I have this bare spot above our patio door that I couldn’t decide what I wanted there. When I was cleaning out a spare closet, I found a new canvas I had never used and thought I would paint it and place it there.

So I gathered my paints, painted the base layer on the canvas, and then applied the other colors I wanted, using my fingers to swirl and paint and make my designs.

From start to finish it only took 30 minutes, and the total cost was about $7. And it doesn’t take a super-artsy person to pull this off, just someone who doesn’t mind getting a little paint on their hands.

These are the only resolutions I like to make. Losing weight I no longer bother with, and anything else like trying to keep my car clean or saving money…well those are great in theory but too hard to do on a daily basis. But my main resolution this year has to do with crafting and that is learning to sew.

This past year I’ve really wanted to learn, but in the last few weeks the itch has gotten bad. I had asked my mom to show me the basics on her machine, and she saw an opportunity for a great Christmas gift and I was blessed with a new sewing machine. Now I just need to learn how to use it…

My list of projects isn’t very long (or difficult) - a skirt, handbag, curtains for the dinning room - but I’ll be documenting them here, all the good, the bad, and the ugly. And for those of you who sew I’m really hoping you’ll chime in for some feedback and any tips you may have. I’m counting on you to help me not fail this resolution.

So with the oncoming year and new ideas that have inspired you, what are your new years craft resolutions?

Before you decide to toss all those Christmas cards sent to you, save them and use them as gift tags for next year. It doesn’t require a crafty-hand, just a pair of scissors and a hole punch.

Cut around specific shapes, or take a decorative backdrop and cut shapes in it. Punch a hole in the top for tying them on and cover any writing on the back by gluing a piece of paper over it. You can even embellish them with glitter, sequins or ribbon.

It doesn’t take any time at all, and you’ve turned those beautiful Christmas cards into beautiful gift tags for next holiday season.