I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

I love this thread and glad to see it back! I am kind of hit and miss at doing crafts. I have done lots of the glass garden totems, I posted some pics here of them some time ago. And I do make jewelry as my hands allow these days. Right now I have been named Project Manager for our Garden Club and I come up with crafts and projects we can all do for fun and also to sell at our yearly sale. This is one of the more recent ones I taught them and I made for the sale. They are fall leaf covered candle holders. Super easy.

Like so many of you i do lots of crafty things.I sew,quilt,cross stitch,tole paint,wood crafts,paint rocks(havn't done those for a while now)make spinners for outside from plastic canvas etc,etc.If it catches my eye i will try it.However i never learned to knit or crochet,except for the edge of dish towels(crochet)Tried them both,just never got very good at either. I always make my own curtains,and have done some upholstery in the past,and i always make or cover my own throw pillows. Nicole,you did a great job on the upholstery. Flamingo,those are very nice as usual,and colorful. Susie i'd like to see your garden lady when she's done.I made one several years ago and someone stole it from my yard. I also like to do garden junk and visit that forum quite often. TFS everyone. Kathi

I use a small one for coupons, too. I also use the larger "zip" ones to sort hardware-type things: In one bag are picture-hanging nails/clips/3M Command hooks. In another are spare drapery holder thingies -- brackets, old finials, etc. A couple others hold other things. I got tired of digging through a large plastic toolbox and a large Rubbermaid-type bin for things. This way, I can spot what I need before I even have to open the bags. Also, I use the smaller zip bags to divvy up my dog's kibble servings when she's going to the dogsitter's home for a few nights when I have to be away.