My Favorite Crafting Tool Might Surprise You

Because it isn't glue or a ruler or a craft knife.

It's Google.

When I'm trying to make something--anything!--I've found that googling that item is sure to improve my results.

1. Tutorials -- You can find tutorials on almost any subject these days. YouTube has tons of them, but there are also written directions galore. I even downloaded a free book on amigurumi, the Japanese art of  knitting or crocheting small stuffed toys with an emphasis on cute. Here it is: http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/10/what-is-amigurumi/

2. Freebies -- All sorts of cool artwork is available for personal use. Miniaturists love "printies," the word we use for printable items. Here's just one example:

You can find a ton of these on my Pinterest page at http://www.Pinterest.com/joannaslan

3. Tools -- Did you know that you can find graph paper on the Internet and print it out? Go to Formville.om

4. Patterns -- I love making my own patterns. Here are two good sites: https://www.stitchfiddle.com/en/chart/new  (for charting knitting, cross-stitch, etc.) and http://www.auntannie.com/BoxesBags/  and my all-time favorite http://www.templatemaker.nl/

5. Images -- Often all I need is a really good image, preferably a 360-degree view. That's where Google images prove invaluable. Looking at various photos/pictures of a heart, I constructed one to put in this dome. Then I switched and looked at brains. Next I checked out Venus Fly Trap plants and mortar and pestle combinations. Here's what I created...

Okay, your turn. What would you like to see me make for my dollhouse? What cool tools have you found on the Internet?

Top left, heart; top, right, gargoyle/imp; second row, right, cow skull; second row, left, Venus Fly Traps and moss; third row, far right, mortar and pestle; third row, middle, brain; and third row, left, plaque.