Getting creative inspiration from a crafty girlfriend - like KATIE HACKER

I'm so lucky - my girlfriends inspire me so much! I was inspired to a marathon by my 'jock' girlfriend, Allison. Becky ("the Kitchen Goddess") inspires me to be a better cook (although admittedly I don't try often!). Jill inspires me with her jewelry designs. I love that about girlfriends. Together we have more fun, learn more and become more 'ourselves' through our female friends.

My girlfriend KATIE HACKER is creative, kind, talented and inspiring. She is author of more than 20 craft books including Hip to Bead, Katie's Basics of Beading and 30-Minute Beading. She also presents Beading Lessons on the PBS show Beads, Baubles & Jewels, is a regular columnist for Simply Beads magazine and teaches workshops at national shows like the Bead & Button Show. Although she is best known for beading, she does lots of other crafts and she has some wonderful ideas for crafting with and for your girlfriends.

Just listen to our NEW podcast with Katie and she'll inspire you - to craft for and with your girlfriends, to make time for your friends, to connect with your creative girlfriends through the internet and just to be more comfortable with your own creativity!

Check out Katie's blog for updates, creative ideas and her recent Ornament Round Robin (see following blog).

Do your girlfriends inspire you? Please join in the Girlfriendology December CONTEST - which asks for stories on girlfriends you're thankful for. Spread the girlfriend gratitude! Honor your girlfriend by telling everyone how much she inspires you! (and win prizes in the Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway!) Thanks Katie!