THE END OF SUMMER....

TUTORIAL: THANK YOU POUCH (SCRAPBOOK EXPRESS; JULIED)

I know...unless your kid is in Summer School, teacher thank you gifts were needed a couple of months ago. BUT, when is there a time when a thoughtful gift for someone special isn't needed. No template, but I have an idea you'll figure out how to create the pouch. The torn paper flower is terrific...

Click TUTORIAL (above) to get the nitty gritty.

FREE DOWNLOAD: SCRABBLE, JR (CRAFT NECTAR; WEEKS)

Mercy, mercy, I do admire clever people who come up with fantastic ideas. This isn't really Scrabble, Jr...it's better! Perfect summer time fun that will keep those little brains cranking and shanking.

Click FREE DOWNLOAD (above) and start the game!

TUTORIAL: SUMMER BANNER (ELLE'S STUDIO; ELLE)

Looks as though summer is finally here. No better way to celebrate than with a banner. Elle has all kinds of great tips in this tut that will prove to be excellent for many creations.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start the celebration!

RECYCLE: VINTAGE CAKE/CUPCAKE STANDS (INTIMATE WEDDINGS)

Spring and summer are the time for parties, showers, brunches and weddings. These inexpensive stands will add glamour to any shindig...kind of nice that they're a piece of cake (sorry!) to create and cost just a pittance.

Click RECYCLE (above) and head out to the thrift stores.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO/TEMPLATE: US MAP (MARTHA STEWART)

Martha presented this map as an election day treat, but election day has come and gone, and we're in the middle of summer vacation...time for the kiddos to get a geography lesson. No reason the lesson can't be fun and entertaining, and this map project will provide those two important elements.

Click US MAP (above) to begin it all.