I have never been much for getting into the crafts that are all mucky and dirty.  I guess I am truly one of those “indoor” girls.  Every now and again I’ll get a burr in my bonnet and do something with houseplants and maybe transplant an outdoor set of flowers, but basically I lean to the fiber crafts and other “soft” crafts.  Ones that require clean hands!  This is neat craft for people like me because you do get to muck around a bit but it is in clean material that won’t make you feel like you need a complete manicure later that night.  I tried this craft about a billion years ago (okay, more like 15) and I loved it.  Papermaking is a great craft, its inexpensive, and the results are absolutely fabulous.  It is a unique craft that will express your artistic and creative side.

The materials are easy:

• Different sources of paper (different textures, colors, and weights are fun to combine)
• A blender (use one you don’t plan to use for food again)
• A window screen stretched tightly on a frame
• Plastic tub (at least as big as the screen frame)
• Liquid starch
• White flannel or felt
• Tacks or staple gun

This particular set of instructions will tell you how to make flat “sheets” of paper.  Decorate them as you like to make stationery, greeting cards, artwork to frame, or any other use you come up with.  Be generous with leaves, silk ribbons, flowers, glitter… whatever you like.  Your imagination is the only limit. 

Tomorrow I’ll present another idea for paper making that is truly unique.  This is a process that takes a little longer but is my favorite thing to do with papermaking crafts.  You may get hooked too!

Paper Making

Papermaking

Making Paper From The Garden

Papermaking Recipes

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 

Did the soap making business I talked about the other day interest you?  If so, your first question might have been, “How do I make soap?” 

Developing your own unique style, scents and shapes will be something that evolves over time, with practice and a little trial and error.  But starting is something you can do right now.  Each time you create a new soap, you will learn something, and if you hope to turn your soap making into a business, this is a great place to start.

Make Modern Soap With Herbs, Beeswax And Vegetable Oils

The Truth About Soap 

Summer has just begun and it is time, actually past time, to turn toward the garden and find the expression of color and joy that flowers and plants bring.  Most of the crafting work here is already done for you because, as they say, “Only God can make a tree.”  But while He made the tree, He wouldn’t mind at all if you did some decorative things around it!  Get your family together and turn a Saturday into a garden crafting day.

There are two crafts that I especially like at the link below.  They are all cute, but two really caught my eye.  One is the Dove Windchimes (that was predictible since I collect windchimes) and the other is the Keepsake Stepping Stone.  I love that all of the instructions are provided and the crafts are inexpensive. And if your children are young, you will be so glad you did these stepping stones.  I wish I had some of my kids from years ago.

Take a look.  There are some cute things that will add some personality to your yard and garden and it will be a wonderful way for your family to spend some great time together. 

Garden Crafts

Free Nature and Gardening Crafts - Those painted pots would be great on a deck!