Well, here comes Friday again, and it always seems so soon, though I have to admit like most folks Fridays are good days for me because that means the almost end of a long week. I’m home today, all day for a change, with papers to grade (not so much of a change), and I hope to find some time to do some extra craft web surfing, starting with many of the blogs I’ve listed below.

I have really felt out of the blogosphere loop lately. My mind has been on school a lot, of course, since that’s my main j-o-b. Plus, I’ve been trying to get a handle on the old bod that seems to be falling apart. I finally, after years of pain in my knees, saw a doctor this week about them. Come to find out, my knee caps are out alignment, which I’ve learned is a very common problem for women. So, I’m shopping around for a good physical therapist, and I’m recommitting myself for the ump-tenth time to more regular exercise. There’s not one reason why my knees are screwed up, but part of the problem is the lack of muscle around the knee cap, and the only way to gain muscle is to exercise. If there was only a way to fit it in more easily into all the other things I have to do. I do enjoy exercising. It makes me feel better and more focused in general, but it always seems to fall down at the bottom of the to-do list. Plus, there are other things that are much more fun to do like blogging and making jewelry and…and…

Okay, before I make any more excusing for not exercising, here are this week’s craft links. My ramblings stop now…..

Cathie Filian
My hubby and I tested the new goats milk soap base at Michaels. Two thumbs up!

Layers Upon Layers
Mixed media artist Christy Sobolewski shares her artistic passions.

Stefanie Girard’s Sweater Surgery
The “heavy guns” were brought out this week at Sweater Surgery with the bandsawing of shotgun shell upcycled jewelry and the leather work gloves used in the creation of cairns.

The Impatient Blogger
Who knew hook rugs were such a hot button topic? Madge continues to ponder the future of the craft industry in this sequel to last week’s post.

About Family Crafts
Let everyone know… What holiday season inspires your creativity the most?

About.com Cross Stitch
The 2008 Cross Stitch Forum Ornament Exchange is on – find out how to participate then create your ornaments and enjoy.

Aileen’s Musings
Day of the Dead Cometh Early! Check out Aileen’s funky glittered skull beads and see what fun things you can create with them.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
What ever your medium there is information and inspiration a-go-go this week with a crazy quilt embroidery motif, bullet casing bracelet how-to, duplicate stitch wing pattern and tutorial, decorative paper stencil patterns, and the altered book technique of “Highlighting Text.”

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is still thinking about the good ol’ days and tie-dye. Here’s a great video she found on YouTube that gives you the 411.