Jen's Sewing Machine by House of Sims. Through the Creative Commons License on Flickr

The weekend is upon us.  What crafty ideas do you have planned?  Are you going to thread that needle and MAKE something?  I hope so!

Sometimes it’s the time factor that makes the difference between starting a project and throwing up our hands in despair.  Try to carve out a little creative time for yourself this weekend.  Get up a little bit earlier, stay up a bit later.  Make yourself a good cup of tea or coffee.  Take a deep breath.  And CRAFT.  It will be worth it.  I promise!

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Make a craft apron:

"Pretty Pastel Craft Apron" by citychiccountrymouse on Flickr through the Creative Commons License

Make some soap:

"Soap Assortment" by Bathing in Luxury on Flickr through the Creative Commons License

Knit something fun:

"Knitting in Sunlight" by Mr. T in DC on Flickr through the Creative Commons License

Craft with the kids:

"Card Making Kit is a Kidling Hit" by woodleywonderworks on Flickr through the Creative Commons License

Make a gift (and keep one for yourself):

"Blue/White Linen Lavender Sachets" by Le Petit Poulailler on Flickr through the Creative Commons License

Enjoy your weekend.

UPDATED 01.25.2010:  Photo links have been corrected to link back to the original photo on Flickr.

As I’ve said many times here, and on the Craft-News.com site:  it’s about COMMUNITY!  People sharing with each other.  Human beings helping other human beings.  Here’s another chance  for you to be community-minded and help the people of Haiti.

The ladies over at CraftHope.com have created a special Etsy shop where you can either donate a handmade item or purchase one.  Either way, you’ll be helping out!  Funds from the sale of all the hand-crafted goodies will be sent to Doctors Without Borders to help the earthquake victims of Haiti.

Let me just tell you that there is a whole lotta love in that little shop. Handmade love from all around the world. Go on over, take a looksy. We are seriously updating that space at all hours so keep checking back, or refreshing your page. There is some amazing items that have come through that shop! A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to all of the crafters out there that donated and continue to donate items. I know we only get to reply with a quick thank you, but you need to know that you are truly appreciated. Without your donation, there would be no shop, there would be no money raised for Haiti. You all are amazing.

And another HUGE thank you to those of you who have gone shopping. Some of you took items I was wanting to buy while I was typing feverishly. I would be typing and say ‘look at that… where did it go?’ Things go fast!

This shop has exceeded our wildest expectations. We thought, maybe, just maybe someone would donate something and we’d raise a couple of hundred bucks for Haiti. Boy, did you blow that out of the water.

In just 24 hours, the Craft Hope for Haiti Etsy shop has had 162 sales and raised just around $4,000. Pat yourselves on the back my friends. You are rockstars!

Please understand that there is about a 24 hour turnaround on listing items. We are going as fast as humanly possible.

We truly appreciate all of the sweet comments that come in with the listings. You cheer us on and certainly make us feel like what we are doing is important. Thank you for that.

We just added a new section to our shop called ‘kid craft.’ Crafts made by kids. So please encourage your child if they want to get into the action. My daughter got a weaving loom from Santa and has been working on a pot holder to put into the shop.

–Jade from Craft Hope

So…please help out in any way you can.  And thanks for being part of the Craft-News community.  Your compassion and generosity are VERY much appreciated!

P.S.  Thanks to all the crafty mamas working so diligently behind the scenes on the Craft Hope Etsy shop.  Now THAT’S what I call community!

Mini Valentine's Day Card by inky squid on Flickr

The folks over at FaveCrafts have all sorts of craft ideas.  If you’re ever in a craft funk and just don’t know what to do,  hop on over.  They will certainly get your creative juices flowing.

With Valentine’s Day not too far off (can you believe it?) FaveCrafts’ Be My Love Boxers project is a great way to say I LOVE YOU!  You can make them in any size.  Just buy the boxer shorts and have at it!

Click on over and check it out.  Simple instructions await.  Have fun!

empty classroom © Ferenc Szelepcsenyi #6323233 on Fotolia

Okay folks, the Holiday Break is officially over.  It’s time to get back in the swing of things.  Time to ‘hit the books’ once more.  Time to open your mind and learn something new and worthwhile.  Here’s a suggestion:

Diane, over at CraftyPod, is offering up a great class for those of you wanting to spruce up your blog.  As Diane puts it,

If you have a blog and you’d like it to look prettier, or have a bigger audience, or more effectively market your crafty business, this class will help you do all that.

Click on the image above and hear what her students are saying about this online class.  Don’t miss out!  Get smart.  Get blogging.   Get signed up today!

P.S.  Check out Diane’s super-organized craft space over here at Craftzine.

Have you found a fantastic product?  A wonderful craft project?  Have you read the ‘best’ craft book on the market?  Did you find a really cool website?  We want to hear about them!

Leave a comment at our Contact Us page or send me an email:  michael @ craft-news.com.

Thanks!