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I grew up in Kansas, so I'm crafty by nature. Cross-stitch? Boom. Baby hat? Done. I kill at my friend's annual construction-paper tree-decorating party.

I'm always thinking, Oh I'll just turn that into a necklace, or I can use the fabric in this shirt that doesn't fit anymore for a really great yoga bag. Only glitch? I don't have a sewing machine, supplies or patience (I'm also an Aries), so none of it ever happens.

But NOW I've discovered Etsy's Alchemy lab and the "designed by Laura Gilbert" party is on. The online crafters' marketplace (think eBay for handmade stuff) allows failures such as myself post ideas for crafts, and then actual people offer to make 'em. I've made two bids in two days and have no plans of stopping any time soon.

Requests for custom crafts range from the practical (like wedding accessories and supplies) to the more whimsical. (Toddler-size MJ glove, anyone?) And the order for a custom painting of a gall wasp and a maggot fly holding hands is inspirational in itself.

Lemondrop editor Laura Gilbert also enjoys watching UFC.