Crafting is an outlet for creativity that comes in many forms. It can be an adventure in buttons and beads, glitter and glue sticks, stitches and stencils. The allure lies in the fact that raw materials � cloth, yarn, paper, paint, thread �  can be manipulated into something remarkable and unique with the perfect combination of time, effort, and imagination. You can produce something beautiful or functional (and sometimes beautifully functional) that can satisfy a basic need or make someone happy. A clever craft has the power to bring people together � families, friends, strangers.

With the blossoming popularity of pinning sites like Pinterest, getting your craft on is easier than ever. Be inspired and look at the things around you in a different way. Sometimes, inspiration for the most amazing projects comes from ordinary, often-overlooked objects. Plastic spoons aren�t just for sipping soup; they can be turned into a beautiful chrysanthemum mirror. Aluminum foil isn�t just for wrapping your food; it can be punched into beautiful silver circles for a modern dot wall-art project.

For more inspiration, check out the following websites and let your creative self be awakened and inspired.

www.pinterest.com

Pinterest truly is every crafter�s or creative person�s paradise. It�s a visual discovery tool and online pinning board that can be used to find ideas for craft projects and much more. For example, if you want to know how to transform simple plastic spoons into a beautiful chrysanthemum mirror, simply type in �spoon mirror� and a variety of photos will appear. Those photos, if clicked, will lead you to blog entries, tutorials, videos, or photos of all things related to spoon mirrors. But if you�re not ready to take on a certain craft, simply store it on your pin board and it�ll be there as a reminder later when you have some extra time. This is the beautiful thing about Pinterest � which is why smart crafters regularly stalk this popular pinning site.

www.auntpeaches.com

Hardcore crafters tend to have a lot of cool materials sitting around at their disposal, items like cardstock in all shades of the rainbow, funky stamps, bags stuffed with fabric in wild patterns, and a cocktail of glitters and glues. But the average person may not have many of these items in their home. This website is for that person, as Peach (the blogger) most often uses normal �everyday people� items for her craft projects. Her website is as unique as her personality. Her description of herself says it all: �I�m Peaches: aunt, artist, wannabe photographer, expert city dweller. My hands are always moving. My toenails are tangerine. I�m really good at procrastinating.� Here, you can make hot-glue-gun confetti hearts, intricate paper flowers, 10-minute bead mosaics, painted thrift-store purses, kid-art luminaries, and much more. Most importantly, you�ll have fun doing it.

www.craftster.org

Craftster.org is an online community that helps crafters and DIYers find loads of ideas, advice, and inspiration. Hundreds of thousands of free craft projects are at your fingertips. The content is easy to read, and comes with a touch of humor. Users post pictures of craft projects they have made and others comment and ask questions about how they were made. You can find everything from quilting-project patterns to tutorials on how to mold hot glue or make a needle-felted rug.

http://craftgawker.com

The mission of this website is simple: to inspire. And that isn�t hard when there is such a wide assortment of crafts portrayed with beautiful high-quality photos and easy instructions. Discover, search, and share arts and crafts  � like making black thumb succulents out of foam sheets. Or, like making your own pretty bow shirt with a free sewing tutorial. It�s all here � and you�ll leave this website feeling confident to be crafty.

www.littlethingsbring smiles.com

While the blog�s owner has taken a hiatus from posting to care for a newborn, the crafting archives remain  � and her craft projects are remarkable enough to peruse even if the blog isn�t being updated regularly. Among the many fascinating projects (shown with gorgeous photos) are tutorials on how to make a stunning acorn wreath, an almond tree, rustic snowflakes, felt flowers, book letters (a very cool project!), homemade heart-shape raviolis, split pea wreath, and sliced wood wall art. Oh, and plastic spoon mirrors! She writes her craft-project instructions so that even the most craft-challenged folks will walk away feeling like they could do any project � an �if she can do it, I can do this� kind of confidence. This website is definitely worth a visit.