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March - in like a lion; out like a lamb. Hang in there friends. Spring is just around the corner!

That's easy for me to say because we've just spent a week at the beach. We leave to return to the "real world" today. A little break from winter weather is such a relief this time of year.

If you can't afford the time or money to get away physically, there are other ways to escape the ennui of dreary gray skies, gray slushy snow and dirty ice. My friend, Creative Dreamer June, recently blogged about a wintry day when she just couldn't face another snowy commute.

She took a vacation day at home and escaped into the world of art. June spent the day totally absorbed in creating a Coptic-Bound Journal - something she had never tried before.

We crafters are so fortunate in our love of creating. It affords us a way to "get away from it all" no matter where we are physically. The point is to break the routine - even if your full time job involves crafting.

If the winter weather has you down, examine your to-do list for today. Do what's absolutely essential. Then put the rest out of your mind. Close your eyes and think of all the projects you've been wanting - I mean really wanting - to do.

Choose one and let it carry you away.

In a few more weeks the crocuses will be poking their sweet little heads through the last remaining patches of snow. The forsythia buds will be fat and ready to burst into plumes of bright yellow.

If you need a little inspiration to get you going, check out all that’s new on The Artful Crafter this month ...

Eileen

New Craft Projects

Envelope Book - How to make an envelope book for little treasures or clutter.

Glass Lens Pin - Make lovely brooches from old eyeglass lenses.

New Product Reviews

Craft-N-Spin Turntable Review - Shaaron and I had a ball taking a spin with this marvelous craft tool. Avoid a lot of "oh darns", "oops" and "oh, my aching backs" with the Craft-N-Spin Turntable.

In Search of Craft Supplies

Wallpaper Border Request - How to search for discontinued wallpaper or find suitable substitutes.

Paper Mache Mannequin - Can’t find craft supplies you need? Sometimes you can DIY them.

Art Inspiration and Education

Rediscovering the Joy of Sewing - Somehow I lost my love of sewing over the years - but woohoo! - I found it again.

Glass Etching Ideas from a Master Etcher - Eric Robert shares the benefit of his glass etching expertise

Oil Pastels - What they are, where they came from and how to use them.

You’ll find lots of Spring Craft Ideas in our Holiday Craft Index.

What's on Eileen's Wish List

I went looking at the latest Xyron adhesive application tools for reader Deana and fell in love with the Creatopia myself. My DH asks, "But hon, what would you do with it? Look at all the other craft tools you've got laying around that are hardly ever used!"

So the Creatopia is on my wish list while I continue to progress on my Hour-A-Day-Art Resolution which will allow me to put all my fun crafting tools to better use.

The Xyron Creatopia does decorative cutting, embossing and cold laminating in addition to adhesive backing. I'm just enthralled with this little beauty.

Check out the Creatopia Shadow Box project in this YouTube video. You won’t believe the baby bootie part!

Reader Letter of the Month: Tips on Making Decoupage Pendants

Hello!

I am making pendants of images from books.

I have tried cutting out the picture, gluing into a metal pendant tray with >Mod Podge and then using a crystal lacquer over the top.

However, I really like the look of it without the lacquer. I have tried it using just three or four coats of Mod Podge over the image and it looks great.

My question is - what would the durability of the image be? I have a clear acrylic sealer spray that I could finish it with.

Also, would I be able to do the same with a piece of fabric?

Thank you so much!

Melissa

You really need to seal the Mod Podge against moisture. No matter how long it cures, Mod Podge will turn white and tacky when subjected to sufficient water. It’ll be okay in a light drizzle or if you spill a drink on it, as long as you gently pat it dry right away.

Why don’t you try sealing the pendants with a >Matte Acrylic Spray Sealer, since you don’t want a shiny finish?

Yes, absolutely you can use the same technique to make pendants using pretty fabrics instead of paper images.

You’re welcome!