Sherri's Family Crafts Blog

As you are winding down from a busy weekend, why not take some time to relax and browse through these great craft blogs:

About.com Cross Stitch - When do you do the back stitch on your needlework projects? Vote in the poll and let us know.

Aileen's Musings - Visit Aileen's Musings to find out what Firecracker Martinis and Christmas have in common.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world - Kicking off the summer Craftside brings you a password for 15% of Voyager Press titles through July 8th, a funky woven lamp project, the Making Designer Jewelry with Hardware, Gems. and Beads contest extended, a quick and easy party banner idea and some fun pictures from Swap-o-rama rama.

Crafty Princess Diaries - Tammy is "so" learning the ropes over at Etsy.com with her new jewelry making supplies shop. Is it too much of a hodge podge? How big of a learning curve are we talking about here?!

The Impatient Blogger - A link to three fabulous free projects on the Simply Beads website and some thoughts about inspiring creativity from a professional designer.

Layers Upon Layers - Cyndi has DVDs to giveaway from "Beads & Beyond" Magazine!

Polymer Clay @ Craft Gossip - No batteries required - Heather shares a list of low-tech tools for creating with polymer clay.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery - There are giant pom poms, a giant aluminum craft project, "Superfly", and a fun video from the Knitty Gritty peeps.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

(Graphic is courtesy of morgue.com)

The mosquitoes around here have been just horrible lately, driving us crazy outside whether it is daytime or nighttime! How are the mosquitoes where you live? Instead of letting them drive you crazy, why not use some of these ideas and make your own friendly mosquitoes! You can also make your own bug spray and citronella candles.
RELATED:
- More Bug Crafts
- Camping Crafts

I hope everyone is the U.S. has a wonderful day filled with fun, food, and fireworks! This holiday brings back so many memories of picnics and potlucks. If you don't get the chance to go somewhere to watch fireworks perhaps you can pass the time with these firework and fire cracker crafts! They are also great for keeping the kids occupied while they are waiting for the real thing.
RELATED:
- More Holidays Projects
- Picnic and Camp Crafts

I got 2 more pictures of paper mache projects submitted by a couple of visitors. Check these out:

• Paper Mache Ant Hill - Submitted by Melissa Sack
• Paper Mache Ginger Jar Submitted by Mary Jones pictured here

What do you think of these creations? Do you like to paper mache? If so, make sure you snap a picture of it and submit it to be included in the photo gallery!
RELATED:
- Learn How to Paper Mache
- Submit a Craft Photo

(Photo submitted by Mary Jones)

While some people thought about Christmas last week on Leon Day, now that it is July it is a great time to start thinking about making Christmas crafts. It is the perfect time to start looking for ideas for home-made gifts and personalized Christmas cards. It is also the perfect time to start making some Christmas tree ornaments. When do you start crafting for Christmas? You can get started with some of these resources:

• Making Holiday Gifts
• 101 Great Gifts to Make
• Books About Making Gifts
• Christmas Card Gallery
• Creative Christmas Tree Ornaments
• True Meaning of Christmas Ornaments
• 12 Days of Christmas E-course
• Even More Christmas Projects

(Photo © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

These safe sparklers are not only colorful and fun for kids, they are simple to make. You can easily make several for kids to play with or take along to an Independence Day parade or event. These also make adorable decorations and can easily be tucked into plants, table centerpieces, or anywhere else you want a splash of red, white, and blue.
RELATED:
- Independence Day Crafts
- Chenille Stem Crafts
- Pencil Crafts

(Photo © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

You can create your own beach related fun by creating a variety of sea creatures using egg carton cups and a few common craft supplies. Find out how here...
RELATED:
- More Ocean and Beach Crafts
- More Egg Carton Crafts

(Photo © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

Check out the planter box Judy Plummer and her husband made. She was kind enough to submit three photos of this unique planter. You can see them all here. What do you think?
RELATED:
- Flower Pots and Vases
- More Flower and Garden Crafts
- Make Mosaics
- Submit a Photo

(Photo submitted by Judy Plummer)

If you are anything like me, when you sit down at your computer to surf the Net, you usually have a purpose. For me, I am usually working or searching for something specific. Rarely do I take some time to just relax and discover new sites for the fun of it. My goal with this post is to encourage you to do just that: sit back, relax, and enjoy these creative blogs!

About.com Cross Stitch - Stitchers - Start Your Stockings! It is never to early to start on holiday projects, but don't wait too late.

Aileen's Musings - This week Aileen offers 2 fun tutorials: Phenomenal Paper Flowers & Wee Flower Fairies. Both are sure to inspire you and make you smile!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world - Kick off summer with a chance to win a copy of Making Designer Mixed-Media and Memory Jewelry, check out some beautiful handcrafted dolls, a free crochet hacky sack pattern and a how-to on making a recycled denim pillow with a bird appliqué.

Crafty Princess Diaries - Get a free metal clay project over at the BeadStyle blog. This downloadable project shows how to make some super easy metal clay beads!

Layers Upon Layers - Have you ever wanted to try creating an abstract work but found it too intimidating? Come and try it anyway!

The Impatient Blogger - Madge reviews a fabulous new metal clay book by jewelry making expert Tammy Powley. If you've ever been metal clay curious, this is the book for you!

Polymer Clay @ Craft Gossip - Learn the anatomy of a polymer clay bead this week.

(Graphic is courtesy of morgue.com)

You can print out and use these red, white, and blue cards either for a special holiday greeting or as an invitation for an Independance Day picnic or other patriotic event. They are easy to print and make and they are free. You can even make your own envelope using my printable template. Choose from several designs.
RELATED:
- More Patriotic Crafts
- More Patriotic Printables
- More Cards to Make

(Photo © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)