Articles written by Cindy Hartzell

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About me - Cindy Hartzell

Hello!

I am a writer, a trainer and an arts and crafts fanatic. If there is one thing that can make arts and crafts better, it's creative recycling. I am currently working on a book containing innovative and fun creative recycling projects. Most of my articles

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Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) Post-holiday recycling ideas: 1 of 18
Post-holiday recycling ideasThe holidays abound with possibilities for recycling! Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself creative and resourceful, if you are open to just trying just a few of the following recycling ideas, you will be amazed at how much money you can save, and will be well on your way to reducing ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Crafts (Other) Recycling craft ideas: 2 of 21
So you don't have a huge crafting budget? Call me frugal, stingy or just plain cheap; I can't resist the challenge of adding recycling to my craft projects! There's also a certain pride you get when you successfully covert trash to treasure. Not only is it economical, it is also very hip to recycle these days. So, you haven't... More..
Hobbies & Games > Crafts (Other) Making craft projects from recycled goods: 2 of 19
Every day, we throw away great cardboard boxes from cereal, cake mixes, box meals, and more. That cardboard can be cut with punches and die cutting machines into great shapes, letters, or whatever else you can think of! Use the shapes in scrapbooks, altered journals or for other projects. Juice box purses are another exce... More..
Hobbies & Games > Kids Crafts How to save money by making greeting cards with your children: 2 of 19
Want to keep your kids busy, save money, impress your friends and be a great citizen all at the same time? You too can achieve this uber-human status by making your own greeting cards from recycled materials! There are actually tons of ways to use recycled materials to make greeting cards. For now, we will concentrate on just... More..
Hobbies & Games > Yarn & Needle Crafts How to learn to crochet: 3 of 26
Crocheting is a gratifying and popular craft, so it is very easy for beginners to find sources that teach how to crochet. Intermediate and advanced crochet students will find that computer and video technology puts knowledge and expertise literally at their fingertips. Whether you are brand to crochet or would like to learn... More..
Hobbies & Games > Crafts (Other) Tips for pricing your handmade crafts: 2 of 15
Pricing your handmade crafts can either be a simple task or the most gut-wrenching, difficult decision you will ever have to make. It can be a deliberate, time-consuming calculation or an intuitive judgment call, or something in between! It is often much more difficult for someone who rarely sells their handicrafts to respond... More..
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Jewelry design using found objects: 1 of 7
While you weren't looking a whole other subculture has risen from obscurity up into our mainstream culture! That's right; a particular strain of the human pack rat has evolved to become a noticeable and accepted member of society! Not quite in the ranks of haute couture; none the less, some found object jewelry designers earn... More..
Hobbies & Games > Kids Crafts Tips on how you can use crafts to improve your child's problem solving skills: 1 of 7
Please excuse me while I climb upon my decoupage soap box, and boastfully preach all the wonders and benefits of crafts to all that will listen! I almost believe if we could have a "World Craft Day" it actually could bring the fruition of (often proclaimed as desired) "World peace!" Also frequently stated, by many (which will... More..
Hobbies & Games > Kids Crafts How crafts projects can help you spend quality time with your children: 2 of 12
"Quality, not quantity;" you've heard that before. So, what exactly is "quality time?" What has to be done differently to infuse time with more QUALITY? And, how do you make sure you are spending quality time with your children? The answer is actually quite easy; make sure your focus is on an activity that you and your child/... More..
Hobbies & Games > Yarn & Needle Crafts How to do a shoulder bag pattern: 1 of 6
Want a hip new shoulder bag or tote? Try crocheting a "bohemian bag." If you know how to make a chain and how to do a single (sc) crochet stitch you can have this bag done in no time!Even seasoned veterans will love this pattern! The actual pattern is easy and material cost is low. Use leftovers, scraps, reclaimed and recycle... More..