Carboard boxes with lids can be used to organize your craft materials on steel shelves. By using the boxes that copy paper comes in and putting peel-and-stick labels on them, you can set up a "filing system" quickly and easily. To make them more attractive, paint them in several different colors that you like. Spray paint is available in a wide range of colors, so you can easilY make them fit in with your decor.

A word of advice is in order here. Cardboard will soak up a LOT of paint, so first "prime" the cardboard with a 50/50 mix of white glue (such as Elmer's School Glue). Wear rubber gloves and spread the mixture over all surfaces to be painted and allow to dry. Then paint using at least 2 light coats. If any lettering or unwanted color is still visible, spray on another coat.

Once you have your boxes ready (or while you wait for paint to dry), measure your boxes and adjust the spacing of your shelves as needed.

If you use a dress form, you may want to try this: Get the spoked base of a discarded office chair and remove anything that may be in the center hole. Glue, weld, or otherwise join something of the right size or diameter onto or into the bottom of the hole, or force-fit it inside the hole. Now you dress form can be rolled around in your sewing room.

Halloween: If you have a dress form, put a Witch costume on it and place it in front of a window. You can also add accessories such as a fire, a cauldron, bats, etc.It will not be damaged by weather or visitors, and you can use vinyl "window clings" to spice up the scene even more.

Halloween: Get glow-in-the-dark (or plain) sidewalk chalk from a craft or party store. Make chalk outlines like at a crime scene on the walk or driveway. Simple, easy, and cheap...but very effective.

Halloween: Get a black cauldron (plastic is OK) add water and some "dry ice" for a bubbling, steaming effect. For an even better effect, drill a few holes along the back side a few inches below the rim. Using an old string of C7 or C9 outdoor light, add a green and/or yellow glow. Push the bulbs (3 or 4 is plenty) from the inside of the cauldron and screw them into their sockets. Now the bulbs are inside the cauldron, the sockets are outside on the back. Cover unused sockets with duct tape or electrical tape. Connect the power and test your set-up. Then, with power off, add water and dry ice. Position your cauldron as desired and connect the power. Pretty Spooky!

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