Scented Candles make a House a Home!

Author: Lisa Pirie

Ever since I was a little girl I have just loved candles! I would spend ages just watching their lovely glow and taking in the aroma as they burned. I couldn't imagine life without them. Now, our own home is always beautifully decorated and scented with wonderful candles. While you can get many gorgeous looking unscented candles, I love to have scented candles burning. Smell is our most powerful sense in making us feel a certain way or taking us back in history to those special moments.

Our sense of smell has a memory so you can use smell in a very positive way to evoke wonderful feelings of happiness, calmness, that holiday, festive feeling etc. I am almost put into a trance every time I smell Jasmine as it takes me back to my nanna's special, loved filled country garden where we shared so many irreplaceable moments. And I bake a special Choc, Fruit, Sherry Slice that was my Mothers pride and joy special recipe at least once a week so that I feel like I am back home with her in her kitchen helping her cook. She died young in 1999 at only 53 years of age and that is one way that I feel very close to her. Smell makes things very real!

There is nothing nicer than going to visit a friend and as they open the door to greet you, you are welcomed by the most delicious or uplifting aroma. You immediately feel at home. Scented candles offer this unseen but most important aspect in our homes - scent, smell, aroma.

Now that Spring is here I have to confess - I have completed contracted the ""Spring Cleaning Bug"" and been almost fanatical about decluttering, cleaning out cupboards and opening up spaces. I am enhancing our home and its new ""Spring Clean"" with candles that have fresh, clean, floral fragrances. My current favorites are Frangipani and Rose Geranium.

About the author: Lisa Pirie lives in the Hawkesbury Valley in NSW Australia and is very passionate about candles and helping the makers of hand made candles find a market so that candle making as an old fashion art form stays alive and well. If you wish to see more about candles or to purchase beautiful hand made candles, you can visit www.aussiecandlestore.com

Preserving Memories With a Work of Art - Creating a Memory Quilt Wall Hanging

Author: Lori J. Ferreira

Parents are always looking for ways to preserve the precious memories of their children's early years, yet we give away a cherished memory without even realizing it all the time. We take thousands of photographs and endless hours of videos. And if you're like most parents, the pictures and tapes get boxed away for the future, or possibly get organized into albums that are stored away. We store away their early art work or projects, curls from their first haircuts, and most everything else we can think of that someday will bring back those fond memories of early childhood.

The one thing we seem to ignore is the clothes that they wore during those years. We donate them to good causes, pass them on to friends and family that have younger children or simply discard the ones that may be unsuitable for wearing any longer.

We all have our favorite outfits that we dress our children in - the ones we know made them the most adorable kid around. It may be the little blue dress with a teddy bear on the front, the tiny tan corduroys and jean shirt that showed he was ready for the toddler's version of GQ, or perhaps its daddy's baseball tee-shirt she adopted as her favorite night shirt. These outfits will either be given away, destroyed, or if you're sentimental you may pack them away in the attic - that is until now!

One the greatest gifts a mom could ever receive or give to herself is to turn these pieces of clothing into a treasured keepsake and a true work of art. Creating a memory quilt wall hanging can be one of the most fulfilling quilting projects you will ever enjoy. If you are handy with a sewing machine and not sure of exactly how to create a memory quilt, many local quilt shops will offer classes that will guide you from start to finish. If quilting and sewing is something you feel is better left to others, those same local quilt shops can most likely find someone that will create the quilt for you and allow you to help in the design of the quilt.

When creating a memory quilt there are a few points that will make it extra special:

* Be selective - choose items that bring about the fondest memories for you. Do not simply dismiss an item because of a stain or hole. You do not need to, nor should you use the entire garment. You can always find a useable piece of fabric from any item.

* Think outside the box - stay away from squares. Sure you will need to have some straight edges to square up the sides but inside the quilt you can use the round edges of sleeves, the bottom of a dress, or just about any kind of shape you can imagine.

* Use texture to your advantage - select different types of fabrics that lend a variety of surfaces to the quilt. Make people want to touch and feel the materials you used, by using the fur collar from a coat, mix flannels and cottons.

* Use photos - if you have photos of your child in a particular outfit, scan the photo into your computer and print the photo onto fabric specially designed for inkjet printers. Cut the photo fabric out and incorporate it into the quilt by sewing the photo onto the very outfit in the photo.

* Stabilize stretchable fabrics - sew or iron stretchable fabrics onto a stabilizing fabric. This will help the quilt retain its shape and make it easier to work with.

* Experiment - lay the items down onto a large table, the floor or a design wall to envision how the finished product will look. At this stage you can simply overlay the clothes without actually cutting. This will allow you to make changes before it's too late. As always, live by the quilters and carpenters golden rule here - measure twice and cut once.

* Don't traumatize your children - if you have a child emotionally attached to a particular item, think twice about cutting it up. If it has been out of sight for a while and not been missed, then it's probably safe to use, but don't cut it up in front of your child.

* Have fun with it - remember this is a work of love and the more fun you have creating it, the more love will show in the finished quilt.

A memory quilt wall hanging can be the ultimate gift a husband can give to his wife on mother's day. Now, I know that most husbands are not capable of doing this alone. Perhaps you can enlist the help of a sister-in-law, sister, mother or yes, even a mother-in-law to assist you. Even if you do nothing more than organize the effort and sneak the clothes out of the house without her noticing that will be a huge help. If you do manage to surprise her, I assure you there are few gifts that will measure up to a treasured tribute to her children. If it's impossible to surprise her, simply suggest the idea to her, participate in the project and you will be a hero in her eyes.

Don't throw away your memories - preserve them and decorate your home at the same time with a priceless family heirloom.

About the author: Lori J. Ferreira has always had a love of the arts. She has a B.A. in Theater/Costume Design with a minor in Art History. She has created a vehicle to promote artisans and craftspeople online with Lori J Gallery . To see pictures of her latest memory quilt creation please

Click Here .

Preparing For a Leather Craft Project

Author: Jake Berlin

Preparing For a Leather Craft Project

Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll need the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable and give you a sense of satisfation when you're done. If you're like most of us you'll probably be working on more leather craft projects over time, so creating a designated area is probably a good idea.

What to Cut On

Regardless of the project, you’ll need to cut your piece of leather. Choose a flat surface protected with a rubber mat. The latter will help protect your tools and prevent them from becoming blunt. Alternatively, you can purchase a self-healing cutting board that comes with a grid work. Any cuts made in the board seal up. This product is readily available at such shops as Staples.

Marking the Cut

Use a ruler or yardstick and a pencil to mark the cut. Just make a light mark with the pencil. A rounded edge will help if you’re cutting a curve. Then place a metal straight edge along the line you have drawn. Using the tip of an X-acto knife, cut along the line, keeping the knife against the metal edge

Trimming the Edges

If you want to trim the edges of the leather, lay the piece out on a flat surface. Make sure the leather is damp, and keep it so by using a spray bottle full of water.

You’ll need what’s called an edge beveling tool to smooth the cut edges. The two prongs that form its V shape need to be positioned so that they are facing upward on both sides of the edge.

Keeping the tool at a 45 degree angle, with your index finger on the top of the tool, push it away from you along the cut edge, holding the leather craft piece firmly with your other hand.

As you work, small strips of leather will come off. It’s a good idea to practice on small scraps of leather before using the leather craft beveller, so you feel comfortable with it and what it can do.

Tools to Use

* Cutting board, preferably self-healing kind

* Ruler, pencil, metal straight edge, rounded edge

* X-acto knife

* Leather craft edge beveling tool

Summary

* Use a cutting board

* Mark where you want to cut before you cut!

* Dampen the leather when trimming the edges

* Butt the knife against a straight edge or a curved edge for more control

More on Tools

For working in leather crafts, consider the basics: an awl and spare point, a retractable X-acto knife and spare blades, a retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch.

In addition, you’ll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some waxed linen thread. As well, a pair of pliers to pull the needle through the leather is a must, and scissors you can use for cutting the leather.

Then there are edge slickers and bevellers that are used to finish the edges, drive punches for bigger holes and thong cutters for making laces. A T-square, compass and yardstick are essential to ensure that your leather craft piece is measured accurately.

If you’re just starting out with leather crafts, you might not want to spend a lot of money on tools. Once you’ve worked with the basic set and completed a few leather craft projects, you’ll have a better idea of what tools work best and what you use most.

At that point, a little research and some comparative shopping can lead you to acquiring better quality leather craft tools that will enhance your work. Of course, even the most expensive tools won’t help if you haven’t taken the time to develop and perfect your skills.

If you do your very best with what you have, it doesn’t matter if you can’t afford the most expensive leather craft awl or the latest knife. Quality will show anyway.

Summary

* Start with a basic leather craft tool set

* Buy better quality tools once you’ve completed some projects and have a better idea of what will enhance the quality of your work

*** Hey! Need To Know More About Leather? *** Here's How to Get Your Answers Quick and Easy Click Here ==> http://www.leathersecrets.com

About the author: Jake's love of leather and the constant questions drove him to write everything down. Now he just hands out business cards with his website on it. Too Easy!

Add dimension and personality to your embroidery

Author: Rose Lenk

One of the best ways that you can personalize your embroidery and make it stand out among others is to add dimension to your technique. Dimension in embroidery brings your piece to life and adds style, personality, and a 3-D quality that is uniquely your own.

And contrary to what you may think, adding dimension does not require intricate and complicated stitching such as stumpwork or other techniques used in dimensional embroidery. If you can embroider, you can add dimension to your work with just a few simple techniques.

Here's how:

Use different thread weights. Using multiple weights of thread will give your embroidered piece dimension and depth that cannot be achieved with patterns using all the same thread weight. A heavier weight thread results in denser embroidery and shadows, where a lighter weight thread results in a light, delicate pattern. By blending these two together, you can add dimension without leaving your canvas. While it may sound simple, it can take a few tries to find the perfect harmony between your threads so that the embroidery will look natural.

Use different colors of thread to create shadow. Three-dimensional images have shadows, and one of the best ways that you can make your embroidery seem three dimensional is to embroider shadows into your design. You can do this by selecting darker shades of the color of thread that you are using and graduating the darker colors on your embroidery to create the effect of natural shadow. For lighter colors, you can use two to three darker, graduated colors; for darker colors, you can use up to five darker shades of graduation. Practice using these darker shades on your sampler until you achieve a natural looking shadow. It may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, you will acquire an eye for placing the shadows perfectly.

Use textured threads. Wool threads, pearl threads and silk threads all achieve a different result when used in embroidery. By combining several different textures into your embroidery, you can easily achieve a dimensional image. For example: light, airy threads would be ideal for delicate patterns such as flowers, whereas coarse, textured threads would be ideal for creating structures such as buildings and houses.

In addition to these simple ways to add dimension to your embroidery, you can also use different stitches to create different effects. By closely matching your stitching style to the type of image that you want to create for each aspect of your piece, you can add a great deal of texture and dimension.

Don't be afraid to incorporate several different types of stitching, threads and patterns to achieve the desired result. By using more variations, you will create an embroidered design that is uniquely your own and full of dimension. The best pieces trick the eye and give the viewer a little surprise of detail each time they see it.

About the author: By Rose Lenk

For more embroidery articles,tips and information visit Embroidery Wonders

Forget Resolutions. Craft a Life Theme that Works.

Author: Lisa Martin, Founder & President, Briefcase Moms

How many people do you know who, in January, enthusiastically name their resolution for the year yet somehow neglect to follow through with it a few weeks or months later? Forget making New Year's resolutions. They rarely work because they are often based on ""shoulds"" versus the bigger picture of your life. What I've found does work is creating a life theme for the year ahead.

Your life theme will be your overriding intention or ""big picture"" focus for the upcoming months. It has an expiration date of December 31, when you'll get a chance to re-evaluate your direction. Having a life theme is like having a personal mission statement for your whole life, personal and professional, updated annually. A life theme works because it takes into consideration and connects all your intentions for the year in a succinct and powerful phrase. This collection of one to five words describes what you want to accomplish in all areas of your life and cements your main priorities with intended action.

Discover Your Intentions

Perhaps as you've explored who you are and what you want to create for your life, you've noticed that ""Wellbeing"" or ""Wellness"" has come up for you over and over. Or perhaps you've noticed more of a ""Relationship"" theme. Or maybe the word ""Passion"" has tugged at your heart repeatedly, or you've focused on ""Patience."" These are all great themes for the upcoming year. Through your own personal discovery, you may recognize that you haven't made time in your life for many friends, that your networks are weak and that you'd like to have a social circle beyond your immediate family. Your life theme in this case could be ""Connection."" It may be you've realized that your life is far more filled with work and errands than with fun and play, and you want to fix that imbalance. Your life theme then could be ""Energize.""

Feel the Magic

Base your theme on what you find joyful and what you want to accomplish both personally and professionally. Your theme needs to strike an emotional chord with you and bring a smile to your face when your say it. You must own it. You must feel your theme's magic. It must propel you forward.

Now take a few moments to reflect on the bigger picture vision you have for your life. What would you like to accomplish first? What will bring you joy and fulfillment with your work, your family, and your personal time? What is the essence of what you wish to experience in this upcoming year? When you have an idea of what it is you wish to create and who you want to ""be,"" take some time to meditate or concentrate on developing your life theme. The right phrase for you may come to you immediately, or it may take some time to evolve.

Brief is Best

When the phrase does reveal itself to you, try to keep it to a maximum of five words. Brief is better. Feel the power of these concise life themes: ""Let go. Rebuild. Move Forward. Growth and Independence. Balance and Follow-through. Connection. Stretch. Calm and Quiet."" You might have to live with your life theme for a week before you know that it's the one that will speak to you for the next year. You will know when you've got it.

Get Started

Once your life theme is clear, write it down. Put it where you will see it every day as a reminder of where you are heading in 2005. Tell loved ones, friends and colleagues what your life theme is. The more often you say it and share the more real it will become. Every time you make a decision large and small put it through your life theme filter. If your theme is ""connection"" say yes to building friendships, social invitations and neighborhood parties. If your theme is ""adventure and fun"" perhaps you say no that new pair of shoes and yes to signing up for a rock climbing course. The most surefire method to ensuring you live your life theme is to ask yourself every morning when you wake ""what can I do today to experience my life theme."" The key to success is to be intentional with your thoughts and actions on a daily basis. By living intentionally and with purpose you'll never feel the need to make another New Year's resolution again.

About the author: Lisa Martin, PCC, is the author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers’ Lives. A working mother with 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, she is the founder and president of Briefcase Moms. She helps professionals, executives and entrepreneurs succeed in all areas of their lives- career, family and personal fulfillment. Subscribe to her free newsletter at: www.briefcasemoms.com.

How To Write And Craft Your Online Classified Ads

Author: Evelyn Lim

What are classified ads? Classified ads are essentially just condensed form of solo (full page) ads. They are small as there is usually a limit to the number of lines or number of characters that you are allowed to put in.

Classified ads can be free (certain restrictions are likely to apply) or can cost you as low as less than $10. For the ones that you have to pay, prices vary depending on where you advertise, how large the subscriber list is and the number of impressions (how many times your ad appears).

You may consider placing your online classified ads on a website that is already generating huge traffic or in someone else’s ezine.

Here are a couple of sites that you may wish to check out:

http://www.classifieds.yahoo.com http://www.5starads.com http://www.isnare.com http://www.web-ads.com

With there being a limit to the number of lines that your classified ad can contain, it is a good idea to spend some time crafting out an effective ad copy to elicit the best response. Your job is to conjure a clear image of a solid benefit in the minds of your prospect, based on the restricted number of words that you are allowed in your ad.

Here are 7 tips on crafting out your online classified ads:

1) Use the age-old marketing formula once again: AIDA! Attract Attention, get Interest, Attract Desires, Get Action.

2) In order to attract attention and to get your prospect's interest, you must first know who he/she is and what he/she wants.

3) Sell on the benefits and not on the features. Remember the saying “Sell the Sizzle, not the steak”!

4) Make a clear statement that says specifically what your prospects will get when they answer your ad. Show by using facts instead of claims. For instance “Fast service guaranteed” is not as preferred as “Your items shipped in 24 hours”.

5) Get your prospects to act on the information immediately. Put a time limit!

6) Use the word “Free” if possible. For instance, offer a free ebook or free service to attract your prospects.

7) Other words that can possibly help in your ad include: Free, Offer, Quick, Easy, Last chance, Just arrived, Announcing, Limited edition, limited offer, prompt results.

Bonus section 1: Another 3 tips on testing and tracking your ads

1) When you test your ads, you may wish to test word-by-word. Test by changing your headlines or change the format of your words (eg. bold, capital letters, italics).

2) Concentrate your ads in a few places rather than advertise all over the internet. Try to do a thorough job in the few places that you’ve chosen before you move on to the next. 3) Try to increase the reach and frequency. Few prospects will act after seeing your ad for only one time. You need to have an ad exposure of at least 7 times.

Bonus Section 2: Here is a specific example on how you can transform your ad

First, you may start with….

“Freelance graphic designer does great designs. www.yourdomainname.com”

Next, you spell out some specific benefits to your prospects if they respond to your ad…

“You get attractive sales ad when I personally design your graphics. www.yourdomainname.com”

Make it attention-grabbing by changing it to….

“Explode your sales with my attractive graphics for your ad campaigns. www.yourdomainname.com”

Finally include the word “Free” and put a strong call to action into your ad…

“Free access to my clipart library for limited time only. Explode your sales with my attractive graphics for your ad campaigns. www.yourdomainname.com”

Viola!! Put some practice into this exercise and you will soon find it easy to churn out 3 to 5 line ad copies at the drop of a hat! One last tip for you…

Before you start writing a classified ad, it is a good idea to take a look at how other people are writing theirs. Take note of those that you find appealing and use the same formula. Get it right and you should be receiving good click through rates!

About the author: Evelyn Lim is the publisher of weekly newsletter ""Mapping You to Success"". She aims to equip her readers with skills to acquire multiple sources of online income. To subscribe to her newsletter, please visit http://www.e-BizMap.com . Or, read her blog ""Online home business journals from Singapore"" at http://www.EvelynLim.com for more information

Capturing the Craft Show Market

Author: Natalie Goyette

Finding the right product to sell at a craft show is extremely important in finding success on the craft show circuit. You may already have an excellent craft product or line of products you are creating or even selling, or you may be looking for a craft to produce in order to enter the business. In either case, market research is going to help you find a craft show product that you can produce at a low enough cost to net a profit - and one that you will enjoy making. If you don’t spend time looking into what everyone else has at their craft show booth, you might repeat what others have, or create a product no one really wants.

What exactly is a craft? The dictionary definition of ""craft"" is to make by hand, therefore, theoretically anything handmade is a craft. Although that's true, a craft typically falls into a category of items that are normally sold under the umbrella of arts and crafts that are either decorative or useful or both—and that consumers generally purchase for ornamental or practical use. The endless creativity of new craft show items is nothing short of remarkable. The product you choose will likely be one you enjoy producing or have a natural affinity for. It might be a skill passed down from generation to generation in your family, but you can also learn it on your own. You may decide to take classes or apprentice to a master to learn a new skill for producing a craft show item. Yet in order to make your craft business a success, you should consider doing a little bit of homework about what craft show item to make, ahead of time.

Market research

What sells? Wouldn't you like to have the answer to that question before putting all your resources into creating a product? How can you get the answer? Market research. Any large company that manufactures products utilizes market research before developing new products. You can use the Internet as well as common sense. You can ask friends, visit craft shows, galleries, retail stores, eBay and other websites to see what is selling and what isn't. Ask other artisans and craft show booth owners. Study trends by reading consumer magazines, trade journals, the fashion section of the newspaper or even watching TV.

Product ideas also come from everyday life—find a niche and fill it – and you will most certainly find success in craft shows. But, you need to make sure you stay on the cutting edge. Children, animals and nature can provide inspiration as well. Jot ideas for craft show items in your notebook or computer whenever you come up with something you think would be a hot seller. Compile a list of possible items and compare it to what you might enjoy producing. Then ask yourself if the craft show item is practical, decorative, unique, can be priced right (for profit), has a personal touch, is of excellent quality and offers exceptional value.

You might also want to check out the competition in any category you select. How can you put a spin on your product to make it distinct and stand out from the others? If you're a crafter, you're probably highly creative, so use your creativity to come up with something imaginative. Without plunging into it full on, see if you can make a few samples and solicit feedback from friends or store owners. Do a small craft show and gauge customer response. If all systems seem to be saying ""go"" then go for it!

Find a craft you enjoy making, that you can construct efficiently and cost effectively, and one you can sell, and you have the craft show market cornered. But, you probably aren’t going to land the perfect product without some groundwork done beforehand. If you want to find the utmost in craft show success, then take the time to deliver a product that you have researched, and watch craft collectors flock to your booth!

About the author: Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: http://www.craftshowsuccess.com

Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?

Author: Natalie Goyette

If you are involved in the crafts business, and are profitable, you are among the rare breed who have successfully combined art with business. If, however, you still have yet to show a profit (or enough profit) after a show, this article may get you going in the right direction.

Whatever reason you have to enter the craft show business world, you probably will have a big wake-up call when set your intention to move from pastime to profits. Because you may not make a profit initially (it could take as long as two years to be in the black) make sure you love the business, that is, producing your craft product as well as selling it.

You need to give yourself a realistic amount of time to establish your business as well as learn the industry too. Start out slowly to avoid debt, and use your profits to learn and grow your craft show business.

An online survey revealed several major issues affecting professional crafters:

Finding Time 28% New Ideas 14% Slow Sales 14% Finding Supplies 10% Pricing 9% Misc.7% Display 2%

Although craft shows are not the only place an artisan can sell wares, it is generally the best starting place, as it is fairly easy and inexpensive to get into small local shows to begin, and then build from there.

Craft Shows offer a short-term commitment of time and money, (you also won't incur any travel expenses) and you can easily assess your results quickly - before you commit to larger, more expensive craft shows. You'll be able to change prices, spruce up displays and add inventory based on the outcome of each show and customer feedback.

Your display booth is like a portable store you pack up and take with you. But because you have less inventory than a typical retail store, you are far more flexible. You can make adjustments more readily. You can test new products without having to manufacture large quantities. You can experiment with different prices and signage. You can ask your customers what they like and what they are looking for. And you can see what is selling at other booths.

By selling directly to your customer, without a distributor, you get to keep the full profit minus supplies, overhead and show costs. Since most craft shows are on weekends, you have full control of your time and the freedom to create your products when you wish.

You can also involve your whole family in the business as is common in husband and wife teams. Often the children help with production chores or at weekend craft shows. It's a great opportunity to spend time together and teach children business skills.

You can do as many or as few craft shows as you desire, working as much or as little as you want. You can travel anywhere you would like to do a show, and perhaps use your trip as a business tax deduction. The craft show lifestyle is not for everyone, and you'll find out quickly if it suits you.

There are many factors affecting your ability to make your craft show business a financial success, among them are: the state of the economy, competition, quality & need for your product, pricing, displays, choice of shows, cost of supplies, show fees, show promotion, attendance at the show, your sales ability and more.

But if you're wondering if anyone is profitable as an artisan selling their creations at craft shows and fairs, the numbers show that this is a big business. According to a recent CODA (Craft Organization Directors' Association) survey, the craft shows market is a more than $14 billion industry. The survey also revealed some demographics of the typical professional crafter:

The average age is 49 years old Approximately 2/3 are female Almost 2/3 work alone in a studio Around 79% of the studios are in or on residential property Nearly 20% work with a partner More than 15% have paid employees Over 75% belong to professional craft organizations The average annual income from crafts is $50,000 At least 52% of annual retail sales come from craft shows

Since most crafters work from home, for the convenience and lower costs, managing their business around personal obligations presents the challenges of dealing with distractions, self-discipline and time management. Juggling all the demands on their time and energy takes planning, commitment and systems.

You have to determine for yourself the level at which you want to be involved: as a full-time profit- making professional or as a part-time hobbyist making some extra cash.

When first starting out in smaller, local shows, keep a notebook with you to record your observations, sales, the weather, customer feedback and anything else you think will help you learn what you need to improve at the next show. Ask questions of your customers when they seem interested and don't buy. Find out what might have made them purchase from you if they didn't: lower price, different materials, other colors - or maybe they were ""just looking.""

Build your confidence and sales abilities while working smaller shows, you will see your progress as you move on to larger venues. Talk to other more seasoned vendors to pick up whatever you can learn from them. Ask them where other craft shows are and what they see as hot trends.

To initially find your local shows, check your newspapers, the Chamber of Commerce and other local civic and charitable organizations. Ask at the nearest hobby or craft retail outlet. And of course, you can use the Internet. Once you become part of the craft show community, you will probably know about more craft shows than you have time to attend. That's when you can become more selective.

About the author: Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: http://www.craftshowsuccess.com

A New Outdoor Craft Idea - Artificial Rock Boulders

Author: Jim Wilson

When we were searching for a method of re-creating a national pastime favorite, the fun of caves and artificial rocks, we resorted to experimenting with our own concoctions and landed with a process that is fun, easy, and surprisingly durable, with the best part being economical. CaveRock has been met with incredible appeal and in the short time we've offered it, the customer response has been overwhelming.

CaveRock is the closest thing to a real stone structure you can create on such a large scale. There are many spin off uses for this unique construction process.

If you've enjoyed the uncanny effects of seeing artificial rocks at miniature golf courses, hotel swimming pool areas, theme-parks and many other applications of fake rocks, then CaveRock is the first in providing this unique effect in residential uses.

We invite you to visit us today and get your copy of our unique plans and have them available when you're ready to apply our process. We've made the plans so affordable that literally anyone can afford to re-create rocks at their leisure. Make your backyard or garden area the talk of the neighborhood.

We are located in Tennessee, one of our inspirations was the magnificent display of commercial rocks and boulders in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. If you have the opportunity to visit Middle Tennessee, be sure to visit the 5 star Opryland Hotel. Their conservatory is second to none.

CaveRock Design provides the plans, you provide the materials and the family manpower to erect a one-of-a-kind artificial rock structure.

http://wealthsmith.com/CAVEROCK.htm

About the author: Jim is an avid outdoor enthusiast and he has create a totally unique product with artificial rocks. Jim also enjoys sharing his knowledge about using and profiting from the internet. Visit his homepage: http://wealthsmith.com

How To Earn A Great Living as a Craft Fair Artist

Author: Steven Popkin

Ever walk through a craft fair and say, “I could do that.” Ever hear someone say “you should sell your stuff?” Admit it – you wish that you could make a living doing the thing that you love doing the most….your craft. I understand exactly how you feel because I used to feel exactly the same way.

I longed to make a living as an artist but I held myself back. Fearful and intimated of putting myself out there, I ignored my dreams. Fortunately, someone pushed me right into my business. I participated in a charity event as a favor to my wife and her friends. During that event a woman came up and invited me to participate in a craft show which was going to take place just before the holidays. Anxious to begin a business, I agreed.

Not long thereafter my dream of earning a living as an artist came true. Let me share with you some secrets that will make your next craft show a success!

First, do your research. I recommend purchasing a trade magazine called “Where the Shows Are.” You will find all of the art and craft shows listed in this publication. More importantly, artists that attended the craft show in previous years share their insights and reviews of the previous year shows. These artists discuss the types of items that sold well, what price point did well, and rate if they would attend the show again. Find the show that matches your work!

Next, determine the demographics of the show. Who attends? Look at the location of the show. The majority of people attending will come from that area. Is the show located in a middle class community? I recommend displaying work under the $500.00 level. Is the show located in a very high end or “ritzy” neighborhood? Make sure that you display and price craft work that matches this buyer. Avoid diminishing the worth of your craft by selling it too cheap! Use the demographics to understand the perception of the buyer.

I always recommend producing items at all different price points. Don't ignore the power of the lower priced items. A lower priced item allows people to easily purchase from you and increases the amount of multiple piece sales.

Educate your customer! Share with them the other potential uses of your craft. Be creative, expand the possibilities and expand the amount of people that will buy from you. Give suggestions on other uses for your work. For instance, I've sold a glass platter to one customer that another purchased as a glass wall sculpture whereas someone else became the proud owner of a glass centerpiece. It's all the same piece of art, but every buyer made a purchase unique to their needs.

Another secret strategy to a successful craft show - network with other artists. Before the show begins, usually during the time when everyone is setting up, introduce yourself to non competing artists and let them know that you will be happy to refer people to their booths for their line of work, and in exchange you would like them to do the same for you. Consider working out a commission for any buyer that comes to your booth referred by another artist. This little known strategy will surely put many more dollars into your pocket.

If you would like additional strategies on how to maximize your profits at craft shows, visit www.thethrivingartist.com for my free e-course on how to sell your artwork for maximum profits.

Make your dream of earning your living as an artist come true today!

About the author: Steve Popkin, a veteran glass artist, makes it easy for artists to become successful. Learn the secrets most artists and craftsmen will never know about selling artwork in his complimentary e-course just visit http://www.thethrivingartist.com

The Business Side of Craft Shows

Author: Natalie Goyette

The Business side of Craft Shows

Starting a craft show business when you're really an artist at heart may be a rude awakening for you. Nevertheless, if you decide to turn your hobby into a business, you need to switch hats from time to time. You wear your artist hat when creating and producing your crafts, and you put on your businessperson's hat when you're running the business end. Begin successful on the craft show circuit doesn’t just mean you have a great product; it also means you have a decent head for business.

Planning your craft show business

It's not absolutely essential to write a craft show business plan if you're not seeking a loan or partner, however, it can help you focus your business goals from the start. There are numerous books and Web sites on how to write a business plan, and most will fit with craft shows just fine. The most crucial elements are the financial projections—which include your estimated income and expense for the next several years—and the marketing plan. The marketing plan helps you identify your target audience and how you can best find and serve them. This is essential as you develop your craft show product and find the right shows at which to sell. If you are seeking capital or a partner, you will probably need a complete business plan. If doing this overwhelms you, contact your local Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, Chamber of Commerce or local universities to find help with developing a professional business plan for your craft show company. At this point, you may also seek the advice of an attorney to decide what business entity yours will be—a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company or a corporation. You can always grow into corporate status later on, though it's advisable to at least know your options up front.

Licensing your craft show business

Most cities require any business, home-based or otherwise, to register and purchase a business license. These range in cost from $15 to $100 depending on the size of your city and are obtained from the city clerk's office in most cases. It makes your craft show company official and enables you to conduct business legally. Find out if your city requires any special-use permits for operating a home-based business. The rules may differ if you have customers, supply trucks or employees coming to your location.

You may also need to file a fictitious name statement with your county offices if you call yourself anything other than your name, such as Posh Pottery. This guarantees that nobody else in your county is using the same business name. From here your file the name with a newspaper, and then you can open your business checking account. It's highly advisable to keep craft show business income and expenses separate from personal if you are serious about being in business. Then on a regular basis, you can ""pay"" yourself from your business account. You can also now file your taxes as a business entity and take advantage of the many tax exemptions for businesses. Car expenses or mileage, supplies, overhead costs and more are all deductible. Find a copy of a schedule C (www.irs.gov) to see some of the expenses you can write off.

Now you have officially moved out of the hobby status and in to the serious craft show business. Actually the IRS considers your enterprise a hobby if you haven't made a profit in two out of five years that you file as a business. If that happens, it's time to rethink taking your goods to craft shows as a business venture.

You will probably need to get a resale (sales tax) license. This allows you to buy wholesale anything you will be reselling and not pay taxes, however, you need to charge tax on your crafts and then submit it to the tax board either monthly, quarterly or annually. Check with your local state board of equalization or state office of taxation to find out what their rules are. It doesn't cost anything to get a resale license.

It's helpful when starting out to set aside a savings account for your sales tax to be sure you have it when it comes due. Also check with your sales tax office if you are required to collect tax when you're selling in other states. Some show promoters collect tax from you at the end of the show, so you need to keep accurate records, which you can do by issuing a receipt with every customer purchase. Make sure you find out the amount of tax you need to charge at the show as it varies by city, county and state. Also, it's a good idea to carry your sales tax permit everywhere—you may need to pick up some supplies, and you can avoid having to pay taxes on them.

Each city, county and state has different regulations regarding licensing, so make some phone calls to find out what's required, and do this well before your first craft show.

About the author: Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: http://www.craftshowsuccess.com

The Best Quilts, Quilt Patterns and Quilt Fabrics

Author: Amy-Jo Strutt

The earliest quilts date back to the 18th century. They have been around for hundreds of years and they are as popular today as they were back then. There are thousands of styles and designs available and you can actually find free quilt patterns on line. If you are really creative, you can design you own. Quilts are very versatile and can be used to create a warm cozy feeling in your bedroom or you can hang them on your walls to celebrate holidays or special occasions. They are so colorful they will definitely brighten up any room. Because of their design and quilt fabrics, they will keep you warm while sleeping.

Keeping your bedding clean is always a concern but unless your quilts are really dirty, the best thing to do is just vacuum them off using a soft lint brush. If you feel they really need washing, do it by hand in your washing machine using lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let them soak for about 10 minutes and then gently agitate using your hands only. It is alright to spin the water out as spinning will not damage the quilt fabrics. Fill up the washer again and soak to remove the soap. To dry, simply lay them out on plastic covered by a sheet. With this special treatment, your quilt patterns will look great for years.

Some websites offer over 2000 quilt fabrics to choose from. You can definitely let your imagination run wild. The different styles include appliqué, baby themes, blocks, animals, novelty, country, plaids to name only a very few. One of the leading brands is Benartex textiles. They also offer an array of styles, design and colors to fit into any home décor. Along with free quilt patterns, a number of websites offer detailed instructions and pictures that make it look oh so easy. When you do decide to make some quilts, the toughest part will be deciding on the theme.

About the author: Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful home decorating writer and regular contributor to comforters-luxury-bedding.com An online resource to help you find the very best quilts, quilt patterns and quilt fabrics. http://www.comforters-luxury-bedding.com

Craft Show Essentials

Author: Randy Justason

Craft Shows, your chance to show off your hand-made treasures to thousands of eager craft seekers.

The big day is finally here. Your tables are filled with your hand-crafted items, the aisles are filled with young and old customers and you are ready to make your first sale.

You're excited and probably a little exhausted because getting to this point was a little tougher than you had imagined.

First of all you had to ensure you had enough of your crafts made to last the weekend. Also, ensuring that last minute details have been taken care of, packing, travelling and finally setting up has been a whirlwind of activity.

Finally you hear the announcement ""The Doors Are Now Open"", now the real fun is about to begin!

Although there are many, many details to be finalized leading up to craft shows, here are 3 very important ones. Along with your crafts, ensuring these 3 details are taken care of will help determine whether you have a great show or leave you wondering if it is all worth it.

1. Tables

Most of the crafters I know use tables to display their crafts.

Tables must be sturdy, safe, and of the proper size for the booth. They should be (and are sometimes required to be) covered on top and on all sides, down to the floor.

How you arrange your tables within your booth will be determined by the size of the booth. Some booth layouts will work for one crafter but may not be suitable for others.

One thing you must determine prior to the show is whether tables are provided by the craft show producers or whether you must supply your own. Most craft shows we attend supply one table with the booth and more can be acquired for a fee.

When you book the show, ensure you determine whether or not tables are supplied.

2. Money/Change

One of the most embarassing times during our years of selling at craft shows was running out of change during the show!

Imagine running around on a Saturday afternoon during a busy Craft Show trying to find a few hundred quarters!

We learned our lesson quickly on this one. Take enough change!

We find it much simpler to have all our crafts end in multiples of .25 cents. This way we need only take quarters as change along with some bills. I realize this may be a bit difficult when trying to figure in taxes, however a little forethought and planning should help you to set your prices so that making change can be kept to a minimum.

If you remember just one thing, it should be that it will be easier to take extra money back to the bank after the Craft Show than it will be to try to find change during a weekend Craft Show.

3. Fire Extinguisher

I know what you are thinking! What the heck does Fire Extinguishers have to do with Craft Shows?

Let me tell you that a lot of crafters had their eyes opened on the first morning of a recent Craft Show.

Shortly before the doors opened, the local Fire Marshall came to each of the booths and asked each crafter to show him their fire extinguisher. If they did not have one they had to get one before he left or close their booths. Talk about a shock.

We have always carried a fire extinguisher with us to Craft Shows so we had no problem. However, many of the crafters had to go out to local hardware stores and purchase one that morning.

You don't need anything too elaborate, just one of those small household fire extinguishers will do. Do make sure it is UL (or equivalent) certified. It's always a good plan to have an extra one around the house anyway!

Although it is a good plan to carry a fire extinguisher, it is an extra thing to pack and carry. Instead of just leaving it home, you should first check with the Craft Show producers to see if it is necessary to have one in your booth.

Those are just 3 of the many preparations leading up to a Craft Show.

Preparing for the next show actually starts (for us) before the current one is even over. Having all the preparations done well before hand can help ensure you have a successful, stress free and fun Craft Show.

We like to get all of our show preparations done early in the year so we can concentrate on our crafts without worrying about things like hotels, booths, supplies, etc. We also find that having a checklist is a great help and time saver.

Here's hoping that your next Craft Show will be fun and profitable.

About the author: Randy Justason has been selling crafts at Craft Shows for over 15 years. He has authored the ebook ""How To Have A Successful Craft Show And Avoid Embarassing Mistakes"". For info visit: http://www.craft-show-wonders.com

Craft Show Organizing 101

Author: Lauren Sorgaard

You’ve done it! You’ve signed up to do a craft show….now what! Where do you start? This is a dilemma most first time craft show participants (sometimes even us veterans) feel shortly before the show. I am going to give you a few basic tips and some tricks of the trade to help make your show go smoothly and hopefully successfully.

The first and most important thing is to be sure to read the rules and regulations of the show. The last thing you want to do is show up and set your table up with fancy lighting only to find out that you weren’t allowed to use 1000 strings of lights. Take careful note of whether or not they supply an electric source, exactly how much space you are allowed to use and whether there are any display restrictions.

While you are preparing your display area, it is a great idea to tape off the size of your allotted space either in your basement or garage (use your living room if you have to) and set up your entire display prior to going to your show. Especially if it’s your first show. Be creative! A flat table with your hard work displayed on it isn’t going to draw much attention. A nice display doesn’t have to be expensive either. Cover some shoes boxes with fabric, get some plastic crates and put some moss and twigs around them, use small shelving units you can pick up cheap at a discount store…use your imagination. Scatter smaller items randomly throughout your display, people are more likely to notice a small item they see several times rather than many small items in a basket.

Once you have your display set up how you like it, you now have everything you will need for the show right there and ready to pack. You will be less likely to forget things this way too. Label your boxes or totes and load them into your vehicle in the order that you’ll need them. You won’t need that box of bracelets before you need the box with the table decorations. Some other items you will want to bring are: tissue paper to wrap your items in (even if they aren’t fragile, some people prefer to have their stuff wrapped); bags to put sold items in; shims (you never want a wobbly table); scissor, tape, extra pens; markers; sales pads; tape measure; string; glue; first aid kit; extra price tags; rubber bands; paper clips; mints; copy of your inventory; small stapler; screwdriver; small hammer; business cards; business card holder; extension cords; extra bulbs; power strips; duct tape (tape cords down); notepad; calculator; display wire; a sign with your company name; and a copy of your sales tax certificate. I know some of it sounds strange, but you’d be surprised.

Now, for yourself, you are going to want to bring some things too. Aspirin, tissues, paper towels, camera (take a picture of your booth after its set up); cooler with soda and water; small snacks; comfortable shoes; cell phone; chair cushion; deodorant; extra socks; jacket or sweater; sunscreen; water bottle; wet wipes; and extra change of clothes (you never know what could happen) and a GREAT attitude. I also recommend buying an inexpensive canvas apron and sewing or fashioning some pockets that can be Velcro’d shut to put your money in. That way you are more free to move around and not tied to a table. Make sure you bring PLENTY of change. It is a good idea to price your items to include tax and round up to the nearest dollar – that way you don’t have to worry about coins.

Another great thing to have is a guestbook. You can make your own or use one similar to those you see at wedding receptions. It’s a great way to sign people up for your mailing list. You might think about having samples to give away with your business card attached. Everyone likes something for free. If you do a newsletter, print some to give out in your merchandise bags.

Hopefully you’ve found some tips here to help you and remember you started crafting because it was fun and you enjoy it, your show should reflect that. Have fun! Share your love of crafting! And smile…you are on your way!!!

About the author: My name is Lauren and I am the owner of www.heartsdesiregiftables.com. I feel so blessed to be able to be doing something that I love in crafting and writing.

Alpaca Retailer Purchases Craft Items

Author: Brian Schieber

PurelyAlpaca supports the alpaca garment industry through education, sales and sponsorship. We welcome original designs from fiber and craft artists which use or promote alpaca fiber.

We also accept alpaca theme gifts.

Types of items we have accepted for sale in the past include:

Baby blankets

Children's sweaters

Children's hats, gloves and mittens

Children's socks

Adult hats and scarves

Toys

Original artwork in an alpaca theme

Guidelines:

Clothing products are new. The artist will provide an attractive image and description of the item.

A writeup about you and your work or a URL link to a web page with same to cover questions such as (for a fiber item): How did you get started in working with fiber? How long ago or age?

How did you learn to work with fiber/yarn?

Do you own alpacas?

What attracted you to working with alpaca?

What has been your experience with alpaca?

What types of fiber art items have you created?

What do you hope to create in the future?

Products are sold on a consignment basis

A commission is charged for listing products once they are sold

In most cases the artist will be responsible for shipping the product directly and timely

In certain cases we will stock your items and ship directly for you

This service is somewhat similar to Ebay, but focuses on alpaca art and craft

Each item is individually assessed as to its appropriate content for this site

Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions

About the author: Brian and Frieda Schieber own PurelyAlpaca.com. PurelyAlpaca.com (Seattle, WA) offers quality alpaca clothing, accessories and gift products from around the world and down the street. They offer handmade and machine knit and woven items in a variety of styles and prices. For more information, contact PurelyAlpaca.com or call 1-877-PURELYA

Wedding Craft Ideas that save you money!

Author: Paul Duxbury

Weddings are a joyous occasion but can get expensive in a hurry. With wedding crafts you can insert a personal touch and hold the price down as well. Here are a few ideas for wedding crafts to add sparkle and creativity to your big day.

It is not that hard to create your own wedding veil. To make this wedding craft, you will need a length of bridal illusion in the desired length. You will also need a comb to attach it to your hair and a hat or headpiece to cover the comb. Sew large running stitches about an inch from the end of the illusion and gather it tightly. Now sew the veil to the comb. Top with hat or headpiece. As an alternative, you can decorate a wide-brimmed straw hat with silk flowers, ribbon, and pearls.

The bouquets and floral arrangements can also be personally crafted. For a simple outdoor wedding, consider wild flowers. They are free and have a charm all their own. Bouquets can be arranged in large clear vases, with a bow tied elegantly around.

Favours for the guests are particularly appropriate wedding crafts. Refrigerator magnets are a simple and well-received favour. A really nice idea is to make a magnetic picture frame and include a picture of the couple. You could cut a frame out of craft foam in one of the wedding colours, arrange over the photo, and glue all onto a cardboard backing. Place self-adhesive magnet tape on the back of the cardboard. Decorate the front of the frame with foil heart stickers and a monogram of the couple's last name.

Bows for the ends of the pews or rows make simple wedding crafts. Wide velvet ribbons are nice for fall and winter weddings, while satin is more appropriate for spring and summer weddings. Loop some flat lace in with the ribbons. In the centre of the completed bow, attach some silk flowers and pearl sprays with a hot glue gun.

Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at decorating your own cake. Check the craft section of the department store for pans and gadgets of all types to help you create a cake to remember. Do remember, though, that it takes a steady hand. Be sure to practice before starting on the real cake.

Preparing for a wedding can be expensive, but with wedding crafts, you can take some of the sting out. Plan early, however, because it will take a little while to make favours for everyone and all the other little details you will want to take care of. Maybe creating wedding crafts will even relieve some of those wedding jitters. In any event, crafting your own wedding items is a way to have a personal, beautiful, and less expensive wedding.

About the author: Paul is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation. He owns one of the UK's Leading Information Providers PK eBooks (http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk)and has recently launched http://www.profitable-crafts.co.uk

Marketing a Craft Product

Author: Paul Duxbury

There are many ways to market your soaps and homemade bath products. I have found that giving free samples is one of the best methods for getting new customers for my soaps.

You can cut 16 samples from one basic 4 oz. bar of soap by cutting the bar into 8 pieces, then cutting those pieces in half. Next, place a piece of the soap in a small craft bag (you can get these at Stores in the Crafts section) and label it with your business information using regular Avery mailing labels.

To distribute your samples, place them in attractive baskets and visit a few non-competing stores to see if they will let you leave your baskets on their counters.

You can also staple these to your business cards, and hand them out as you normally would a business card.

Yet another method that works better than the above two would be to make what are called ""fish bowls"" and leave these at area businesses. To make a fish bowl, first print out some cards for customer's information such as name, address and phone number. Next, purchase a few containers that are clear, and that has a secure lid on them, that are about the size of a regular fish bowl. Some people actually use fish bowls, but I have found this causes problems because the fish bowls break easily, and cannot be closed to prevent theft of your customer's information.

Now take the lid of your container, and cut a slot that is big enough for your slips of paper that you printed off earlier to slip into when they are folded in half. Secure your lid onto your container with tape and then cover the tape with attractive ribbon.

Next, make a sign stating that anyone that enters your drawing for a free ""whatever"" will receive a free soap sample in the mail. The ""whatever"" can be a gift certificate from the store that lets you place your fish bowls on their counters (this helps promote the store, thus making the store owner more agreeable to letting you use their counter space), or it can be a few bars of soap from your inventory or both

Next, locate stores that do not mind sharing some of their counter space with you. This is where you'll place your fish bowls.

Although this method costs a bit more because you are offering a prize, and because you will need to mail your samples, it also produces better results than by just handing out samples.

You will get potential customers addresses and phone numbers, when you mail your sample you can also include information about your products, and you can also send them a follow up mailing asking for their input on how well they liked your sample. This information can be very valuable towards the growth of your business.

You can also package samples of your bath salts and scrubs in the small zip lock bags as well, and use these instead if you do not make soap.

About the author: Paul is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation with a wealth of experience in personal development, management development, e-learning and operational management. In addition he owns PK eBooks (http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk) and has just published a Guide to Making Soaps and Candles which can be found at http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk/making_soaps_and_candles.htm

Wacky Spiders - A Fun Halloween Craft For Kids

Author: Lindsay Small

This is one of my favorite Halloween crafts for kids. It is quick and simple, can be done with a crowd if necessary, and is an excellent way to practice cutting and fine motor skills with younger children. Older kids can let their imaginations take over and create some really wacky spiders!

You will need:

Black paper Scissors Glue or sticky-tape Googly eyes (optional) or scraps of paper and pens

Instructions:

Cut a rectangle of paper approximately 3 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Fold the short side down about an inch to make a crease, then open up again.

Turn the paper so that the crease is horizontal, then cut the paper in 7 straight lines up to the crease to create eight spider's legs. For younger children, draw in the lines for them to practice cutting on. For older children, show them how to make the first cut in the middle, dividing the area below the crease into 2 halves. Then show them how to divide each half again to make quarters, then the quarters to make eighths. There is no need to be too accurate.

Now wrap the spider around the child's finger and fasten with sticky-tape or glue. Remove the spider again and decorate - either with scraps of paper or with googly eyes. Put back on the finger and bend the legs into shape or curl them around a pencil.

Variations:

Hang the spiders up! Simply cut a length of black yarn (wool) and attach inside the head of the spider with a small piece of sticky-tape.

Make smaller versions of these spiders to decorate the ends of Halloween pencils.

Wrap small spiders around straws to decorate your Halloween table! Make some bigger spiders and scatter them around the table as well.

Cut a small slit on either side of the spider's head and insert a name card to turn these spiders into spooky place markers!

Once the body of the spider has been made but before decorating, wrap a black pipe cleaner around the head of the spider to give a furry effect. The protruding end of the pipe cleaner can be curled into a hook shape, which makes the spider easy to suspend from shelves, the tops of doors, and other spooky places! Stick googly eyes on top of the pipe cleaner.

About the author: Lindsay Small is the owner of Activity Village, packed full of fun and educational activities for kids. Do you have children aged 2-10? Visit http://ww.ActivityVillage.co.uk to find free kids crafts, printables, educational resources, worksheets, coloring pages and puzzles, jigsaws, Sudoku for kids and much more!

MAKING QUALITY QUILTS WITH FREE QUILT PATTERNS ONLINE

Author: Dean Erickson

Quilt making is a traditional pastime passed on from grandmother to mother to daughter, and it still draws thousands of enthusiasts. Modern day quilting lovers are extra lucky because there is a wealth of information available freely on the Internet.

Quilting is a skill and pastime that you may have acquired from your grandmother or may have just developed a taste for it. Whatever the case, whether you are an expert or a beginner, the Internet serves as a remarkable resource packed with ideas, patterns and how-to guides, many of which are absolutely free.

Try an Internet search for ""free quilt patterns"" and you'll discover links to hundreds of quilt patterns. Websites dedicated to the craft of quilt making, such as Freequiltpatterns.info and Freequilt.com offer an inexhaustible selection of quilt patterns for every taste. There are appliqué quilt patterns, baby quilt patterns, Christmas quilt patterns, patterns with cats, dogs, dolphins and hundreds of other novelty quilt patterns.

You'll also find free tips and techniques and all the creative inspiration you'll need for your quilt project.

The art of quilt making is such an old one. It has literally been around for aeons and passed on down from one generation to the next. In one way, quilt patterns have always been around for free, so it makes perfect sense that there should be so much sharing of quilt patterns online.

Quilting has such a broad appeal. Quilting is really for everyone, regardless of resources or wealth. One can buy new fabric pieces or use whatever stray pieces may be lying around in drawers and cupboards to make good quality quilts or, even, works of art, which can decorate the walls of a family room or bedroom. Quilts make great gifts for weddings or new born babies. Do an Internet search for ""wedding quilt patterns"" or ""baby quilt patterns"". Add the word ""free"" to your search to target sites that offer free quilt patterns.

There are many quilting techniques and patterns to learn about. The most popular, of course, is the Christmas quilt. Christmas is a time when all traditions are remembered so quilting is the perfect way to spend time in the cold days before Christmas and, once completed, a quilt is the ideal gift or room decoration. There are hundreds of design ideas, too. Whether it is Santa or a snowman you want featured there are many free quilt patterns available online to download. Just add ""Christmas quilt pattern"" to your Internet query.

For something a little different and challenging look for appliqué quilt patterns, star quilt patterns or even Hawaiian quilt patterns. The appliqué technique differs from the traditional patchwork technique. In patchwork quilting one pieces or joins strips of fabric together into blocks. In appliqué quilting one layers fabric pieces and sews them onto a ""foundation fabric"". For extra creative inspiration, search for instructions on a truly unique challenge, such as Hawaiian quilting.

About the author: Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of quilt-patterns-finder.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Gardening is an activity-the art and craft of growing plants

Author: Michael Sanford

Gardening is an activity--the art and craft of growing plants--with a goal of creating a beautiful environment. Gardening most often takes place in or about one's residence, in a space referred to as the garden. A garden that is in close proximity to one's residence is also known as a residential garden. Although a garden typically is located on the land within, surrounding, or adjacent to a residence, it may also be located in less traditional locations such as on a roof, in an atrium, on a balcony, in a windowbox, or on a patio.

Gardening also takes place in non-residential green areas, such as parks, public or semi-public gardens (botanical gardens or zoological gardens), amusement and theme parks, along transportation corridors, and around tourist attractions and hotels. In these situations, a staff of gardeners or groundskeepers maintains the gardens.

Indoor gardening is concerned with the growing of what are essentially houseplants within a residence or building, in a conservatory, or in a greenhouse. Plants grown in a conservatory or greenhouse may or may not require more exacting care and conditions than ordinary houseplants. Indoor gardens are sometimes incorporated as part of air conditioning or heating systems. Water gardening is concerned with growing plants adapted to pools and ponds. Bog gardens are also considered a type of water garden. These all require special conditions and considerations. A simple water garden may consist solely of a tub containing the water and plant(s).

In cryptanalysis, gardening was a term used at Bletchley Park during World War II for schemes to entice the Germans to include known plaintext, which they called cribs, in their encrypted messages. It is claimed to have been most effective against messages produced by the German Navy's Enigma machines

In China, for instance, farmers regularly set up outhouses on the roads to attract tourists to use them, furnishing the farmers with ""night soil"" (human manure) for use as a fertiliser. These methods make excellent use of calories and minerals and water, but of course violate the aesthetics of most Westerners, who would balk at using stranger's human wastes on their own gardens. There is thus some conflict between gardening for personal or aesthetic reasons, and for practical food-raising, even for one household. The living wall is an unusual variant of a living machine and is effectively a vertical garden: water dripping down feeds a surface growing with moss and vines, other plants, some insects and bacteria, and captured at the bottom in a pool or pond to be recirculated to the top. These are sometimes built indoors to help cure sick building syndrome or otherwise increase the oxygen levels in recirculated air.

Gardening is considered to be an absolutely essential art in most cultures. In Japan, for instance, Samurai and Zen monks were often required to build decorative gardens or practice related skills like flower arrangement known as ikebana.

Social aspect In modern Europe and North America, people often express their political or social views in gardens, intentionally or not. The Green parties and Greenpeace often advise their campaigners to call first on homeowners who have lush chaotic wild gardens, as these are deemed to be more likely to respond to the Greens' political message than those with AstroTurf or bluegrass lawns. No reliable statistics support such claims, but for many years, in the United States, there was a widespread belief that there was such a thing as a Republican lawn and Democratic lawn.

The lawn vs. garden issue is played out in urban planning as the debate over the ""land ethic"" that is to determine urban land use and whether hyperhygienist bylaws (e.g. weed control) should apply, or whether land should generally be allowed to exist in its natural wild state. In a famous Canadian Charter of Rights case, ""Sandra Bell vs. City of Toronto"", 1997, the right to cultivate all native species, even most varieties deemed noxious or allergenic, was upheld as part of the right of free expression, at least in Canada. Gardening is thus not only a food source and art, but also a right. The Slow Food movement has sought in some countries to add an edible schoolyard and garden classrooms to schools, e.g. in Fergus, Ontario, where these were added to a public school to augment the kitchen classroom. In US and British usage, the care, installation, and maintenance of ornamental plantings in and around commercial and institutional buildings is called landscaping, landscape maintenance or groundskeeping, while international usage uses the term gardening for these same activities.

History Gardening for food extends far back into prehistory. Ornamental gardens are known in ancient times (the Hanging Gardens of Babylon), and ancient Rome had dozens of gardens. See the History of gardening article for more information, including a List of historical garden types, as well as a List of notable historical gardens.

For more information on organic gardening art please visit the organic gardening art resource center at

organic gardening art Resource Center

About the author: None

Which Craft Shows Do I Choose?

Author: Natalie Goyette

Every weekend, nearly 600 craft shows take place around the U.S.--that's around 30,000 a year--offering more than 10,000 full-time craftspeople a place to sell their craft show items. According to a National Endowment for the Arts survey, nearly 70 million people attend craft shows annually.

Now, you've selected the craft you want to produce, you've started production, you've tested prices and set up your business. You're ready to take your craft show items on the road. In order to do that, you need to decide where you will test your wares. Initially, many new crafters begin with local one-day shows that cost under $100 to enter and require no prior jury selection. This means anyone can enter as space allows. This is where you will get your feet wet, iron out the kinks in your product and learn the ropes of ""hiccraft show"" business! It's preferable to make mistakes when you're paying a $25 entry fee and no travel expenses than when you're paying several hundred or even several thousand dollars to attend and even more for motels, gas and meals.

Although there are wholesale as well as retail craft shows, we will address retail craft shows only. In a wholesale show you are selling your craft at about half of the retail price to buyers who are looking for products for their stores or galleries. You have to sell larger quantities to make up for the lower price, so you may wish to do this down the road when you are more seasoned.

Wholesale craft shows might be a good option for you if you have a way to make your craft show item efficiently and with a good amount of quality. You can make money with your crafts by selling them to larger vendors, and having them peddle them in other craft shows, or even in their studios or stores.

The retail craft shows come in every shape and size, from church bazaars with 20 booths to the Harvest Festival with hundreds of vendors. The attendance varies as well from several thousand at a one-day local craft show, to several hundred thousand at state fairs. How do you decide where to sell your precious products made with your tender loving care? Various factors will affect your decision, such as the type of craft show, the types of products at the show, the types of customers the show attracts, how vendors are selected, the type of promoter in charge of the show, where the craft show is located, the costs to enter and probably a few more. This doesn't make your job of selecting shows any easier. It's just one part of your business you will improve on as you learn and grow.

About the author: Natalie goyette is the best selling author of Craft Show Success. Her e-book shows you how you can finally make money at craft shows. www.craftshowsuccess.com

Christmas Craft, bead and pipe cleaner ornaments

Author: Paul Duxbury

Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.

To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colours and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a centre that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.

The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colours of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.

Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colours. For the Christmas craft, the best colours to use are the metallic and Christmas colours. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.

Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colours when stringing, or start a pattern of three colours. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.

If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.

Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.

About the author: Paul is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation. He owns one of the UK's Leading Information Providers PK eBooks (http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk)and has recently launched http://www.profitable-crafts.co.uk

Online Benefits for Craft Businesses

Author: Narelle Davison

The internet has an endless number of benefits for craftspeople, not just as a medium for selling the end product but for each step that leads to sales. The fact that you are reading this shows that you already utilise the web for information but perhaps you have not yet considered some of the following points presented.

The ideas provided in this article have come from interviews with craftspeople, conducted for AussieCrafts.com , in the interest of sharing information with our peers. When boiled down to its bare essentials this is the true essence of the internet but it sometimes gets lost in all of the advertising and sales. The interviews spawned a host of ways in which the internet assists the crafters, both in their business and creatively, and provided much insight into untangling the web.

Inspiration

When asked about the sources they use for inspiration most craftspeople have said that the internet is a much used research tool. This is particularly useful with commission pieces, where a client gives a basic idea and there is a need to familiarise yourself with the subject. Browsing websites is also great for when you want to start a new piece but are not quite sure where to begin. No matter what craft you do if you are stuck for ideas on what to create there are always plenty of places to get some quick inspiration online. The obvious way to get ideas is to search for your craft in the search engines but some other methods are: -Type your craft name into Google image search -Yahoo groups on your craft often have galleries -Online stores that sell your craft -Craft directories -Historical sites related to your craft, most crafts did after all come from very ancient beginnings. -Try searching for crafts that are similar to yours, if you do pottery, for example, search for glasswork. The colours and shapes are likely to spark new ideas.

If it's a more abstract inspiration that you need such as colour or texture then art, photography and nature sites are fantastic sources of ideas. Stock photography sites (such as www.dreamstime.com), for example, have thousands of images of almost everything imaginable. Let's say you want to create a bead necklace that reflects the colour and movement of the ocean. If you browse the sea and ocean category of a stock photography site you can jot down ideas based on what you see as you view page after page of photographs that cover every aspect of the ocean.

Education: patterns and tutorials

There are very few crafters who believe they know everything there is about their craft. Who of us do not want to learn something new? The internet is the best source of tips, tricks, patterns and tutorials on every craft imaginable, so much so that many craftspeople no longer purchase books about their craft. Many sites offer this information for free, as a way to attract and keep surfers, much the same way as articles like this are utilised. Others charge a subscription or a cost per tutorial, often downloaded as an e-book or a pdf file. For many crafts there are also online classes or lessons via email, again some are free (and often include advertising) and others are subscription based.

To find these valuable resources consider using some of the following terms alongside your craft name: tutorial, pattern, learn to, ebook, lesson, techniques, instructions or projects. These keywords were tested using Google search and beading, for example 'beading projects', and the results were astonishing. If it a particular technique you are searching for then add that to your search query, for example 'beading peyote technique', where peyote is a type of beading stitch.

Purchasing tools and materials

The internet has brought about a convenient way to buy almost anything, from anywhere in the world, and to craftspeople this has been one the most important benefits of being online. Often there are supplies needed for craftwork that are not available locally and this can be the case no matter where you live. It may be because it is only manufactured in a small area of Europe or that there are few people working in the same craft as you and therefore there is little demand.

Apart from availability issues nothing is better than being able to browse many stores in a short space of time and not only get prices but also see things without having to leave home. Ebay is popular with many craftspeople due to the range of goods and their prices, you can find both new and secondhand tools and materials there. Shopping online means more time for doing what you enjoy or what brings in your income. The world is becoming smaller and shipping costs and delivery times are too.

Often the websites that sell crafts materials also have a range of useful resources such as guides to using their products. They also have convenient contact information, like email, and as they are often craftspeople themselves can give advice on craft specific problems.

Publicity and exhibition requests

Many of the sources that are traditionally used for publicity such as magazines, newspapers and event organizers are now using the internet as a way to find craftspeople. Not only is the internet often a faster way to find what they need but it is also a visual medium. Therefore having a website for your craft business is not just about gaining sales and commissions but it also provides a way for the media and galleries to see your work.

One example of this is an artist interviewed on Aussie Crafts who has in the last few months been contacted by a lifestyle magazine to do an article on her work, as well as another contact to request her involvement in an exhibition. Both of these publicity avenues have stemmed from her website, which contain galleries of her work.

This same artist is also a member of an organisation supporting her medium, which has a website that lists galleries showing members' works at any given time. There are organisations such as this for many crafts, both global and local, that are worth having a membership with.

Sales and commissions

The most obvious way that craftspeople are using the internet is to sell their products to a wider market than previously possible, what is not so obvious is that there are many ways to do this. One artist interviewed extolled the virtues of the internet as, ""It's been huge for us. We sell artwork and DIY kits all over the world and so put virtually all our marketing energy into our website. We get well over five thousand visitors every month at basically no cost and the whole world has become our target market.""

Some of the reasons people decided to sell their crafts online include not having to deal with galleries, no commissions to pay, less overheads than a store and the fact that there is more time crafting and less selling.

Apart from setting up an often expensive e-commerce website there are other means to gaining online sales: -A 'brochure' style site, which displays the products you make but does not sell them online. Instead it can be used to promote a market stall, shop front, commission enquiries etc. -Many craftspeople are selling their work in auctions at Ebay; this can be a lucrative option for the right products. -Online craft malls are a way to have an online presence without the hassle and overheads of building an e-commerce site. Search for craft malls in the search engines and you will find such sites as craftmall.com, aokcorral.com and lilysplace.com. These sites generally use Paypal as a payment option to take the headaches out of online payments and are similar to Ebay without being auction based.

Human contact

One of the common problems that people who craft for an income mention is loneliness. Oftentimes they work at home alone and this can be very isolating. The internet can provide avenues to have contact with others who craft. They could be in the same locality as you and allow for face-to-face meeting or they may be on the other side of the world.

There are many group and organisations for most craft genres, such as Yahoo groups or MSN chats. Often if it is a location-based group there are classes and retreats organised for people to come together and learn. These groups can become invaluable for technical advice, feedback and learning but also that human contact that is a necessary part of life.

Client contact

Email is a fantastic way to keep in touch with clients and industry contacts. It is so much cheaper than a phone call (i.e. free) and is much less time consuming. Email provides a simple means to show clients' examples or progress on a work via photograph attachments. It also provides a record of all communication.

Online messaging systems, available for free from MSN and Yahoo, are also useful ways to keep in contact with customers. These can even be used to give online support by providing your identification name on your website. However these systems can become a time waster instead of saver if you are not careful.

About the author: Narelle has created the Australian arts and craft site , Aussie Crafts, to provide information and promotion for craftspeople through interviews, articles, forum and directory. The interviews provide great reading to both admirers of each craft and fellow crafters. If you are an Aussie crafter and would like a Craft Interview please visit.

Save on Kid's Craft Supplies - Recycle!

Author: Pam Lester

Here is some information about how to collect and use recycled objects in your crafts!

You can save a lot of money on arts and crafts supplies by saving things that you might ordinarily throw away! If you are building up a craft supply box for a classroom, daycare, church or school - get the parents involved by sending out list of these items so they can help out too!

Make sure to prepare each item for storage. Wash and dry anything that contained food or liquids. Remove labels from jars, boxes, containers, etc. Be sure to have a place for each type of item. Plastic shoe boxes or empty baby wipe containers are great for storage. If you organize well, the supplies will be ready and easy to find when you need them!

plastic milk jug lids plastic milk jugs (1/2 gal. and gallon) soda can tabs paper towel tubes paper grocery bags plastic grocery bags baby wipe containers baby food jars and lids frozen juice can lids plastic containers and thier lids(like Cool Whip) empty milk cartons (any size) plastic soda bottles (any size) soda bottle lids junk mail newspaper broken crayons camera film canisters old computer and music cd's plastic produce baskets magazines popsicle sticks old markers mismatched board game pieces cardboard or foam egg crates candy wrappers rubber bands

Now what do you do with all of this stuff?? Create! Here are a couple of ideas:

Wheelbarrow Planter

Need:

Laundry detergent scoop 2 plastic milk jug lids 6"" length of ribbon potting soil flower seeds (seeds) craft glue water

Clean and dry scoop and lids. Glue a milk jug lid to each side of the scoop to form the wheels. Allow the glue to dry. Tie the ribbon to the handle of the scoop. Fill the scoop with potting soil, and plant the seeds. Sprinkle the soil with a few drops of water. You can have the child make these planters as gifts. Enjoy!

Ocean Treasures in a Bottle

Need:

empty small clear plastic soda bottle water cooking oil blue food coloring beads shells glitter coins

Remove the label from the bottle. Pour enough water to fill 3/4 of the bottle. Add a drop of blue food coloring. Add in the shells, beads, coins, and glitter. Fill the remainder with cooking oil. Place the lid on securely - you may want to wrap the secured lid with electrical tape. Now you have an ocean in a bottle - with treasure!!

If you have trouble getting the entire label off - you may want to place a label over it saying ""(child's name)'s Ocean in a Bottle"".

Have fun and let your children be creative with thier recycled treasures!

About the author: Pam Lester is a former art teacher and mother of 2. She is the owner and creator of http://www.TheIdeaBox.com and http://www.Class-Parties.com. The sites offer free kids crafts, recipes, games and activities for parents, teachers and caregivers. Please visit TheIdeaBox for more great ideas!