Making money away from Craft Shows!

Author: Natalie Goyette

As you gain experience selling your crafts at craft shows, you'll be planning your schedule a year in advance. Although a business plan isn't essential, a marketing plan is a good idea to have as you plan your shows. You'll want to keep your customers on your mailing list informed of new products, special sales and upcoming shows. You may need to update your marketing materials from time to time as well. In addition, between shows, you may decide to pursue other paths to selling your products. Some of these are: the Internet (your own Web site or eBay), retail (your own store, space in a gallery or retail store), wholesale (trade shows, distributors or sales reps), trade or consumer magazine ads (extremely costly), mail order, catalogs, TV shopping networks and home shows.

Selling wholesale at galleries, stores, trade shows or through reps or distributors cuts your profit in half. The only way to make it up is through large quantity sales--and then you may find yourself in a bigger production mode than what you feel comfortable with. Selling wholesale has other drawbacks, like return policies, cancellations and late payments. And some shops and galleries will only take you on consignment.

Although billions of dollars are spent by consumers buying products over the Internet, online sales for craft items has not been spectacular--and nothing compared to craft show figures. However, it's relatively inexpensive to sell over eBay and for under $1,000 you can have a decent Web site designed. Check out eBay for yourself to see if anything like your items are being marketed there. If you have to sell way too low to match the competition that you won't make a profit, it's not worth it. Put up your own Web site and let it be a virtual shop for you--for existing customers to see what you're up to and to attract new buyers. You can post your show schedule, have information about yourself and your crafts and sell whatever items photograph well and ship safely.

Research other Web sites selling similar products, decide how you would like your electronic store to look and find a competent Web designer. Make sure you are quoted all costs up front including monthly maintenance so you can keep your site updated. Design your Web site with the same care you designed your booth--so it represents you and your product in the best light. Make it easy for people to buy and to contact you. Have your phone number and e-mail address so they can ask questions. If your Web designer is not marketing savvy, have someone help you submit your Web site to search engines and do whatever you can to make it visible to potential buyers.

Another way to promote yourself online is to join craft forums or chat groups, where buyers and sellers gather to discuss crafts. If you position yourself as an expert answering various questions, people may visit your Web site to gain more contact with you. Also consider having links and resources on your site so people will see you as a source of knowledge about crafts. As a creative person, you'll probably have so many ideas to enhance your Web site--just don't become obsessed so it takes you away from your first love--making crafts! Once you have a Web site, put the address on all your marketing materials--from business cards to show schedules.

If you are doing well selling your crafts at craft shows, that may be all you need to do. The more avenues for sales you take on, the thinner you spread yourself, and the less you're doing what you love most and what you started this business for--creating crafts!

About the author: Natalie Goyette is the author of the best selling book, ""Craft Show Success"" Her book shows you how to maximize your profits from the crafts you make in your own home!

Discover How To Quilt

Author: www.Craft-Ideas-Guide.com

In order to learn how to quilt you must first understand how a quilt is made.

Basically a quilt is a sandwich that consists of three layers. The top of the quilt is a decorative layer created from small fabric pieces or 'patches' sewn together in a creative and artistic manner.

The second layer is the batting. Batting is a cozy thermal layer of matted cotton, wool, polyester or silk fibers that give the quilt warmth and volume.

The third layer is the backing that is made from one continuous piece of fabric.

Quilting is the stitching which holds the three layers of the quilt 'sandwich' together while forming a decorative design. Quilting can be done either by hand or machine.

The three layers are held together in one of three ways...

The oldest method is hand quilting. This is perhaps the most labor intensive choice for those just learning how to make a quilt. Hand quilting is usually done in a quilting 'hoop' or on a quilting 'frame' using special needles, called 'betweens', and quilting thread.

The easiest method is machine quilting. Machine quilting involves the use of a sewing machine to stitch the layers of the fabric sandwich together.

The third method is called tying which involves using evenly spaced knots or bows to hold the layers together at wider intervals than quilting. Done by hand or machine, this method makes a generous, puffy quilt called a comforter.

Those learning how to make a quilt should be familiar with the term piecing or patchwork as it is sometimes called. This is an exacting method of sewing small pieces of fabric ('patches') together to produce a decorative pattern or 'block'. This can be done either by hand or with a sewing machine.

Another important definition to know while learning how to quilt is of the term appliqué. Applique is the method of applying fabric shapes (called 'patches') by hand, onto a fabric background. Applique are grouped together to produce a decorative pattern or 'block'. If you are using a sewing machine, appliqué, fabric shapes are usually cut into the desired shape without seam allowances. The shapes are then fused to the background with heat-activated fusible web. They are usually sewn on the quilt using a close zigzag stitch called a 'satin stitch'. This method is particularly suited to intricate 'pictorial' appliqué that attempts to reproduce a stylized or realistic story or picture.

Another method of machine appliqué involves drawing or tracing the shape onto the wrong side of the fabric. The patch is then placed facedown onto a lightweight lining and sewn around the marked seam line. It is then trimmed, turned right side out and sewn to the background using invisible thread and a machine blind hemstitch.

If you are just learning how to quilt that are plenty of sites on the Internet that can explain such products as heat-activated fusible web and, seam lines and various stitches used in quilting.

A 'Block' is a single design unit comprised of small fabric pieces sewn together to produce a decorative pattern. Often, blocks are separated by alternating plain squares or by fabric strips. This is called sashing. Sashing is a term that those just learning how to quilt will run into often.

For comprehensive step by step lessons in how to quilt go http://www.kathkwilts.com/lessons/gendirs.html. Here you will find out everything you always wanted to know about making a quilt including instructions on how to cut shapes for piece work, hand piecing, machine piecing, creating appliques by hand, creating borders and sashing.

http://www.Craft-Ideas-Guide.com

© 2004 www.Craft-Ideas-Guide.com

About the author: A wealth of arts and crafts tips for adults and children of all ages.

Making money with craft show customer service!

Author: Natalie Goyette

Thrill of all thrills--you've got a potential buyer in your booth! Now what? First smile, make eye contact, greet the customer and start a simple conversation--anything but, ""Can I help you?"" Walk the fine line between being available and being pushy. And definitely never sit in a corner reading a novel! Ask questions to create a personal connection like, ""Are you looking for a gift or for yourself? ""What colors do you enjoy best?"" ""What are your favorite styles of crafts?""

Buyers often come to craft shows to see unusual objects and meet the artists, so give them what they came for. Explain briefly about your crafts and how you make them--if it's a unique process. Talk about a specific item they may be showing an interest in--strictly from an informational standpoint. Listen, answer any questions and take feedback openly.

Don't assume anything about a potential customer--treat everyone with respect and attention. However, don't cater to extremely difficult or rude visitors who have something negative to say about everything: ""I can make that myself!"" ""I saw one just like that at another booth for half the price!"" Just smile and say okay. Or you can say something pleasant like, ""You may have difficulty finding everything you need to create something like this"" or, ""All my items are original designs and I don't think anyone has copied them!""

Don't take negativity or rejection personally--everyone will have an opinion! As long as the majority of people don't feel that way about your crafts, you'll do fine. You'll never please everyone and not everyone will buy from you, but everyone's comments can have some value. Learn from any comments that may be helpful--you may get clues as to future modifications or new items to create

If a customer seems prepared to buy and has some hesitation, practice some sales techniques for overcoming objections. Find out what the real problem is--whether a woman isn't sure her husband will like it or if it will fit in her home--and see how you can solve it. Can you offer to make a custom item, ship it later or call her husband on the phone? Offer cash, check or credit card options to make buying an easy process.

When you find real fans of your work, do what you can to turn them into collectors. Make sure they have your upcoming show schedule and contact information and you have theirs. Tell them you'll keep in touch and let them know when you produce new items. Also, send every customer a thank you e-mail or card when you return home. It's a very personal touch and only done by high-end stores with exceptional customer service.

When concluding a sale, learn to be efficient in wrapping the item, taking the payment, giving the customer a receipt, your card or brochure and getting them to leave their contact information. They can either sign your guest book or fill out a form and drop it in a box for a drawing. Your expedience in finishing a sale allows you to move on to other customers who may be waiting for your attention. Have lots of pens, receipt books, shopping bags and marketing materials. You may also want to carry decorative gift boxes that would be easier to use for gifts than wrapping paper.

As you do more and more shows, you will come to create a profile of your ideal customer--their age, income bracket, interests, gender, how they dress, what they like, what they purchase most often and other characteristics that will help you plan your future craft items, pricing and display.

About the author: Natalie Goyette shows you how to maximize your profits at craft shows with her best-selling book, ""Craft Show Success!"" www.craftshowsuccess.com

How to Craft a Series of Bestselling Titles from a Single Topic

Author: Jim Green

During the past ten years I have authored seventeen traditionally published niche non-fiction books, all of which (save one) have achieved bestselling status in their respective genres.

Here's the thing though; I have used only 2 topics to produce 16 bestsellers.

How do you do that; craft a series of titles from a single topic?

It's a little-known technique that dates back to the dawn of literature and is used by all bestselling authors either consciously or unwittingly.

And when you know the secret, you can also use this technique in writing fiction.

It has a lot in common with what the late great Alfred Hitchcock called the 'McGuffin'; the singular device he employed in all of his screenplays.

Hitch reckoned that everyone is looking for something whether they are watching a movie or reading a book and when you discover what people are searching for in your particular niche you will be well on your way to writing a successful book in record time.

And when you've done it once, you can do it all over again - as many times as you like.

Although considerable mileage still remains in the 2 topics I used to produce 16 bestsellers, I decided eighteen months ago to research a third topic for its McGuffin potential and the result was ""Your Retirement Masterplan"" (How To Books ISBN 1857039874) published in October 2004.

This title currently ranks No.7 out of 3328 competitive titles on Amazon.co.uk and is due for a 2nd upgraded edition in February 2006; to be followed by ""How to Earn Money in Retirement"" in April of the same year.

But the McGuffin on this third topic is only just starting to bite...

I also have signed contracts for these forthcoming titles:

1. ""Maximising Mindpower to Enrich Your Retirement"" - Publication date 2007

2. ""Give Your Mind a Daily Workout in Retirement"" - Publication date 2008

3. ""101 Retirement Holiday Options"" - Publication date 2008

4. ""101 Projects to Spice Up Your Retirement"" - Publication date 2009

5. ""101 Online Venues for Stimulating Retirement Interests""- Publication date 2010

6. ""Chronicling Your Lifetime Achievements in Retirement"" - Publication date 2011

7. ""Achieving Your Greatest Successes of Retirement"" - Publication date 2011

Have you guessed the secret yet?

There is no end to its power in producing bestsellers and if you would like to incorporate it in your creative writing, you will find out how in the website featured in the resource box below.

About the author: Jim Green is an entrepreneur and bestselling author with an ever-growing string of niche non-fiction titles to his credit. http://1st-creative-writing-course.com

Your Craft Show Booth - How it can make you more money!

Author: Natalie Goyette

The requirements for your booth will be spelled out in your contract for each show. This includes set up and break down times and policies to which you must adhere. In order to avoid having to have different displays for different shows, it makes sense to create a moveable display that will work well in the majority of situations--both for indoor and outdoor events. Even if the promoter supplies a backdrop, a rug or tables, you can bring your whole set-up and use it instead. Your display is your portable store, and since it reflects you and your product, you want it to be outstanding! A display that creates the best presentation for your crafts can make a huge difference in how well you sell your crafts.

Because you and your booth will be constant traveling companions, make sure it's light yet sturdy, easily collapsible and just as easy to erect. You need to be prepared for wind, rain and bratty children running around knocking into display poles! Your booth may continuously evolve, and it may take years to find the best set up, only to find colors and trends changing, or your products developing and the whole look of your booth needing a facelift. As a creative person, have fun with your booth and allow your skills as a craftsperson to spill over into booth creation and display. If you need help with the construction, ask male friends or family members for assistance--and ask female friends for help with display ideas. (Or vice versa as the case may be.)

A professional display marks you as a professional and enhances your products to promote optimum sales. Basically you want the space to be comfortable for you and customers. You want it to be inviting, making customers feel welcome enough to cross over the threshold that separates the lookers from the buyers. It should be comfortable for you too, as you will be in it for days on end. It also needs to be attractive, yet well organized for a 10 X 10 space (or slightly larger in some cases). Use of colorful signs, banners and accessories attract people and enhance your craft items, hopefully encouraging visitors to pick them up.

Use colors that follow a theme or complement the predominant colors or style of your products. Red, white and blue would be a good theme for country items, while black and silver would be a more contemporary look. Each craft style will dictate the best overall look for your display. You also need to have an area for doing business--taking money, wrapping and writing receipts--as well as a space for storage. If that sounds like a tall order, it is! That's why it may take a while to get it right. Observe other booths and record what you like and don't like. Then take the best of the best and incorporate those ideas into your booth.

The entrance to the booth is critical. It's the make or break point for drawing a potential customer in. Experiment until you find the best mix of color, signage, banners, spacing and product display that works best to get people in ""the door."" Booth openings should be wide enough to allow several people in, and you should never stand out front or in the entry obstructing the flow. Have your bestsellers, lowest priced or most striking products closest to the entrance so you can optimize the five seconds you have to capture the potential buyer's attention!

Your booth sets a mood that is immediately picked up by shoppers passing by. Make sure it sets the right mood to interest people in stopping to take a look at your amazing crafts. Have the products in as natural setting as possible, that is, if you have home décor items, create a homey environment. If you create baskets, fill them with what people would naturally fill them with--and vary this throughout the year based on seasons and holidays. If you produce jewelry items, have earrings and necklaces on mannequins to see how they would look, and have plenty of mirrors for customers to try things on.

Display objects at eye level or slightly higher, but not on the ground. Have multiple levels of display for greater visual appeal. Hanging products should not obstruct views or be a hazard to a customer walking through your space. Place your crafts so they are easily accessible and so customers will feel comfortable picking them up--and not afraid they will break something or mess up a ""perfect"" display. Statistics reveal people are four times more likely to make a purchase when they have touched the item.

Booth design, product display and merchandising must all be carefully planned out as part of your overall sales strategy. Once you commit to taking your craft from pastime to profits, you become a professional businessperson and creating a quality booth and stunning display will be worth the effort in increased profits.

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

Where to find Free craft projects and patterns online

Author: A Graf

When searching for patterns online it's best to start with your favorite search engine and type in what you are looking for. Unfortunately most of the time you end up with alot of links to web sites that are trying to sell you something.

Some of the best places I have found for great craft projects such as crochet, scrapbooking, knitting, and more are found on the following web sites:

http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=24842&AID=1511195&PID=97 1684

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home

http://freepatterns.com - You will have to register

http://www.lionbrand.com/

http://www.coatsandclark.com/fun_and_free/index.htm

There are severall other web sites with free patterns but these are just some of my favorites that offer a variety of crafts from crochet, knitting, cross stitch, kids crafts and more.

To learn more about crafting projects please check us out on the web at http://www.craftdrawer.com

About the author: http://www.craftdrawer.com

Craft show items priced ot sell

Author: Natalie goyette

Pricing your craft show items correctly, and so that you make a decent profit is paramount if you are going to be successful in this industry. So how do you make the most money from your craft show items, and still have them fly off the shelves because they are a great price. Read on to find out!

In order to at least decide on your initial price structure you may want to follow a mathematical formula for arriving at the most favorable retail price:

production costs + overhead costs + selling costs + profit = best price

Production costs include cost of materials and labor; overhead costs are rent, utilities, insurance, professional fees; selling costs may be show fees, traveling costs and marketing expenses; and profit is why you went into this as a business in the first place!

If you're not comfortable with numbers, get help from a savvy friend or your bookkeeper or accountant if you have one. Or maybe ask another crafter how they arrive at their best price. Since you need to keep track of your expenses anyway, you will have the figures needed to fit into this equation, so after you do it once, you'll get the hang of it. Figuring the production costs for one item may be difficult, so if you need to figure it for 10 or 12 items, you can then divide at the end to arrive at the price per item.

This formula is a good place to begin if you're just starting out. Whether you're selling handmade sewing or quilted items, pottery or paintings, you have all the elements of the equation to factor in. If this is just too complicated for you, then price your items as close as possible to comparable ones until you become more comfortable with determining your prices professionally.

After you determine a starting price, compare it to similar items on the market and test it at your next show. If you find you have to reduce your price, that also means you need to reduce some of your costs if you want to keep the same profit! You may be able to cut down your overhead by sharing a studio, or you may cut your production costs by using family members instead of paid employees, or apprentices as previously mentioned. Again, there are always several variables involved in setting your retail price.

Pricing should be a strategic marketing move and not hit or miss, since it's so crucial for success. Your primary goals factor into how your price your products. Although profit seems like the obvious goal in selling your crafts, initially you may want to price them lower just to get some reaction. Or you may be moving out a discontinued item and are pricing it at a sale price. You might choose a higher price because you want to impart the image of higher perceived value and limited supply, while attracting a higher-end customer. Prices may vary based on supply and demand, at different times of year, when costs rise or for the release of new products. Keep an accurate record of all your price changes so you can monitor results.

If you still find your items are not selling at the ""right"" price for you perhaps because you're competing with vendors who are selling less expensive products, you may want to consider a different quality show. If customers are willing to pay a few dollars for cheap jewelry rather than several dollars more for your higher quality costume as well as gemstone jewelry, you probably don't have the right customers for your product. People who know quality will pay for it. If you believe in the quality of your product, don't sell yourself short by pricing it too low. You'll just have to keep experimenting to find shows that attract the kind of customer you're looking for.

About the author: Natalie Goyette is the author of the best-selling book Craft Show Success! She shows you how you can finally make and sell your crafts successfully! www.craftshowsuccess.com

Coach Tom Craft got fired!

Author: Alfred johnson

Coach Tom Craft got fired! By Alfred Johnson

The NCAA Football former quarterback for the Aztecs in the mid-1970s Tom Craft was fired Monday after failing to post a winning record in four seasons.

The NCAA Football athletic director Jeff Schemmel promised to hire a replacement, ""Give Tom a lot of credit. I think the program's better than it was before,"" Schemmel said.

Schemmel hopes to hire a replacement by Christmas, promised to hire a replacement ""who can excite the community.""

Possible candidates: The former Washington and Colorado NCAA Football coach

Rick Neuheisel, Bobby Hauck, coach at Division I-AA Montana its another option.

Schemmel saids San Diego State can become a top 10 program.

About the author: About the Author

Alfred Johnson provides all sports fans with the most recent a up to date news information in the sports world. Mr. Johnson has been an exceptional article writer for http://www.bookemdirect.com

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

Starting a Home Craft Business: Cashing in on your Artistic and Creative Skills!

Author: Randy Wilson

How can one forget the craft classes at school? You must have enjoyed putting together colorful pieces of paper and varied craft stuffs to give form to dolls, teddy bears, boats, aero planes, flowers and so on. Have you ever considered making innovative and attractive crafts could earn you a profitable and stable income? And you could work at home without having to set up any office or shop to sell your craft items.

You can set up a craft workshop at home with you being the boss. If required you can take the help of a few assistants. They could help you out with the various aspects of making craft products.

Does that sound interesting enough? You can surely give it a try! Starting a Home Craft Business is just so simple!

Overall summary of business: Starting a Craft Business is a perfect idea for a home business. You can create wonderful and visually appealing craft items using your creativity and innovation. So a craft hobby can be converted into a lucrative home-based business. You can freely work in the relaxed environment of your home adjusting the working hours according to your personal preferences.

Now what kind of craft products do you want to sell? Well that depends on your interests and hobbies. What exactly you enjoy making/creating determines the collection of craft items on your sales list.

There are a variety of products you can make such as flower arrangements, jewelry, soft toys, hand embroidered sewn items, clay crafts, wood crafts, paper crafts, stained glass items, scrap craft (craft made out of scraps and thrown away products), leather craft, hand painting, electronic craft, and the list goes on. You can specialize in Japanese craft making styles such as Origami, Ikebana that are just so beautiful and pretty. Your customers will grab them like 'hot cakes!'

Estimated start-up costs: The initial start up costs for a Home Crafts Business is extremely nominal. The major investment for a start up is in buying all the necessary equipment and accessories that will be needed to create and make the craft products. You do not have to worry about setting up a separate office for starting the home craft business. Any suitable room of your house can be converted into a craft workshop. And an additional space can be allotted to store the finished products ready to be sold. That's not a big problem at all! This business does not need a huge amount of capital. Your start up cost can be as little as $50 dollars.

Financing sources: You can approach banks, financial institutions, moneylenders and trade associations for financing your Home Crafts Business at the initial setting up stages. However, since start-up costs are so low, you may not need financing at all.

Pricing guidelines: Price you items low enough to make sales, yet high enough to cover the cost of the materials. A general rule of thumb is to charge twice the amount of the cost. For example: Materials cost $4.50, you charge $9.00. If you plan on selling them at wholesale to retail outlets, you should charge $6.75. You split the profit with the retailer.

Advertising and Marketing Methods and Tips:

Attend Craft Fairs Bring samples to jewelry stores and gift stores Build a website to promote your products Local Newspaper ads Yellow page advertising Print pamphlets and brochures Craft Home Parties

Essential Equipment: The essential equipment needed to start a home crafts business depends on what kind of craft products will be making. In addition to the basic stationery item such as adhesives, tapes, scissors, craft papers, staples and so on you will need a computer to lookup information, latest designs and ideas, bookkeeping, website building, etc.

Recommended Training, Experience, or Needed Skills:

To start a home based Crafts Business you do not need any special skills, equipment or formal training. There numerous easy to follow instruction manuals available. Guidelines to make crafts and related items are also available on the Internet. Just use your creativity.

Income Potential: $20,000 to $80,000 depending on the type of craft items you will be selling.

Target Market: The target market for home made craft items is diverse. With proper marketing techniques you can target almost all kinds of people who love arts and crafts and indulge in collecting such items for themselves or for their friends and relatives. Crafts and related products are also used for decorating purposes at weddings, birthdays, and shower parties; they also serve as gift items. You can also sell your craft pieces to gift shops and craft stores.

Success Tips: Research your market, watch TV craft shows, go to craft fairs and check out handcrafts in the marketplace.

About the author: © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens of home based business articles such as

Medical Billing Business . You can also sign up for Randy's free newsletter and 8 different FREE e-courses:

Profitable Home Business Newsletter .

How to Make Candles Using Old Crayons

Author: LeAnn R. Ralph

As featured in the story ""A Candle For Christmas"" from the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a Wisconsin Farm) (August 2003; trade paperback) http://ruralroute2.com

Materials: • 1 wax carton (quart) (milk, fabric softener, or orange juice) • 1 pound of paraffin wax • 4 or 5 old crayons • two trays of ice cubes • a double boiler (or an empty coffee can and a saucepan) • 1 piece of ordinary white package string about six inches long.

Caution: Do not heat paraffin directly over the burner. Paraffin is easily combustible. Use a double boiler or a two-pound coffee can set in a pan of water. I put the coffee can on top of home canning jar rings (the rings, not the flat lids). If the can is not set on top of something, the concave bottom creates a vacuum when the water begins to heat up, plus if it's on the bottom of the pan, it's just that much closer to the burner.

Trim the top part of the carton off so that what remains is about six inches high.

Cut the string so that it is six inches long. (To make a wick that lasts longer, try braiding three pieces of string together.)

Melt the paraffin wax over medium heat in a double boiler or a coffee can in a pan of water. Use three-quarters of a pound for a somewhat smaller candle or use all four squares for a larger candle. Once the water begins to boil, it will take 10 or 15 minutes for the paraffin to melt.

Break the crayons into small pieces and add to the paraffin. If the crayons are added first before the wax is melted, the color makes it difficult to see if all of the paraffin is liquefied.

Use a pair of tongs (a scissors works, too), and dip the string into the paraffin. Dipping the string will ensure that it is coated with paraffin since the ice cubes may prevent some sections from coming in contact with the liquid wax. Hold the string so that it is in the middle of the carton and fill the carton with ice cubes. Pour the hot paraffin over the ice cubes.

The candle will be set in about 30 minutes. Let the candle stand for another hour or two until most of the ice cubes are melted. Pour off the water. Peel off the carton. Place the candle in a tray or on a plate to catch the rest of the water from the ice cubes as they finish melting. Let the candle dry for a day or two.

The candles I have made with a single piece of string only burn for an hour or so and burn quickly enough so that most of the paraffin remains intact. To use the paraffin again, melt the candle and pour the wax into other containers to make solid candles.

~ Solid Candles ~

To make solid candles, select several glass containers. Pint or half-pint canning or jelly jars work well. For the wick, measure out a few more inches of string than is needed to reach the bottom of the container. Tie the string around a pencil. Put the pencil across the top of the container to hold the wick in place. When the paraffin and crayons are melted, pour the liquid wax into the container(s). When the candle is set, snip off the wick about a half inch above the wax.

~ Scented Candles ~

To make scented candles, put three or four teaspoons of vanilla extract into the bottom of the double boiler (or the coffee can) and then add the paraffin and crayons. When the wax is melted, pour into containers.

************

About the author: LeAnn R. Ralph is a freelance writer in west central Wisconsin, is the editor of the Wisconsin Regional Writer (the quarterly publication of the Wisconsin Regional Writers' Assoc.) and is the author of the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a Wisconsin Farm) (August 2003; trade paperback) http://ruralroute2.com

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!