AllCrafts.net Free Crafts Update Blog

AllCrafts.net Crossword Puzzle - Paper-Crafts Crossword

Think you know scrapbooking, rubber stamps and card-making? Test your knowledge with our crafts crossword puzzle.

AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Hip Handbags: Creating & Embellishing 40 Great-Looking Bags

Hip Handbags: Creating & Embellishing 40 Great-Looking Bags 

This book gives you the patterns & instructions to create seven basic handbag and shoulderbag types. Then the author shows you creative materials and embellishments that will inspire you to create a truly individual purse. Each variation is explained thoroughly. Several new techniques are shown in these projects.
All of the essential purse shapes are covered - clutch, tote, large purse, messenger bag, envelope and more. The patterns are in the text on graph paper. They're easy to scan into the computer and create any size.
This book begins with a great introduction on designing handbags. Just this section alone made me consider several projects. If you just want to dip your toes into making purses, the first few projects use ready-made purses.
Another chapter discusses fabric choices in depth and illustrates basic techniques like lining and pockets. These construction details help you customize your designs.
My favorite thing about this book is that this approach really teaches you to design your own bags. It is very clear how to follow one of the designs, but they also provide that extra information to help you if you stray away from the pattern, as I usually do…

Finally, if you would like to go totally hip with your bags, there's an outrageous photo gallery of the most modern of handbags.

Painted Clouds Go With Everything

New issue of our email newsletter.

Welcome to the AllCrafts Update, the free newsletter of AllCrafts.net, the Free Crafts Network. www.allcrafts.net

FYI -- This newsletter is also available in three other formats:

• RSS format
• Add the AllCrafts Update to My Yahoo
• AllCrafts Update Blog

There's a new section at AllCrafts.net - Arts and Crafts Auctions Directory. Browse online auctions for great buys on crafts supplies. Let me know if you'd like to see any other categories or types of crafts items.

PS -- Visit us at the AllCrafts.net Message Boards.

Crochet and Knitting page updated

KNITTING PROJECTS ADDED

• Baby Five Hour Poncho
• Fiesta Tea Set
• Ladder of Life Socks
• Chocolate Shrug
• Vertical Stripe Scarf and Hat
• Carnaby Throw and Pillows
• Knit Cabled Bookmark
• Cottage Tea Cosy
• Top Down Seamless Pants for Barbie
• Sock Monkey Socks
• Chile Pepper Socks
• Eyelet Rib Socks for Little Girls
• Dishcloth Shawl
• One Hour Scarf
• Fingerless Mitts
• Cat Costume
• Art Deco Knitted Doily
• Lace Dressing Gown
• Candy Cane Knitted Ornament
• Christmas Tree Ornament
• Easter Finger Puppets
• Rosette Button Purse
• Fuzzy Heart Pillow
• Easy Knit Hat
• Pig Potholder
• Ocean Waves Placemat
• Newborn Adjustable Hat
• Silverware Holder
• Easy Knit Shawl
• Nautical Eye Glass Case
• Knit Shoe Laces
• Barbie's Basic Tube Dress
• Free Online Kntting Videos
• Simple Slant Shawl
• Preemie Set Baby Gift Set
• Baby's Hooded Bath Towel
• Basic Baby Socks
• Knitted Santa Baby Bib
• Daring Diva Halter
• Diamonds Halter
• Child's Poncho
• American Flag Socks
• Mock Cable Socks
• Men's Socks
• Red, White and Blue Pin
• Teddy Bear
• Barbie Sweater Set
• Easter Egg Baskets
• Snowman Shelf Doll
• Poncho with Optional Hood
• Fisherman Poncho
• Off the Shoulder Sweater
• Basic Bean Bag
• Knitted Angel Baby Blanket
• Grace Cardigan
• Bear Claw Throw
• Quick and Easy Knit Vest
• Mandarin Jacket
• Leg Warmers
• Sock Calculator

CROCHET PROJECTS ADDED

• Woven Squares Afghan
• Freedom Poncho
• Scalloped Fashion Doll Poncho
• Lacy Crocheted Basket C
• alla Lily Pin
• Envelope Purse
• Bridal Baubal Choker
• Crocheted Penguin Ornament
• Miniature Crocheted Basket
• Triangle Evening Purse
• Crocheted Three Wise Men
• Zebra Print Shoulder Bag
• Spring Blossoms Picture Frame
• Christmas Door Knob Cover
• Gingerbread Man
• Angel Wreath
• Christmas Card Ornament
• Ski Hat Ornament
• Angel Bear Ornament
• Log Cabin Square
• Filet Heart Afghan
• Ducks in a Row Square
• Crossover Square
• Wagon Wheel Square
• Plaid Afghan
• Easter Eggs
• Towel Topper
• Coupon Holder
• Skillet Handle Cover
• Filet Dad Bookmark
• Holly Napkin and Candle Rings
• Pillsbury Doughboy
• Red White and Blue Bookmark
• Picot Basket
• Double Row Beaded Socks
• Animal Finger Puppets
• Wagon Wheel Shawl
• Ruffled Sock Edging
• Embellished Crochet Jeans
• Crochet Linen Belt
• Diamond Crochet Belt
• Crochet PDA Case
• Round Motif Afghan
• Crochet Butterfly Bag
• Lace Top
• Understanding Crochet Patterns
• Crochet Stitch Guide
• Water Bottle Holder
• Angel Pin
• Shamrock Square
• Filet "Noel" Wallhanging
• Remote Control Cozy
• Thread Crochet Ornament Cover
• Basket/Vase
• Six Hour Sweater
• Acorn
• Fringed Shawl
• Crochet Shrug
• Daisy Apron
• Beginner Crochet Block
• Cascade Afghan
• Crochet Hearth Rug
• Spring Baby Outfit
• Jewelry Bag
• Crocheted Curtains
• Easy Slippers
• Crocheted Sneakers
• Crocheted Socks
• Shells Plant Hanger
• Beaded Post Earrings
• Beaded Frame Fridgie
• Fashion Doll Sun Hat
• Beaded Spring Choker
• Spider Cat Toy
• Filet Crochet Tutorial

Craft Show Success E-Book Review

Looking to turn your crafts into a business? Considering the craft shows? I've just read an e-book for you! "Craft Show Success" is full of advice from the trenches of the local craft show up to juried fine art shows. Excellent for the beginner to novice craftsperson.

First, the book covers the basics of going into business with your crafts and many of the issues involved. The author goes into detail about how to design products, as she advises that your inventory should change about 30% per year.

Other chapters cover:

* Setting your business up for success

* Keys to selecting the right crafts shows

* Tips and ideas for a better booth

* Using a marketing plan to expand your business

This book is excellent for those starting to sell at craft shows and great for those wanting to be more successful at shows, too.

This is an e-book that you can buy online and download immediately.

National Scrapbooking Day Layout Contest

Enter the National Scrapbooking Day Layout Contest for your chance to win a CreateForLess shopping spree!

SEE YOUR PROJECT HERE!

Do you have a great arts and crafts project? We'd love to hear about it!

Whether you have it published on the internet or not, we can help.

How it Works

We will use your project as an article in our newsletter, the AllCrafts Update. You will receive a byline at the end that includes a link to your website or an email address.

Some Guidelines

We accept only projects that are a good fit for AllCrafts.net - please take a look around before submitting your project. We've been crafting a long time... show us something new! Of course, we appreciate a new take on an old favorite, too!

FROM WENDY AT ALLCRAFTS.NET