It seems there is always some new gadget, organizer or material available in the crafting world. Some of them make me wonder what the creator was thinking, but most I look at with envy.
I like this print pattern from printfection.com Here are a couple of articles about the perfect gift list for crafters:
However, I think we can do better. Tell us what’s on your crafty wish list. What’s the best crafting gift you’ve received? What’s the worst? Let us know in the forum.
To kick off your week with something to aspire to, check out this great Crafting Heroes interview with fabric/paper/accessory designer extraordinaire Amy Butler, who is most definitely well ranked among my own personal Crafting Heroes. (She’s a creative innovator. She’s constantly expanding her repertoire in new and exciting ways. She’s a trendsetter. And she does it all from Ohio, which just goes to show you can be a successful crafter from wherever you are, even if you don’t have a local craft mafia or renegade craft scene.) Then procrastinate getting started on your least favorite Monday chores by heading over to the Amy Butler Designs Web site for a look around. She even has an “inspiration” link on her homepage!
I have a lot of yarn leftover from projects. I usually save the yarn to use as stuffing, but I recently came across a local charity that has its members make scarves for homeless shelters. I feel this is a great use of my yarn and time—and it gives me the opportunity to learn some new stitches.
Do you craft with a charity in mind? Take this quick poll.
We also have a of group on MyCraftivity that have the giving spirit. Check out Cards for Causes.
Here are a few sites that list different charity organizations that accept a variety of crafty donations:
First and foremost, I want to congratulate Julie for winning our blog contest last Monday. She gets a free copy of Caffeine for the Creative Mind. Trust me - this is one of the coolest books around. I used to be a Creative Director for a scrapbook manufacturer, so we were always trying to find ways to get the creative juices flowing. I wish I had this book at that time. I refer to it often when I'm sitting in the office, now. It's totally worth it! Be sure to let us know how you like it, Julie!
Secondly, I just wanted to do a quick poll to see how everyone plans to spend their economic stimulus check. You know - that extra little refund we're all getting. (Well, most of us, I guess) My husband and I are using ours for vacation. Truthfully, I wanted to buy some IKEA furniture for my craft room with it, but two kids and Disney call, so there you go.
Are you going to be buying any craft related items with your extra cash? I'd love to hear your plans!
For those who post, I have a really cute MyCraftivity.com canvas tote that I will give away. That's right - a TOTE! You can be the hit of a crop or knitalong with this baby!
In lieu of a free project this week, we bring you a free excerpt from The Art of Personal Imagery by Corey Moortgat. Remember, the exerpt, like the regular free project features, will be live for only one week, so be sure not to miss out. But wait! There’s more! For further insight into the inspiring artist behind this book, check out my Q&As with the talented Ms. Moortgat here and here. And prepare to be inspired to start creating something new; her enthusiasm for her work is wonderfully contagious.
How have you been using personal imagery in your own work?
