Top 10 Crafting Web Sites for Scrapbooking, Recycled Crafts and More

Crafters work under a variety of names - the seamstress, the scrapbooker, even the candlestick maker! Crafters of all mediums and skill levels unite in online crafting communities. Crafting websites offer up blogs, galleries, product reviews, and more. Members share everything from their latest creation to their paper organizing tips.

Below are reviews of 10 craft-themed websites, so check 'em out and get crafting!

1. Splitcoaststampers - Catering to rubber stamps addicts, Splitcoast best feature is its extensive gallery. The galleries feature items uploaded by members - everything from cards to scrapbook pages to candles to gift bags. If you can stamp it, it's there. Members can search by color, stamp set, technique, and more. Splitcoast also offers tutorials and forums to sell or trade extra supplies. Membership is free.

2. Craft Critique - Don't spend a dime without checking out this site! Craft Critique's content is mainly reader-generated and is posted in a blog format. The site is easy to search and, thankfully, lacks any and all obnoxious advertising. It's very clear that the volunteers that make up Craft Critique's staff take great pride in their blog and take their crafting seriously! If you're having trouble with a product, Craft Critique is also a great resource. I recently had trouble with a clogged adhesive tool and the extensive review offered up a perfect solution!

3. Martha Stewart - Is there anything Martha can't do? Her website is beautifully designed and easy to navigate. Making soap? She's got ideas. Weaving? Yup, she's got that too. Looking to sew, glitter, or dye? She's got you covered. One thing, though, I wish the website offered a "printer-friendly" option. As is, the print is a bit small and techniques are not broken down into bullets. Regardless, this is a crafting site filled with beautiful ideas for the beginner to the professional. You can also learn about whipping up custard or composting if the mood strikes you.

4. Craft Gossip - An amazing resource for those crafters who dabble in a littler of everything. Craft Gossip covers quilting, felting, cross-stitch, recycled crafts, scrapbooking, polymer clay, and so much more. For an example on just how innovative Craft Gossip is, check out the more than dozen tampon projects ... talk about dedicated crafters.

5. CRAFT - CRAFT caters to subscribers ($34.95 for both print and digital subscriptions or $26.95 for digital only), but there's still plenty on their site for free. Check out the "projects" link for tutorials on everything from crafting with plastic bags to silk screening. The CRAFT blog is also available to the public. Non-members can also scour the forums, but you have to subscribe to post. An awesome feature on CRAFT is their extensive listing of craft fairs - members from all over the country post event details.

6. My Arts and Crafts - The content on My Arts and Crafts varies from tutorials to history briefs from event listings to craft book reviews. It's a phenomenal resource for all things crafty, but it lacks one essential element - there's not a single picture on the site.

7.Talk About Crafting - This bare bones crafting forum runs on user-generated postings only. No moderator, no editor - just crafters and their keyboards. Users can register for free. Unfortunately, users cannot upload pictures to share. Users can link to other websites, though. Talk About Crafting is a great place to post a questions and receive a quick answer (think Craig's List forums).

8. Scrapbook Finds - It's amazing how much scrapbooking has grown in recent years. Scrapbookers have moved beyond paper and photos and into clay, dimensional, fabric, and so much more. Even if you don't scrapbook, any crafter can adapt hints and tips from scrapbooking sties into their favorite craft. Scrapbook Finds boasts itself as "The World's Largest Scrapbooking Mall," but there's a lot more to do at their site than just shop! The ScrapBlog is a Q&A with Scrapbook Expert Robin. The ScrapBlog offers organization tips, product reviews, and she even plays "personal shopper" if you're having a hard time finding a product. Be sure to check out Scrapbook Finds' "Top Finds." This section features great products at great discounts - many too good to pass up!

9. Craftster - This is not your grandma's craft site! This hip site features many eco-friendly projects for everything from soap to clothing to quilting to clay. Forums also offer swaps and business opportunities. Craftster is well-organized, current, and gives new blood to the term "arts and crafts." Registration is free.

10. My Craft Book - With an excellent design and easy-to-navigate pages, there's nothing sloppy about this site. You'll find tips for candle making, recycled crafts, color selection, and more. Tutorials offer large, informative pictures and the crafting site features craft classes, book reviews, and a forum for registered users. Registration is free. My Craft Book also sends out a monthly e-newsletter.

Whether you call yourself a crafter, a felter, or a candlestick maker, the online crafting community welcomes you, your ideas, and your questions. Happy crafting!