King of Crafts

Make Money With Embroidery

2009-01-30T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Doug Mahopac

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

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

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

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

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

About the author: Doug Mahopac specialized in embroidery machines.

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

Beginning crochet

2009-01-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

Many people enjoy crochet for its relaxing qualities and satisfying results. It appeals to a wide number of people, as most of the materials still remain inexpensive and easy to obtain. Young children are often taught crochet to increase their fine motor skills, to help in their learning to count and follow instructions and to bolster their self-confidence. Amongst older people crochet is popular as a social activity and to help keep arthritic symptoms in check.

Many people find that crochet can reduce stress levels. It's an easily portable craft and can provide inexpensive and original gifts. Crochet can help with dexterity; help with eye-hand coordination; help develop concentration and can be incorporated as part of other crafts.

Crochet means hook in French and this is the name given to the craft amongst French, Italians and Spanish speakers. It's known as haken in Holland, haekling in Denmark, hekling in Norway and virkning in Sweden. Although other forms of handwork can be dated far back in time, owing to archaeological finds no one is quite sure when and where crochet began.

Crochet is a series of interlocking loops of thread onto a chain using a thin rod with a hook at the end. A chain of loops is created, with each new loop catching the thread and pulling it through the previous loop. After the chain is completed, the thread is then turned to start a second chain. There are a large variety of patterns and stitches. Some of the more common stitches are chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, popcorn crochet, and cluster crochet.

In the past it was very common to work directly from a picture of finished work or from a sample. This is why in early patterns many of the directions seem to be missing. Women in the nineteenth century were familiar with crochet and therefore instructions that we need today were unnecessary at that time.

The story of crochet continues. By referring to old books, magazines and brochures, people find techniques that have been forgotten. Often crocheters think they have invented new crochet stitches, when they are actually reinventing stitches that have been around for over a hundred and fifty years.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced.

Left Handed Crochet

How To Create Easy Crochet Picture Afghans

2009-01-28T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: A Graf

Creating picture afghans are made most of the time using a Tunisian Simple stitch. You can find Tunisian crochet tutorials at http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=40 With a published graph or a few simple graph-making tools, yarn in a variety of colors, and easy Tunisian crochet hooks, you'll be on your way to making gorgeous, colorful afghans with images of anything your heart desires! If you prefer to follow written instructions, graphs can easily be converted to text. To do this, write down how many stitches of each color are needed for each row.

Many types of images and photos can be converted into graphs. Cross stitch graphs may be used as well as you own photos placed onto graph paper. There are software programs available for cross-stitch that are very helpful in creating designs for easy Tunisian crochet. PC Stitch or Instant Stitch 2.0 are good programs to use and easy to learn.

Easy graphs are best for the beginner you can use a spreadsheet program such as Excel to set a row and and width in order to create a square block gride, then use the color pallete to select the colors for your design. Graph paper also works by drawing your image on the paper and using a photocopy machine to get the size you need.

The Internet is a great source for graphs also. Search for free cross-stitch graphs, patterns, tunisian crochet graphs, free graph paper maker, cross-stitch freeware, and graph freeware.

For more free crochet patterns visit... http://www.craftdrawer.com/Misc/freepatterns.htm http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php or search your favorite search engine for Tunisian crochet patterns

About the author: Author is a published writer of several articles and books and a successful self-employed writer and crafter.

Craft shows that are right for you!

2009-01-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

To begin investigating which shows to apply to, you might start with what you know--those shows you've attended, ones that are within an hour or so of your home and ones other vendors have recommended. You will not always know if the craftsperson who suggested a show has the same values as you until you check it out for yourself, so this is not always a concrete selection principle. But it's a place to start. If you belong to a craft guild or organization or subscribe to a trade journal, you may be able to get show recommendations there. Several websites are equipped with lists of local and national shows and all the contact information. Also log onto some of the craft forums where you can ask other crafters and look for some consensus on the best shows.

You will find information about where and when the show is and who to contact to apply. Once you call or check out their Web site, make sure you apply by the requested deadline. When you call the promoter of the show or visit their Web site if they have one, be sure to ask any of the questions you may have such as:

What was the attendance last year and what is this year's expected attendance? How many years have you been producing the show? How many booth spaces are there and how many applications do you receive? How do you assign booth spaces? What are the entry and jury fees? Are there any additional fees like % of gross, parking, electrical? Do I need any special licenses? What kinds of people attend your shows? What kinds of crafts do you select, who makes the selection and what are the bestsellers? What is the average price range of items exhibited? Sold? What are the average sales for exhibitors in my medium? What style is the show? What kind of promotion do you do prior to the show? Do I get some promotional materials? When do you notify the successful applicants? What happens if it rains or snows? What are the security arrangements? Any other support available?

A professional promoter should have this information and should be willing to share it with you. If they won't, you may be able to get it elsewhere--on the Internet or in some craft guides that are sold by subscription and have show reviews. Some shows request you send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the application. When you get it, you'll see the booth sizes, fees and what you need to submit. You also may receive a copy of the contract, which outlines your responsibilities as an exhibitor, such as whether or not the craftsperson must be present in the booth, what merchandise is and is not allowed in the booth, display requirements and for larger indoor shows, the rules regarding electricity, unions, fireproofing and the cancellation policy. Also, whether or not you need any special permits. Usually, your seller's permit is all that's required.

The best promoters are discriminating about who they select for their shows based on unique, original quality products and attractive displays, as shown in your photos or slides--which is why using a professional photographer is recommended by most craftspeople. They also look for a balanced variety of categories. Good vendors attract good customers and so everyone wins--the customer, the vendor and the promoter!

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 selling your crafts!

Left handed crochet help

2009-01-26T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

Working crochet left-handed is just as easy as working it right-handed. The methods for forming the stitches and holding the hook and yarn remain the same; you simply use your left instead of right hand. Patterns and instructions are generally written for right-handed people.

Therefore, remember to substitute left for right and vice versa. This is the only adjustment you will need to make. The easiest way to learn crochet if you're left-handed is to sit opposite another crocheter and mirror their movements.

If you're using a book for instruction, you can take the illustrations to a copiers and ask them to make transfer image copies. This flips the images over. If looking at diagrams on the Internet, keep a mirror next to your monitor. Position it so that you can view your monitor through it. The mirror will flip the images to make them left hand interpreted. Alternately, use the right click function on your mouse over the image.

Any image-editing program, like Windows Paint, will allow you to reverse diagrams before printing out by doing a ""horizontal flip"". Usually though, it can be easier to change the settings on your printer so that it reverse or mirror image prints.

Sometimes, you may have to take a few minutes to prepare if you're a left hander, but the amount of effort is minimal and will save you hours that could be lost trying to figure out how to reverse instructions.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced.

Beginning Introduction to Crochet

How to use crochet

2009-01-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

A huge variety of free and commercial crochet patterns are available, covering a wide variety of uses. Changes in fashion mean that during different eras, different types of crocheted products are popular. Crocheted yokes were commonly made and sewn to the tops of dresses and nightgowns at the start of the twentieth century.

Today, those designs are more likely to be used for clothing for very young children. Simple shawls, ponchos and scarves are popular with many beginners, and sweaters, cardigans, coats and tops amongst those who prefer more of a challenge.

But the uses for crochet are almost endless. You can make hats; bags; edging patterns for pillows, tablecloths; curtains; mittens; baby clothes; dolls; blankets; hot water bottle covers. Items that can be knitted can also be crocheted.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced. Gauge Crochet: http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com/gauge-crochet.html

Crochet History 1900s - 21st Century

2009-01-24T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

Lavish crochet emerged alongside other forms of elaborate needlework in the nineteenth century. When printed materials began to be mass-produced in the mid-nineteenth century, the popularity of crochet increased vastly.

Patterns for silk thread purses were the first to have been published, from about 1824 in Holland. Prior to this date, crochet was passed to future generations without written patterns but rather duplicated from small crocheted samples.

Victorian crochet hooks were made of materials such as ivory, brass, various woods, and other bone material. They were often ornately carved, the most impressive often being given as wedding gifts. Crocheted bags, clothing and décor were all popular. Crochet was considered a suitable activity for wealthy women, along with other forms of needlework. Bead crochet began to appear on the market in the 1830s. Knitting with beads was already in fashion at this time.

Crochet became a cottage industry in Ireland with a lace called Irish crochet or guipure lace. In the mid-nineteenth century, it became a large industry owing to a need for people to supplement their income due to the great potato famine of that time. It is still a cottage industry in some countries such as India, Greece, Italy, and some Asian countries.

Crochet samplers dating from the nineteenth century are shown in many museums. A variety of crochet and knitting books were published from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1920s. Filet crochet became very popular from the 1850s.

Crochet continued to be popular into the early twentieth century. The 1920s brought a flood of bead crocheted bags with piles of bead loops to complete the flapper look. From 1937 through 1940's there were crochet contests for workmanship design and speed. The onset of World War II saw the craft halt, owing to shortages in available materials. Bead crochet bags were popular throughout the 1950's. Crochet became an accepted art form in the 1960s and more experimentation in textile art took place including international fiber shows. Crochet began to regain its popularity in the 1970s, when it became popular to wear crocheted items.

The 1980s and 1990s brought a renaissance of bead and thread crochet. In the early 1990s bead knitted bags gained popularity, which increased the demand for bead crocheted bags.

In 1994 thirty four million American women crocheted or knitted, in 2002 this figure had increased to thirty eight million.

Crochet today is mainly created by using soft yarns to produce garments and blankets. Although the crochet stitch can be made by machine, it continues to be a home craft.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced. The Earliest info on Crochet: http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com/crochet-history-part1.html

Gauge crochet tip

2009-01-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

Gauge is the number of stitches per inch and the number of rows per inch produced when working with a particular size of yarn and a specific hook. Gauge varies from crocheter to crocheter, even when they are using exactly the same yarn and hook. To get beyond this problem a swatch, or small sample piece is made in the stitch pattern using the size of yarn and hook. A swatch will help you determine if you meet the patterns intended gauge. For the best results, make a crocheted swatch of at least 6 inches square and then measure the stitches in the center of the swatch to determine gauge.

Often a crochet pattern doesn't suggest a gauge swatch. It may say instead 4 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch. To make a swatch make about six inches of chain. Lay the piece flat on a table. Count how many stitches there are in one inch. This is your stitch gauge.

Next, count the number of rows in one inch. This is your row gauge. Row gauge becomes important, when complicated stitch patterns repeat after a number of rows. If the shaping must take place at a certain row and your row gauge is different from the pattern gauge, shaping won't be done at the proper time and your garment may not fit properly.

Usually, if your stitch gauge matches, the row gauge will be close enough for most purposes.

If your gauge is larger than the one described in the pattern, use a smaller hook try another swatch. If your swatch is smaller, then you'll need to increase your hook. As hooks vary between manufacturers, you may find that switching hook brand can help you to reach the right gauge.

-A swatch should be at least two inches square. -Always make a square swatch - it's easier to make an accurate count. -Try not to force your tension, but crochet just like you always do. -If you naturally crochet tightly, use a size larger hook than recommended. -If you naturally crochet loosely, use a size smaller hook than recommended. -If your foundation chain is too tight or too loose, begin the pattern with another size hook. -Always measure the swatch on a hard, flat surface.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced. Use of Crochet: http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com/how-to-use-crochet.html

History of Crochet 1500 BC - 1820

2009-01-22T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Kris Perry

Little is known of crochet's early history. It seems likely that the earliest crochet was made using fingers, rather than the hooks used today. There are theories that crochet could have existed as early as 1500 BC, as part of nun's work, which included needlepoint lace and bobbin lace.

There are three main theories for the origin of crochet. Some believe that it originated in Arabia and spread eastward to Tibet and then westward to Spain, finally following the Arab trade routes to other Mediterranean countries. Alternatively, it's thought to have originated in South America, where a primitive tribe used crochet adornments in puberty rites. Another alternative stems from the fact that in China, early examples were known of dolls worked in crochet.

However, there is no solid evidence as to how old crochet is or where it originated. The evidence of it appearing in the sixteenth century is slight, and hotly disputed. There are references to a type of ""chained trimming"" made around 1580. However this appears to have been a type of cord, sewn onto fabric like an ornamental braid.

During the Renaissance, women crocheted several strands of thread producing fabrics similar to lace.

The earliest evidence of crochet, as we know it, is first commonly seen in the second half of the eighteenth century. Crochet may have developed from Chinese needlework, an ancient form of embroidery known in Turkey, India, Persia and North Africa, which reached Europe in the eighteenth century, and was referred to as tambouring. The main theory behind the origin of crochet seems to be that it began when it was realized that chains worked in a pattern would hang together without background fabric. At the end of the eighteenth century, tambour evolved into what the French called crochet in the air, when the background fabric was discarded and the stitch worked on its own. Tambour hooks were as thin as sewing needles, and therefore the work must have been done with very fine thread.

Crochet began to emerge in Europe in the early nineteenth century, boosted by Mlle Riego de la Branchardiere, well known for her ability to take needle and bobbin lace designs and turn them into crochet patterns that could be duplicated. She published numerous patterns and also claimed to have invented lace-like crochet, today called Irish crochet.

A type of lace called cheyne lace was made with a hook from the late eighteenth century and a primitive form of crochet called pjonting can be found from about 1820.

About the author: Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced. The Earliest info on Crochet: http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com/crochet-history-part2.html

Know These Important Things Before You Learn How To Knit

2009-01-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: B Hopkins

Did you ever enjoy texture of yarns in your hand or wondering how that interesting color pattern was created in your favorite sweater? Then you will surely have fun learning the art of knitting. Knitting is one of several ways to turn thread or yarn into cloth-weaving and crochet. It's all about creativity.

The Introductory Steps of Knitting

Unlike woven fabric, knitted fabric consists entirely of horizontal parallel courses of yarn. The courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops in which a short loop of one course of yarn is wrapped over the bight of another course. Knitting can be done either by hand, described below, or by machine. What makes knitting even more exciting is the fact that this art can be easily learned.

In practice, hand knitting is usually begun by forming a base series of twisted loops of yarn on a needle. This is called Cast On. A second knitting needle is then used to reach through each loop in succession in order to snag a bight of yarn and pull a length back through the loop. This forms a new stitch. Work can proceed in the round (circular knitting) or by going back and forth in rows. Knitting can also be done by machines, which use a different mechanical system to produce nearly identical results.

Knitting Styles: There are two basic styles of knitting; English and Continental. The difference between the two is in how you hold the yarn. In the English method the yarn is held in the right hand. In continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand. Whatever your natural hand-preference, you should be able to master either method because the nature of knitting is basically ambidextrous.

The two basic stitches are knit or plain and purl or wrong. These two nominal stitches are actually identical, however, being the obverse and reverse of the same stitch. It is the variations and combinations of these two stitches that create all the different stitch patterns which are possible in knitting. Typically, a knit stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a left-to-right perspective and pulling a loop of yarn through to form a new loop, while a purl stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a right-to-left perspective.

A piece of knitting begins with the process of casting on, which involves the initial creation of the stitches on the needle. Casting on is the first step in knitting These stitches become the first row of stitches and one selvage of your work, usually the bottom or hem.

Different methods of cast on are used for different effects; one may be stretchy enough for lace, while another provides a decorative edging. Provisional cast on is used when the knitting will continue in both directions from the cast on.

The body of a knitted piece may include plain stitches or a number of colors and textured patterns. The number of active stitches remains the same as when cast on unless stitches are added -an increase or removed- a decrease to shape the item.

Patterns to Knit (Way to Online Income): There are lots of people who sit at home and publish great knitting patters from home. Since over the years they have collected and modified many knitting patterns. They make a great income by selling/publishing the patterns on the net. Once you have enough practice, even you could make some online income.

Many patterns can be made by using knit and purl stitches in various combinations. If only knits or only purls are used when working back and forth in rows, the result is called garter stitch.

Alternating rows of knits and purls result in stockinette stitch, also known as stocking or jersey stitch, the stitch most often used in commercial garments such as T-shirts. Different combinations of stitches can be used to form ribbing, cables, or other textures.

Once the knitted piece is finished, the remaining live stitches are cast off. Casting or binding off loops the stitches across each other so they can be removed from the needle without unraveling the item. Although the mechanics are different from casting on, there are a similar variety of methods and choices to be made. Of the various methods the most versatile are the Plain Bind-off and the Suspended Bind-off.

Knitted garments are most commonly made in pieces, where individual sections of the garment are knit separately and then sewn together once all the pieces have been completed. Seamless knitting, where a whole garment is knit as a single piece is also possible. Smaller items, such as socks and hats are usually knit in one piece on double pointed needles.

Knitting can be easily learned these days as there are many websites on knitting and also various books for beginners available on the market, where you can find step by step instructions. These instructions are so easy to follow that even kids would not find them difficult at all. Show your creativity, grab your knitting tools and learn to knit today!

About the author: Do you want to learn how to knit? For more articles on knitting and crochet, go to the knittinginfosite.com. Find knitting and crochet articles, knitting resources and other items usefull for knitters. http://knittinginfosite.com (This article is a http://Drivetraffictomywebsite.com creation)

History of embroidery

2009-01-20T03:03:00.000-08:00

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 specializes in Embroidery Machines http://www.embroidery-machines-1.com

Georgeous Knit Scarves

2009-01-19T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Mary Bailis

With cold weather upon us, it's time to update your wardrobe with a new gorgeous knit scarf. They are a hot item for the season and what a great looking accessory item to keep you warm. Look for them in so many different yarns, colors and styles. This is the year for the knit scarves so put away the old plain Jane's back in storage. The question is, do you buy one or make your own.

Personally, I like the hand made one's made by yours truly, myself. I enjoy having that one of a kind accessory item that looks great. With the huge selection of beautiful yarns out there I just had to pick up my knitting needles and dust them off. They've been non-stop ever since. You can find yarn at all the local craft store's; AC Moore, Jo-Anne Fabrics, Michael's to name a few as well as their websites. Some of them will offer classes, or will have representative's near the yarn aisle to help you get started and answer any questions. All the top yarn companies have very informative website's to help you get started also. They have an amazing selection of free, yes free patterns that you can print off and use at your disposal. Lion Brand, http://www.lionbrand.com even has a how to section. I forgot how to ""cast off"" and it has step by step instructions that set me on my way. All the patterns have very clear instructions on how to knit or crochet and what supplies to purchase. I have made several myself and found them all very easy to follow. They even have the famous Martha Stewart Poncho pattern available online. I wanted one and don't crochet so I forwarded the pattern to my mother. She so graciously made some for me. I get endless compliments whenever I wear it. I have now ventured off making my own patterns. What can I say, I've got the knitting bug or should I say yarn bug! It's the yarns that pull you in to buying so much. There really is an amazing selection out there. You can find; cashmere, wool, fun fur, metallics, sequence, curly, fuzzy, you name it they have it. So pick up those knitting needles and get making those scarves. You'll get the bug too and will end up making them for everyone you know!

For those of you who have no interest in making a scarf or just don't have the knack for it, there is still hope. Many stores offer a decent selection of knit scarves but you will find a limited selection in the yarn styles. I recommend attending one of the many craft fairs being offered in your area. To look for top quality vendors, look for the juried shows or ones that are very selective in choosing their vendors. You will definitely get a higher quality of vendors and therefore a higher quality of products. There are some very artistic and talented knitters out there selling their wares. Artistic people not only like to make great products but really like selling them to others to enjoy. I get excited when someone buy's one of my scarves and can't wait to wear it. They always come back for more to buy as gifts to share their great find. Another place to shop for knit scarves is at your local art galleries. They consign artist work and stock plenty of gift items as well as artwork. They will have a high quality of vendors. But do hurry, the stores currently are clearing out their winter merchandise for Spring clothing.

Get a gorgeous knit scarf while you can or get those knitting needles going and enjoy getting the knitting but!

About the author: Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.AlexiHandbags.com an online custom handbag and scarf boutique. Her designs were originally shown in exclusive art shows and trunk shows. Customer demand brought forth the website. She enjoys reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children.

How To Learn About Needlepoint On The Web In 2 Easy Steps

2009-01-18T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Roger Wembley

This may come as a surprise to you, but there are people other than your grandmother who enjoy needlepoint as a hobby. Needlepoint has been around since the beginning of time but that doesn't mean that you can't become an expert at it. In fact, we're pretty sure that if you focus enough of your energy at a certain hobby you can become an expert in just about anything. You can find just about anything you want on the internet. In fact, if you think it might be an exciting hobby, chances are someone has thought that before you did. Let's take a look at needlepoint and how to get acquainted with the hobby.

1) Use the major search engines to search for these phrases: ""needlepoint beginner,"" o ""needlepoint tutorial,"" or ""how to learn needlepoint."" Be sure and use quotes for the last phrase- it makes all the difference in finding that exact phrase. There are people starting new hobbies all the time and you aren't going to be the only one interested in needlepoint. In fact, a quick search for just the term ""needlepoint"" returns more than 2.6 Million results in Google. If term needlepoint has been written at least 2.6million times on the web, you can be sure that there are others that have written a basic tutorial in getting started on the hobby.

We've notice that when we are looking for something (in this case, needlepoint), nothing beat dmoz.org as a great place to start. Start your quest at dmoz, then visit our site to learn all about needlepoint in easy step by step tutorials.

About the author: Roger Wembley is author of ""Learn Needlepoint."" Grab your copy at http://www.needlepointastic.com

History of Needlepoint

2009-01-17T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Jo kefford

There are conflicting opinions as to the terms describing needlepoint. The differences may result from the fact that needlepoint has come down to us from various countries and in various stitches. Briefly, needlepoint is embroidery on canvas, the most common stitch is half of a cross-stitch, which is also called 'Tent stitch'.

Needlepoint-tapestry is an often-used expression which shows the relation of needlepoint to the tapestry designs of the middle ages. This is especially true when the needlepoint is worked in an upright Gobelin stitch, which gives the effect of woven tapestry.

This early work was done on a loosely-woven material like coarse linen. Later, canvases were made specifically for the purpose; both in single thread canvas, or with threads arranged in pairs to make 'double thread canvas'. This was often worked in needlepoint combining the fine petit point stitch, used for detailed shading, with gros point used for large flat design areas. To make this combination, the double thread canvas was 'split' - that is, the meshes opened with a needle or pin to form a single thread canvas for working in petit point.

As with all forms of embroidery it is very difficult to give exact dates, and even places where the technique originated. Canvas work dates back to the sixteenth century, but reached its peak during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Needlepoint was extremely popular in Colonial America where it was used for pictures, as an upholstery fabric, and for fashion accessories.

During the Victorian era, Berlin work came into popularity. It is often characterized by brilliant worsteds and combinations of geometric and floral designs. The majority of designs were developed as hand-painted patterns on squared paper, especially made for copying in needlepoint or cross-stitch on canvas. The best of these designs came from Berlin, hence the name.

It then became popular again in the late twenties, and continues to increase in popularity with a renewed interest in handicrafts. Designs and ready-to-sew packs are available in many speciality shops all over the country.

About the author: Jo Kefford has been creating needlework for many years, and loves to encourage others to renew their creative flair. For more top tapestry and canvas work tips, visit http://www.toptapestry.com . All the sources of inspiration you need to complete your very own masterpiece.

How to Learn About Needlepoint On The Web in 2 Easy Steps

2009-01-16T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Roger Wembley

1)Use the major search engines to search for these phrases: ""needlepoint beginner,"" o ""needlepoint tutorial,"" or ""how to learn needlepoint."" Be sure and use quotes for the last phrase- it makes all the difference in finding that exact phrase. There are people starting new hobbies all the time and you aren't going to be the only one interested in needlepoint. In fact, a quick search for just the term ""needlepoint"" returns more than 2.6 Million results in Google. If term needlepoint has been written at least 2.6million times on the web, you can be sure that there are others that have written a basic tutorial in getting started on the hobby.

2)Use DMOZ. Here is a trick that not everyone is going to tell you because they just don't know about it (and that I've taken from another hobby). Visit Dmoz.org. Dmoz is an Open Directory edited by humans. If a site has been included in Dmoz, that means that a human has reviewed the site and decided that it is good enough to be included in the Dmoz directory. Usually, only real quality sites are added to the Dmoz directory as all the editors work for free and pride themselves on only including the best sites on the web. We've notice that when we are looking for something (in this case, needlepoint), nothing beat dmoz.org as a great place to start. Start your quest at dmoz, then visit our site to learn all about needlepoint in easy step by step tutorials.

About the author: Roger Wembley is author of ""Learn Needlepoint ."" Grab your copy at http://www.needlepointastic.com

Leather Craft Classes

2009-01-15T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Jake Berlin

If you are interested in learning how to make undeniably great leather products, you can enjoy classes to make anything from shoes to handbags to gun straps, and much, much more! You can find more opportunities on the Internet but I have put together a list of some organizations that offer leather-making classes that I would highly recommend:

YWCA / YMCA

ywca.com or ymca.com Most people think of these notational oganizations as being places to learn how to swim or where they can enjoy a good aerobics class. While both the YMCA and YWCA do offer these types of activities, they offer incredible classes that include leather making.

All you need to do is visit the website listed to find an organization where you live. Some of the classes offered include design and making of leather shoes, belts, handbags, hats, wallets, and more. The prices may vary but on average, you can expect to pay around $150 to $250 for a four- to six-week class.

jmwillowwinds.com/classes/classes.html

This company offers classes for many different types of leather making, which includes an excellent opportunity on how to make shoes and handbags from a skilled leather maker. In these classes, you will learn to design and construct shoes such as pumps, sandals, oxfords, and loafers. They also offer both a beginner and intermediate class. The classes run around $300 for 10 sessions.

heritan.com

If you live in Michigan and are interested in tanning, this is the place to take classes. The instructor is highly skilled and has many of his pieces seen on the big screen in movies such as Legend of the Falls and Thunderheart. You will learn the art of tanning hide using the traditional method of brain tanning and will have an awesome finished skin to take home.

One of the most popular classes is the ""Brain-Tanned Buffalo Robe"" class. If you are serious about tanning, you can tan a buffalo and make a wonderful finished product such as a bedroll.

tandyleather.com

With operations in Canada and Texas, Tandy Leather has been in business since 1991. At this company, you can buy leather wholesale and receive a guarantee on all your purchases. In addition to selling, they also offer classes in leather making.

advleather.com

They offer basic and advanced courses in the repair and restoration of leather furniture, automotive leathers, and other leather-uphostered items.

*** Hey! Want To Make Something Out Of Leather? *** Discover How To Make Leather Crafts for Fun and Profit Click Here ==> Leather Craft

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

Scrapbooking: Fastest Growing Craft Activity

2009-01-13T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Adam Daniels

According to several recent polls conducted by industry leaders, scrapbooking is one of the fastest growing craft activities.

The latest demographics show the following trends:

- 98% of scrapbookers are females between 30 and 59 years old. Among the age groups who responded to the surveys, scrapbooking, rubber-stamping and paper crafting attract the various generations fairly equally.

- 85% of the respondents are married, and only about 14% do not have children.

- 95% have at least ""some college"" or attended a trade school.

- 65% of the respondents have college or post-graduate degrees.

- 53% are working full time (40+ hours per week). Another 38% work part time (between 20 -39 hours per week). About 12% of the respondents are retired.

- 85% have incomes over $50,000, and 62% said their annual incomes are over $75,000.

- An interesting fact is that the majority of the respondents (96%) reported that they had been scrapbooking for more than a year. Of those, nearly one quarter had been scrapbooking for at least three years and nearly one third for at least five years.

- On average, 75% of the respondents reported that they had spent more than $500 over the past 12 months on scrapbooking supplies, and 42% reported spending more than $1000.

Interestingly, 74% of the respondents also are involved in rubber-stamping, 46% enjoy paper crafts and 27% say they are involved in Painting/decorative painting. All three of these crafts can, and are used to enhance many scrapbooking projects. Other crafts that scrapbookers are involved with include: Seasonal Crafts (41%), General Crafts (34%), Sewing (fashion/home decorating), Needlework (26%), Quilting (20%), Knitting/Crocheting (17%) and Jewelry Making (10%).

According to the Hobby Industry Association, retail sales for the scrapbooking industry climbed from $400 million in 1997 to $2.5 billion in 2003. Although the industry is still growing, it's becoming more difficult for independent dealers to make a profit, and oftentimes, any profits made by the smaller ""mom and pop"" stores must be put back into the business. As the industry has flourished, competition from large corporations has increased.

One of the biggest competitors in the industry is the craft store giant Michael's, operating about 867 stores in 48 states and Canada. Consumers feel that Michael's has a great inventory of supplies which are easy to find and fun for the whole family to use.

Successful independent scrapbooking retailers insist that it's possible to compete with the giants by being smart and planning for success. They recommend:

- Offer specialized services.

- Don't put all your eggs in one basket - offer a variety of services and products.

- Become the best at what you do.

In addition to a retail store, craft business owners should build a strong Web presence. The business model should include workshops, craft nights and scrapbooking parties. Look for markets in your area that have not been tapped, such as specific minority groups or new scrapbookers.

Industry insiders insist that the scrapbooking market is still growing and that there is room for anyone who is interested in starting a career. The best advice before starting any business is to conduct careful research and do the necessary preplanning. That way you will know what you are getting into before you start.

About the author: Adam Daniels offers a Free Video on Scrapbooking. You can view it at http://www.ScrapBookProfit. com

Hanging On By Teddy's Thread

2009-01-12T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Marvic

Victoria Koning from Marvic Tours and Tales was deeply saddened after reading a news article, dated the 16th June 2005, which stated that 50 children get raped every day in South Africa. She found the words almost incomprehensible ... and quite devestating. But a small glimmer of hope was found when she learned about the Mother Bear Project (http://www.motherbearproject.org).

Amy Berman founded the Mother Bear Project, which requests that volunteers knit a teddy bear based on her mother's World War II pattern. The teddy bear then gets a little face and red felt heart sewn on to it and is shipped off to a little child in South Africa, and other countries.

Berman had read a similar article about these children getting raped, ""I could not just close the magazine and continue with my everyday life knowing there were children in such pain,"" said Berman. ""I knew I could not solve the 'big problem' from here, but I thought maybe I could bring awareness of this problem and provide comfort to the young victims in the form of a teddy,"" she said. "I believe every bear has a story, and we only hear a few of the thousands.

"In Zambia, a little 7-year old girl who had AIDS was being stigmatised by her peers because it was known she had the disease. She stopped going to school and before she died she asked that she be buried with her bear because it was her only friend."

"One 8-year old boy in South Africa who was living in a child-headed household, had to evacuate his home with his siblings a few months ago during torrential rains because his home was falling apart. He told his sister that he had to go and get his bear. His teen sister told him not to go because he would be risking his life. He said he had to because the bear had a heart on it and that meant someone loved him. He did get his bear before his home was totally destroyed."

Koning contacted Berman to express her heart-felt thanks and appreciation of what was being done, and asked how they [Marvic] could be of help. Berman replied, "I am always touched by hearing from others who find out about this project and want to help. It is incredible how the Internet can bring people together." Berman continued, "I have now sent over 6,300 bears from knitters all over the U.S. and the world. These knitters have ranged in age from 8 - 97 years old, and they come from all faiths and backgrounds. Each person has their own reason for knitting a bear, and I feel like it is my primary duty to make sure these bears are given out unconditionally as they were intended."

In response to how Marvic and others can help, Berman replied, "People can send for a pattern and knit bears...I ask $3 and a self-addressed envelope (stamped if in the U.S.) be sent to: Mother Bear Project, P.O. Box 62188, Minneapolis, MN 55426, U.S.A. This $3 helps to pay to ship the bears and pay duty fees on the receiving end. I send each knitter a pattern and a tag. If the knitters make more than 1 bear, I ask that they send $3 for the extra bears. There are many knitters who cannot afford to pay for their bears and I will always accept the bears without money. I always need donations for shipping the bears and for all the expenses such as the P.O. Box, shipping supplies, trademark fees, printing expenses (brochures, etc) and all the costs of the things it takes to keep this project going strong. I pay the duty fees on the receiving end because I believe the people giving out the bears should not be financially burdened. I do not use the money for anything except the project expenses. I work full time in addition to running this project. All donations are tax deductible."

Marvic aims to help increase awareness of this worthy project and the full article can be read at http://www.marvic.biz/tales/newroom/NL0506ART02.htm.

About the author: Marvic Tours and Tales promotes authentic eco-cultural safari adventures in South Africa and offers free online infotainment at http://www.marvic.biz.

The truth about thread counts!

2009-01-10T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Patricia Bowlin

A generation ago, no home maker worried about thread counts!

Thread counts have become one of the deciding factors for many people when they're buying bed linens today though. The truth about thread counts may seem a bit difficult to understand. It doesn't have to! More than just the thread count affects how bedding feels and how comfortable you will be when sleeping with it on your bed. Let's check into this alittle bit. Then you can make informed decisions about your bedding when you're ready to purchase again.

Our grandparents and parents slept on lower thread count cotton sheets and did just fine, right? These sheets were serviceable, but could feel abit thin and unsubstantial by our standards these days.

Today, bed linens can be found from a lowly 120 thread count up to as high as 1200. Who knows, maybe even higher soon!

Is all this talk about thread counts much ado about nothing? Well, the answer is yes and no. Thread count alone will not tell you how bedding will feel to the touch or how well it will hold up over long years of use.

The feel of bedding, what the sheets feel like on your skin, is known as ""hand"" or ""handle"". The hand of the bedding does have something to do with thread count, but that's not the only factor. The way the bedding is woven and the content of the fabric have a lot to do with the hand of the bedding. The character, or individuality of a material includes how the fabric drapes, the elasticity, softness and fineness of how that particular sheet feels.

The ply is a factor that defines the number of single yards which are twisted to become the ply yard from which the bedding is woven. By twisting these single yards together to form the ply yard, the fabric is more resilient and long lasting. The ply yarns are twisted together to form cord- and the cord is the actual material used in the weaving process.

Finish is another characteristic of bedding which affects how it will feel to the skin. Percale is a plain weave of cotton or polyester/cotton blended yarns. This finish usually uses a higher thread count and a finer yarn. Sateen is another finish for cotton fabric that is woven in such as way that the surface is smooth and lustrous, reminding us of satin. Flannel is a brushed fiber finish which is quite warm, soft and cuddly- it can be created from 100% cotton fibers or a polyester/cotton blend.

Now that we know a bit about what makes one sheet different from another sheet, let's get the facts go back to the facts about thread count. The actual definition of thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric going horizontal and vertical. Generally speaking, the higher thread count materials will have softer textures- or hands. However, the bedding has to be viewed from an overall standpoint and take into account the fabric composition and the finish to determine how soft a sheet will actually be.

The most favored thread counts in bed linens today are in the 200 to 600 range. The best combination of softness and durability are found in this range.

However, a 200 thread count cotton sheet woven with a sateen finish can be softer and more luxurious feeling than a 400 or 600 count sheet of standard cotton in a plain weave. Egyptian cotton, which has a longer fiber than other cottons, when woven into a 200 thread count sateen finish sheet may feel more luxurious and softer than either of the other choices.

Single ply sheets of top quality cotton may feel more luxurious than double ply sheets. The only real means of rating how a sheet will feel to you is to touch it.

Look for what features are most important to you when selecting your next set of bed linens.

If you want few or no wrinkles, choose a polyester/cotton blend. Less crisp, less cool than cotton.

If you like the feel of satin or silk, but don't like sliding off the bed, choose a 100% cotton sateen weave. =) If you like the extra warm feel of flannel, select brushed cotton or flannel finish- but be aware that this weave often pills quickly after only a few washings. (Look for the highest ounce weight fabric you can find to minimize this). Percale often softens more and more as it is washed again and again. Simple, elegant, cool. Egyptian cotton is King, with the longest cotton fibers available to date. Supima cotton is also excellent, with a tiny bit shorter fiber length. Either of them becomes softer and even more sumptuous with each washing! You can't go wrong no matter what with either.

It's important to choose bed linens that you find feel good to you rather than select based on some designer theory of thread count. So, don't be taken in by a high price tag. Just because a sheet costs a lot doesn't necessarily mean it will feel any better than a less expensive sheet.

Patricia Bowlin informs and entertains you as you shop for your home bedding! Find out everything you need to know about chosing the perfect pillows, bed linens, blankets, comforters, and other

bedding here now.

About the author: Patricia Bowlin is an entrepenuer, writer and researcher who loves to share her tips, sense of humor, advice and ideas on creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary. Get hundreds of useful tips, advice and ideas now by visiting http://www.best-in-bedding.com

7 Magic Trick Tips using Invisible Thread

2009-01-09T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Dion Semeniuk

SEVEN MAGIC TRICK TIPS USING INVISIBLE THREAD

Have you ever been to a magic show, sitting there mesmerized as you asked yourself, "How did they do that?" As you know, magic is more an illusion, creating the vision that something is happening although it is not. While magicians use many different tools of the trade, one of the most popular is the invisible thread. Trying to get magicians to divulge their secrets associated with the invisible thread is near impossible. However, we do want to provide you with some highlights and tips about the top seven magic trick tips performed using invisible thread.

What is "Invisible Thread"?

The first of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread is to understand what it is. This type of thread is actually a very fine stand of nylon used primarily for getting small objects to levitate. For years, magicians worked with invisible thread and their hands only, meaning they had to be very precise in their movements for the magic tricks to appear flawless. Today, magicians can use an invisible thread reel, which not only dispenses the thread but it is also designed to retract it. Because of this, the magician is able to maintain a constant tension on the line so there are no mishaps in the performance.

Invisible Thread Reel Size

The second tip when using a thread reel is to use the appropriate size. Since different objects need different types of control, thread reels are made in a number of different sizes. Typically, the longer the tube the more distance you will get from the reel while the more tension the less distance. For magicians, the idea is to use the smaller size invisible thread reels for close-up work opposed to a larger reel for distance. As far as size, a stage reel is capable of extending 35 feet, which means a magician could easily perform a "floating bill" trick in the center of a room with no nearby walls. However, if you want to really impress a crowd, you could perform the same floating bill trick outdoors simply by anchoring the reel to the ground. With this, it would appear the trick was impossible and the crown cheers.

What about Tension?

Third on the list of seven trick tips using invisible thread is using the right tension. As you pull the invisible thread out of the reel, there will be an increase in tension. What happens at some point is that the pull will become too much for the thread, causing it to break. If you want to put more tension on the thread reel, wind more of the invisible thread into a wax ball. What you do not want to do is add additional winds on the elastic, which would only make it cumbersome.

Floating Objects

Next on the list is insight into working with floating objects. When using invisible thread for a magic trick, keep in mind that you want something that is light enough not to sag by putting too much weight on the thread. The key is to choose objects that you can easily move and maintain in a position in space, which is why the floating bill is such a popular choice. Other choices to use an invisible thread magic trick include ring fingers, an empty soda can, etc. The greatest benefit of using a thread reel is that when you walk away from your floating object, you are actually transferring energy to the reel, which can then be used to make the bill float from the floor to your hand – magically.

Those Darn Lights

Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to be one and you want to perform tricks with the invisible thread, remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to consider when using the thread reel are light source and clothing. Typically, the best conditions for a magic trick with invisible thread are cloudy days and the worst, direct lighting that comes from behind you. With this, the light will only reflect off the thread, thus being seen by the audience. For clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for the thread, thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Methodology

The sixth of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread has to do with methods of performing the tricks, such as the Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of the greatest tricks you can do with the invisible thread reel, which involves passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on the thread as it goes over the metal hoop. Lay the hoop on the thread so it is between you and the floating bill. Then, with your hand, scoop the ring through so the thread is now on the back of the left hand. Next, use the right hand to pass the hoop over the bill. To complete the trick, all you do is let the thread slide off from the back of your hand. Remember, this is just one of many methods used with the invisible thread, so have fun practicing them all.

Finishing the Show

The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill the effect. In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more. If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose the interest of the audience so it would be far better to keep the tricks short and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic ability. We recommend you use the invisible thread late in your show, which will end the performance on a fun note.

About the author: Dion Semeniuk is the owner of the popular online magic shop, This is Magic, which specialize in Invisible Thread Magic. To receive 4 free magic tricks and learn more about the ITR, visit http://www.thisismagic.com

How to run a quilt swap

2009-01-08T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Michelle Steel

Lots of quilters enjoy participating in a swap. The main aim of a swap is to get more of the particular object that you are swapping. Considering we are talking to quilters here, the things that they like to swap include, charm squares, completed blocks or pieces of fabric. To organise a swap you'll need participants firstly. These are easily recruited through your own quilt groups. You must have a theme to the swap that entices more people to join. Keep the rules simple so that people understand what they are doing. Rules for swaps include the size, shape, design or colour of the fabric/block to be swapped. For instance, you could organise a swap of blue and white, 6.5"" nine patches. You find out how many people are interested in participating, and that's how many blocks each person makes. One for themselves, and one for everyone else. Set a deadline for the swap to be finished and that's about it. Other things to consider are these. Is this a centralised swap or not? A centralised swap is where the swap hostess collects all of the items on the due date, swaps them all about, and redistributes them to the participants so each person has one of everything. The hostess needs to be organised and not mind spending a lot of time sorting it out. A non-centralised swap is where each individual sends/gives each other person involved in the swap their own item. If you are posting, this can become costly. If there is a person who drops out and doesn't contribute, then you don't always get the same amount back that you sent. Are you swapping blocks? Give a good description of the block that everyone is making. Include instructions. Make sure that it is within every ones sewing ability. Be very clear on the colours to use, if this is important. Be clear on what the finished measurements of the block should be. Be prepared to accept blocks that might not be sewn well, remember that there are all levels of ability out there, and we should encourage more quilters to join these activities. Variations on a block swap. Have the same block every month but change the colour scheme. Change the fabric every month to relate to a social calendar ie, Christmas fabric for December, hearts for February. Give each person the choice of block that they would like, and give them their blocks on their birthday. Choose a theme for the blocks such as hearts, stars etc. Are you swapping fabrics? Decide on what size the fabric should be. Fat quarters are nice, but you may want to take into account peoples finances. Choose a colour scheme for the swap. Often it's hard to find a particular colour, so if everyone in the swap provides 8 FQ's of one yellow fabric, and there are 8 people in the swap, everyone should end up with 8 different yellow fabrics. An excellent way to increase those bare spots in the stash. Rules for this sort of swap need to specify quality of fabric, to pre-wash or not, and believe it or not, some people are allergic to cat hair and cigarette smoke and we all know that these permeate the fabrics. Are you swapping Charm Squares? This is a great way to get lots of fabrics for those quilts that just need scraps. Decide how many different fabrics should be in each pack. Then you provide one pack for each participant. If there are twenty 10"" squares per pack, and 10 people in the swap, each person will end up with 200 different fabrics. Excellent. Rules for this swap are similar to fabric swaps. You'll need to be exact with the cutting measurements, just in case people want to sew the squares together as is. A good way to use up the fabrics in your stash that you may not wish to keep anymore. Other things that you can swap include buttons, signature squares, or hand made items such as pincushions, Christmas ornaments and place mats. The variations on a swap are endless. Just be prepared to join in, accept what you receive in the spirit it is sent and you'll have loads of fun, and make new friends too.

About the author: Manager - Patchwork Interactive www.patchworkinteractive.com.au

Choosing Embroidery Thread

2009-01-07T03:02:00.001-08:00

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.

Thread

2009-01-06T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Saurya Ghosal

The most common size of thread is size 10. The higher the number the thinner the thread. Thinner sizes go down to 100. Thread is generally available down to size 30 or 40.

Some thread crochet items need to be a particular size, and therefore you need to use the size of thread recommended in the pattern. Other items such as edgings can be made in the size of thread you prefer.

It can take a while to get used to using finer thread. One way is to gradually work downward, rather than switching between a fine thread project and a heavier size. The size of thread you're currently working with comes to feel normal to you.

You may have to look around to find good quality thread, but it's worth spending a little extra money on. There are a number of differences between types of threads.

Luster means a shimmery, satiny shine. Mercerization is a chemical process done to thread, which chemically burns the fuzz off and hopefully makes it shimmer. Almost all crochet thread is mercerized.

Fuzzy thread can feel soft, but fuzz works against luster, so things made from fuzzy thread won't have a satiny shine when completed. The major problem with fuzzy thread is that it makes your finished work more likely to attract and hold dust, pet hair, and other fluff. Items made from fuzzy thread tend to get fuzzier with even gentle washing.

Better quality thread has more twist. A thread with insufficient twist can cause you to split stitches and it can separate in your finished work giving a stringy look. Thread without enough twist gets increasingly fuzzy as you stitch. Thread with a good twist stays smooth and even and retains its luster.

There are two reasons for thread to feel stiff. Some have some a sort of starch or sizing on them. Others have such an intense twist. Tightly twisted thread bends well but starchy threads bend awkwardly, making stitches look uneven. Starchy thread can also leave a residue on your hands. Some crocheters like this kind of pre-starched thread, because it saves having to starch work afterwards.

Six-cord cotton comes apart into three plies, each made up of two smaller plies twisted together in the opposite direction. They are smooth, dense, and shiny and not fuzzy. Perle cotton is meant for embroidery, but can be used for crochet. However, you should only use it only for items that don't get much wear. As it has a gentle twist, it doesn't wear well.

Organizing a Sewing Room

2009-01-05T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Kathleen Elias

5 Solutions for Organizing a Sewing Room - Spend less time searching for supplies and more time sewing!

Whether sewing is a relaxing hobby or an income-generating profession, you can make organizing a sewing room into a fun and productive project. If you are lucky enough to have a room just for sewing, then you will have more flexibility in your organizing design, but if you need to share this room with a home office or guest bedroom, then you will need to keep some considerations in mind while organizing a sewing room.

Before you begin organizing, make a thorough inventory list of all the items you need in your sewing room, such as: •Sewing machine •Sewing table •Fabric •Cutting board •Patterns •Threads •Mirror •Notions: thimbles, threaders, rulers, tracing tools, needles, pins, cushions, bobbins, elastic, seam rippers, pins, ribbon, dyes, fabric care, etc. •Iron and ironing board •Garment steamer •Dressforms •Other

Next, designate areas within your sewing room. I have simplified the process for you by dividing your room into five separate areas below.

5 Easy Ways for Organizing a Sewing Room:

1.Create a Sewing Table Area – This should include the sewing table or desk, sewing machine, and a small basket or organizer for your daily sewing needs. This should also include enough open space for you to keep the material and supplies of your current project within easy reach.

Your sewing table is best placed by a window to maximize natural lighting. If that is not possible, use halogen bulbs. There are a variety of desktop and floor lights available, some are even equipped with a magnifier.

For floor covering, the flatness of a tile or linoleum is usually preferred over soft carpet to keep the machine in balance.

2.Create a Fabric Storage Area – As a sewer, you probably have quite a vast collection of beautiful fabrics. Help these fabrics maintain their beauty and structure by storing them safely.

There are different ways to categorize your fabric:

•By Color: whites, blues, tans, reds, greens, etc. •By Style: plaid, stripe, toile, polka dots, floral, contemporary graphics, holiday, etc. •By Texture: cotton, rayon, denim, velvet, silk, canvas, leather, etc. •By Purpose: clothing, home furnishing, crafts, etc.

Safely store your fabrics by: •Folding neatly and place in plastic containers. Label the outside by cutting small swatches of each fabric. •Hanging fabric in a closet with a skirt or pant hanger. Multi-tiered hangers with clips can save space and help prevent wrinkles. •Placing smaller amounts of fabric in large Ziploc bags. However you decide to store the fabric, just make sure it is in a temperature-controlled environment to protect the fibers.

3.Create a Pattern Storage Area – Rather than keeping patterns scattered all over the place, keep them neat and tidy in a designated area. Lining up your patterns in drawers work especially well, either dresser drawers or durable cardboard or plastic drawers. You could also keep your patterns tucked inside a sturdy photo box, plastic container, pretty rectangular baskets, etc. Label the drawers or boxes based on one of the categories below.

•Style: shirts, slacks, skirts, dresses, etc. •Size: infant, children's, teens, adults •Gender: male, female •Brand: Butterick, McCall's, Vogue, etc.

Pick one system and stick with it.

4.Create a Sewing Supplies Area – Are your sewing supplies scattered all over the place? The exercise of organizing a sewing room would be incomplete without finding a home for all your little tools. Depending on what your current inventory is, you may find the following items useful:

•Sewing caddies – many of these include lots of dividers and pull out drawers as well as handles for easy transportation. •Thread boxes – these are convenient for seeing what colors you have available. •Drawer organizers – help you keep supplies separated and identifiable. •Household items – things you have around the house (for example, jars, plastic containers, etc.) can help you keep small items together.

These supplies don't need to be on or even next to your sewing table if you have open space for all of your daily sewing needs.

5.Create a Miscellaneous Area – This does not mean a "left over" area, rather this is for bigger items such as a full-length mirror, cutting board, iron and ironing board, garment steamer, and dressform. If you are tight on floor space, try hanging your mirror and ironing board on the wall. The cutting board can be tucked away in a closet or behind a desk or dresser. You may also want to find a spot to keep your gift wrapping supplies organized.

With these useful tips, organizing a sewing room can be time-saving event so you spend less time searching and more time sewing!

About the author: Kathleen Elias is the editor of www.Home-Organizing-Ideas.com, a website focused on organizing your home room by room. It offers original ideas, expert advice, and a monthly newsletter to help you reach your organizing goals. To contact the editor or find more information on organizing your home and life visit www.Home-Organizing-I deas.com.

Profitable Home Sewing Businesses

2009-01-04T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Randy Wilson

If you're interested in home sewing businesses, you're onto a good thing. Home based sewing businesses have benefited from tremendous improvements in technology in the last few years.

The opportunities for home sewing businesses range from sewing specialty clothing to monogramming to commercial sewing. There are some absolutely fabulous machines and software out there that do everything from intricate embroidery to monogramming shirts, jackets, and caps for all sorts of businesses and sports teams.

So how do you go about starting a sewing business? First you have to decide on the type of home sewing business you want. As mentioned earlier, you can make specialty clothing such as wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses on a machine you likely already own.

You may, however, want to break into the commercial area where you embroider on caps and such for local sports and Little League teams. Before you can have any home based sewing business, you have to know what exactly type of sewing service that business is going to provide.

The next thing you want to do when looking into sewing businesses is to look at the costs involved if you are going to be purchasing equipment. There's a wide range for you to choose from, and you can likely find exactly what you need at exactly the right price for your budget. Just make sure you deal with reputable companies. This is especially important if you're going to purchase used equipment for your home sewing business. Now develop a business plan for your sewing business. It should include a budget and how you'll use profits to grow your business in the future. You need to consider who the target market is for your home sewing business, and develop a plan for how you're going to reach it. Also, you'll want to look at accounting needs, tax requirements, and liability insurance.

You also want to decide whether you want to have a partner or not. Often, it's a good idea to have a partner, but make sure that person shares your vision of what you're doing. Also where you want to take your sewing business over time.

Once you have a business plan, follow it. It takes effort and determination to establish and sustain all businesses, whether they're home sewing businesses or Fortune 500 corporations. There will be bumps in the road, but your business plan will help you manage them when they pop up. Be vigilant, and you can be the owner of a successful home sewing business.

And, please, don't forget to consider your family when considering home sewing businesses. Talk about how having a home based sewing business will affect them. Make sure everyone understands what it will mean to them. You'll be home, but you'll be working.

This can make it hard for family members to know when you can stop and chat or go out for a bite to eat. Having everything out in the open will be a big help in the future when you're going crazy to meet a deadline and your family wants to go out for ice cream.

Once you've considered these aspects of home sewing businesses and have taken the plunge to actually start a home based sewing business, you want to get the word out. How much advertising you do depends on your budget, and you may not be able to do the type and amount you'd like when your first start your home sewing business.

Some simple, inexpensive advertising and marketing materials you should consider are flyers and business cards. You should also look into placing small ads in your local newspaper.

Websites are something else you should look into for advertising and marketing your home sewing business. They aren't nearly as expensive as you might think—and are well worth the investment for the amount of business one can bring your way.

About the author: Randy is has dozens of home based business articles such as

Soy Candle Business Opportunity and

Spy Products .

Get Your Sewing Organized.

2009-01-03T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Cyd Klein

Raise you hand if you have a 'Sewing Room' all to yourself.

Wait a minute, hold on here, and let me count them-1-2-3-4. Well you get the picture; people with a dedicated sewing room are in the lucky minority. Most people have to borrow a corner of the Dining room table for their portable machine. Some use the floor as a cutout surface. What are you going to do?

You're going to get organized; because our Motto is: An organized Sewer is a happy sewer. See if you can use any of these ideas in your home.

Most pre-1960 sewing machine cabinets were built to hold a sewing machine and a few notions. Very few. Pull out the machine and stick the cabinet on the porch with a pot of marigolds.

Now that your machine is portable, place it on an old lowboy style dresser instead. There's lots of drawers for notions and fabric, and if your lucky enough to have a longer style you could gain some cutting space. You trade off the legroom, but hey you should be getting up and stretching your legs anyway.

If you have a corner, find an old Armoire at the thrift store. Doesn't have to be pretty, just big. Put a shelf in to hold your machine and drill a hole in the back for a cord. Add a shelf on top for fabric, and some racks for notions on the sides of the leg area, and you have your own sewing room. Hang a sign on it that says keep out (to keep your husband away from your scissors).

Don't have a sewing cabinet, can't get an Armoire on top of your Volkswagen? Not to worry. Get a free standing shelf from the Home Depot, one of those metal ones that bolt together and Voila' you have a sewing room (better hide your scissors though).

Ok, Ok, you live in an efficiency apartment and have no extra wall space. Umm, guess you will have to use the kitchen or dining room table after all. But that doesn't give you permission to be disorganized. So, find ways to keep all your sewing stuff in one place. Trudge back to that thrift store and look for an old picnic basket, you know the ones with the extra compartments. Your notions will be in one place and portable. Check around for one of those nifty plastic thingies that rolls under the bed. You could fit a lot of fabric and notions in there. " Who are you kidding; I know you've been hoarding fabric sister. "

As a last resort, store your clothes with your husbands in his closet. Make room by giving some of his stuff to the Thrift store. (they will appreciate that, even if he won't). Now that you have an empty closet put up some closet shelves, drill some holes, stack the fabric and .....hide the scissors. Copyright Reserved by Cyd Klein Enterprises

About the author: Cyd Klein has 21 years experience sewing for others. Her vocation is designing and manufacturing Costumes which are then marketed locally and on-line at http://www.nbr-1-costumes.com. Ms Klein also maintains a sewing help site at http://www.sew-help-me.com

The Emergence of Sewing Machines

2009-01-02T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Alison Cole

Sewing machines are one of the great inventions credited with transforming the economies of global societies. In 1851 that Isaac Merritt Singer, after studying a poorly working example, spent $40 and 11 days to develop a practical sewing machine that used an up and down mechanism. The first Singer sewing machine was introduced for sale across the United States that same year and the company became the primary manufacturer and seller of sewing machines within two years.

Initially, sewing machines were manufactured for garment factory production lines. The industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function such as embroidery or sewing straight stitches. Machines with different functions are used to complete clothing items in a production line.

Marketing sewing machines to individuals didn't begin until 1889, allowing for women to have the means to create clothing for their family without the labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing.

Sewing machines have been mass produced worldwide for more than two-hundred years. As a result, the wide variety of styles and manufacturers make antique sewing machines a favorite collectible. Some of the most favorite antique machines include working miniatures that were salesmen's samples that doubled as child's sewing machines specifically for use by young girls, since they were expected to learn how to sew.

All modern sewing machines run on electricity, while their predecessors were powered by a hand crank or a foot pedal operation known as a treadle. All sewing machines feature mechanical parts, however today a sewing machine that is not computerized, is referred to as a mechanical sewing machine. Electronic sewing machines sew faster and smoother while giving a better stitch. Computerized sewing machines are able to perform many standard functions for the home seamstress more efficiently and make embroidering a simple task. The price for basic, mechanical sewing machines for the home starts at $70; added features push prices up to $1,200. Computerized sewing machine pricing can start around $400 for the home machines, with top of the line models running as high as $5,000.

Most sewing machines are well built and will last for many years with only a few parts needing replacement. A great number of antique sewing machines are still in operation, but parts can be hard to find if the company is no longer in business. Typically, the manufacturer is the best location for sewing machine parts, but there are also many companies specializing in sewing machine part replacements.

For more than two centuries, innovators have been sewing themselves into the fabric of our world's economy by answering the creativity needs of the home seamstress and major designers. The human need for textiles and continued economic gain ensures that the sewing machine will continue to evolve.

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 .

Sewing As A Part Time Income

2008-12-31T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Mary Wilkins

Many of us have contemplated sewing for a source of part-time income. I, myself sold children's designs for a few years, along with doing repairs and alterations. I found it very satisfying, but hardly a dependable source of income.

Part of the reason for this I think, was the ever present threat of someone else doing the same work for less. Many women find it hard to charge a decent amount for their work. A lady in our community constructed an unlined jacket for someone for ten dollars. I was made to look like a very high priced villain. A simple alteration costs more than that.

If you are contemplating sewing for any sort of income, please check around to what others are charging. You may be selling yourself short. You may also be surprised to see the quality of the work involved. I have been surprised to see very shoddy workmanship with some while others work tirelessly for a few paltry dollars. Always make sure all your threads are neatly tucked under and secured. Perfect your buttonholes, collar points, even hemming can become an art. Make sure the inside of your garments are as well finished as the outside. I was told many years ago that this was the sign of a quality garment.

If you have doubts as to your ability to work with certain fabrics, buy remnants and experiment. Velvets and satins are tricky. Sewing for others during the holiday season or a special occasion (think wedding)can be a nightmare. It is better to turn the job down until you are more confident in your skills and have a good idea of how long it will take you to complete the job. Weddings can be a very emotional time for the bride, her mother and attendants. I sold fabrics to a bride who had absolutely no say in anything. Her mother was running that show. They tried to scrimp by with barely enough fabric to save money. The bride came back weeks later, practically in tears, needing more of the same fabric. She knew her chances were slim to none of me having any more of the fabric. As luck would have it, I did have more, but this is a prime example of how emotions can run high with this sort of a job. Then, they were not happy with the job the seamstress did on the bridesmaids dresses. What did they expect, full dresses, very fitted for twenty-five dollars each. As you can see, it was a fiasco from start to finish.

My point is, don't get caught in this sort of situation. If you can't fill their requirements, don't take the job on. Not all customers realize what they are doing when they ask for something to be done. They don't realize the time it takes, the work involved or the know how required to make a quality product on time. It is your job, as the seamstress, to explain this to the potential customer. Your quality of work is what will set you apart from all the others. The impression you leave with the customer, good or bad, stays with them. Always remember that.

I could go on and on about the pitfalls of sewing for others, this is just a reminder to not underestimate yourself or to let the customer talk you into something you are not sure of. Remember, you are in the drivers seat.

About the author: Mary Wilkins is the mother of three grown children and six perfect grandchildren. She is also the owner/editor of http://sew-whats-new.com

Taking Credit Cards at Craft Shows

2008-12-29T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

If you are crafting for a living you are going to want to make as much money as possible. It's nice to be in it just for the love of the craft, but, if you are going to craft shows to sell your items, then chances are you are going to want to profit from your venture.

One of the best ways to boost your craft show sales is to offer credit as payment. Visa, American Express and MasterCard (and others) are becoming the transaction of choice when people are making snap decision on purchases. Plus, there are quite a few benefits for people using credit cards, like air miles and other reward programs, along with purchase protection.

Crafters have reported in various surveys that have credit card capability has increased their sales by as much as 35%. Accepting credit card payments is almost a necessity today as fewer people walk around with a lot of cash in their pockets and taking checks incurs greater risk. Taking credit cards allows you to expand your business to mail order, phone orders and the Internet as well as your craft show sales. Credit cards allow consumers to make more spontaneous purchases, which is often the case at craft shows.

Today, there are more options for those who have mobile businesses: they can have a wireless debit / credit card machines, the standard debit / credit card machines, and you always have the old style chargex machine with the carbon copy transaction. Any of them will work, however, with the electronic systems, you can set your business up to take any credit card. If you have the chargex carbon, then you may only be able to accept one of those cards.

Even though there are set up fees and monthly fees, the benefits far outweigh the costs. To get started, check your current bank or call a craft guild or association to check the many options, comparing costs and services for merchant accounts. Some warehouse companies like Costco, offer its members excellent credit card services at reasonable prices. Create a comparison chart of the best two or three offers and get some referrals from people who are using the services of the companies you're considering. Lastly, before making your decision, ensure there is an available contact person you can call when you have any problems or questions.

Credit cards are a great way for you to offer payment flexibility to your customers. There is less cash in the average consumer's pocket, and more plastic than ever before. So, if you want to sell more of your crafts, maybe you should think of offering a credit card payment option to your customers.

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

The Value Of A Vintage Sewing Machine

2008-12-28T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Brian Channell

Sewing machines are not just for sewing! Thousands of people across the country are learning the value of a vintage sewing machine. What once functioned as a piece of machinery has now become a hot collector's item. Many individuals are now using vintage sewing machines as decorative accessories. They may be placed in a hallway, entryway, or a family room to showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of the vintage sewing machine.

If you are lucky enough to have a vintage sewing machine passed down from a family member, consider yourself very lucky. Not only is the sewing machine a beautiful piece of equipment, but it tells a story. Imagine all the baby blankets, outfits, and projects that were completed with your vintage sewing machine. Having a vintage sewing machine is a great way to connect with younger generations. Teaching them to sew on the very machine that their grandmother or great grandmother used is heart-warming.

If you are looking for a particular brand, don't worry. With patience and research you should have no trouble finding the brand you are looking for. Vintage Singer sewing machines are extremely popular with many collectors. Consult your local antique dealer to find out if they know of any vintage sewing machines for sale in the area.

EBay is a popular choice for many vintage sewing machine collectors. Finding the right vintage sewing machine on EBay is not that difficult. Make sure to utilize the communication features of the site to make sure that you get your questions answered. Ask about the quality and condition of the piece. The last thing you want is to bring it home and find a huge scratch or flaw in the piece. Don't forget to factor in shipping costs. Large machines can be expensive to ship, so plan accordingly.

No matter where you decide to purchase your vintage sewing machine, make sure to take good care of it once it is in your home. Consult with an antique dealer to find out the proper way to clean and maintain your sewing machine. That way you can pass it down to your loved ones for future generations to enjoy.

About the author: Brian Channell is an online entrepreneur. Please visit http://www.sewingmachines4sale.us/ to learn more.

Finding A Brother Sewing Machine To Fit Your Needs

2008-12-26T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Brian Channell

Brother sewing machines are one of the fastest growing trends in the sewing industry today. Millions have discovered all the things that their Brother sewing machine can do. With a little bit of creativity and determination, you should have no trouble finding the right equipment to begin your sewing career.

If you are in the market for a new Brother sewing machine, you are in luck. There are a wide variety of choices to meet everyone's preferences and budget. Prices range from $100 dollars up. You can purchase your machine through a Brothers sewing machine dealer or online through ebay.com or others. Where you decide to purchase your machine is up to you. So research the company and make sure that they will be there for you if you have questions after the sale.

If you already have a Brother sewing machine and are looking for parts and accessories, the best place to shop is with your initial dealer. If they are still available you are sure to find the exact parts needed for your machine. If you are unable to locate a certain part or accessory, try online. There is a wealth of sites set up that deal exclusively with Brother sewing machine parts.

For those that sew for a living, I would recommend the Brother industrial sewing machine series. These machines are specially designed to withstand the abuse of constant use. Most of these machines are major investments, so research your make and model thoroughly to ensure satisfaction.

No matter what you purpose and budget, you should have no trouble finding a Brother sewing machine to fit your needs. Remember to ask a lot of questions and find a dealer that will be there for you after the sale. If you have friends or family members that sew, ask them where they purchased their machines, which is the best way to find a good shop.

About the author: Brian Channell is an online entrepreneur. Please visit http://www.sewingmachines4sale.us/ to learn more.

How To Choose a Sewing Machine

2008-12-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Mary Wilkins

You have finally come to the conclusion that you need or want a sewing machine. Now, what is on the market and how do you make the right decision?

There are many brands of machines out there and everyone boasts different features. Some machines appeal to quilters, others want you to embroider everything including the toilet seat and the shower curtain. Searching for the right machine is going to take some time.

Shopping for a new machine can make your head spin. The girls on my boards discuss which machine is best every time someone needs a new one. We all know the name brands but I am not going to suggest one, that decision is yours. It's a personal one and an important one. I will, however give you a few basic questions you should ask yourself.

1. What type of sewing do you plan to do? - clothing - crafts - repairs and alterations - home decorating

2. Where will you sew?

- sewing room - kitchen table - integrated into other family living area

3. How will your machine be stored? - in its own cabinet - in a closet hiding behind the coats - leave it out to sew every spare moment

4. Consider your budget and buying habits? How long will you keep this machine? - 6 months - a few years - forever and a day

When you answer these questions, you are on your way to making the right decision. Obviously if you are going to sew from the kitchen table, you don't want a machine with lots of accessories or add-ons that will take up too much room. If you are doing repairs and alterations, you don't want a machine that duplicates the quilting stitch. If you have small children around, your machine needs to be tucked away safely. Just a few things to think about.

Research is the name of the game here. Check out the latest consumer reports. Visit the forum discussions on sew-whats-new.com and see what the girls are using. They will gladly tell you what works and what doesn't. Another source is the well known sewing magazines. Sew News and Threads do comparison studies all the time.

If you are lucky enough to have local dealers, pay them all a visit. Test drive all their machines and ask lots and lots of questions. Take fabric with you that you use and test out things like stitch length, reverse and some of the different presser feet. Find out about lessons. Lots of dealers will give you a few free lessons to get you acquainted with your machine. Above all, take your time. I cannot stress this enough. Don't let anyone rush you thru the process. Leave the kids at home so you have no distractions. While you are in the shop asking questions, you can see how the staff relate to customers and if they have the answers to all your questions. If they seem impatient or brusque, imagine how they might be after the sale. If they are not helpful now at the prospect of a sale, they probably won't be later if you need help.

On the other hand, a strong sales pitch can also steer you in the wrong direction. Paying for a top of the line model doesn't mean you are getting the machine you will be happiest with. You must resist the urge for that impulse buy. Go home and talk to someone who sews. Find out their experiences and listen to what they have to say. Again, take your time with this decision.

If you have visited all the dealers, and test driven their machines visit them all again. Visit again when you are rested and can make a clear decision. Go back and take a second look at those machines. You are looking at them with new eyes now. Maybe there are a few things you never noticed the first time that stand out now. What about that foot pedal, is it comfortable? Do you want the even feed feature? Does the machine run smoothly and quietly? Are there more programmes than you will ever use? If so, make a mental note and you can scale down your possible choices. This second visit will tell you more than you expect.

Ask about the warranty that comes with each machine. Be sure you know who is responsible for standing behind it, your dealer or the manufacturer. Are repairs made locally or will you have to pack everything up and send it away.

Be very sure you understand what is included with the sewing machine. Which feet, how many bobbins and what about a manual. The manual is very important. You will refer to the manual time after time so it should be a good reference guide to all the accessories and stitch designs along with any other functions. The manual should be full of pictures and diagrams for the basic sewing as well as clear directions. If your manual isn't helpful, do you want to go searching out the answers every time you have a problem. I wish I had a penny for every time someone has emailed me with a problem that their manual doesn't answer.

Be sure you get your sales agreement in writing and keep your copy in a safe place. Nothing less will do.

The bottom line is you must do some work before you ever sew your first stitch. If you make the effort and educate yourself, the rewards of a great sewing machine are yours.

About the author: Mary is the mother to three grown children and six perfect grandchildren. She is also owner/editor of http://sew-whats-new.com Her site has been recognized in many national sewing magazines.

Preparing Your New Sewing Machine to Sew

2008-12-24T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Mary Wilkins

A few weeks ago I wrote a column on how to choose your sewing machine. If you have made your choice, we will continue on with getting your machine ready to sew.

Threading the machine is something that is pretty basic, yet a little different on every machine. It is VERY important to refer to your manual when first learning the procedure. If the threading isn't correct, nothing else will work either.

Here is a basic rundown of threading a sewing machine. Remember, each machine is different. This is just the general idea.

1. Put your spool of thread on the spindle on top of the machine.

1a. A vertical spindle or post - position the spool so that the thread runs clockwise as you sew.

1b. A horizontal spindle - the spool is held in place by an end cap. If your spool has a small cut in it, be sure to have the cut to the right.

NEWBIE TIP: If your spool is brand new and there are labels covering the holes, uncover yhour holes completely to allow the spool to turn easily.

2. Pull thread to the left of the spindle and thru your first thread guide.

3. Draw thread down thru your tension guide. (It is extremely important to have your presser foot UP when threading your machine.)

4. Draw thread thru the next thread guide.

5. Insert thread thru the take up lever.

6. Bring thread thru next thread guide.

7. Finally! - thread your needle. Most needles are threaded from front to back, some from left to right.

Practise threading your machine. It is no small chore if you are a beginner, but after a while you will be able to do this with your eyes closed.

WINDING YOUR BOBBIN - THE NEXT STEP

Follow the instructions from your manual carefully when winding your bobbin.

If your bobbin case is built in, the bobbin will be wound in place with the machine fully threaded.

Removable bobbins are wound on the top or side of the machine. Your machine must be threaded before bobbin filling.

Your bobbin thread must be drawn thru the tension spring. For wind in place bobbins, this is already taken care of. You MUST make sure this is done if you are using a bobbin that already has thread in it.

BALANCING THE TENSION:

Balancing your tension is a huge issue when you first start to learn about your sewing machine. There is nothing that will cause you more grief than your tension.

Your stitch is formed by interlocking the bobbin and needle thread. Every time the needle goes down, a hook catches the needle thread and wraps the bobbin thread around it. It is a tug of war that must be synchronized for a good stitch result.

If your needle thread tension is stronger, your bobbin thread will be pulled to the top of your fabric. If your bobbin thread tension is stronger, the needle thread will be visible on the underside of your fabric. When the tension is just right and evenly balanced, the stitch will lock in the middle, halfway between the top and bottom of your fabric. This is what you want and have to find. It might take some playing around with your tension guide, but worth the extra bit of time it takes.

TEST - TEST- TEST

The easiest way to test your tension is to thread your machine and put one colour thread in your machine with a totally different colour in your bobbin. Neither one should match your fabric. You need to examine your stitches.

If your tension is too tight, you will see your bobbin thread on top.

If your tension is too loose, you will see your top thread on the bottom of the fabric.

If your tension is correct, you will see machine thread only on the top of the fabric and bobbin thread only on the underside of the fabric.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS:

BEFORE you start adjusting your tension, make these three checks. This is very important.

1. Be certain your machine is threaded properly. Even long time sew-ers can miss a thread guide.

2. Be sure your bobbin is properly installed.

3. Make sure your needle is inserted properly.

After going thru the three checks, you may have to adjust the tension in order to sew a good stitch. Check your manual to see how this is done. Each time you have adjusted, sew a line of stitching. You should only have to make small, slight adjustments to correct your stitch.

If after what seems like an eternity of changes, you still don't have a balanced stitch, leave your machine. Don't even look at it for a few hours, maybe a day or so. Then go back and try again. It could be you are tired, frustrated or distracted. It happens to all of us.

Or, it could be that your bobbin needs adjusting. Most sewing machine manufacturers don't want you to adjust your bobbin tension. If your manual doesn't cover this area, then it is best to take your sewing machine in to a dealer or reputable repair man.

Happy Sewing!

About the author: Mary is the mother of three grown children and grandmother to six perfect grandchildren. She is also owner/editor of http://sew-whats-new.

Sewing with Polar Fleece

2008-12-23T03:03:00.000-08:00

Author: Cyd Klein

Polar Fleeces are some of the easiest fabrics to sew with. They are soft and warm so they work great for outdoor wear and especially winter parade or pageant wear. Here are some examples of Parade Costumes made using fleece.

First, Don't get fleeced. You put a lot of work into your sewing, make sure it lasts and buy the non-pill variety.

The non-pill finish is very important because it prevents the surface of your fabric from balling up or pilling after several washings. The less expensive fleeces without this finish are not worth sewing, because they start to look old quickly, leaving you feeling that you've wasted your money and sewing time. Pay up front, or pay later Grandma Loretta used to say.

Any fabric store should be able to tell you whether a piece of fabric has a non-pill finish. This finish is applied only to the right side of the fabric. That's important to remember because;

FLEECE HAS A RIGHT SIDE AND A WRONG SIDE.

On prints the right side is usually clearer or the colors are more vivid than the wrong side. On solids, the right side is smoother than the wrong side which looks more like felt. If your not sure, ask the fabric store personnel before you purchase it. If you have some already in your stash and are not sure which is the right side, wash the fabric a couple of times. The side that looks the best is the right side.

When sewing with fleece, you have a variety of weights to choose from.

Micro fleeces are lightweight fabrics, almost like chamois. They're perfect for shirts, leggings, housecoats, lightweight jacket linings, and scarves.

100-weight fleeces can be one- or two-sided, which means they're fuzzy on either one or two sides. Slightly heavier than the micro fleeces, these fabrics are about the same weight as sweat shirting. The 100-weight fleeces are great for high-tech sweatshirts and leggings, jacket linings, and lightweight gear for heads, feet, and hands.

Medium-weight fleeces are probably the most common and versatile on the market. They're perfect for jackets, pants, hats, mittens, socks, slippers, and vests, and there is a lot of medium weight fleece available.

Stretch Fleeces are great for leggings or comfy long johns under your snowmobile suit. They are also great for socks, mittens, gloves, and hats.

I recommend a size 14 universal or sharp needle on your project. Keep the presser foot fairly tight , somewhere between 4-5. Try it on same scraps first, looking for the adjustment that allows the fleece to feed through evenly.

Tips

Whether serging or sewing, have the bottom piece extend beyond the upper piece by 1/8 of inch. That way you can see it while you are sewing to make sure both layers are being caught in the stitch.

Take Caution when ironing, use a cool iron and a press cloth. Lucky for the sewer, fleece does not need much ironing.

Once I know which side is which put a big chalk X on the wrong side of each piece when I cut out the pattern.

Cyd Klein, Sew Help Me.com

Sewing Machines: Making A Comeback?

2008-12-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Kathryn Whittaker

While we don't have to rely on sewing machines to satisfy our basic clothing needs, more and more people today turn to sewing to create unique, luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces. Every family has that hand embroidered grandmother's table cloth or a hand-made quilt, and these pieces are as cherished as the most sophisticated haute couture creations. And instead of paying hefty sums to someone for creating these little pieces of luxury for you, you can develop the easy skills of making your own monograms, embroideries or even hand-sewn button-holes - all the little luxuries that make the difference.

With the help of a reliable sewing machine, you can instantly personalize a lot of everyday necessities. For example, you can create a set of unique napkins or add a classy touch to your bed linen and bath towels with a monogram. And with a little practice you can even alter and mend your clothes.

When choosing your first sewing machine, make sure you understand how much sewing you plan to do. The honest answer will save you money and time, as you will not pick a too complex and upscale sewing machine for your basic sewing needs.

If you plan to study sewing and even recreate expensive designer clothes to save money, you will need a more upscale sewing machine. Sewing your own clothes makes sense only if your sewing skills are high enough to recreate high-end clothes, such as suits, jackets and dresses. You won't save money on sewing your own jeans, because the pattern, fabric, buttons, and the time spent will make this pair of jeans more expensive than any of the designer creations. However, sewing children's clothes does make sense, because you need little fabric, and you don't really need complicated patterns.

A sewing machine is a great investment for those who have a passion for clothes design and like to wear one-of-a-kind pieces and don't want to limit their clothing choices to what they see in department stores. With a sewing machine and a little patience you have full control on where the pockets go, what kind of buttons you use, and where the hemline stops. You should be aware that creating clothes from scratch or even amending the existing pattern requires sewing skills and a lot of time and devotion.

A more practical use for sewing machines is mending and altering the clothes you already have. We all have that special pair of trousers or jeans that we love and hate to throw them out. Sewing machines also work great for those who like personalizing item with monograms and embroideries.

Sewing for your home is quite labor-consuming; drapes and upholstery require lots of fabric and professional-grade equipment for precise sewing notions, such as rivets and hooks. Still, you can create simple drapes and even roman blinds on your basic sewing machine. Don't forget about quilting that once fuelled the sewing machine craze. It seems like patchwork is coming back, and many fashion designers even use elements in their collections.

Sewing machines are indispensable for crafts, which are a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day. Studies have shown that sewing reduces stress! When sewing something, no matter for what purposes, people achieve something that gives them a lasting satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Besides, hand-made simple purses, gift bags for wine bottles, tablecloths and napkins make wonderful and thoughtful gifts.

And who knows, maybe after you discover the joys of sewing, you will decide to move forward and open a small sewing business to create and sew unique pieces of clothing. Many upscale boutiques and fashion fairs feature such mini-collections often sewn on simple household sewing machines.

About the author: Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Sewing Machines please visit http://www.sewing-machine-guide.com/ and for additional Sewing related articles please visit http://www.sewing-machine-guide.com/sewingmachine-articles/

A Brief History of Sewing Machines

2008-12-17T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Alison Cole

Initially, sewing machines were manufactured for garment factory production lines, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. It was French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier who invented the first functioning sewing machine in 1830 for use in his garment factory.

This original machine used only one thread and a hooked needle for a chain stitch. His factory was burnt down and he was nearly killed by an angry mob of French tailors who were afraid his machines would leave them unemployed. A few years later in America, Walter Hunt shared the same fears, and abandoned the work to patent his own version of a straight-seam sewing machine. The fears were unfounded, as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities worldwide.

Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing one part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform one specific sewing function such as embroidery. Machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. Marketing to individuals didn't begin until 1889, allowing for women to have the means to create clothing for their family without the labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home, were created to simplify and speed up the otherwise labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing. Sewing machines were adapted for use in industrial settings, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. The industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function such as embroidery or applying buttonholes. Companies from all over the world manufacture industrial sewing machines with very basic features as well as higher-end computer operated models.

A variety of machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. A few examples would be a Bag Closer sewing machine which is used for sewing a single thread chain-stitch, a high-speed plain sewer is used for stitching seems and double needle machines are used for adding top stitching details to items like jeans.

Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and sewing coats, as it keeps the fabric moving along without bunching and making for a smoother and faster production. Overlock serger sewing machines, which are also available in smaller versions for the home, create the whipped V stitch along the edge of a seam of T-shirts and other stretchable fabrics.

Sewing - A Wonderful Pastime

2008-12-16T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: David Chandler

To think that in the beginning the only sewing patterns used were to measure from ankle to dirt and chop off the animal skin so that it would not drag on the ground. Now you can get sewing patterns for everything from a simple square sewn together to create a throw pillow to an elaborate wedding dress. You can find sewing patterns by the thousands at any fabric or specialty store, and find specialized catalogues, which cater to custom sewing patterns for any size and style. You can now also buy sewing patterns online from all the classic pattern manufacturers, and the technology of the internet allows formerly unknown pattern manufacturers a chance for the spotlight.

Sewing patterns are simply sheets of tissue paper, which are marked with the dimensions needed in order to produce the garment pictured on the front of the package. When laying sewing patterns on the fabric be sure to avoid laying them on the wrong size or against the wrong part of the grain. It is advisable to take a sewing class before you tackle a pattern, which can be daunting to the novice seamstress.

Sewing can be a wonderful pastime. Sewing patterns for clothes, plush toys, home décor, etc. are endless. Stop in any fabric store and look at the array of fabrics to compliment your home décor or your fashion statement. Many fabric shops offer free or low cost sewing lessons. If you need a wonderful hobby, then sewing could be your answer.

For more information, visit

www.SewingInfoCenter.com

About the author: None

A Guide to Antique Sewing Machines

2008-12-15T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Alison Cole

Sewing machines have been mass-produced worldwide for more than two-hundred years. Early models featured unique designs to add beauty and appeal to buyers. The wide variety of styles and manufacturers make antique sewing machines a favorite collectible. Because of the quality workmanship and heavy materials of the early machines many of the antique sewing machines are still working models.

The antique sewing machines will typically be made of cast iron and feature the patent information in a visible location. The machines may have a hand crank or a treadle, which was a flat pedal for both feet to provide the motion for the sewing mechanism. The treadle machines would be mounted onto their own table or cabinet, while many other machines would be in a carrying case and the machine would be placed on the kitchen table.

Miniature, antique sewing machines are some of the most desirable, as they are smaller working models that served as salesmen's samples, used while traveling or for mending. These small machines doubled as children's sewing machines specifically for use by young girls, since they were expected to learn how to sew. Machines that were intended to be marketed as a child's machine were often painted in a different color or have floral motifs painted onto the body of the machine.

Over the past two centuries many sewing machine companies were successful for a time before closing operations, making for the wide variety of machines to be found. Many companies were not able to survive having their manufacturing facilities converted for wartime use, but also lost to post-war Japan's ability to produce cheap products.

Singer is the first sewing machine company and continues to have antique sewing machines that are the most recognizable and most popular with collectors. The Singer Featherweight model #221, referred to as the Perfect Portable, continues to be a favorite of quilters.

A Review of Popular Sewing Machine Products

2008-12-14T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Alison Cole

When selecting the best sewing machine, there are many brands and models to choose from, priced anywhere from $70 to as high as $5,000. The domestic sewing machine can perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches to the creation of buttonholes and stitching buttons.

The following review should be helpful for consumers looking to purchase a quality sewing machine.

Singer Sewing Machines In 1851 Isaac Merritt Singer spent $40 and 11 days to develop a practical, functioning sewing machine. His efforts resulted in the first lockstitch sewing machine patent. Singer then founded I.M. Singer & Company with New York attorney Edward C. Clark. The company became the primary manufacturer and seller of sewing machines. Today, the Singer Company is the oldest American sewing machine manufacturer and the most well known. It's name is almost synonymous with sewing machines. Brother Sewing Machines Brother International Corporation is the manufacturer of many products including electronics. Brother is known for its ability to create a low-cost product and incorporate computerization. The Brother sewing machines include the LS-2125 Mechanical Sewing Machine, which retails for only $70.

Viking Sewing Machines Husqvarna Viking is a Swedish Producer of high-quality sewing machines and sergers for home use. Viking, though pricey, has a good reputation among quilters and others who work their sewing machines a lot. Users report that Viking is the best sewing machine because of its durability and it is easy to use. Viking was the first company to develop the first writing sewing machine.

Bernina Sewing Machines Bernina, a Swiss manufacturer owned and operated by the same family for four generations, is a renowned manufacturer of quality sewing machines. Bernina had the first high-speed hemstitching machine, the first zigzag machine and was the first to develop computerized sewing and embroidery systems that ran off of Microsoft Windows CE.

Janome Sewing Machines Janome is a Japanese manufacturer of sewing machines that purchased American company NewHome in 1960. Janome's precision in robot technologies made way for the world's first programmable, computerized sewing machine, the Memory Craft, which are the best sewing machines for their ease-of-use and precision stitching.

Pfaff Sewing Machines Georg Michael Pfaff constructed his first completely handmade sewing machine in 1862. Pfaff, a German company continues to be a leading manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and overlock sewing machines including the precision computer machines.

White Sewing Machines In 1866 the White Sewing Machine Company introduced their New England model that measured nine inches long and six inches high. This small sewing machine could fit in a man's hand and sold for $10, giving birth to the portable sewing machine. White is known for manufacturing timesaving attachments to help with ruffles and braiding. Since the 1920s, White sewing machines have been a part of schools and other institutions.

Craft Marketing Questions that PULL Clients In

2008-12-13T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Fabienne Fredrickson

Do you dream of picking up the phone and hearing the person on the other end of the line say, ""Hi, you don't know me but I'd like to work with you. Here's my credit card number. When can we start?""

You might laugh, but isn't that what we all really want, deep down?

Well, the good news is, it's totally POSSIBLE. I've found a way to make this happen and can honestly say that a third of the private coaching clients I sign on, I've never met before and don't know who they are until I get that phone call that says they're ready to get started. Here's how I do it and how you can too.

You need to stop pushing and start PULLING your clients in with your materials. To educate your environment and turn interest into a prospect and a prospect into a client, you'll need some marketing materials that REALLY SPEAK to them.

You're looking for something that PULLS them in and gets them to, at all costs, want to talk to you:

Here's how you get ready for the next assignment:

*Put yourself in their shoes first.

*Stop focusing on yourself and talk about them and their struggles.

*Then, only then, can you position yourself as their problem solver.

A good example of something that will PULL ideal clients in is a set of compelling questions to which your ideal client would answer YES for each and every question.

Examples of this are on the back of my business card and on my website www.ClientAttraction.com :

*Not attracting enough clients to your existing small business?

*Do you love what you do but haven't mastered that ""marketing thing"" yet?

*Are your current clients not sending you enough referrals?

*Do you wish you could turn more prospects into paying clients?

*Do you sometimes feel like you're just pushing too hard?

The questions above were formulated based on what brand new clients were coming to me for. Many of them used the above topics as things they wanted to work on and resolve immediately with my help. So, seeing that this was what was drawing clients to me without much effort on my part (and they were very good clients), I decided to put together a set of standard questions that would begin to develop trust and credibility among other prospects and suspects. What would yours be?

The key here is to focus on your Ideal Client's struggles and hot buttons first. To get them into the pain just slightly, so they realize their situation isn't as great as they'd like it to be.

But mostly, the questions above will get your prospective clients to feel like you REALLY understand their situation and you've been helping people like them for a long, long time.

Once they feel that trust and see you can provide them with the results they need, they'll be closer to picking up the phone to call YOU.

Your Assignment:

What questions can you use to PULL prospects in, based on the struggles, challenges and hot buttons they have?

Be sure the people reading the questions will answer ""yes"" to all of them (instead of yes, no, yes, no) and you keep it to no more than 6 or 7 of them, so you don't overwhelm them in the process. Once you've written them all out, put them on the back of your business card, on your home page, etc.

You'll get their attention with the questions, and they'll be much more likely to read the rest of what you've got to say, and if you continue to talk to them in terms of the results they can expect from working with you, you're golden! Just be ready for new clients...

That's just ONE of the many tools you can easily implement to PULL clients in (and stop pushing so hard to fill your practice). Wanna know all the tools I use myself and thousands of my clients have used for the same purpose? Then you'll probably want to either call me to investigate private coaching, or look into the Client Attraction Home Study System™ for attracting all the clients you need with proven, systematic processes that will help you fill your practice quickly and consistently, guaranteed. Here's where you can get a copy: www.TheClientAttr actionSystem.com .

About the author: Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Expert, is founder of the Client Attraction System™, the proven step-by-step program to help you attract more clients, in record time and consistently. To sign up for her freebie how-to articles and no-charge teleclasses on attracting more clients, visit www.ClientAttraction.com .

A Look at Sewing Machine Parts

2008-12-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Alison Cole

Most sewing machines are well-built and will last for many years with only a few parts needing replacement. A great number of antique sewing machines are still in operation, but parts can be hard to find if the company is no longer in business. Typically, the manufacturer is the best location for sewing machine parts, but there are also many companies now specializing in replacement parts for sewing machines.

Sewing machines are made up of many mechanical and electrical parts, the most of which only need regular care while others will need frequent replacement. The parts that wear out more frequently are light bulbs, belts and the needles. These items are usually easily replaced and found at local retailers. Replacement parts can be sold as original manufacturer items or universal parts made to fit a variety of machines.

Some sewing machine parts such as the needle plates, bobbins and feet attachments may have to be purchased from a dealer or a sewing machine repair shop. In order to determine the correct part, the dealer will need to know the manufacturer of the sewing Machine, the specific model name or number and the part number.

In addition to replacement parts, it's possible to purchase after-market sewing machine parts. Typically, a new sewing machine will come with basic accessories such as the pressure foot and a zipper foot. If a sewing job requires a ruffle or quilting attachment, the retailer or parts supplier would have those items as well. Sewing machine parts from a specific supplier may sometimes be limited to a specific brand.

Suppliers of a particular brand of sewing machine will typically offer parts for all models or types of machines made by that manufacturer. Dedicated suppliers or repair shops frequently offer to maintain the sewing machine with recommended tune-ups.

A Look at Embroidery Sewing Machines

2008-12-11T03:02:00.001-08:00

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.

Can Technology and Sewing Get along?

2008-12-10T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Tom Michaelson

Some old fashioned industries are leveraging the internet and technology in ways that just weren't possible only a few years ago. Sewing has always been a bigger market than you would think. However, the latest technology makes this $8.7 Billion dollar market seem like it has been given a whole new life.

""It's quite amazing to think where all this is heading,"" Said Tom Michaelson of Tomssewingguide.com.

Most people think of sewing as something their grandmother did to fix their buttons on their shirts. More think that sewing patterns are for the small hobbyists. These days, sewing is a whole lot different. The collaborative spirit of the internet has made all hobbies easier to enjoy. Banks of free sewing patterns exist all over the internet. Yahoo groups, and private email lists have helped sewers connect with each other all over the world. The revolution is here.

Even Singer (the company that makes Singer sewing machines) has a website. If a company as old and respected as Singer has made an investment in the online world, the web is definitely here to stay. Furthermore, many of the big retailers have at least experimented with custom made clothing. High speed data lines allow measurements to be taken at the local mall with the custom sewing and tailoring done thousands of miles away.

""I think this might be just the beginning. The world' of opportunity that technology opens up to everyone is mind boggling"" said Michaelson.

About the author: Tom Michaelson is a contributing author at http://www.tomssewingguide.com. Tomssewingguide.com has sewing and sewing patterns information.

If Elias Howe Invented the Sewing Machine, Then Why is it called a Singer?

2008-12-09T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Joey Robichaux

Sorry ... the history books aren't quite right. Elias Howe did not invent the first sewing machine. In fact, if you define sewing machine as ""a machine that can sew items in a practical and usable manner"", then he didn't invent a sewing machine at all!

Actually, the first sewing machine patent was received in 1755 by Charles Weisenthal in London. Technically, his machine did embroidery, but it was the first to recognize that an eye-pointed needle did not need to pass entirely through a garment. This machine was not labor or time-saving, though, and was thus not a practical solution as a ""machine that can be used for sewing"".

Another machine was invented in Paris in 1804 by Thomas Stone and John Henderson -- it involved a pair of pincers on either side of a piece of material. The pincers would grab a needle as it passed through the material. This machine was no faster than hand-sewing and was not accepted as a solution, either.

In 1790, Englishman Thomas Saint patented a machine that had many of the features of a real sewing machine: an overhanging arm, a straight, perpendicular needle, a horizontal cloth table, and needle fed from a spool. It's doubtful whether or not Saint ever really built his machine, though. A version made in 1873 from his original patent plans did not work.

In 1830, Frenchman Barthelemy Thimonnier patented the next sewing machine. This one actually worked -- although it was a huge device set in a frame similar to a wooden loom.

It was able to sew a straight chainstitch and was about as fast as a hand sewer. By 1831, Thimonnier had about 80 seamstresses in his tailoring shop using his machines to sew uniforms for the French army. The machines could sew about 100 stitches a minute by that time.

Technically, Thimonnier invented the first machine that could be used to really accomplish some sewing.

Unfortunately, for him, the social structure of the time was not ready to accept this type of technilogical advance. Fearful for their jobs, mobs of journeyman tailors rushed his shop and destroyed his machines. Thimonnier tried at least twice more to introduce his machines (now improved to 300 stitches a minute), but similar bad luck dogged him. He finally gave up and died a poor man in 1857.

In 1834, the sewing machine was invented again in New York by Walter Hunt. Hunt's machine was a major improvement over previous one's. Instead of stitching the easily unraveled chainstitch like all previous machines, Hunt's could produce a lockstitch. He did this by using two thread spools: one above, one below. He used a shuttle to push the lower thread through the loop caused by the needle pushing through the fabric. This same principle has since been used by all successful sewing machines.

Unfortunately, for Hunt (and others, it turns out), he neglected to patent this machine with the two threads and a shuttle system. Hunt was also a Quaker; when his daughter suggested his machine would do harm to seamstresses who might be put out of work, Hunt seemed to agree. He took no further interest in his sewing machine.

Not long after, in 1839, a Bostonian machine shop owner named Ari Davis was approached by two men who wanted to build a knitting machine. During their discussions, Davis suggested they try a sewing machine instead. The men figured such a machine would be a financial bonanza and Davis attempted -- and failed -- to create such a machine.

The noteworthy part of this Boston venture was that Davis had an apprentice who took an interest in this matter. The apprentice's name was Elias Howe.

Howe began trying to develop a sewing machine on his own. He came up with the idea of using two threads and a shuttle -- the same idea Hunt had used ten years earlier. Howe continued to develop his machine; by 1845 he had completed a machine that was able to perform all the stitchwork to assemble two suits of woolen clothes. In 1846 Howe received a patent on his device.

The journal, ""Scientific American"" was impressed as they praised Howe's ""extraordinary invention"". Perhaps Hunt would have received similar praise had he bothered to patent his device more than ten years earlier.

Unfortunately, ""Scientific American"" were the only ones impressed. Howe spent three years trying to drum up interest in both American and England. By 1849, he was basically broke. His wife died (and he had to borrow the money to reach her bedside before she died). He attended her funeral in a borrowed suit; he then heard that the ship containing all his household goods was wrecked and all his goods were lost. Discouraged, He gave up his sewing machine quest and took a machine shop job for a weekly wage.

Actually, Howe's machine failed for a good reason, it was not quite a practical solution. His machine did not have a presser foot; in order to sew fabric, the pieces had to be matched inside a metal frame. This frame was then attached to the machine and guided the stitching. Once you reached the end of the frame, it had to be removed and the fabric reset. This meant that A) no continuous stitching was possible, and B) you could only stitch in straight lines, you could not follow a curve. Because of this, Howe's machine could not be considered a serious solution to the sewing problem and was therefore not a true and practical ""sewing machine"".

In 1850 a familiar name entered the sewing machine world -- Isaac Singer. I think that Singer should be considered the inventor of the first practical sewing machine -- it could stitch continuous lines, it could stitch around curves, it used a pressor foot, and it was a marketable solution available for a reasonable price.

Other inventors also introduced sewing machines to compete with Singer -- and the sewing machine industry was born.

However, Elias Howe was not quite finished. He noticed that all sewing machines used two threads and a shuttle.

He held a patent on this method (even though Hunt had invented it first a decade earlier) Howe then embraced that great American business plan, ""Those who can, do -- those who can't, sue!""

Howe began a vigorous legal campaign against all sewing machine manufacturers. It's interesting to note that it was impossible to build a practical sewing machine solely by using Howe's patents. It took many patented items (they soon ranged into the 100's) in order to construct a workable sewing machine. Still, the idea of two threads and a shuttle was also an essential component of a usable sewing machine.

The courts agreed. Howe soon received royalties of up to $25 per every sewing machine sold. Without selling a single machine of his own design, Howe became rich.

Singer and others tried to oppose him. They uncovered Walter Hunt's earlier work and tried to find some proof that was presentable in court in order to break Howe's patent. Unfortunately, when Hunt lost interest in his device, he neglected to keep any of the devices he had already constructed or notes of their workings.

Although Hunt was first, it was impossible to prove in court and Howe's suit held up.

So -- it's apparent that Elias Howe did not invent the first sewing machine. He didn't even invent the first sewing device. What he did do was be the first to patent a component that was used by the real inventor of the first workable, usable, and marketable sewing machine, Isaac Singer.

About the author: Joey Robichaux operates the ""Needlecrafting"" site at http://www.needlecrafting.com.

Sewing Machines for Children

2008-12-08T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Joseph Then

Children love to make crafts and have fun making things. One way for children to do this is with their very own sewing machine. They can make creative items and learn something new while they do it. Children may not want to work on an adult sewing machine, so it may be a good idea to buy a child size machine. You can find these in many the department stores or toy stores in your area.

Sewing machines for children are safer for new beginners to use. The yare not as fast and they have special parts on them that are made just for children. The needles on toy sewing machines are plastic so that there is no chance that they will get hurt with them. Machines for children usually run on batteries and do not have a lot of power behind them. This means that the child has to go slow and there is no risk of sewing their finger together.

Most of the children sized sewing machines are smaller and move easily. They can be used almost anywhere and you can even take them on the go. This will keep your child busy and quiet when you are on vacation or taking long trips.

Children can create so many different things with their child size sewing machines. They can make anything from doll clothes to their very own clothes. They will have so much fun creating new things for their dolls and for them to wear.

A child and a parent can have so much fun together playing around with a sewing machine. Moms can teach their children new things with their sewing machine and it is a good way for moms and daughters to share special bonding time. Getting young girls started on a sewing machine now will get them ready for the years to come.

You can give young girls the practice and the skills that they will need for the future not only in school with classes like home economics but in life. They will have the knowledge of how to make many different items and they will be able to do patch work at the same time.

Your child will absolutely love to have a sewing machine and create her own products. Once they have all the skills that they need, they will be ready for an adult sewing machine and make even more exciting and beautiful creations.

About the author: For more information on sewing machines, please visit: http://www.1-sewing-machines.info

Offline Marketing ~ Part 2: Craft fairs and bizaars

2008-12-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Kara Kelso

Offline Marketing ~ Part 2: Craft fairs and bizaars by Kara Kelso http://www.momsmarketonline.com

In the first part we discussed how drawing can be benificial to your business. You can view the first part here: http://www.momsmarketonline.com/offline-drawings.html

In the second part we will talk about how to make the most of your table at a craft fair or bizaar. Finding the fairs and bizaars is simple. You can contact local malls, chamber of commerce, or special interests groups related to your business (this is also a great way to do some networking if you choose to be a memeber of some of these groups).

The first step after you have found the event you will be attending, is getting ready for the show. You will want to have everything ready several weeks befor hand. Just to name a few items that you will need:

~ A box for a drawing (explained in part one) ~ Table cloth for table ~ Lots of cash and carry items ~ Plenty of catalogs, coupons, and free samples ~ Change ($5s, $1s, etc) ~ Pens, perferably with your logo on them ~ Posters, flyers, etc ~ Boxes, bags, etc for sold items ~ Business cards

Now you are ready to attend your bizaar! Make sure you table is neat, and if possible tidy up in between customers. You want those looking to pick up items and look them over, but they do tend to set things back out of place. Just a few more tips while at the bizaar:

~ Welcome everyone that comes to your table...don't forget to smile! ~ Stand, don't sit, if possible ~ Set out a unique item (even if you don't think it will sell it will catch your visitor's attention!) ~ Offer everyone that walks by a catalog, sample, coupon, business card, and entry to your drawing

After the show comes the real hard work. Now that you have all the contacts from the drawing, you can start following up with them a few weeks later. If you offered samples, ask them what they thought of them and if they have had a chance to look at the catalog. Remember that following up is the most important part!

About the author: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About the author: Kara Kelso is a work at home mom of two, and the co-owner of MHMM Ezine, which is an informational newsletter just for moms in business. Recieve business tips, parenting tips, and more when you subscribe at: http://www.momsezine.com/mhmm.html

MARBLE PAINTING: A FUN CRAFT PROJECT FOR KIDS

2008-12-06T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Sunil Tanna

MARBLE PAINTING: A FUN CRAFT PROJECT FOR KIDS by Sunil Tanna of Answers 2000 http://www.ans2000.com/

----------------------------------------------------------------- Publication Terms And Conditions:

Answers 2000 Limited grants you a free non-exclusive permission (license) to publish a copy of this article on your web site or opt-in ezine, subject to you complying with ALL of the following:

1. You must publish the article in full and unedited (except that you may omit this Terms and Conditions section, you may omit the word count, and you may correct any typos that you might find). 2. If you publish on a web site: (i) you must make ALL links clickable, (ii) you may format the article to fit within your web site's design, (iii) you must include the copyright notice and ""About the Author"" section at the end. 3. If you publish in an ezine: (i) your ezine must be opt-in with your users having specifically elected to subscribe to your ezine and with the ability to unsubscribe at any time, (ii) you must include all link URLs unedited and in full, (iii) you may format the article to your ezine's layout. 4. To the maximum extent permissible under law, this article is provided ""AS IS"" without warranties of any kind whether express or implied. 5. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from matters relating to this article shall be exclusively subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. You agree that any legal action against Answers 2000 Limited (or its directors, officers, or employees) relating to this article or this agreement will be brought in the courts of London, England, however Answers 2000 Limited reserves right to pursue breach of these terms in any jurisdiction.

There are 263 words in this article (including title and About the Author section). -----------------------------------------------------------------

This is a fun and easy project for small kids.

What you need:

1. Cardboard box - With one side open (a copy paper box lid, a shirt box, or even a shoe box are all good).

2. Paper - Big enough to cover the bottom of the cardboard box. It's better if you can find fairly stiff stuff).

3. Three or four marbles.

4. Three or four paint colors.

5. Sticky Tape.

Before you start:

Be warned, this can get messy, especially with younger kids. You'll want to put the kids in smocks, and either put down plenty of newspaper or do it in your garden if the weather is good enough.

Method:

1. Put the paper in bottom of the box. You can use a small bit of sticky tape on the corners if it won't stay down by itself.

2. Dip one of the marbles in paint so it's completely covered, then drop it in the box. The kid then tilts the box around so that the marble leaves a trail of paint as it rolls around.

3. When the paint on one marble runs out, repeat with a new marble and a new color.

4. When the paper has a nice design, take it out and leave the new masterpiece to dry.

About the Author: This article was written by Sunil Tanna of Answers 2000. For more craft projects, ideas and books, please visit http://www.craftmaniac.com/

About the author: This article was written by Sunil Tanna of Answers 2000. For more craft projects, ideas and books, please visit http://www.craftmaniac.com/

Craft crocheting from your home

2008-12-05T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: pierrebenoit

Crocheting is not only a craft but an art. Once you master the basic stitches you will be well on your way to creating masterpieces you will be pride to share with your family and friends. Anyone can learn to crochet as long as they put their mind to it.

Before you run out and buy your crocheting supplies decide what you want to crochet first. According to the item you choose, you will need different size needles and yarn weight. All this information is with the patterns and you will see just how easy it is to achieve your goal of crocheting your first work of art.

You will be crocheting from toys to sweaters in no time. There are so many different items you can crochet. There are snowflakes for the Christmas tree, sweaters for your best friend, and house slippers for every member of your family. You can even learn to crochet baby bibs, blankets, and outfits.

No matter what you choose to crochet you will find everything you need on the Internet! No need to leave the house. Some websites provides you all the supplies for crocheting and knitting with just a click of your mouse. You will need crochet hooks, yarn, and sometimes needles. The crochet hooks come in several different sizes. The yarn is in different weights and you can find them all right by shopping online.

So, when you need to buy your crocheting supplies, come at crochet Resources first. Save yourself some time and money by shopping online.

About the author: pierrebenoit is an Affiliate Marketer and the Webmaster of crochet Resources : A website that provides a selection of crochet information, news, supplies and resources

Grab the Headlines; Craft a Compelling Press Release

2008-12-04T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Sonali Raval

Have you been following the news lately?

Doesn't it amaze you that the media continues to report on every move Elizabeth Taylor makes? She hasn't made a movie in what, 25 years? And yet, every time she sneezes, its news.

Here, in India, Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra hogs the headlines. What has she ever done, apart from marrying a non-entity and producing babies? And yet, the press follows her around on a daily basis.

The point is -- if the media can make space for someone who hasn't really done anything interesting, they sure can give you a plug or two.

Almost any event can be turned into news if you craft a compelling press release. That means your press release must be ""newsworthy"", not promotional material. Editors do not like promotion; they like news. You have a good chance of getting a plug if your press release can convince the editor that:

· You are offering timely and newsworthy information · Your company is new and different · You are doing something unique or are specialized in nature

Editors want news, a ""different angle"". They want to publish something that their readers will like to read. Always remember this and you will never go wrong with your release.

Here are a few tips to get you going.....

Develop a News Hook Not every event is earth shaking. But even ordinary happenings can be turned into a ""newsworthy"" affair. All you need to do is create a ""hook"" - something unusual, maybe even bizarre that hooks the reader's attention and keeps it. Often such hooks are a simple stunt; e.g. the day ""Turok 2: The Evolution"" was launched, the gaming company released large ads with a proposition for the public. Parents of a child born on that day would get a $10,000 savings certificate as a gift if they named their baby Turok. The ad had its intended effect as numerous newspapers devoted thousands of column inches to debating the ethics of this offer.

The Big Picture Tie in your activities with a larger concern. When a considerable number of people are affected by something, it automatically becomes news. A veterinary pharmaceutical company needed publicity for its mastitis care product. It sent out a press release that stated, ""Mastitis costs dairy sector Rs. 6053 crores ($1.26 billion) every year"" Having grabbed the editor's attention with the sheer magnitude of this problem, it then offered its product as a solution. You can be pretty sure all the editors carried this news.

Pyramid Structure Newspaper reporters follow the Pyramid style of writing. All pertinent information is contained in the first paragraph. Subsequent paragraphs elaborate. Historically, editors have had a tendency to cut short the reporter's copy. So reporters developed this style to ensure that the readers get the complete story even if only one paragraph of their copy is printed.

Follow the same style when you write a release. Write a strong leading paragraph with the most critical information. Your first paragraph should answer the main questions: who, what, where, when, why and how. This ensures that if the editor decides to use just the first few paragraphs, all the information you want to convey gets printed.

Watch your Words Keep your release clutter-free. Use short, crisp sentences. Break up large chunks of text into short paragraphs. Research shows that paragraphs of 5-6 easily digestible lines help the reader understand the subject, even if it is complex.

Avoid buzzwords, jargons, technical language and acronyms. Be Balanced. Junk the hyperbole. Fancy fonts and vivid colors are out. Editors prefer standard fonts like Arial (10 points) or Times New Roman (12 points).

Finally, do a word count. A good release says what it wants in less than 500 words.

Spice it up. Just a Little Include at least one hard-hitting quote in your press release. It's your best shot at getting into newspaper column space. Reporters would rather include a smart, concise quote in their story than give a lengthy explanation or summary.

Quotes are an opportunity to emphasize your key points, so quoting your CEO or top executive is a good idea. Supporting quotes from analysts and customers add credibility to the announcement and key the reporter in to the fact that there are people available that they might be able to interview for a story.

Make yourself available Reporters like to dig for more information. They are always trying to find a ""different slant"". They may not want to print a standard press release. They are more likely to contact you for a personal quote or unpublished information. So, make it easy for them to contact you. In your release, include the line, ""For further information and clarifications, contact So-and-so."" Give your contact information: phone, fax, email, and office address. And then, be available. And have some extra information to share.

Create a Press Kit The press kit includes a background piece, press releases, photos of your executives or your products, more story ideas, reprints of previous articles about your business, a list of customer references and anything else that the media might find newsy or just be a simple fact sheet on you and your company. The media may not use everything you give them. But they will keep it for future reference. And it's a great way to build a relationship with the press.

If you have got this far, you must have grasped the secret by now. The trick to a compelling press release is very simple. Learn to think like a reporter. Put yourself in her shoes. Anticipate her needs. Then, write a release that answers her questions. Before she can ask them. Simple, isn't it?

Go grab the headlines!

About the author: Sonali Raval is a corporate communications professional based in Ahmedabad, India. An Economist and MBA by training, she is a freelance writer by choice. She can be reached at sonali@writeratwork.com; URL: www.writeratwork.com

Craft Fairs, Bazaars & Flea Markets...Oh, My!

2008-12-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Anita DeFrank

Many names are associated with events such as these. Craft Fairs, Bazaars, Flea Markets and Swap Meets are a few names you can find. Whatever the name…they all mean the same thing. They allow you to meet new and interesting people (hopefully customers), spend quality time with your family and more of course most importantly make some extra cash. But, before you debut your first table at one of these events, getting yourself prepared is the first step. The following is a guideline you can follow to help make sure you're ready.

1. First of course you'll want to find events that are held in your area. This is about the easiest task of all. You're sure to find them everywhere. Check you local newspaper, browse bulletin boards, and watch for fliers.

2. Next, attend a few local events yourself. Take a look around and view things from a customer's point of view. Which tables caught your eye first and why? What sort of products/merchandise is being carried? Most importantly, what's isn't there? Try to visualize how you'd like your table to look.

3. Once you've found the event you'd like to attend, reserve your table. Most events have an event manager. Find out who's in charge and contact them. Pricing will vary from one event to the next. Be sure to find out the average attendance to make sure it's worth the money. Don't forget to ask questions such as the availability of electricity (if needed), the size of your ""booth"", anything forbidden?

4. Make sure you have enough inventory. Stock up on catalogs, brochures and business cards. Make a list of all the supplies you'll need. Are you going to have samples available? You can download a printable checklist at http://www.mommyshelperonline.com/event-checklist.zip

5. Decide what types of payments are going to be accepted. Are you only accepting cash? Do you have the ability to accept credit cards? Are you going to take checks? Does your bank accept check from customers out of the area?

6. Make a lead box. Lead boxes can be a great way to gain a mailing list, future or even repeat customers. One thing you can do with you lead box is hold a contest. An easy way to make a lead box is to take an ordinary cardboard box, cover it in decorative contact paper and cut a slit in the top. Print out entry forms with blanks for name, address, phone number and email address. Of course if you offer catalog parties or home parties, be sure to have a place asking if they're interested in holding one.

7. Set up your display at home to get a feel of how it will look at the event. By doing this you can take your time in arranging and re-arranging your display so you'll be ready for the event. The look and feel of your display has a large impact on your sales.

8. Recruit family members. You can make your events more family-friendly by assigning everyone a job. Spouses are great for helping un-loading and loading your merchandise, setting up and tearing down your display. Spouse also come in handy to ""watch your table"" if you need to step away. Smaller children can help bag/box up products that are sold, hand out business cards and catalogs or even meet and greet customers. Don't forget to bring along some fun things for children incase of the dreaded boredom.

9. Put on a smile. Don't just sit behind your table looking bored. Smile and greet visitors as they walk by or more importantly ""stop in"". Ask them if they're enjoying the event, how they're doing. Be friendly.

10. Have fun!

About the author: Anita DeFrank is a busy work at home mom who specializes in helping others become successful home business owners. Visit her site MommysHelperOnline.com for more information how you can too.

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

2008-12-02T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Lori J. Ferreira

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here .

Photography for Your Jewelry and Craft Website

2008-12-01T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Lisa Jay

Not only is it important to take good photographs for your website, it is equally important to make sure that your pictures load quickly. In this article we will cover a number of important issues:

Photography set up Camera settings Editing for Website Other Important Resources

Photography set up:

Your backdrop is your first concern. Where will you take pictures of your product, craft or object? Outdoor light seems to be the most recommended background. The outdoor lighting helps to create beautiful pictures. For jewelry, this option is not the best. It is harder to photograph jewelry than other crafts. For jewelry there are many other options for setting up a small photography studio.

How to Make My $15.00 Photo Studio http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/jewelry-photogr aphy.html

Lapidary Art: Basic Jewelry Photography http://www.lapidaryart.com/projects_2.html

Photographing Jewelry for Print and Web http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lessons/vault/index.htm l

Camera settings:

Each camera comes with their own terms. You will have to read your manual to decide what term they use for each of these settings. There are a few settings that you need to make on your camera.

Quality - I use the middle setting. This takes really nice pictures, but does not use up as much disk space.

Picture Resolution - My camera has either High (1760 x 1168 pixels) or Standard (896 x 592 pixels). Use the Standard setting.

Using a scanner to take pictures - Use the highest setting for you scanner to scan your pictures. Then edit as you would pictures that you have taken with a camera.

Editing for Website: Before we begin editing your photos there are a few things that you should know:

Do NOT save your photos in JPEG format until you are DONE editing. JPEG files do not take any changes very well. If you save it as a JPEG, then change the size, the picture quality goes down. Each time you open and change it, the quality keeps getting worse. Save all of your original files in your photo editing programs format such as .psd for Photoshop.

Save all of your website pictures in the size that you will use them on your site. Do NOT change the size of them once you get them onto your website. This will cause them to lose their quality. I like my ""thumbnail"" pictures to be 125 pixels x 125 pixels. The smaller the picture, the quicker it will load.

When you use the ""thumbnail"" tool, you are VIEWING the picture smaller, but your file size is still large. This causes your pictures to load just as slow as when you put the large picture on that page. This is why you save your picture the size that you want it to appear on your website. If you want a ""thumbnail"" sized photo, save it that size.

I recommend Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (the less expensive version approximately $80 at Buy.com) photo editing. There are many more products out there that are less expensive.

Following are the steps to take to edit your pictures for you website.

1. Once you have taken your pictures, download them to your computer. Save these files in your photo editing programs format. Since I use Photoshop, I save them as .psd files.

2. Open your photo editing program and open your picture. Crop your picture two sizes.

-Crop one picture for the ""thumbnail"" sized picture. I crop at 125 pixels x 125 pixels for square or 140 pixels x 125 pixel. You will have to decide how large or small you want your pictures. Just remember that the larger that they are, the slower they will load. (crop, save this file, then click ""undo"" to crop your next picture)

-Crop one picture for the larger picture that people will see once they click on the thumbnail. I use 300 pixels x 300 pixels, or 300 pixels x 275 pixels.

3. Use your photo editing tool to sharpen, and adjust brightness. These are all tools that you will have to play with to get the look that you want. I suggest that you read the tutorial on the photo editing program that you are using. Once you have the setting that you like, write them down and use them for most of your pictures.

4. Once you are happy with the appearance of your picture, it is time to save it for your website. In Photoshop they offer an option to ""Save for Web"". Once you have clicked Save for Web, it will take you to a tool that allows you to save it at the quality that you want. You can save most pictures for websites at 60%-80%. You will also have to play with this to find the right balance between picture quality and load time. For example:

-Picture saved at 60%, not real clear, loads in 3 seconds -Picture saved at 70%, pretty clear, loads in 4 seconds -- Best Bet! -Picture saved at 80%, very clear, loads in 10 seconds

If your program does not offer, Save for Web, you will have to read the directions on saving for a website. **Just make sure that you save all of your website pictures in the JPEG format.**

5. Always keep a copy of your original (saved in your photo editing programs format). You may decide to go back and change it.

About the author: Lisa Jay is a freelance writer and the jewelry designer behind Lantana Designwear. You can visit her websites at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com and www.JewelryMakingHQ.com Be sure to sign up for her newsletter at http://www.JewelryMakingHQ.com/signup_newsletter to receive helpful information on making your business a success.

Forget Resolutions. Craft a Life Theme that Works.

2008-11-30T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Lisa Martin, Founder & President, Briefcase Moms

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

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

Discover Your Intentions

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

Feel the Magic

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

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

Brief is Best

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

Get Started

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

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

How To Write And Craft Your Online Classified Ads

2008-11-29T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Evelyn Lim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First, you may start with….

"Freelance graphic designer does great designs. www.yourdomainname.com"

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

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

Make it attention-grabbing by changing it to….

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budgeting Advice for New Craft Businesses

2008-11-28T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Eileen Bergen

Budgeting Advice for New Craft Businesses BY: Eileen Bergen www.theartfulcrafter.com

Every crafter or, for that matter, every business person must learn to control spending from the very onset of the venture. As a matter of fact, you should not even be in business unless you have drawn up at least a simple business plan and budget.

Your budget should be grounded in reality and subject to change as circumstances require. In other words, if you income came in 20% below your projections, expenses will have to be cut to make up for the hopefully temporary shortfall.

One serious mistake a small business person makes in a situation like this is to assume that s/he will make up the income shortfall and continue the spending side of the budget without any adjustments.

Most small businesses are undercapitalized to begin with, so it really pays to be conservative. I have always tried to make sure that a craft is making enough money to pay for itself before stocking up on more supplies or new equipment. I try to get a substantial down payment if

an order would require that I increase my raw material inventory. Everything that I do must be self-supporting.

Do some research if you plan to add a new type of craft to sell. Try to determine if there is a market and if it looks profitable. Again be conservative in your assumptions and start out slowly.

Of course, not everything works as planned. On several occasions, a craft I thought would sell well didn't. But because I didn't go too far out on a limb buying inventory, the loss was always minimal. If you're lucky you can even recycle the materials into some other project.

As time passes, you will learn what works and what doesn't. As you gain this knowledge, you should be making adjustments to your budget to reflect reality.

This is made much easier by careful record keeping. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a small business software package. You can even use paper and pencil if you can't afford the software.

If you track the cost of your materials, the costs of marketing your products and the actual income you receive, you will know if your budget is on track, if you can afford the new tool you want or if you should stock up on more inventory. You will also be able to decide if you should branch out or change direction.

The bottom line is that you cannot afford to throw money at your business. You must try to work around obstacles in a cost efficient manner. While your budget may reflect a short period of losses at the very beginning, losses cannot be allowed to go on unchecked.

Careful, consistent tracking and a dynamic budget, one that reflects reality, should be major tools that you use constantly in your decision making processes.

If you use them, you should be able to avoid the fate most small businesses face today - failure.

For more articles on the business of crafting and how to get started selling your crafts, please visit The Artful Crafter - Your Craft Business Guide .

BY: Eileen Bergen The Artful Crafter www.theartfulcrafter.com

About the author: Ms Bergen has had a varied career, first as a special education teacher and then, after geting a MBA degree, as a vice president for a major insurance company. For the last eight years, she has been making and selling crafts.

Capturing the Craft Show Market

2008-11-27T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

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

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

Market research

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?

2008-11-26T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

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

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

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

An online survey revealed several major issues affecting professional crafters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Outdoor Craft Idea - Artificial Rock Boulders

2008-11-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

Author: Jim Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://wealthsmith.com/CAVEROCK.htm

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

How To Earn A Great Living as a Craft Fair Artist

2008-11-24T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Steven Popkin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

2008-11-23T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

This is where you can really make or break your craft show career. Being able to produce quality crafts as efficiently and affordably as possible is the key to making a tidy profit from craft shows.

How Production Evolves

How you handle production of your craft show items will evolve over time. Initially you may produce all your craft items alone. This will likely be the most cost effective way to start your craft show creations. As your business grows, you may decide it is best to find employees who can recreate your artistic flair – so you can build more products and increase your overall revenue.

Time and experience will help you streamline your production cycle for maximum efficiency. You'll learn as you go how long it takes to produce your craft show items, how long to allow for drying, setting or baking, what quantity of supplies you need for a certain amount of inventory and how much inventory you'll need for a one-day craft show. Basically, you are going to get better and smarter about how to build your craft show items – so you can maximize the profit!

Always have some form of quality control if you're working alone, such as a friend or family member checking your crafts for sturdiness, appearance, etc. If you make jewelry, have someone else try on a necklace to make sure the clasp works, it doesn't fall apart while putting it on and that you are pleased with the appearance. If you have put a frame around a small painting, ensure the frame's sturdiness, so your craft customer isn't disappointed when it falls apart. Think about how you will transport your products during the production process, making them sturdy enough to travel or finding strong packing materials through your suppliers.

Over the years, your products will evolve as you make modifications to existing designs and add new products. With feedback from customers and keeping abreast of current trends, as well as developing new skills and interests, you'll probably add new products and remove slower-moving ones. As soon as you see a steady decline in sales, consider dropping the product—don't get attached, this is business. You can always use slower products as bonuses, gift items or for raffle drawings or donations.

Pricing

The crucial question about pricing is: How do I price my craft show products for the best results—good sales and good profit? Can I have both? You may fear that if your prices are too low, you could incur the wrath of your competitors or make less profit. If your prices are too high, your sales will drop. The right price is one of the most significant factors in contributing to your success or failure—and one of the most difficult factors to decide upon.

There are several schools of thought on how to arrive at the best price for your work. Again, time and experience will be your best guides. It is easy enough to raise or lower your price with each craft show you attend and eventually find the best fit. You may even find yourself changing prices at different craft shows as you learn the shopping patterns of your customers. If someone seems interested then walks away, ask them why they didn't buy and if they say price, ask what they would be willing to pay. If you get the same information repeated several times, it's an indication of what customers are willing to pay—at least at that craft show!

Although you need to test your prices, don't make drastic price adjustments in the same weekend, as customers may complain. Make smaller adjustments in different towns based on craft show results and customer feedback. Sometimes the difference in improving your sales can be as small as $1.00, such as lowering a $12.00 item to $10.99. And sometimes selling fewer items at higher prices can be more profitable in the long run.

Take time to consider your price carefully. Consider cost of supplies and labor, craft show fees, transportation and other expenses involved. The efficiency of your production will also have an impact on how much profit you can make from your craft show items, and ultimately both will determine your success on the craft show circuit!

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

The Business Side of Craft Shows

2008-11-22T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

The Business side of Craft Shows

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

Planning your craft show business

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

Licensing your craft show business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Quilts, Quilt Patterns and Quilt Fabrics

2008-11-21T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Amy-Jo Strutt

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

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

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

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

Craft Show Essentials

2008-11-20T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Randy Justason

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Tables

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

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

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

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

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

2. Money/Change

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

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

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

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

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

3. Fire Extinguisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Show Organizing 101

2008-11-19T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Lauren Sorgaard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing For a Leather Craft Project

2008-11-18T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Jake Berlin

Preparing For a Leather Craft Project

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

What to Cut On

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

Marking the Cut

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

Trimming the Edges

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

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

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

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

Tools to Use

* Cutting board, preferably self-healing kind

* Ruler, pencil, metal straight edge, rounded edge

* X-acto knife

* Leather craft edge beveling tool

Summary

* Use a cutting board

* Mark where you want to cut before you cut!

* Dampen the leather when trimming the edges

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

Alpaca Retailer Purchases Craft Items

2008-11-17T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Brian Schieber

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

We also accept alpaca theme gifts.

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

Baby blankets

Children's sweaters

Children's hats, gloves and mittens

Children's socks

Adult hats and scarves

Toys

Original artwork in an alpaca theme

Guidelines:

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

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

How did you learn to work with fiber/yarn?

Do you own alpacas?

What attracted you to working with alpaca?

What has been your experience with alpaca?

What types of fiber art items have you created?

What do you hope to create in the future?

Products are sold on a consignment basis

A commission is charged for listing products once they are sold

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

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

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

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

Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions

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

Hiring for Your Craft Show Business

2008-11-16T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

The nature of your craft show business and your budget will determine whether or not you need others to help you with any aspect of your craft show business. Needless to say, the success of your crafts at craft shows will also have a considerable effect on whether or not you will need to hire employees.

On the ""free"" end, you can get help from friends and family to produce your crafts and help with any business aspects. A tax benefit for ""hiring"" your children under 18 is that you don't have to pay social security or medicare taxes if your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership owned solely by you and your spouse.

Next, you can find students or apprentices to work on your crafts for free, or at least inexpensively. Contractors, who you would just use on occasion when you need extra help, would be the next level. You also may have friends who want to pick up a little extra pocket change working on your crafts from home can do some production work for you. A bookkeeper who comes in once a month to balance your checkbook and enter your income and expenses is a contractor, and you don't have to deal with taxes. Check with the IRS or your accountant to be clear about the difference between independent contractors and employees.

If you feel you need employees as your craft show business grows, you should consult an accountant or the Small Business Administration for all the regulations. These might involve registering with the Department of Labor, applying for Worker's Compensation insurance and securing an employee identification number (EIN) from your state and national government offices. You'll need to apply for an EIN from the IRS anyway if you're using a business name different from your own. When you use your own name as your business name and you have no employees, your social security number will suffice. You might also want to check with your bank, because they may require an EIN to open a business account, even if it's in your own name.

Finally, consider which professionals you'll want to have in your line-up of support. An accountant and lawyer are good to have at least to call when issues come up. Many crafters have a good photographer they use for promotional photos and slides of their work. Quality slides can make the difference in getting accepted to juried craft fairs. You may also occasionally need the services of a graphic designer to create brochures, hangtags or other marketing materials and a PR person if you want to take out ads or run press releases. All of your decisions concerning using other people to help you succeed are based on your needs, your own abilities and your budget. Everyone needs to make these choices for themselves.

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

Copyrights, Patents & Trademarks for Selling at Craft Shows

2008-11-15T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

Copyrights, are common concerns for craftspeople. If you've invented a unique product, you will more than likely want to protect it from others who can create knock-offs of your craft show gem at cheaper prices. Although it may be flattering to have created a craft item others want to duplicate, it can also be a nightmare to see your distinctive creation on the Home Shopping Network! The United States Patent and Trademark Organization Web site (www.uspto.gov) is a good place to learn the differences between trademarks and patents and to learn what is best for your situation. For more information and to apply for a copyright go to www.copyright.gov.

Although attorneys may be costly, some offer free 30-minute consultations, so you may be able to find one who can tell you what's the best protection for your craft show product. If you find the costs are prohibitive for you to secure a trademark, patent or whatever you find you need, you'll just have to take your chances without one. Again, check with other crafters through shows and forums, as well as your craft organizations to find out what they've done to protect their crafts. Those who have come before you can ease your way so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Your Copyright

""A copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of 'original works of authorship' including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished. The 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to reproduce the copyrighted work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies or phonorecords of the copyrighted work, to perform the copyrighted work publicly, or to display the copyrighted work publicly. This includes your craft show products.

The copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted, but this would only prevent others from copying the description; it would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine. Copyrights are registered by the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress."" (www.copyright.gov)

Most people think of copyrights for books or music and not creative arts like paintings or crafts, but a copyright can protect all forms of creative expression and visual arts. Visual arts are defined as original pictorial, graphic and sculptural works, which include two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of fine, graphic and applied art. Some examples are:

Artificial flowers and plants Artwork applied to clothing or to other useful articles Collages Dolls, toys Drawings, paintings, murals Enamel works Greeting cards, postcards, stationery Jewelry designs Mosaics Needlework and craft kits Original prints, such as engravings, etchings, serigraphs, silk screen prints, woodblock prints Patterns for sewing, knitting, crochet, needlework Reproductions, such as lithographs, collotypes Sculpture, such as carvings, ceramics, figurines, molds, relief sculptures Stained glass designs Stencils, cut-outs Weaving designs, lace designs, tapestries

A copyright gives the creator of the product exclusive rights to produce, sell and distribute the item. When your work is created, it is automatically copyrighted, however, for optimum protection, it's best to apply for a copyright. When obtained, you can add the copyright symbol (c) on all your materials.

Copyright your designs, so you have legal proof in case someone copies your work. A copyright does not automatically keep someone from stealing your designs--you'd have to find the culprit and enforce your rights, which may not be a simple matter and will require an attorney. Having the copyright, however, may deter someone from copying you, so at least that's a good place to start--and it only costs $30 per copyright!

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

Wedding Craft Ideas that save you money!

2008-11-14T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Paul Duxbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Show Items - Patents and Trademarks

2008-11-13T03:03:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

These are similar to, but not exactly like a copyright. In fact, a patent and trademark are a far more in-depth than a simple copyright on your craft show items.

""A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office. The term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. US patent grants are effective only within the US, US territories, and US possessions.

The right conferred by the patent grant is, in the language of the statute and of the grant itself, 'the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling' the invention in the United States or 'importing' the invention into the United States. What is granted is not the right to make, use, offer for sale, sell or import, but the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing the invention."" (www.uspto.gov)

Therefore, a patent differs from a copyright in that it affords you the exclusive right to make, use or sell your craft show item and excludes others from doing so without your permission, while a copyright prevents others only from copying your designs. However, a patent is generally not appropriate for forms of creative expression but rather for a process, a machine or tool used to create a product or a composition of matter such as a new metal alloy or chemical compound.

Considering the time, effort and cost to secure a patent, in most cases for most craft show items, a copyright will suffice. Patent fees run several hundred to several thousand dollars and you will most likely need an attorney, so this is a costly process. Again, check with other crafters, organizations, attorneys and Web sites to find out what is best in your case.

Trademarks (and servicemarks)

""A trademark is a word, name, symbol or device which is used in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others. A servicemark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product. The terms 'trademark' and 'mark' are commonly used to refer to both trademarks and servicemarks.

Trademark rights may be used to prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark, but not to prevent others from making the same goods or from selling the same goods or services under a clearly different mark. Trademarks which are used in interstate or foreign commerce may be registered with the Patent and Trademark Office. The registration procedure for trademarks and general information concerning trademarks is described in a separate pamphlet entitled 'Basic Facts about Trademarks.'"" (www.uspto.gov)

You may want to consider registering for a trademark if you have created an exclusive name, such as ""Cabbage Patch Dolls"" or ""Hula Hoop."" Since you can easily file online and the cost is around $300, consider filing if you have a craft show item that needs trademark protection.

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

Marketing a Craft Product

2008-11-12T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Paul Duxbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wacky Spiders - A Fun Halloween Craft For Kids

2008-11-11T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Lindsay Small

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

You will need:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

Variations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAKING QUALITY QUILTS WITH FREE QUILT PATTERNS ONLINE

2008-11-10T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Dean Erickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2008-11-09T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Michael Sanford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

organic gardening art Resource Center

About the author: None

A New Outdoor Craft Idea for All Ages

2008-11-08T03:01:00.001-08:00

Author: Jim Wilson

For years our family has enjoyed vactioning and traveling across this great country and one thing that has always drawn our attention is the beautiful landscaping done by others.

Usually, the one attraction that sets apart the ones we find more appealing will have rocks, stones, or even boulders scattered into the display.

Well, in all of our efforts to find a method to create a residential scale boulder project had found us either with too much cost involved or not having the available tools required to create our own boulders.

Not to be outdone, we set out to experiment with the simple tools we had available to us and if I must say so, we discovered a can't fail method with amazingly realistic results.

What we were able to construct has fooled every person that has witnessed firsthand our creation. So, that home project later was highly suggested that we share our discovery with others that have the same desire to add realistic rocks and stones to their landscaoing ideas.

Needless to say, we had no idea there were so many like-minded individuals. We shared our findings with folks across this great country as well as other countries. Much to our amazement the results of our creation has led to thousands of happy rockers!

To learn more about our discovery of CaveRock visit us on the web.

About the author: Jim is an avid outdoor project guy and you can learn more about CaveRock at: http://wealthsmith.com

Which Craft Shows Do I Choose?

2008-11-07T03:01:00.001-08:00

Author: Natalie Goyette

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Craft, bead and pipe cleaner ornaments

2008-11-06T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Paul Duxbury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Benefits for Craft Businesses

2008-11-05T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Narelle Davison

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

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

Inspiration

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

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

Education: patterns and tutorials

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

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

Purchasing tools and materials

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

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

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

Publicity and exhibition requests

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

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

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

Sales and commissions

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

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

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

Human contact

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

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

Client contact

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

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

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

Save on Kid's Craft Supplies - Recycle!

2008-11-04T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Pam Lester

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

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

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

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

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

Wheelbarrow Planter

Need:

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

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

Ocean Treasures in a Bottle

Need:

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Halloween Craft Idea - Witch's Hands!

2008-11-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Lindsay Small

Quick Halloween Craft Idea - Witch's hands!

This is a handprint craft with a difference! You need only a few inexpensive supplies which you will probably have lying around the house. It is an easy craft to do with a crowd of children and the results are great for decorating the house or classroom. Best of all, you will end up with a fun memento to keep and look back on as the children grow.

You will need:

Green card or paper Scraps of black, red or purple card, paper, felt, tissue paper etc Pencils and pens White glue

Instructions:

Draw around the children's hands onto the green card. Older children can pair up and draw round each other's hands. Cut out carefully.

Use the scraps of paper or card to cut pointed oval shapes for long, spiky finger nails and stick them on - embellishing, if you like, with glitter or stickers.

Draw some spidery veins onto the hands, using your own hands as inspiration.

Why not add a wart or two? Make them by scrunching tissue paper into a tiny ball and sticking onto the hands with white glue.

Use the hands to decorate a notice-board, the fridge, or the Halloween table (place them on either side of a plate for a humorous effect). If you attach them to the edge of doors with sticky-tack it looks as if someone spooky could be hiding on the other side!

Alternatively, attach plain white paper to the back of the hands and use them as invitations!

Variations:

Children could create monster hands. Use cream or brown card and square off the fingers of the handprints before cutting out. Fingernails should be black or perhaps silver, and also square in shape. Use black pen to draw veins and lots of spiky black hair in the center of the hand and knuckles!

Ghostly hands can be made out of white card. Stretch your handprints out a little to give particularly long, thin fingers. Make fingernails out of grey or silver scraps and decorate with silver glitter. Use pencil or grey pen to draw on veins.

3 Little Known Tips For Shopping For Craft Supplies Online

2008-11-02T03:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Amy Metz

Let me ask you a question. Did you ever think that the internet would become so powerful and pervasive, that even craft supplies would turn into big business online? Neither did I. But it's true. You can actually find just about any type of craft supplies that you are looking for if you look hard enough through the different search engines (or your local retail store). However, there are a few big sites that you might want to peruse the next time you are considering buying craft supplies.

1) Amazon. Amazon has recently (during the last few years) expanded their reach into the far corners of the internet. By this, I, of course, am referring to the fact that a lot of online merchants sell through Amazon.com's website. If you are searching for 'leather craft supplies,' Amazon might not have what you are looking for in stock. However, Amazon might have a partner retailer who sells their leather craft supplies and lists their goods on Amazon. Consider Amazon like a giant retail search engine that lists items from all sorts of different companies besides themselves.

2) Ebay. Ebay is a great place to find close out merchadise. By this, I mean that companies go bankrupt and have fire sales. A lot of these sales have moved online and therefore you might be able to get a really good deal on some merchandise that is being auctioned off on the world's biggest auction site.

3) Retailers' own websites. Many of the well known craft sites like Michael's have their own websites. These sites often have great bargains on merchandise that's also found in their retail stores. However, even these retailers need to occasionally close out some big lots of merchandise. The web is a perfect place to do exactly that. With no real overhead costs (besides the website's operation), many of these big retailers will use the web to move a large amount of product really quick. Of course, the retailer needs a mail order, or store pickup, set up to do this, but most do. Check your local retailer's website, you might be surprise.

There is a lot more to craft supplies' shopping than first meets the eye. Learn all about how to shop for crafts, there is an entire world waiting for you online.

About the author: Amy Metz is author of ""The Craft Supplies Insider's Guide."" Pick up your copy at

http://www.onlycraftsupplies.com .

3 Little Known Tips for Shopping for Craft Supplies Online

2008-11-01T03:02:00.001-07:00

Author: Amy Metz

1)Amazon. Amazon has recently (during the last few years) expanded their reach into the far corners of the internet. By this, I, of course, am referring to the fact that a lot of online merchants sell through Amazon.com's website. If you are searching for 'leather craft supplies,' Amazon might not have what you are looking for in stock. However, Amazon might have a partner retailer who sells their leather craft supplies and lists their goods on Amazon. Consider Amazon like a giant retail search engine that lists items from all sorts of different companies besides themselves.

2)Ebay. Ebay is a great place to find close out merchadise. By this, I mean that companies go bankrupt and have fire sales. A lot of these sales have moved online and therefore you might be able to get a really good deal on some merchandise that is being auctioned off on the world's biggest auction site.

3)Retailers' own websites. Many of the well known craft sites like Michael's have their own websites. These sites often have great bargains on merchandise that's also found in their retail stores. However, even these retailers need to occasionally close out some big lots of merchandise. The web is a perfect place to do exactly that. With no real overhead costs (besides the website's operation), many of these big retailers will use the web to move a large amount of product really quick. Of course, the retailer needs a mail order, or store pickup, set up to do this, but most do. Check your local retailer's website, you might be surprise.

There is a lot more to craft supplies' shopping than first meets the eye. Learn all about how to shop for crafts, there is an entire world waiting for you online.

About the author: Amy Metz is author of ""The Craft Supplies Insider's Guide."" Pick up your copy at http://www.onlycraftsupplies.com.

Making money away from Craft Shows!

2008-10-31T03:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

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

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

Making money with craft show customer service!

2008-10-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-27T03:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-26T03:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-25T03:02:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-10-24T03:02:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-10-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2008-10-22T03:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-19T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

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