"I am a beginner when it comes to watercoloring. Like one of your other readers, I too could not find gummed brown tape for use in stretching sheets. In fact, I went to Blick here in Manhattan and the clerks I spoke with never heard of it! Moreover, I am having a hard time even finding a source online. Can I just use push pins on one side of my wooden board as a viable substitute? That's what one of the clerks suggested." -- Bob

Yes, you can indeed use push pins, anything that'll hold the paper firmly in place as it dries and contracts. You'll have to experiment to see how far apart you can put them. I know some people use duct tape as an alternative.

As for the store staff not knowing about it, I guess they're not watercolorists as it's listed on Blick's website under "gummed tape" in a plain old brown version and multi-colors (Buy Direct). Alternative terms to search an online store are "paper tape" and "craft tape". What you're looking for is a narrow roll of brown paper with dried glue on one side that you then wet (like the glue you lick on cheap brown envelopes).

See Also:
• How to Stretch Watercolor Paper
• What's Gummed Brown Tape?

Oil paint sticks are a convenient form to use oil paint for making monotypes. You create the image directly with them, laying down color and texture, blending and mixing colors, then place a piece of paper on top to print the monotype. Find out how in this demo...

• What's a monotype?
• What's an oil paint stick?

^{Image: © 2009 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

It's the first week of December, so it's time you got cracking on those holiday crafts. Here are some winter treasures to get you started.

Winterscape Needlepoint Ornaments
Create a needlepoint ornament with these Winterscape printable patterns. Cheryl Fall has your pattern and how-to.

Antique Christmas Scraps
Use these great looking antique Santa illustrations to use on all your paper projects-- scrapbooks, cards, ornaments and newsletters!

Knit Tinsel
If you can make an I-cord, you can use a fancy eyelash yarn to make knit tinsel in no time for your hearth or holiday tree. Sarah E. White shows you how.

Shrink Plastic Necklace
Use shrink plastic to create unique charms to make necklaces and other items of jewelry. These are quick to make and are perfect for last minute gifts!

Sweater Holiday Lighting
Make a light-up Christmas tree using an old sweater and a little know-how form the Sweater Surgery blog.

Printable Paper Sleigh
A Printable Sleigh to fill with goodies. This sleigh fits dolls house scale dolls, but it also stands nicely behind most commercial reindeer figures to make a table decoration. You can print it in the colors shown, or use the template to construct your own sleigh in the color you want.

Peace Cross Stitch
One message during the holidays that everyone can agree with is 'Peace'. Create this simple cross stitch with the free pattern and instructions from Connie G. Barwick.

Draw a Santa
Decorate cards, tags and more when you learn how to sketch the perfect Santa from Helen South.

Glittery Wood and Wire Snowman Earrings
These super easy snowmen earrings are a whimsical design that even the beginning jewelry maker can create.

Ribbon Wreath Craft
Find out how you can create a unique wreath using pieces of ribbon. By looking at this finished project, you will never believe how easy it is!

Holiday Pear Quilt
Create a pear quilt as a holiday gift or just to spruce up the place. Cyndi Lavin at the Mixed Media Blog has your tips and instructions.

Cuttlebugged Christmas Cards
These quick Christmas cards were made using my Sissix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Christmas Tree embossing folder, Versamark inks and embellishments. Get the instructions at the Firenze Cards blog.

Christmas Card Art Worksheet
Make a watercolor Christmas Card out of a cathedral rose window without all that pesky drawing. Just print this outline from Marion Boddy-Evans on a sheet of watercolor paper using waterproof ink.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

^{Image: © 2009 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}