Need an outlet for your creativity? These arts and crafts sites offer all the resources you need: project ideas, helpful hints, online supply ordering and more. Explore these links and start a homemade gift workshop!

General Craft Sites

• Craft Exchange
  This site contains a wealth of craft ideas organized by type and holiday. Whether you want to make a Chinese New Year Dragon or traditional bead crafts, you're sure to find a great idea here.
  
  
• Dick Blick Art Materials
  Dubbed a "shopping and learning center," this comprehensive site includes a great selection of crafts -- including stuff for the holidays -- plus a project library, message boards, newsletter and links to craft companies.
  
  
• Michael's
  As one of the largest arts and crafts stores in the country, Michael's offers online shopping and a helpful idea center. Use the store locator to find one near you.
  
  
• The Crafts Fair Online
  This comprehensive source is for lovers of all crafts. It contains links to related sites, craft artists, shows, organizations, supplies and publications. Many craft ideas, too!
  
  
• National Craft Association
  Though the site's goal is to get you to join the organization, it does offer information about supplies, tips and trends. It's also helpful for professional craftspeople looking to sell their products.
  
  
  
  
  

• The Weaving Network
  This site contains tons of links to distributors, wholesalers, publications and associations.
  
  
• Basket Class
  This company offers a full line of basket weaving tools and materials. They also have a lending library and free patterns.
  
  
• V.I. Reed & Cane
  In addition to selling basket weaving supplies and kits, they have a great Q&A section for beginners.

• The Wax House and CandleChem
  These sites sell everything you need, from wicks and wax to scenting oils and dyes.

• KinderArt
  Yahoo! Internet Life calls this site "a resource of the highest order." Kids of all ages can get an online arts education through its more than 200 lesson plans.
  
  
• Linit Starch-n-Crafts Idea Site
  Yes, this is a promotion for starch. But the company does list some good craft activities for kids.

• Yarn Lover's Room
  This is one of the few knitting sites that offers free patterns and advice.
  
  
• Yarn Forward
  Click on "Free" to view free patterns.

• Wonderful Stitches
  This site for stitchery enthusiasts offers a selection of needlepoint, cross-stitch and quilt stitches, plus needlework projects and links.
  
  
• The CrossStitch Zone
  This mail order business offers a large assortment of cross-stitch supplies and an e-mail newsletter filled with cross-stitch sites.

• OrigamiUSA
  This comprehensive site is packed with diagrams, events and a membership area.
  
  
• Joseph Wu's Origami Page
  This is the granddaddy of all origami sites. In addition to diagrams, it contains links to valuable resources like origami history, associations and paper suppliers.

• Twinrocker Handmade Paper
  This company's site offers an online catalog of handmade paper and paper-making supplies.
  
  
• Stampendous
  Mainly an online catalog, this site does contain a variety of stamping projects -- from beginner to advanced.

• Quilts on-Line
  Contains news, features, quilting tips and product reviews.
  
  
• The Quilt Shop
  These sites sell quilt patterns and fabrics. Some offer a free pattern.

• Rughooking Online
  This comprehensive site includes articles, patterns, FAQ and expert advice.
  
  
• The Rughooker's Network
  Learn about upcoming events and browse their online suppliers and designers. As the site says, they have everything to satisfy your rughooking needs.

• Home Sewing Association
  This site offers free projects for kids and adults, in addition to tips, trends and the latest in sewing reading material.
  
  
• Mr. Sewing does offer a few "freebies," but pattern bigwigs like Butterick, Vogue and McCall's only offer a place to preview their latest catalogs.

• Patterns Your Way
  This co-op of artists and craftspeople was created to share patterns within the stained glass industry. You can sign up to receive free patterns by e-mail.
  
  
• Dodge Studio Designs
  In addition to selling patterns, this site offers safety tips, new tools and project information.

• Wood N' Things
  This company is part retail store, part teaching center. Like the motto says, "If we don't have it, you don't need it!"
  
  

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