Beat summer's heat with this sew-simple craft project: a cool tie!

This bright cotton neckerchief has a summer secret: a filling of water-absorbing polymer granules from the garden center.

Soaked in water, the cool tie's polymer granules absorb more than 200% their weight in water. Tied around the neck or worn as a headband, a cool tie provides all-day cool relief through evaporation.

The cool tie is simple to sew, requiring only a straight-stitch sewing machine. It makes a great gift for gardeners!

Crafty gifts for guys can be hard to come by, which is why we like this easy-sew car organizer from blogger MayFly.

With pockets galore, it'll corral car stuff for Dad--or Mom--and keep the kids' toys organized in the back seat. Get giving with this easy-to-make holiday gift:

The Car Organizer How-To

Every parent knows the story: jigsaw puzzles are fun to work, but tough to work around. What's the solution to tying up table tops or floor space with a puzzle in progress?

Its a Puzzler! This one-seam easy-sew puzzle mat allows puzzles to be worked at will, then rolled up and stowed away between play sessions. It's crafted from a short length of craft felt and a recycled gift wrap roller.

Make them in multiples for the holidays. The Puzzler puzzle mat is perfect for teacher gifts. Paired with a new puzzle, the Puzzler makes a special family gift.

It's a pretty place for photos, cards and mementos: a French memory board! If you can sew a button and wield a stapler, you can make it.

Begin with a stretched artist's canvas, add batting, cover with cotton fabric, then criss-cross with ribbons. Novelty buttons secure ribbons to the canvas and add a bright touch. Light, pretty and oh, so easy!

To make your gift special, select fabric, ribbons and buttons to create a personalized memory board. Choose a child's favorite cartoon character and add bright ribbons. Carry out a sister's decorating scheme with coordinating fabrics and buttons. Give your favorite sports fan a place to display ticket stub and programs, done up in fabric displaying team logos.