Crafting is serious business as the folks who attended the Craft and Hobby Association's Summer Supershow can attest.

The event, which spanned two days, was open to the public and included hundreds of different "make and take" projects ranging from digital scrapbooking to tie-dyeing yarn and upcycling T-shirts with fringe.

I was impressed not only with the breadth of projects, but also with the depth of passion, resourcefulness and creativity the craft leaders and designers possessed. Who knew duct tape was so versatile?

In honor of the event, I have asked three designers to share with us some of their easy-to-make crafts. To view demonstrations of each craft, watch our videos at www.pioneerlocal.com/mommy/index.html.

MOMMY ON A SHOESTRING VIDEOS

* Bib Necklace

* Water Bottle Bracelets

* Duct Tape Luggage Tags

* Videos open at top of the story.

Bib Necklace

This craft comes courtesy of the kind folks at the National Sewing Council. To find out more about this organization, visit www.nationalsewingcouncil.org. This necklace is easy to make and only requires a quick trip to a local fabric store.

You will need:

1 yard white cotton fabric

1 yard of 3-4 coordinating cotton prints

1 yard white chiffon, lace or eyelet

1 yard satin ribbon (5/8" works well)

1 yard stabilizer, such as Sulky Cut Away Plus.

1 yard of light fusible web, such as Steam a Seam II Lite

Bib Necklace template (found at www.pioneerlocal.com/mommy/index.html)

Fabric glue (or needle and thread)

Prepare base and trim:

* Print out and cut the bib necklace template. Use this template to cut two white fabric bibs and one stabilizer bib.

* Place the wrong side of the fabric bibs together with the stabilizer sandwiched in between. Be sure to match all raw edges. Glue or sew the pieces together so you now have one stable bib.

* Cut the ribbon in half. Glue or sew the ribbon to each side of the base.

* Cut the chiffon or lace trim in half so it's about 1-2 inches wide. Glue or sew the trim along the base.

* Cut the coordinating fabric into 9 x 20 inch-pieces. Fold fabric in half and fuse together using fusible web.

* Cut the fused fabric into the following sized circles:

Five 2-1/2 inch circles

Ten 1 inch circles

Five 3/4 inch circles

Five 1/2 inch circles

Now you are ready for the fun part -- putting everything together!

* Arrange the circles as you please layering small medium and large circles.

* If using glue, allow 24 hours to dry before wearing!

Note: I was never much of a sewer having had a "pillow-making catastrophe" in a seventh grade home-economics class, so I was a little intimidated using a stabilizer and fusing web.

What I've learned from Shannon is both items are easy to use and come with instructions. If you have questions, talk to the sales associate at the fabric store or feel free to send me an e-mail.

Using these materials will help your necklace retain its shape for years to come.

Water Bottle Bracelet

Heidi Borchers and the team from www.ilovetocreate.com came up with this clever idea that turns a water bottle into a fashion statement.

You will need:

Colorful fabric

Decorative buttons or sequins

Water bottle (cut into a 2-1/2-inch ring)

Tacky glue

* Use fabric and tacky glue to cover the water bottle ring.

* Be sure to fold the fabric over the sharp edges and glue the fabric inside the ring.

* Add buttons, sequins, or coordinating fabric pieces as desired.

* Allow to dry before wearing

Duct Tape Luggage Tag

The folks at Duck Brand have turned duct tape into a crafting staple. Not only can you use it to make cute luggage tags, but it can also be used to make wallets, flowers and even a prom dress! To find out more, visit www.duckbrand.com.

You will need:

Duct tape

1 sheet of clear vinyl

Scissors

Luggage tag template (found at www.pioneerlocal.com/mommy/index.html)

* Place strips of duct tape back to back until you have a sheet that is 3 x 5 inches.

* Print out and cut the luggage tag template. Fill in your personal information.

* Cut a piece of vinyl that is the same size as the luggage tag insert.

* Tape three sides of the vinyl to the duct tape tag, leaving the top space open to slid in the insert.

* Cut the two right hand corners of the tag and make a 1/2-inch slit in the middle.

* Cut a 6-inch piece of tape and fold in half length-wise. Thread through slit to make a ring and secure to luggage with an additional piece of tape.

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