When I wrote the post, Crafting with Wrapping Paper, and related experiences with my grandchildren, a reader, Monique, shared her wrapping paper uses in scrapbooking.

You can use wrapping paper if not so wrinkled in scrapbooking for Christmas or birthday pages, especially those on big gift boxes that hold sweaters or coats. You can get a good12 X 12 piece or use them in strips of different sizes.
This sounds like a great idea and I’m sure scrapbookers and collage makers will enjoy trying this.  It’s something youngsters would find fun, too.
With so many different types of wrapping paper nowadays – flowers, animals, …read more

Bracelets made from silk ribbons and charms are quite popular right now, with some going for several hundred dollars – each!
This lovely one from jewelry designer Catherine Michiels features three gold charms strung on a length of variegated silk ribbon – and retails for $220 US.

It’s beautiful, but of course, I like the challenge of making something myself – especially for a piece of jewelry that’s a tad beyond my budget.
My local jewelry supply store has some very similar silk ribbon – it even comes in variegated colors too.  I could also cut thin strips of duppioni silk, zig-zag the …read more

“Where do crafters find ideas?” beginning craftspeople often wonder.
Here are a few resources for crafting inspiration:
Books and magazines – There are any number of ideas on the printed page.  They can act as a springboard for generating your own.
Classes – You’ll find workshops in many crafts at senior centers, continuing education departments, town recreation centers, public libraries, and guilds to name a few.
The world around you – Crafters find inspiration from daily life and the environment around them.  Often they take photos of nature, people, animals, objects and textures that inspire their work.
Family activities – Incorporate family activities, sports, and …read more

I think this is such an amazing project – and a great way to try out some new fiber art techniques too!
“I am very pleased to announce the next project at hand for the 2008-2009 year for the International Fiber Collective.  The title of this sculpture is called Interdependence. We will create a full sized tree that will be on display in April 09′ at Big Springs International Park in Huntsville, AL.
Much like a live tree is interdependent on it’s leaves/roots for survival, like minded societies are interdependent on the greater whole, family units, communities, countries.
The collective is calling for …read more