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10 Unique, Affordable Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted on May 8, 2012
10 unique, affordable Mother

If you haven’t already bought Mom the lovely, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gift she deserves, it’s time to break out the big guns. With less than a week to go, we can’t afford to lose valuable time surfing cookie-cutter gift sites. Here are 10 great gifts you can procure easily or make yourself, package, and hand deliver (or hey, because their pricetag is low, you can still afford to spend a little on shipping).

Homemade Gift Idea: How to Make Scented Bath Oil

Posted on May 8, 2012
How to make homemade scented bath oil as a Mother

This bath uses whole milk and honey, and makes a great gift for a bridal shower, mom, or good friend’s birthday. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.

Tori Spelling’s Do’s and Don’ts of Party Planning

Posted on April 18, 2012
Tori Spelling

Limit the cheesiness factor and have a great theme party: Keep it classy with these guidelines from Tori Spelling’s CelebraTORI: Unleashing Your Inner Party Planner to Entertain Friends and Family.

How to Start a New Craft Project

Posted on March 29, 2012
How to learn a new craft from Homemade author Carol Endler Sterbenz

By Carol Endler Sterbenz
Author of Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts

Have you been thinking about learning a new craft? If so, I hope you will feel inspired to try whatever it is that has been intriguing you. I have been making pretty things by hand for a long, long time. Learning a new craft is still compelling and possible to me as long as I keep in mind the following tips, which I discovered along the way.

Why HOW You Do Anything Means Everything

Posted on March 14, 2012
Author Dov Seidman explains why how we do something affects everything

By Dov Seidman
Author of HOW: Why HOW We Do Anything Means Everything

In the 21st century, it is no longer what you do or what you know that counts most. It is how you do what you do that has become today’s greatest source of advantage. Of course how we do what we do has always mattered. But today, how we behave, consume, build trust in our relationships, and relate to others matters more than ever before.

How To Be a Literary Rock Star: 10 Tips from Crime Author George Pelecanos

Posted on February 27, 2012
What It Was author George Pelecanos gives author Allison Leotta writing tips and a free lunch

By Allison Leotta
Author of Discretion

George Pelecanos is an author at the top of his game. When he’s not writing bestselling crime novels, he’s creating some of America’s finest TV dramas: shows like The Wire and Treme. Stephen King called him “perhaps America’s greatest living crime writer”; Esquire anointed him “the poet laureate of D.C. crime fiction”; Dennis Lehane said, “The guy’s a national treasure.” So how can a new writer capture a little bit of that magic? Here’s what he told me.

Holiday Decorating Idea: How to Make Glitter Snowflakes

Posted on December 22, 2011
How to make a homemade holiday craft project glitter snowflake with your children

Kids home from school for the holidays? Give them a great craft activity with these simple, sparkly handcrafted snowflakes. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.

6 Last-Minute Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

Posted on December 20, 2011
6 last-minute homemade gift ideas from Money Saving Mom

By Crystal Paine
Author of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget

Are you crunched for time and money this holiday season? We feel your pain. Here are six simple and inexpensive last-minute gift ideas that convey the spirit of the season without draining your bank account.

Paying It Forward (at the Grocery Store)

Posted on December 19, 2011
How a random act of kindness at the <a href=

Keep your heart open for those you can help, especially during the holidays. Even grocery shopping can present an opportunity, says Debbie Macomber, author of One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity.

How to Make a Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table

Posted on December 12, 2011
How to decorate your holiday table with this PVC pipe peppermint centerpiece from Big Ass Book of Crafts author Mark Montano

By Mark Montano
Author of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2

Truth be told, I’m not the best at holiday decorating. Hear me out. I would prefer that colorful lights and glittery ornaments be around all year instead of just at Christmas time. This way, when the pressure of the holidays comes around, I’m not scrambling to make things in red and green!

Holiday Gift Idea: How to Make a Teacup Candle

Posted on December 12, 2011
How to make a holiday gift teacup candle with craft making tips from Homemade author Carol Endler Sterbenz

Quirky antique teacups from thrift stores can be transformed into beautiful table settings and hostess gifts. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.

Holiday Decorating Idea: How to Make a Garland

Posted on December 8, 2011
How to make a pretty holiday garland to decorate your home with tips from Homemade crafts author Carol Endler Sterbenz

Garlands can be displayed along banisters or draped across window frames to spread seasonal warmth throughout your home. Use these tips to make simple bouquets to weave into a garland of your choosing, from Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.

Holiday Gift Idea: How to Make Quick and Easy Etched Glass Ornaments

Posted on November 30, 2011
How to make quick and affordable holiday gifts such as etched glass Christmas ornaments with tips from Homemade crafts author Carol Endler Sterbenz

Sure, you can buy a cheap set of ornaments from your local big-box retailer. But making your own unique baubles will give your loved ones a holiday to remember. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.