Fave Crafts Blog Hop and Monday TastyLinks!

I've been sick, so I'm a skootch behind on posting my weekly craft blog links, do forgive! I'm participating again this month in the Fave Crafts blog hop, it's a hoot in a handbasket, you should join too! On the 15th of every month you add a link to a project in your blog with a pic to their 'Finished on the 15th' post and it's a great way to connect with other crafters and generate a little more traffic!

I'm crawling back into bed here in a moment, but before I do here are this week's TastyLinks from the Crafty Bloggers. "We've got glue guns and we're not afraid to use them."

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for an almost instant Thanksgiving activity, check out these free, printable Thanksgiving projects.

Aileen's Musings
It's that time of year again to be thinking about cards an giftees. Aileen offers you a unique coffee sleeve card project to inspire you!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a set of meaningful Remembrance Day cards with a free digital download.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of 1,000 Type Treatments and my Sizzix twist cube project it inspired, a tutorial on how to make serged thread chain and braid, a dining room mixed media assemblage and one of the quilts from the book-Journey of Hope.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Square time! Tammy is working on creating a simple (and hopefully fast) baby blanket pattern.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Here's a cute tote idea incorporating a sticker embellishment made of cardboard and coated with epoxy. Yes, just plain cardboard!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Heidi Goes Glam Necklace and Madge's Pre-Debut Debut on JTV!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is giving away a copy of her new ebook on using found objects and unusual materials in your bead embroidery!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a recycled bottle lid broken heart charm inspired by the book Fantastic Recycled Plastic

Day Six of CRESCENDOh and Saturday TastyLinks!

It's day six of my guest curator stint at CRESCENDOh! One more day to go! Today's featured artists are two awesome creative dervishes Sister Diane of CraftyPod and Traci Bautista! Follow this link!


I participated in Fave Crafts "Finished on the 15th" blog hop this month along with an array of crafty folks who shared links to their favorite projects from October! You can join the fun too next month, it's easy! Visit Fave Crafts blog to see the projects and find out how to participate!

The delightful Lisa Crone of A Bead a Day Blog fame wrote a terrific post about my new gig at Jewelry Television. Lisa has a really terrific blog, go visit her and tell her Madge sent you!

We're knee deep in the big move and it's just amazing how much stuff I had ferreted away in my studio. I gave things to the local schools, the local library and some to our local Goodwill. Still, I've got craft supplies coming out of my hoo ha. Yup, I said it. I'm looking forward to being settled into our new home soon and be on the other side of the big relocation.

And now, without further ado, here's what the crafty bloggers have for your craftertainment:

About Family Crafts
Sherri is hosting a Make-It-Over crafts challenge and is calling for people to submit their Halloween crafts made using recyclables!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen invites you to jump in the Wayback Machine and revisit a past Halloween Card tutorial.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi figures out how to use paper to decorate an apron.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win the new big and beautiful book Quilts Around The World by Spike Gillespie, a knit boxed eyelet pattern, a bunch of ways to get a "handle" on your books and journals and tips on painting realistic blood just in time for Halloween.

Crafty Princess Diaries
There is a call out for professional crocheters, scrapbookers, and quilters.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Calling all totes! Eileen is looking for tote bag decorating examples. If you need some inspiration first, watch the video on how to make a recycled tote bag.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge muses about choices, consequences, regrets and living out loud.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has a really fun book to give away this week: Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make paper pom pom pumpkins inspired by the book Page Maps 2

9/11 and Saturday Craft Blog Links

Photograph by Andrea Booher of FEMA Public Domain from WikiMedia Commons

We were in the Outer Banks in North Carolina on September 11th, 2001. It was our first vacation in several years and it felt really good to unwind. The tourist season was over and it was quiet and beautiful. We woke up early and decided not to turn 0n the TV. Instead we drove over to the dunes at Kill Devil Hills. We saw two men dressed as Orville and Wilbur Wright and a camera man following them as they dragged a full sized replica of the first glider up the dunes.

"This is amazing." I said to my husband. "We're standing in the footsteps of the first flight."

Then I heard some people talking about planes flying into the Twin Towers in New York City.

"Are you talking about a movie? Is that actually happening?" I asked, feeling that dreadful churning in the pit of my stomach.

"Haven't you heard? It's actually happening. It's been on the news all morning."

I stood there in total shock, fully realizing the irony of this moment and knowing that nothing would ever be the same again. Here we were in the first footsteps of flight and there was an unimaginable tragedy unfolding around airplanes being used as weapons. The rest of that week was surreal. We had to call again and again to discover if our family and friends in NYC were okay (they were, though the stories they shared were unreal) and we had to keep a sense of happy calm for our daughter's sake. She was far too young to understand what had happened. I still don't understand.

I don't know what makes people become so hateful that they'd perpetrate an act like that. I don't begin to fathom that kind of insanity. Who can, really? I do know that the fear of "the other" is a powerful tool for persuasion.

It is crucial that we counter that fear with love. What separates us is far less significant than what unites us.

Perhaps, one day, we'll all understand that and war and terrorism and violence will be impossible.

On a lighter note here's what's happening in the craftiverse where we fight destruction every day through the power of creativity:

Big crafty shout out to Andrew Thornton for giving away a copy of Bead Chic in his blog! Go leave a comment for your chance to win!

Thanks to Rebecca E. Parsons for making me a Dream Doer in the Cre8tive Compass blog.

Congrats to Allison Stillwell formerly of Art Girlz for starting on her new creative adventure with her new blog!

And here's what's happening with the Crafty Bloggers Gang "We've got glue guns and we're not afraid to use them.":

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I took a bite out of a sweater with inspiration from the new book Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller.

Mixed Media Artist
What did you name your business? Cyndi is betting that there's a good story behind it!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Confidence is sexy. Madge muses about the power of embracing uniquely wonderful you.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Many artists and crafters find it helpful to set goals for their art but do so in different ways. How about you? Do you have any goals or methods for improving in your art?

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy asks about your creative muse and shares some information about hers.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside this week there are tutorials on how to purl stitch with beads, embellish a softie with a heart, a recipe for a stop chewing spray for dogs, and how to eliminate a side seam on a pants pattern.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has some great samples working with paper that has a white core.

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen offers you her gouache painted sunflower tutorial using a black and white photograph she took of her harvested sunflowers.

About Family Crafts
Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? Sherri has some fun and simple ways you can celebrate with the entire family.

Saturday TastyLinks!

I didn't mean to go off on a rant yesterday, I just feel badly for my friend and sad that they have to struggle between sharing their journey and closing up shop because of a few lame arse, lazy people.  This topic is one I am going to keep exploring because I think that the more we shed light on it, the less likely people are going to feel it's okay to steal intellectual property.  They can't claim ignorance if we're all talking about it.  Right?!

Thanks to Rachel at One Pretty Thing for posting my foam hearts necklace this past week.  I love this blog because she takes the time to gather up rockin' crafty links for you and I'm always honored to be featured there. 

February is almost over and we're that much closer to spring.  I'm trying to stay on the sunny side, but I think it's okay to embrace the rainy days too.  In fact, I've begun collecting images of people with umbrellas, which must be my subconscious mind's way of reminding me to open myself up to a little rain sometimes.  It can't all be sunshine, lollipops and rainbows...because you need a little rain to make the rainbow.  Here's what the Crafty Blogger Gang has dished up for your entertainment and edification:

The Artful Crafter
If you’ve done metal embossing in the past or would like to learn about this art form, let Eileen bring you up to date.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a Chain Soup and Photo necklace inspired by the fab book Chain Style by Jane Dickerson 

Mixed Media Artist
Want to try a little layers experiment in Photoshop?

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge is so ready for spring, how about you? Here's a tutorial for a yarn flower loom embellished frame that's sure to cure the winter blues. 

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Being creative for a cause is great inspiration. Check out what Linda did with some t-shirts for Camp Shaw's silent auction.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's added more stitchable signs to her Laundry Room Collection - add a little humor to a household chore. 

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy gives you an update about the new jewelry book she's working on plus a little inside scoop.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has an inside peek into how to choose the right color for a design, a free pattern for knitting cuffs with the boy/girl icons on them, a fun logo made with a scribble, a tutorial on how to make a Steampunk style necklace with a recycled soda can and polymer clay heart and some Lisa Kettell news about her Art Opera. 

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's blog for 11 DIY wedding favor ideas.

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen has a fabulous dollar store find she wants to share with you! Stop by and see what she's created and take part in her challenge. 

About Family Crafts
Sherri shows you how you can transform ordinary flower pots into a variety of fun craft projects.

TastyLinks Saturday!

Operation Deck the Halls has begun! I've been placing samplings of my collection of vintage mercury glass ornaments in a variety of repurposed clear jars and adding a plethora of fresh holly and pine accents and a variety of old and new decorations. So far, so good. When it's all finished I will share some pics...if I can get some good ones!

We're hoping to get the tree trimmed this weekend, but poor Dad Guy has fallen ill so I'm not sure how much we're going to accomplish without him. I sure hope he feels better soon...

In this week's video sampling from When Creativity Knocks host Ana Araujo shares some super cute retro 60s inspired greeting card ideas!

Here's what the Crafty Bloggers have dished up for your entertainment, inspiration and edification:

The Artful Crafter Whatever the holiday, make cute pop-up place cards to organize the dinner table and delight guests of all ages.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See a necklace and bracelet made from the same Blue Moon Beads pendant with a how-to video with me.

Mixed Media Artist Mixed media artist Nicolette Anderson shares her lovely work!

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style Don't fence her in! Linda shares the story of her Fences and Ferns Quilt and how creativity can prosper even in dark times.

Cross Stitch at About.com The 2009 Holiday Ornament Collection is ready! Whip up some super quick back stitch ornies or cross stitch some more colorful ones.

Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy is making her first crocheted hat for herself. Now, hopefully it will be done by the time it gets cold down South!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got yummy pumpkin cookie and biscuit recipes, an inside peek into Bead Quilled Jewelry, eco friendly recipes for casein glue and an all-purpose cleaner, and starting Monday- The 19 Days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways starts, answer each day's question and you are entered to win a free book every day!

Aileen's Musings Aileen invites you to join a creative challenge with her called the Erosion Bundle Project. Take a peek at her pictures and find out exactly what erosion bundles are!

About Family Crafts Does your family have any creative Thanksgiving traditions. You can read about other people's Thanksgiving traditions and then share your own.

The Impatient Crafter Madge is ready for Christmas so bring it on! Check out this retrolicious frame she designed for iLoveToCreate

TastyLinks Saturday and What I did with the Core Necklace!

Ingognito Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

It's positively gloomy around these parts this week, which always sends Madge into a funkity funk. It would help immensely if that damn raven would take a hike from my windowsill. It's positively Poe-esque.

I need the sun, I'm a Leo. As much as I love the night life...I love blue skies with fluffy clouds. Yes, it's true, I'm a girl of many needs.

If you read yesterday's post, you saw my design disaster turned around and above is the other half of what I did with the mismatched parts. I started with the beaded core strand and moved from there. You could easily attach these strands to the clasp so they were tangled in one another for a more au currant effect, but I love the vintage Coco Chanel inspired vibe here. Use a multi channeled bead board to make strands that nestle in one another and as you're working, try the design on your body and on a neck form to make sure it falls right when worn. I actually switched up the woven wire strand a little after I shot this, so now it's three strands into one in a repetitive pattern, it's more consistent and works better with the rest of the piece.

Linky Love Shout Outs to:

The divine Ms. Dawno for her fab review of Beyond the Bead! Thanks, Dawno! You ROCK!

When Creativity Knocks has a super new video with artist Cindi Bisson sharing a recycled beach themed keepsake project. Check it out!

Without further ado here's what the talented folks from the Crafty Bloggers Gang have for your entertainment and edification this week:

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love Join Vickie & Lands' End for a Twitter Party to celebrate the FeelGood campaign to benefit the homeless!

The Crochet Dude Check out Drew's super cool Crochet Word Search that he has as a free download on his blog! I wonder how quick I can finish it!

The Artful Crafter Do you know how to make a secret box book? It’s not hard – well – except on your fingers. Eileen shows you how. She took lots of photos since she won’t be able to type for a while. LOL.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery How to make a Cone Candy Holder Candelabra inspired by a pretty project from Paperie for Inspired Living by Karen Bartolomei

Naughty Secretary Club Jen is in the midst of wrapping paper week with clever how-to idea, uses for wrapping paper that have nothing to do with gifts & a Wrapagami book giveaway.

Mixed Media Artist Cyndi has a copy of "The Art of Fabric Collage" to give away!

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style I may have to tackle a t-shirt quilt---I'm getting ideas from all directions.

Cross Stitch at About.com Do you find solace in your stitching? Vote in the poll, read the comments, and share your own experiences.

CraftyPod Check out Sister Diane's newest ebook - Creating a Blog Audience: An Unconventional Marketing Guide

Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy shows the beginnings of a baby blanket in progress, a super easy crochet project to consider for those who make charity items.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a fun skull quilt tutorial inspired by a quilt in the new book Quilting Art, how-to's on painting rocks like skulls, eyes and more for Halloween, tips for re-purposing in the studio and the correct terms for the parts of a book.

Cathie Filian Melt up some soy wax and make some easy candles with Cathie.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner It's the return "Terrorific Tuesdays" on Swelldesigner's blog! Learn about how you can participate in all the fun, spooky Halloween action!

Aileen's Musings Have you heard the term Altered Art or Altered Artist and wondered what exactly that means? Aileen has given her explanation of what Altered art is and how YOU too can become an Altered Artist!

About Family Crafts September is National Sewing Month! Why not celebrating by making one or more of these easy sewing projects.

The Impatient Crafter Get your teens ready for Back to School with these recycled denim book covers from The Impatient Crafter for I Love to Create!

Saturday TastyLinks™!

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

I’m frantically getting ready to go out of town for a week in Cincy to the photo shoot for my new book. I had to get a how to project ready to drip on Tuesday this morning and it was a heckuvalotta work! Sounded simple enough on paper...

I still have to size the pictures for the project, upload the post to two different blogs and add hot links, do laundry, pack myself and my daughter, print out instructions for the shoot, wash and style the mop on my head...

Calgon, take me away!

Special Linky Love thanks to Dawno for the kind words she said about me in her interview with Steve Groenier of ArtBeads.

Scarlett Lanson’s Use the Muse contest winners were announced this week. Congrats to the winners!

Just sos ya knowse, this is my last post until Tuesday and that’ll be all she wrote until August 22nd...my birthday! Just giving you some notice in case you wanted to shower me with gifts. Har har.

Until then...craft on with your bad self!

xoxo
Madge

Here are this week’s Crafty Blogger Links:

About Family Crafts Do you papier mache? Share your projects and stories!

Aileen's Musings This week Aileen's been busy altering cabinet cards. Check out her newest funky cabinet cards and download more freebie images for you to alter yourself.

Cathie Filian Cathie and Steve spoof their love of Mod Podge in their latest video.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside has a fun mixed-media cupcake jar topper project, a how-to on making bottle cap bookmarks, a tutorial on painting over a photo to create a multi frame effect, and a fun beaded fan design. And the tables are turned, leave a question and you are entered to not only win a free book but also a Wrights SideWinder bobbin winder!

Crafty Princess Diaries Re-purposing crafting materials is a great way to make sure you don't waste your wonderful stash of supplies.

CraftyPod Sister Diane shows you how to embroider on a perforated metal beading disc!

Cross Stitch at About.com A saying from the Bard inspired Connie's latest free pattern. Stitch the saying alone or combine it with floral motifs for a larger sampler.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen takes everything from a vintage clock to an Etch a Sketch and coverts it into a funky picture frame.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery The scissors are set aside this week and a vintage green marble gets re-purposed into a cool modern necklace with a technique from the book Contemporary Copper Jewelry by Sharilyn Miller

The Artful Crafter Read some suggestions for preventing your polymer clay projects from cracking.

The Impatient Crafter Madge transforms a Kraft paper lampshade from Target into a sophisticated accent piece for a teen's room in this post for I Love to Create.

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love A no fuss, no muss t-shirt project for the kiddos!

Saturday TastyLinks™!

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

Well hell, Maybelle, has it really been a week? Really? I'm almost ready to leave for Orlando, just a few more things to do before I go on Monday morning. I'll have an I Love to Create post for you this Tuesday, but that's probably going to be all she wrote until the following Monday. I promise to give you a peek at my CHA Show trip.

I wanted to send a little Linky Love shower to my dear friend Fernando DaSilva for the glowing review he posted yesterday of Beyond the Bead. He's an amazing designer, and if you've not visited his blog and website you're really missing out. I truly appreciate his high fashion sensibility and effervescent personality. We're on the Beadalon Design Team with Katie Hacker and I think we make a great team. I'm a lucky gal for sure!

Here's this week sampling of TastyLinks from The Crafty Bloggers! Open wide and say, "Ah!"

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love 25 Signs that you love to create!

The Artful Crafter Do you know what a bead board is? No, not the kind you nail to the wall. LOL.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Check out a A Floral-tasticly good project from the new book- Kanzashi in Bloom

Naughty Secretary Club Jen takes some of her favorite free embroidery patterns on the net and transforms them into plush dolls.

Mixed Media Artist If you get inspired by seeing fabulous work by other artists, check out some of the fabulous profiles that Cyndi has posted!

Crafty Princess Diaries If you have always wanted to make your own crafting video but didn't think you had the techie know-how, then you'll love this new free software the Crafty Princess recently discovered.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to do recycled paper napkin casting, make a movable fighting girl element, an interview with Norma V. Toraya author of Paper Puppet Palooza, a video on how to die cut and needle felt a bookmark from a recycled wool sweater and how to create a window for pressed botanicals in your gathering journal.

Cathie Filian Whip up a custom belt buckle with a little paper, creativity and Dimensional Magic.

Aileen's Musings Aileen has an exciting announcement! She's just finished creating a book for Project Ties That Bind benefiting Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). 100% of all proceeds from the book are going to OCRF. Stop by and take a sneak peek at this beautiful 68 page book filled with beautiful vivid pictures and inspirational quotes and stories.

About.com Cross Stitch Can You Stitch and Ride? Connie barely can and she wants to hear what your situation is - be sure to read the comments and add your own.

About Family Crafts Is it too early to start thinking about Halloween crafting? How early do you start your Halloween planning?

The Impatient Crafter Madge shares a couple of sneak peeks of some mixed media jewelry she's created to wear to the CHA Show!

Saturday TastyLinks™

“Ain’t it funny how time slips away?”

It could not possibly have been a week since I last posted these links! Have I somehow and without my knowing entered a wrinkle in time?! I feel as if summer is flying at the speed of light, which makes me a little blue because winter seems to last forever. I simply must move somewhere warm and balmy.

Yesterday I dropped my daughter off at her last day of Shakespeare camp and I took a little side trip to one of our local antique malls in search of ephemera. I emerged triumphant! I found two magazines from the early 1900s in pristine condition overflowing with great images, one adorable postcard, a bag of slightly disturbing 1950s circus themed cardboard stand up cut-outs and this absolutely amazing photograph. I ask you. Is this a girl or is this a boy? I can not for the life of me decide. Note the hands and feet...and the awkward body language...and the hair which may or may not be short. I love it! This is a delightfully quirky picture!

I’ve been collecting these old photos for years. My former roommate Melody and I used to tell our guests they were our ancestors and concoct stories about them. I’m particularly fond of pictures of women and young girls wearing hugantic bows. In fact, I think I may need to create a collection of these bows for myself.

Ah, I blather on too much again. Good grief. Here’s your weekly sampling of TastyLinks™! Open wide and say, “AH!”

About Family Crafts I need your help! Be the first to submit a photo of this completed craft and be featured on the Family Crafts site!’’

Aileen's Musings Your help is needed...Please take a moment to help make a difference We have a chance to get our ovarian cancer charity project on the cover of a northern CA magazine. Your vote is needed! The project benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Deadline for voting is July 23rd so hurry and cast your vote!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Alexa shares the mental process behind creating a post on her swell craft blog.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a how-to's on bleaching photos and juxtaposing images, a mixed-media journal out of a wide variety of recycled materials and a video with Scatha G. Allison where she shows the incredible designs from her book Jean Therapy. Be sure to answer the day's questions to be entered to win a free book!

Crafty Princess Diaries Have you thought about taking your craft hobby to a different level? Tammy has some thoughts to consider before crossing over the hobby/professional line.

CraftyPod SisterDiane is thrilled to unveil her new ebook, Weaving Un-Loomed: Simple Ways to Weave Cool Things.

Cross Stitch at About.com Have fun trying out these new free Candlewicking patterns Connie's sharing. If you use one, send in a photo to show it off!

Mixed Media Artist Using two very different book pages, you can create a found poem for an altered book...or just because!

Naughty Secretary Club Jen shares clever and crafty uses for suitcases that have nothing to do with holding clothing. Side tables, laptop cases and portable craft studios, oh my!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Drink Mermaids take the plunge into some silver paint and get transformed into some swimmingly fun necklaces inspired by the wonderfully innovative book A Charming Exchange.

The Artful Crafter Eileen shows you how to make a multi-strand fiber bracelet.

The Crochet Dude Drew reviews the new Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine - offers up a free crocheted project using fabric strips - and he's giving away a Rotary Cutting Machine to one lucky commenter!

The Impatient Crafter Madge shows you how to make a quick and easy Altered Chinese Paper Lantern in her first post on Kid/Teen Crafts for I Love to Create!

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love Check out Vickie's free pattern for a knitted lace iPhone cozy!

TastyLinks™ Sunday!

Crafty Cabaret Cruise Logo Copyright Brini Maxwell 2009

What ho, what hey...it’s TastyLinks™ day!

I simply can't bring myself to refer to Linky Love Showers today, it's been grey, gloomy and rainy here for so long I'm about to start building an Ark. It's either that or my blog posts are going to get their Goth on.

I survived my appearance at AC Moore yesterday mostly unscathed. These things are almost always a little awkward. It’s not like I’m a household name...so people treat me like the sample lady at the grocery store with a platter full of tasty Spamwiches. They give me funny looks as they make a wide arc around my demo table...or they accidentally look me in the eye and nervously say, “Hello” and scurry away.

My family couldn’t join me, so it was just little ol' me all alone at a small bridge table near the exit and the front registers. There wasn’t any signage on the table, and more than a few folks thought I was just someone who worked there (who opted to wear a ginormous plastic necklace, platform shoes and a floor length dress to work that day.)

People kept asking me things like, “Where are the popsicle sticks?”

“Uh...I dunno...I don’t actually work here, I’m here signing my new books. I’m doing some metal and bead wire wrapping demonstrations if you’d like to learn about that.”

“Oh...huh...okay....”

Awkward silence...followed by backing away slowly...looking frantically around for an actual employee.

A few little kids came over to see what I was doing, but their parents quickly pulled them away after giving me funny looks. I did manage to get one person to converse with me at length. I personally escorted her to the bead area to find all of the tools and products she needed to get started making jewelry. I should get a sales commission. Catherine, it was delightful meeting you. May you enjoy making jewelry for years to come.

At least the 3 hours of driving were scenic...if soggy.

Ah well...one day people will know who I am and be excited to meet me.

No, really.

And while I continue to indulge in my delusions...here’s this week’s round up from the Crafty Bloggers Gang:

About Family Crafts What is in your craft cupboard? What craft supplies can you not live without? Has there been a craft item that you purchased thinking it was the greatest invention of all time and then never used?

Aileen's Musings Aileen needs your help! She's created another whimsical character in her curalicious series and needs a saying or quote to go with her! Post your quote or saying and enter to win a curvalicious coffee cup!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Create fun and graphic letter & number decoupage jars in a flash!

Cathie Filian Recycle old jeans and fabric scraps into a quilted 4th of July Table Runner in under 2 hours!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is Jenn Mason's episode of Look, Learn & Create where she shows us how to make a fun matchbook card and dyed plastic tube necklace, a window-screen art journal tutorial from the new book Re-bound and a mini journal with a recycled scrapbook paper catalog, a discussion of rule breaking in logo design and a recipe for roasted chickpeas.

Crafty Princess Diaries Cat Domination at Jewelry Bench! “Where oh where can I work on jewelry?” Tammy asks.

CraftyPod Take a handful of buttons and some craft wire and make charming button monograms to wear as jewelry.

Cross Stitch at About.com Dinosaurs rule in the Land of the Lost and they also rule at About.com Cross Stitch. There are three of them stalking through Connie's latest free pattern collection.

Mixed Media Artist Here's a way to combine planning with serendipity when you paint fabrics!

Naughty Secretary Club Think all the marketing at a craft show is already taken care of for the vendors? Think again. Jen shares some marketing tips.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Another of Stefanie's Happy Bunnies-This one created using the help of the cool book: Stray Sock Sewing

The Artful Crafter What new mom would not be delighted with this precious keepsake pendant? Eileen gives you step-by-step instructions for making it using polymer clay and decal paper.

The Impatient Crafter Madge went on a bead buying trip to NYC! Get the scoop!

TastyLinks Saturday!

Illustration Copyright Enoch Bolles

It’s time once again for the Linky Love to be spread across the blogosphere! Here’s this week’s sampling of TastyLinks™: All the best blogs wrapped up in one!

I had a very auspicious day yesterday. I got a YuDu http://www.whatdoyudu.com/ machine delivered to my front porch that I’m really looking forward to breaking out, so look for a YuDu/The Impatient Crafter™ video soon!

I spent the better part of the day yesterday playing virtual hooky with viral marketing guru Peter Shankman http://shankman.com/. He was giving away a boat load of amazing prizes via Twitter. I had a snowflake choker to sell a while back on QVC and did some snowflake research to romance the design. When he asked about stellar dendrites, I knew immediately that they were a kind of snowflake. I won an oscillating drill kit from Dremel! Now I can drill on the go! Woo hoo! Thanks Peter and Meaghan!

The icing on the cake was a huge rainbow in our little valley and watching the incredibly inspirational film Slumdog Millionaire. I’m totally inspired to do some Indian inspired designs; I’m a huge fan of the vibrant colors and the intricate patterns in Indian fabrics.

Life is large.

I’ve been dreaming up some crafty excursions with Madge. The cruise with my celebrity co-host is being ironed out here and hopefully we can announce the details very soon! I’m also working on a NYC trip and exploring some more exotic locales for future adventures. I’ll keep you posted!

The winner of the Rings ‘n Things prize pack is Knit Purl Girl Susan! Email me at theimpatientcrafter@gmail.com for your prize! Congrats!

Thanks to Kcrystina Stephan for the interview she posted on her blog this week. She asked some very interesting questions, go see!

My interview with Alison Lee hasn’t gone live yet. I’ll let you know when it goes up. I may have a couple of podcasts to share this week; we’ll see how it goes!

If you own my new book Beyond the Bead and you've enjoyed it, please consider writing a review for me on Amazon. It really helps to have positive online feedback! I’d deeply appreciate it.

Without further ado, here are the Crafty Bloggers:

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how to make "For the Love of Flaming Hot Coffee Cozy"- Inspired by the Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing

Naughty Secretary Club Every Thursday in April Jen is revamping a project from her book The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry. First up fabric scrap and tape roll bangle bracelets.

Cross Stitch at About.com Childhood memories influence the name of Connie's new free pattern. It is a Dilly of a chart.

CraftyPod Sister Diane reviews the new Heather Ross book, Weekend Sewing.

Crafty Princess Diaries 2 Fun New Jewelry Projects, Glue, and You - Tammy has two new jewelry projects that involve a little glue and a lot of fun.
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is an inside peek into the new book Sculpting Mythical Creatures with some Easter Bunnies thrown in for the season, a Mother of the Bride box project, a photo standup Easter Eggs decoration and an interview with Quilt Artist Robbi Joy Eklow author of Goddess of the Last Minute.

Cathie Filian Cathie Filian has a step-by-step guide for making boutonnieres - perfect for wedding and prom season and a super $$ saver.

Blisstree We're crazy about books, and we've got lots of information to share!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Alexa shares how to make glam graffiti earrings out of gift cards!

Aileen's Musings Aileen's getting in the Easter spirit with her quicky Easter card project.

About Family Crafts Not only is recycling good for the environment, it can help save you money, and, with the projects I have gathered, you can find out how to recycle creatively!

The Impatient Crafter Check out this fab free mixed media collage jewelry project Madge created for Beadalon.

TastyLinks Saturday!

It’s time once again to spread the Linky Love across the blogosphere! Here’s this week’s sampling of TastyLinks™ with a few bonus links for your reading pleasure.

Huge shout out to Jean Yates for posting this thoughtful and stellar review of my new book Beyond the Bead. Thank you, Jean!

Check out this beautiful line of hand crafted glass jewelry from Italian born glass artist Angelo Tiozzo.

And without further ado, here is your weekly sampling of crafty goodness from the Crafty Blogger Gang. Please welcome our newest member Sister Diane of CraftyPod fame:

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery With inspiration from Cathi Milligan's new book Mod Knots a soda bottle goes under the knife and becomes a mod cuff.

Naughty Secretary Club Get felt up with Jen and her customized felt baby booties how-to.

Cross Stitch at About.com Would You Stitch With Scented Floss? Vote in the poll and be sure to read the comments and add your own.

CraftyPod Learn how to turn an old paperback book into a cool picture frame.

Crafty Princess Diaries Expose yourself....in a good way that is...Tammy tells her thoughts on the process of creative exposure.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week there is an Andy Warhol inspired scrapbook page and ATC's, an interview with Lisa Kettell author of Altered Art Circus!, a super cute clay pot hedge hog how-to, and a link to two free bottle cap graphics.

Cathie Filian Blythe and Barbie can now have their cake and eat it too! Cathie whips up some mini cakes and pies perfectly sized for fashion dolls with sponges and seed beads.

Blisstree Mixing two of Cyndi's favorite things: fibers and books!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner gives new life to a plain paper lantern with tissue paper!

Aileen's Musings Check out which names won for Aileen's Color Mist Sorbet Collection and help BREAK THE TIE by voting once more! An additional winner will be chosen once the tie is broken.

About Family Crafts Discover how you can create an entire fairy village using items from nature.
The Impatient Crafter Madge shares one final project from her new book Beyond the Bead! Plus she's giving away a free copy of the book and a crystal stash!

TastyLinks Saturday!

Here’s this week’s sampling of TastyLinks™ from the uber talented crafty bloggers. I hope you enjoy.

Firstly you may not have noticed my fancy new widget, but I’m looking for a few good fans. If you’re on Facebook, please consider joining my fan club! Come on, ya know ya wanna. Just click the widget above to go join!

I’m giving one final signed copy of my fabulous new book Beyond the Bead away along with a free project and if you haven’t already you should leave a comment to win it. You might just win the book AND get a stash of CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements to boot. This book is as fun to read as it is to mine for cool new ideas, I promise. What in the world are you waiting for?!

About Family Crafts Discover some ways you can save money on your crafting without stifling your creativity!

Aileen's Musings Looking for a new spin on store bought plastic easter eggs....Aileen offer's you a Glitzy Easter Egg Project!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner up-cycles some old tins with Collage Pauge and scrapbook paper!

Blisstree Don't miss out on the second annual Collage Mania event !

Cathie Filian Cathie has a dollar store do over! With a scrap of paper and a little flirty flower you can make this easy headband in under 1-hour.’

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is a how-to for making a Chinese Knot from Kenneth King's new book Cool Couture, a Scribble Lace scarf pattern, a woven lampshade made from scrap yarn, and 4 up-cycled necklace designs.

Crafty Princess Diaries The Crafty Princess catches you up on her various crafting projects and asks, "What's on your crafting plate?"

Cross Stitch at About.com Use the free Street and Traffic Sign Motifs to decorate a cake, a child's jacket, or whatever your imagination can come up with.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen asks the question: Would you wear an apron out on the town as a fashion accessory? According to some trendsters it’s all the rage. Join in the discussion about Apron-ology.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Sweater Surgery meets Sublime Stitching with a fun gun embroidered altered sweater.

The Impatient Crafter Madge is hooked on Drew Emborsky's new book The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys! Check out her book review!

It's TastyLinks™ Time!

Here’s a necklace I made this past summer that’s in the spring 2009 Eye Candy issue of Stringing magazine. I’m sending this to my lil sis as a belated b-day gift. I love the colors here and the combo of glass, resin, pearl, sterling and gemstone beads. It’s a more delicate scale, which is nice in hotter months. Sometimes a ginormous necklace feels too heavy when the mercury is rising. Pick up the issue for step by step instructions and to see the work of a bevy of other talented designers.

This week’s TastyLinks™ aren’t super sized. I’m featuring the links from the talented crew of Crafty Bloggers...which should keep you plenty busy!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how I made a recycled sweater cuff with a cross stitched reindeer from the cool reproduction of the 1929 book "The Sew-It Book".

Naughty Secretary Club Jen delves into the world of paper crafts and plays Ms. Manners making personalized thank you cards.

Layers Upon Layers Making monoprint background papers is an addictive activity...

Cross Stitch at About.com A flock of free Fairy patterns have flitted in and landed at About.com Cross Stitch. Use the charts for frilly, flirty, fun projects.

Crafty Princess Diaries Still trying to get your studio organized? Tammy is too! Maybe this resource she discovered will help you out!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside has a how-to on using a doming cube from the new book The Jeweler's Studio Handbook, handwriting ideas from Creative Paint Workshop, some wild "hand" art, and a "going green" ATC made with free downloadable art from Altered Art Circus.

Cathie Filian Cathie Filian has an easy idea to revamp $1 store candles with a little cha cha cha flair.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Check out the cool pin-up shrine that Swelldesigner made with her Crafty Chica Love Shrine kit!

Aileen's Musings Aileen's looking quite regal in her faux metal crown! Check out her tutorial and make your own crown or two and join her in Queendom!