Using candles in Feng Shui decorating

Author: Jennifer Hall

The basic belief behind Feng Shui is that there are five elements, some combinations of which create a productive cycle, and some a destructive cycle. When one of these five elements – water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, respectively for the productive cycle – are combined with an element adjacent to the main element, a productive cycle is perpetuated. The reason being that water sustains wood, wood feeds fire, ashes create earth, earth creates metal, and metal holds water. So if you have a room where wood is the main element, it would be good Feng Shui to add a water or fire element to the room, as water feeds wood and wood feeds fire. This is where candles would be a nice touch of good Feng Shui.

A look at the destructive cycle will show which elements do not work well together: water, fire, metal, wood, earth. And we can see that water puts our fire, fire melts metal, metal cuts wood, wood clogs earth, and earth muddies water. Although these elements are generally considered bad Feng Shui combinations, one can be used with an adjacent element in the destructive cycle to minimize an overpowering element. For instance, if a room has overpowering metal elements, maybe filled with modern metal furniture, you can minimize that with wood elements like some green leafy plants, or with fire elements such as red throw pillows, a fireplace, or even candles.

It is beneficial to bear in mind the productive and destructive cycles while decorating, but for optimum Feng Shui, a room would have an equal balance of all five elements – none being too overpowering. If this isn't the case and there is not one overpowering element, then the productive cycle is a good place to start when decorating.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the elements, we can see how to best utilize candles in our decorating. In areas with predominately metal or water elements – rooms which would have a lot of blue or silver colors or metallic furnishings – a candle would help minimize the overpowering colors and add balance. If you want to start using Feng Shui in a room with no overpowering elements, you could bring in a candle and a complimentary element like a plant or a brown oval rug since that color and shape are associated with the earth element.

Candles can be an easy way to bring a natural element into your home and can be a good starting place for implementing Feng Shui design. Not to mention that scented candles are often great Feng Shui because of the mood-enhancing qualities certain scents have. Candles provide a simple start in creating a pleasant ambiance and good decorating style.

About the author: Jennifer Hall is a writer who provides information on shopping online for http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy.htm and http://www.candles-4-u.com/soy_candles.htm When she's not online, Jennifer's spending time with her family, gardening, or playing the piano or accordion.

Candles- It is easy to make your Own

Author: Majorie Slaney

Most people, especially women have a special affinity for candles. The candle-lit dinner, the relaxing bath by candlelight, even the candles on the kid's birthday cake are but a few of the ways we enjoy candles. Candles can set the mood for almost any occasion, even if the occasion is simply to forget the day and relax.

If you've purchased very many candles, you've learned the cheapest candles are not necessarily the best, nor are the most expensive candles the best. The problem often comes between the candle color and fragrance. You may love the color, and hate the fragrance, or you may hate the color and love the fragrance of the candles. The best solution for these problems with candles is to make your own.

Making Hand Dipped Candles is not as hard as you may first imagine. With just a few materials, a bit of time, a little creativity, you'll have perfect candles to enjoy.

You will need: paraffin wax, a double boiler, wooden spoon, candy thermometer, coloring, scents, wicks, and a stove. The size of the wick you purchases is important to the size of the candle you want. The size of wicks increases in ½ inch increments. A good rule of thumb is to buy the size of wick that you want your candle to be. A ½"" wick is suitable for a candles that will be ½"" in thickness. A 1"" wick is suitable for candles that will be 1"" in thickness. The materials for making candles can be found in most craft shops.

Making Hand Dipped Candles 1.Cut or break your wax into small pieces. 2.Bring the water to a gentle boil. Place the wax in the double boiler. 3.Stir the wax until it reaches a temperature of 160 F (Test the temperature with a thermometer that is placed in the center of the melted wax). 4.Add small amounts of your color until you have reached the desired shade. The shade will be a bit lighter when it cools. You can test your candles for color by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate. 5.If you want scented candles add the scent. Make sure the wax stays melted. Check to make sure the temperature of the wax is staying at 160F. 6.Next, cut the wick to the desired length of candles plus a little extra to hold as you make the candles. Example: If you want two 6 inch candles, cut about 15 inches of wick. You will be making two at the same time. Double the wickover your finger. 7.Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds then lift out. Allow the wax to cool between dippings. At first, this may be a little tricky as the wick floats on top of the wax until it becomes more weighted. Be careful to make sure the wet candles are kept seperate from each other. 8.Continue on with the repeated dipping and cooling. Repeat this until the candles have reached the thickness that you desire. 9.Gradually increase the temperature until it reaches around 180 F and then dip the pair into the wax for one final time. Now gently lift them out and let them cool completely. Once the candles have cooled, use a sharp knife to trim the bottom to create a straight bottom for your candles. 10. Cut the wick. Your candles are complete and ready for use.

About the author: Marjorie Slaney is the owner of Find Candles, Inc. which is a premier source of information about Candles. For more information, go to: http://findcandles.com

Make Your Own Citronella Candles

Author: Cassie Morgan

Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes while providing a romantic, outdoor setting. Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.25 per candle. Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes:

Materials Needed:

Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do. This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store. Citronella- You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes. Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into. The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do. Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do. Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick. You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax. Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do. Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning. Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax. Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.

Directions:

1.Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper. You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them. 2.Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it. 3.Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella. 4.Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold. 5.Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon. 6.Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top. Leave about one inch at the top of the mold. 7.Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax. Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over. 8.Set to dry.

Making citronella candles is as easy as 1-2-3! Be truly unique and buy terra-cotta pots, paint them and use them as one-of-a-kind candle holders!

About the author: Cassie Morgan is an avid candle fan who loves

making candles in her spare time. Due to her expertise, she also does freelance writing for sites like Candles and Candle Making – a site that offers information about candle making and soap making.

How to Make Gel Candles - 11 Easy Steps

Author: Tanya Turner

Do you love burning beautiful, scented candles? And do you know that you can easily make them yourself? It is exciting and not at all difficult. Here are 12 easy steps to creating unique candles that you can burn at home, give as gifts, or even sell.

Materials for gel candle making

You will need: - gel - zinc wicks (cotton wicks can't be used for gel candles because they absorb too much gel) - essential oil for fragrance - liquid color dye - embeds (optional) All these materials can be obtained online from candle making suppliers. It is important to use essential oils and colors specially made for gel candles; fragrance oils you can buy in a cosmetic shop are not suitable. Also, you can buy a gel candle making kit. Getting a kit is the best solution for a beginner, because it will include everything you need to make your first few candles.

And of course you will need a container. The best container for a gel candle is glass, so people can see the embeds you put inside the candle, but any non-flammable container would do. You can use any glass, wine glass, or even a small wide vase, but your container should be at least 2 inches in diameter. Garage sales and second hand stores are gold mines, when it comes to candle containers.

For embeds you can use anything non-flammable - colored aquarium gravel, marbles, glitter, sand, sea shells, pebbles, crystals, polished stones, artificial jewels or pearls.

Steps to making a gel candle

1. Place a little bit of hot glue in the center of the container bottom. Stick the wick in it and let the glue set.

2. Cut the gel into small pieces so it melts faster and more evenly. Melt it in a stainless steel pot over a medium heat.

3. The trickiest part is the temperature - you should get it to exactly 200°F, because overheated gel looses its clarity. For that, you will need a suitable thermometer.

4. Maintain the temperature at 200°; all the gel should melt and become smooth, like syrup.

5. Add color dye to the melted gel, a little bit at a time, until you get the desired color - remember, you can always add more dye to make the color stronger, but you can't take dye away. For a candle with embedded objects, you should use only a little color, so the objects remain visible

6. Add the fragrance - 1/3 teaspoon for each glass of melted gel will give it a nice scent. For a stronger scent, add a bit more fragrance.

7. Heat the container in the oven or microwave to about 150-160°F. This will help to reduce the appearance of bubbles

8. If you want to use embeds, dip them in hot gel first and then arrange them in the container as you like. It is better to keep the objects closer to the sides of the container - they will be easier to see, this way.

9. Now it is time to pour your gel into the container. Place your container on a level surface and pour the gel slowly and carefully down the side. If it is your first time, you will probably get a few bubbles; to avoid that, the gel should be still very hot.

10. Pull the wick up. Roll it on a pencil to keep it straight.

11. Let the candle cool. Trim the wick and you are done! You have a beautiful, unique gel candle, made by yourself.

About the author: Tanya Turner is a candle-making expert and a founder of www.BestScentedCandles .info , where you can find information about all types of candles, how to make them and where to get bes t scented candles

Be Busy as a Bee - Make Your Own Beeswax Candles

Author: Cassie Morgan

Beeswax candles are absolutely wonderful! A soft, warm glow, complimented by an incredibly sweet scent make Beeswax candles a must for around the house. Beeswax candles are quite simple to make, and something you can do together with the kids. Good wholesome fun for the whole family! You will need the following supplies to get started:

Some Beeswax sheets

Some primed wick

A sharp knife

A cutting board

1. Roll out the Beeswax sheet on your work surface.

2. Cut a length of wick, approximately two inches longer than the width of your Beeswax sheet.

3. Place the wick along the edge of the Beeswax sheet, and fold the sheet approximately 1/8 of an inch over the wick. Be sure to press down on the sheet to make sure the wax completely surrounds the wick.

4. Once the wick has been secured in the Beeswax sheet, it is time to start rolling. Be very careful not to damage or disrupt the honeycomb pattern on the wax. Roll the candle slowly, and be sure to keep it straight.

5. Once you have reached the end of the sheet, gently press down on the exposed edge to ensure that your candle does not come apart.

6. Pick which end you feel will make the best ""top"" and trim the wick down to approximately ½ inch. Also remove the exposed wick completely from the other end.

You now have some wonderful Beeswax candles that will provide you with hours of warmth and light! They make wonderful gifts, and your children will take great pride in having made them. These candles will add comfort, elegance, and tradition to your home or work space.

Beeswax candles have been used since the early 14th century, and they are still preferred by many due to their sweet, natural aroma. Beeswax candles are long lasting and clean burning. The American Lung Association has stated that burning paraffin candles can emit small amounts of toxins such as lead, benzene, and mercury into your home.

As an alternative, they recommend using Beeswax candles to light the way. I wholeheartedly agree!

About the author: Cassie Morgan is an avid candle fan who loves candles in her spare time. Due to her expertise, she also does freelance writing for sites like Candles and Candle Making – a site that offers information about

candle holders and awesome pillar candles.

How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts from Ordinary Candles

Author: Criss White

If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing to spend. With just a little extra time and effort, you can make a personalized candle out of an otherwise ordinary candle gift that the lucky recipient will love.

1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle can be personalized.

2. Anything smaller than a tea light will be difficult to personalize. For tea light candles, you can normally purchase a big bag for a low price. These candles are great as favors for guests at a wedding or baby shower. The easiest way to personalize is to use either a graphics program on your computer or a word processor. We'll stick with the Word processor since it is easier. First, draw a circle the same dimensions as the lid on the tea light, or better yet use a circular label sheet. Then select a nice font, like cursive script or Corsiva. You can enter then names and date of the event into the circle. Print out a sample on plain paper to make sure the look and size is right. Once you have the desired result, you can print your tea light label stickers. Finally, apply the sticker onto the top of the tea light.

3. For jar candles, you can create a square-shaped personalized label. Since you have more area to work with, you can download free graphics from the Internet. Search the web for ""free clip art"" and download the images you want. Once again print out a sample on plain paper and then print the label. If you don't have a color printer, you can go to a local copier and they can make a nice label for you. Stick the label on the jar. Now you have created a unique gift personalized just for that special person.

4. For tall pillar candles, you can get those engraved at an engraving shop (look in the phone book under engravers). The artwork and text can come in different colors. If you are artistic, you can even buy candle-engraving kits online and do it yourself.

5. How about those 1oz votive candles? For a professional looking gift, get cellophane bags and colored ribbon. Wrap the candle in the cello bag and tie it up with the ribbon. Then attach a personalized tag to the ribbon. These candles can also be engraved.

6. If you can make candles, then there are limitless possibilities. You can use different fragrances oils to create scented candles. You can use embeds for decoration. Cookie cutters and molds are also useful for designing the right shape.

In summary, you can take an ordinary store candle and make it a very special gift with just a little more effort. Your friends and loved ones will cherish these gifts for years to come.

About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more personalized gift ideas, go to Persona lized Baby Shower Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/personalized.htm) and for more candle gift ideas, see Baby Shower Candle Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm). Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

About the author: Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics. For more gift ideas, go to Persona lized Baby Shower Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/personalized.htm) and for more candle gift ideas, see Baby Shower Candle Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm).

Leather Craft Details

Author: Jake Berlin

Leather craft is a fascinating hobby and many artists have taken this way beyond carving initials or embossing a logo. Leather craft requires special tools and specific types of leather

Embossing / Stamping / Tooling

An excellent place to shop, learn about leather craft embossing, and gain knowledge on all types of leather craft information is at eLeatherSupply.com you'll find tools, hardware, leather, kits, and patterns there.

Embossing is art of creating a three-dimensional image onto leather. The only type of leather you want to try this on is vegetable tanned leather, which may be described as ""tooling leather"". With leather craft embossing, you do not need extensive training since all that is required are some special tools, embossing plates or wheels, and some basic leather craft knowledge, which can be learned in a class or even on the Internet.

With embossing, pressure is created from underneath the leather item or from on top. For de-bossing, this is when the design is backwards, created from the top side of the leather, which would produce a sunken look on the other side.

The great thing about embossing is that you do not need extensive training or expensive tools to create a remarkable leather craft piece. The most popular method of embossing involves buying an embossing wheel. These wheels do range in size but the one used most often is one-inch wide made of metal. On the metal wheel are various types of designs that protrude, which is what will set the image into the leather.

You can find embossing wheels with every type of design imaginable. There are flowers, animals, scrolling, geometric designs, and so on. These embossing wheels are very inexpensive and easy to find at any craft, hobby, or leather store. Just keep in mind that if you plan to emboss leather on a regular basis, it would be best to buy the better quality wheel.

How To...

This type of leather work involves getting the leather wet so the design of the embossing will dry stiff and stand out more. If you do not have a special embossing wheel, you can use stencils like you would have used in elementary school to trace your initials.

Most hobby stores have a huge selection of stencils to choose from, giving you a good variety. Then, using a hammer made specially for embossing, you would tap out the design in the stencil, producing the embossed design on the other side of the hide.

To give you an idea of what leather craft embossing looks like, if you have ever seen a notary public stamp on an important document such as a marriage license or birth certificate, that raised design is embossed. Keep in mind that the quality of the embossing is dependent on the skill of the person swinging that hammer. The more detailing you see in a piece of embossed leather, the more time and effort it took to achieve it.

Blind-Stamping

This type of stamping is a reference to embossing surfaces that are not colored. On occasion, pigmentation may be added or gold leafing added to enhance the leather craft work.

Stamping

With stamping, a special press is used that looks like a rubber stamp to create the design. Additionally with leather craft stamping, the design is often not three-dimensional but contrasting colors. The results are very nice but do not have the raised effect you get with embossed leather.

Tooling

Tooling is an art form that takes time to learn. This type of leather craft involves hand tools like a chisel and hammer to create intricate designs. Look up our article on ""Classes"" through the link below for more information on where to find quality training for this amazing style of leather craft.

*** Hey! Want To Make Something Out Of Leather? *** Discover How To Make Leather Crafts for Fun and Profit Click Here ==> http://www.leathercraftsecrets.com

About the author: Jake's love of leather and the constant questions drove him to write everything down.

Know Much more about Candles

Author: Michael Sanford

A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises through the center of a column of solid fuel. Typically the fuel is some form of wax with paraffin wax being the most common.

Prior to the candle being ignited, the wick is saturated with the fuel in its solid form. The heat of the match or other flame being used to light the candle first melts and then vaporizes a small amount of the fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame then provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel, the liquified fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquified fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame.

The burning of the fuel takes place in several distinct regions (as evidenced by the various colors that can be seen within the candle's flame). Within the bluer, hotter regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water vapor. The brighter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon soot being oxidized to form carbon dioxide. As the mass of the solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not evaporating the liquid fuel are themselves consumed in the flame, limiting the exposed length of the wick.

Candles made of beeswax are used in the Orthodox Church as a form of sacrifice and devotion to God or Saints. They are used in various Orthodox services and ceremonies and are symbolic of Christ, who is ""the Light of the World."" According to a different symbolism, the two elements of a candle represent the two natures of Christ: the Divine (the burning wick) and the Human (the wax body).

Candles in all shapes, sizes and colors are suggestive of love. Candles symbolize the Light of Christ. They are carried in procession; they are lit when we pray both at home and in Church. The most frequent cause of residence hall fires, are candles and other open flames. Candles, of any sort, including decorative or religious ones are prohibited in the halls (this includes candles with the wick removed). Incense, oil lamps, alcohol lamps and open flame burners are also prohibited in the halls.

Votive candles are small cylindrical candles about 2.5 inches (6cm) in height and 1.5 inches (4cm) in diameter. They melt into oil when lit, which requires them be burned in small glasses or cups made for this purpose. Traditionally, votive candles were white and unscented, associated with religious ceremonies. Votive candles in red or clear glass holders are often found in Catholic churches at the feet of statues of worship. To light a votive is to make a prayer, usually for a specific purpose. Today votive candles are sold for a variety of purposes and come in many colors, both scented and unscented. Their long-burning strong flames give off a pleasant glow and votive glasses make the candles fairly safe compared to taper or pillar candles that can be knocked over. Many people enjoy burning scented votive candles while taking a leisurely bath, or using several to light up a room with golden ambience. Most votive candles burn between 5 - 8 hours or more. Votive candles are made from paraffin or wax, but there are different grades of paraffin with different melting points. Often paraffin is mixed with other types of waxes like beeswax or vegetable wax. This is done to obtain the rigidity necessary for the type of candle being made. Depending on the quality of wax used, a candle may burn very fast or very slow. It may have a low melting point and produce little to no oil, such as a taper candle that sits in a candle holder ""ring,"" or it may have a very low melting point and turn to oil, as with votives that sit in glass cups. Pillar candles, large candles often with multiple wicks, have their own formula. Candle quality also varies widely depending on the candle maker. Aside from birthday candles, the only ""official"" category of candles smaller than votive candles are tealight candles. These candles, about 1.5 inches (4cm) high and 1 inch (3cm) in diameter come in their own little tin cups and normally burn about 5 hours. Like votive candles they also turn to oil when burning and do not leave behind melted wax, but burn away clean. Votive candles can be purchased virtually anywhere from the grocery store to import emporiums. They are handy to have on hand in case of a power outage because they burn slowly and flames are protected by their glass holders. However, when a votive candle is burning, the glass cup gets very hot and can easily burn a bare hand. If the hot oil should spill it could cause severe burning. Therefore votive candles are best left to sit in place once lit. A scented votive can add not only a nice glow, but a wonderful aroma to any home.

For more information on Candles please visit the

Candle resource center.

About the author: None

Holiday Decorating Tips: Christmas Candles

Author: Jeanette Joy Fisher

How to Light Up Your Home for Joy

Do you love the winter holiday season or does this time of year cause you stress? One way to lower your holiday stress, using fewer decorations, decreases your ""just have to much to do"" list.

However, you still want to display Christmas candles because these decorations bring smiles to you and your loved ones. As days grow shorter and cooler and the suns sets earlier, people naturally crave the warmth and comfort of light, especially natural sources such as a bonfire or the flame of a Christmas candle.

Christmas Candle Tips

Luminaries Save your energy and your money. You don't need to line your entire sidewalk with luminaries. Get a similar effect with four large candles in clear glass containers near your front door. These glowing candles will welcome your guests without all the work of gathering bags, buying votive candles that just burn up fast, and shoveling all that sand.

Window Candles Many cultural holiday traditions include placing a lighted candle in front windows to be seen from the outside. Pamper yourself. Place a candle in any dark window at night. Rather than peering into a dark void, you'll focus on the cheerful flame and feel comforted and uplifted.

Gift Yourself Create a nightly quiet ritual for yourself in a quiet place away from distractions and the hustle of the holidays. Place candles around your bathtub and unwind, or by your favorite reading chair and instead of reading sit in the quiet and reflect upon the brightness of a single candlelight. Listen to quiet music or simply enjoy the peace and stillness. Ponder the joys in your life and express gratitude. This quiet time may be your most treasured gift to yourself.

Candlelight Carol-Sing Recycle last year's greeting cards by cutting each into a disk or rounding the edges, punch a hole in the center, and slide a taper candle half-way through the hole. Gather your friends and family around the piano or hearth and sing familiar Christmas carols as each person holds their own candlelight. Pause to reflect upon the fact that each individual brings their own special light to the world and recognize the common spiritual light in each of us.

Candle Night-Night When it's time to settle the children down to bed on Christmas Eve, calm them with a soothing candlelight ritual. My daughter's children walk to bed, each carefully carrying a lighted candle through a dark hallway, singing ""Silent Night.""

Happy Holidays!

© Jeanette Fisher

About the author: Free holiday decorating ideas teleclass, ""Interior Design Secrets to Glorious Holiday Decorating"" and more holiday decorating tips Joy Holidays Decorating http://JoyHolidays.com

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

How to Make Soy Candles

Author: Brenda H. Murphy

Many people who enjoy exercising their creativity by making candles, are discovering the joys of making them from soy wax instead of the traditional paraffin. The key attraction is that soy wax can be cleaned up with plain soap and water, with no scraping off the upper half of your double boiler. In fact, all your utensils can be safely run through a cycle in the dishwasher when you're done.

Soy candles can be made in the same metal molds or milk cartons as paraffin candles, but because they do clean up so easily, they are often made in Mason jars, which can be covered to intensify any scent you've added, or to keep the dust off the top. To add to the candle's country air, you can cover the top with a gingham circle cut with pinking shears, and tuck some dried flowers into the ribbon or wool you tied the cloth ""cap"" onto the jar with.

Melt your soy block after cutting it in chunks, or using the flakes, which are easier to handle. If you choose to scent the candle, a good rule of thumb is to add .5-1.0 ounces of essential oils for every pound of wax. Make sure to anchor your wick in the mold or jar first, by putting a dab of melted way on the tab, and sticking it in the center of the bottom. It should be cut 2"" longer than the depth of the mold, to allow for trimming after.

Soy wax is just as easy to decorate as paraffin, so when it is starting to cool, feel free to insert sea shells, dried flowers, colored crystals or whatever takes your fancy.

About the author: Visit http://www.learnhowtomakeit.com for instructions on how to make just about anything you can think of.

How to Make Candles

Author: Brenda H. Murphy

Candle making can be a fun hobby, and one the children can participate in, with appropriate adult supervision. You can go as high tech as getting all your supplies at a craft store, or making do with what you have at home.

First, you'll choose a mold. This can be a metal one from the store, or a milk carton, cut to whatever height you want. For children, a shorter candle is best to start with, and easier for them to insert things like shells into the partly cooled wax.

Spray the inside of your mold or carton with silicone, or give it a light wipe with vegetable oil. Cut a wick that is 2-3"" longer than the mold, attach a tab, and stick the tab in the center of the mold's bottom, with a bit of melted wax. Lay a piece of doweling or a chopstick across the top of the mold and wind or tape the remaining wick around that. Make sure it is straight and centered.

Wax is flammable at high temperatures, and while you can successfully melt it and make candles without a candy thermometer, using one will show you the optimum temperatures for pouring, which is the melting point of 130-150F, although metal molds can withstand the higher temperatures of 180-200F.

To figure out how much wax you'll need, pour water into the mold, mark the desired level with a pen, empty the mold and dry it thoroughly.

Break the wax into chunks, or pare it off and it will melt faster. Either melt your wax in the top of a double boiler pan, or make your own, by melting the wax in a coffee can placed inside a pot of water that is half full. When using a can, it will have a tendency to float on the water. Make sure the pot is not so shallow that the can tips over and falls out, spilling hot wax. Keep baking soda on hand for fire prevention.

Tip your mold a bit, so that you can pour wax down the inside, and fill to within an inch of your desired level. Keep wax hot enough to stay melted, and watch as the mold cools, since most wax will sink in towards the center, and need topping up.

Candles can be colored with commercial dyes, or crayons. Scenting is as simple as a few drops of essential oils, or vanilla.

About the author: Visit http://www.learnhowtomakeit.com for instructions on how to make just about anything you can think of.

How To Choose An Embroidery Machine

Author: Mike Barus

The latest technology today is sewing machines that double as embroidery machines. By using the computer integrated into the machine, you can quickly and easily add cards or downloads to embroider any pattern imaginable. Instead of spending hours on an embroidery pattern by doing the needlework by hand, create beautiful and durable machine embroidered pieces in mere seconds. If you are interested in purchasing an embroidery machine, doing the initial research will ensure you find the correct machine for your needs.

The first step to choosing an embroidery machine is to set your budget. Just like any electronic item, the price of embroidery machines can soar to the thousands of dollars. Remember, the most expensive machine is not always the best machine for your needs. Establish a maximum amount you are willing to pay for a machine and then begin your search.

Next, identify your needs. Many sewing machines have embroidery attachments, but they also serve other purposes. Do you intend to sew heavy fabrics like leather or canvas? Do you intend to piece quilts or complete the actual quilting process on the machine? Do you need a machine that can make specialty edges like rolled hems? It is quite tempting to purchase a complex machine that can perform every command under the sun, but usually this versatility comes with a hefty price tag.

Another thing to keep in mind is your technical prowess. Beginners are strongly suggested to invest in a less complicated machine that will serve as an introduction to the technology. Quite often, individuals purchase a machine that is too difficult to understand or use, so the machine sits in disuse while the payments are still being made. Remember, you can always trade up to a more advanced model once you decide your needs and wants have advanced.

If you are purchasing a machine solely for its embroidery then focus on this option and steer clear of the ""all in one"" machines that can do a bit of everything. Many individuals look to start their own business making customized or personalized items. If you are contemplating this option, ensure the machine you purchase can do sizable embroidery pieces, take several different colored threads at once, and have a large library of either purchasable cards or downloadable designs. Also, if you plan to do an extensive amount of embroidery on your machine, ensure the machine you purchase is well built to withstand the wear and tear that use usually brings.

Most embroidery machines come with many additions and options that can be purchased later on when the need arises. This is an excellent option, since you can purchase any additions for a great deal less that you can buy a brand new machine that meets your extended needs. Also, if you plan on trading up to a new model of embroidery machine, search for a company or store that has a policy that will allow you to do so. Many stores that specialize in sewing machines will buy back your used machine for a percentage of the original price if the machine is in working condition.

Whatever brand of embroidery machine you choose to buy, be sure you visit a store to view the machine firsthand. Most sewing shops or stores that specialize in sewing machines offer demonstrations of the different brands and machines for sale, so that you can see exactly what the machine can do. Also, many shops offer introductory classes so that new users can learn to use their new embroidery machine to its fullest.

Doing initial research before you buy is key to ensuring you do not experience buyer's remorse at the end of the day.

About the author: Mike Barus specialized in embroidery machines.

http://www.e-embroidery-machines.com

Embroidery Types do you know them

Author: Debra Fernandez

The use of decorative stitching to produce unique, beautiful and spiritual designs on personal belongings has been practiced by man since he learned the ability to use a needle and thread. In fact, evidence has been found that decorative stitching, also known as embroidery, was practiced as early as 3000 BC by people of many different and unrelated cultures.

Through the years, each culture refined their embroidery techniques and each became more elaborate and more defined by the particular culture in which they were practiced. For example: Western Europe produced an embroidery technique called crewel which is still popular today. This type of embroidery uses two-ply wool stitching on linen twill to produce intricate artwork for bedcovers, wall hangings, chair coverings and draperies. Egyptians, on the other hand, practiced white embroidery using only white thread on a white canvas. These stitches were so detailed and intricate that few can mimic them today even with the added advantage of new technology and the use of embroidery machines. China perfected the amazing art of two-sided embroidery. Using fine silk, this embroidery is extremely intricate and can take years to complete.

Today, the amount of readily available embroidery information that is shared world-wide has made it possible for embroiderers to learn the art of many different embroidery techniques and not just those of their own culture. Even though this may be the case, embroidery is still largely defined by culture and the spirituality of the people who choose to express themselves using artful stitching. But there are some types of embroidery that cross all social barriers. Here are just a couple.

· Cross stitching. Cross stitching is perhaps the most popular form of embroidery to be found all over the world today. This type of embroidery utilizes counted x-shape stitches which are patterned together to form a picture. The invention of cross-stitch software has made this ancient craft even more enjoyable and easier to learn for people who want to learn to cross-stitch embroider.

· Canvas work. Canvas work is embroidery which is done using a canvas. Canvases can be of varying types including single thread, double thread, Aida cloth and Hardanger. Different yarns or threads are also used for this type of embroidery and can range from knitting yarns and tapestry wools to pure silk. In this type of embroidery, the canvas is completely covered with decorative needlework.

Of course, there are many more different types of embroidery and each one of them is beautiful and appealing to different people for different reasons. If you are just looking into the possibilities of embroidery, perhaps cross stitching would be the best type of embroidery on which to hone your skills. But if you are more advanced, perhaps you should study one of the more intricate types of embroidery to be found in every corner of the world.

About the author: By Debra F.

Get more great embroidery tips and articles at Debra's website:

One Embroidery http://www.oneembroidery.com

A Look at Embroidery Sewing Machines

Author: Alison Cole

With the rapid advancement in technology for electric sewing machines a machine for every type of stitch was being born. It took several tries, however, to come up with a machine that could handle the task of embroidery.

Thomas Stone and James Henderson were granted a French patent in 1804 for ""a machine that emulated hand sewing."" That same year a patent was granted to Scott John Duncan for an ""embroidery machine with multiple needles."" The machines of all three men were unsuccessful and never came to being. It wasn't until 1860, that Isaak Groebli combined previous hand looming techniques with existing sewing machine technology to create the first embroidery sewing machine.

The technology advanced greatly in 1911 when the Singer Sewing Company developed the first multi-head embroidery sewing machine with six heads and a pantograph attachment. It wasn't until the 1950s that more advancements were introduced and technology continued to advance with computerization. During this decade, advancements in the sale of licensing rights and mass-merchandising opened up the market for factory-based embroidered items. Today embroidery sewing machines are used every day worldwide, some with up to thirty different heads, though most jobs require only the smaller machines.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home seamstress, were created to simplify and speed up the otherwise labor-intensive hand stitching. Higher-end sewing machine models developed for the home often feature a hoop attachment and an embroider stitch mode. Crafters and seamstresses, who would use this feature, were frequently frustrated at having to constantly change out the different thread colors. Today's advanced embroider sewing machines feature single or multi-heads for different spools of thread and are as easily available to the home seamstress as to the large garment factory. Many machine-embroidered items are created in small home-based businesses with affordable, easy-to-use, computer-operated embroidery sewing machines that do not require a lot of room. Specialized attachments allow for embroidery to be added to a variety of pre-manufactured products and fabrics, as well as the addition of sequins and other fancy enhancements.

About the author: Sewing Machines Info provides detailed information about industrial, embroidery, antique sewing machines, and sewing machines parts, as well as reviews of best sewing machine manufacturers. Sewing Machines Info is the sister site of Vending Machines Web .

History Of Embroidery

Author: Donna Somerkin

Embroidery is an age old art form that has decorated clothing, bedding, and household goods for hundreds of years. Using colored threads to create patterns has dated back to the time of ancient Egypt, when women sewed metallic threads into clothing for decoration. The trend caught on with Babylonians, Phoenicians, and Hebrews, who all began incorporating embroidered pieces into their clothing.

The oldest embroidered piece in existence is the world famous Bayeux Tapestry, dating from approximately 1066. Although the piece is called a tapestry, it is actually as embroidered composition reaching an astounding 231 feet long. Recalling the Battle of Hastings, the piece still hangs in the town of Bayeux in the province of Normandy in France. This beautiful embroidered piece is though to have been created by over 100 noble women in the town and is speculated to take several years to complete.

European embroidery changed a great deal over the years, but became a highlight of fashion during the 18th Century in France. These elaborate embroidery designs--often made with metallic and silk threads--decorated everything from women's dresses to men's breeches. This style soon caught on in popularity with the rest of the continent and soon men, women, and children were wearing heavily embroidered fashion. The decoration also served as a symbol of status and wealth in addition to simply adding glitz and glamour to the garments.

Embroidery continued in popularity and soon became a right of passage for girls to be taught by their mothers the time tested stitches and often completed a lovely sampler to showcase the different stitches and techniques. These samplers were passed down for generations and have been sold at auction for phenomenal amounts. Another popular use of embroidery was to dress up homely clothing. Often, homespun cloth or poor quality purchased cloth was the most a family could afford to outfit the members, so the matron of the house embroidered the clothing to make the outfits look fancier.

The end of the 19th Century saw founding of embroidery shops where scores of women completed the delicate stitches by hand. The year 1880 saw the advent of the first embroidery machine, which further mechanized the embroidery shops and produced even more products. Switzerland soon became the forerunner in embroidery designs and technology, with the United States in second, as shops popped up in New York City and Chicago.

Although the times have changed, the embroidery stitches and techniques have remained the same. Technology has greatly advanced and left the 1880s embroidery machine in the dust. Today's machines can replicate thousands of pattern by just a simple push of a button.

About the author: Donna Somerkin specialized in embroidery machines.

http://www.embroidery-machines-1.com

Choosing Embroidery Thread

Author: George Royal

Selecting the right type of threads for any embroidery work is important because the color and texture of the design, and eventually the look of the final product depend on the material and type of thread used. There's a wide variety of embroidery thread to choose from, so take your time to decide what type or combination should be best for the design you have in mind. More importantly, thread selections should be based on Sewability, Seam Performance and Appearance, Availability and Cost.

Types:

1. Rayon: This type of thread has a great sheen, and so the best looking embroidery designs are stitched with it. Rayon threads can range from combinations of two or more colors twisted together thereby forming a single strand, to one solid color strand. They are widely available, mostly in standard 40 wt. and 30 wt. Even though Rayon is the most popular type, it's not very sturdy because of its thinness.

2. Polyester: Polyester thread is more durable than Rayon but it is not as attractive. However, this type of embroidery thread hardly shrinks or fades, and if combined with Rayon, the effect they provide is nearly indistinguishable. It is also cheaper than Rayon thread.

3. Cotton: Cotton thread allows for a wide range of tension adjustments because of its texture. It has a nice sheen, is quite sturdy (though finer threads above 50 wt. are not), and typically used for machine embroidery.

4. Silk: Silk embroidery thread hardly breaks and has its own unique, and probably the best sheen. Threads come in various sizes but their availability is low so they are mostly used for luxury fabrics.

5. Metallic Thread: This type of thread has a core wrapped with a metal foil which may be coated with silver alloy, and color is added to this foil with a polyester film which may also be applied as an undercoating. Metallic thread is one of the most durable available on the market.

6. Mylar Thread: Plies of film are combined into a layer, cut into slices to create Mylar threads. They are durable but may break under high-speed sewing. One unique color feature is holographic hue, which picks up and reflects light or color from other surrounding objects. This really enhances the color and design of the embroidery.

7. Special-effect: Like the name suggests, this type of thread can be used to create different design effects, such as crewel-like effect. Some of the special effect threads change colors under sunlight, or may glow in the dark.

Quality Evaluation:

1. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of an embroidery thread can be tested by sawing a suspended strand with another strand back and forth until the first strand breaks. The faster it breaks, the lower the strength and quality of that particular thread type.

2. Elongation: A good thread must have the right amount of stretch. Take a piece of the thread and stretch it till it breaks. The strand should neither break too quickly nor stretch for too long.

3. Sheen: The luster and quality of the sheen can be tested by studying the color and design of a finished embroidery product.

About the author: Embroidery HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about embroidery.

An Introduction to the World of Embroidery

Author: Tim Branch

When you think of embroidery, you probably think of your grandmother knitting you a pink bunny rabbit outfit for Christmas. Embroidery just might be the domain of your grandmother, but it still had plenty of people who are interested in getting started in embroidery. There is a real generation gap between today's youth and their grandparents. Teenagers seem to be more interested in their Sony PS2 and AOL Chat than learning about hand made crafts. However, the tradition is alive and well on the internet. After all, embroidery doesn't change every six months and embroidery has been here for years. How long has the PS2 been out again?

As far back as Egyptian and Hebrew times individuals decorated their clothing with rich embroidery. The 18th and 19th Centuries brought embroidery to a whole new class of people, and even today, it seems that the craft has successfully migrated to cyberspace. Unlike a lot of other industries including travel agents who have seemed have missed the boat.

The internet has allowed hobbyists and professionals from all over the world to mingle and discuss their latest embroidery projects. There are dozens of custom embroidery websites and people are always looking for free embroidery designs.

In fact, A Google search for the term ""embroidery"" shows more than 70 merchants advertising their embroidery related products. Bidding for competitive terms can become fierce very quickly. But clearly, at least 70 advertisers think embroidery is a term worth pursing.

Overall, while embroidery might not be a rock'n'roll type hobby (was it ever?), it certainly has gone the way of the Dodo. If you like embroidery, there are a lot of online resources for you to explore.

About the author: Tim Branch is a contributing author at http://www.katesembroidery.com. Kates Embroidery has embroidery and embroidery designs information.

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

Saving Money on Craft Show Supplies

Author: Natalie Goyette

Supplies are what make a craft. Unless you are making something where you can use regular household items, or that don't need anything but the buyer to complete the sale, then supplies are going to be a major part of your crafts.

Finding a supplier that isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg, and still have good quality might be a challenge at first. But, in my experience, it is always better to pay just a little bit more for good quality, than it is to buy bargain basement materials and have your customers be disappointed when the overall quality of your craft is poor.

Once you combine your experience with the supplies and the experience of making the craft, you will soon realize where you might be able to save a few pennies on supplies, and where you should just pay for good quality.

You'll need to have several excellent sources for supplies that are readily available in order to be a successful crafter. Initial research, then time and experience will be necessary for you to find your best suppliers in terms of cost, quality and promptness of delivery. Here are a few tips on getting the best supplies for the lowest prices:

Comparison shop with several vendors, and even after using one or two, keep an eye out for better deals. With a little bit of extra effort, you might be able to find the materials you want on sale, or at a lower price at a different vendor.

Ask other craftspeople for recommendations. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find deals. If you belong to a craft group or if you know other people who craft, talk to them about where they are getting their supplies. They may give you a great lead on fantastic prices.

Always buy wholesale--all you need is your resale certificate to qualify. Wholesale eliminates the middle man in many cases. You should be able to save a great deal of money on craft supplies if you have a craft supplies wholesaler in your area.

Buy in quantity for greater discounts, maybe even by partnering with another crafter. It's the same is if you go to the grocery store - usually, the more you buy, the better overall deal you are getting. It may cost a little more out of pocket, but your cost per piece goes down significantly.

Use recycled materials and recycle what you can from your past inventory. You never know when scraps of other supplies will make great pieces elsewhere on your craft. This is a great way to save money on your supply cost.

Keep track of your supply inventory so you can order in advance at better prices for busier seasons rather than waiting until the last minute. If you wait until the last minute you usually don't have time to find a deal - you just need the supplies fast! This could end up costing you a lot of money.

Do your best to get 30-day terms, so you can pay suppliers after you've sold some product. You will probably have to pay with cash or credit the first few times that you go into a store, but after they recognize your patronage and you qualify with their accounting department, you can get terms that allow you to pay 30 days after you purchase the supplies.

Supply costs are one of the biggest costs when you are setting up your craft show business. As mentioned earlier, most crafts rely on materials of some sort or another. In order to ensure a tidy profit at the end of the day, you need to control the material expense so your prices stay competitive and you sell more product!

About the author: Natalie Goyette is the author of the best-selling book, ""Craft Show Success,"" which shows you how you can finally make money selling your crafts!

Custom Embroidery Tips

Author: George Royal

There are important considerations you have to bear in mind before creating or ordering your own, custom embroidery designs. For D-I-Y (Do-it-yourself) people, it is easy to get yourself a hi-tech embroidery machine complete with digitized programs, but the quality of your work will depend on your own artistic instincts and knowledge of specific embroidery techniques.

In order to create a high quality embroidery product, there are a few basic, but significant components that you have to watch out for when creating your own embroidery. These include:

The Thread:

The two main types of embroidery threads are Polyester and Rayon. Though the best looking designs are stitched with Rayon, Polyester is much sturdier than the former. This is because Rayon is very thin in comparison to other thread types, which also makes it hard to adjust tension.

The color of the thread also has to complement the colors in the embroidery design, along with the color of the fabric. Remember that threads can also appear to be of different shades of color depending upon the angle from which they are viewed. So choose accordingly. For example, less contrast between the colors of the fabric and the design can hide small flaws.

Stitches:

Fill-stitches form different patterns and stitch directions, and cover large areas. Too many stitches will create small gaps and too few will show through the design. So decide what type of design will be most appropriate for your Fill Stitch. Keep in mind that fabric tends to absorb small stitches, so they should be avoided.

Underlay stitches, though often overlooked, plays an important part in the final embroidery quality and design. This is because they stabilize the material held in the embroidery frame. The method in which underlay stitches are sewn into the material also paves the way for the top stitches.

Backing Materials:

The amount of stability and support provided by backing materials often determines the quality of the finished product. Backing materials like Cutaways and Tearaways should be chosen according to the type of garment or fabric used. For example, cutaway backings are ideal for knit fabrics. Tearaways can be great for those who want work quickly done because they are the easiest to use.

The Topping:

Toppings prevent fibers from getting caught in between stitches on some rough textured fabrics such as Fleece. This is made possible by stitching the embroidery through the topping, the fabric, and the backing material. Topping such as water-soluble films, when laid over stitches-observing fabric types prevent embroidery stitches from sinking into the fabric.

Locations:

The most noticeable area of the garment should be chosen as the central location of the embroidery design. However, this may be modified according to the type of garment on which the embroidery is to be applied. For example, the primary location for Short Sleeve Shirts and Long Sleeve Shirts is the Left Chest, but secondary location for Short Sleeves is more appropriate on the Left Arm; while for Long Sleeves, Center Back location looks better.

About the author: Embroidery HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about embroidery.

The legacy of samplers - the art of embroidery

Author: Debra Fernandez

All throughout history, both ancient and that which is being made today, man has had the desire to express himself and record history by using decorative stitching. This desire is only too evident when you study the art of embroidery and more particularly the history of the sampler.

The word sampler is derived from a Latin word, saumpler, which means to model, pattern, copy or imitate. While samplers of today are often associated with recording a historical event such as a wedding or birth by applying beautiful, intricate stitching to canvas, their original use was much more practical than sentimental.

The sampler finds its beginnings in an ancient time before printed books and embroidery magazines were readily available. During this time people learned different embroidery techniques by studying different embroidery designs which had been sewn onto cloth. These samplers were passed from hand to hand, and, after learning the stitches on the sampler, each person added a design or motif that they had learned for the next person to examine.

During the 15th and 16th centuries it became very popular to collect these samplers. And since embroidery was restricted to the wealthy (persons of poor economic standing did not have time to pursue leisurely activities such as embroidery), a great majority of samplers found their way into the hands of the well to do. Far from being the haphazard samplers that had been traded throughout the countryside, these samplers were highly prized pieces of art.

As such, old samplers and new ones were being created and hoarded, sometimes even being bequeathed to certain persons upon death like a priceless gem. The demand for printed needlework patterns led to the first commercially printed patterns in Germany during the year 1523. While these paper patterns were not readily available in the beginning, their popularity grew, and they eventually overrode the necessity, but not the fascination with and collection of samplers.

Samplers continued to be fashioned and evolved during different time periods to reflect the culture and personality of society at the time. During the early part of the 17th century, the alphabet began to be depicted on samplers, and it was believed that the sampler took on an educational aspect at this time. This can also be seen from the moral and religious inscriptions which are popular among samplers which were crafted at the end of the 17th century.

This trend continued, and by the turn of the 19th century, samplers were synonymous with education. In fact, school girls were required to complete a sampler depicting religious instruction, geography, English and mathematics before they were considered truly educated.

While samplers are not used in education today, they are still very popular among those looking for a unique, decorative and durable way to record family history. Today you can find samplers that depict family trees, births, weddings and other major lifetime events. These pieces of art are just as important to our culture today and the generations to come as were the samplers from which they received inspiration. And they are still as valuable to families as those hoarded by the rich in the15th and 16th centuries.

About the author: By Debra Fernandez

Get more great embroidery tips and articles at Debra's website Basic Embroidery

Embroidery is the embellishment of cloth with designs

Author: Michael Sanford

Embroidery is an ancient variety of decorative needlework in which designs and pictures are created by stitching strands of some material on to a layer of another material. Most embroidery uses thread or wool stitched onto a woven fabric, but the stitches could be executed in, for example, wire or leather strands, and embroidery can be worked onto many materials. ...

An embellishment of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine.It is A term applied to a hill or mount with several copings or rises and falls.

Decorative stitching on fabric. Generally involves non-lettering designs but can also include lettering and/or monograms. Evidence of embroidery exists during the reign of Egyptian pharaohs, in the writings of Homer and from the Crusaders of the 12th century. Evolved from hand work to manual sewing machines and from handlooms and schiffli machines with hundreds of needles to high-speed, computerized multihead machines.

Ornamental needlework or trimming using silk, cotton, metallic or other threads.

Embroidery is the embellishment of cloth with designs made by needle and thread; an art that stretches back to antiquity. Over the centuries, embroidery has been used to adorn everything from handkerchiefs to the most sumptuous state regalia. With the exception of leather, embroidery in India has been done on woven cloth of cotton, wool and silk.

In India, natural colors used for dying distinguishes the work done in India from the others. The Indian embroider never uses too many colors in any one piece. Each state in India has a style unique to its tradition. The satin stitch is used in Kashmir. The darn stitch, which produces the 'bagh' and 'phulkari' stitch of Punjab is vibrant like the people of the state. The interlacing stitches of Kutch and Kathiawar are as beautiful as they are intricate. The 'kasauti' stitch of Karnataka too is popular due to its traditional value. The white on white 'chikan' work of Uttar Pradesh is breath-taking and requires a lot of skill. The silk embroidery done in Surat has exquisite patterns.

Indian embroidery uses many stitches as well as variations of basic stitches. The running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, feather stitch, interlacing stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch etc. are just to name a few. Indian embroidery exists in exquisite variations and vibrant colors, with each state having a unique style of its own.

Chikan

The chikan work of Lucknow is perhaps one of the most popular embroidery works in India. It has a certain grace and elegance, which ensures that it never goes out of style. The word chikan literally means embroidery. It is said to have been originally introduced by Nur Jahan, the beautiful wife of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir. It has since evolved and attained its glory and perfection in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The work became popular in a number of important cities of the Indo-Gangetic plain such as Delhi, Agra, Rampur, Banaras, Patna and Gaya. But the supremacy of Lucknow remained unchallenged.

The designs depend for its effect on the variety of stitches used and different grades of threads used to form the patterns which include, the lace like jali, the opaque fillings and the delicacy or boldness of outline and details. The most beautiful part of chikan work is the open work ground, an effect of drawn thread work is achieved without drawing out any. Tiny raised flowers done in what seem to be French knots are balanced by the flat stem stitch and large areas of open work to prevent either a crowded or too scattered appearance.

A variation of the chikan work is the bakhia or shadow work. Here the work is done from the back, the stitches completely covering the design in herringbone style. The shadow of the thread is seen through the cloth on the right side. To give a richer appearance, the designs are produced with tiny backstitches on the right side over the shadow. A similar effect is created by cutting out tiny flowers and leaves in the same material as the basic fabric and then applying them on the wrong side. The work is done so dexterously that the turned in edges of the cut pieces are scarcely visible from the front of the work.

The refinement of taste dictated that not even the seams should be straight. So the material of the kurtas were cut in waves along the sides. The stitches employed are back-stitch, chain stitch, and hemstitch forming an open work pattern, jali or openwork ground. The introduction of color in to the kurtas is a recent innovation.

Embroidery has been a craft for women, Banni, a small village in the Rann of Kutch is known for its artistic embroidery work. Small mirrors are interspersed to lend glitter and charm. The finest type of such embroidery work with small mirrors is called Abhla-Bharat. When a bride is sent to her husband's house, she carries with her some pieces of skirts and cholis exquisitely embroidered with minute details.

For more information on free embroidery designs art please visit the free embroidery designs art resource center at

Embroidery designs Resource Center

About the author: None

Appliques - Is it Embroidery or is it Quilting?

Author: Safewebhost

ap·pli·qué n. Sewing one material onto another as a means of decoration or ornamentation.

While ancient in origin, currently appliques can refer to any type of pattern transfer or application of decoration used in a wide range of mediums. Historically the term applique applied to material-to-material techniques. One of the earliest known pieces was a sail composed of gazelle leather and constructed by both patchwork and applique for the temple of King Sahure in the Fourth Dynasty (2575-2465 B.C.).

Embroidery appliques are generally seen as trim or image designs as opposed to embroidery like monograms or logos. Appliques are commonly used to decorate household linens such as bedding, towels and napkins or apparel, particularly children's wear and caps. Appliques are also frequently used to decorate wedding gowns, veils, trains, ring bearer pillows and other bridal accessories.

Iron-on appliques have gained large popularity, as they are a cheap, fast and easy way to personalize apparel. The most commonly used item to add iron-on appliques to are t-shirts. There are companies that will turn nearly any design into an iron-on applique which appeals to today younger generation looking for ways to individualize and personalize in an age where everything is mass manufactured.

Quilting appliques have been popular long through out history. In fact, appliques are still very popular in the quilting world. Quilting appliques are generally done as quilting blocks. Patterns can be anything from popular cartoon images to traditional floral designs.

About the author: Safewebhost (http://www.safewebhost.net.com) offers a variety of internet services including domain name registration, web hosting, website development, search engine marketing and content writing. As part of their search engine marketing, they have created a sewing resource center (http://www.central-sewing.com) with information on sewing, embroidery and quilting.

Make money with embroidery

Author: Doug Mahopac

People are all ages are looking to make extra money. Whether you are planning to supplement your current income or looking to replace an income totally, consider using a hobby like embroidery to make some fast cash. Embroidered items are always popular with all types of shoppers, and you can easily begin an embroidery company with a low overhead for those short of start up funds.

When you decide to start a business based on selling embroidered products, you should first consider how you will make the items. Are you planning to purchase pre-made items like shirts, handbags, hats, blankets, or towels or do you plan to make the items yourself? If you plan to purchase items, do you have a source that will supply you with the correct amount you need in a variety of colors or styles? How do you plan to embroider the items? Do you plan to hand embroider the products or are you going to invest in an embroidery machine? If you plan on making many products for sale, consider using machine embroidery to save your fingers and your sanity.

Once you have identified what items you plan to make and sell, begin working on the business logistics of the plan. Where do you plan to sell your items? How are you going to advertise your goods and get the word out about your fabulous items? Many men and women who start embroidery businesses first start at craft shows. These shows are an excellent way to start your fledgling business, since the money needed to participate is generally low, and you are able to show your items to a great deal of people.

Look to the World Wide Web for selling your wares. Popular online auction sites like Ebay or Yahoo! Auctions are a great place to start, since you can create virtual storefronts while gaining access to the site's customers. Owning your own internet business is very inexpensive and often a great choice for individuals who are just starting out or who do not have the resources to rent, buy, or run a traditional store of their own.

Finally, take the old fashioned route and sell your items in a traditional store. If you do not have the resources to open your own shop, ask local store owners about potentially using their space to sell your goods for a cut of the profits. Also, antique stores or shops that showcase goods from local crafters often allow individuals to rent a small space in their store instead of going out on their own.

About the author: Doug Mahopac specializes in Embroidery Machines http://www.u-embroidery-machines.com

How to get started with embroidery

Author: John Marcus

Embroidery is an age old art form using a needle and thread to create elaborate designs on a piece of cloth. Whether you choose to break out a needle and embroidery floss to work on a design by hand or use the latest technology to create a design using an embroidery machine, the result is guaranteed to be spectacular.

If you are interested in learning to embroider either as a hobby or as a business, consider looking into taking a class at your local craft store or community center. Most of these places offer beginner classes that will teach you all the necessary stitches and start you on the road to understanding this historic art form.

Another way get started with embroidery is to visit your local library or neighborhood bookstore to find a great tutorial on embroidery. There are several book series in publication that walk you through this needlecraft step by step and showcase each stitch in clear images. These books are excellent for individuals who need to work on their own time and not be rushed through difficult stitches. Also, these books allow a crafter to return again and again to look at stitches or techniques without trouble.

There are several television channels devoted especially to crafting and needlework that have specials or weekly shows about embroidery techniques. Also, visit your local video store to find a visual instruction series on DVD that you can stop, play, and pause at your own whim. Many individuals find they learn the stitches and techniques quicker if they are shown visually and walked through the process. If you find yourself to be a visual learner and an in-person session is out of the question, use a recorded lesson to teach you everything you need to know about embroidery.

For those technical savvy crafters or individuals who want to produce high quality embroidery quickly and easily without ever lifting a needle, be sure to check out the embroidery machines at your local sewing shop or sewing machine store. These embroidery machines can create complex creations and use an internal computer to download and select from thousands of designs the perfect one for your project. The embroidery produced using an embroidery machine is of high quality and much more durable than embroidery completed by hand. Additionally, you can embroider difficult materials, including plush towels or slippery satins quickly without a great deal of fuss.

Once you have started to learn how to embroider, the sky is the limit! Look at the pre-made patterns or create your own using a computer program or a hand drawn pattern. Any fabric is up for grabs when you begin embroidering and crafters even embroider stitches or patterns on paper and use the designs for popular scrap booking or card making ideas. Whether you choose to embroider ready-made products or find stunning fabric and make your own items.

Many crafters enjoy embroidering so much that they begin their own business. Customized or personalized embroidery is a lucrative business that can quickly work to replace an income or add to an existing income. Many crafters attend craft shows with their wares or set up shop on the World Wide Web for just pennies. Turn your hobby into a lucrative business by taking special orders to customize or personalize all types of items, including decorative pillow shams, aprons, shirts, jackets, hats, baby items, or anything else under the sun that can be embroidered. Consider starting an embroidery business to offset the cost of purchasing an embroidery machine, since the technology based machines can come with quite a hefty pricetag.

About the author: John Marcus specializes in Embroidery Machines http://www.1-embroidery-machines.com

Most popular embroidery patterns

Author: Bill Carmel

Embroidery is a popular hobby enjoyed by men and women all over the world. This historic needlecraft has changed a great deal over its lifetime and has been given a high tech boost through the popular embroidery machines that can whip up a lovely design with a push of a button. When it comes to the most popular embroidery patterns, however, it does not matter if you intend to grab a needle and colorful floss or download a pattern on your whiz bang embroidery machine. The top five most popular embroidery patterns are:

1.) Historic red work. In days past, red embroidery floss was incredibly expensive and often used by itself to showcase the beautiful color. Red embroidery floss, just like all colors of floss today, was colorfast, so it did not bleed onto any fabric on wash day. Red work patterns include colonial designs like birds, kitchen ware, and flowers. Today, red work is more popular than ever.

2.) Initials. Personalized items are always a favorite, and the initial trend is certainly not over. Initials, names, or words are great for adding to apparel, towels, backpacks, robes, pillowcases, or anything else imaginable.

3.) Vintage patterns. Vintage is back and better than ever. Terrifically popular embroidery patterns are the lovely classic days of the week dishtowels. These dishtowel patterns are always a fun way to perk up a kitchen while serving a purpose. Jazz up a pillowslip with a beautiful vintage inspired flower vine or create popular ""his"" and ""hers"" towels to give to your favorite newlyweds.

4.) Childhood classics. Welcome a new baby with cuddly embroidered items or redecorate your child's room using embroidered classics. From hilarious story book characters to fuzzy baby animals, these childhood classics are always a favorite. Whether you are a proud grandparent or looking for items that will fly off your store shelves like hotcakes, you can never go wrong with these kiddie favorites.

5.) Clothing designs. Dress up your favorite duds with embroidered details. From unique and creative stitches for hemlines, necklines, or seams to other designs that will set your apparel apart from the rest of the crowd, these clothing designs are always popular. With a new embroidery machine, you can either embroider directly only your garment or create a separate embroidered piece and later attach it to your garment.

These embroidery designs are always popular and come in many different sizes, styles, and colors.

About the author: Bill Carmel specializes in Embroidery and Sewing http://www.embroidery-machines-u.com

Buying Embroidery Machines

Author: George Royal

Types of Embroidery Machines:

When shopping for embroidery machines, remember that there are different types of equipments that can be classified under embroidery machines, based on function, size and use. The most common types are those that need manual operation to create designs on fabrics and other materials, and are mainly used for fiber art and quilting projects. These are:

1. Embroidery only Machine: This unit is meant only for embroidery and can be a great accompaniment for sewing machines, and for creating simple embellishments of existing items. Portable, so best for homeowners who love to embroider.

2. Combination Embroidery Machine: This equipment combines sewing and embroidery features into one unit. Great for tailors or sewers who want to embroider too.

3. Commercial Embroidery Machine: Has multiple needles. Several colors can be threaded before starting work on the design so a lot of time is saved. Units can be large, so best for commercial and heavy use.

Computerized Embroidery Machines:

Computerized Embroidery Machines, though a little more expensive than conventional embroidery machines, are most convenient for hobbyists and professionals alike. These units are capable of automatically creating designs from pre-made patterns that are fed into them through CDs, floppy disks, or flash cards. They can also be connected to a computer to create custom designs.

The average Computerized Embroidery Machine costs around 500-600 dollars, along with the digitizing software program. Additional embroidery patterns can be bought from manufacturers, and other companies dealing with these kinds of embroidery accessories. However, many people prefer to create their own patterns by attaching the machine to a computer loaded with digitizing programs capable of resizing, editing and creating patterns.

Embroidery machine software programs can be divided into Commercial software- for custom designs, Machine-specific software - That can be downloaded for personal use, Independent-vendor software - An add-on for converting formats, Independent-designers software - which requires brand-specific hardware and software.

Important Features to Look for:

After you've made a decision to buy an embroidery machine that you like, don't forget to double check if the equipment incorporates any of these important features:

1. Mirror-image capability - enables symmetry and balance in the pattern-creating process.

2. Cutaway Backing - enables cutting the excess with a pair of scissors.

3. Tearaway Backing - enables the excess to be torn away after fabric is embroidered.

4. Automatic needle threaders.

5. Bobbin: The spool that holds the thread. The stitches on the underside of the garment are formed by the Bobbin thread.

6. Presser foot - a tool that is used to hold the fabric steady and provides support and stability to the garment being embroidered.

7. Hoop - another embroidery tool to hold the fabric steady.

8. Embroidery Scanner - can scan custom designs and convert them into stitches.

Popular Embroidery Machines:

Some of the more popular Embroidery Machines that you might want to consider before buying one include those manufactured by Tajima and Melco such as Bernina, Pfaff, Babylock and Brother; and other brands like White and Simplicity.

About the author: Embroidery HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about embroidery.

You can make money from embroidery

Author: Debra Fernandez

Who wouldn't want to be able to make money from doing something they love, like a bobby or a craft? The truth is that many people have taken their passion and turned it into profit. No matter whether it is wood crafts, painting or ceramics, arts and crafts are extremely popular, and you can make money from them if you produce high-quality and unique pieces of work.

Take embroidery for instance. This artful sewing has been around for as long as man has been able to ply a needle and thread. Identified by intricate and patterned stitching, embroidery is experiencing newfound popularity in our day and age.

The most common form of embroidery is the embellishment of linens including draperies, tapestries, tablecloths, pillows, seat covers and bedspreads. These beautiful items are used to create interest in home décor and often become cherished family heirlooms which are passed down from generation to generation.

In many cases, these family treasures are crafted by a beloved aunt or grandmother, but in others, the work is hired out to a professional embroiderer. If you are highly skilled at embroidery and have a knack for understanding a family and personalizing crafts to reflect their values, this could be a great money maker for you.

The best way to get started as a ""for hire"" embroiderer is by work-of-mouth advertisement. You can print up some flyers and business cards to place at your local library and area businesses, but the best way to let people see your work is to get out into the community with it. Donate some of your work to fund raiser auctions where there will be a great deal of people that bid on your embroidery. After the auction is over, hand out cards to those who expressed an interest but did not offer the final bid. Local community fairs are also a great way to make your name and work known to many.

Another great money-making opportunity associated with embroidery is personalized, embroidered greeting cards. You can purchase pre-cut greeting cards and glue or stitch your motif on the front of the card. These types of items, if reasonably priced, go fairly quickly at bazaars and flea markets. And when you sell one, or if someone visits your booth, you have the chance to create a relationship with a person who may be interested in purchasing other embroidered crafts.

As you can see from these few examples, there are many opportunities to make money from your embroidered crafts. You just have to be creative enough to know where to find them.

About the author: By Debra F.

Get more great embroidery tips and articles at Debra's website One Embroidery

Most Popular Embroidery Patterns

Author: Bill B. Carmel

Embroidery is a popular hobby enjoyed by men and women all over the world. This historic needlecraft has changed a great deal over its lifetime and has been given a high tech boost through the popular embroidery machines that can whip up a lovely design with a push of a button. When it comes to the most popular embroidery patterns, however, it does not matter if you intend to grab a needle and colorful floss or download a pattern on your whiz bang embroidery machine. The top five most popular embroidery patterns are:

1.) Historic red work. In days past, red embroidery floss was incredibly expensive and often used by itself to showcase the beautiful color. Red embroidery floss, just like all colors of floss today, was colorfast, so it did not bleed onto any fabric on wash day. Red work patterns include colonial designs like birds, kitchen ware, and flowers. Today, red work is more popular than ever.

2.) Initials. Personalized items are always a favorite, and the initial trend is certainly not over. Initials, names, or words are great for adding to apparel, towels, backpacks, robes, pillowcases, or anything else imaginable.

3.) Vintage patterns. Vintage is back and better than ever. Terrifically popular embroidery patterns are the lovely classic days of the week dishtowels. These dishtowel patterns are always a fun way to perk up a kitchen while serving a purpose. Jazz up a pillowslip with a beautiful vintage inspired flower vine or create popular ""his"" and ""hers"" towels to give to your favorite newlyweds.

4.) Childhood classics. Welcome a new baby with cuddly embroidered items or redecorate your child's room using embroidered classics. From hilarious story book characters to fuzzy baby animals, these childhood classics are always a favorite. Whether you are a proud grandparent or looking for items that will fly off your store shelves like hotcakes, you can never go wrong with these kiddie favorites.

5.) Clothing designs. Dress up your favorite duds with embroidered details. From unique and creative stitches for hemlines, necklines, or seams to other designs that will set your apparel apart from the rest of the crowd, these clothing designs are always popular. With a new embroidery machine, you can either embroider directly only your garment or create a separate embroidered piece and later attach it to your garment.

These embroidery designs are always popular and come in many different sizes, styles, and colors.

About the author: Bill Carmel specialized in embroidery machines.

http://www.embroidery-machines-u.com