I haven’t been very creative on my own over the past couple of weeks. I have had family visiting, and just haven’t had the time. So, I thought, for this post, I would share some “other people’s” projects that are on my “gonna make that one day” list. The projects that are safely tucked away in my bookmarks folder.

	I’ve got this great page at Lion Brand for Crochet Monsters, along with another page for every Amigurumi you can imagine.
	I really just MUST make this hand-tied baby quilt at Everything Sewing. I absolutely love it! I had a quilt like it as a child, gotta make them for future grandchildren. (I hope I have plenty of time to get them done. ) Instructions for the fabric memo board are at the same site.
	And then, there’s this amazing example of fun and creativity, and I really WILL be making this. It’s circular crocheting with 3 separate colors at the same time. I think it is fascinating, and even while I am writing this, I am wishing I was giving it a try.The instructions are at Interweave Crochet’s Blog.

I’m going to get started, and I’ll update this post when I have a pic of my effort. In the meantime, any of our readers who give this a shot, send me a pic. I’d love to see other folks ideas for this technique.

Do you love to burn stick incense? Do you hate to clean up the ashy (is that a word?) mess? And, how about those tacky incense holders? Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of them, but it’s not because I think they are the latest in home decor.

Well, here’s the answer, and you can make it yourself! Not just make it, but completely customize it to match your decor, your party occasion, current holiday or your ever changing mood!!!

Creative Origins has posted an exclusive tutorial for their HANGING INCENSE BURNERS made from PVC pipe, that are a great alternative to the mess of traditional ones, and are unique as to their ability to hang up and out of the way. Plus - they are SO easy to use! Just remove the bottom, place your favorite incense stick in the holder and light. Replace the bottom and hang. That’s it!! Fills the whole room with fabulous fragrance.
Look at the different looks you can design. The possibilities are only as limited as your own power of imagination. You can use contact paper, paint (for plastics), and more to decorate your very own burner, and you get to tell everyone you made it yourself.
You have to see this! Or DO you? This incense holder is hanging from the switch of a floor lamp with a black pole. Very nearly unnoticeable. You could make one from the color of any wall, and it would disappear. Or, of course, you could decorate it as loud as you want. And, if all of that isn’t enough for you, they can be used out on your patio or deck with citronella incense sticks for a bug-free environment at your next gathering. So, click on over to Creative Origins for a great tutorial, fully detailed with pictures. And don’t worry, if it all seems a bit overwhelming to you, you can buy yours in the Gift Store.

I’m guessing you already know Sister Diane of CraftyPod, right? But maybe you haven’t yet seen this great tutorial she has up for CraftStylish showing how to make a tote bag with a reverse applique. She has great photos and nicely detailed instructions that make it all seem relatively easy. I’ll admit I was worried when I first heard about it, not knowing anything about reverse applique, but after reading her tutorial I’m going to give it a try. I think the key will be to keep the design basic and plan the colors and layers carefully.

While you’re out surfing around you should also take a look at Diane’s tutorials for adorable little notebooks made from playing cards.

Photo by Diane Gilleland

I was planning to make one of these great backpacks for my daughter. When it was completed, I asked her to try it on, to check the length of the drawstring. She told me that she would rather have it a bit longer. I laughed at her, as she was asking me to make it so that it hung just about 4 inches below her waist. So, I said, “You mean you want it where it will be banging your butt all day?” (That would drive me crazy!) Thus, the “Butt Banging Backpack” was born!

Whether you are headed to the library or the beach, this lightweight
drawstring backpack is the perfect carry-all.

Don’t want to carry your purse?

Just toss your essentials in this pack,
sling it on your back, and off you go!

(more…)

You will be amazed at your own creativity when you learn to make these beautiful Candle Globes. A totally unique addition to any decor!

Here’s what you need:

• Candle Wax - about 5 lbs. (I actually buy the 3 wick scented candles from Wal-Mart for $6.00, and pull the wicks out and melt down the wax for my globes. I buy white, but you can use any color you like.)
• Melting Pot - double boiler (I use an old crock pot. It works like a dream.)
• Balloon - 7″ party balloon

Here’s what you do:

1. Heat wax in double boiler until completely melted.
   Fill balloon about 2/3 full of water and tie off.
2. Holding balloon by knot, begin dipping balloon in wax. Do not dip above water line in balloon. Let wax cool for a few seconds after each dip.
3. When wax layer on balloon has thickened to approx. 1/4″, set balloon on smooth surface to cool.

4. Support balloon for a moment until solid enough to sit straight on its own. Allow to cool for one hour.

5. When cool, pop the balloon. (Do this over the sink, or you’ll get wet. Remove popped balloon from globe and use a hair dryer to gently smooth top edge. And then… just go crazy with it.

Use your imagination. Here are some suggested embellishments: Use drip candles to make drips down the side of your globe. Use mod podge and tissue paper to give it stained glass look. Use candle paints and stencils to give it designer look. When you’re finished…place a multi-layered square of foil in the bottom and drop in a tea light.

VOILA!

To see these instructions in video form, or to purchase candle globes, visit: CreativeOrigins