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We had some excitement at The Artful Crafter last month. I was invited to chat with Mark Lipinski on his live radio show, Creative Mojo.

Mark is Creative Director for All American Crafts Publishing. All you quilters probably know him well; since Mark is an international quilt teacher/lecturer, quilt fabric designer/creator and former Executive Editor of Quilter's Home magazine.

Mark has been dubbed "the bad boy of quilting" for his no holds barred, brutally honest, PG-13 half quilting and all stand-up comedy classes.

It was really fun – except for the last minute jitters. I had a moment of sheer panic when I tried to call in for my segment. Since I’m in Mexico, I thought I had the U.S. country code wrong or something. Turns out I just mis-dialed the first time. Note to self: If I ever get invited to be on a radio show again, test the number well beforehand!

You can hear the recorded version of the show here. Just click on February 2 in the list of Recent Shows.

I only flubbed one question. It had to do with how to get a competitive edge on eBay or Etsy. Since I’ve never tried either, I’m really not qualified to answer that. That’s pretty much what I said, but then I tried to embellish and ended with the quintessentially dumb statement apropos of nothing, "There’s room for everybody.-

Thankfully co-host, Theresa Mustafa, jumped in and saved my butt.

Just FYI, Mark will NOT get to see me in the shower and I do NOT intend to start blogging what I had for breakfast ;-)

We have some new projects on site as usual. Plus you’ll find lots of other projects to inspire you in our Craft Ideas Section.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start your spring crafting. Spring officially arrives March 20. Here are a few other dates to help you plan.

• Mardi Gras - March 08
• Purim (begins at Sundown) - March 19
• St. Patrick's Day - March 17
• Passover (begins at Sundown) - April 18
• Easter Sunday - April 24
• Cinco de Mayo - May 5
• Mother's Day - May 08

Best wishes,
Eileen

New Articles

• The Artful Crafter Recycles - Who doesn’t recycle cards and gift bags these days? Click for a quick-and-easy card recycling idea.
• Put a Family Photo on a Box of Chocolates - This is about the coolest gift idea I’ve seen in a long while. I just have to share it with you.
• Paper Fortune Cookies Complete the Party - Have you seen these cute little (zero calorie) paper fortune cookies? They were fun to make and fun to use.
• In Re the Case of: Long-Time Married Couple vs. Duvet - The Artful Crafter comes to the rescue in this case against a sloppy duvet.
• More Sewing Tips - Reader Alison sends in a few terrific online sewing resources. Our readers are simply the best!
• Patterns for Scroll Saw Woodworking - Peter wrote in looking for segmented wood project patterns. You have to see the wonderful things he creates with his scroll saw.
• How to Remove a Fresh - but Unsatisfactory - Decoupage Image - Did you know you can remove a decoupage image gone bad? Here’s how.
• How to Make a Paper Birch Bark Lamp Shade - Including how to DIY fire retardant spray.
• Decoupage on MDF vs. Wood - Do you know the pluses and minuses of MDF and natural wood for decoupage?
• Ideas for a Crafty High School Fundraiser - This is a work in process. We’re looking for crafty fundraiser ideas.

Marion wrote in saying how difficult it is becoming to run successful fundraisers. Volunteers are burned out; everyone is belt-tightening. Take a look at the ideas we’ve come up with. Perhaps you can add some of your own ;-)

Reader Letter of the Month: Get Involved with The Artful Crafter

I'd like to sign-up to talk and learn about self-employment opportunities and where to get craft supplies.

Karen

Here is The Artful Crafter For Profit Main Page and here is the Supplies Index.

There are many ways you can get involved at The Artful Crafter.

Join The Artful Crafter website. Look for the "Join this site" box with icons of our members at the bottom of each page.

Subscribe to the website’s RSS feed in order to be notified whenever new content arrives. Look for the little box near the top of the right column of any page (which says "New on The Artful Crafter)".

Become a Follower of The Artful Crafter Blog. The Follow widget is about halfway down the left column of the blog where you see the avatars (icons) of our current members. As a follower, you’ll be notified whenever a new article is posted. Use the opportunity to leave comments and questions on those that interest you.

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter. Use the Contact Us form any time you have a craft question (as you did here).

I would be happy to answer your specific questions and hope to hear from you again