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Inspiration Board : Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids

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We are very excited to bring you our latest book: Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids!

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Our Editors at Living have been working tirelessly on this latest publication (available now!). It's packed with 175 projects for kids of all ages, including printable templates and clip-art as well as a detailed tools glossary. Below are a few of my favorite projects from the book. Click here for our Crafts for Kids video hub, where Jodi shows you how to make several projects from the book.

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These cardboard worlds are made with a few pieces of sturdy corrugated cardboard. Decorate with wallpaper and dollhouse furniture for a host of miniature playscapes. Click here for the full how-to.

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These darling felt flower barrettes require small pieces of felt, bobby pins and glue gun. Click here for the full how-to.

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I so love this Cross-Stitch Family project. Kids can stitch themselves or family portraits! Click here for the full how-to.

Hurry out and get your copy! Click here for more information on our favorite crafts for kids and here to buy the book.

Inspiration Board : personalized wedding gifts

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Two very special friends got married last month. Super Crafter Blake, and Stylist Extraordinaire Liz. Both a week apart from each other, both to Australian men, here in New York, and I was lucky enough to be part of both celebrations. Obviously I wanted to give something special, something personal, but then again they have wedding registries for a reason ... it's what the couples really want, no ?! Funny enough they both registered for Fog Linen pieces at Brookfarm General store. Now that I could get for them ... and personalize it too ! So I took their invitations as inspiration for an idea for a small embroidered embellishment on their chosen linens. I hope it will make them  happy, as they'll now have what they asked for, with just that little bit of extra love.

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Congratulations to all 4 of you !!! xo

Make It : Felt Luggage Tag Tutorial

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I often have trouble identifying my luggage from the sea of similar nondescript bags that ride the belt at the airport's baggage claim. Some passengers have strategies to make theirs stand out:  buy patterned luggage, wrap brightly-coloured straps around the bags, and even dangle ribbons or charms from the handles.  With a few trips on the horizon, I wanted to make something that is easy-to-spot and convenient to carry.

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Materials you will need:  felt, scissors, ruler, disappearing ink pen, and sewing machine (or needle and thread)

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Directions:

1.  Cut a 3" x 11-1/4" felt rectangle.

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2.  On one end, mark a 1-1/8" x 4" rectangle on both sides.

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3.  Cut out rectangles, leaving a 3/4" x 4" long strap.

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4.  Carefully cut a 2-1/4" slit along the centre of the strap, 1/4" in from the end.

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5.  Fold main section at 3-1/4" (the back of the pocket should measure 4")

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6.  Stitch both sides of pocket with a 1/4" seam allowance.

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7.  To attach, slip strap under luggage handle.

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8.  Wrap pocket around handle and pull through the slit.

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9.  Insert business card or contact information.

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So simple to make, you could sew a batch for people going away on vacation or even for kids going away to summer camp.