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Win the Sewing Storage Collection of Your Dreams!

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Everything Mary Sewing Machine CoverIt’s a good thing we don’t keep the Everything Mary Complete Sewing Storage collection by our desks, or the AllFreeSewing editors would have taken off with it. With a trio that includes a Sewing Machine Cover, Sewing Box, and Rolling Sewing Machine Tote, we find this bunch completely irresistible.

Everything Mary Sewing Machine Cover

The great thing about this exclusive collection from Everything Mary is that each piece includes additional storage opportunities for items. For example, the sewing machine cover not only protects your machine from dust in style, it includes pockets that surround the entire cozy. Thanks to this innovative addition you don’t need to wonder where your seam ripper or patterns are.

Everything Mary Square Sewing BoxEverything Mary Square Sewing Box

We’re particularly excited about the square sewing box that is part of this brilliant prize. The removable trays allow you to stack your supplies in the most space effective way within the square body of this container. Even more helpful is the dome top that provides additional space for goods that you might not otherwise confine in a cube.

Everything Mary Rolling Sewing Tote

Everything Mary Rolling Sewing ToteWhat we’re really wild about, though, is the rolling sewing tote. As a group of sewing editors who work in an office away from our home bases, a rolling tote would be invaluable. Since the start of the Everything Mary Sewing Storage Collection giveaway we’ve been dreaming about rolling our machines to the office for a sewing soiree. Socials, trade shows, or just a move from one sewing room to another in the house would be made all the easier thanks to this nifty solution.

So, how do you get the Complete Sewing Storage Collection from Everything Mary?

If you want to win this exclusive collection, here’s what we suggest you do…

  1. Like the Everything Mary Facebook page! They’re awesome; you’ll love being friends with them.
  2. Like the AllFreeSewing page. We’re pretty awesome too and want to be friends with you!
  3. Enter here!

Working With Faux Furs + 1 Big Announcement

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It was a pretty typical day in the office until – GASP – a package arrived to the editors of AllFreeSewing. If you’re a FaveQuilts fan you’re surely familiar with Shannon Fabrics. Like a swarm of bees who spotted fennel amongst a barren wasteland, we were all over the package from Shannon Fabrics. What could it be? A cuddle kit? Something Suessian? Oh no, something much better…

Faux Fur Kits.

You can imagine how excited sewing editors get when they receive products to try, and I was ecstatic at the opportunity to test run the Sadie Fur Throw & Pillow Cuddle Kits. Before my fellow colleagues could snatch these gems away from me I hurried home and started work on what is now an object of envy in my family. Read on to see how I worked with these gorgeous kits, then look down below for one big announcement!

Sadie Fur Throw Cuddle Kit

Let me tell you, I was most excited to get my hands on this bear of a kit the moment I set eyes on it. The first few minutes with this decadently soft textile was like a dream.

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Taking out the pre-cut sheets of fabric for the faux fur throw was like watching a monster emerge from its lair.

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Since I’m no self-proclaimed faux fur expert, I was very relieved to find helpful tips and tricks from Shannon Fabrics wrapped up with the materials to put the throw together.

I was curious over what the backing would look like to this piece, and was thrilled to find a complementary solid brown to the wild, animal print front piece.

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Here the two pieces are side-by-side.

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After prepping the faux fur with a light wash, it was time to get started. Shannon Fabrics suggests sweeping a yard stick over your fur pieces once they’re aligned so that the direction of the fabric matches.

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Seam allowance for this type of fabric is about 1/2 an inch.

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For rounded corners, simply use a 9″ plate.

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The rest of this assembly was easy as pie. The only challenge I had sewing this throw was holding it up with my little sewing table.

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Do NOT forget to take out all of the pins before sewing your throw closed.

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Et voila! A gorgeous, seductively snugly throw.

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Sadie Fur Pillow Cuddle Kit

Obviously after creating the larger throw, putting the pillow together took no time at all.

Again, the moment I took the kit pieces out of the wrapping was dream-like.

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This process is exactly like the larger throw. You’ll want to pin 1/2″ seam allowance after you’ve faced your right sides together.

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I opted for harder, square corners for the pillow, just to switch it up. That really only affected me while sewing. If you’re new to sewing, square corners mean rotating your fabric 45 degrees, make a couple of stitches, then finishing the turn to a full 90 degrees to begin on the next side.

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Remember again that those pins need to be removed! I certainly didn’t sew one in because the faux fur was so luxuriously concealing.

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Pull your pillow case right side out, and hand sew the opening shut.

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I thought it was hard keeping my co-workers away from the kit before it was finished. I didn’t count on them trying to take it afterwards! The Sadie Faux Fur Throw & Pillow are huge hits at the office, and we’re thrilled to offer you the opportunity to win these kits!

Want to win the Sadie Fur Throw & Pillow Cuddle Kits?

You can! Enter the Fabulous Faux Fur Pillow and Throw Kits Giveaway here every day until March 31st and you could have your own incredibly soft, faux fur set! Read the review for the Sadie Fur Throw Cuddle Kit right here; then, read the review for the Sadie Fur Pillow Cuddle Kit right here! Good luck!

Have you ever made anything out of faux fur before?

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

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There are two things you need to know about me: 1) I will never, ever turn down an opportunity to craft, and 2) I get ridiculously excited when I receive a package in the mail. So knowing those two things, you can probably imagine my joy when I got my box from CraftersCrate.

CraftersCrate is a monthly mailing service that aims to help parents and children connect on a personal and creative level by shipping them crates full of themed kids’ crafts. Each monthly craft kit is a little different: CraftersCrate does their best to switch up each box so that girls can experience all kinds of crafts with their mom, aunt, or anyone that would enjoy sharing creative time with them. Thoughtful, entertaining, and easy for little girls to make, the surprises you find inside a CraftersCrate box are the perfect way to spend quality time with the people you love.

Want to know more about what’s inside a CraftersCrate box? I decided to share my CraftersCrate box with my 7 year old cousin Erin, who shares my love for crafting. We documented our crafty time for you to see, so come take a look! (P.S.: don’t miss the special offer from CraftersCrate PLUS the giveaway from AllFreeKidsCrafts! Scroll down!)

Here we go….

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

What did CraftersCrate send to us?

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

Ta-Da!

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 OffErin was ecstatic to discover that our CraftersCrate box was full of princess crafts. We found four crafting kits inside the box: a princess bracelet, a princess tiara, a princess wand, and a special princess art project. CraftersCrate sent us everything we needed for each individual craft kit, and as an added bonus, there were even two chocolates inside the box! We were both so excited that we didn’t know where to start.

BONUS! If you’re ready to sign up for your own CraftersCrate kit right this minute, you’re in luck. If you use the coupon code FAVE10 when you sign up, you’ll receive $10 off your order! Plus, the first 5 people to use the FAVE10 coupon will receive a free pair of Kids’ Fiskars Scissors, courtesy of CraftersCrate!

 

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

After sorting through our delightful box, Erin decided that the first thing a princess needs is her crown. She could easily follow the instructions that came with the kit, especially since there were pictures to help her out. It was so much fun to hear her talk about how excited she was to wear her latest homemade accessory! (She decided to save her chocolate for the end of our crafting time. I, on the other hand, was not quite that patient!)

 

 

 Here’s a shot of the our first finished craft…the princess tiara!

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

Erin’s other favorite part of our CraftersCrate box was the princess wand (after all, there’s no princess ever who didn’t have her own wand…or so she told me). Cutting out the stars from the felt was super quick, but waiting for the glue to dry took a little while. This was the part of our creative time where I was the more patient one–Erin couldn’t wait to complete her princess ensemble with the princess wand.

 

Erin’s finished princess wand!

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

 Erin and I had such a blast being creative with our princess crafts. She loved every single project in our CraftersCrate box (I’m told that she’s still wearing her princess tiara around the house), and I was really impressed with the quality of the craft supplies and the simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Thanks for all the fun, CraftersCrate!

Fun with Princess Crafts: CraftersCrate Giveaway + $10 Off

Want to win your own kit from CraftersCrate?

CraftersCrate GiveawayWe had so much fun with our CraftersCrate box that we just had to share the opportunity with you! From now until March 31, you can enter to win a FREE kit from CraftersCrate! Two lucky winners will receive their own themed kids’ craft kit. Enter today!

 

If you received a box from CraftersCrate, who would you share it with?

Click here to view our disclosure policy for product reviews.

Memory Making 101: Scrapbook Page Ideas and Giveaway

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When my sister graduated from high school, my aunt gave her a scrapbook. It didn’t look like much at first glance. The cover was plain green and it only had a few photos on it. Inside, though, that book was bursting with handpicked photos, captions, and adorable embellishments. My aunt spent four years learning how to make a scrapbook, collecting decorative pages, stickers, and stamps along the way. Fifteen years ago, scrapbooking didn’t have as much of an online presence as it does today, so my aunt designed the cover, page layouts, and embellishments herself. If online resources like FaveCrafts and AllFreePaperCrafts had been available then, she might not have spent hours struggling to put it all together.

ScTropical Memories Scrapbook Coverrapbook Cover Ideas

Even if you don’t copy one of these templates exactly, these scrapbook cover ideas can make putting together a memory book so much easier. If you’re just learning how to make a scrapbook, take advantage of free printable designs and patterns for covers and layouts. You can make your scrapbook look like it was made by a professional without actually paying one.

We have great cover ideas at FaveCrafts, and one of my personal favorites is this Tropical Memories Scrapbook Cover. I can’t help it; when it’s snowing outside, all I want to think about is the beach. This cover is especially fun because it incorporates several different media, including paint and glass, to achieve its summery look. AllFreePaperCrafts has some wonderful scrap book cover ideas, too, whether you want your scrapbook to be classy and chic or cute and whimsical.

 

DIY Scrapbook EmbellishmentsBlooming Scrapbook Flowers

My sister’s scrapbook was absolutely amazing and perfectly suited to her hobbies and interests. Because she spent a lot of her time at music department rehearsals, concerts, and other events, my aunt dotted the pages with notes, instruments, and marching band shakos.

Scrapbooking has become even more popular, so you can find embellishments to fit almost any theme. If you can’t find what you need in a store, there are tons of ways to make DIY scrapbook embellishments for only a few dollars. Take these Blooming Scrapbook Flowers, for instance. All you need is paper and a thumbtack to make one of these beautiful blooms.

 

Budding Stars Scrapbook LayoutScrapbook Layout Ideas

I’d occasionally flip through the pages of my sister’s scrapbook, wondering what the layouts for my book would look like. “Here’s where she’ll put the newspaper clipping from the play I’ll star in,” I’d think. “This would be the perfect layout for my Junior Prom photo with my super cute boyfriend!”

I finally made it through high school–without auditioning for a single play OR attending Junior Prom–and at my graduation party I could hardly wait to open my aunt’s present. I opened her gift box to find a hoodie from my college-to-be. It was a sweet gift; it just wasn’t the gift.

My aunt was so worn out from putting together layouts for the first scrapbook to even consider making one for me. Luckily, I can make my own cute pages with the help of scrapbook layout ideas like this Budding Stars Scrapbook Layout. Pink is my favorite color, so if I had starred in a play, this is definitely the page I would’ve chosen for that newspaper clipping.

 

Timbergrove Scrapbook Set

BONUS! We’re giving away one Timbergrove Scrapbook Set, a fabulous kit filled with coordinated paper and stickers. It also has some helpful tips on how to make memorable scrapbook pages and greeting cards. Check out our giveaway page to enter. You have until February 11 to enter to win this fabulous scrapbook set, so try your luck today!

 

 

 

Have you ever been absolutely positive that you were going to get a certain gift? What did you get instead?

 

 

 

 

For Yarn Lovers Only: Win a Lion Brand Prize Package

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What would you make with $100 worth of craft goodies from Lion Brand Yarn? We want you to ponder this question, enter to win and turn your dreams into a reality. Our latest craft giveaway is a prize package from Lion Brand Yarn that features some of the absolute best products that the company has to offer.

This prize package features two kinds of yarn – Imagine and Unique. Imagine yarn is light, soft and airy, making it perfect for everything from bulky scarves to pretty ponchos. This machine-washable yarn is actually a tube, so you can simply unroll it to get started. You don’t need a crochet hook or knitting needles when you’re working with Imagine yarn, so it’s ideal for kids and beginners alike.

Unique yarn really lives up to its name. In fact, no two skeins are exactly the same because each strand has it’s own super special print, creating a tweed effect that looks unusual and unexpected. Use it to create scarves, hats and other bulky wearables for the winter. Unique yarn is also considered easy-care, meaning it can be washed, ironed – you name it.

But that’s not all folks! One lucky winner will also received a Pom Pom Maker and a trendy Lion Brand Yarn tote so you can carry your loot in style. The Pom Pom Maker is a must-have for anyone who wants to add a new dimension to his or her designs. Simply wind, tie and cut your yarn to create a three-dimensional design. And who wouldn’t want to carry yarn in a trendy, branded tote? This reusable bag can be taken anywhere so you can keep your latest project close by at all times.

Enter our latest giveaway and win a Lion Brand Yarn prize package!
This giveaway ends November 8th.

 

 

Also, be sure to download your own free copy of 17 Easy Crafts With Yarn: Make Accessories, Decor and More with Lion Brand Imagine Yarn.  This eBook featured a variety of yarn crafts for all ages and any of the tutorials don’t require a hook or needles.

 

 

What would you make if you won this prize package?

 

 

FaveQuilts Giveaway: Fiskars Amplify Shear Set

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At FaveQuilts, we often talk about how important choosing the right materials is when it comes to working on a quilt. You deserve the best of the best when it comes to the tools of the trade in order to make the quilting process even easier, and who better to produce the most top-of-the-line quilting products than Fiskars. Their new Amplify Shears Collection includes a series of quality scissors designed to adjust according to you and your fabric. Just within the Amplify Shears Set, you can see just how much these products can do for your quilting.

Fiskars Amplify Shears Set

What makes the scissors included in the Amplify Shear Set so unique is the way they adjust. Nothing is more frustrating than having to hack away at your fabric because you can’t get a clean cut. Fiskars is making this struggle a thing of the past, as each of their scissors is designed with a torsion bar and floating blade tang which work together to control the amount of energy used throughout the scissors, as well as the angle at which the blade is positioned. This means when your fabric is thicker, your scissors will be able to adjust accordingly so you can make a clean cut immediately. Just imagine how much cleaner your cuts will look now that you don’t have loose threads and jagged edges due to repeat cutting.

The Amplify Shears Set provides you with not one, but three of these quality shears with a soft-touch grip and stainless steel blades perfect for making smooth cuts. You’ll have a 6″ blade for when you need to make more intricate cuts, a standard 8″ size that’s sure to come in handy in your crafting and daily life, and a large pair of 10″ shears for when you need to tackle a large piece of fabric or thicker material.

You can always trust Fiskars to provide quilters with the latest technology to make even the smallest steps seem that much easier. Even if you’re just an occasional crafter, these scissors are sure to make any prep work you need seem like a breeze. We want to help you get started by giving away a free Fiskars Amplify Shears Set. You can enter to win on our site through September 24th!

FaveQuilts Giveaway: Clothworks Basics Cloth and Thread

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It’s overwhelming to know just how many fabric lines there are. Finding the right pattern is tough enough as it is, but adding on the time you’ll have to spend looking for the right designs to bring out the best in your quilt can be quite stressful. To alleviate you readers of this burden, the editors at FaveQuilts are always on the lookout for the best lines and collections that we think will help your quilt make a lasting impression. Lately, we’ve been very excited to receive not only a splendid fabric bundle, but also an equally beautiful pack of thread all from Clothworks. Their Basics Cloth and Thread show that you don’t need crazy designs and complex patterns to make a quilt of stand-out quality.

Clothworks Basics

Their basic bundle from the Impressions Moire collection immediately separates itself from other basic fabric lines with its rich hues and mysteriously intricate prints. Anything from beginner quilt patterns to more advanced quilt designs will have a more pronounced decorative quality that easily complements or contrasts your home, wardrobe, or anything else you’d like. There’s a timeless quality to the look that suits the classic and the contemporary for just about any occasion. It’s all too rare to have a basic bundle with such a high-end appearance that’s going to give your quilts a real boost in quality.

When it comes time to focus in on the smaller details of your quilt, nothing will come in handy more than the Laurel Burch Thread. The pack includes a series of mako cotton with both solid and variegated colors. This gives you endless opportunities for making your free motion patterns, embroidery, and every other stitch within your quilt highlight the workmanship. Make your applique quilt designs really pop with eye-popping colors that will bring out the best in any quilt pattern.

Bringing out the best in your quilt doesn’t have to be difficult. Go back to basics with the Clothworks Basics Bundle and Thread, which includes both an Impressions Moire bundle and a 10 count thread pack. We’re ready to help you get started, so we’re giving away one of these Basics Bundle and Thread. All you need to do is enter on our site by the 17th.

AllFreeSewing Giveaway: Monaco Bag Kit

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Monaco Bag KitYes, sewing your own bag from scratch is an exciting and rewarding challenge, but sometimes do you feel like you need a little help? I do, at least. Whether time doesn’t allow it or I’m plumb out of ideas, sewing a bag is sometimes infinitely more doable when I have a kit to work with.

Recently, I attended a wedding that demanded a new bag (I mean, that’s what weddings are for, right?). Rather than wrack my brain for a dynamite purse project or drop a ton of cash on a new bag, I opted to sew a classic and easy style from the Monaco Bag Kit, courtesy of Art Gallery Fabrics.

While I consider myself creative, I’m not always superb at thinking up my own patterns, especially on a deadline. I loved how the Monaco Bag Kit was all-inclusive. In an evening I was able to sew together a fabulous purse without hitting up my local craft supplies store or scrounging online for different techniques or instructions.

I didn’t have to think about the fabric, coordinating zipper, chain, thread, inner lining, or even a decorative pin, it was all in the kit! Left to my own devices in the fabric store, I know I wouldn’t have had a clue as to which print to pick, but with this kit Art Gallery Fabrics did all the hard work for me.

Even weeks after the toasts were made, I’m still using my Monaco Bag. It’s perfect for days when I want to gussy up my typical jeans and tee-shirt look. The perfect size, I can stuff my phone, wallet, and keys into this purse without dealing with extra space and movement. I’m not tempted to save useless coupons, receipts, or subway cards because I know the work that went into this bag (plus, it looks too cute to fill with junk). My new go-to fix for instant glam, the Monaco Bag is one of my favorite purses, and I made it myself!

Want the Monaco Bag Kit?

Until September 16th you can enter once a day, every day to win the Monaco Bag Kit from Art Gallery Fabrics. Read the full review of this stylish piece here and enter to win now!

Where would you tote the Monaco Bag?

FaveQuilts Giveaway: Free Range Fabric Collection from Monaluna

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Finding a fabric line that’s not only enjoyable for you to work with, but also loved by those who you’ll be quilting for isn’t easy. It’s rare to find a collection that has cute patterns suitable for kid’s quilts, but also some designs with variety that you can use for projects for more mature friends and family. Thankfully, Monaluna is always one step ahead when it comes to offering fabric that’s high quality and incredibly popular. This season, they’re inviting quilters to take a trip down to the country with the vivid colors and classic images of the Free Range Fabric Collection.

Free Range Fabric Collection

Every project you make, whether it be a full quilt pattern or a small project, will be soft to the touch thanks to Monaluna’s 100% organic cotton. From the image above, it’s easy to see how colorful the collection is, and there’s plenty of variety. You can complement a solid patchwork pattern with the “Polka Ott” spotted fabric. It’s got a bit of a retro look to it, with the shaping of the circles adding that bit of quirk that will intrigue people to look at your pattern.

The Free Range Fabric Collection also includes fabric with some of the most recognizable items and animals on a farm. Imagine what kind of themed projects you can make with “Tractors” or “Little Farm”. The patterns are all consistent, which means you won’t have any trouble cutting your fabric evenly. Animal lovers will particularly fall in love with this collection’s “Bah Bah Black Sheep”, “Cluck Cluck”, and “Foxy Returns”. These patterns, as well as the “Apple Barn Cow” design can even be used for some fun quilting games that will help kids learn some basic words and spelling.

You don’t need to take a trip to have some fun on a farm now. Just get your own Free Range Fabric bundle and explore a new world within your quilting. Already excited about this collection? Then be sure you’ve entered our giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a Free Range Fabric bundle; You have until September 3rd, so don’t forget to enter today.

AllFreeHolidayCraftsGiveaway: Martha Stewart Glitter Set

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When it comes to crafting with glitter, one of the very best, go-to lines is the Martha Stewart collection. When you’re crafting with EK Success Brands’ Martha Stewart glitter set, you’re covered. Every crafter searches for a type of glitter that is easy to work with, and still has a great sparkle and hue. This is what you will find when you use this Martha Stewart Glitter Set, it is versatile and easy to manipulate. The Martha Stewart Glitter Set contains 24 vials of extra fine glitter, which all come in a different color. These bright and cheerful tones will give any project you’re working some extra glitz and glam.
Martha Stewart Glitter Set

Add some sparkle and shine to your life with this high-quality glitter. This particular Martha Stewart Glitter Set is called the Rich Essentials Kit. The colors that are featured in this kit are an assortment of bright and vibrant hues. One of the best things about this slitter kit is its versatility, you could honestly use it to decorate any project that you can imagine. When your glitter is as easy to work with as this Martha Stewart Glitter Set, the craft possibilities are endless.
Martha Stewart Glitter Set
From dark and light blues, purples, and greens to florescent and bold whites, silvers, and golds, each color is perfect for a different occasion or project. Including 24 different colored glitter vials, this set will keep your glitter stash full and varied for quite some time. The glitter is ultra-fine and offers a lot of light reflection, making it shimmer and shine more than other glitters similar to it. With this high-quality glitter set, crafting with fine glitter has never been easier. The color and quality of the glitter you will receive in the Martha Stewart Glitter Set is not only impressive, but also simple to work with.

AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com is giving away a Martha Stewart Glitter Set  to one lucky winner. You could win!

Learn more and enter to win here.

Contest ends February 12, 2013. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

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