Meet Jane Clauss and some of her crafting TV shows? What is National Crafting Month? Started in 1994, National Crafting Month is the brainchild of the Craft and Hobby Association (now called Association for Creative Industries). The goal is to bring awareness to the craft industry by helping people learn to craft, reignite a long-lost passion, or give experienced makers a chance to try something new. Crafters are also referred to as DIYers, Makers, Creators, and Artists. At its core, Craft Month is about celebrating all creativity.

?Aside from watching the game at your party, people love to play games! To kick off the NCAA tournament, fans turn to “Bracketology” to help fill out their brackets and see how far they can go! At your parties, everyone has probably already filled out their brackets for the Tournament but you can create your own game using the brackets that will be fun for all. Get your collegiate genius on and create a game for those basketball buffs that includes questions about NCAA teams, it’s history and facts. The game is played on an oversized bracket that can be put in the center of the room, guests have to answer trivia questions to get points and move on. You ever know who the “Cinderella” player will be. There you have it, a game plan for the March Madness party of a lifetime! And for “One Shining Moment” you will be the hostess with the mostest this tournament season. Go Team! Good Old-Fashioned pancakes ? Peanut butter is a favorite flavor for so many people. Simply whisk in a smooth mixture of part peanut butter, part water blend to your traditional pancake ingredients and top with your favorite syrup. That is peanut buttery good!

DIY ideas by janeclauss.com: If your mom loves to cook, make her some useful tools for the kitchen! She will love simple finger sized hot pads made from fabric and layers of heat resistant batting inside. You can also help mom stay organized in the kitchen with a custom recipe box made from an old cigar box. Now her “go to “ recipes at her finger tips. Most cigar stores have loads of left over boxes and are usually generous to give them away. If your mom loves clothes and shoes, help her out in the closet with a set of fabric wrapped hangers. These are so easy to make, wrap old wooden or plain hangers with fabric, secure the edges with some glue, add some pom poms, tassels or jewel to the top and you’re done. See even more info at DIY TV shows.

Tasty food recipes by Jane Clauss: Pumpkins are everywhere this time of year and the last thing you probably want more of is: PUMPKINS! So, instead of carving a jack-o-lantern for Halloween here are four other fruit and veggies that will do the trick…. or treat! This nutrient-dense fruit is best known for being “healthy fat”. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, and it’s ability to help you absorb nutrients gets a thumbs up from many dietitians and even some craft addicts. Since the skin is a ghoulish dark green and easy to slice, it makes the perfect Av-o-lantern. When carving an avocado be sure to cut the eyes and mouth from your Av-o-lantern first; the peel is thin so it helps that there is something inside to press against while cutting. Then cut out a hole in the back large enough to scoop out the guts and the pit and be sure to save those insides to eat later. Lastly, light the inside with a battery operated tea light and you’re all set. You can create enough to make an Av-o-lantern display for your Halloween party with some guac on the side!

Jane is a do-it-yourself maker with contagious enthusiasm, a rip-it-apart and remake it sense of humor, and a bigger is better attitude; all on the rocks with a twist and olive! She contributes her UpCrafting tips as a BROTHER Sews Ambassador and she contributes to the monthly ENJOY Magazine, and the popular DIY site FaveCrafts. She also adds her artistic talents as a DIY features expert on television programs including: NBC’s The TODAY Show, FOX Chicago’s, WCIU’s You & Me This Morning, ABC’s Windy City Live, FOX 17 Morning Mix, Peachtree TV Atlanta and so many more across the country. Read extra info at janeclauss.com. If you are still reading, loves to “up-cycle” vintage fashion and furniture into new trends, enjoys cooking for anyone who will eat it, and will jump in the ring for a good bout of kickboxing any time! Jane and her new husband, Kurt, live in Chicago!