Martha Stewart Crafts - Christmas Tree Craft Punch

Miss Martha. She is everywhere, and I absolutely love that about her. Martha Stewart Crafts is a beautiful website that offers over 500 products online to buy for crafting beginners and pros.

I would consider myself a beginner, and that is probably giving myself more credit than I deserve. Currently on sale at MSC is a great product that would be perfect for the winter season. The Christmas Tree Craft Punch is beautifully made. It has a bit of heft to it, but provides a very smooth and easy punching mechanism.

It would be perfect for adults and children alike. Start with a few sheets of orange, yellow and red construction paper. Punch away, then add a dab of glue to the back of these beautiful little trees and your kiddos would be well on their way to creating a forest in the throes of Autumn.

If you haven't made it over to the Martha Stewart Crafts website yet, be sure to check it out. With Valentine's Day and Easter on the horizon, you'll be sure to find a variety of elegant and fun products to meet your needs.

Don't Stake Your New Trees, says Martha

Martha Stewart has a column that runs regularly in newspapers throughout the country. She recently fielded a question about why a tree grew crookedly when it was staked to prevent wind damage. Stewart says that young trees are equipped to handle the weather on their own.

Although it might seem like young trees need to be staked to protect them from the wind and help them grow correctly, this can actually do more harm than good. In fact, it is only by being exposed to the elements -- without the aid of stakes -- that most trees develop the mechanisms that they need to become healthy and strong.

Stewart also offered tips on choosing a good tree. She says that shorter trees with heavy, solid and firm roots in the burlap bundle. Click here to read more.

Have a question for Martha? You can direct it to:

Ask Martha
c/o Letters Department
Martha Stewart Living
11 W. 42nd Street
New York, N.Y. 10036.

mslletters@marthastewart.com

Be sure to include you name, address and telephone number.