Guest Post: DIY Pillar Candles

I’m excited to present you with today’s guest poster! Angie from Burton Avenue has been on my radar for a while now. She makes lots of awesome projects so I was really happy when she agreed to share a project with you all. I love what she’s created and know you will too! Without further ado, here’s Angie!
Hi…  See More..

Mr. Roosevelt’s Necktie block for quilt along

Vanessa from Crafty Gemini posted her third block – Mr. Roosevelt’s Necktie – as part of her Video Sampler Quilt Along. She says if you use only two contrasting colors the block looks more like a dog bone than a tie. Either way it’s cute. Click HERE to get the video tutorial.
If you still want to join…  See More..

A SouthBank Christmas

 Reverse Garbage and South Bank have put together a little “Made With Love”  Craft Studio Event to help spread some festive creativity. Dec 10th-23rd Brisbane Australia.
You can check out the Southbank Website for more information about the classes (different age groups catered for) and their prices. (Some seem affordable some seem overpriced to me personally)
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How to make recycled egg Christmas or Easter ornaments

Eggs are a great source for not only decorating on the outside but inside too!  Check out how KB made darling keepsake ornaments with cute pictures of her kids and some eggs. Her easy tutorial on how to make photo and egg ornaments is posted at her blog A Patchwork World.
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Review and Giveaway: Bananas in Pyjamas iPhone App and DVD

Bananas in Pyjamas are an Australian institution. Ask any Aussie adult, and they will tell you fond memories of staring at those loveable creatures on telly. Ask any Aussie preschooler, and they will fight to tell you whether B1 or B2 is their favourite.
In keeping with the times, ABC for Kids have launched two iPhone Apps. We downloaded…  See More..

Newsy: Stitch Star contest

John Adams from quilt dad announced he is going to be one of the three judges in the Timeless Stitch Star, a contest sponsored by Timeless Treasures Fabric. To celebrate the kick-off, he is hosting a giveaway on his blog. Click HERE for details.
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Free Stencil & Christmas Tag Downloads

 You’ve made/bought your gifts now get your free downloads for Snowman Poop Tags, Christmas Themed Stencils, Soap Tags, Icons, and Christmas Tree Tags. Love that they are all free……………..Enjoy xo
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Lightglobe Soap I Found A Mold

I posted about some Christmas Light Bulb Hand Soap earlier this week. Well guess what after putting on my research pants I found a soap mold on etsy to make your own if you would like to make your own variations in regards to colours and scents. Made from flexible silicone rubber, this mold is perfect  for soaps, miniature food, candles, pmc,…  See More..

For the birds

Pretty birds, that is! Kristin at Retro Café Art Gallery shares a tutorial for making this pretty bird bracelet. By adding images to both sides, the bracelet is reversible, too.
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CraftGossip Exclusive 50% Off All Maoli Lip Balms – Christmas Stocking Stuffer Idea

Maoli entrepreneur Kalani is a December baby and  he gets to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Christmas and Three Kings Day. Lucky kid. But he’s also a giving soul and wants you to have 50 % off the entire range of Maoli’s Awesome Winter Lip Balms he prepared and packaged just for you. To be one of the lucky…  See More..

Gift Idea | A Gratitude Journal

Roudi from C is for Craft sent along a link to a post about her gratitude journal for 2011. In it she listed 365 things she is grateful for about the year. I’m thinking a pre-made journal like this would make a great gift for a friend. Click here to see more.
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Hypno-kitteh says Merry Christmas

Eep! Christmas means…kitties with laser-beam eyes! Lisa Riddle stitched them. See her Etsy shop.
And thanks a million to Lish Dorset of Craftzine.com for spotting these little winners.
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Hershey’s Kisses Packaging

Hershey Kisses contained in Hershey Kiss packaging… is that metapackaging? Or am I too far removed from grad school to be accurate with such terms? I’ll stick to words like “cute” and “easy.” Find the how-tos HERE at pharMA.
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Donut and Milk Bottle Snowmen

I’m very much on board with the milk bottle/donut snowman/straw trend that started (to the best of my knowledge) a couple years ago. The plaid scarves got me with these. And that they are looking to the sky (for snow?). Find the how-tos HERE at My Chic Life.
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Festive Chocolate Pretzel Rods

While Christmastime is the season for chocolate-dipped-sprinkley pretzel rods, I like this bright, refreshing take meant for weddings. (Also, using a champagne flute for dipping the chocolate is inspired.) Find the how-tos HERE at Intimate Weddings.
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Neon Wedding Touches

For the bride who loves a bold pop of color, this round up of neon wedding touches featured at Glitter Weddings might be just the ticket! So fun and festive for a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or even the big day itself!
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Enzoskin Winner

The competition is closed and a winner has been picked. A big thank you to all who entered. Drumroll please………………..Congrats Kate Ryan I have contacted you to inform you of your win.
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DIY Melt and Pour Snowflake Soap Bar

You’ve seen the Melt and Pour Christmas Ornaments and Hanging Snowflake by Soap Queen. Here is another I found and had to share I know it’s another snowflake but this time it’s in bar form. Play around with different colours and scents to personalise it.
YOU WILL NEED 
Clear M&P soap base
White M&P soap base
Iridescent glitter
Brilliant Blue…  See More..

Christmas Pudding Soap – Yummo

You have seen the Festive Berry Tart Slice Soap from Platypus Dreams well after many requests for a Christmas Pudding styled in the form of soap, PD decided this year to try them and they are finally here!!!!
Made from their  in house cold process goatsmilk soap formula, they are very creamy and moisturising. Each soap looks like it has yummy icing…  See More..

DIY Melt & Pour Snowflake Soap Christmas Project

  Loving all the Melt and Pour soap projects about the place these days. I am a huge fan of Soap Queen. I blogged about her Melt and Pour Christmas Ornaments yesterday so today I am going to share with you a DIY snowflake soap project using melt and pour soap too.
YOU WILL NEED 
• Snowflake 5 piece cookie cutter…  See More..

Tutorial: Unicorn ornament

Megan Noel says, “You still have time to make a whole herd of unicorns before the holidays!” She provides the pattern and instructions; you supply pretty felt, fibers, beads, and buttons from your stash. See her tute.
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BrisStyle indie Twilight Market, King George Square Brisbane

BrisStyle indie Twilight Market, King George Square Brisbane Australia.
They came, they saw and they experienced, what an amazing night was had at the last brisStyle Indie Twilight Market of the year. Such a dense array of shoppers, but all had one common theme uniting them, a smile of joy as they discover new treasures at each and every…  See More..

Studio Series giveaway: Ceramic Sculptures and Art Tiles

See my review of Lark Books’ new Studio Series here, then enter to win two titles from the Series - Ceramic Sculptures and Art Tiles. To enter the drawing, leave a comment describing why you love to work with clay. The giveaway ends December 29, 2011. Sorry, this drawing is open to US residents only.
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Amazing Crochet

I had not been looking for, of all things, a fox purse, but I found one anyway!  It’s an amazing bag, don’t you think?

Perhaps even more amazing is that you can get the free pattern to make one for yourself here .
The designer of this beauty, Birgit, has a blog filled with crochet and knit eye…  See More..

Inspiration: Hearty Craft

These ornaments by Zinaida of Hearty Craft just take my breath away. When you see the close-ups of her work, you’re going to want to try your hand at designing your own original ornaments and encrusting them with stitching and beads. Go to her post to see more images.
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Tutorial: Droopy thrift store dress into mini-dress cuteness

Geneva from A Pair & A Spare share a fun refashion before & after with a thrift store find.  A droopy sack of a dress gets turned into mini-dress cuteness.  The DIY includes turning the dress around, fitting it to her shape, and cutting the skirt short.  What a difference!  She shares a quick telling how she did…  See More..

Make a wee ornie hoop

Melissa Crowe of Checkout Girl shows us how to make an awesome little ornament from bits of felt, a few stitches, and a 3-inch embroidery hoop. Check out her tutorial.
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Photo Transfer Wood Plaque

I came across this video on Pinterest. Not only is the music upbeat and the animation in the video totally fun, but the project is way cool too! In the video you will find out how to transfer a photo (printed from your computer) onto a surface (in this case wood) by actually transferring it rather that decoupaging over it.…  See More..

Make Sure the Reindeer Find Your House

I don’t know how Santa ever found my house growing up. Not only did my house not have a fireplace and chimney, but I never knew that reindeer needed magic lures. I suppose nowadays the GPS comes in handy, but to identify your own house as a stop on the Santa tour, make sure to sprinkle some magic reindeer food…  See More..

DIY Wrapping Paper Mani

  I just can’t get enough of Chloe’s Nails nail art, now I am not sure what you think of when you look at these nails, for me personally I think of wrapping paper. You will need OPI La Paz-itively Matte, Claires 14 Karats and Sinfuls Black on Black as well as a steady hand.  Mix it up colour wise if…  See More..

Tutorial: Shabby chic stars

If your Christmas tree is still looking a little bare, you can whip up a bunch of these shabby chic stars in no time. Aleka of Fishes Make Wishes shows us how it’s done. See her tute.
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Studio Series giveaway: Earrings and Pendants

See my review of Lark Books’ new Studio Series here, then enter to win two titles from the Series - Earrings and Pendants. To enter the drawing, leave a comment describing your favorite pair of earrings or pendant. The giveaway ends December 30, 2011. Sorry, this drawing is open to US residents only.
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Tutorial: Pattern applique on a cardigan

Khadija of Creative Mind shows us how to amp up a simple cardigan with thin leather appliques. Her technique uses fabric glue, but she notes that the leather designs could be stitched to the sweater. See her tutorial.
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Free ebook from Funk & Weber

Check out this sweet note I received from Jen of Funk & Weber Designs:
The question I am most often asked by Stitching for Literacy participants is, “How do I finish my bookmarks?”
I’ve been answering that question for years with posts on the Stitching for Literacy blog, tutorials on the Funk & Weber website, and articles in…  See More..

12 Days of Christmas Download Give-a-way Update

Update: The Random Number Generator chose comment #13 – Karen who said, “I would do them as a sampler and finish it off as a wall hanging. That would be easier to store with the rest of my Christmas decorations.” Congratulations, Karen!
Watch for more give-a-ways coming soon. And, if you’d like to sponsor a give-a-way, contact me at conniegee.designs…  See More..

Tutorial: Stitched paper Merry KISSmas treat pouches

PharMa shares a tutorial for making these cute Merry KISSmas treat pouches out of stitched scrapbook paper.  She includes a free pattern for the pouch shape and a printable for the Merry KISSmas tag that peeks out of the top.  Get the tutorial and the printable.
[photo from PharMa]
[via Dollar Store Crafts]
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Christmas Biscornu

Agi offers a nice pattern for a biscornu that is simple but will still be blingy and pretty for the holiday season. She’s recovering from a cold, so we hope she gets well soon! There are two sides – only one side is shown here. Visit her blog for both free charts.
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DIY Monogrammed Leather Keychain

I think I’m one of those people that Jenny from Hank + Hunt says would run when “leather working” is mentioned! But when I saw how cute these mongrammed leather keychains are, and how easy they are to make, I changed my mind. Jenny shares a wonderful tutorial for these keychains at The Sweetest Occasion. Wouldn’t they make adorable wedding favors…  See More..

Tutorial: Make fabric gift sacks to wrap Christmas books

Toni from Design Dazzle shows how to make simple fabric sacks to wrap up a special Christmas book.  They’re quick and easy to make – just 15 minutes start to finish to make one bag.  She made enough of the sacks to wrap up 15 Christmas books.  They’ll unwrap one each evening to read together as a family in…  See More..

Texas fire relief continues

Back in October, I mentioned the efforts of Shari Jensen and the Stitchmap Yahoo Group to gather and share stitchy stash with women in eastern Texas who lost their homes to widespread wildfires. This week, Shari filled me in on what was done with the donations. A post on the KNASS blog says, in part,
There were stockings…  See More..

Frosted Votive Centerpiece

This pretty centerpiece is easy to make and will look stunning on your holiday table. Perfect for New Year’s as well! Get the scoop over at GardenMama: Frosted Votive Centerpiece~Tutorial :..
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Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers

What is most impressive is just how very tall this edible Christmas tree is atop the cupcake. That and the candy presents under the tree. Find the step-by-steps HERE at the Dollhouse Bake Shoppe.
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Tutorial: Attic Window block

Leah from Quilted Delights shows how to make this traditional quilt block – Attic Window. This is a good choice for fussy piecing. Get the tutorial.
Image credit: Quilted Delights
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Grab a cuppa: Friday Night Sew-In

I’ve spent most of my evening browsing projects from the Friday Night Sew-In (FNSI) at Handmade by Heidi. I highly recommend this activity. So many wonderful things to see.
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DIY Lego Soap – Great Christmas Gift Idea

 Christmas soap does not necessarily have to be about snowmen and candycanes. Kids love Lego with so why not make some lego soap to go in their stocking too!!! These are cool I bet there will be no problem getting kids to wash up before it’s time to sit down to turkey on the big day. Obviously not for eating…  See More..

DIY Melt & Pour Christmas Ornament Soap

 Want to  kill a few birds with one stone . Why not decorate your tree with some DIY melt and pour christmas ornaments this year. Not only do they look pretty  but they can also add fragrance to the home if you add a christmassy scent. They also add a personal touch to the big day. I know you are…  See More..

Licorice Swizzle Stick

It’s the simplest ideas that are the most genius. I love this idea to dress up a cocktail (Christmas, sure, but any old time) with a swirl of red licorice lace. Find the idea HERE at Ladies Home Journal.
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Polka Dot Christmas Cookies

These polka dot butter cookies are dressed up for Christmas, but I can see this idea for any festive cookies throughout the year. From Family Circle, find them on Cute Everything.
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You might need Babelfish for this one – Falikép papírgurigákból

Unless you speak Hungarian. I do love it when someone takes something like toilet paper tubes and makes them look like something fancy like wrought iron…

Kifli és levendula: Falikép papírgurigákból.
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Tutorial: Embroidered felt gift tags

My old aunties called gift tags “to-froms.” I love these to-froms by Curbly for their stitchy goodness. I love them even more because each has a pocket on the back to hold a gift card or a bit of cash!  Let Curbly show you how to make them.
And many thanks to American Felt and Craft…  See More..

The Quickest Project Ever??

This just might be the quickest crochet project ever – or at least the quickest, cutest one!
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Bezencilla has created these pretty barrettes that could be used for a variety of purposes.  Of course, they can be used in the hair as a barrette.  But, they could also adorn a cute felted purse, be tied with a bow to…  See More..

Self Portrait Ornaments

Are these not beyond adorable?? I absolutely love this unique idea and what great keepsakes these will make. A great family gift idea as well! Get the tutorial at eighteen25: self portrait ornaments.
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Tutorial: Felt window ornaments

Megan Noel shares a nifty idea for thoughtful but quick ornaments, good for last-minute decorating or gifts. Fussy-cut little images from fabric prints to peek out through the felt window. Go to the tute.
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Magnetic Snowman

Use recycled burner covers to create this adorable magnetic snowman. The kids will love rearranging his “parts”! Get the fun tutorial over at Brassy Apple: Magnetic Snowman Tutorial.
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Bite-Size Frosty Cranberry Cookies

Yet another one from me. (I wasn’t planning on being so cookie-productive this season, and was instead going to take it easy, but then things somehow went in another direction. Forgive the indulgence here.) I made these bite-size frosty “cranberry” cookies for a monthlong cookie-sharing party over at In Katrina’s Kitchen. For the cranberry cookie how-tos,…  See More..

Tutorial: Fabric Star Ornaments

Eco-friendly crafter Betz White – author of Sewing Green – shows how to make these cute fabric star ornaments on her blog. Go to tutorial.
Image credit: Betz White
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Inspiration: Sparkle Punch Quilt

The stars nuzzle in this bright, happy quilt top. Elizabeth Hartman from Oh, Fransson! made it. She shares her design process here.
Image credit: Oh, Fransson!
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Yarn Wreath Ornaments

I found these wreaths on Pinterest and instantly fell in love with them.  These ornaments were made with a four year old helping out! This is a great holiday vacation project! Head on over to Christopher And Tia for the tutorial.
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Handprint Santa

How cute is this Santa Ornament? I just love the fact that the fingers become the beard. Make one with your child today, just in time to hang them on your tree before the REAL  Santa comes! Head on over to Balancing Home for the tutorial.
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Bottlecap Snowman

This little guy is snow cute, he’ll ‘melt’ your heart. I’m sure with the holidays here, you’ve got some bottle caps lying around, or will soon have some.  Make sure you save them so you can turn them into these little snowmen.  Head on over to What I Live For for the tutorial.  { Post found via UCreatewithKids}
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Preschool Christmas Crafts

This flower pot bell is just one of the crafts that Mama Pea Pod made with one of her little ones.  You can find two other craft ideas besides this on over on Mama Pea Pod‘s blog. These projects are great for your preschoolers!
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Wanna learn to quilt?

Thinking of some New Year’s resolutions? If one of yours is learning to quilt check out a series of tutorials at Obsessively Stitching. Aptly named 1st Quilt Ever, go HERE to learn more.
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Free Pattern – Puppets from Morehouse Farms!

Morehouse Farms Merino brings us a free pattern for these adorable puppets.
HERE
But beyond that, check out their kits, yarns, and essentials.
Lots of patterns for everything you can think of.
Check out Morehouse Farms Merino, HERE
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Tutorial: Christmas Birdie Quilt

Erin from Why Not Sew? created this mini wall hanging as part of Quilt Story’s Christmas Tutorial series. It’s adorable. Get this tutorial here or on Erin’s blog here.
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Holiday decorations made with what you have around

That is just what Tiki did! She gathered up some craft supplies that she had in her stash and a few rather unlikely ones-bird cages! See more holiday decorations she posted at her blog Ribbons, Lace , and Inspiration.
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Strip Cut Construction Tutorial from Steve Immerman

Steve Immerman’s glass work is amazing. And he’s sharing some of his techniques. Strip cut construction. The results are awesome. Makes me want to run off and cut glass. And then construct with it. He takes you completely through the process including firing schedule and cold working. This is an intermediate to advanced tutorial but it gives the…  See More..

Beeswax Tree Shaped Candles

Martha Stewart’s site has the loveliest holiday beeswax candle tutorial. All you need for these candles are beeswax sheets, wicks, a ruler and a hair dryer.
Instead of carving the tree shapes, you could try cookie cutters. They work great with beeswax sheets and would make the project go faster.
See Tree Shaped Candles on MarthaStewart.com for the tutorial.
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Have a Ball! A Christmas Ball That Is

Here’s another round of fabulous ornaments made by polymer clay artists – this time, all balls! And yet, so different from each other.
1. IMG_2943-1, 2. Christmas Ornament, 3. Glitter blue brocade ornament, 4. Kitty ornament
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Tutorial: Stegosaurus Socks

Jessica from Happy Together shares a tutorial on her blog showing how to make her Stegosaurus Socks, knee socks with dinosaur spikes sewed on to the back.  These are sooooo cute!  She starts with a pair of colorful socks and then stitches on the scales.  Get the how-to.
[photo from Happy Together]
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Enter to Win a New Jan Eaton Book at Craftside

Over at Craftside, not only do you get a “behind the scenes peek at a crafty world,” but right now, you can also get a chance to win the new book shown here.The Cross Stitch Motif Bible: Over 1000 Motifs with Easy-to-Follow Color Charts by Jan Eaton. Not only do you have a chance to win the book…  See More..

Tutorial: Add some pop to store-bought dresses

Ashley from Make It and Love It shares a tutorial on her blog showing how to use your sewing skills to add a little something extra to a relatively simple store-bought dress.  She shows how to add a peek-a-boo tulle to the hem of a dress, and how to restyle a straight hem to an asymmetrical hem with contrasting…  See More..

All the Glass Tips You Need Over at Warm Glass!

This glass casting project I’ve been working on can be a pill sometimes. It’s a large piece, 26″ long and for me the holy grail is fingers and toes. You see it’s a diver. When he’s complete he’s stunning…even incomplete he’s pretty cool. But overall this project makes the average challenge seem like a cake walk. Normally I steam out…  See More..

DIY Frosted Pink Tree Soap

  Aren’t these just cute? want to learn to make some of these for yourself this christmas?  OK soap makers to get started you will need
Supplies
Dimensional tree mold
15 drops of Tropical Red Colorant
1 pound of Shea Butter Soap Base (or you can use any white soap base)
1/2 ounce Creamy Peppermint fragrance oil
1 tablespoon of white…  See More..

Tutorial: Spacing lettering transfers

Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching responds to readers’ requests and shares a tutorial for getting the spacing right when you’re transferring lettering. Her technique is unique and very smart. Check it out.
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The First Gingerbread People

Yes, it’s Adam and Eve as gingerbread people. With removable leaves (egads! Shield your child’s eyes.) Find them HERE at Cute Food for Kids.
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Leg Lamp Cookie Cutter

Clearly A Christmas Story is one of my (and many, many others, I’m sure) favorite Christmas movies, because this is officially the third post I’ve written on the tale over the years. (See here and here.) Now you can honor the recent-classic through cookies. Check out the leg lamp cookie cutters, available here.
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Tiny Trees And Pretty Jewelry – There’s Still Time!

These are the cutest little Christmas trees.  Do you have a few minutes to make a last minute (really last minute!) gift or ornament?  This would be perfect.  Very charming!

Annemarie has written the pattern in English for us in addition to her native language (I think it’s Dutch).  She has plenty of other patterns to view on her…  See More..

Embroidered Mason Jar Toppers for Food Gifts

Just to make your homemade food gifts even mooooore crafty, embroider a mason jar topper. I love this idea. Find the how-tos HERE at Make and Takes (spotted on babble).
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Tutorial | Photo Place Cards for the Christmas Table

I love these photo place cards that Lisa at A Spoonful of Sugar came up with for her Christmas table. She used toddler photos of all the guests! Click here to learn how to make your own.
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Save problem fabrics with dye

Stephani Miller posts on Threads blog:
There’s no reason to toss garments that have faded or donate fabric you mistakenly purchased in an unflattering color. Fashion trends for tie-dye effects and bright, saturated colors are still going strong, with both effects carrying over from Fall 2011 and Resort 2012 designer collections into Spring 2012 offerings. It’s easy to…  See More..

Festive Eggnog Christmas Cake

This is exactly what I would like to see after my Christmas dinner. Bright, fun, festive perfection. And wait ’til you see the inside! Find the recipe for Eggnog Christmas cake HERE at Bakingdom.
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Gift Wrapping Ideas

Cintia from My Poppet is sharing a number of unique and out of the box gift wrapping ideas, just right for odd shaped gifts. Click here to see more.
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Giveaway: Pinky Rose

Vicki of turkey feathers is giving away this adorable calico kitty, Pinky Rose–a sample doll she created for one of her books. If you’d like to get your hands on this sweetheart, go to her blog post to enter the draw before January 1.
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3-D Gingerbread Christmas Trees

I think it’s the snowy edges that got me. Or the 3-D part. Or the consistent awesomeness that is not martha. Find the step-by-step instructions for making 3-D Christmas trees from non-3-D cutters, including make-ahead tips and a template, HERE at not martha.
And if you need proof of said consistent awesomeness, remember these  See More..

Tip: Tie a Perfect Bow

Bows and ribbons add a perfect touch to many paper crafting projects but I know a lot of people struggle to tie a nice pretty bow. Vanessa Spencer shares a very helpful video over at Stampington and Co., soon you’ll be tying bows like a pro!
-Heather
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Tutorial: Embellished tee with pleated bib and buttons

Sachiko from Tea Rose Company and Tea Rose Home shows how to make her Pleated Pretty Shirt.  This top is gorgeous!!  She starts with a plain tee, and then adds a pleated bib trimmed with lace and buttons.  Get the tutorial.
[photo from Tea Rose Home]
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Tutorial: Oh, Christmas Tree felt ornament

Lark Crafts shares a free project for making their Oh, Christmas Tree ornament.  The project is an excerprt from the book Fa La La La Felt.  The felt Christmas tree would be pretty hanging on your own tree, or it would make a nice little last minute gift.  Get the tutorial.
[photo from Lark Crafts]
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Tutorial: Homemade Hand Warmers

Vanessa from V and Co. shows how to make her Homemade Hand Warmers.  Just zap the small rice bags in the microwave for 15 seconds, and they’re ready to warm your hands.  Get the tutorial.
[photo from V and Co.]
[via U Create]
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Tutorial: Simple reversible tote bag

Flora from Frills and Flares shows how to make a simple reversible tote bag.  The reversible bag has two looks in one.  When your mood changes, just turn it inside out for an entirely new look for your bag.  Get the tutorial.
[photo from Frills and Flares]
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Stitch like Jane

Jane LaFazio of JaneVille is working up improvisational little squares for a class she’ll be teaching in March. They’re all eye candy. I especially love this one, where she has captured a key under a layer of organza. To see more of her beautiful stitching and learn about the upcoming class (and get a discount code!),…  See More..

Tutorial: Quilted 3-D Christmas tree

Alba from Festotu shares a tutorial on her blog showing how to make a quilted 3-D Christmas tree decoration.  It’s actually made from two flat pieces that fit together to create a tree that stands up on its own.  Not only is it a cute decoration, she says it’s also quick to make. Get the tutorial.
[photo from Festotu]
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Inspiration: Stitch Therapy

Stitch Therapy shares stunning photos of her first-term textile-course project. She says,
A theme of ‘identity revealed through destruction’ emerged and I discovered the beauty of decay. I really enjoyed the psychological process of revealing hidden layers and the wonky-happy accidents that sometimes occurred with it.
I used a mix of used papers and reapproriated fabrics for my work. I…  See More..

DIY Ribbon Boutonniere {For the Groom}

Create a dashing boutonniere for your groom or a pretty hair clip for your bridesmaids using this versatile tutorial designed by Mel at The Crafty DIY Bride! The tutorial is shared at Intimate Weddings.
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How to make recycled cardboard gift tags

Need to whip up some last minute simple and elegant gift tags as you wrap those presents late at night (or anytime) why not try these great recycled cardboard (chipboard) ones designed by Roslyn of the blog Sew Delicious. See her tutorial on how to make recycled cardboard gift tags.
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Tutorial: Felt mittens ornament

An easy-peasy pair of mittens, grinning with delight at the chance to adorn your tree. Go to Mollie Johanson‘s Wild Olive post to learn how to make them.
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Joyeux Noel

Stitch a sweet motif that says “Joyeux Noel” to celebrate the holidays! The free chart is available from Talons Aiguilles. It would make a nice addition to a linen towel for the holidays or the front of a photo album.
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Cute Little Elf

From over At the Honeysuckle Tree, this elf will be sure to help you watch over your holiday festivities. Get the free chart to use as an ornament, on a gift bag, or to sit on a shelf.
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Xmas Love

Mr. X Stitch is throwing a little Xmas Love our way – with this little hooped up project. And, the free pattern is available over on the Mr. X Stitch blog. How cool is that? So go nab it while the Xstitch Xmas love is flowing.
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Custom-stitched specs

This almost makes me happy that I wear spectacles. Fashioningtech.com says,
Fusing traditional crafts with rapid prototyping technologies, Chloë McCormick and Nicholas O’Donnell-Hoare have designed a customizable pair of 3D printed tapestry glasses. The frames are printed with tiny holes through which you can weave color yarns.
If the recent proliferation of hand-stitched iPhone cases is any indicator, we’ll soon…  See More..

Snow Globe Rice Krispies Cake

Oh, Amanda, you’ve done it again. The master of cool-pictures-inside-cakes has crafted a snowglobe in a Rice Krispies Cake. Find it HERE at i am baker.
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Jeff Zimmer’s Images in Glass

Thanks to Daily Art Muse for profiling Jeff Zimmer and his lovely glass (scroll down). He studied with Michael Janis over at Washington Glass School, someplace I’d love to visit, and has been creating the most wonderful glass art since. He layers his glass with a bit of the final image on each piece of glass.…  See More..

Process: From watercolor to art quilt

Katie Pasquini Masopust – accomplished quilt artist and author – shares her method for creating an art quilt from a watercolor painting at Sewn Europe. Get the scoop here.
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Wooden Christmas Card Display

When I think of Rit Dye the first thing that pops into my head were the tie dye shirts my kids and I used to make when they were little. I’m finding out here lately though that you can dye a lot more than just shirts! This card display’s colors come from, you guessed it, Rit Dye! Get the info…  See More..

Tiny Figgy Puddings

Every time I see anything related to figgy pudding I can’t help but sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in my head. Turn bite-size chocolates into tiny figgy pudding HERE at Luvcrumbs.
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Twelve Days of Modeling Chocolate

Who knew that so many ideas could spring from an egg-shape? Find the round up and links to tutorials for twelve days of modeling chocolate ideas for Christmas and winter from an egg cookie cutter HERE at Hungry Happenings. And bonus! Check out the fabulous giveaway hosted by Hungry Happenings to make your own.
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Hanukkah Dessert Table

The menorah cupcakes, the serving idea for applesauce, the paper chain… this Hanukkah table is so cute and re-creatable, I think. Find the table featured HERE at Amy Atlas’s Sweet Designs, by Nicolle of Libby Lane Press.
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Sugar and Glass

One more check on the list for the legitimacy of sugar as an artistic medium. Apparently sugar is an oft-used tool for glassblowers when creating prototypes for future glass designs. A recent event held in Spain, oh!BCN, celebrated the relationship between glass and gastronomy, during which “several teams of local and international glass artists and designers got together…  See More..

How to make recycled newspaper ornaments

I love simple things and this recycled newspaper ornament idea is just that! I actually like them unpainted. See the tutorial Melissa shared at her blog The Chocolate Muffin on how to make easy and kid friendly recycled newspaper Christmas ornaments.
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Christmas Petits Fours

For a last minute Christmas treat idea, wrap Oreo Cakesters in fondant and pipe designs on top with royal icing. I have more detailed how-tos over at my blog. These Christmas petits fours are straight from the pages of my book out early next year, Sugarlicious. Find a pdf of the directions HERE.
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Have You Been…

Instead of the age-old question of naughty or nice, Lady Kell lays it out. Have you been bad or good? She wants to know. Stitch it up with the free pattern.
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Christmas Joy Door

Angie from The Country Chic Cottage shows you how she decorated her door and created these fun letters for the holidays. Head over to see this easy Christmas transformation — Christmas came to my front door!.
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