Help for left handed crafters
Are you a lefty who has problems with embroidery patterns? Check out this tutorial of basic embroidery stitches – made specifically for left handed embroiderers.
How to Rescue Family Heritage Photos
Eileen just completed a photo restoration class and made an exciting discovery in the process.
Layers Upon Layers
All this month, Cyndi will be featuring book artists and book making projects!
Providing Bird Nesting Materials
The best materials to provide, plus a creative way to house them.
10 Reasons to Photograph Your Quilts
Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork lists ten reasons …read more

Ah, the life of a left handed crafter….  Scissors feel weird, your sewing machine seems backward and even patterns are designed for right handed people!

Okay, even though I’m a lefty, I can’t use left handed scissors, and I’ve never actually had problems with my sewing machine, but there are lots of lefties who have real problems learning embroidery stitches.
The stitches slant the wrong way or the needle placement can feel awkward.  Luckily, there are smart, creative left handed stitchers out there – like Jenny from Sublime Stitching!  She has created an in-depth how-to guide to left handed embroidery.  As a …read more

A Collage a Day: Monday
Find a week’s worth of collage prompts for your journal.
Annual Woven Narrow Scarf Challenge
Meg is hosting her annual woven narrow scarf challenge- hmmm….
Layers Upon Layers
Making monoprint background papers is an addictive activity…
Pin or Bias Tape Weaving Patterns
Have you ever tried bias tape or pin weaving? Here are some links to patterns for some lovely woven projects – no loom required!
Round Robin Time Again for the Fiber Divas
Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork mentions an idea for a Round Robin in your quilting group.
Sew your own …read more

Check out this amazing lampshade that Monica from Craftynest has created:

It’s one of those pricey shell lamps, right?
Wrong!
It’s actually laminated rice paper, cut out and sewn using a standard sewing machine!
Is that cool or what?
You can read the full instructions on Craftynest online here.
image: Craftynest

Is there a special little girl in your life who would love to wear a tutu?
Hey, why not even make one for yourself!
Lynne Bruning has written a fantastic how-to for Instructables on how to make your own fantasy tutu.  The tutorial allows you to get as fancy and as detailed with different fabrics, contrast fabrics and trims as you’d like.  Of course, if you want to make a simple, classic tutu, you can as well!
There are lots of photo of finished tutus as well – great for inspiration for your next sewing project!
image: Stock.xchg

10 reasons why sewing is good for the economy
Is the economy getting you down? Check out Chloe’s fun list of the top 10 reasons why sewing is good for you and the economy!
A Kiss is Still a Kiss…
Visual prompt about kissing.
How to Protect Your Work from Copyright Infringement
If your artwork appears on the Internet, you need to now how to protect it from theft.
Layers Upon Layers
Layers Upon Layers continues to explore lot of different snow-themed art works.
Remade Roses That Last Forever
Explore some eco-friendly alternatives to live roses.
…read more

b5media’s wedding blog, Our One Heart is giving away a fantastic romantic getaway package worth $350 from Avalon Hotel & Spa!
Want to know what you could win?
“Perfectly placed at the edge of the new South Waterfront District on Portland, Oregon’s serene Willamette River, this luxury boutique hotel and spa basks in the glow of the city’s lights just minutes from downtown Portland. The Avalon wraps guests in the contemporary sophistication and warm hospitality of the Pacific Northwest.
Luxurious guest room appointments, complimentary wireless Internet access, complimentary continental breakfast served on each hotel floor (The Avalon Hotel Breakfast Club!), exclusive Spa Chakra …read more

Angels can be tiny
Noreen has designed some tiny spool knitted angels that are easy and charming.
Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi explores making small quilts from rusted fabric.
Painted Valentine Hearts Champagne Flutes
Make two of these romantic Valentine flutes for a special couple. Add a bottle of bubbly for a complete gift!
Photo Phun!
Some photos to use for your journals any way you choose.
Should We Brand or Not Brand Our Quilting?
Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork discusses the latest buzz word in business…branding.
What to Do With Used Disposable Pens
Don’t send your old …read more

b5media’s Lifestyle channel bloggers are a crafty – and romantic bunch!  Check out some of these great ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts for the whole family!

Junk Creation has 10 different ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts and activities.
Junk Creation also has an awesome tutorial for make-your-own candy message hearts!
Layers Upon Layers has pretty mixed-media art ideas to give as gifts for your special someone.
These heart-themed pieces of jewelry are sure to make some smile on Valentine’s Day from Jewelry & Beading.
Tree Hugging Family has some great eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for your kids.
Tree Hugging Family also has some fun recipes, activities …read more

Free Valentine’s Day crafts for your kids
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your whole family and have fun with these easy free craft patterns.
Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi is looking at snow-themed art this month. Got any you want to share?
Monogrammed Mug Filled with Charm – and Goodies
This sweet candy-filled and monogrammed mug is perfect for Valentine’s or any other gift occasion. If you’ve never painted on ceramic, here’s the easy how-to.
Upcycled Flatware Jewelry
Junk Creation is highlighting some flatware turned unique jewelry from Tempest in a Teapot..
What do yarnies want from indie …read more