Congratulations Linda B.!   You won last week’s Sweet Giveaway.  Enjoy using it with your banner die. Please e-mail  your address to thecraftsdept@marthastewart.com so we can send them on their way…

I am back from my excursion to Tucson and have had a moment to step back and examine everything I have learned. Although I work as a professional “crafter”, there are many crafts I know little about and am certainly not an expert in. It was extremely nice to attended the Crystallized Elements workshops and …

I was thrilled to try one of  Marvy’s new craft products- Bistro Chalk Markers!   They offer two brilliant pinks in their collection, so I had to try them out on some Valentine cards.  This type of marker is typically used for dry erase boards, chalkboards, and window advertisements, but worked very well on paper …

It is bling month in Tucson right now and the area is sparkling with jewelry, gem, mineral and bead shows!  Crystallized Swarovski Elements is out here for the occasion and I am participating in a few of their workshops. Yesterday, in just 3 hours, I learned a couple new beading techniques and finished the class …

February 14th is just a week and a half away.  This “Sweet Hearts” Punch Around the Page set is perfect for card making, food packaging, and table setting crafts for Valentine’s day and beyond!  They’re available at Michaels, or win one here.  Leave a comment describing how you’ll use your new punches in 50 words …

Ed Mitby asks: I recently was in India and purchased several tablecloths and table settings that apparently are made with vegetable dye. Supposedly you are supposed to soak these in salt water before washing to prevent bleeding, but how much salt, what water temperature, and how long? Very good question! I didn’t know the answer …

As my boys get older, it seems they don’t want anything to do with things that say ‘cute’, ‘sweet’, ‘mine’ or ‘yours’, and especially ‘love’ (yuck !) …. in a few years that will probably come back (for a specific person, rather than the whole class), but for now Valentine’s Day has gotten to be …

If you are looking for Valentine card inspiration this weekend check out our card making center – there are great ideas for crafters of all ages…