By guest contributor Amy Anderson

When I think of paper crafts, I usually thinking of origami and scrapbooking. Sure I can turn a piece of paper into a sailor’s hat or a crane, but the practical uses of these crafts are rather limited. Patricia Zapata expands the realm of paper craft in her book Home, Paper, Scissors and gives directions on accessories that are cute and useful.

Patricia divides up the book into sections of decorating, entertaining, and gifting with 33 crafts to choose from. I can’t say that I would want all of the designs in my home, but there are some very creative and unique crafts.

The Pillar Tealight Cover is a fun way to spruce up the lighting at dinner parties.  A simple curl of vellum paper turns a regular tealight into a glamorous centerpiece.

I’ve seen magazine bowls at upscale art shops and figured I could make one myself. Now I know how, and it’s as easy as glue, scissors, and pages from old issues. What a fun way to recycle and make something beautiful at the same time.

In addition, Patricia’s gift wrapping techniques are a nice change of pace from generic paper. Learn how to make your own gift bags, bows, and boxes that are great to have on hand for holidays.

Unless you have a wide range of paper sitting around your house, you’ll probably have to make special purchases for these crafts. Not many just use scraps—they require materials from tracing paper and cardstock to textured papers and foam board. Plus you’ll want to have a variety of glues, scissors, and craft knives handy. But if you have the time and supplies, Patricia’s ideas are inexpensive and recyclable additions for the home. And they’re definitely cuter than my origami sailor’s hat.

About the contributor: Amy Anderson is an Indie Fixx interns and is also a student at Northwestern University. Amy has wanted to be a journalist since she was just 5 years old and she is also into the indie design and crafting scenes as well. In addition to writing the occasional post, she also helps me with a variety of projects.

By guest contributor Amy Anderson 

I first learned how to knit when I was in middle school. My grandmother—the goddess of all textile arts—taught me, and I’ve been striving for greatness ever since. But I’m stuck in the rut of scarves and more scarves, without the patience to learn anything more complicated.

Solution? Knit Green: 20 Projects & Ideas for Sustainability. Author and artist Joanne Seiff came out with this amazing book last year that features eco-friendly knitting ideas for all skill levels—even mine! Plus she realizes that even though lots of us want to do something to create a sustainable world, we don’t all know what to do. So she adds simple tips and facts that help us take steps towards environmentalism. (Did you know that hemp doesn’t need any pesticides and can even be used for knitting yarn?)

One of my favorite projects is the zafu, which is a cozy round floor cushion using Navajo-Churro rug yarn. The skill level is easy (perfect!) and it’s a gorgeous addition to a den or family room.

I’m also excited to try the knitted curtains, something I never would have thought of making. Joanne’s pattern makes an airy and soft window covering using sportweight wool. It’s a creative way to use up extra wool and make something that you would normally purchase.

The best part of Knit Green is that it isn’t just a project guide. I learned so much about fair trade practices, buying local, sustainable farming, and more from Joanne’s research and stories. In the end, it’s really about being mindful about your purchases, even with your craft supplies. Host a yarn swap with friends, check thrift shops for supplies, and reuse old clothes for projects. Like Joanne says in her conclusion, “every little bit makes a difference.”

About the contributor: Amy Anderson is one of  the Indie Fixx interns and is also a student at Northwestern University. Amy has wanted to be a journalist since she was just 5 years old and she is also into the indie design and crafting scenes as well. In addition to writing the occasional post, she also helps me with a variety of projects.

By guest contributor Diahn Ott

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It’s that time of year when the days grow imperceptibly longer – when the daylight starts lasting beyond 4:25 pm and I always get the first little inkling of hope that someday it may be warm again.

The moment that happens, I immediately flash forward to June and begin dreaming of a week on a perfect beach somewhere. Actually, at this point in the winter, it doesn’t even have to be a perfect beach – as long as it is warm and I can hear the waves crashing on the shore, feel the salt spray on my face, and wriggle my toes deep into warm sand.

I found some photographers over at Etsy who obviously share my love of the beach, and they have inspired me this week – to look at something other than rainy streets and icy branches – to find a patch of sunshine and imagine I’m there…

About the contributor: Diahn Ott is an eclectic, self-taught artist, working primarily in water-based media such as gouache, watercolor and acrylics. She loves combining paints with ink, images with words, and natural with industrial elements. What separates Diahn from other artists is her ability to locate, and accentuate, the beauty in the ordinary by manipulating layered elements with the purity of line work. Her work can be viewed on her blog, Ottwork  and purchased at her recently opened Etsy shop, Ottwork Studios.  

By guest contributor Amy Anderson

I hate writer’s block. Sometimes I just sit and stare at my computer screen and it’s as though my brain has been wiped clean of all relevant thoughts. This is dangerous territory for a journalism major whose life revolves around deadlines. So when I need inspiration, I usually hit up my favorite design bloggers–the ones with eye-popping images and writing that flows naturally. Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl is one of those writers, and now she’s teaching readers her tricks of the trade.

Her e-book, 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion, is a primer in the best blogging practices and a layout for a whole year’s worth of posts. It’s filled with ways to be deliberate about your blog–finding your mission, choosing the right words, and drawing in readers. It made me think about a blog as more than just a place to dump your thoughts and ideas, but really a place to connect, inform, and challenge yourself. It’s something you’ll want to have saved to your desktop for easy reference when you’re searching for what to say.

“You have a passion for craft - or art - or design. You create daily - whether for a living or just because,” Tara writes. “Creating is a journey that starts with inspiration, continues with struggle, collaboration, breakthroughs, and learning, and comes full circle in success or failure. It is a journey that is worth documenting. It is a journey that others share and will be inspired from. Your creative journey is worth reading. Your creative journey is certainly worth writing!”

Not only is Tara a great writer, she’s also a great teacher. Her tips are easy to follow and worthwhile for anyone from a beginning blogger to a web pro.It’s the new year, and time to make some life changes, right? This book is about goals, so why not make one of your resolutions to blog consistently for the year? Whether you make your way through all 52 of Tara’s blogging ideas or just pick and choose a few to enrich your writing, I think you’ll find it a rewarding challenge. Purchase 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion online and visit Tara’s blog Scoutie Girl for more inspiration.

About the contributor: Amy Anderson is one of  the Indie Fixx interns this summer and is also a student at Northwestern University. Amy has wanted to be a journalist since she was just 5 years old and she is also into the indie design and crafting scenes as well. In addition to writing the occasional post, she also helps me coordinate Feed Your Soul: the free art project.

Artist Stephanie Fizer is sharing 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Indie Biz today on the Guest Blog for Special Topics in Calamity Business. Stephanie has a new e-course she is offering called Flourish. It’s a 5-week course about turning your creativity into a full-time business and she is also offering one free registration in the course to one lucky Indie Fixx reader!

To win: Just leave a comment on this post about how you plan on your indie biz flourishing this year. Those who already registered are welcomed to enter as well with their registration being refunded if they win. This giveaway will end Monday, January 18th at 11:59 pm EST.

By guest contributor Stephanie Fizer

So you’re day job is less than satisfying and by night you dream of turning your creative passion into your full-time occupation. Before you take the first steps to make your dream a reality, here are some things to consider when starting your own indie business:

1. Love what you do. This should be an easy one, because if you’re thinking of doing something fulltime, you probably already love it.
2. Be prepared for long hours. Very long hours. With a day job, you work 8-to-5 and then you go home to relax. With your indie business, it’s hard to just leave work at work, especially when work is right down the hall and there is always something to do. But of course, it doesn’t feel so much like work when you’re doing something you’re passionate about.
3. Be honest about your budget. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t lie, so before ditching your consistent paycheck, make sure you know how much money you need to pull in each month to cover both living expenses and business expenses.
4. Know that you will probably spend a lot more time doing business-related things than you want to. Preparing shipment, answering emails, doing paperwork and running errands can take up a surprising amount of your time.
5. If you’re not good with numbers and the thought of bookkeeping and taxes just scares you silly, consult with an accountant to make sure you are on the right track.
6. Just because you make it, doesn’t mean that someone will buy it. Make a great product and then market it well.
7. Be persistent. Success in your creative business may not happen overnight, so be patient and willing to work hard.
8. Don’t be shy. Talk about your work constantly both online and off; your confidence in your work will be your best marketing tool.
9. Be yourself. Don’t waste time trying to imitate the work of others. Remain true to yourself and your creativity and you will be your own greatest asset.
10. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are so many things to consider and figure out when you are starting up a creative business, so when you run into a wall, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

About the contributor: Stephanie Fizer is a self-taught illustrator working primarily in digital media although she often adds handmade elements to her works.  Pattern, texture and lively color provide a strong foundation for her work which is appropriate for both the young and the young-at-heart. After years of being unfulfilled in an office job, Stephanie was able to focus full-time on her illustrating career and is now making time to help others achieve their dreams of turning their creativity into a business.  Stephanie is currently offering an e-course on this topic called Flourish.  You can also view her work at her Etsy shop or read more about her on her blog.

by guest artist Samantha Hahn

Here’s a  Free New Year’s Card to Download from the artist Samantha Hahn.

Happy new year and let’s make this one all about peace and love!

About the Artist: Samantha Hahn is an illustrator, surface pattern designer, crafter, blogger, and art teacher. Select clients include: Glamour Magazine, Bust Magazine, Craft Magazine, Barnes & Noble, Hallmark, American Greetings, Victoria’s Secret and St. Martin’s Press. For updates on recent work and to read about art, design, craft, and style visit Maquette daily and check out her ever updated portfolio. To purchase limited edition prints and other items follow the shop link on Maquette.