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I thought Cyndi Lavin’s title for one of her contributions to the Artsy Bloggers Roundups was too funny to let pass without further comment.

Cyndi listed some of the places you can go online for inexpensive craft supplies “when dumpster-diving fails you”.

I try to recycle my own trash for crafts but at first I thought I’ve never actually dumpster-dived. Then I realized I really did once just a few months ago! I saw a worker from a framing shop taking an armload of good-sized mat board scraps to the dumpster. I went after them. I really did!

After he had left, I surreptitiously skulked over to the dumpster. Glancing from side to side, I plucked the topmost pieces out of the trash; but there were so many big luscious pieces of mat board and foam core deeper down that I found myself leaning further and further into the bin until my feet were definitely higher than my waist.

Yup, I was in full dumpster-diving position. When I got home with my hoard, my DH said, “I can’t believe you actually did that!!” I probably should mention that I am 62 years of age, so it would have been quite an embarrassment had someone seen me in this indelicate position.

Thus far, I’ve used my free supplies to make cardboard decoupage pendants. I’ve made a Faux Medieval Engraved Cross, a Faux Cloisonné Cross and a Byzantine-style Cross.

I’ve still got loads more "free" mat and foam board. ROTFLOL.

Eileen

Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner. Then right on their heels come Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s. The Artful Crafter is here to help you with your holiday crafting!

Holiday Crafts

Spooky Halloween Spiders made from egg crates and pipe cleaners.

How to Make a Real Pumpkin Centerpiece.

How to Make a Fake Pumpkin Centerpiece - An easy fall centerpiece the kids can help make. The pumpkin is made from dryer vent tubing! Très clever.

Bless someone special with this beautiful Angel Fringe Doll or make her half size to hang on your Christmas tree.

Decoupage

Decoupage can be as easy or as complex as you choose. This Advanced Decoupage Box has many small cutouts and other special touches.

How to Deal with Condensation between Decoupage Layers.

Where to Find Paper for Large Decoupage Projects - Usually decoupage is done by cutting out and piecing images; but if you want to decoupage something in one piece, here are some ideas.

How to avoid Bubbles under Glass in your decoupage under glass projects.

How to use Wallpaper for Decoupage.

Woodworking

An Introduction to Woodworking - Read some tips from pro turned hobbyist, Kent Walters. When you’re doing it for fun or to create what may become a family heirloom, woodworking can be “creative, relaxing and timeless”.

Needle Crafts

Best Crochet and Knitting Tools - Tips for beginners: what you need to know and buy to get started knitting or crocheting.

Crochet for Lefties - Teaching a leftie how to crochet.

Make a lovely Decorative Pincushion from scraps and an empty tuna can.

Painting

Outdoor Plaque Finishes - What media will hold up to the weather?

Quick or Easy Crafts

Reader Ideas for Crafts that are Easy on the Hands and Eyes.

Craft Ideas for Kids or those with Limited Hand Dexterity.

Ideas to Start Children Crafting – the younger the better.

Craft Business Advice

Business is Where You Find It. Don’t be Blind it’s all Around Everywhere. – you just need to know how to look

Crafts that Lift the Spirit

I think we’ve coined a new phrase. Chloe Findlay-Harder, a member of our Artsy Bloggers Group and editor of Tangled Thread asked us, “What crafts do you like to do when you're not feeling all that great?”

The question really struck a chord with me.

Her phrase was “comforting crafts” but I’ve shortened it to “comfort crafts”. Is it true that most artsy/crafty people resort to “comfort crafts” rather then “comfort foods” when they’re feeling down or under the weather? I know I do.

I remember one of Ro Paxman’s muses about how ticked off she was by the vacuum cleaner, blender or something similar that her dear hubby got her for Christmas one year.

She closeted herself in her office for about eight hours reorganizing all her digital design products files while she fumed. [I don’t think she would mind me relating this story because she’s already told the whole world; but maybe you missed it.]

When I’m not feeling well or am annoyed over some perceived hurt, I find it best not to sit around and stew or wallow in self-pity.

If I can get absorbed in something I love – even though my performance may not be peak – I can actually forget (ignore?) had bad I was feeling.

My favorite comfort crafts (this week) are digital graphics using Photoshop, Beading and Answering Reader Questions (writing is a craft, right?).

What are your comfort crafts? “Comfort Crafts” – I like that. Crafts That Lift the Spirit