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Are you crafting more these days?

Given the tough economic times, we can expect more and more people to join our crafting ranks.

Or those of you who are already on board with crafting, recycling, repairing and DIY-ing will probably branch out to new craft areas.

Crafting is not only economical and “green”; it can be wholesome fun for the whole family, educational for the kids and a wonderful stress reliever. So let’s welcome all the newbies, converts and crossovers with welcome arms.

Here’s a challenge for March. Think of someone in your life who could use a little pick-me-up. Either make something for them or give them the longer-lasting gift of teaching them a craft. Remember the saying, “Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for life.”

My friend Chloe did a terrific post titled, 10 Reasons Why Sewing is Good for you and for the Economy.

Whatever your craft love, substitute “that phrase” wherever Chloe says “sewing”. Chloe, thanks for pointing out the silver lining!

March – “In like a lion; out like a lamb” – at least I sincerely hope so.

Eileen

What’s New on The Artful Crafter this Month Easter Craft

Easter Potted Egg Centerpiece – You’ve heard of potted plants? Well here are instructions for some darling potted Easter eggs.

Projects for Romantic Occasions

[These project how-tos were written with Valentines in mind, but most are well suited or easily adapted to other occasions.]

Heart Etched Champagne Flutes with Beaded Charms – Also good for wedding, anniversary or bridal shower.

Painted Hearts Champagne Flutes – Ditto ;-)

Heart Garland Candle – Use a decorated egg motif for Easter or stay with the hearts for a sweet Mother’s Day gift.

Puffy Conversation Hearts – These are strictly for Valentines – a cute takeoff on the Necco candy conversation hearts that reappear in stores to delight us each February.

Fiber Jewelry

How to Finish Off a Fiber Bracelet or Necklace – This was so much fun, I can’t wait to do some necklaces and more complex designs. I’ve already bought some beautiful metallic and eyelash yarns.

Clay Crafting

Victorian Salt Clay Source – Do you know the history of (hint, hint) Victorian salt clay? (You’ll find the classic recipe and many variations as well).

Ribbon Craft

Easy Ribbon Fish – This little guy is soooo cute. Use him to make mobiles, Christmas ornaments or to glue onto cards and scrapbook layouts.

Reader Letters of the Month

Letter 1: Soldiers’ Angels Craft for Our Vets

I have recently learned about "Soldiers’ Angels" – it’s where you can adopt a soldier in the war. My son was deployed and is now home.

I have decided to knit and crochet lap blankets for the troops who are tied to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. It was suggested that they would appreciate a lap blanket to help keep their legs/stubs warm. I have been knitting lap blankets since November of last year and will donate all of them to the vets in wheelchairs who need them.

I was wondering if you ever donated yarns for this cause. I am using all dark yarns with the exception of red/white /blue/ and off white. I knit/crochet two colors together - except for the red/white and blue - then its three colors.

If there is any way you could assist me in my quest please let me know. It takes a total of 10 balls or 1000 yards of yarn per lap blanket.

Sincerely,

Kris

After responding to Kris with a big “God bless you”, I posted her letter on my blog and website, in addition to running it in this newsletter.

If anyone would like to offer yarn or get involved, they can contact Kris through The Artful Crafter (Google Friend) Community on our website.

You'll find the members' box on the bottom on each page. Please come join us and if you can help Kris, God bless you too!

Letter 2: We Want More Fiber Crafts!

I would like to see crafts like bobbin lace, tatting, plastic canvas, loop weaving and other yarn crafts please if possible

Marthese

= = =

Hi Marthese,

Thank you for your request.

I don't do much yarn crafting myself, but several members of my Artsy Bloggers Group do. Please visit The Artful Crafter Blog and look around the Sunday entries. Sunday is Artsy Bloggers Day.

For example last Sunday, Noreen contributed a wild and wooly Spool Knitted Doll and the week before, Chloe shared instructions for a lovely Woven Heart Purse.

There is also a search box on the blog where you can look for specific types of projects.

Another way The Artful Crafter can help you is if you join our crafting community powered by Google Friend. I’m sure you will find members who share your love for fiber crafts. The members sign up box is on the bottom of each Artful Crafter page.

Cheers,

Eileen

Join the Artful Crafter Community

The Artful Crafter uses Google Friend Connect to power our site's community. If you're interested in crafting, join the crafters' community.. Connect with others who share your love of things hand made.

We now have 59 members in our crafters’ community. Please come join us!