You’ve heard the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  Here’s a new one for you and it is particularly pertinent to crafters.  “A video is worth a thousand pictures.”  Leisure Arts is a company that has been devoted to crafting and crafters for nearly three decades.  For the new technological age, Leisure Arts brings to crafters free videos, or webcasts, that address techniques and the important “how-to” lessons many crafters need.

Not only does Leisure Arts have the web casts, they also have free ipod subscriptions, to keep crafters up-to-date on what is available on the Leisure Arts Web site.  This is all free and a wonderful source of valuable information for crafters.

Leisure Arts Webcasts

Free Patterns From Leisure Arts

Leisure Arts Home Web Site

Much of the joy in crafting results from the community that is formed by crafters.  Do you have a crafting community where you live?  Do you know other crafters?  They don’t have to be crafters that do the same exact craft as you; in fact, it is more interesting if crafters pursuing various interests know each other as well.  Of course, finding groups of people who do the same crafts is valuable as well because of the available information and experience.

I found a Web site that is for people who live in a city in Texas.  You may live thousands of miles from Texas and be unable to participate, but this is a great matrix to form a crafting community for your own area.  This particular set of clubs is formed around the passion of quilting, but imagine it with knitting, crocheting, painting, stained glass or any other craft; better yet, imagine it with a bunch of different crafts. 

Take a look.  I think you will like what Stitchin Heaven is doing.

Stitchin Heaven’s Quilt Clubs

I remember when crafters often turned to bed sheets as a decorating medium.  Not for just beds - of course that is one use for them, and probably the most popular, but how boring!  How unimaginative!  Do you realize all you can do with bed sheets?

I was shopping the other day for some linens.  I saw the new spring line of bedding and I loved the colors!  They are bright, bold, and somewhat retro.  I can think of a thousand uses for those wonderful colors - the ones that caught my eye were turquoise, coral and a celery green.  But I digress. 

Sheets are wonderful fabrics for decorating.  There are the obvious advantages such as the finished edges, but if you buy a high quality sheet, think of the fabric you are getting for a fairly good price.  A very good price, if you catch them on sale.  Some sheets come in 500 thread count and those are fabrics that aren’t going to fade and thin right away.

There are some ideas on this site that I found.  It will be a good start and I do say a start, because this idea will grow as you find more ideas and uses for the beautiful colors and patterns you find in the bedding department.

Bed Sheets For Home Decor

Do you meditate?  I mean, seriously sit and meditate?  It is so good for you.  It lowers your blood pressure, calms your adrenal glands, puts your brain waves “in order,” and releases tension and stress.  Best of all it connects you not only to yourself, but to God or the Higher Power you believe in.  It is something that can only be beneficial.  So do you have a meditation cushion?

Most people just sit in a chair or on the floor and begin meditating.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  It is the “economy” meditation.  But to do it right, setting the scene is important.  Candles set the mood, music of course is a part of meditation, but a cushion tells your body it is time to shift into a lower gear and begin the calm practice of meditation.

The cushions can be expensive so why not make one.  It isn’t hard to do.  There is a wonderful set of instructions on making your own meditation cushion online - print them out, get your materials, and sew up your cushion.  Choose a fabric you love - it should reflect your personality and decor, but it should also reflect the mood you are trying to achieve.

Enjoy - this is a wonderful craft for yourself or for a gift.  It is classy, beautiful, and inexpensive to make.

Zafu Meditation Cushion