by Tamra Heathershaw-Hart

Created on: November 07, 2009

Certain websites take their subject matter to a new level. Such is the case of a subsection of Stampington & Company's "The Shoppe at Somerset" called "The Studio." Here you can see how both ordinary and unusual crafting supplies can be combined to create unique artwork, cards, and gifts. This website can really put the jingle in your holiday crafting.

The Studio isn't just a place where you can shop, although you can do that too. Here is where you'll find instructions on creating items that could be found in any of Stampington & Company's wide range of art publications. Their flagship magazine "

Somerset Studio" and it's many spin-offs (such as "Somerset Life" and "Somerset Wedding") have been a big part of the recent changes to the world of crafting, helping to move hand-crafted items from a "white glue and elbow macaroni" experience into the arena of fine art. Many successful and important artists have found themselves submitting artwork and hoping to be profiled on their magazine pages, and The Studio is one more area where these artists can show off what they make, and share how they make it.

The Studio has instructions and photographs for a variety of holiday projects such as watercolor and foil stamped holiday gift tags, eco-friendly gift bags, and inexpensive decorated canisters. The supplies for these projects include prima flowers, clothing buttons, blank tea tins, acrylic paint, embossing powders, and various glues, all of which can come out of your craft stash, be purchased at your local craft store, or be bought directly from the page of instructions.

The Studio isn't limited to gift presentation instructions - you can also find instructions for one-of-a-kind art objects and gifts here, ranging from collaged art journals, to fabric or cigar box purses, to beautiful paper and metal jewelry. The photographs are all beautifully lit and show the little details that make the items special, such as cleverly using ribbons and antique buttons to tie a book shut, or using strips of printed words to add a message to the filling material in an ornament.

Best of all, the how-to information in The Studio isn't limited to a few photos and a dry paragraph or two of text. Sommerset Studio has made expert use of the power of You Tube to place videos online on various techniques, such as Packing Tape Transfers and Glass Marble Ornaments. Links to the videos can be found scattered throughout the individual project instructions and also on the shopping pages themselves.

Whether you're a casual crafter or a serious artist, and whether your looking for an ornament to make for your tree or want some unique ideas for gifts, The Studio is a wonderful source of eye candy and inspiration.

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