If you are having trouble reading this newsletter or if links don't work, click here.

You’ve heard the saying "Shop ‘til you drop"?

That certainly doesn’t seem appropriate in tough economic times. But shopping can be a rewarding experience in many ways aside from the obvious merchandise one brings home.

Shopping can provide an opportunity to socialize with friends, a bit of exercise, a way to de-stress and put worries aside for a while, an opportunity to view the latest styles and fashion colors even if one doesn’t buy.

So when we’re being advised to just stay away from the malls to avoid temptation, what else can provide a good fix for some of these needs?

According to clinical psychologist Mary Gresham, quoted in the July issue of "O" The Oprah Magazine:

"When people shop, they almost go into a trance, a pleasurable state in which they lose their sense of time and are oblivious to other things".

Guess what else has the same effect for many people - crafting!

So, instead of "Shop ‘til you drop", I say, "Craft ‘til you’re daft" or perhaps even better, "Craft ‘til you’ve laughed".

Have you crafted and laughed today? Both are good therapy in tough times ;-)

We’re doing our best to keep you craftily occupied. Just look at all the new projects on The Artful Crafter this month!

Eileen

P.S. Just to remind everyone – this little icon indicates that a project is kid-friendly and is designed for kids to do or help with.

I think she needs a name.

Any suggestions?

What’s New on The Artful Crafter this Month

Fall and Halloween Crafts

Halloween Shrunken Heads - How to make ghoulish shrunken heads from apples.

Halloween Milk Jug Ghost - Let the kids make several of these to hang from the trees and sway in the breeze.

Halloween Cupcake Stand - Make a festive Halloween (or other occasion) cupcake stand from terracotta flower pots.

Michael Jackson Homecoming Garter - Read about an idea for a unique Homecoming garter from one of our readers. This is too cool!

Refer to our Holiday Craft Index for more holiday craft ideas.

Décor Crafts

Ribbon Storage Box - Corral your crafting ribbon supplies in one handy decorative container.

Faux Rose Topiary - How to make a tabletop-size topiary with artificial roses.

Quick Gift or Party Favor Ideas

Flower Fairies - Fun and frilly flower fairies make a great tween or teen craft.

Vellum Spiral-Bound Notebook - A beginner’s project with the Zutter Bind-It-All makes a practical little gift or party favor.

Techniques

Image Transfers - How to transfer images using decoupage medium; plus a link to tutorials for various other image transfer methods by mixed media artist Cyndi Lavin.

Reader Letters of the Month

Having trouble finding craft supplies? Let Eileen help.

Reader Letter of the Month 1:
Unique Jewelry Findings

I am looking for a particular pewter cone/tube-like long bead. I have looked at 1000s of websites in the last seven weeks but no luck.

It seems to be popular in Europe, but I am unable to track the supplier.

Can you help!!!? I would like to show you a photo.

Anne-Marie

I bet you thought I gave up on you!

It took me a while, but I’m pleased to tell you I found a curved tube bead that is reasonably close to what you are seeking.

It’s sterling silver, not pewter, and it doesn’t have the built-in hook which your photo shows.

However I think you could come up with a necklace design which is very similar.

You can see in the photo below that it is tapered like your example. It’s really quite striking, I think, and was featured in the November 2006 issue of BeadStyle Magazine.

You can find it at Rupa B Designs. The curved tubes come in sets of two which includes two 4 ½-inch long curved sterling tube beads and four end caps.

Thank You, Thank YOU ... soooo much. This is the bead. Finally ...

Eileen, you can't imagine how happy I am to receive a positive response.

I appreciate your help so much!!!

Thank You. Thank You.

Anne-Marie

Reader Letter of the Month 2:
Unpainted Pecan Resin Figurines

Why is it so hard to find pecan resin figurines to paint?

There are no suppliers online. I'm considering learning to make them myself and sell them. Is it hard to do? Is there an art to getting really detailed pieces formed?

Where do you find detailed molds to purchase?

Cindy

I blogged about Online Distributors of Unpainted Resin Figurines several months ago. I just checked the post to make sure the companies still have stock. Yes!

However, if you are still interested in learning to mold pecan shell figurines so you can make and perhaps sell your own, I can summarize for you.

Pecan resin figurines are cold cast in silicone molds from ground pecan shells and resin. You can also resin cast figurines from cultured marble.

The molds themselves can be bought or made by you.

You may be shocked at the price of small silicone collectible-type figurine molds. The reason is that you are buying, not just the mold itself but the right to reproduce the artist’s work as many times as you wish as well.

You can find everything you need - and everything you need to know - about resin casting at AMTEC Industries’ website.

They even have a video CD on how to make your own silicone molds.