Nature has been an inspiration to artists ever since people began making art. You can make some fantastic art using objects found right in your backyard — like twigs that you can glue together to make a picture frame. It’s fun to walk outside and … Read More

For people of any age, the most thrilling part of woodworking is the projects. What if you have a very young beginner? Start with String Thing! This is an easy string art project with a huge “wow” factor and it’s a great way to get … Read More

Have you ever tried fabric printing? You can print on just about any kind of fabric. Try making something new for your house or decorate a T-shirt that you can wear. What You’ll Need Scrap paper or newspaper Styrofoam trays* Scissors Masking tape Acrylic paint … Read More

The best time to save seeds from your open-pollinated tomato varieties is when the first tomatoes ripen. I use the first ripe tomatoes for seed saving to reduce the chances that the bees will have worked the flowers and cross-pollinated the … Read More

If you are already familiar with crochet, these earrings are quick project that yields amazing results — thread crochet over purchased 2-inch hoops. You can make a pair for every color in your wardrobe. YARN Cotton crochet thread size 10 CROCHET HOOK Steel US 6 … Read More

Short of building fences around every garden bed or patio, what’s a gardener and pro-foraging chicken-keeper to do to prevent your flock from wreaking havoc in your carefully planted plots? The answer: Install a simple chicken corral where your hens can forage without destroying your … Read More

You can make beautiful stationery, cards, wrapping paper, and other artwork by printing with leaves and other found objects from nature. Water-soluble printing inks work well, but almost any ink or paint can be used for nature printing, so try whatever product you … Read More

In this age of email and texts, receiving a handwritten note is a treat. It’s especially charming to get one on a handmade card. All three of the following patterns use the slow stitching needlework style, with each version a bit more challenging than … Read More

A whole world of sewing opens up when you master drawing with thread. We like to use a sharp pencil, chalk, or vanishing ink pen to sketch some guidelines on the surface before stitching. Come up with your own motifs, use templates, or just improvise … Read More

Dogs are born pleasers. They live for our approval. They are motivated to learn when the training is fun and when the trainer — you — is being friendly and patient. Animal behaviorists have proven that dogs learn best with positive reinforcement. That … Read More