Hi Everyone! The other day one of my young sons began giving me a verbal rundown of his Christmas wish list. I know what that means…it’s almost September! As my family members (and most of my collectors) know, I start thinking “Happy Holidays” right around Labor Day, which is a perfect day to show you my new “Labor of Love” craft projects on QVC. Please join me on September 1st at 1 am ET. I think you’re going to love how accessible and creative these ideas are for everyone: from first time crafters to the artistic pros! Here’s why I know they’re right for any crafter: because I developed them while I was touring the world with my brothers for their 50th anniversary show. I knew I would need a craft that was easy to take with me and to accomplish in a short amount of time. So, I came up with some heart-“felt” Christmas decorations and gifts that could be done on the run, knowing how hectic all of our lives can get. Wow. If I could play a crafting drum roll right now, I would. Just wait until you see my new set of six felted Christmas stockings that are the perfect size to hold a gift card, cash, or a fun I.O.U.(hint, hint, kids!! Moms love I.O.U.’s for things like: shoveling the sidewalk, emptying the dishwasher, scrubbing out the tub) These easy little felted stockings can be done quickly while traveling, waiting to pick up the kids between activities or while locked in the bathroom for some peace and quite…smiles. Another great craft I have been able to do on the road is needle punch. (Talk about your perfect “tension reliever!” Touring with eight men…I was needle “punching” as therapy around the world!!!) I fell in love with the simplicity of needle punching a couple of years ago with a project I got at my local craft store. Soon after I started making my own designs. I love this kit of 6 ornaments I developed for QVC because you can make them as gift tags or hang them on the tree! Advent calendars are just HUGE in my family. My kids love to count down the 24 days to Christmas, beginning on December 1. It is so much fun as the anticipation grows and by Christmas day you can decorate a tabletop tree! That’s what I call multi tasking. I would love to see what you do with these kits, because crafting is the best way to be creative and as unique as you are. Send me pictures of your creations…and tell me how you are making your holiday heartfelt. Now, I’ve got to get back to rehearsing with Donny for our September 9th launch of our Vegas run at the Flamingo hotel. It’s our first time performing together in Vegas in over 28 years!(The only thing that’s changed is Donny’s voice is lower and his hairline is higher!!!! I tease him! He loves it.) It’s a fun all-ages show. Donny tries to prove he’s a better dancer than me, (he is pretty dang good) so I have to stay on my toes. Or, maybe I should stay on HIS toes. Did I hear something go “crrrruuuuunnncchh?!” Come see the show! It’s entertainment like Vegas used to be….singing, dancing, humor and a great band. Love, Marie