Craft Ideas for Kids: For Summer Time Fun

By: serge

Summer vacation is a blast for kids and incorporating things where they can be doing educational activities, is even better. Let them enjoy summer crafts for kids to develop their cognitive skills and expand their imagination.

Doing crafts promotes creativity and develops values like openness, cooperation and perseverance. It also helps kids express themselves and build their self esteem. This is the best opportunity to teach your kids values while building a stronger relationship with them as a parent.

There are so many ideas you can offer your children, like gardening, beach fun, camping and wearable crafts. Your child can learn how to do cards, gifts, paper folding and string crafts, etc.

The great thing about doing crafts is that you can start a work, without spending much. All you need to do is make use of old and worn materials, found in your homes. Things like wires, beads, buttons, strings, clips, newspapers, caps and coloring materials.

The thing that makes a summer crafts program fun and exciting for kids are those crafts that they can wear, headbands, pins, jewelry and shirts. I use to love the Indian bead jewelry I got to make as a kid. Your child can design his or her own headband into something that reflects his personality. Have them add some butterflies, ribbons and small stuffed animals on the headband by using a glue gun or other adhesives.

You can encourage the children to make use of all these different materials as accessories, dangling earrings, made of paper clips or a necklace with a plastic flower pendant. This can be a lot of fun for your child and who knows, maybe even an income generating skill in the future.

All children love to do hand paintings on their plain shirts. They enjoy using different colors as they design their own shirts. They usually have a real sense of accomplishment when they are allowed to use their creativity and expression.

Encourage the children to collect seashells and sand during summer vacation. Then you’ll have more material to use in making bracelets, necklaces and even house decorations. Shells and coral can be used beautifully with picture frames, bags, containers and even hanging decor.

For a very cool beach theme idea, have your child soak some white sand in watercolor and dry it. Place the colored sand in a glass container with some small shells. This is also a unique gift idea.

Making use of recyclable materials teaches kids about being eco-friendly and making good use of all our resources. Plastic containers and boxes can be wrapped with colorful papers and then decorated with strings and buttons, however your child likes. Use colorful glue or glitters for an amazing appearance.

Another great craft for kids that’s fun and fairly inexpensive is paper Mache crafts. It’s an activity that’s easy and still allows the kids to express their creative nature.

1. Cover an area with newspaper to reduce the mess.
2. Decide on the design or animals to be created. Suggest they make a piñata so they can have more fun busting the goodies from the outside. Or, they may want to hang it in their bedroom.
3. Use balloons for the core of the paper Mache item.
4. Tear newspaper, colored paper or copy paper into 1″ strips. Make some longer and shorter strips. Set the piles aside by length and color.
5. Make the paste by adding 1 cup of flour to 5 cups of water.
6. Boil this for 3 minutes. (Stir constantly to keep lumps from forming.)
7. Allow the mixture to cool. Then, pour into large mixing bowl.
8. The consistency should be smooth and paste-like.
9. Dip the newspaper strips in the paste. Squeeze the access paste off.

10.  Place the pasty strips on the mold and smooth out the wrinkles.

11.  Continue placing strips on the mold till it’s covered with about four layers.

12.  Allow the mold to dry completely.

13.  Add more layers to get to the desired thickness and allow drying between each new layer.

14.  With sharp scissors, carefully cut a straight line in the middle for the mold.

15.  Carefully open the slit area if you’re going to use it for a piñata. Fill with treats and candy.

16.  Seal the “slit” that you just cut with clear tape.

17.  Paint the mold with watercolors and enjoy!

About the Author

For more fun ideas: http://ecraftideasforkids.com/craft-ideas-for-kids.html

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Craft Ideas for Kids: For Summer Time Fun

Use Kids Decals To Make Baby Gifts!

By: Melanie Southall

Have you ever wished you could create unique baby gifts for those sweet little people in your life? Personalized or monnogrammed gifts are beautiful and memorable but often expensive. If you’re like me, I enjoy the challenge of creating my own gifts, that are still beautiful and memorable, but are more friendly to my wallet! However, I realize there are many folks out there who say, “Yeah, that’s a nice idea, but I have no artistic talent!” No worries… this particulare project requires only a bit of courage, a few hours of time and NO artistic abitlity.

In this article, I will walk you through the process of how you can create a personalized baby gift for that next little baby who needs a “welcome to the world” gift! What makes this project both simple and professional looking is the proper use of kids decals. These decals give the appearance that you’ve spent hours tediously hand painting the gift, when if fact, it only took minutes.

In case you are not familiar with kids decals, let me catch you up to speed. Decals are a rising trend in the world of interior design and are nothing short of amazing! They are thin, flexible, but durable, vinyl stickers that are capable of being removed and repositioned multiple times. They leave no sticky residue behind and they won’t peel paint. Most people think of using kids stickers for walls or furniture, but they really offer endless possibilities for decorating childrens living space, making art and gifts. Kids decals come in all shapes, sizes and themes.

So, let’s get started! First of all, you have to buy your kids decals! Truly there are so many options and themes available. I suggest looking for a grouping or set of smaller decals. For little girls, there are fairies, flowers, butterflies, etc. For boys, you may be interested in a baseball, ship, jungle animals, etc. Also, keep in mind that you can cut decals to fit the size project you’re working on. Now for the “Project”!!

Step 1: Gather your supplies and make your plans. You’ll need a wooden plaque. These can be purchased at your local craft store. I suggest a size bigger than 8 x 10, otherwise, you’ll start running out of room till you get to your decal. The rest of the supplies you need are primer, acrylic paints, brushes, pencil, chalk and a paper plate. Pick your paint colors to coordinate with the colors of your decal. I suggest only using 1-3 different colors to avoid it becoming too busy.

Step 2: Primer your plaque. If the colors you plan to paint your plaque are light, then go with a white primer. If the colors are darker, you’ll save yourself time by using a gray primer because you won’t need as many coats to get a true color.

Step 3: Paint your plaque with the background color of your choice. I suggest 2-3 thinner coats of paint or until you get a true color and you can’t see the primer through the paint anymore. Let the paint dry!

Step 4: I like to create a boarder on the plaque, either with stripes or a scallop edge. Stripes are pretty straight forward to create. Just make sure you use a ruler to keep them straight. For a scalloped edge (looks beautiful on a girl plaque), sketch in your scallops using a round object. Trace the top half of the circle around the outside edge of your plaque. A few tips; roughly measure out your circles, so that you don’t run out of room at the end of the plaque. Try different round objects around your house until you find one that works. I used the bottom of the paint bottles and they worked perfectly.

Step 5: Paint your scalloped edge and the center of your plaque – that is if you’re using a scalloped edge. Again, I suggest 2-3 thinner coats of paint or until you get a true color and you can’t see the primer through the paint anymore. Now, let the paint dry!

Step 6: Create the monnogram or name. First, print out the letters and date from your computer. Pick a font that you like and print it out in the size you want. In order to copy it onto your plaque, rub chalk on the back of the printed paper. Place the chalked letters onto your plaque. Now with a ball-point pen, trace over the printed letters and date. When you’re done, you’ll have a chalk outline  of the letters and dates to paint over. The great thing about this is, if you don’t get your letters or date centered the first try, you can just wipe the chalk off and go for try #2.

Step 7: Paint in your letters and date with a coordinating color. Use a fine point brush for the lettering! Don’t worry, if you mess up, keep some background color handy and you can fix up your mistakes with a little of that paint.

Step 8: Add your childrens wall stickers. Simply peel them off the backing they came on, stick them to the dry plaque and press down the edges! Because these childrens wall stickers are removable, you don’t have to worry about getting it right the first time. If it’s off center, just peel it up and reapply it!

Let it all dry and cure for a few days, wrap it up and deliver with love!

I hope this article was helpful and inspired you to create a baby gift that is affordabel, beautiful and timeless! As you can see, by reading through this process, you don’t have to be an artist to create special, one of a kind gifts. Really, the options are limitless and I hope you use this article as a springboard for many other projects using kids decals!

About the Author

If this article has peeked your interest and inspired you, visit Kids Decal Corner; where we offer hundreds of stickers for walls and more and do-it-yourself children’s wall murals.

When you shop at Kids Decal Corner, we promise excellent customer service, the newest trends in childrens wall stickers and our blog offers great decorating ideas and tips using kids decals!

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Use Kids Decals To Make Baby Gifts!

Chess Table Plans – You Better Try This !

By: Ben Krantzki

chess table plans can differ greatly, from detailed to extremely vague – can you somehow establish that they’re worth your while? We have to credit the internet here – it happens that instruction in a variety of crafts has turned out to be a favorite of both nonprofessionals and pros. In the next few paragraphs i’ll show you a dependable source of high-quality wood craft plans in order to ensure success with your new hobby – the answer is below.

Click here for chess table plans !

It’s exciting and inspiring to think about the crafts you can take on – you’ll be able to select from more handicrafts than you can imagine. It’ll come as a pleasant surprise how in almost no time the great ideas you’ve had can result in admirable wooden objects. You should begin your job by locating the best help, from people who know their subject. We’re all novices at some point, and i have some exciting news about a new site that can provide assistance on all aspects of this labor of love. Highly experienced master craftsmen are enthusiastic to get you on your way and explain all you need to know through very precise yet uncomplicated directions.

Woodworking is a time-honored craft – you can very likely just think back to your grandparents’ home for some prime examples of this art. Of course you can learn simply by experimenting, but there’s a faster and more reliable method – take the helping hand that’s offered and you can show off your new skills right away. It’s just a matter of following some reliable advice; you’ll have the ability to sidestep some very discouraging failed efforts and instead will demonstrate your new skills.

When you consider this great selection of chess table plans, you can build almost anything – you’ll be guided through the process by helpful professionals, so don’t be afraid to aim high. With a combination of the right instruction and a few basic tools and materials, it’s just a matter of getting to work – no doubt you’ll be amazed by your impressive handiwork. Whatever you used to use as justification for not building that new deck (or bench, or dvd rack…) – the means to make it happen are closer than you think. Remember that you have some hard work ahead of you, though that is your ambition – to work hard at a craft (and have fun doing it!). If i have succeeded in adding to your range of information about this hobby, i would imagine you’re eager to get started on your project.

About the Author

Download chess table plans right now!

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Chess Table Plans – You Better Try This !

Author: Harry Best

1) Are you forgetting to drop stitches from the left (secondary) needle?
This is probably one of the most common mistakes. Knitting is an exercise of concentration and dexterity, and usually it takes a good deal of practice before someone is able to knit on “auto-pilot”. As such, when someone is learning how to knit it’s very easy to forget dropping a stitch from the secondary needle, as soon as it has been knit – which will eventually lead to the same stitch being knitted twice, which in turn will lead to the creation of extra stitches.
How to avoid doing this: remember, knitting involves four base movements: insert down the hole, around the backside, trough the loop and let go.

2) Does the first stitch of a row actually look like it’s two stitches? As you probably know, you always have to move the working yarn around the back when you begin stitching a new row. If you accidentally take the yarn up and over the needle, you’ll be setting yourself up for trouble! Doing so will pull the last stitch in a row across the needle, which will make it look like it’s actually two stitches. Needless to say, this is a recipe for disaster, since you’ll have gained an extra stitch – which isn’t something you normally want to do while knitting.
How avoid this mistake: Every time you finish a row, make sure you double check the yard was pulled across from under the needle, and closely notice whether the first stitch looks right.
  3) Is your yarn splitting in double threads, somewhere? Unfortunately, this is something that tends to happen even when you only use expensive top-quality yarns. Getting the plies of the yearn untwist while you need is excessively simple, so there’s a chance it will end up by accident if you’re not watching it closely. When such a thing happens, it will make a larger stitch look like two smaller “half-stitches”. You should make sure to keep inspecting your loose ends of yarn as you go along, to keep your threads from splitting.
How to fix this problem: Try using different kinds of yearn; tight and evenly spun yarns work best to avoid this sort of trouble.

4) Did you happen to make an accidental yarn-over?
When you need to make holes as well as extra stitches, it’s very common to make a yarn-over by mistake. This is what happens when the yarn you’re working with is wrapped on the needle, making the next row to get knitted as though it was a stitch. This type of mistake is sometime referred to as “knitting purlwise”, and in simple terms it involves knitting the wrong side of a stitch.
To avoid doing this: you should make both needles go through in the same direction, while knitting a stitch.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/needlework-articles/knitting-with-too-many-stitches-learn-how-to-keep-your-knits-from-going-astray-2020041.html

About the AuthorHope this helps! If you enjoyed these tips make sure to visit this knit learning blog, since we’ll have many more posts on everything related with knitting.

 
Author: Charlotte S Green

Quilting has been used for generations to make snug bedding and heavy rugs to keep homes warm. Patchworking as a quilting technique was born out of necessity, lack of money and the need for bedding meant that old and unused pieces of material were used to create a useful item. This developed into a genuine quilting technique with the quilting patterns becoming more complicated and technical. Women began cutting up material in order to make the progressively popular patterns and to create a colour theme. Patchwork projects became accepted across the world and each quilting community created their own design from the popular Amish quilts through to the beautiful colour mixtures of the simple quilts from Gees Bend.   Items like the Gees Bend quilts have become very collectable because of the amount of time and expertise that went into making them. These quilts represent both extreme poverty and community, theirs is truly an art form created out of need. The intense destitution that surrounded this cut off community meant that they papered their walls with old paper a fact that was well documented in a series of images by Arthur Rothstein.Scraps for PatchworkPatchwork is a type of quilt that was made from requirement particularly within the poorer communities where large pieces of material were used for creating clothing and the scraps that were left over were used for making items for

the home. Even though the items made with the scraps were not made to be seen by the general public they were made in complex patterns to conceal the fact that they were made from various kinds of small pieces of material. The quilts that have a huge amount of different materials in them are known as crazy quilts but even they have a certain level of colour co ordination and were taken up by the upper classes when they became fashionable in the 1880′s with some women purchasing already prepared materials as lots of them do today!It is fairly clear why so many communities needed to use these techniques in order to create important linen for the home. Some of the more elaborate quilting patterns were created in the poorer communities because they has less access to expensive materials or large pieces of fabric because these were used to create clothing and it was the scraps that contributed to the quilts. The Amish community employ a massive range of quilting designs that they use particularly for the outside community where they use a lot of appliqué to create beautiful country scenes that appeals to the consumer market. The quilts they make for their own community are much more basic and are created out of subtle quilt fabric. Patchwork projects in communities like Baltimore were a different activity, the fabric was often bought for the sole purpose of making a quilt and they were given as presents with a group of people contributing to the overall quilt. These quilts were used more for ornamental purposes and were therefore a more frivolous endeavour and often involved buying new fabric rather than reusing scraps from previous projects.Patchworking needs great talent, in order to make the finished product a harmony of colours and designs the quilter has to be able to see the bigger final picture. It takes years of practice to be able to achieve a balance of colours and give the quilt an overall unity without the patterns and colours clashing.Quilting patterns were handed down through families and then out into the wider area, where they started to characterise the community and the style and role that quilts had in the individual societies and they continue to do so today.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/needlework-articles/art-created-out-of-necessity-2027811.html

About the AuthorQuilter’s Cloth is home to an enormous variety of textiles from respected manufacturers including Rowan Quilting Fabrics and Classic Cottons Fabrics and Red Rooster Fabrics

Author: Di Ellis

Sewing your own cushion covers is very simple – it’s basically just a square! And you can make the closure as simple or ornate as you want. You can even add piping for that special touch. Suitable Fabrics & Notions For the fabric, you can use just about anything! From heavy furnishing fabrics to soft silks, cushion covers come in all varieties. And because you need so little fabric, you might even be able to grab a bargain from the remnants bin! Another great alternative is tea towels. If you’re like me, you are given more tea towels than you can use in a lifetime. So why not put them to good use as cushion covers – they’re the perfect size! How Much Fabric to Buy Here in Australia the standard cushion size is 16½” square (or 42cm square). You can check yours by removing it from it’s cover and measuring it. Don’t just measure across – make sure you measure all the way to the seam, as we need to allow for the cushion width. Now we just need to add 1¼” or 3cm to the width (for seam allowance) and allowance to the height for seam allowance and closure. How much you add to the height depends on what type of closure you will be using (see below).

Don’t forget you’ll need 2 pieces of fabric this size for each cushion cover. So, let’s say you are making 4 cushion covers with the standard seam allowance for your closure. You’ll need: 4 cushions x 2 squares at 18″ by 18″ (I’ve rounded up from 17¾”) which is 36″ by 72″ or 1 yard long by 2 yards wide (depending how wide your roll of fabric is). In metric, you’ll need 4 cushions x 2 squares at 45cm by 45cm which is 90cm by 180cm or 1 metre long by 180cm wide (depending how wide your roll of fabric is). Cushion Closures The traditional type of closure for a cushion cover is a zipper (usually 13″ or 33cm long). If you are using a zip closure, you’ll just need a standard seam allowance for the height of 1¼” or 3cm. If zips are too much trouble, then you can try a button closure. With a button closure we need extra fabric at the top to fold over and close on one side. So you’ll need one side with the standard seam allowance for the height of 1¼” or 3cm, and one with additional allowance of 3″ or 7½ cm. Don’t forget to buy buttons, and remember you’ll need to create button holes if you use this method (I find these harder to do than zips!). The lazy way to do it (and don’t get me wrong – I’m all for the lazy way) is to use either stick on Velcro (not so good for an item that gets washed often), sew on Velcro, or pop studs. Pop studs come either in metallic or plastic form (they’re the things they use to put the closures on doona covers), and you’ll need to buy them in a kit with the little thingamajig that attaches them. I’ve got one – they are so easy to use! To Make Your Pattern Fold your fabric in half with right sides together. Now just mark out your squares (including seam allowance) with tailors chalk and cut out. You only need to mark out the number of squares equal to the number of covers you are making, as we have the fabric doubled over. If you are using button closures, you can do this using a single layer of fabric, as some of your squares will be different sizes (to allow for the button closure fold over). In this case, you need to mark out double the number of squares to cushion covers as we have only a single layer of fabric. To Make Up With right sides together, sew both side seams and the bottom of the cushion cover together. Warning – if you are using a button closure, stop your side seams 5/8″ from the top so you can hem the top edges individually. Zip Closure: mark on the top edges of your fabric where the zip will be placed, and sew from the outer edge in as far as the end of your zip at both edges. Iron the seam open. Now pin your zip in place and sew. Pop or Velcro Closure: stitch together the top seam from the outer edge in to about 1½” or 4cm. Do the same on the other side. Iron the seam open. Now hem the opening section of this seam (so that when you pull apart the closure to remove the cover the seam stays with the cushion). You can now attach your Velcro or pop closures. Button Closure: Pin the standard hem allowance on the extended top of your cushion and stitch. Repeat on the other top edge. Turn your cushion right way around and mark on the extended top of your cushion where you want the button holes (I recommend doing this with the cushion inside the cover. Now sew your button holes, cut open, and stitch your buttons in place. And that’s it!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/inexpensive-cushion-covers-are-easy-to-make-887303.html

About the AuthorDiane Ellis has been sewing since she was very young and got her first sewing machine at 6 years old (albeit a miniature one!). She sews purely for friends and family, and enjoys making her own patterns, and using her skills to decorate her home. She is the co-author of the website Sewing4Dummies where, for a limited time, you can sign up for a free 6 part sewing course called Easy Fun Sewing Projects.

Author: Len Q.

Whittling has been around for many hundreds of years.  All the way back to the days of cavemen.  One could say that it is because we began to whittle that technology began.  It was the shaping of wood, after all—after the discovery of sharp edges—that sparked human imagination to make carts, cooking implements and clothes, weapons for hunting and methods of food gathering.  Who would’ve thought?   So you want to whittle wood.  Good for you. 

Whittling is the simple removal of pare shavings or cutting small bits from a piece of wood with a knife or a similar wedge-edged tool.  No more, no less.  So what does it take to become a good whittler?  To become a good whittler, you’ll need to know several things.  You’ll need to know how to choose the right wood and the right knife.  You’ll want to know some basic whittling techniques and just a bit about maintenance and storage.  Choosing the Wood.   -  Soft woods are best for whittling.  Pine cuts very easily but isn’t able to hold detail well.  Basswood and Balsa are also very popular.   -  Birch, cedar and maple aren’t considered to be soft woods but they are often used for whittling.  -  When selecting wood for whittling, rely on two things:  a straight grain and uniform color.  A straight grain is usually a softer wood than crossed grains.  Because changes in color usually mean changes in hardness, you’ll want to avoid this.  When all else fails, press down on the wood with your thumbnail and rely on that to tell you how hard it is.   -  If whittling wood is difficult to purchase, you could check your local lumberyard for a scrap bin.  You just might find a treasure trove.   Choosing the Knife.  There is no one specific type or brand of knife that is best for whittling.  Mostly, it’s a matter of comfort.   -  Avoid stainless steel knives.  It isn’t easy to sharpen them correctly.  Even when you do, they usually can’t hold a very sharp edge for too long.  This makes them highly inefficient.  -  Most whittlers like small knives that fit in the palm of your hand.  Others like pocket knives, switchblade knives or folding knives (with lockable blades) that can be opened with one hand.  Comfort and portability rule.  -  Special whittling knives have short plump handles that give you an easier grip and better control.  And because whittling involves extended periods, this is really great for precision and control.                                                                                    -  Some whittling knives come in kits.  These kits may have several knives, each with a different edge shape.  Or the kit might have a knife handle and several differently shaped blade edges that are interchangeable.  Different edges allow for much better maneuverability.     -  When you’re ready to buy one, shop around.  Test them out.  Give yourself time to find the best fit and comfort for your hands.     Safety Tips.  -  You’ll be working with a small piece of wood and a small knife.  First thing then is the knife.  It should be balanced and have light weight.  More than anything else, it must be comfortable in your hand.  If it isn’t, you shouldn’t use it.  -  Wear gloves.  Think of it this way, if you cut your hands or fingers, you’re done.  You won’t be able to whittle at all until it heals.  Wear them, at least until you’ve developed some real skill at handling the knife.  -  Be in a good frame of mind.  Or at least a reasonably good frame of mind.  If you are the type of person who becomes aggressive when upset, it’s probably not a good idea to whittle at that time.  (Imagine losing a finger!)  Basic Whittling Techniques.  It goes without saying but you’ve got to be sure.  Keep fingers and all other body parts away from knife edges.  Take no chances.     -  When gripping your knife, your thumb should be against the spine with the edge facing your fingers.  -  Each knife stroke you make should be away from your body.  Never stroke towards your body.  You know you’re just asking for it.  -  The hand holding the knife should be further from your body than the hand holding the piece of wood.  -  Lock your wrists for better control.  -  Tuck your elbows into your sides to limit free movement.  Whittling Recommendations.   -  Use a wide-beveled knife edge to cut soft wood or semi-soft wood.  Conversely, use a narrow-beveled knife edge to cut hardwood.  A narrow bevel means a higher cutting angle which means a stronger edge.  -  When you’re done for the day, clean and dry your knives.  A light coating of lubricant is recommended for your knife blades.  Linseed oil is recommended for your wood handles.  Take care of your knives and they could last your lifetime.  -  If your knives don’t already have a case, store them in a way that protects their edges.  Be sure that wherever they are, it’s safe and secure.  Only you should be able to get to them.   -  If you decide to use more tools than just a knife, you’ll be entering the world of detailed wood carving.  Just clarifying that for you.  Sharpening Your Knife.  Factory-made whittling knives are often unsharpened.  This is preferable to a sharpened knife because dedicated whittlers prefer to make their own sharpening angles.   -  You can use any of various coarse grade sharpening stones or a ceramic steel to create the cutting angles.   -  A diamond slipstone or a diamond pocket file are great portables for times when you’re on the go.  Or you can use them for quick touch-ups on your edges.     -  A well-sharpened knife edge will need a strop to remove the burr and all other micro-bits from the edge.  This improves the whittling process and delays further sharpening.  If you prefer, a honing compound and honing board will also get that edge smooth.   -  If you haven’t learned how to sharpen a knife and maintain its edge, these are among the first things you should learn.  You’ll be more independent and as efficient as possible.      ———————————————————   Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world.  If you would like to learn about             -  Knife Sharpening:  How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them             -  Sharpening Other Edges                 (e.g. Chain Saws, Gardening Tools, Axes)             -  Or maybe you could use a Free Guide on  Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades  Find it here at www.MakeKnivesSharp.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/whittling-so-you-want-to-whittle-wood-645755.html

About the Author

Author: Amanda Roddy

Many beginning crocheters don’t venture past the basic crochet stitches after learning to crochet. They only learn the single crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet. There are plenty of fancy crochet stitches to learn. They form interesting texture and patterns and add interest to your work. It doesn’t take special skills to learn the more advanced stitches. These stitches are based on what you already know.

You just need a crochet hook and yarn along with patience. Here are a few fancy crochet stitches to include in you stitch collection. Practice with worsted weight yarn and a G or H hook until you get the feel of them.Cross StitchThis crochet stitch doesn’t have anything to do with embroidery. The crochet cross-stitch creates a nice, openwork pattern resembling an X. Make a multiple of three chains. Row 1: Single crochet in each chain across. Chain three and turn. Row 2: Skip first single crochet. Double in the next stitch. Go back and double crochet in skipped stitch. Repeat row 1 and 2 for pattern. Post stitchThe post crochet stitch creates a raised texture. It also produces a thick, reversible fabric. To make a front post double crochet , crochet any number of chains. Row 1:Double crochet in each chain across. Chain three, turn. Row 2: Double crochet in the vertical bar of next double crochet. Double crochet in next stitch across. Chain three and turn. Double crochet across. Repeat the tow rows for pattern. To make back post double crochet make a row of double crochet. Chain three, turn. Double crochet in the vertical bar behind the stitch. Double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat across. Alternate rows of double crochet and post stitches.Puff StitchPuff stitch is a crochet stitch that resembles a bubble. Make a row of double or single crochet. Chain one to turn for single crochet and three for double crochet. Double crochet in first stitch. Two loops should be on hook. Work first half of double crochet in same stitch retaining last loop on hook. Repeat five or six more times. Making sure loops are the same height. Yarn over and draw thread through all loops. More double crochet make the stitch thicker.Cluster StitchThe cluster crochet stitch is worked on an even number of stitches. Unlike the puff crochet stitch, the cluster stitch uses two or three stitches. Techniques vary on the cluster stitch but here is a common method. Make an even number of chains. Yarn over and double crochet in fourth chain from hook. Yarn over and draw through two lops on hook. Yarn over and insert hook in next chain. Draw through two loops. Yarn over and draw through all three loops. Repeat across with chain one in the middle. Popcorn StitchThe popcorn stitch is another textured stitch. It can be worked in single or double crochet. Crochet any number of even chain stitches. single Crochet in each chain across. Chain three and turn. Make five double crochet in the same stitch. Drop loop from hook. Insert hook in first stitch and pull dropped loop through.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/fancy-crochet-stiches-648149.html

About the AuthorFor more craft ideas visit http:/diyeasycrafts.info Want to start a profitable craft blog visit http://www.justaddsweat.com/ezGaffurl.php?offer=roddma&pid=4

Author: Dy Witt

   Your child’s handprint on a tile is a work of art that amazes you in the years to come.  How could their hands ever have been so small?  This is a fun craft to do with a group of moms and their kids. One child per adult works the best.  Each mom will need:—One soft brush, any size but 1/2″  works the best—One jar of “One-Stroke  Your child’s handprint on a tile is a work of art that amazes you in the years to come.  How could their hands ever have been so small?  This is a fun craft to do with a group of moms and their kids.underglaze”, either Duncan E-Z Stroke or Gare One-Stroke.  (Of course they can share these, but it’s best if they have at least 3 colors to choose from.  The best are a dark green, a dark blue or a dark brown.  One jar of each color will do 50 hands altogether)—One pint jar of “clear gloss glaze”, which all can use.—A sponge—Paper towels and a washcloth—One blank UNglazed ceramic tile, 4-1/4″ (for kids 2 or 3 yrs. old or so) or 6″ (for kids over 3) Unless you know someone who does hand-painted tile as a career, these would have to be ordered in cases of 100 or so.  The best thing is to call the hobby ceramic stores, where you will get the underglaze and clear glaze, and ask if they have a “molded greenware or bisque tile they sell”, and order the quantity you need.  Tell them you would like them “fired to bisque.”       The most important thing is that the childrens’ hands are scrubbed with soap and water, then dried well.   Salt, sugar or oils on the hands will prevent the glaze from bonding with the tile.  Make sure to wipe the tile well with a clean sponge in plain water.  Allow to dry a few minutes.         Tell the kids that it is like hand-painting only without wiggling their fingers.  Make it fun, some get scared.  Hold their clean hand gently over a tile to make sure their hand will fit, fingers spread out a little.  Pick the right size tile and paint one wet coat of glaze across the flat of their open palm, not too runny but not too dry, follwing the instructions for mixing on the bottle.  Try to keep their fingers from touching, the more still they keep their hand, the better the clarity.  A good print will show fingerprints!  But if it smears, it usually does, it’s all for fun anyway.  If it starts to become a battle with the child, let him go, when he sees the other kids having a good time he will offer his hand to be painted.  (I say “he” because it is usually the boys that wimp out, the girls are more adventurous. lol)       Make sure the paint goes all the way to the ends of the fingers and thumb and press the hand straight down onto the surface of the tile, quickly but gently and firmly, rolling the fingers slightly so the print doesnt look like skeleton fingers lol.  Lift the hand straight up and see how cool!  Wash their hands with soap, the paint is water soluable and non-staining, but dont let them lick it.  With a fine brush, write the child’s name and date or birthday or age right on the tile.  Set it in a safe place to dry well.       If you are nervous about smearing the dry glaze, have them fired at “cone 04″ before painting the clear gloss on top.  This is the proper way, but if the underglaze is good and dry and you are very careful, it is ok to put the clear glaze on unfired underglaze and fire the tile once at “cone 06″ and the results will be the same.  Either way, get the large floppy brush again and paint 3 thin coats of clear gloss on the tile and fire to “cone 06″.         You can buy frames from most ceramic stores that sell the tiles.  They will last forever.  Have fun!                                                   

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/how-to-create-a-childs-handprint-on-ceramic-tile-654797.html

About the AuthorDy Witt has been painting tiles for 22 years.  She did wildlife and animal portraits for 25 years in colored pencil and many other media before she discovered painting tile.  To read her other articles and view her online tile commission gallery, visit: http://www.dyztilz.com

Author: Ljiljana Anicic

Candles today are nothing like before when they were used as a source of light. Made at home, mostly from tallow obtained from beef fat, they were everything but pleasurable. Of course, for royalty and churches there were a better solution of more quality candles made from beeswax but still they would smoke and drip. At least smell was not revolting like those made from tallow. It wasn’t easy, throughout the history, to get them to be perfect as they are today. Actually, it happened when electricity was used for lighting and pressure was off the candles. It was only then, they got the purpose that they have today.
Nowadays, candles represent a symbol of romance, relaxation and enjoyment. They are present everywhere, in every room of every house, bathrooms especially where you use nice smelling candles to relax your body and your mind, offices, on parties, all sorts of celebrations. They are must have as a decorations on weddings, anniversaries, different parties.
Their look and design became an art so sometimes you by a candle that you don’t want to use. You just want to have it forever. Colors used in candle making are amazing. Every color can be used on candles or mix of colors. They are scented, too and that make them even more attractive. Aromatherapy scents or smoke repelling scents are just some of special uses of scented candles. For repelling insects, you can use citronella-scented candle, for example.
Another advantage is that candle making doesn’t require too much, or too expensive, equipment to make a candle on your own. In fact, most of these you already have in your kitchen. That is why this art is most welcome as a hobby. Many people try to make at least one candle but some turn it into their own small business. If you know the basics of candle making and you use your imagination, you will be in a position to make unique pieces. As we know, you can always find a buyer for unique things. If you try it and you love it, it would be fun to make it your work from home business where you get to decide when you will work and how much.
No matter where you use them and for what purpose, as much as they are safe and normal part of our everyday life, they shouldn’t be taken for granted when you light them. It is open flame and they can be very dangerous if left unattended. With just a little bit of caution you can enjoy in a gentle glow of a candle flame.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/candle-making-for-different-purposes-1794549.html

About the AuthorAuthor has been writing articles for nearly a year now. You can check out her latest website on Outdoor Flood Lights and Home Computer Desk.