Ribbon is one of the least expensive and easiest to find craft items in the world.  You don’t need a specialty craft store; your local Walmart has more of it than you will ever imagine.  And you don’t have to plan too far ahead.  If you buy ribbon in a variety of widths and colors, concentrating on colors you like and interesting patterns and textures, you will have enough to keep you busy.  Another thing ribbon is great for?  The emergency gift!  If you suddenly need a gift and wish it was a handmade one, don’t despair.  Head to your ribbon box, get your hot glue gun, glitter and various other craft supplies and in a half hour, you will have a finished gift in hand.

This page has ideas that never occurred to me and I am pretty creative in this sort of crafting.  It presents 50 ways to use ribbon in crafting.  But what I really like is that as I read down the list (which I printed and recommend you do the same) I thought of more ideas.  It is like a brainstorming session.

My favorite idea?  Well, I liked several but I would have to give the “blue ribbon” to tying a ribbon around a sketchbook or journal.  That has a nostaglic feel to it.  And I also like the idea of making a mobile out of dancing bits of ribbon - what a wonderful way to add some color and movement to hot summer day and keep flying bugs away at the same time. 

50 Ways To Use Ribbon

If the kids are stuck inside during a summer rainstorm (turn off the computer if it is a thunder and lightning storm, by the way) and are whining about being bored, try this Web site.  Consider it a form of a kid’s craft on the computer.  It is a great way to explore art through the National Gallery of Art and it could be a great way to inspire the kids on with a real paintbrush and paints. 

It’s an easy and fun site to navigate and spend some time on.  Just start clicking!  Then the interactive art can begin and who knows?  You may find yourself at the art store later picking up all kinds of supplies for your future Picasso.

NGA Kids - Adventures in Art

Did you know there is a great blog on the Internet by one of the DIY’ers on the DIY Network?  It is an interactive blog meaning you can participate too!  Ask questions, fuel your creativity with their ideas, and find the answers to questions about the crafts that interest you and your family this summer.  Summer is a great time for family crafts and this is a great blog for a lot of answers from DIY’ers to DIY’ers.  You can Do It Yourself!

Creative Juice Blog at DIY Network

Creativity is the fuel that drives the crafter. It is an expression of ideas that brew about in our heads. Sometimes the creativity well runs dry though, and a little help is necessary. Other times it is fun to see what other people have created and expand our own ideas. “The Creative Life,” is a television show, with a corresponding Web site, that features everything from traditional crafting to the new recycled art so popular today.  

‘The Creative Life’ is your new one-stop show for step-by-step how-to segments and tips and techniques for creating unique items for the home. From decorative painting to building, gardening to cooking, sewing to home decor and everything in between, Cheryl does it all, and takes you on location as she explores every nook and cranny of ‘The Creative Life.’
The Creative Life Web Site

“The Creative Life” presents not only ideas but free patterns on the Web site.  If you have been unaware of this show, you can also find the PBS scheduling so you can watch the production in your local area.  You can also see different clips from the show.  For the crafter, “The Creative Life” is a “creative” approach to crafting that will be become a useful resource.

The Creative Life