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Finding Our Bliss in Nashville + Swag Bag Giveaway!

February 28, 2012 by FaveCrafts

Have any of you heard of the BlissDom conference before?  If you haven’t, let me quickly fill you in, because it’s awesome!  BlissDom is a conference that’s all about empowering women bloggers.  It’s in its fifth year and has grown to include more than 750 people from all over the country.  This past weekend Kirsten, the editor of AllFreeSewing and I (representing AllFreeHolidayCrafts) had the opportunity to experience BlissDom and we were amazed by all the inspiring people we met.  We got to network with a bunch of amazingly cool craft and food bloggers, learn from successful entrepreneurs like author Jon Acuff and social media guru Melanie Nelson, and have some fun in Nashville!

Since I love pictures, and I know you do too, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek inside our experience at the conference.  First up, the location!

We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, which is a city unto itself.  Seriously, this hotel had jungle-like plant life, waterfalls and even a boat that floated through the main lobby area:

 

After getting over the initial shock that this jungle paradise would be our home for the next two days, Kirsten and I started attending sessions where we learned about everything from Facebook to blogging to how to live creatively and believe in yourself. If it sounds very “Oprah,” it was — and in the best way possible. There’s no way you could have left BlissDom without feeling empowered to make positive changes in your life, whether personal or professional or both.

Interspersed with our seminars, we had time to chat with a bunch of other conference attendees. Everyone was so nice and friendly and I was amazed by the amount of creativity and passion packed into one place!  We especially enjoyed making new connections with a few bloggers in particular.  Pop over to these sites if you get a minute – I promise you’ll be glad you did!

  • Maggie from Gussy Sews – A wonderful resource for sewists and anyone who likes cute things!
  • Jennifer from Threaded Together – A blog run by two sisters, their mom, sister-in-law and some friends. They have great craft ideas and tutorials!
  • Allison from House of Hepworths – A great resource for home decor and DIY tutorials; I especially love her Dollar Store section!
  • Angela from Unexpected Elegance – A really cool blog with ideas for upcycled and thrifty home decor.
  • Meggie from Hoosier Farm Babe – A fun blog with delicious recipes inspired by life on the farm.

There were so many amazing women at this conference, I’m just sad we weren’t able to meet all 750 of them!

We did make one more special friend while attending BlissDom.  Are you ready for this?  We met…

 

The Lorax!  With the upcoming release of the Dr. Seuss inspired movie, this orange mustachioed guy was roaming the halls of the conference, taking pictures with eager fans and we were lucky enough to get to pose with him!  Isn’t he cute?

Stay tuned for more snapshots of our time at BlissDom (trust me, there’s some other special stuff we want to share with you!), but for now I’ll leave you with this: We’re having a special giveaway just for you, our loyal readers!

One lucky reader (chosen at random) will win a swag bag full of fun items we picked up while at BlissDom:

 

This awesome swag bag includes:

  • A Blooming Expressions flower from Hallmark
  • A “People Like Me” Facebook t-shirt
  • A recipe organizer
  • A fashionable wristlet
  • Shampoo and conditioner from VO5
  • An official “BlissDom” silver necklace
  • A cute breakfast bowl
  • An airplane neck pillow
  • A Blissdom canvas tote bag
  • Coupons
  • And so much more!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling us where you get your craft inspiration from. It could be a person you know, a blog you read, magazines, your kids… anything really!

The Details:

1. Contest ends on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m.

2. Open to anyone 18+ in US and Canada only.

3. Only one entry per person please.

4. Winner will be announced right here on the blog on Friday, March 2, 2012.

Good luck!

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: bloggers, blogs, conference, festival, giveaway, social media

Link Contest Recap: Whose Blog Won?

June 8, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Last week I ran a little contest for FaveCrafts newsletter subscribers. (Not subscribed yet? Click over here to subscribe and never miss another issue again!) I know a lot of FaveCrafts readers have their own blogs, and I’m always trying to build up our little crafting community. I’d love for you all to show some love for FaveCrafts by linking to us on your blogs. But what I love even more is seeing your blogs and spreading the word about all the creative bloggers we have as part of our community. Here’s what I put in the newsletters:

The contest is closed for entries now, but you can still link to us! If you’d like to add our button to your side bar, here it is, for your convenience:

Here are the top 9 blogs who participated in the contest, in no particular order:

  • vixenMade
  • The Inky Scrapper
  • Lydia’s Treasures
  • Coffee and Their Kisses
  • Crow’s Creek Primitives
  • Golden Moments
  • Counting My Blessings
  • Small Sprouts Blog
  • Whispers and Wishes

But who was the number 1 blog I chose? You’ll have to subscribe to the FaveCrafts newsletter and find out some time in the next week! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Filed Under: Sites We Love Tagged With: bloggers, blogs, contests, craft links

Link Love: Last Minute Halloween

October 28, 2010 by FaveCrafts

Here’s the best of the web for this week! It’s the last week to make Halloween crafts before you have to pack up your fake spider webs, pumpkin paraphernalia, and witch hats, so make the most of it by checking out these crafty, creative bloggers!

  1. Recycle some paper into a kid-friendly pumpkin decoration with Delia Creates.
  2. Make pizza even more fun than it already is with ghost-shaped cheese. Check out the how-to from All You. Bon Appetit!
  3. Amy from Mod Podge Rocks whipped up an adorable Halloween button wreath with her medium of choice–Mod Podge!
  4. If your two favorite things are owls and pumpkins, then Craftzine has the Jack-o-Lantern for you!
  5. What should you do with all of your old Barbie dolls? Turn them into creepy zombies like these from This Mama Makes Stuff.
  6. Betz White makes spider webs chic with her crocheted, embroidery hoop web.
  7. Serve ghost cupcakes after your ghost pizza, also from All You!
  8. Amy from Naptime Crafters made this adorable shirt for her little one to wear to the pumpkin patch. Make your own!
  9. Check out Kami’s creepy mirror over at NoBiggie. She’ll show you how to make a ghostly replica that will make your guests do a double take.

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: blogs, diy halloween, DIY halloween crafts, halloween

Monthly Craft Question: Your Favorite Craft Tool

March 4, 2010 by FaveCrafts

We asked, “What is your favorite tool?” to some of our blogger friends for the Monthly Craft Question. You can answer in the comments. Here are the favorites:

  • Sewing Machine (3 votes)
  • Rotary Cutter, Mat and Ruler (6 votes)
  • Scissors (5 votes)
  • Crochet Hook (3 votes)
  • Hands and Fingers (2 votes)
  • Hot Glue Gun (4 votes)
  • Knitting Needles (2 votes)

And the actual responses:

Ann DeOtte of Still Dottie

I’d be happy to. I have to say that my favorite is my rotary cutter, mat & ruler. i seem to use it for everything!

Erin of Patchwork Underground

My favorite craft tool is my rotary cutter and my rotary cutting mat. It makes cutting straight lines for quilting SO MUCH FASTER. It is a bit expensive but it’s by far the best crafty investment I ever made.

Pat Sloan

My favorite tool is this Clover Desk needle Threader in Lime green! I not only keep one in every project bag but I’ve given them as gifts to people who just hem and sew on buttons.. it’s a miracle threader!

Christine of The Sometimes Crafter

That is a hard one to answer when there are so many useful tools that I consider “favorites”. But I think the one tool I love the most, and could not live without, is my 28mm rotary cutter. I use this for every one of my cutting needs – cutting yardage, squaring up, using with my circle cutter ruler… I would be lost without it.

Maegan of Love Maegan

I usually just use the basic scissors, measuring tape and thread ….so I’m going to say: my hands.

Elizabeth of Covered in Crafts

My favorite craft tool is the paper piercer. It’s small, easy to carry and is constantly being used for all sorts of crafts.

Sheila of Cheeky Magpie

I remember reading once about how to measure the cost and value of scrapbooking or craft supplies. As a general rule it said that you should get one layout or project per dollar investment. With that in mind, my favorite crafts tool is definitely my Cricut Expression. It was an investment but well worth it because of all the things I can do with it. I use it along with a program called Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL) which is my other favorite tool. SCAL allows me to cut files and fonts from my computer. I create a lot of my own files, which has saved me money in the long run. To top it off, I always get exactly what I want because I make it myself. Love the freedom!

Denise Clason

My favorite craft tool(s) is the rotary cutting system! It has opened so many doors in my quilting career! I have also used the tools for cutting paper (I reserve one rotary cutting tool just for cutting paper)! Makes my life quick and easy! Wish the tools could make up dinner for me, just as fast, too! :O)

Jeniffer Neill of Hope Studios

My favorite craft tool is a paint brush. I can do most anything with it from building a (faux) brick wall to writing a letter. I can brighten up a room, paint a best friend, make a window, or embellish a special find. It’s really the most versatile tool in my box of tricks!

Phyllis Dobbs

I would have to say my favorite craft tool is very simple and basic – scissors. Every single craft I do from sewing, quilting, needlepoint, paper crafting and just about everything else requires cutting with scissors. Scissors would go with me to the proverbial “deserted island” so I could craft with leaves and vines!

Eileen Hull

Favorite craft tool? Just one? I would have to say it is my Sizzix Big Shot die cut machine. It is designed to work with not only the Sizzix dies and embossing folders, but the competitors’ as well. I especially like how it handles heavier materials; basically anything that may be cut with scissors. There are a great variety of dies to suit everyone’s design style and a new collection is introduced each month.

I recently designed a line of dies for Sizzix called ScoreBoards, that cut and score matboard into boxes, folders and totes. Please check out my blog for lots of Sizzix ScoreBoards projects: www.eileenhull.blogspot.com. Or check out www.sizzix.com/blogs on Mondays where I post projects, techniques and tips!”

Lesley Dietschy of eCrochetPatterns

My favorite craft tool is a H crochet hook!

Helen Bradley of Http-Design

I have a lot of tools and most of them I would hesitate to part with. I love my Making Memories Slice – it’s smart and convenient and fun to use. I love my favorite old cutter that has a tendency to bend as it cuts but whose habits I’ve got used to adjusting for over the years and which I wouldn’t part with. I also love my Tim Holtz Tonic scissors – yep, it’s my second pair because even though I thought they were totally indestructible I’ve discovered that computer circuit boards are just a bit too tough for even these little beauties.

But my favorite all time tool is Ranger’s non stick craft sheet. Like it says, it is non stick but that’s just the start. You can also heat it so it is great to use when embossing and when heat drying those wonderful Ranger paints that can be dried with a heat gun (which are fantastic for artists with type A personalities and who hate having to sit watching while paint dries). I use it as a work surface and pour gobs of paint on it as a palette – the dry paint just scrapes off when I’m done. The only thing that has so far managed to damage my Ranger craft sheet is an eXacto knife – ok so it’s no substitute for a cutting mat – but it’s great at everything else.

Sayra of Hat Diva

Sure! My favorite craft tool is my vintage handmade drum carder. I use it to card my fiber batts destined to be yarn or for felting!

The carder: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hatdiva/3687740117/in/set-72157615248534784/

Batts: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hatdiva/4380696190/

Michelle Sybert of Muffin Tin Mom

I have a pair of crafting scissors that were passed down to me after she passed away, almost two years ago now. She wrote the words “therapy” on one side. She was an avid crafter and had a home based craft business much of my growing up years. Along with those wonderful scissors, she passed on to me a life long love of crafting and creativity. Now, every time I use those scissors, I think of her and remember all the special memories we shared.

I love the Crop-a-dile. This tool is not your mama’s hole punch. It cuts through paper, chipboard,  wood cutouts, and so much more. It also doubles as an eyelet/gromet setter. I have made so many crafts where people ask me “How did you do that?” I always say “I couldn’t have done it without the Crop-a-dile”.

Lorine Mason of DivaSchmivas

My absolute favorite would be my sewing machine. Does that count – it does to me and I really want it to promote it to everyone!!!!!!!!

Julie Carson of Joy’s Hope

Hands down: The Fiskars rotary cutter, ruler and self healing mat. I would go absolutely crazy without them.

Niki Meiners

Well, It is really hard to limit myself to simply one tool.  I have a few basics that I cannot craft without.  First being my Tonic Scissors.  I have several varieties for all of my needs. My Tonic Paper Trimmer for straight edges. My bone folder for smoothing creases and spreading glue. My cutting mat allows me a washable work surface and it doubles as a ruler.  ( I am always losing my clear ruler – It is clear after all.)  The last few items are more materials than tools but I somehow manage to work Chestnut Roan or Coal Black Ancient Page by Clearsnap ink into almost all of my crafts.  The very last thing is my set of colored pencils by Koh I Noor when combined with a Dove Blender Pen. So there you have it my not so “short” list of my must haves.

Maize Hutton

My fave craft tool (right now anyway) is my wood burner! It costs about $15 and has a bunch of different inter changable stylus ends like flowers, circles, triangles etc. Currently, I’m using it to burn the edges of thrifted leather jackets that I’ve torn apart and cut into all different shapes. I can even monogram the leather with the wood burner!

Priscilla Burris

My favorite craft tool would have to be my trusty Dahle Cut Cat paper trimmer that i bought more than 20 years ago at an art/craft convention. It has remained faithful in all I work in, predominantly greeting and gift cards, tags and various paper crafts I create. One thing about having this tool long before children were born in our family, is that it makes me chuckle to realize I now sometimes have to hunt for it, and find it in one of my artistic daughter’s bedrooms – alongside her own creative workings and tools! It’s not pretty, but it’s definitely a cherished family heirloom.

Anita Bragg

clothes pins w/the spring…they make excellent clamps and “3rd” hands for all kinds of arts and crafts.

Ellen Gormley of Go Crochet

Besides the crochet hook… my favorite crafting tool is my digital camera! I use it to take photos of things that inspire me. I take photos of projects in-process to illustrate how to do it or to jog my memory of how I made it or put it together. I take photos of alternate ways of compiling elements to inspire future projects. Of course, I love looking at photos of my finished work. When I make afghans made of motifs, I often will photograph the various ways that the motifs can go together in different patterns or color schemes before I choose the configuration I like best.

Caroline Devoy of J Caroline Creative

My favorite craft tool of the moment is the Scor Pal (www.scor-pal.com). Coming from the world of fabric, I had no idea that you could get a paper folder and what a difference it makes! And this one provides great guides so you really can’t screw it up. I’ve been folding paper like a mad woman since I got this tool in December.

Jill Green of Homemade By Jill

My favorite craft tool is definitely my sewing machine.  I couldn’t live without it these days!

Alicia Kachmar

A crochet hook, of course!

Beckie of Infarrantly Creative

Holy pajamas…just one? I can’t live without my air compressor and tools. I use a paint sprayer, air nailer and air stapler probably weekly to reupholstering, refabbing furniture and DIY projects.

Katie of All Bower Power

My must-have craft tool is my hot-glue gun.  I use it for everything from embellishing curtains to making my own accessories to creating some homemade art.  It’s the ultimate tool in my craft holster.

Chasity of Belle and Burger

wow  it is kinda hard to say what my favorite tool is. I am gonna say right now it is my new to me Necchi 523(1985). I have always had brand new bottom of the line brothers. Those 2 brothers served me well but I put machines through a lot so correcting the tension was a constant struggle. I got the necchi in a trade and had it serviced, just to start off on the right foot with it. It is so smooth and really just hums beautifully; it just feels good to use it. I think buying a machine that is older then say 15/20 years is a great investment. You can find good machines on craigslist and if you need a manual ; most are available on-line. I am still learning to communicate with my sweet necchi but I predict a long and fruitful relationship.

My favorite product right now is heat and bond lite.

Kathy Beymer of Merriment Design

This is an easy one. My favorite craft tool is the rotary fabric cutter …and its faithful companions the self-healing mat and clear ruler. I remember the first time that I used the rotary fabric cutter years ago to make a fabric handbag. I just measured the width with the ruler and ran the rotary cutter down the side. What?? No paper pattern to make? No measuring and marking with a pen and cutting out — jaggedly, usually — with scissors? Are you telling me this piece of fabric is cut within a few easy minutes?

Yes, why yes it is. And I have been using a rotary fabric cutter ever since. Most of my free projects at MerrimentDesign.com use a rotary fabric cutter. It’s particularly great when cutting out interfacing and fabric, or making multiple items like for gifts or for sale …just stack fabrics/interfacing and cut once. And I often use it on paper too even though I also own a “proper” paper cutter.

Becky Meverden

My favorite craft tool is able to adapt to whatever craft I am working on at the time.  It is portable and able to travel even onto an airplane without security problems.  It is easy to clean and requires little maintenance.  I never have to worry about it becoming obsolete relegated to a shelf or closet. My favorite craft tool has made me the crafter I am today and has helped me to enjoy a full and meaningful life.  What could this tool be?   My fingers.

Mylne Hillam

Whenever I need a quick or interesting background in a hurry I always reach for the Cuttlebug…. it is without a doubt my favourite tool. I love that you can use it on so many different 2D surfaces and apart from  paper and cardstock I also use it to texture acetate, Fantasy Film, Friendly Plastic (yes, you read right – Friendly Plastic!), metal sheets, matting board…..I could go on but it’s a long list. It’s the best tool I’ve invested in.

Jenya of MyEvaForeva

Thanks so much for writing.  I would have to say one of my most recent favorite tools is my new set of bamboo knitting needles.  I’ve don’t so much knitting with huge needles and bulky yarn that to use a fine wool yarn and thin needles is so refreshing.  Bamboo is an excellent material for knitting needles because it’s light, smooth, and stays warm as you work with it.  Love it!

Carol Heppner

While at the 2010 Winter Craft and Hobby Trade Show, I was given Westcott’s® Titanium Bonded® non-stick scissors to take home with me.  When working with paper, I tend to use double-stick tape a lot.  If you have ever used scissors to cut tape, you know the scissors will become a sticky mess. These scissors promise to be non-sick scissors.

So, I tried using Westcott’s® Titanium Bonded® non-stick scissors.  They worked great.  The scissors cut through the sticky adhesive and did not become sticky at all.  I used the scissors when working on the artwork for my last three articles and never once had a problem with adhesive sticking to the blades.

The blades are  non stick and cut beautifully.  They are on the top ten of my favorite craft tools.

Chica and Jo

When asked what our favorite craft tool is, it took us about a millisecond to come up with an answer.  Hands down, our favorite tool is our Cutter Bee scissors!  There’s really hardly a project we ever do that doesn’t involve them.  We absolutely love their super-sharp point, and they do an amazingly precise cutting job.  Plus they’re really comfortable to hold, and small enough to take just about anywhere your crafting leads you.  We couldn’t survive without these little yellow guys!

Kate Riley Eshoo of Centsational Girl

My favorite craft tool is not my most used craft tool.  My most used craft tools are obviously my hot glue gun and my staple gun.  The one favorite tool I adore is my mallet.  It’s the only tool that lets me pound wood dowels or nailhead trim with a rubber head and without damage. It’s essential to me !

Terry Ricioli

Right now, my favorite craft tool is a chasing hammer and steel block.  I guess that’s two, but they work together.  I love to create texture on metals and wire and these tools are perfect for that.  But, they not only create a hammered texture on metals, they also work to texture and distress paper, wood, clay and soft plastics.

Tina of Tina Stitches and Crafts

My Favorite Craft Tool is my glue gun! I could live without out it! =)

Laura Bray of Katydid Designs

I would have to say my favorite craft tool right now is my sewing machine.  Does that count?  For the longest time I fought with it, but we are on pretty good terms right now that I actually know how to use it properly.

Becky of The Fab Miss B

Becky’s favorite tool is her computer. She sent over a blog post about this answer.

Linda Walsh

The answer to this is kind of a quandry for me.  You would think that the craft tool that I use the most, my glue gun,  would be my all time favorite.  Well, it wasn’t – now it is.  Whenever I’m crafting it’s always in my right hand.  In fact, sometimes I think it’s glued itself there!  It is vitally important to just about everything I do – so much so that I have to admit I’ve burned a few of them out over the years.  But, from time to time it’s also been my least favorite tool as it has caused me a great deal of pain.  Getting scalding hot glue on ones hands and fingers from time to time was not a pleasant experience – especially when it was so hot your skin would blister and peel.  However, over time they developed low temp glue guns – which no longer cause me pain.  So, now my favorite tool would be my glue gun – but, it wasn’t always that way.

Nikki of Whimsy Girl

My favorite craft tool, of many, are a pair of scalloped paper scissors. Scallops just make everything more sweet!

Freda of Creative Chics

I sew my creative ideas into aprons, napkins, towels and a number of items for the home but specifically the kitchen.  You would naturally think my sewing machine was my favorite tool but instead it is my iron.

No matter how beautiful the fabric, perfect a design, seamstress abilities, if you don’t have a good iron to press each seam along the way the end result will look cheap and fail to appeal to others.

I also hold a lot of favor in my little 4 inch seam ripper, because I need it fairly frequently as I make my own patterns and that is almost always a trial and error process.  However, number one is the iron it makes even your little mistakes invisible.

Angie Asplund of This and That

My favourite crafting tool is definitely my hot glue gun! I actually just have a tiny dollar store one that I have been using for years and it does great. I use it for so many things like making hair clips and bows, making felt puppets,  jazzing up shoes with jewels, and making fridge magnets. I especially love it because it is quick and easy to use. It dries super fast and is really secure once it is dry. I love my glue gun…even if it is from the dollar store!

Chris Pickup of Pickup Some Creativity

My favorite tool right now is my bias tape maker.  I use bias tape for many of my projects.  It is so nice to customize the tape and to be able to match things better by making my own bias tape…plus it is usually cheaper to do so!

Heather Parsons of Small Fry and Co

My favorite craft tool is a bone folder.  Super useful for all sorts of projects.

Amy Anderson of Mod Podge Rocks

My favorite craft tool of the moment is my EK Success 1″ Scallop Circle Craft Punch!  I know it seems very simple, but it’s amazing how much a little scalloped circle ads to a project.  I’ve been doing a lot of cards and small frames lately, and the little craft punch comes in handy.

Shannon Bielke

My favorite craft tool is The AmericanTag eyelet setter (we call it the purple monster). Love it!!!

Becca Dulgarian of Blue Cricket Designs

There are always a few tools I always gravitate to when creating! I love Distressing ink! It’s a must when adding detail and depth to any paper craft. I also love beautiful fabric! It doesn’t take a lot either! I’ve created some amazing results with only scraps! And of course I always have my hot glue gun at hand! It’s the go to tool for quick and easy assembly!

Salihan of Salihan Crafts

It’s hard to pick between my craft tools as I love knitting as much as crocheting. If I had to choose only one, my favourite craft tool is my complete set of Knit Pro Symfonie Interchangeable Needles. They are an absolute dream to knit with. Worth every cent!

Rachel Griffith of PS I Quilt

hmmm… i’d have to say my sharpie markers. i use those bad boys for everything. seriously.

Allison Czarnecki of Petit Elefant

My favorite craft tool is my Cricut Expressions machine.  Love that thing to bits and itty bitty pieces.

Don’t forgot to tell us your favorite craft tool in the comments!

Filed Under: Craft Question Tagged With: blogs, question, tools

Link Love: Your Favorite Craft Blogs

February 4, 2010 by FaveCrafts

We want to know, “What are your favorite craft blogs?” We asked some of our blogger friends to cast their votes. Some of the favorites are not really craft blogs, but they are pretty amazing nonetheless. Make sure to cast your own votes in the comments!

Here are the answers:

Ann DeOtte of Still Dottie

I have to say that Craft: & Whip Up are my top two. I love the quantity & variety posted on Craft: – there is something for everyone there. Whip Up makes my tops because of it’s purposeful posts, every project has great style.

Mer Mag is next. She isn’t only a craft blogger, but an illustrator and design enthusiast. Her DIY projects are gorgeous and super unique.

PS I Made This is a great fashion craft blog, pulling inspiration from the runway and magazines. “It’s a call to action to re-imagine, re-use, and re-invent. I see it. I like it. I make it.”

Heart of Light is another great blog that extends past DIY. It’s filled with gorgeous photography & delicious food posts.

I really like seeing blogs where DIY feels like it’s incorporated into the writer’s life. These projects feel necessary, purposeful, & from the heart.

Jenya of MyEvaForeva

I love:

http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/ because Mitsy is full of brilliant ideas and her work is beautiful.  She also has really cool DIYs.

http://rlchateau.blogspot.com/ because Julia’s sense of style is implacable and that shows through her blogging and of course in her work.

http://www.scoutiegirl.com/ because Tara is doing amazing job with introducing her website as more than just another blog but a platform for crafters/handmade lovers to connect and share experiences.

http://forme-foryou.com/ because Kate is one classy lady and I share her taste.

http://www.modishblog.com/modish/ because Jena features some of the trendiest products and artists.

Vicky Breslin of Miss Vicky

www.wendyaddison.blogspot.com

www.rebeccasower.typepad.com

www.thetravellingprincess.blogspot.com

www.missvickyb.blogspot.com

Sheila of Cheeky Magpie

I love http://www.oneprettything.com/ because Rachel combs the internet and other blogs for crafty projects, templates, and design ideas. She organizes everything into categories like kids crafts, season projects, and printables. There’s a ton of new stuff every single day.

http://designismine.blogspot.com/ is a fun blog that features a mix of fashion, handmade items, and home decor from around the web. Everything is so pretty and very inspiring.

I’ve been reading http://karenrussell.typepad.com/ for a few years now. I love her paper designs but also her photography. She’s inspired me to take better photos. She’s got a great sense of humor and writes well.

I just discovered http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/. Cathe features lots of cool clipart and design inspiration. I love her style and she’s got some great tutorials.

I have http://www.scrapscene.com on my google home page and it’s the only blog I read every single day. It’s a great place to find out what’s new and exciting in scrapbooking and paper crafts. There’s plenty of projects and product info on there. It’s a must see.

Molly of Bit of Shine

1. Ruffles and Stuff – I am usually intimidated by my sewing machine and she always makes such darling things that I’m inspired to try it despite my total lack of self-confidence.
http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/

2. Crafting with Cat Hair – she has such cute projects and I never would have gotten into using felt if it wasn’t for her.
http://craftingwithcathair.blogspot.com/

3. maya*made – the most fantastic projects out of the most humble materials!
http://mayamade.blogspot.com/

4. A Fanciful Twist – part adventure, part magic, part art, part photography and part just plain creative inspiration – all delightful!
http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/

5. Mt. Hope Chronicles – she takes the most beautiful photos and always has incredible, inspiring quotes. I always feel like I’ve gone traveling in her pocket when I read her posts.
http://mthopeacademy.blogspot.com/

Gail Friend of Cupcakes and Cute Stuff

1.  www.theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.com Michelle is a quilter and makes her own patterns from her lovely studio in “bunnyville”  Too cute!2. www.natashaburns.blogspot.com Natasha is in Australia and has many artistic talents.

3. www.cupidscharm.blogspot.com Joy makes beautiful jewelry

4. www.claudineateliercotejardin.blogspot.com This blog is from France, but her art speaks for itself.

5. www.afancifultwist.typepad.com Such a fun blog.. her art is fun and whimsical and she is quite a writer.

6. (if I may be so bold for shameless self promotion. lol) My blog www.cupcakesandcutestuff.blogspot.com

Elizabeth of Covered in Crafts

Maya Made: http://mayamade.blogspot.com/ I love her modern yet country style. She comes up with so many little things that are interesting.

Make It and Love it: http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/ I like her humor and the projects are easy to understand.

One Pretty Thing: http://www.oneprettything.com/ I know it’s not a regular blog but I am in love with all the pictures and the ability to just see projects without a lot of reading. It’s perfect for late night browsing!

Can’t Stop Making Things: http://www.cantstopmakingthings.com/ I dig the name and I love the variations in projects. She has a lot of fun ways to look at everyday stuff.

Covered In Crafts: http://www.coveredincrafts.com/ Well, because you know that just about everyone is going to try to get their craft blog in and I’m just not sneeky about it. LOL!!

Phyllis of Many Creative Gifts

http://www.fibrespace.com/blog/ — FibreSpace is this great new yarn store in Alexandria VA where I did a little crochet teaching, so I’m always checking in to see what the knitters are up to!

http://www.strategicserendipity.blogspot.com/ — my friend DeAnn recently started this blog about management and leadership, so I’m supporting her new venture, but she is quite savvy about these things.

http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/ — “Lady Linoleum” is so cool and creative, really talented and comes up with stuff I’d never dream up, so I really enjoy the different-ness of it.

Madeline of Madeline Faiella Designs

1  http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/

2 www.artlicensingblog.com

3 www.sethgodin.typepad.com

4 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-blog/

5 www.pstutorialsblog.com

1.  Laura Bray was one of my mentees.  I enjoy following her because she combines her creativity with awesome business acumen.  I like that.  I also learn from her!  I get her newsletters and I head to her blog!  I have fun there and I feel like there’s a connection.

2.  I learn a lot at this blog.  I have begun to put together a licensing portfolio and Tara Reed’s information is always worth the read..

3.  Seth’s blog keeps me grounded.  I like to hear what he has to say because if it isn’t something new, it’s something I already know but need to be reminded.  I enjoy keeping my interests varied and I feel as though this blog fills a portion of my psyche that enables me to think clearly for creating.

4.  It’s important to me to fill my curiosity so that I can create.  I like this blog for learning what’s going on without too much fluff.  I know, it’s not very crafty in the conventional way, but for me I find that it’s another way for me to keep in balance.

5.  I love the tutorials for Photoshop and this is the best site for me to go to when I need an answer quickly.  So far, it’s been great.

Annie of Firefly Hill Designs

I love the blog world and sometimes wonder how did we get along before it was invented!  I visit lots and lots of blogs everyday….all different types ranging from crafty to home decor to family life.  It is hard to narrow my favorites to 5 but here goes:

1.    Inspireco– Amy Powers is amazingly creative but I also love visiting her to check in on her adorable little boy called Alfredo.

2.    Jennifer Paganelli– Jennifer is a fabric designer extraordinaire and visiting her blog is like a visit to a candy store!

3.    Kathy’s Cottage– Kathy has a beautiful blog where she showcases her beautiful sewing creations, thrifting finds, delicious recipes and more.  I feel a connection to Kathy because she lives in Michigan which is where I grew up!

4.    Dear Little Red House– Mary is the very first blog I became really addicted to.  She is also sort of my neighbor as she lives not too far from me here in New Jersey.  Her blog is jfilled with her beautiful photos of nature, her thrifting finds and her gorgeous English country decorating style.

5.    Kelly’s Korner– I think Kelly is probably the kindest and most generous person on earth!  I love reading about her life with her family and especially her beautiful baby girl called Harper.

Melissa of Tiny Happy

  1. Fine Little Day http://finelittleday.blogspot.com/ – for the beautiful Swedish sensibilities and lovely second-hand stuff.
  2. Angry Chicken- http://angrychicken.typepad.com/ – so many useful craft ideas and intelligent and funny writing.
  3. Rummage http://rummage.typepad.com/ – seriously witty writing and amazing styling- she makes me want to be more colourful.
  4. Anna Emilia http://annaemilial.blogspot.com/ – delicate and sensitive… very beautiful artwork.

Becky of the Fab Miss B

Here are five blogs that are full of amazing content I never seen anywhere else.

1) Hollister Hovey: This is one lady who follows the creed “To thine own self be true!” Her collection of pith helmets alone recommends her in my mind. Check out her mother’s day post for further evidence of total originality.

2) Le Blog de Betty: This French girl pulls together endless permutations from her closet and always manages to look totally unique. She inspires me to be bolder with my combinations too. If nothing else, I’ve learned to worry less about matching and think more about texture and proportion in my own wardrobe. (And I love how she translates her French for all us English speakers- it’s totally charming.)

3) Double Takes: Lauren has a knack for finding things no one else has posted yet and I’m in love. She always discovers incredible things- like this rug!

4) The Rag & Bone Blog: This blog is always full of the coolest new work from paper and book artists all over the world. Invariably leads me to something incredible that I’ve never seen before.

5) Yesterday was Dramatic, Today is Okay: I discovered this blog through one of Jimena’s beautiful blogosphere roundups, and I’m in love. Amazing photos of daily life in India. Makes me want to go and visit even more.

Chasity of Belle and Burger

already pretty body image , fashion, femnism
average jane crafter craft scene updates
crazy texas mommy hilarious southern sista hood
knickers underwear insiration
Dorthy surrenders pop culture with a slant

Amy Huntley of The Idea Room

My 5 favorite blogs to read are (in no particular order):

1.  http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/love-notes.html The Meanest Mom.  She is so funny!  Her stories always make me laugh.  I can relate to many of her stories about life as a mom!

2.  http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com/ UCreate.  Kari scours the craft blogs and always posts the best of the best.  She does all the work for me.  I always find something I would like to make myself.

3.  http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/ Just a Girl.  I love how creative and organized she is.

4. http://infarrantlycreative.blogspot.com/ Infarrantly Creative.  Love her projects and the way she decorates her home.

5.  http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/ Knock Off Wood.  Amazing!  Her knock-off Pottery Barn Furniture is simply amazing.  I want to make so many of the plans she has provided.

Natalia Anderson of Make Monthly

I think my top five favorite blogs are on constant monthly rotation as I either discover new blogs or as my mood changes. My favorite blogs usually have images or projects that really inspire or motivate me in some aspect of my life. Here are my current top 5 blogs that I’m into:

Poppytalk (http://poppytalkaboutus.blogspot.com/: This one has always been in my top five. When I am browsing through this blog I often find myself bookmarking every single post, it just totally speaks my language. I love it because they regularly feature affordable art, neat-o decorating ideas, handmade goodies, awesome artists, tutorials, collecting and thrifting, the list is endless really. Also, if you’re into handmade goods Poppytalk Handmade is a place to showcase, buy and sell.

Hula 70 (http://hulaseventy.blogspot.com/): Speaking of blogs that speak my language! I don’t know Andrea in Portland Oregon (The gal behind this top 5) but sometimes I feel like she could be the slightly older big sister that I never had. Andrea’s photos and words always inspire me. I also love that she loves doing projects and posting about them and I really love that she is as obsessed with list making as much as I am!

Twig and Thistle (http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/): This treat of a blog is ran by a fellow graphic designer, Kathleen. I find this blog to be an endless inspiration source for all things relating to print work and packaging (my favorite). Not that the stimulation ends there, Kathleen post great finds from other artist, tutorials that I have actually used and examples of her own work which I find more than charming.

Just Something I Made (http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/): When I first came across this blog a while back I was blown away by the endless creatively of designer, crafter, mother and blogger, Cathe Holden.  I don’t even know how a mind can come up with so many amazing projects day after day. I go to this blog for motivation to get my own “creative on” and to check out awesome tutorials and free downloads.

A Collection a Day (http://collectionaday2010.blogspot.com/: This new blog created by the artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon (http://lisacongdon.com/) is the perfect quick inspiration fix. Every daily post features an image of a collection either owned or imagined by Lisa. The typically, mundane object from everyday life truly becomes magical and significant in these series of collections…it’s a daily must see.

Linda Peterson of Linda Peterson Designs

In no particular order – but these are the ones I keep up with routinely:

Jen Lowe Designs – www.jen-lowe-designs.blogspot.com Jen is a awesome paper engineer!  She amazes me at how she just “whips” stuff together and makes it look brilliant.  Her collage work is among my favorites.  She has such attention to detail.  She’s also a wonderful poet.  Her ability to thoughts and feelings into words never ceases to amaze me.  Three years ago, my daughter got word that she was “cancer free”.  I called Jen and told her the news.  She wrote the most beautiful poem ever and of course that ended up on a very special scrapbook page called “2 tiny words”…

Liz Welch – www.rarebird.wordpress.com Liz is a textile artist who lives in the UK.  She is also known in the UK as the queen of Friendly Plastic.  She has a unique style and is never afraid to experiment.  I enjoy her blog as she travels thru the UK and talks about all the wonderful people she’s met with her classes.  Her textile work is award winning!

Mylene Hillam – www.milllanestudio.blogspot.com – Mylene is a mixed media artist who is also on the Krafty Lady design team.  Mylene also works with Friendly Plastic and also teaches courses in making resin jewelry.  Her work is inspiring and she is a beautiful lady throughout

Margot Potter:  www.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com – I love that Margot is not afraid to be unique and witty.  Her designs are fun and really capture her theatrical personality.  I also love how she is involving her daughter in her creative endevours.

Katie Hacker – www.katiehacker.blogspot.com Katie is an avid beader…and in my book a true Bead Queen.  Katies sense of style really shines thru her beadwork.  She’s such a sweet and giving person and I always go to her blog when I need a boost of inspiration.  It’s so full of eyecandy!

Marie Segal of Art from the My Heart

1. http://mereditharnold.wordpress.com/– Welcome to Meredith’s World, The Meredith Arnold Vortex of Creative Living- There is a whole bunch of awesome info on promoting yourself and your art. Making your own brushes, on the life of an artist, how pens work, and tons of informative, interesting links and info.

2. Pink and Green Mama– http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/– A basic and brilliant kids art blog, that I adore. Sometimes the things she does and the concepts she explains are so simple and yet beautiful and the best part, easy to understand… for anyone of any age. And it is colorful, I love that.

3.All I ever Wanted– http://ifeltit-poppiespoppy.blogspot.com/– Linda Sue is a great felt artist, beautiful and colorful work with a glimpse in to her life and awareness

4. Circling my head– http://circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/– Renee is woman who I admire and is honest and frank. This blog helps me to realize how precious and beautiful life is. And that even in pain we can live in joy and love.

5.Get Zapped– http://getzapped.blogspot.com/– A new one I am getting very addicted to. Beautiful pictures and wonderful quotes or wisdom

Get Zen is where she showcases her art http://getzen.blogspot.com/

Thank you all who participated!

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