Hands-on fun

March is National Crafts Month. It's a time, as the Craft and Hobby Association suggests, to "discover life's little pleasures."

A lot of Americans are doing just that. According to the latest figures from CHA, crafting is currently a $30.2 billion industry. Some 57 percent of U.S. households (62 million) participated in crafts in the past year.

The top-selling crafts in 2006 were:

1. Scrapbooking/memory crafts

2. Home decor/painting/accessorizing/finishing

3. Art and drawing

To celebrate Crafts Month, craft stores and retailers throughout the country are offering special deals, introductory classes, demonstrations or make-and-take sessions. This year's special focus is on family fun — crafts that parents and kids, or grandparents and kids — can do together.

For more information, check with your local craft store or take your favorite kids and just go exploring.

We've also gathered up some ideas, tips and suggestions that can make your life craftier.

The exciting thing about crafts is that there's something out there to suit every taste and level or expertise. And as the CHA points out, "nothing is quite as satisfying as making something with your own hands — no matter what your age or skill level."

It's a string thing

Embellishments are hot trend in scrapbooking, paper crafts

Kids, crafts go together

Craft tips

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com