I like to keep a stash of handmade greeting cards on hand at all times so that I’m always prepared for last-minute events.  (Or for when I wasn’t prepared!)  My stack of general purpose cards has nearly depleted, so I’ve been on a kick to whip out some new ones.  I wanted to use up some odds and ends of paper left over from other …

Have you started thinking about Father’s Day yet?  Many dads are notoriously difficult when it comes to gift selection, tending to appreciate most the gifts that are practical and useful.  Make dad something he can surely use and give him a little reminder of his kiddos right on his work desk by making him a special “Dad Rocks” paperweight!  Amanda from Crafts by Amanda shows …

If your design aesthetic includes things that are worn and aged, you probably enjoy the look of rust and patina.  Carolyn from Carolyn’s Homework was planning to let some recycled tin cans sit outside and rust naturally to use them as planters, but then she had a stroke of inspiration.  She found some fabulous images of different rusts and patinas and decided that some decoupage …

Bold, graphic designs are hot right now, but even when they’re not we still love them.  Celebrate bold patterns with this mod pillow featuring stylized peacock feathers by Amy of Positively Splendid, which she shared as a guest post at Tatertots & Jello.  The motif is created using a clever combination of freezer paper stencils, spray paint, and appliques.  She even supplied free printable .pdf …

I have to say it again — I adore all things tiny, and these itty-bitty photo frames are no exception!  Whether you’re a scrapbooker or a dollhouse/miniatures fanatic, these wee frames are just too much fun.  Add to that the fact that they are SUPER inexpensive and EASY to make, and it’s a win-win-win situation!!
Project Estimate:

embossed foil stickers, 6/$1 (in the scrapbook section)
tiny photos …

When crafting with kids, it’s often fun to plan a variety of projects along a certain theme.  (For example, some popular themes include pirates, princesses, or circus.)  DSC reader Lisa writes to us with  question relating to themes!  Her daycare is doing a camping theme this summer and she needs ideas – lots and lots of kids crafty ideas relating to camping!  Do you know …

If you could use some solar path lights but you’re looking for something with more personality than your standard stake lights, here’s an idea from Amanda at Hand Me Down House.  She gave mason jars a colorful finish using dyed Mod Podge and inserted solar lights into the top to make these playful, cheery path lights.  You could also use empty jars from your recycling …

Ever since I was a kid growing up in the woods I’ve had a love of crafts made from items found in nature.  Over at Man Made (an entire site devoted to man crafts!) Chris shares a decidedly grown-up idea for those stray branches that need trimming:  Turn them into gorgeous tree branch magnets!  He made his using dried, seasoned branches from a fallen Maple …

Pirates are a perennial favorite of kids, making them a very popular birthday party theme.  Angela from Little Blue’s Room has been helping a friend prepare for her soon-to-be-4-year-old son’s birthday party, and during a brainstorming conversation they decided a pirate ship cupcake display was a must.  Unable to locate something suitable, she decided to make one instead.  If you’re planning a pirate party, your …

It’s always an honor to guest post over at The CSI Project, and I’m excited to say that I’m sharing another tutorial there today!  I’ve been on a National Wildflower Week kick this week, and this time I celebrated by making vases out of some recycled tins from fancy cookies.  (Northern Michigan is just starting to warm up, though, so I didn’t have any actual …