Counted Cross Stitch: Mounting and Framing

Counted cross stitch can be a very fun and rewardable pastime. It's one of the few crafts I enjoy and that I feel confident about the finished results.

Foam Stamped Light Switch and Outlet Plate Covers

We remodeled our bathroom recently and when it was time to choose our switch plate covers, we were overwhelmed with the variety and prices of them. We wanted out-of-the-ordinary light switch covers but didn't want to pay the price -- and besides, we couldn't find any that matched our decor out of all that variety!

Friendship Albums

My 12-year-old daughter was mad at me when I refused to pay $25 for a school yearbook last year. Who are they trying to kid?

In an attempt to appease my daughter, I suggested buying a little notebook that her friends could write messages in for her. As it turned out, we found a small turquoise spiral-bound notebook for about $3 that she really liked. Her gel pens looked really great on the turquoise paper.

Easy Fabric-Covered Photo Album

These thoughtful, inexpensive keepsakes are easy to make andpersonalize for any friend or family member.

Easy Bath and Spa Gift Baskets

As summer draws to an end, I start thinking about all the birthdays, anniversaries and such I have coming up in the next few months. That, of course, brings a reminder of the bigger holidays. If your family is anything like mine, buying a gift for everyone can easily break the bank and put you into debt. To avoid this, I like to make as many gifts as I can. Since I am not the craftiest of people, I had to look long and hard to find things that I could both make easily and that people would like. The answer came in the form of gift baskets. While you can easily buy all the items to fill these up, you can just as easily make some or even all of the items in each one. An added plus is that they can be made for anyone and for any occasion. You can make generalized baskets or a very personalized on for a special person and/or occasion. The point is, it is very simple to put together fabulous baskets, even if you aren't an arts and crafts kind of person!

Family Memory Journal

A family memory journal is a fun, easy way to preserve family memories. A couple of years ago I was sorting through a pile of unused journals (many given to me as presents!) and was trying to come up with a way to put them to good use.

Scrapbooking Teen Memories

By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren't taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories.

Canning Jar Candles

Canning jar candles are very easy to make, make great gifts, and are only limited by your imagination!

How to Encourage Creativity in Your Kids

All children have some type of inner gift. Whether it is drawing, writing, making people laugh, or some thing else, child psychologists say it is the parents job to nurture that talent as soon as it is recognized.

Butterfly Candle Holders

Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great gift idea. The materials are very inexpensive, and you can use your imagination for a variety of designs.

Easy Dried Apple Crafts

Do you remember the last time you were in someone's home that had an apple pie baking in the oven? Ahhh, the aromas of a fresh baked pie -- it is simply irresistible!