I spotted some things I’m excited about this week and finally have a few minutes to post about them…

Etsy is offering a whole month of free, live crafty how-to video tutorials in their Virtual Labs. I wrote a bit more about it here and highlighted the jewelry-related ones — I think it’s such a fantastic collection!

Anda is teaching a tutorial on fusing plastic bags! I bought this whale pouch from her at last year’s Renegade Brooklyn

Queen Bee is having a pretty amazing sale: 25% off a bunch of their bags, through July 15. They have some very cool new stuff out and on the horizon, too. I have always loved my QB pieces but now that I am the proud owner of a marvelous Chickpea diaper bag, my affection for the whole line knows no bounds.

picking up my diaper bag at QB HQ, several long days past my due date

And coolest-site-ever Star Wars Kids Crafts got a sleek new makeover. I love Bonnie‘s projects, I have bookmarked a few new ones for my nephew Julian’s visit next month!

Bonnie’s Yoda doll from her demo at Maker Faire 2007

Here in Portland, two of my favorite artists, Ryan Berkley and Justin Morrison, are both having killer openings tonight. Cathy wrote up a lovely preview over here with lots more info.

the family of cardinals Ryan created for us

Justin’s painting we got at the Buckman fundraiser

okay, have a nice long weekend if you are in July 4 world — I’m so excited about hanging out in the backyard, grilling stuff, watching movies, and drinking cold drinks… yay.