Cheap Thrills

Channel your inner herbalist in this class about growing and using medicinal herbs, 10 to 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, $5, 631-283-3195, ext. 10, peconiclandtrust.org.

Have you ever hosted a TV show ... in your head? Well, if you’re into “Do It Yourself” home projects, there could be a real audience in your future.

Here’s the deal: the DIY Network is scouting its next host in what the producers call the “Stud Finder search.” Viewers — those who are outgoing and passionate do-it-yourselfers — are invited to enter a contest via the network's Web site. Submissions include a video and photos as well as an explanation of why you are the right person for the job.

“We are looking for the next true DIY Network star, someone who has the right combination of skills and personality to make their way into living rooms across America," Kathy Finch, the network's general manager, said in a statement.

Entries must be submitted by July 13. The network will select four finalists, while viewers choose the fifth via online voting. Of course, the five will compete before a winner is named.

— LISA DOLL BRUNO

Are you counting the days 'til summer begins?
I know I am!

I'm most looking forward to enjoying a nice tall glass of fresh lemonade on a hot summer day. So imagine my glee when I discovered this neat little recipe for Lemon Loofah soap. Trust me, it's just as good!

What is loofah? It's a plant that grows much like the cucumber, can be dried, shredded and added to handmade soap for a natural exfoliant. It's a really unique ingredient to add to your homemade soaps.

Once you're done, this delightful soap smells like fresh lemons!! Or if you're a candy addict, it'll remind you of a box of LemonHeads, too!

I recently demonstrated how to make this recipe for my craft club, The NYC Soapmaker's Circle. Here's feedback I received from a pal:

"The demonstration and information was excellent and the soap was awesome. It smells like fresh lemonade and makes your skin great. I didn't want to leave the shower and when I did I made a glass of lemonade."

Ingredients:
1 4-ounce bar unscented glycerin soap
1 teaspoon powdered loofah
15 drops lemon essential or lemon fragrance oil
1 4-ounce soap mold

Directions: In a double boiler on the stove or in a microwave on a low setting, melt the bar of glycerin soap until liquefied. Remove from heat and stir in powdered loofah and lemon oil. Pour melted soap into the mold and let set for three hours or until hardened.

Resources: Supplies can be purchased at your local craft store, such as Michaels or online at WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com 

Crafty Tip: For easy removal, put the filled soap mold into your fridge or freezer for a few minutes and then pop your soap out of the mold. It works every time!

Photo by Natural Brands Inc., a maker and distributor of premium fresh-squeezed juices, including lemonade.

Register for this oil painting class, which starts Thursday, and is offered every Thursday for six weeks, 1-3 p.m. at the Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center, 39 Montauk Hwy., Blue Point, $25. Call about supplies, 631-363-5193.

My craftin' buddy Heidi e-mailed me this cute tutorial on card making, which happens to be one of my favorite hobbies. Star of May is the crafter in this video and she's using craft supplies from Stampin' Up. Check out the video and enjoy. It's totally addicting to watch!

Do you have a great tutorial to share? Tell us about it!

Learn the benefits of using lemons, lavender oil and other "green" products at a spring cleaning workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Southold, sponsored by the Group for the East End. You will make some of your own household cleaners, so bring plastic spray bottles. It's free, 54895 Main Street, 631-765-6450, ext. 211.

Don't discard your cereal box! Instead, transform it into this super cute wallet packed with recycling power! With a few cuts and folds, you'll have a one-of-a-kind wallet made from your favorite breakfast brand. Makes a unique Father's Day gift and works great for business cards, too. Tutorial by Tiffany Threadgould at RePlayGround!.

Ingredients:
Empty food box - like a cereal box
Elastic cord
Paper template you can download here (Adobe Reader required to view)

Tools:
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Paper scoring tool - like a butter knife or bent paperclip small paperpunch (1/8" hole) or tack

Instructions:
1. Cut out the template and place it on top of your box. Trace around the edges.

2. Cut along the lines and punch holes where indicated either with a small paper punch or a tack. If you're using a tack, wiggle the tack in the hole so it's large enough to fit the elastic cord through.

3. Then, place the ruler on top of your cut-out and run your paper scoring tool along the lines. Fold at these lines.

4. Tie a double knot at one end of your cord and slip through hole A with the knot on the inside of the box. Then thread through B, going through the inside of the box and ending on the outside. Next, thread in through C and out through D. Then, thread in through E, and back in through F ending on the inside of the box.

5. Tuck in tabs A and F and fold up the wallet. Then tie a double knot in the end to secure. Make sure the elastic is snug, but not too tight. Slip the elastic over the corners of your wallet and it's ready to be filled with your money, business cards or even coupons to buy more cereal.

For more information on recycled or repurposed goods with a twist, check out RePlayGround! in Brooklyn, NY.

Combine last month's magazines with some old magnets and you'll have a fun new word play game that you made yourself. This simple project is sure to make headlines. Tutorial by Tiffany Threadgould at RePlayGround!

Ingredients:
Magazines
Mint tin
Flexible magnet (like the kind you get advertising the local pizza shop) or get the adhesive kind from a craft supply store

Tools:
Glue stick (if using a nonadhesive magnet) scissors

Instructions:

1.Lay your magnetic piece on a flat surface. Cut words from magazine pages. Make sure you have enough to cover the whole surface of the magnet.

2. If you're using a nonadhesive magnet, lay your words upside-down on a piece of scrap paper and use your glue stick to make it sticky. Stick onto the magnet. Repeat until your whole magnet is covered. If you're using an adhesive magnet, peal off the waxy layer and stick the words to the magnet.

3. Use your scissors to carefully cut apart the pieces. Then stick the pieces to your mint tin or refrigerator and rearrange the words creating sentences and fun phrases.

For more funky recycled and repurposed goods, check out RePlayGround! in Brooklyn, NY.

Make your own jewelry using beach glass, shells and other natural materials, Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in these workshops hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County at the Kermit W. Graf Building, 424 Griffing Ave., Riverhead. Cost: $25, pre-registration required, 631-767-5142.

(MCT Photo)

My pal and co-worker Jessica Damiano recently blogged about this cool and cheap way to transform a newspaper into free, eco-friendly, green seed pots. Happy gardening!

BY SYLVIA E. KING-COHEN

Ever looked at a piece of art and thought, "Heck, I could do that"? Maybe your drawings of a horse always comes out looking more like a long-legged guinea pig?

Across Long Island, there are groups, classes and instructors available to help you sort out your pastels from your charcoals. Whether you'd like to attempt your first still-life or are a burgeoning artist ready to fine-tune your skills, here's a sampling of what's out there.

STUDIO TIME

The Art Studio: 125 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-763-2050, theartstudiorvc.com

When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday

Cost: $90 a month ($25 yearly registration fee for materials)

Are you a budding sculptor, a frustrated painter or just wondering how artistic you really are? This fine arts studio provides the basic supplies for those who want to paint, draw or learn graphic design and mixed-media art forms. Roving instructors stop by each student's station to answer questions, tweak projects or just help get the creative juices flowing.

WATERCOLOR CLUB

East End Arts Council School of the Arts: 141 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-2171, eastendarts.org

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, March 11-April 1

Cost: $180

Think abstract, very abstract. Watercolor enthusiasts with some experience can amp up their creativity at local artist Linda Nemeth's class, which incorporates various types of music as inspiration.

Also try: The council's other upcoming classes include a hand drawing workshop ($60, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 14), drawing with pastels ($180, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, March 19-April 30) and animation art with Don Duga ($65, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 28).

PET PORTRAITS

Art League of Long Island: 107 E. Deer Park Rd., Dix Hills, 631-462-5400, ext. 222, artleagueli.net

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14-15

Cost: $185

This two-day workshop will help you draw or paint your favorite animal. You'll learn how to capture expression, particularly the eyes, and handle the texture of fur or feathers. Bring lots of photos for reference.

Also try: The Art League hosts dozens of classes in printmaking, watercolor, sculpture, clay and other arts. Of note: A "Lithuanian Decorative Egg" workshop (11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. March 15, $65), in which students will design 3-4 hollow-shell eggs using dyes and wax techniques. "Works on Paper in Gouache Painting Flowers" (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 28, $87) will focus on painting floral material with Gouache paint.

Continue reading "Places to make art on Long Island" »

Decorate a heart-shaped wreath for your home using an assortment of fresh greenery; add some of your own ribbons for a personal touch for Valentine's Day, on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown. hearts will be provided. Admission costs $3. Call 631-265-1054 or visit www.nysparks.com, pre-registration is required.

Try this knitting class, where participants will create knitted fingerless gloves on Thursday, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Keep Me in Stitches, 77 Smithtown Blvd., $20 plus supplies, 631-724-8111, keepmeinstitches1.com

Beach glass jewelry class: Kermit W. Graf Building, 423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, 631-767-5142 (registration required), cce.cornell.edu/suffolk, 1-3 p.m. Jan. 17. Cost. $15.

Learn how to create your own eco-friendly jewelry using beach glass, seashells and other materials collected from nature in this all-ages class hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

Sure, you could always go to a local jeweler and buy a lovely beaded necklace, but then again, why not try your hand at making one yourself?

Long Island has several bead stores that offer group classes and private instruction in the art of jewelry making (for a fee, plus the cost of materials). You can stop at a basic jewelry-making class or go as far as your interest and imagination will take you.

Options abound. Create a single strand of sparkling Swarovski crystals, colorful gemstones or polished glass to adorn your neckline or wrist, or tackle more intricate works of art that are sure to get attention.

Here's a sampling of the local shops that offer classes. Advance registration is necessary ...

-- PAT BURSON

Last year, I resolved to give up ice cream and failed miserably. I'm sorry, but that bowl of Haagen-Dazs was calling my name!

My best bud Jeannine fared much better with her annual to-do list, which included giving up sodas, spending more time with friends (me) and saving money for a rainy day. In honor of everyone attempting to keep a New Year's resolution, check out this personalized clipboard you can use to check off your accomplishments and dream up new goals.

Want to make one of your own? No problem. I learned how to dress up a basic office supply clipboard by watching this video by Angie Juda, a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in Overland Park, Kan. Check it out!

Special thanks to Angie Juda for the video tutorial! For more information on Angie's altered creations and other crafts or to inquire about craft supplies, please visit her blog: http://www.chicnscratch.typepad.com/

New Year's Eve can be hard on your toes, especially all that dancing and walking around town. For a relaxing bathtime treatment, try making your own bath salts. Here's an easy recipe you can create at home and enjoy on New Year's Eve.

Midnight Wishes Bath Salts

3/4 c. epsom salts
1/4 c. sea salts
1/4 c. baking soda
5 drops patchouli oil
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops vanilla fragrance oil
2 drops cedarwood oil

Mix all ingredients and stir until blended. Store in a country Mason jar or similar airtight container. Will last for several weeks as long as you don't add water to the mixture. Use about 1/4 cup in a your bath. Enjoy!

Professional gift wrappers at Papyrus in Roosevelt Field mall spend all day cutting, taping and tying ribbons on packages for oh-so-busy customers who don't have time to wrap their presents.

How to wrap a gift and tie a bow

To do it yourself, see a step-by-step video tutorial, which includes a demonstration for dressing up gifts with pretty ribbon bows tied by hand.

Newsday Photo / Ken Spencer

If you're baking gifts this Christmas, presenting them in a holiday-worthy container is almost as important as the cookies.

We asked some crafts-loving staff members to take food canisters from oatmeal, bread crumbs, coffee and grits and decorate them in the spirit of the holidays. Here's what they came up with:

1. Ribbon container

Cover container with wrapping paper. Cut ribbons to the height of your container and affix one at a time, using a small amount of glue to secure each end. To make the bow: Cut a piece of ribbon to twice the width of the container's lid and glue one end over the other to form a circle. Pinch the middle of the circle flat to create two loops (use a dot of glue on the inside to hold the shape). Repeat several times and layer loops on the container's lid to create a bow.

2. Angel canister

Paint the container gold and allow to dry. Attach a background of wrapping paper using spray adhesive. Find a picture that can be cut out of an old calendar or from a holiday card and attach using spray adhesive. With a foam brush, apply 1 to 3 coats of a decoupage medium, such as Modge Podge, allowing ample drying time between coats.

Continue reading "How To: Deck the tins with the spirit of Christmas" »

My favorite decorating magazine, Domino, just launched its holiday gift guide online. (Thanks Katie!) The December/January issue featuring lots of gift suggestions won't be on the newsstands 'til Dec. 2, so take a gander at their offerings here.

I'm especially fond of the DIY gift ideas. You can make all sorts of inexpensive presents with your hands and a few materials, such as bath salts, foam fridge magnets, and more.

Here's a recipe for sooting bath salts from Domino staffer Amy Shearn:

Materials:

coarse sea salt
lavender essential oil
dried lavender
spice sachets
clean, empty jars
Epsom salts (optional)
ribbon (optional)

How-to:

Mix several drops of essential oil into about 4 cups of salt. Alternately, combine 3 cups of salt with 1 cup of Epsom salts.
Sprinkle in dried herbs. Mix well.
Pour into jars (and tie on a ribbon if you're feeling fancy).
Include spice sachets that bathers can spoon some salts into before using, to keep the lavender bits from floating around.

One of my favorite DIY magazines, MAKE, has a whole bunch of do-it-yourself projects in time for Turkey Day, including tutorials on how to make a paper turkey, fry a turkey, and more. Click here for the tutorials.

Photo of turkey frying by MAKE

"Crafty Mama: Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects," by Abby Pecoriello (Workman, $15.95): For the practiced or the unskilled parent interested in crafts for young children, finding practical and attractive projects isn't always easy. This book will show readers just how to create a good project, while would-be crafters are encouraged to connect with other mothers to work on tasks together. Some of the projects: now-sew fleece blankets, bibs, booties, hats, fringes or accessories for flip-flops and more. The book also offers a guide to online parenting forums and resources for finding the items needed to make the projects.

-PAM ROBINSON

My favorite Web site for scouting handmade objects is Etsy.com and every Tuesday they are featuring cool tutorials.

This week: Bleeding Vampire Cupcakes

In preparation for Halloween, we bring you Alicia and Tracy of Sweet Tooth of the Tiger who show us how to make Bleeding Vampire Cupcakes! Here are the steps for making Bleeding Vampire Cupcakes!

Also, there's a very cool blog called Cupcakes Take the Cake. It's about all things cupcake and they even meet in person to eat cupcakes around New York City. Pretty tasty, eh?

If that's not enough, social networking site Meetup.com offers a variety of groups that meet in person over a variety of topics, including dessert! Check out their dessert and cupcake groups.

Halloween costumes are a must, but they can be a hassle -- from long lines at the store to purchasing a one-time-use costume. HGTV.com has an entire page devoted to inexpensive ideas for toddler and kids costumes that you can make yourself. Try your hand at making Halloween favorites -- wizards, fairies and ghouls, oh my!

The holiday wouldn't be complete without a pumpkin and HGTV has traditional and not-so-traditional projects, including 19 exclusive, creepy carving templates. You'll discover concept ideas, step-by-step instructions and more. One of the not-so-traditional pumpkins doesn't even require a knife, instead it's spray painted and made to look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

Do you have a Halloween costume yet? Well, have no fear ... the crafty folks at Threadbanger.com have many videos to inspire and maybe even light a fire under your rump!

Check 'em out!

DIY FAIRY WINGS: No fairy wings ... no problem! Learn how to make fairy wings from some old coat hangers and stockings. Time to fly!

Continue reading "DIY Videos: Design your own Halloween costumes" »

Since when did Halloween become yet another opportunity to outdo your neighbors by having the most inflatables and decorations in your front yard? Or sending the kids off to school with spookily decorated cupcakes?

Halloween used to be so simple, just a fun holiday for kids -- and kids at heart. Homey touches included displays of pumpkins, gourds, acorns or pine cones that you picked yourself; simple decorations were made from fallen leaves and twigs. Homemade costumes were cool, and home-baked cookies and harvest-fresh cider after a round of dunking for apples made the day complete.

It's not all that hard to get some of that feeling back. Here are some classes and workshops to help you get in the Halloween mood.

Continue reading about creepy crafts by Newsday's Judith Bernstein ...

Though this is a novelty site, it links directly to Google,
so you can perform a real Google search from your stylized page.

1. Go to pimpmysearch.com and type your name or a short phrase (up to 28 characters) in the "Enter Your Name Below" window.

2. Click "Create Now."

A window will pop up and ask if you'd like to set the new page as your home page. Click "Yes" or "No" depending on your preference.

3. A new screen will appear with your personalized Google page. If you haven't set it as your home page, but want to keep it, save it as a favorite. Change the logo at any time by typing new words in the search window and clicking "Change Logo Text," but remember to save it to favorites.

Glassblowing, scrapbooking, painting pottery, oh my! ExploreTV host Anne Machalinski unleashes her inner artist and takes a crafting tour across Long Island.

If you go . . .

Colby Glass Studio
29 Haven Ave., Port Washington
516-721-4162
colbyglass.com
Cost: $100 for 1-hour class

Scrapaholics
275 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead
516-483-3745
scrapaholicsny.com

Creative Corner Pottery
305-309 Bedford Ave., Bellmore
516-279-4592
creativecornerpottery.com
Cost: $12 to $72 per piece

Google's more than just searches. Check out a whole banquet of other free goodies at google.com/options:

1. Get a handle on your life

Google Calendar: google.com/calendar

Keep track of appointments, share with friends, family or business associates -- or everyone in cyberspace. Set up reminder alerts that arrive via e-mail or cell text message.

2. Get the number -- free

Goog-411: google.com/goog-411

Here's another way to save: Call 800-GOOG-411 to get the phone number of a business, and it won't cost you a cent. Google even connects you for no charge.

3. Organize digital photos

Picasa: picasa.google.com/features/index.html

This downloadable product searches every corner of your computer for digital photos and helps you organize them into albums.

Glen Head jewelry shop Studio 44 holds jewelry-making workshops (beginner to pro). Make metal rings, bracelets and more with Sea Cliff designer Kathleen DiResta, 10 am to 1 pm, Mondays (July 14, 21, 28 and August 11, $180) or Saturdays (July 19, August 9 and 16, $135). Or work Thursdays on fused glass with Glen Head's Jane Irvine. For more info, visit janesartglass.com, kdirestadesign.com, or call 516-216-4630. -- Joseph V. Amodio

Most of us might change careers a couple of times - but just how many public lives has Commack's own Rosie O'Donnell lived, anyway?

Well, let's see, to name just a few: standup comic, Broadway actor, TV host, over-the-top fan of Tom Cruise, bestselling author ...

... Not to mention willing lightning rod for controversy, from her campy feud with Donald Trump to her vociferous views before leaving ABC's "The View" (just after being named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World: "the TV host who loves a fight").

Whew! And she just turned 46 (in March).

She's also the founder of Rosie's Broadway Kids, a program to bring musical theater to public school students in New York City, and Rosie's for All Kids Foundation, which provides day care and other services to poor children.

Perhaps her favorite role, though, is that of mom - she has two boys and two girls, ranging from around kindergarten age to tween.

And in that role, she's come out with her third book, a big change from the tone of her 2007 tell-all memoir "Celebrity Detox: The Fame Game."

In "Rosie O'Donnell's Crafty U: 100 Easy Projects the Whole Family Can Enjoy All Year Long" (Simon & Schuster, $21.95), Rosie enlists her trademark abbreviations to make a point: u r crafty - i swear - u r

And:
u r art

"Crafts are my way of relaxing," she writes. "My friends say they can tell how stressed I am by the number of craft projects I'm working on." She says she wrote the book, aimed at ages 5 through 12 and their parents, "to inspire families to spend more time together - crafting!"

She helps you set up a craft corner and choose supplies, which are often found objects: bottles, cans, string, newspapers.

The projects are organized by seasons and holidays - "Cheep-Cheep Chicks" for spring; "Way-Cool Painted Sneakers" for summer; "Mummy Dearest" for fall; "Glitter Globes" for winter. There's also a section called "Rainy Day playdate" ("Oink! Meow! Glove Puppets") and "Every Day Is a Decoupage Day" ("Take a Snapshot Tray").

All of which may prove what she writes: "A craft project is a great way for children to explore their creativity, build confidence and learn how to express themselves."

See rosie.com/craftyu for tips and videos in which Rosie (sans makeup; she's just a mom) shows you how.

Yes, you can cans

"Colorful paint and cool trims transform tossables into a pencil holder, a vase for dainties, or a place to stash craft pens. Grown-ups: Teach kids about the joy of recycling an old, clean can into a bright and shiny new thing!"

What you need:

Foam paintbrushes, acrylic craft paints, clean tin cans with labels removed, artist paintbrushes, craft glue, colorful paper trims

How to make:

1.Paint outside of cans using foam brush and craft paint. Let dry.

2.Paint bands of color around the cans using the foam paintbrush and craft paints.

3.Paint stripes, polka dots, pretty flowers, squiggles or anything you like on cans using an artist paintbrush for detailing. Let dry.

4.Apply colorful paper trim with glue along the top and bottom of the can.

- From "Rosie O'Donnell's Crafty U" (Simon & Schuster)

By Peggy Brown, Newsday staff writer

You're invited to take part in watercolor workshops with East End artist Marilyn Gartelmann on April 30th, May 28th and June 18th at the East End Arts Council.

Each workshop will focus on a different technique and skill. Also coming up are Plein Air Watercolor classes with artist, author and illustrator, Mike Killelea. The focus of Mr. Killelea’s classes will be capturing the warmth and color of Long Island’s dazzling spring mornings.

Classes will be held at various locations throughout the East End on Tuesdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, now through May 20th. The cost of the class is $157.

Mr. Killelea will also be teaching Twilight Plein Air Painting, also on Tuesdays, from 5 to 8:00 PM, April 15th through May 20th. For more information and a complete listing of classes please contact the Community School of the Arts at 631.369.2171 or visit www.eastendarts.org/education.

Crafty mom, TV personality and fellow Long Islander Rosie O'Donnell will be signing copies of her new craft book "Crafty U" on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Road in Westbury, according to Rosie.com.

Check out her recent appearance on the Martha Stewart show where she shows Martha how to decorate Keds sneakers with a little craft paint and duct tape. It's a very cute and simple project you can do with your children.

During the craft segment with Martha, Rosie wore an artsy head wrap she's dubbed the "hadIT." When you're crafting and you've just about had it, you pull your hair off your face and get down to business! She even admitted to shaving the back of her head to help it fit on her head! She's one serious crafter! I totally love the idea and may pick one up for myself!

Go to Rosie.com for more details about her new craft book and "hadIT" headgear for crafters.

Does she need an introduction? Martha Stewart, lifestyle queen of television, magazines, books and just plain living, has prepared for the future. She's hit the Internet, video-on-demand, bought Emeril Lagasse's TV and cookbook franchise and is providing a food line through Costco. "The Martha Stewart Show" will air its 500th episode Thursday. Our sister paper, The Los Angeles Times, talked to her -- she was on speakerphone in her offices -- just after yoga.

Click here to read the full article on Newsday.com.

Check out televison episodes of "Martha" on her Web site and take part in her Easter crafts online workshop.

At the end of every rainbow there is a pot of gold.

No rainbows in sight? No problem, create your own cauldron of coins with a terra cotta pot.

Of course, Irish eyes are smiling upon you, as this project takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Click here to get the tutorial written by crafter extraordinaire Steven James. Be sure to check out his other tutorials on the Cheap Thrills blog.

Everyday Food, Martha Stewart's cooking magazine, is sending several of its editors to the Viking Cooking School at Loaves & Fishes in Garden City March 14-16 to teach a handful of special cooking classes:

"Dinner in the Fast Lane"
Quick and simple meals prepared with a few key ingredients, including balsamic steak with polenta and sautéed cherry tomatoes, as well as Thai coconut shrimp stew with steamed rice.
Sessions: Friday, March 14, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, 3-5 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

"Make-Ahead Spring Brunch"
Impressive, easy meals that can be made a day in advance so you'll be free to spend more time with your guests. Recipes include spinach and Gruyere quiche, ham with mustard-parsley sauce and lemon-ginger bundt cake.
Sessions: Friday, March 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, noon-2 p.m.

Tickets are $49 per person per class and space is limited--reserve in advance online or call 516-877-1010.

Photo courtesy of Everyday Food.

Crochet is a quick and easy technique for making a variety of fashion and home decor accessories. In this workshop, you'll learn the basic stitches and then begin a project to take home and complete on your own. $10 per person, 8 years and up. Crochet Workshop at The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, March 8th, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration required, please call 631-852-4600.

March is National Craft Month, and it's a great reason to dig out your old photos and begin the process of preserving them in a family scrapbook.

Come out to crop and chew at Your Happy Place, a scrabooking and stamping supply store in East Northport. You'll munch on pizza and soda and then enjoy using their supplies, which include rubber stamps, inks, diecut machines, and stencils. This class is offered at 6 every Monday night in March. Cost: $12. Web site: www.yourhappyplaceonline.com

There is also a Long Island craft group that regularly meets for scrapping and socializing, card-making and other fun paper crafts. Based in Ronkonkoma, the Western Suffolk Scrappers & Stampers invites you to swap ideas, get advice for layouts and mingle with other crafters. All skill levels are welcome. Cost: $10 for a one-year membership. Web site: http://scrapbook.meetup.com/1763/

Photo above: Diana Palmonka, a cashier who also stocks shelves and advertises for Scrapaholics in West Hempstead, with a page from her own scrapbook. (Newsday / Bill Davis)

As a kid in the 1980s, one of my first do-it-yourself projects was making my own viewing device (similar to the image above) to watch a solar eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 1, 2008, but don't let that stop you from gazing at the sky... there's a lunar eclipse tonight at 8:43 p.m. and you don't need protective gear either. Just stick your head out the window and enjoy!

P.S. Check out the Garden Detective's musings on the upcoming lunar eclipse...

Winter is a great time for crafting indoors with friends. Check out these local classes for handmade fun!

Etsy Labs -- Create whimsical creatures at Etsy Labs in Brooklyn on Saturday, March 1 from 1-5 p.m. At this Plush Class, you'll create a loveable plush creature to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Learn lots of tips on working with faux fur and making plushie creatures. Students will take home printed instructions and patterns to jump start plush making at home. Cost: $50. Sign up: www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9365923

A.C. Moore -- This national craft store chain offers prospective scrapbookers informative classes on the best way to preserve special memories. Classes vary by location. Check your local A.C. Moore for details. Sign up: www.acmoore.com

Claytime -- Make time for playtime at Claytime, a paint-on-pottery studio in Huntington. Be sure to go on a Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. for adults-only fun! Other days are open to all ages. For prices and hours, please call: 631-425-6133.

On a recent episode of Oprah, financial guru Suze Orman helps a woman get out of debt and back on her feet after her husband dies. It serves as a reminder that everyone is responsible for their own financial security. Suze also doles out helpful advice on how you can save money and improve your life in her new book, "Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny."

As a treat to viewers, Oprah is offering Suze Orman's new book as a free download today until 8 p.m. EST. It's also available for download in Spanish. Obtenga su copia gratuita del libro de Suze Orman antes de 8/7c en la noche de 14 de febrero.

Updated 2/18: Did you miss the free download of Suze Orman's latest book? No problem, you can read an excerpt by clicking here.

Children 3 and up and adults can enjoy a chocolate-making workshop at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 11a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The one-hour events take place at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Avenue in Yaphank. Fee is $8; you must register, 631-852-4600; info, cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/programs/scfhome.htm

Nothing says "from the heart" more than a handmade treat for your sweetie on Valentine's Day. Check out this fun craft tutorial for making an adorable wrapping for a box of Valentine Nerds candy! When giving a loved one a gift -- no matter how small -- it pays to be creative and show that you've put forth an effort. Enjoy the video!

Special thanks to Angie Juda for the video tutorial! For more information on Angie's altered creations and other crafts or to inquire about craft supplies, please visit her blog: http://www.chicnscratch.typepad.com/