean Campbell's gorgeous new book Steampunk Style Jewelry.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Paper Jewelry inspired by The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques by Vannetta Seecharran

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a great tutorial on how to paint on fusible web, a photo of a beautiful Roman Stripe quilt from the book-The Quilt, fun photos from a bee field trip with author Kim Flottum and a "Mean Girl" Logo from the book Letterhead & Logo Design 10.

The Crochet Dude
Drew has just released the names and addies of the Michaels test stores nationwide that will be carrying his new line of crochet tools and kits - starting THIS weekend!

The Artful Crafter
How to navigate the sea of digital file extensions.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is celebrating about her summer vacation, but at the same time, she's trying to focus on the long "to do" list!

Mixed Media Artist
A wonderful quote by Dorothy Day inspired Cyndi to make a little canvas board assemblage.

It was a busy week here. Last Saturday, I helped my Mom with a project she's working on and reminded her again of how to use her cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler. It's not a process that always seems logical and she doesn't use it often, so she likes a refresher. We fussy-cut some blocks for her quilt (fussy-cut, for those of you who don't know, is planning where to cut the blocks based on something in the print). And that inspired me to cut out the fabric for another Grandma quilt, so Violet will get hers finally (then I'll be caught up on those again!). And I've got a few more quilts to cut on the docket, including one for me. But meanwhile, I've got some links to share this week. 

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie made an oops with a stitching project when she laundered an item that wasn't colorfast. Have you ever had an oops like that? Vote in the poll and let us know.

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for a special, home-made gift for Mother's Day, check out Sherri's collection of 100 gifts to make for mom.

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a sneak peek into the new book Mixed-Media Dollhouses, how to draw a Zombie Voodoo Doll, make 2 types of paper flowers from recycled book pages, and how to use white glue and tape as resists in fabric altering.

The Artful Crafter
This week Eileen is offering some free striking vintage photos from the 30s and a chance to win the eBook Altered Ancestors: 50 Techniques for Using Vintage Photos in Art.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy has added another charm discovery to her sterling silver charms and pendants sale page--2 gorgeous mermaids.

The Crochet Dude
Drew's crochet purse designs are super cute, and now he's got a crocheted Purse Pattern of the Month program? You've gotta check it out!!!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has a wonderful Mother's Day project to help make it a banner day for mom! Find out what Canvasette paper is while you check out her easy background technique.

Mixed Media Artist
When dumpster diving fails you, here are some great online sources for cool stuff!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make recycled sweater tags inspired by the one in: Hand-Me-Ups By Lorine Mason
 
Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
A hot topic Facebook thread leads to a post about valuing your work. Madge ponders the problems of discounts and freebies.

I was out of town this weekend--Quilt Festival in Chicago, time spent with my Mom and my best guy, and a quick trip up to Sheboygan for a fashion show including one of my favorite teenagers. The Jeep saw lots of miles and the weekend flew by. But even with all that busyness, I've got some links to share with you from this week.

Crafty Princess Diaries
While doing some spring cleaning, Tammy made some interesting jewelry discoveries. You just never know what you might find when you try to get organized.

The Artful Crafter
Do companies offer free craft products to the general public for testing?
 
Aileen's Musings
Are you in need of a royal crown? Aileen has an oldie but goodie tutorial she's sharing with you.

About.com Cross Stitch
Connie's sharing a free pattern that was inspired by a piece of artwork she saw in an episode of Monk. You never know what the source of inspiration will be.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make recycled thigh high socks inspired by the book Color Knitting The Easy Way.

About Family Crafts
Not knowing much about iris folding, Sherri rolled up her sleeves, gave it a try, and shares her step-by-step adventure and free templates with you.

Cathie Filian
Cathie is doing back flips over the release of her new book, 101 Snappy Fashions!

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to crochet a "no-chain" foundation row, 17 ways to crop a photo, draw flames with Drew Brophy, change the color in a free cherry blossom print download and a call for entries for 1000 Steampunk Inspirations.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Mother's Day is coming soon and Madge has you covered. Check out her mom friendly card project, recipe and jewelry design!

Mixed Media Artist
There's a lot to be learned about texture when you work with a monochromatic palette!

I'll share my fabrics and finds from Festival in the coming days. And I hope to start cutting into some fabric very soon!

Lots going on, and I've been thinking a lot about quilts. It all started with a newsletter that I got from QuiltFabric.com. They had an awesome sale last weekend, which I missed, but luckily, they had a follow-up sale THIS weekend, which I didn't miss! I'll share fabric photos later. Also, I've been thinking about making a new quilt and also cutting into and creating my sister's Stack-n-Whack quilt. I'll post more in the days and weeks ahead, but meanwhile, here are some links for this week.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Who better to craft for than the furry critters in your house? And they so appreciate it!

The Artful Crafter
Does your craft space need de-cluttering? Here are some ways to donate your excess projects and supplies.

The Crochet Dude
Drew thought he might have to freeze himself to avoid going bonkers while waiting to reveal his next full-length book!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's cooked up a printable recipe card with her delicious Strawberry Spring cake recipe.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
The Easter Bunny is almost here and Madge has a calorie free jewelry tribute to her favorite holiday candy! Get your Pretty in Peeps Pendant here!

Mixed Media Artist
Want to try doing gel glue resists? Oh, the possibilities!

About Family Crafts
April is National Volunteer Month and Sherri has some creative ways you can help others.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a bit of ballerina brilliance from the new book Mixed-Media Dollhouses, how to make shag on knitting, a fun recycled decoupage and office supply project and our author make and take schedule for Unique LA.

Cathie Filian
Enter to win a signed advanced copy of Cathie's new baby fashion book and $130 worth of goodies!!

What a nutty week! I have been working on some mental quilting lately (as opposed to actually quilting or making anything), and it really got my mind running. In my urge to do some spring cleaning, I've decided that this week I have to get finished organizing the sewing room so I can move on to other rooms. But because I'm spoiled, I wanted to be in one room tonight, so I'm working on organizing the bedroom first. Any ideas for organizing my jewelry? I have a pegboard, another that just needs trim, and I bought some picture frames I'm going to fill with velvet and screening, and use for earrings and pins. But if you have other great ideas, post them in the comments please. This place needs to get whipped into shape soon--enough of this mayhem and foolishness, as Niecy Nash on Clean House says. But I took a break and wandered the web a bit. Here's what my pals are up to.

The Artful Crafter
Have you seen Xyron’s Creatopia? Prepare to be amazed by the baby booties going through a Creatopia in the video!


About Family Crafts
Celebrate spring with Sherri and these fun craft projects!

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a fun Steampunk style socket set bracelet, how to repurpose a canvas tote with applique and make faux patches, a peek into some cool art from the book Digital Illustration, a hot water bottle gets Re-Bound and a how to and tips on vampire drawing.

Crafty Princess Diaries
The Crafty Princess has done some house cleaning, at least she's been cleaning up her blog that is.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Where do you find inspiration? Madge wants to know! Share her process from inspiration to design in this inspired post!
 
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make recycled plastic bunny ears inspired by the techniques in the book Upcycled Accessories

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's silk screen projects for Better Homes and Gardens. She has something for everyone.

Mixed Media Artist
See how you can achieve the look of a hand-tinted print with Photoshop!

It was a nutty weekend, and this morning, on my way to work, I had that "uh oh" moment--as in "uh oh, I forgot to post my links you'll love!" No real excuse except that I was all over the Chicagoland area, spending time with family, friends, and my main squeeze. I did get to go to a quilt show and saw some great quilts and actually stopped myself from buying any fabric. So before I keep you waiting any longer, here's what's in the roundup this week.

The Artful Crafter
Looking for canning jar art ideas and supplies? Let Eileen help you out with resources and tips.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi wants to know: which of your new years resolutions are you actually going to keep?

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has a fun St. Patrick's Day necklace with a tutorial on how to make a flat coil head pin, instructions on how to make an adjustable lace up shirt alteration, a free round topped box template download and some cool Collage Lab stuff.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy has another book review. This one looks at Pretty Little Presents, a book about stitching up small gift items.

About Family Crafts
If you are planning a slumber party, check out this list of crafts projects that will help the time fly.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to sew a recycled tank and t-shirt dress inspired by one of the projects from the book Twinkle Sews by Wenlan Chia

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Had your eyes checked lately? Madge did...and was she surprised to find out she needs glasses!

Here's to the start of a productive weekend! In addition to doing a little museum touring in my own town, I hope to get some more work done in the sewing room. And maybe get a few other projects finished or at least started. Meanwhile, a few links to get your weekend started!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off some jewelry she and her husband made for a local charity auction, perfect for animal lovers!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make Egg Cup pincushions inspired by a wonderful project in I "Heart" Patchwork by Rashida Coleman-Hale

The Artful Crafter
Take a spin with Eileen and Shaaron on the Craft-N-Spin crafting turntable.

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a post about working with grids in mixed media, a ribbon embellished quilt from The Quilt Bible, 3rd Edition, tips on outlining a photo and a bunch of journal pages from 1000 Artist Journals.

About Family Crafts
Sherri shares some suggestions to help you celebrate National Craft Month.

Beading Arts
Cyndi is running a contest on Beading Arts, and the prize is an absolutely free advertisement!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's altered a pair of old white tennis shoes and gave them a whole new look....they were pretty wild but she's toned them down with some spray webbing. She's even worn them out and about and received some great compliments on them!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Ever wondered what it takes to get a craft book published? Join Madge in this first installment in her How To Write and Publish a Craft Book series

My head's been in creative mode the last few weekends. Since I'm in the midst of organizing the craft room, I've been handling all of the supplies to put them in their proper places. My mind has been filled with quilts I could make of all those fabrics and cards I can make with all those papers, stamps, and doodads. I've been thinking about designing some quilts and sending them in for publication. And my creative friends have been busy as well. Busy designing, busy blogging, busy creating--they're an inspiration to me. And I hope they'll be an inspiration to you.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Mixed Media Greeting Card Album using embellishment ideas from the book The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook by Sherry Steveson

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Make a fab mixed media journal cover with Madge in this week's post for iLoveToCreate!

Aileen's Musings
Come journey with Aileen along her creative process as she transforms a paper napkin into 3 whimsical pieces of art!

The Crochet Dude
Drew reveals his favorite cookbooks and answers 8 important questions.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi tried having some custom-printed fabrics made, and she learned a lot in the process.

About Family Crafts
Sherri challenges you to create your own leprechaun trap. Use her tips and the photos that have been submitted so far for inspiration.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen shares directions for making flowers from fabric scraps or from paper coffee filters.

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is tutorial on turning a box into a book, how to paint a bunny rabbit and carrot Chinese brush style, putting words on a spoon and a sneak peek into the new book 1000 ideas from 100 Fashion Designers with my own fashion star sighting.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Looking for a little crafting encouragement? Tammy found it through an Etsian jewelry designer.

Cathie Filian
Turn a hardware store washer into a papered necklace with Cathie's tutorial.

I got a bunch done this weekend, but didn't want to miss the chance to share some links with you!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a Chain Soup and Photo necklace inspired by the fab book Chain Style by Jane Dickerson

Craftside--A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has an inside peek into how to choose the right color for a design, a free pattern for knitting cuffs with the boy/girl icons on them, a fun logo made with a scribble, a tutorial on how to make a Steampunk style necklace with a recycled soda can and polymer clay heart and some Lisa Kettell news about her Art Opera.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy gives you an update about the new jewelry book she's working on plus a little inside scoop.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge is so ready for spring, how about you? Here's a tutorial for a yarn flower loom embellished frame that's sure to cure the winter blues.

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's blog for 11 DIY wedding favor ideas.

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen has a fabulous dollar store find she wants to share with you! Stop by and see what she's created and take part in her challenge.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's added more stitchable signs to her Laundry Room Collection - add a little humor to a household chore.

The Artful Crafter
If you’ve done metal embossing in the past or would like to learn about this art form, let Eileen bring you up to date.

Mixed Media Artist
Want to try a little layers experiment in Photoshop?

About Family Crafts
Sherri shows you how you can transform ordinary flower pots into a variety of fun craft projects.

I'm absolutely spoiled. Twice a year, I get to attend one of the finest and most exciting trade shows--the Craft & Hobby Association trade show. In addition, the last two shows have had a companion show for consumers, where retailers can sell goods and show off how products are used and manufacturers can get feedback on products directly from the consumers. And the best part is that consumers can learn a new craft and expand their skills. It's really amazing to see and to experience the demonstrations and make-it-take-its at both shows. So that's where I was last week, which is why there weren't many posts. In the coming weeks, I've got some making to do, so I'll be sharing lots of fun stuff. Meanwhile, take a stroll around some of my buddies' blogs.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Another project is in the works, a super duper red scarf in yummy cranberry.

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for ideas for fast and fun home-made St. Valentine's Day cards, check out what Sherri has to offer.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's shibori background quilt is finished...yay!!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch a simple Be Mine Valentine design for your beloved.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside went to CHA and it brought back tons of fun pictures of all sorts of creative people. Check out some of the fun pictures and projects along with a link to more studio space photos and how to bead quill around a core bead from the book Bead Quill Jewelry.

The Artful Crafter
Do you have any crafty angels – angels you’ve made or angels you’ve met?

Aileen's Musings
Aileen is participating in One World One Heart International blog giveaway. Stop by and see what OWOH is all about and enter to win some goodies!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Check out fun pictures with some great crafty and stylish peeps at The Craft Super Show and CHA

I'm at CHA (Craft & Hobby Association). Friday and Saturday are dedicated to the CHA Craft SuperShow, which crafty folks can come, see products demonstrated, make items of their own via make and takes to try out interesting materials, and, of course, SHOP. I did a little shopping myself yesterday--buying a few beachy fat-quarters from Tall Mouse and a few embossing templates for cardmaking from Heritage Handcrafts. Come Sunday, the trade show portion opens. That's where the folks who work in the industry get to see the new lines and the people who own shops and work in publishing, like me, get to learn more about the lines, try them out, and see the great new ideas that designers have come up with using these products. I have to tell you, the minute I walked in the door of the show yesterday, my heart lifted. I've worked with so many great people over the years, and I get to see so many of them here. Plus, of course, there's the energy and excitement of seeing new products, seeing people be creative and try new things. And I love seeing a company take a product from a year or two ago and figure out another even-more-fabulous use for it!

But lest I forget my true purpose of this post, here are some links you'll love for this week.

Cathie Filian
Check out this cute appliqued apron that Cathie whipped up for Better Homes and Gardens.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Have you ever stitched on silk gauze? Vote in the poll and tell us about your experience or lack thereof by leaving a comment.

Jewelry & Beading
Check out Kathryn Lane Berkowitz's gorgeous seed bead work!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Happy UnValentine's Day from Madge with this tongue in cheek card for iLoveToCreate

Crafty Princess Diaries
Get the 411 on a group of crafters who can help you help Haiti. 

About Family Crafts
Sherri has gathered together a collection of projects that would make great St. Valentine's Day gifts. Nothing quite says 'I Love You' like a personalized gift, hand-made by you.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's isn't quite up to full speed again after having pneumonia so she's reposting the link to her freebie's page full of how-to's, tutorials and freebie images. Peruse and have fun playing!

The Artful Crafter
How to use waterslide decals for decoupage under glass. Put your original designs anywhere with inkjet or laserjet decals.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is the full low down on all the signings, classes, and make & takes with the authors for the big winter 2010 CHA show, some wonderful journal page art, how to make an Egyptian stick, a great tool for making stripes, turning a paper clip into a jazzy bookmark and some recycled zipper jewelry.

Sometimes I wonder how everyone else seems to keep on track, because there are weeks when I feel a little derailed. That's why I haven't done a Links You'll Love for a few weeks. But I'm back on track, and the house is looking better and work is crazy but that will pass.

Meanwhile, there's much going on. CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) is having two shows in Anaheim. Traditionally, CHA only has a trade show--a show where all the manufacturers display their wares, both new and standards. But last year, they tried something new--a show for consumers. Here's how it works. Manufacturers can display their new products, let consumers try them, and of course, there are also retailers selling their stuff. There will be star sightings, make-it-take-its galore, and so much stuff to see, try, and learn about. So if you'll be in the Anaheim area Jan. 22nd and 23rd, check out the CHA Craft SuperShow.

One of the best parts about trade shows is that I get to see a bunch of my friends. Having worked so long in this industry, business contacts, fellow board members, and designers become friends. In fact, I'm sure I'll catch up with several of the folks in my Links You'll Love gang while I'm there. And speaking of Links You'll Love...

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week Craftside's got tutorials on how to make a paw print place mat, a tasty "bite" from the new book The Designer's Graphic Stew, how to sew a neckband into a neckline, all the CHA author details and how to make a scratching box for your cat.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
It's Chipboard Week at The Impatient Crafter and Madge throws down an 80s inspired mixed media necklace for iLoveToCreate!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Get into the early Valentine spirit with these colorful and cute Valentine brooches!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Is it really possible to quit your day job and become a full-time crafter?

Cross Stitch at About.com
Cutesy Cross Stitch not your style? Seeking stitches for your sarcastic friends and family members? Check out Connie's snarky stitchery patterns for a refreshing change of pace that avoids an X rating.

The Crochet Dude
Drew reviews Arctic Lace by Donna Druchunas, and enter to win some lace weight qiviut!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's shibori fabric is finished...and it was easy to make!

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's CHA plans! Her new book 101 Snappy Fashions and her new product line will be unveiled.

About Family Crafts
Sherri shares a collection of craft projects, all made from fleece fleece fabric. You can make everything from Sleeved Blankets for yourself and your pet to simple hats and scarves.

The Artful Crafter
Are you sometimes frazzled by all the demands for your time? Here’s Eileen’s plan to make more time for her art.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I use some fun Sweater Surgery and button flowers to dress up a clutch and check out my Craft Super Show and CHA Schedule so you can join me in Customizing a Greeting Card Album and making all sorts of goodies with recycled wool felted sweaters.

I've been doing some thinking about getting my house organized in between Christmas celebrations (which there have been a lot of). I'm thinking I'm going to swap my bedroom and my sewing room--my current bedroom is quite a bit larger than my current sewing room and that quilting machine is, after all, 10 foot long. And if I'm going to quilt more in 2010, I need the space. So this week, that will be my plan. I'll keep you posted here, but meanwhile, check out what my pals have been up to. 


The Artful Crafter
Don’t toss those leftover holiday candle stubs! Here’s how to organize them for recycling later – after the holiday whirl subsides.

Aileen's Musings
To help bring in the New Year Aileen has a snazzy freebie New Year's card for you to download and send to your friends and family.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Press On with Trylon and Perisphere Cross Stitch using a cool font from the book A Rainbow of Stitches


Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
File this one away for next year...Madge's final Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration Project for 2009! This one kicks tinsel!


Mixed Media Artist
Mix fabric and paper for a one-of-a-kind collage!


Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is a Steampunk-style cam chain necklace, how to make an image have a pop art look, recycle a milk jug into snowflakes, and a tutorial on making domed bead caps.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is going bananas, literally, over amigurumi again. Crochet folks take note!

Had a great time at my family Christmas today. It turns out, despite the fact that I don't feel ready for Christmas, it arrives just the same and no one cares how ready you are. In fact, I didn't care how not-ready I was. Due to my lack of paying attention to the party invitation, it was brought to my attention at 10:15 a.m. that the party started at 1 p.m., not 2 p.m. and was two hours away. But you know what? I bought the groceries I needed and headed out and put together my side dish and appetizer on site at my cousin's house while we all chatted and hung out and it was fine! So ready or not, Christmas will come and everything will be fine! It's about family and friends and festivities, not what decoration are or aren't up, what things are or aren't made, whether the cookies are homemade or store-bought, so give yourself a break, take some time to surf the web and spend time enjoying your life.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Wishing you Merry and Bright holidays with a cheerful free pattern perfect for the holiday season.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen’s been elf-ed! Join in the fun and spread some holiday cheer. There’s still time for a few more elf-ings.

The Crochet Dude
Drew reveals his themed Christmas wrap and also announces a fantastic giveaway!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The Holiday Goodness Giveaways are in full swing with lots of great answers to fun questions and a week more to enter to win free books along with a free knit placemat pattern with a plaid detail, ribbon and pom pom trimmed dish towel, apron and Christmas tree how-tos, and an inside peek into artist studio with some fun recycled storage ideas.

About Family Crafts
Find out how you can spread the holiday spirit throughout your entire neighborhood using this fun pass-it-on gift.

Stefanie Girard's Greeting Card Album Craftiness
How to decorate your Greeting Card Album for Christmas and recycle a card from last year with a fabric die cut

Margot Potter-The Impatient Crafter
Know someone bitten by the Twilight bug? Check out Madge's holiday themed Twilight silhouette ornament and pendant project for iLoveToCreate teen!

Aileen's Musings
As a gift to you Aileen's created 2 beauitful recipe cards for you to download and print.

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's quick video on how to make a Christmas tree from a tomato cage.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy has received the first submissions for her book's gallery, and talk about impressive! Wow! Some amazing metal jewelry by Victoria Tillotson.

Mixed Media Artist
Make a stab-bound scrapbook or journal to hold all your Christmas cards and memories this year!

With my latest project at work all but finished, the sniffles coming on, and a busy weekend, I haven't had a lot of time to surf the web. But here are some links I thought you might love this week.

Cathie Filian
Whip up a vintage style wreath for the holidays!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is giving away a copy of Chain Style by Jane Dickerson! Come leave a comment and you'll be entered for the drawing.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The 19 Days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways is week 2, leave your answer to the day's question and you are entered to win a free book and while you're there check out how to make pockets from coffee filters, crochet a 4 color spiral, some cool fashion insights, a whole bunch of recycled clothing ideas and a bit of architecture.

The Artful Crafter
Just look at the darling ornaments you can make from mini clay flower pots!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Die cut, stamped and shrunk deer Christmas necklace made with inspiration from the book Beyond The Bead

The Impatient Crafter
It's Project #2 from Madge's Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration! Perky Pixie Ornament!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Having a hard time finding time to stitch during the holiday season? Read Connie's time-saving tips and share your own.

About Family Crafts
Do you make your own Christmas cards? If you do, please take a moment and share your designs and then browse through the pictures of other peoples' creations.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is thrilled about a new set of bamboo crochet hooks she finally purchased from an Etsy seller.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's found a great use for those left over cards you have! Check out her Recycled Christmas Card project.

It's been another crazy week. I finally started doing my Christmas shopping (about time, right?). At the beginning of this year, I thought I might make all my presents this year, but life got in the way this year. So I'm giving myself a break and will work through the supplies over this next year. And that's okay. Meanwhile, today I spent some time at home, cleaning up, reorganizing, all to make space for the Christmas tree. I don't know how many decorations I'll actually get out this year--I guess I'll figure that out tomorrow--but meanwhile, a tree will definitely be enough to set a holiday mood!

I've taken a little time out to cruise some of my friends sites. Here's what they've been up to lately.

Crafty Princess Diaries
A light tent can make all the difference when photographing your crafts.

About Family Crafts
Check out these creative gift wrapping ideas. You simply cannot give someone a fabulous homemade gift using ordinary, store-bought wrapping paper. You can easily and quickly personalize the wrap as well as the gift.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The 19 Days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways is in full swing, leave your answer to the day's question and you are entered to win a free book and while you're there check out how to make a Christmas tree from a tomato cage, some cool Steampunk jewelry, a ribbon wreath, and a great beer and turkey leftover recipe.

The Artful Crafter
A bead spinner is not required, but certainly recommended, to make a beautiful seed bead Christmas tree like this one created by Sharon.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a Max from the Grinch antler headband from recycled sweaters

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is feeling Retrofabulous this holiday season! Check out this vintage inspired mixed media jewelry project idea!

Aileen's Musings
Looking for Christmas card ideas? Aileen shares her idea using a Starbucks coffee sleeve and challenges you...

Mixed Media Artist
One of Cyndi's readers shared a fabulous craft idea using her own custom-printed fabric...and you can do it too!

And if you missed my creative endeavor last week, check out my gingerbread house.

What a great Thanksgiving weekend! Visits with friends and family, doing a little surfing on the web, and, of course, doing a lot of the cooking. I found a new site this week: FaveCrafts.com and their blog: FaveCraftsBlog.com.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See a necklace and bracelet made from the same Blue Moon Beads pendant with a how-to video with me.

The Artful Crafter
Whatever the holiday, make cute pop-up place cards to organize the dinner table and delight guests of all ages.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is making her first crocheted hat for herself. Now, hopefully it will be done by the time it gets cold down South!

Cross Stitch at About.com
The 2009 Holiday Ornament Collection is ready! Whip up some super quick back stitch ornies or cross stitch some more colorful ones.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is ready for Christmas so bring it on! Check out this retrolicious frame she designed for iLoveToCreate

Mixed Media Artist
Mixed media artist Nicolette Anderson shares her lovely work!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got yummy pumpkin cookie and biscuit recipes, an inside peek into Bead Quilled Jewelry, eco friendly recipes for casein glue and an all-purpose cleaner, and starting Monday- The 19 Days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways starts, answer each day's question and you are entered to win a free book every day!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen invites you to join a creative challenge with her called the Erosion Bundle Project. Take a peek at her pictures and find out exactly what erosion bundles are!

About Family Crafts
Does your family have any creative Thanksgiving traditions. You can read about other people's Thanksgiving traditions and then share your own.

And here on Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style, I blogged about how creativity can prosper even in dark times.

I miss weekends like this! I'm in my flat this weekend--no commitments, no plans, and, don't let me jinx this, but focus and ambition. I've gotten a lot done today already--picked up things I needed this morning, home by 10 with lunch, window plastic, and a new mattress pad in tow and the oil changed in my Jeep (a task that was LONG overdue). So far, I've done a bunch of laundry, switched the bedroom over from its beach-themed spring and summer decor to its fall/winter black and copper leaf themed items. And I was able to get the plastic on the windows in the process. It was nice to see my bedroom decorated with things I made: the headboard I made using copper tubing, the quilt I made that inspired said headboard, wall art made to match, the tablecloth I turned into something resembling a canopy... There's much more of "me" in this decor than in the spring/summer stuff.

Before I share the plans for tomorrow, I want to share my friend's links.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen is offering Vintage freebie images for you to download and use in your art. Get started on those digi holiday cards using some of them.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch a Simple Hanukah Menorah Motif for a card or ornament. Suitable for knitting or crochet projects too.

About Family Crafts
Do you play with clay? If so, please take a moment and share your favorite stories, projects, recipes, techniques, and more.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Mix up altered books, glitter, and teenagers, shake well, and voila! You have a fun day of art combined with writing.

Cathie Filian
Cathie has lots of Thanksgiving recipes, crafts and family activities posted. Plus tips for a smooth Thanksgiving!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Over at Craftside you can enter to win a Mixed-Media Doll by Linda O'Brien, Co-author of Who's Your Dada?, download a free intricate leaf paper cutting pattern, get a fun how-to on making a paper cupcake and a pretty pair of fall leaf earrings.

The Artful Crafter
Check out Eileen’s latest craft finds: lots of free stuff and free advice – well that’s usually free, isn’t it? LOL.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has finished a second Garden Quilt and is offering her tutorial!

The Crochet Dude
Drew kicks off the holiday season with a crochet pattern event!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Sweater Surgery attacks t-shirts and cuts them up into some cute gathered tops with the help of Generation-T Beyond Fashion

The Impatient Crafter
In this week's teen crafts blog for iLoveToCreate Madge makes a stunning mixed media necklace. You might just want to sport this one yourself!

As for Sunday, I'm hoping to get through the stuff in the dining room and living room. When I set up the quilting machine almost a year ago, I had to clear so much out of the sewing room, and I've got a bunch of papers from in there--patterns from the web, ideas torn from magazines, projects I want to make, etc.--that need to be sorted through, organized, and put into binders for easy accessibility. I figure I can watch old movies while I'm doing it, so that's my reward.

Then, when everything's together, I'll be able to make the projects in the containers in the dining room. Woo Hoo!