Whether it's your hobby or your livelihood, crafting requires space. A well thought-out "play" room of one's own reaps its many rewards. Organize your workroom around decorating solutions that do double duty without doubling the volume, too. Designate stations for supplies. This will help your space run efficiently. And ...

Bandanna Napkin Ring To fit standard dinner napkins, cut a bandanna into 6- by 9-inch strips. Fold each strip in thirds lengthwise, then fold in thirds widthwise. Sew a button on one end, about 1 inch from the edge. (Choose any colorful loose buttons you may have on ...

Ocean Jewel So who could have guessed that Lynda Susan Hennigan's visit to a maritime museum in Provincetown, Mass., would result in a future career? Certainly not the shellwork artist. "I was just 7 years old," she recalls now, "but one look at the shells in old sailors' ...

This easy project makes smart use of an embroidery hoop and a pair of ready-made curtains. Spoon Mirror Transform a plain mirror into the fairest of them all - with a frame built from spoons. Napkin Notes Some ...

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but words can create a pretty picture, too. That's what stylist Paul Lowe set out to celebrate when he determined to make artful use of books and letters that, too often, end up in the trash. Poetry- and prose-inspired crafts, ...

Cookie Tin Drill a hole in the lid and hide the clockworks inside the container. Then attach a picture hanger to the back of the tin with superglue. Fabric Add iron-on interfacing to the back of the cloth (to prevent fraying), then stretch ...

Cushion and Draperies Some doilies are so standout, they deserve prominent display. Hand-stitch one to the front of a store-bought cushion cover. For the drapery, stitch doilies of varying sizes along the hemline, building a pleasing pattern. Instant Topiary To make this sweet ...

Vintage Postcard Invitations Pretty vintage postcards serve as party invitations. Just write the event details on the back and attach an address label to the front. Sewing Pattern Flowers An elementary school craft takes on a sophisticated edge when fashioned from the ...

Bandanna Table Runner Add a cheerful touch to the summer table with this patchwork-style runner. Line up enough bandannas to fit the length of a table, leaving some overhang, and stitch together. To back the runner, cut an old cotton tablecloth (any light-colored one will do) to match ...

Desktop Organizer Turn an antique photo album into an expanding file for letters, receipts, and other important documents. Tea Tin Candles Recycle graphic tea tins by turning them into decorative candles. Display Shelves Glamorize an old wine crate or wooden ...

Like most homes, yours probably does not have a mudroom - but it could probably use one. Strictly speaking, mudrooms are found in snowy, damp northern climates and are used as a spot to shed heavy outdoor clothing. But if you think of mudrooms as a cross between a utility room ...

Simple ways to spruce up your home decor From Plain to Pretty Don’t let the adage fool you: April’s flowers herald spring just as much as May’s post-shower buds. And what smarter way to display a bunch of hyacinths or daffodils than with this easy update of a basic ...

Create three-dimensional artwork by mounting your favourite mementos inside standard frames - and skip the glass. To make the mat, simply paint the wall defined by the frame. Choose a frame style and a "mat" colour that suits the room and objects. Memento ideas might include old letters and postcards, pressed ...

Let's face it... we're not all perfect. Some of us really do like to be surrounded by clutter and, hey, so what! Plantation-Style Shutters These designer screens make wonderful hiding places for emergencies, not to mention the fact that they also look extremely ...

Turn everyday outdoor objects into a trio of tasteful household tables. At Your Service For years, this hardy cart weathered the elements on a patio serving the hungry hordes. After a primer-and-paint facelift, it moved indoors and stands ready to offer gracious, sofa-side service. The wheels enable it to be ...