Author: Jane Morris

You can make any flower and several projects for home décor, weddings, gifts and so much more all you need to do is buy crepe paper to get started and of course a book to help you get started. Making paper flowers is easy and enjoyable.

You can buy crepe paper online for a good price. There are several colors to choose from and crepe paper is excellent for making flowers it is strong and flexible which makes it easy to work with.

My favorite crepe paper is called “Cindus Silkrepe Folds Crepe Paper” this crepe paper is bleed resistant, fade resistant and fire resistant! Each sheet is 20 inches wide by 7.5 feet long that is a very large piece of crepe paper and each sheet of this crepe paper costs about $1.00 a sheet. Out of that one sheet you can easily make a dozen flowers.

Sheets of crepe paper can be used for more than just making flowers. The sheets can be used for wrapping paper, table clothes for birthday parties and weddings. It can also be used to make streamers by cutting long strips and gluing or taping them together to create a long piece of streamer.

Crepe Paper makes great decorations as well one of our favorite decorations made from crepe paper is an angel Christmas tree topper or you can display it all year long anywhere you like in your home it also makes a beautiful gift for just about anyone. It’s very easy to make – you will need a cone shaped piece of Styrofoam and a circle Styrofoam ball for the head and the crepe paper you can use any color you like. Just glue the head to the cone and attach the crepe paper. You can use an extra piece of paper to make the wings. Be sure to give your Angel a face and maybe some yarn hair. This is a quick and easy project that you can even make as a family holiday project with the kids or make them and sell them to earn extra money or as a fundraising item.

If you own or would like to start a crepe paper flower business you will need lots of sheets of crepe paper in a large assortment of colors to get started. The best place to sell your paper flowers and even crepe paper is at a craft fair.

Paper flower wind chimes are a favorite project of ours and they make beautiful additions to your home and treasured gifts. To make a paper flower wind chime you will need crepe paper in the colors you like, a flower making book and the supplies listed in the book.

There are so many things you can make with crepe paper. It is always a wise idea to buy crepe paper when it is on sale and stock up. Crepe paper if stored in a plastic container or even a bag and kept out of direct sunlight will last a very, very long time.

About the Author:

Jane Morris
For the best and most complete source for paper flowers for your wedding please check our website.
For the most and best descriptive books on How to Make Paper flowers and flowers for your wedding since the 1920′s and also to buy crepe paper go to:
http://www.paperflowerweddings.com
My goal is to teach all who would like to learn this craft the best and easiest way possible with pictures, patterns and detailed instructions.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Buy Crepe Paper for Flowers and Projects

Author: Rob Germundson

A developing market niche in the quilting world is 100% die cut quilt kits. Although precut kits have been sold for a number of years, die cut kits take the cutting a step further. Precut kits provide the quilter larger pieces of fabric which need to be cut into smaller quilt pieces. 100% die cut kits provide all pieces, borders, and binding cut and ready to sew. When searching online or in stores for precut quilt kits, take note of which type of “precut” kit you are purchasing.

Precut kits with appropriate lengths of multiple fabrics have advantages and disadvantages. They do provide the quilter with a matched fabric selection for a particular pattern. The pattern may or may not be included with the kit. Also, the cutting process is easier because the pieces of fabric are smaller and easier to manipulate. However, cutting precision is dependent on the quilter’s abilities and the effectiveness of the pattern directions. If an error is made in cutting, the quilter may not have enough fabric in that particular color to correct the error. Precut kits are an advantage because they save the quilter time.

The newer, 100% die cut quilt kits also have advantages and disadvantages. First, the kits contain all the pieces, borders, backing and binding cut and ready to sew with detailed “visual” instructions. No more calculating where to make the next rotary cut and how to cut that triangle! Next, the die cutting process creates precision cut pieces which stitch together easily for that perfect block. The blocks fit together nicely for a quality stitched quilt project. Also, the 100% die cut kit saves the quilter time and money since the quilter does not have to be concerned about obtaining a pattern, locating and choosing fabrics, accounting for extra fabric, and cutting the pieces, borders, and bindings. This leaves more time and energy for the fun of piecing together the quilt project. However, the quilter’s selection is limited to the variety of kits available for purchase. Finally, if you use a long arm quilting service, they will certainly notice and appreciate your work. An accurately sewn quilt project leads to quality final quilting. In the end, it’s a winning situation. 100% die cut kits make high quality quilts, wall hangings, and table runners possible for all types of quilters.

Who should consider 100% die cut quilt and fabric kits? All quilters! Sometimes it’s fun to skip the cutting and start stitching. There are many great quilts, wall hangings, and table runners made each year by quilters using traditional methods. These creations inspire and encourage all of us in our great love of quilting. However, quilters are now learning about these newer style 100% die cut kits and understanding the advantages. Beginning quilters like them because it allows them to focus and learn how to stitch the quilt project. They feel successful immediately due to the quality of their die cut piecing. This inspires and propels them further with their quilting hobby. Experienced quilters find the time savings useful, still feel challenged, and appreciate the quality. 100% die cut kits are a gift to quilters who are physically unable to cut a quilt project. Finally, quilters who struggle matching fabrics for a pattern truly appreciate relieving their headache with a die cut quilt/fabric kit.

How do you choose a precut quilt or fabric kit? What should you be looking for? How do you know what you are getting in the kit? These are all great questions. First, look at the package for information about the name of the fabric line and manufacturer. Is the fabric 100% cotton quilting fabric? Then, verify the material in the kit is the same material as in the picture of the quilt project. Next, look at the contents list for the kit to ensure all the pieces for the quilt project are included in the kit. Does the kit include the borders? Binding? Backing? Make sure you know what you are paying for and won’t need more fabric to complete the project. Last, check the size of the project and colors to ensure it will be perfect for its intended purpose.

Now is a good time to consider a precut kit. Whether choosing an easy quilt kit or a challenging one, the 100% die cut kits are an exciting addition to the quilt world. They give quilters another choice for making their next beautiful quilt creation.

Please visit us: http://SewReadyCreations.com

About the Author:

SewReadyCreations.com is family owned, innovative and dedicated to providing high quality 100% pre cut quilt, table runner, and wall hanging kits at affordable prices. All quilting pieces are die cut. No need to coordinate quilt fabrics, choose quilt patterns, and cut quilting fabric pieces. Die cutting makes 100% pre cut quilt and fabric kits precise and EASY to make. Piecing is a snap!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Quilting – New Trends with 100% Die Cut Quilt and Fabric Kits

Author: Rammel Ramli

If you want o spruce up an area that’s normally kind of bland, origami is a great way to do just that. Using the ancient art of paper folding is an excellent way to bring a little personalization and creativity into places where you work or even in your home. All you need is a little time, some paper and string and you are ready to go.

The even popular crane origami works in a couple of ways to brighten up an otherwise drab area. Not only is the crane very nice to look at once it done, it is also the Japanese symbol for honor and loyalty. All you need to do is make the crane, instructions can be found anywhere, and, in the very top of the crane, punch a small hole and attach a string. Now you can hang it wherever you like.

Another great use for the hanging crane origami is at weddings. The crane has always been associated with peace, love, honor and loyalty; where would that fit in better than at a wedding? Using the crane as a centerpiece or as table favors for each guest sends a very special message on how much you appreciate your friends and family sharing this special day with you.

But why stop there? You can take cranes and place them together into the shape of a heart as a decoration. You can also make 1000 cranes and, according to Japanese lore, once you have made 1000 cranes you are granted your heart’s desire in the form of one wish. Using different colored cranes you can map out a design as well.

The only real limit on how you can use origami as a decoration or in a gift presentation is really only limited by your imagination and the skill of the folder. Using origami in this fashion is an ancient and time honored tradition and you can bet it won’t be something you’ll see at someone else’s house any time soon.

About the Author:

What else you want to know about Origami Decorations is available here at www.origamiblueprint.com/blog/origami-decorations and it’s not just folding paper cranes. Download our free report at http://www.origamiblueprint.com/ and learn the basics.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Origami Deocrations

Author: Bill Enslen

Using broken pieces of crockery or china in mosaics is typically called “picasiette” or “pique assiette.” The literal French translation is “sponger” or “scrounger.” Therefore, the term pique assiette in mosaics means salvaging pieces of china or crockery. This style often results in lovely mosaics because the pieces retain the colors and images of the original dishware and because of the curved and three dimensional shapes of the resulting broken pieces. Picasiette is a cheap way of using unique shapes in mosaics because you can find old china and crockery at garage sales and flea markets (and probably hidden somewhere in your own china cabinet).

Although it’s not rocket science, there’s a right way and a wrong way to break china and crockery into pieces for your mosaic. Don’t simply throw the plate on the floor or beat it with a claw hammer to shatter into a ga-zillion pieces. As always, safety is your primary concern. Always observe and practice common-sense safety practices when working with mosaics. Wear eye protection when breaking materials for your tesserae. Unless broken properly, shards and bits will fly in multiple directions. Obviously, you don’t want them flying into your eyes.

Materials Needed:
Adequate eye protection (e.g., safety goggles or safety glasses).
Two bath towels.
Rubber mallet (preferred) or standard claw hammer.

Step 1: Fold a bath towel in half and place it on a hard surface, such as your concrete garage floor, driveway, or sidewalk. Avoid using your ceramic tile floor or brick pavers. Don’t risk breaking the ceramic flooring or other hard surface by striking it with a hammer.

Step 2: Place the plate upside down in the center of the towel.

Step 3: Fold the second bath towel in half and place it over the plate. Ensure the plate is completely covered. This will prevent chips and pieces of shattered plate from flying in multiple directions.

Step 4: Using your hand on the towel, feel for the circular ridge on the bottom of the plate. When you strike the plate through the towel, you want to hit the ridge instead of the center or border of the plate. If you hit the center, the plate’s center section may break away cleanly at the ridge line, leaving the plate’s border intact. If you hit the plate’s border, it may shatter into pieces too small to use in your mosaic. Remember to focus your initial hits on the circular ridge on the bottom side of the plate.

Step 5: Put on your safety goggles. Never break china or crockery without wearing adequate eye protection.

Step 6: Hit the plate along the circular ridge multiple times in various locations around the ridge. Don’t haul off and whack it as hard as you can. Instead, hit the plate with just enough force to break it. Don’t expect the plate to break in a nice, even pattern. It will break randomly. Some pieces will be perfectly shaped for your mosaic, while others will end up in the trash can.

Step 7: Lift up the top towel to look at how the plate broke. If you want to break the bigger pieces into smaller ones, then replace the top towel, ensure your safety goggles are properly in-place, and break the bigger pieces into smaller ones.

Step 8: When you’re done breaking the plate, be careful to put aside the pieces you want to use for your mosaic and throw away the pieces you don’t. Be careful because there will likely be sharp pieces and shards that can cut you. Ensure the mess and tiny shards are properly disposed of before breaking the next plate.

About the Author:

Bill Enslen has created lovely glass mosaic art and mosaic table art for 30 years. His new ebook gives you easy step-by-step details so you can make mosaic masterpieces of your own. Visit his website and read the free sample chapters. Let him show you just how easy it is. With Bill’s help, you can do it. Yes, you can!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Glass Mosaic Tile Art: How to Break China and Crockery

Author: Kelly Mellott

Valentine’s Day, traditionally, is a very crafty holiday, and has come to represent the time of year when we recognize those we love with tokens of our appreciation, also known as valentines. The tradition of exchanging gifts and valentines on February 14th really began in the 19th Century but the holiday has been closely associated with the ideals of romantic love since the High Middle Ages when the influences of Geoffrey Chaucer and courtly love flourished. These days, the U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that every year approximately one billion valentines are sent worldwide. Due to the mass commercialization of Valentine’s Day, here at FaveCrafts we encourage everyone to make their valentine something special this year. Here are our favorite free valentine crafts and easy valentine crafts from our heart to your sweetheart!

Forever Sweethearts Box

Sweethearts, young and old alike, will love this gift box embellished with love for Valentine’s Day.

Courtesy of DecoArt

Materials:

DecoArt Products Required
Craft Twinkles Writers

• DCTW05 – Christmas Red

Supplies

• Stickers (We used “Sweetheart” and “grow old” DCWV QS-006-00005 Colored Quote stickers.)
• 1 1/2″ heart hole punch, EKSuccess Paper Shapers, PSPWP2
• Scrapbook paper, brown gingham print, Daisy D’s 7030
• School glue stick
• 6″ length of 6″ brown tulle net
• Red Chinese take-out box, Westrim Crafts, 672772-BE-008

Steps:

1. Refer to photo for placement and attach stickers to front of box.
2. Punch heart from scrapbook paper. Referring to photo for placement, glue heart to box.
3. Use Christmas Red Craft Twinkles Writer to outline edges of heart and paint dots along edge of sticker edge above and below heart. Also add filigree at sides of heart. Let dry.
4. Tie net onto handle; trim ends.

More Great Free Valentine’s Day Crafts

Other frugal adult Valentine Crafts and ideas:

- Write out how you feel – Cut out small hearts from red and pink construction paper. On each heart, write one thing you love about your valentine. Leave them scattered around your house or apartment where you know they will find them.

- If Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday, prepare your sweetheart a brown bag lunch to take with them to work. Cut the sandwich bread in the shape of a heart and include a thoughtful note.

- If your partner looks forward to flowers but you don’t have the cash for a dozen red roses, try a more unique route. Oftentimes, other flowers besides roses are just as lovely and cost less. Include a free valentine card that you made yourself!

- Write a thoughtful Valentine’s Day message with soap on the bathroom mirror so your sweetheart will find it when they wake up in the morning.

About the Author:

Kelly Mellott is an Editor for Favecrafts.com and favecraftsblog.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Favorite Valentine’s Day Arts and Crafts