Craft

How to Craft the Country Square Afghan

2008-07-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Down on the farm grannies around the world enjoy crafting the Country Square Afghan. Of course, some country moms take delight in creating the squares as well. In view of the fact, and considering you as one of these country lovers, we can learn how to create the Country Square Afghan.

To get started you will need a gauge of 5 inch squares to create 88 squares. You will need finishing yarn, around 45 inches times 63 inches. Purchase some smooth, wool cloth, i.e. the worsted without the nap and made up of snug twisted, long-fiber wool. You will need 20 ounces of taupe, beige, and a hook to match your gauge size. (J) To start you will create your 88 squares, using the beige and chain stitching six times to join the slipstitch, which will shape your loop.

In the first round, chain three stitches to the meet the first double crochet. Add fifteen doubles into your loop and slip stitch to the crown at the beginning of your chain. Tighten, and move to round two. Next, create a slipknot, using your taupe. Chain stitch and intersperse your hook at the back and moving to the right/left and in the region of the post of one of your doubles on the beginning round. Finish your stitch by creating a double crochet at the beginning of your double crochet and raise it back. Chain and intersperse your hook commencing at the back, then right/left moving about in the identical double crochet post. Finish with a stitch, creating a double, i.e. one double about the post and onto the following double crochet created in the first round. Repeat the steps working around the finish and add three chain stitches and a slipstitch at the crown of your beginning chain stitch. Tighten and move to round three.

In round, three combine your beige forming a slipstitch into your choice of the three chain spaces you have created. Chain three stitches to create the beginning double crochet in this step. Work in a double crochet, three chains, and another two doubles, working it into the following space. Now you have created a corner, which you will continue to repeat the steps twice, adding three doubles into the previous three chain spaces, complete with the slipstitch at the crown of the beginning chain, and tighten.

The final round, combine your beige at your corner (Choice is yours) and chain three stitches to meet the double crochet and exert a double, two chains, two doubles, and working it into your corner. In each of your previous seven stitches, double crochet and add a slipstitch at the crown of your beginning chain stitch. Tighten and begin to assemble your Afghan.

How to assemble:
Back loops are created with an 8 x 11 width, squared length, starting on the left side and facing the beige oversewing small stitch tog squares. (Whipstitch) Once you assemble, you will need to border your Afghan.

How to border: Starting with round one add your taupe yarn at choice corners and chain three stitches to meet with your double crochet. Continue to exert double, two chains, two doubles, into the identical corner and double it into the following two stitches. Chain one stitch, skip one, and double crochet into the following stitch. Before you come to the next corner, create two stitches from the previous steps and double crochet into the stitches while working two doubles, chains, and two more doubles into your corner. Repeat the steps working about the corner adding a slipstitch at the crown of your beginning chain.

Continue to round two, three, and four. In round two, chain three stitches into the next double and at the corner space. Exert two doubles, chains, and two more doubles to meet in the corner and another double before arriving at the succeeding corner. Chain one stitch and repeat your steps working about the first slipstitch at the crown of your starting chain, and tighten. Continue to round three. In the corner, combine the beige yarn and chain three stitches to meet the double and exert a double, two chains, and two doubles, working toward the following corner.

Chain one stitch and to the double creating six doubles total before working to two doubles, chains, and another two doubles in your corner. Repeat the steps working about the corner, adding a slipstitch at the crown and tighten. Use your taupe yarn in the last round and work from the corner adding three chain stitches to meet the initial double. Exert a double, two chains, and another two doubles working in the corner and moving to another double within the following eight doubles. Chain 1, double, and work into the eight created doubles at the corner and repeat your steps working about the slipstitch at the crown of your starting chain. Snug the Afghan and you are finished.

How to Craft Quilts with Freezer Paper

2008-07-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

No you are not going to craft a quilt with freezer paper, unless you know something I don’t, but you are going to use freezer paper to perform the steps in basic appliqué. The process is simple, and makes quilting easy.

How to freeze your paper:
Appliqué is the process of taking fabric pieces and sewing it onto prime fabric, which the shaped pieces are sewn onto a foundation to form patterns and designs. To start with, the steps in freezer paper cut your appliqué out and leave seam allowances. Next, use graph paper or similar products to trace on your wax-free paper, tracing the patterns of your appliqué. Do not trace seam allowances. Now, cut out your patterns and center the shapes on your paper so that it is on the left side. Place the pattern on to your waxy outside layer and bring it to the fabric. You will need to press (NOT IRON) your fabric, as well as the freezer paper. Press the paper so that it is on the fabric of your appliqué. The wax will melt. Once you see the results, cut the curvatures and the points of your appliqué. Use needle and thread that matches your design and run a stitch about the allowances of your seams. Slightly pull your thread to collect with the allowances about your appliqué shape. Make a knot in your thread at one end, and collect your stitches. With the freezer paper inside still, use your iron and press your appliqué.

You can also prepare to work the appliquéd style by using glue sticks. Ultimately, you can sew by hand to form the appliqué. In addition, you can use your machine to create a pattern of appliqué. It’s your choice.

To use the glue stick method, you perform the same actions, as you would in the freezer paper, only you use copier paper. You can use paper that you use in your printer to complete your steps also. Use your glue stick and fasten the seams. Leave out the wax coating and perform the same steps as you did in the freezer. On the backside of your paper, and at the middle, add a bit of glue. Press on the left side and turn your seam under. Around the shape of your paper, add another row of glue. Add the glue in a row down the shape of your edges. You want to glue the seam allowances to lock them in and to start you appliqué.

Once you complete the steps, you can start stitching the pieces of fabric into your backdrop fabric.

If you choose to hand stitch, start with arranging your appliqué, preparing it to fit the background. You will need pins to hold it in place, and use basting steps or else the glue stick to hold them in tact. Perform your actions moving front and then to the back, and appliqué the pieces that lie beneath the other. Overlap pieces should also be appliqué.

Next, get your needle and thread together, matching the thread with your initial appliqué. Stitch in a ladder motion, or else a tacking motion about the appliqué edges. Use glue to create ¾-inch appliqué shapes around the beginning tip, or point. You can complete your stitching, once you remove the glue.

In addition to the hand appliqué, you can also use the blind-stitch method, or the machine method to create your quilt. Another option is the zigzag method, or the fusible machine method. Various other methods are optional as well. To learn more about quilting visit your local library.

How to Craft Leaves for Bridal Pillows

2008-07-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Now that you have started to create your bridal pillows, you will need to add leaves to join, assemble, and finish. To help you finish we have written the following directions.

How to create leaves:
Chain fourteen stitches into the single crochet at the third chain and away from your hook, single again working it into your chains and through to the previous chain. You will need to work three singles into the previous chain and continue back, working to the facing side. Once you reach your chain, single crochet it into the ends of your chains and turn before creating two chain stitches. Work the fresh chains into your back loops and single crochet into the middle single at the leaf baseline. Work three singles into the following stitch and single crochet into the stitches up until the preceding stitch. Omit the last stitch and recur your steps three times.

Next, create 24 smaller leaves. Chain fourteen stitches into your single crochet, and onto the third chain, away from your hook: Single crochet into the chains and continue to the preceding chain. Now, work the length of the back facing side of your chain and continue with a single crochet at the ends of your chain, turn, and create two more chains. Work the fresh chains into your back loops and work the single into the stitches you created, working toward the middle single at the leaf base. Add three singles and work to a fresh stitch, a single into the stitches and into the previous stitch. Omit the last stitch and continue three times, repeating your last steps.

Now you are ready to join. Start with the whipstitch, i.e. oversew your larger leaves you have dressed up and at the baseline work to your three-lobe leaves (Trefoil), working toward the corner. You will need to make trefoils for each of your finished squares. Now you will need to add your flower, rose, etc, design. Rest it on your creation in the center and add three-lobe leaves to the corners making sure that leaf at the center is pointing in the opposite direction of your leaves. You want to point four of your between leaves, pointing the tips so that they are in the direction of a clock’s hands, around your squares.

Once you join your parts use thread and connect it with a slipstitch. Work through the tips of your smaller leaves and chain four stitches, a slipstitch into the tops of your following larger leaf. Once you finish chain thirteen stitches, a slipstitch and work it into the second decorative loop. Work the second décor into the neighboring edge of your undulated fabric. (Scallop) Continue to the leaves and chain ten stitches into a slipstitch on the third loop, and the shorter larger leaf. Chain 10 stitches into slipstitch into your last loop and onto the identical undulated fabric. Stitch fifteen chains into a slipstitch. Work the stitch into the tip of your larger leaf and chain four stitches to a slipstitch at the small base of your leaf. Chain ten stitches into another slipstitch and work to the following loop onto the identical undulated fabric of the leaves. Chain ten into a slipstitch and at the tip of your smaller leaf. Finish by recurring, your steps about the finish and until the slipstitch at the beginning base of the chain. Complete the remaining squares.

Now you can assemble your bridal collection. You will need to connect the blocks of squares by joining your three-lobe leaves into the cloth. Finish with ½ inches seam. Next, cut your bridal collection at the front and at the back of your collection. Cut the strips that do not fit if applicable.

How to Craft Porcelain Doll Aprons

2008-07-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Now that you have created patterns to make your porcelain doll dress, you may want to add an apron to enhance her fashion. Aprons are relatively simple to make. You will need material, including 6 inches of light colored plain-woven fabrics (Batiste) to make your apron. You will also need lace, about 3/8 inches with narrowed edges. In addition, you will need white DMC thread made of poly-cotton, embroidery white thread, fabric glue and spray, embroidery DMC thread (pink and green; 818-pink; 524-green) and studs for your apron. (OOO-Studs)

Now that you have your items, you can begin making your apron. You can either procure lace or else design your own edges. In this instance, we are going to make up edges, such as the scallop and ruffles.

You will need craft paper and pencil to draw your apron pattern. Once you have the pattern drawn, cut it out. Use your stabilizer spray, at the bottom untreated edges, spray about 2 inches, and allow it to dry. Press your rigid fabric. Now, begin sewing a fabric edging, i.e. an ornamental undulate edge in your fabric. (Scallop) You want to sew along the bottom untreated edges. Next, sew parallel with the distance across your skirt. Leave ½ inch or 1 inch opening at the right side of your “foot presser.” Avoid sewing overly close to the untreated edges.

TIP: If you use a sewing machine, use your settings to form the scallop method.

Next, use your fabric glue and run it the length of the outside edges of your pattern. Allow the glue to dry and then cut excessive fabric using craft scissors to fit. Cut another 15 inches lengthwise of your fabric and another 4 inches widthwise. You are now ready to start stitching your ruffles. Sew your embroidery scallop on after you finish the untreated edges, stitching the edges so that it zigzags. You want to stitch the seams at the back to the dot and to the hem. Gather your stitches, running them in a line and at the crown. To create the edge of your apron, cut any unwanted length.

Apron making is created in a few methods, which include cutting out the “shoulder straps” and the waistline per outline or pattern. You want to crisscross when stitching along the thin edges of the lace. Continue stitching to the middle edges at the back and bring the right edges collectively to open the apron at the back middle. Now you can fold the lace, press and add a couple of lines while collecting the stitches near the edges of the crown of your kilt. Gather and pull up the fitted kilt, collecting it to meet the waist and compare the middle front as well as the notch. Make sure the gathered area is even. Stitch collectively and brush the seams whilst using the crisscross method to complete your task.

Next, trim the shoulder ruffles in a straight line along the pattern to sew fabric edges. (Scallop) Now take your stitches, gather, and run a few lines along the curvatures of the edge of your shoulder ruffles. Between the notches on your shoulder scrap, place your completed edges and even them out as you sew the seam lines and the trim. Now, fold the straps along the folded line. Press your pattern and turn it so that it falls beneath the untreated edges. Next, sew hidden stitches beneath the strap, preparing the seams of your ruffles. The shoulder straps can now go on the waistband, which should compare to the notches. Before you complete your task, compare the shoulder straps to your doll to make sure it fits, and then complete your stitching.

How to Craft Hanging Baskets in Quilting

2008-07-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

The guide to learning how to craft hanging baskets rests in your ability to learn, listen, hear, and think while you create your design. However, some people find it difficult to learn crafting rules; therefore, in this article I will do my best to make the steps as simple as possible. I’ve designed the May hanging basket for your convenience. In addition, I have chosen this particular craft, since it is one of the easier ones to make. I believe keeping it simple can help you to grow in craft, and assist you when you are ready to take on complex crafts.

Before you can make your hanging basket, you will need to gather your supplies, materials, and outlines of your craft. The article is geared to help those creating the May basket complete their project. Therefore, if you are not familiar with supplies, tools, materials, etc, you will need to locate articles to direct you through the first steps. For those of you, who have read previous works, continue to craft your hanging basket. Briefly, we can go over the previous steps, such as tracing the handles of your basket before moving to your blocks.

The next step after you have cut your strips is to trace the handles of your basket. To start use your print fabric (off-white) and cut out your rectangles. You will need six to create the A rectangle, which should measure out to 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches once you finish cutting. You will fold, mark, and create the ending of your pattern up to 200%. Now you are ready to make the blocks to build your basket.

How to create blocks for your basket:
Use your darker shades of brown print and cut six narrow pieces at 1 x 22 inches. You want to break off the cut pieces however so that it is equivalent to ½ inch. This is your narrow pieces (Strips) that make up #1-C in your blocks. You will need 1 ½ x 8 ½ inches to make the B-building blocks, cut eighteen narrow pieces (Strips) to finish. Use your lighter shades of brown to create your B-block. (Sounds like we are in prison or something) The blocks are customary in craft language. You will need five narrow pieces of fabric, cutting out 1 ½ x 22 inches each. This will make up your #2 C-narrow pieces. To create your H-Borders cut two narrow pieces of your lighter brown fabric at 2 ½ x 29 ½ inches. Now, cut 2 ½ x 28 ½ inches of narrow pieces. The cuts will finish your #1 border along the side. Start the narrow pieces in your C-block.

Begin stitching the C-block, using the darker browns, stitching six so that it meets with the lighter shades of brown in your #2 narrow pieces, which should be around five at this point. That is, you should have around five blocks of lighter browns created.

Gather your tools. You will need a transparent ruler and a rotary cutter. I should’ve mentioned the tools, materials, etc; that you would need in this article, yet again, the information is outlined to finish the May basket. Using your ruler measure 1 ½ inch expansive, or width and cut 12 narrow pieces to make your C block. Use the two narrow pieces (C) to three narrow B pieces and create six blocks to finish the bottom of your basket. Use the darker brown fabric and cut six narrow pieces on your creation. You should have cut 1 x 13 inches to craft the handles.

Use your narrow pieces you cut to create your basket and put them on your ironing board, level to the board. Your pieces should be on the left side, facing down. Fold the pieces at the longer ends so that it meets in the middle. You want to press the fabric. DO NOT IRON. Rather press your material so that it will not expand.

You want to mark the Rectangle A. use a craft pin to do so. Mark the area so that it meets with your handles that you traced earlier. Mark the interior side of your handles with a craft pin along the edges. Use coordinated thread to sew the handles and use your blind stitching mechanisms to complete your task. At the bottom of your basket, you want to accomplish stitching a handle to your block. You are now ready to make your flowers.

How to Craft Doll Dresses

2008-07-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

Doll dresses are fun to make. First, however you must learn the rules for beginners to make quality designs. To start you will need to consider fabric. Some people like multi-colored clothing, however the clothes must harmonize to deliver quality dresses.

To make sure that you accomplish quality doll dresses, you will need the right equipment and tools. You will need a sewing machine, cleansers, universal needles, including stretch needles, pins, olfaa panel, and a rotary or gyratory cutter. You will also need hand-sew needles, dressmaker scissors, sewing scissors, fabric glue and pen, greaseproof paper for tracing, pencil, measuring tape, lace, ribbons, fasteners, elastic, paper scissors, etc.

Before you get started, you will need to clean your sewing machine. Use “Dust Away,” to spray your machine near the bobbin region. You will also need to clean the bar where the needles are installed, as well as the “tension” discs at the top. Once you clear the machine of dust, use a drop of oil.

Now you are prepared to make doll dresses. Before I forget, make sure you have thread, specifically DMC broder if you intend to make French dresses.

How to trim:
You can use the pin tuck method to trim your doll dress. You will need twin needles, and a foot that is designed for pin tucking. Set up your machine. The right needle should be clockwise while the left counterclockwise. At the “tension” discs, you should have the left needle threaded on the same side, and the right needle threaded on the right thread. To keep your dresses fresh, you can use starch to spray your dress prior to pin tucking.

How to pin tuck skirts:
When pin tucking skirts make sure you leave some space.

How to pin tuck sleeves and/or bodice:
Take a square of your fabric and pin tuck it. You can cut out the upper section of the dress and/or sleeves after. Keep in mind when you start pin tucking for sleeves and bodice, the fabric size is modified, or reduced.

If you are not familiar with pin tucks, you can tuck your doll dress. To tuck you merely consider the size and width of your garment. To start you press down, pressing the folded center. Along the fold and edge of your fabric, stitch the width precisely. As long as you stay consistent within your stitching lines, you will do fine. You should always start sewing at the grain after pulling a single thread.

After you complete your dress, or near the finish, you may want to consider bows, tassels, smock, or hand sewn objects. Hand embroidering is ideally used in finishing. Use a range of DMC embroidery to make finish your dress.

Smocking is the added finishing whereas you use patterns to complete your dress. Silk ribbons, satin single and double ribbons make up a great pinafore, or back dressing.

Tassels are easy to make, yet you will, need crochet threads and/or embroidery thread to complete your mission. You will also need cardboard in which you will need to cut out a part a length longer than your tassel. Use your thread, wound it around the cut part, and continue until you have achieved the thickness you desire. At one end of the part, use the same thread and channel it through the thickness. Next, tie the thread so that it knots and at the opposite end of your part, cut. Do not cut your thread. Now you are ready to make your tassel.

To finish, at the knotted region, convey your thread so that it meets with your tassel. Next, wound another part of thread about the finish of your tassel a few times. Knot the area so that it is taut. At the finish of your tassel, skid the thread in to fasten your finished work. If the finish necessitate cutting to make sure it is constant, do so now.

How to Craft Chimes

2008-07-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you could take old reddish-brown clay made of unglazed ceramics to make chimes? (Terra Cotta Pots)

The pots will make up a nice batch of chimes. To get started you will need up to ten ceramic pots. The diameter should be around 1 ¼ inch and up to 1 ¾ inches. You will need wood, 4 inches time’s six plates and varnish finish. You will need up to ten 5/8 inch grommet screws. Add up to ten rounds of beads made of wood and around 3/8 inches of spool, i.e. up to 30 pounds of anglers’ line. You will need wire up to 20 yardsticks, i.e. spools and a 7/8 inch grommet screw.

How to make chimes:
Now you are ready to make your chimes. On the wooden plates, add a coat of varnish, allow drying, and continuing a few times adding the varnish as needed. Use your grommet 5/8 screw, and screw it in by hand, screwing it into the plate. If you add, additional screws keep them an inch apart. Cut your line measuring lengthwise. Next, at each end feed the line through, and into the grommet screw. Work the line through until you reach the lower region of the vessel.

Once you finish the step, run another line measuring lengthwise through your beads of wood, and fasten so that it forms a dual bond. You can use adhesives to fasten the area if you feel the need to do so.

Take the other vessels you have available to create your chimes, threading them and regulate the measurement lengthwise as needed. You can now add the grommet 7/8 screws to hang your chimes. Fasten the screws at the middle of your crown plate. Use the wire outlined in this article to hang your chimes.

You are now finished with your chimes. To complete this article I will give you a few tips on crafting snakes to place beneath the lower areas of your door so that you can keep wind out during the cold months.

If you do not have a yard of fabric around your house, purchase a yard of strong textile weaves of fabric or corduroy. You will need thread that coordinates with your fabric. In addition, you will need stuffing, dry beans, and rice. Add some adhesives and felt, preferably red, white, and black.

Next, gather your fabric and trim up to 10 inches wide, and around 6-inches lengthwise. Measure your door before cutting, since you will need length wider than the bottom area of your door. Use two parts of the outer regions of your fabric, gather and hand or machine sew at least 3 sides and around 3/8 inches away from the edge of your fabric. You will need to leave a short region of your fabric available. On the right side of your fabric conceal your seams and add your filling, i.e. stuffing. Turn up your edges and then stitch them and choose additives to design your snake.

You can use glue, buttons, studs, etc to make your eyes if you choose to do so. As well, you can use your felt to make up the mouth, nose, and so on. Use the red felt to make the lips, tongue, etc, and the black to make up the surrounding features about the eyes, since as lids, or brows.

The snakes will make up a great warming gift also. You can craft a few to give to your friends, as well as keep a few around your home to keep it warm in the winter months.

How to Craft Rosettes

2008-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

How to design doll dress rosettes

To get started making a rosette, you will need to run a suture, sewing it so that it stitches to crisscross the length of the ribbon. Pull up until it starts to meets. After you bind the ends so that it materializes into a sphere, stitch the two ends together.

Note: The closer you sew your ends, the smaller your rosette will form and contrasting if you sew at a distance.

How to Gather your Ribbons
Gathered fabric is known as Shirr. If you intend to shirr ribbons, you will need to start by, using your hands, i.e. needle and thread and stitching a line along the edges of your ribbon and then pulling up to complete the process. You can also run a line of stitching at the center of your ribbon and then pull up the thread to bunch.

How to Shell your edges:
If you intend to add designs around the hems, sleeve edge and neck edges, you can use the shell methods. Instead of starting on the right side of your fabric, start on the opposite side and fold it onto the other side of the hem. At the folded section, stitch around three times pulling the needle so that it goes beneath the fabric. You should be on the right angle at this time, which you can continue by stitching back to the edges of your folded region. The shell design is completed once you pull your thread in tightly and re-stitch to create a tight fold. You can continue stitching until you have your desired pattern.

Doll rosettes and dresses are fun to make. If you haven’t already chosen your fabric to make your doll dress, skip this process. You cannot complete the process until you have designed your dress.

On the other hand, if you are ready to start making, yet another doll dress choose your fabric. You may enjoy mixing colors, patterns, etc, yet make sure that the fabric is put together coordinately. When you choose your pattern, it is wise to measure your doll first. You want to purchase fabric that will produce a dress, fitting to your dolls figure.

The size of the doll is the most important measurement you want to consider when choosing fabric. If you have a large doll, the smaller or medium patterns will work, providing you take the liberty to follow steps in stitching. When you choose your fabrics, also consider shoes, etc. The shoes designed for baby dolls, including the booties. If you have a reproductive doll, choose fashionable shoes. Once you select your shoes, pick socks that coordinate. You may also want to add a hat.

How to choose hats:
Hats include straw hats, bonnets, rush bonnets, hoop bonnets, and more. When choosing your hat work in coordination with your shoes, socks, fabric, etc. In addition to hats, you may want to consider belts for your doll.

How to choose belts:
Belts include the Red Sashes’, which are cotton belts that are a good match for Nahuala, Huipils, such as Todos Santos, etc. Multi-color belts include the stripes. Totonicapán belts are handlooms, which come in a variety of styles. Zunil is a hand crafted loom, which has many colorful bold designs, as well as figures.

In addition to hats, shoes, socks, belts, etc, you can also find matching purses, bags, jewelry, shawls, hammocks, bedspreads, and more. Matching furniture is also available, as well as dolls that mate with your own doll. Carrying clothes and toys are available online as well, which you may want to create a fancy station for your dolls platform.

How to Craft Bridal Collections

2008-07-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Perhaps someone in your family is planning a wedding. In this event, you are probably struggling to decide what type of gift the groom and bride would appreciate. Well, rest your mind and purchase a bit of finishing materials, such as small and large pillows, crochet thread, white fabric, matching thread, and some stuffing to craft a bridal present.

You can add some plants with three-lobe leaves (Trefoil), roses and so on to create a magnificent bridal gift.

What to buy:
Buy one 20-inch square pillow without the ruffles. Buy another 20-inch time’s 10-inch pillow without the ruffles also. You will need, thread (10) and 250 yards of white balls, as well as (10) crochet hook made of steel, and 45 inches wide of snow-colored fabrics. (Nine Yards) Add some snow-colored thread and purchase your filling. You are about to make 9 inch squares on a gauge to create six rose (or choice flower) motifs.

How to start:
Create eight chain stitches at the start and work them into a slipstitch. You will form a small band, which you will continue to create a chain stitch and around 24 single crochets forming at the bands and moving to the beginning single crochet. Create four chains, skip three singles, and create six times working to the following single crochet, creating a slipstitch that begins at the baseline of your starting chain. Create a single crochet, double, and three triples, along with another double, and single working it into your four chain loops and around your slipstitch created at the initial single. Hold your rose petals at the front, continue to chain five stitches into a single, and work back into the following single in between your petals. Repeat your steps around the slipstitch and continue to the first single and onto the six petals.

Create a single, double, and three triples as well as a single crochet into the five-chained loops created and about the slipstitch started at the first single. Stitch another seven chains, work it into a slipstitch in the middle of your stitches, and continue to the following petal. Chain seven stitches to the slipstitch following and move to the beginning two rose petals. Repeat your steps and work around your slipstitch, working to the beginning baseline of your chain.

Slipstitch again and work toward the middle of the stitches, working another seven chain loops into another seven and slipstitch it into the middle stitches, continue to the following seven chain loops and repeat the steps working around your slipstitch at the beginning base chain. Work up to seven single crochets into the seven chains loops and work around your slipstitch, working to the single you started.

Chain stitch and work into a single crochet, working it into the seven singles and the three chains, and into the slipstitch in your third chain away from your hook. You have created a decorative loop, which you will create twice by finishing the instructions. Single crochet until you reach the following fourteen singles and repeat working around the slipstitch you created at the first single.

Chain twenty stitches skip through seven singles and two decorative loops, six singles, and the slipstitch that works into your following single, skipping up to six times and slipstitch working to the initial single. Single crochet, working into the following stitches of your decorative loops and do this four times before you reach the single crochet in the following five stitches. Repeat the steps and work about the slipstitch, working to the first single. Tighten and then start your large leaf.

How to Craft Basket Flowers

2008-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

We have walked through the steps of creating the May basket, now it is time to craft your flowers. We have added handles, basket, etc, to your quilt, which at this time you should have created six blocks to make your basket.

How to create flowers:

We are quilting flowers. On the left side of your fabric, you will have invented pink squares. You can trace your pattern to start your project. Trace at least one flower (Choice), use your outside solid lines, and repeat your steps to create the foliage, or leaves. Use the variety of green patterns and use the yellow narrow pieces to create the center of your flower.

You can design roses if you like. Use a variety of greens, red, pink, white, etc, if you intend to create roses and petals. Along the lines, you have marked, cut the fabric strips sewn onto your fabric, the shaped patterns that form your design, cutting only near the lines. Use freezer paper and turn it over so that you reveal the side that does not have a shine. You want to create a starting line for the six centers of your flowers, and the flowers also. Once you mark the 12 parts, mark the leaves (12), marking them inside the dash lines. Now you are ready to cut your shapes.

You will need an iron and board. Use your hot press, or iron to press the flowers on your paper, pressing in the middle of your flowers on the left side and in the middle. You want the glossy paper turned in the direction of your fabric flower at this point. Do the same with the center of the flowers and foliage.

Next, collect your yellow filament/thread and tone it with the center of your flower. If the colors do not match, try another shade of yellow. Run lines of stitches into your cloth, which encloses the ring of the freezer paper. You want to congregate your material around this ring, so pull your filament up at the end. Now, tie your thread, press the ring, and use your starch bottle, spraying the region. Do the same for the center of your flowers.

Next, use your variety of green filaments that match your leaves and collect the allowances at the seam. (1/4 inch) Collect around the foliage and streamlines of stitches along your fabric, about the enclosed region of your ring that is designed on the freezer paper. You want to collect your textile about the ring. Pull your filament/thread up at the finish and tie it, pressing the ring. Again, spray with starch.

When you congregate your allowances at the flower seams, snip the inner points of the flower corolla/petals where the flower collectively forms a ring. You will need to collect your thread that matches the color of your petals, such as pink. Just as you collected the edges of your leaves, do the same for your corollas. Once you finish running stitch lines in your fabric, which you have enclosed freezer paper about the ring, you will need to gather your material about the ring. Next, pull your strands of thread up at the finish. Next, bind your filament and then press the ring. Press, and spray the region with fabric starch. Now seam your allowances, i.e. snip the central points of the leaves, flower center, etc where the flower collectively forms a ring. Press and starch to complete your crafting task:

Now you are ready to assemble the top of your quilt. After you assemble, you can move to finish your craft.

How to Safe Keep Scrapbooks and Crafts

2008-04-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

Scrap booking is designed to keep families connected, recall past events, and to clear up clutter. Since 1998, millions of dollars were spent on materials to make scrapbooks. Since scrapbooks are popular, stores across the world are opening up shops. At the shops, you will find materials to make crafts, including scrapbooks. In addition, you can purchase affordable materials at Dollar Stores.

How to gather materials:
You will need scotch tape, flour paste, rubber cement/, rubber stamps, and more to start creating your scrapbooks. For now, we can cover the basics and move onto deeper content to create your mementos. The information is basics, which you can consider when you start your craft project, i.e. scrapbook. Before you move into the project however, you will need safe keep tips to protect your papers and photos.

How to gather vitals:
Genealogy is part of the process of making scrapbooks. You will find genealogy sites online, or write to the “Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing” Offices in Washington D.C. Federal records are available as well, which you can write to the US Department of Commerce and the Bureau of Census to obtain copies.

Making the origins for scrapbook:
Victorian scrapbooks are common, since the original copies were likely started in this era. At this time people would decoupage, i.e., the people would use artistic skills to decorate shells by dressing patterns, or cutouts and then placing covers over them, using glaze. The ancient methods are used today.

TIP: Laminators are machines that glaze scrapbooks made today, which you can likely get good results using the equipment. You can purchase affordable laminators in various stores, or online.

How to Safe Keep Scrapbooks and Materials
Today craft companies are making safer tools to invent scrapbooks. Today you can purchase rubber stamps and paper crafting materials, rather than products made of lignin. Lignin is best used when creating archives. Otherwise, the material breaks down into an acidic compound as the years pass. If you want shapes, you can also purchase oval croppers. The croppers will assist you in cutting out oval shaped photos and paper.

To get started with a scrapbook you will need materials that protect your photos and/or papers. Remember the lignin is not suited for scrapbook making. Scrapbooks need a stamp of endorsement.

How stamp your scrapbook:
Remember you wan to avoid acid-based materials to make up your scrapbook, since acid will damage your photos, papers, etc. When searching for rubber stamps look for the products that has on its label, “OK,” or “CK.” Craft companies and manufactures promote these products since they are safe to use in scrap booking.

How to store your scrapbooks:
Once you create your scrapbook you will need to keep it safe. You want to keep your scrapbook away from moist areas. Dampness will cause distortion. Anyway, including your self-viewing your scrapbooks should wash their hands first.

If you intend to insert newspaper clippings in your scrapbook be advised that the materials are commonly made up of acid-based compounds. If you kids are viewing your pages, and leave fingerprints, use mist, window cleaners, and a paper towel to wipe down your book. Scrapbooks experts recommend that you wear “cotton gloves,” when viewing your photos.

Only handle the photos at the corners, since skin pigmentations submit oils that can damage photos. Humidity can damage photos also, as well as coldness. Try to keep your room temperature where you store your scrapbook around 75 degrees. In addition, store your scrapbook in dark regions to avoid damage caused from sunbeam exposure.

Protecting your photos and papers before you create a scrapbook is essential. Always store your papers and photos in a storage box.

How to Measure your Doll for Craft

2008-04-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

If you intend to design a doll dress, you will need to measure your doll. To start you will need to measure the doll from the crown and down to the toes. If you have a baby doll, you will need to measure the chest region. Usually, the dolls have wider chests. The leg measurements should include the internal and external areas, especially if you are designing trousers.

If you are creating a bodice, you want to measure the doll, starting at the center front, and at the baseline of the neck. Continue measure to the waistline. If you are creating yokes you want to start measuring the front center and to the equidistant of the armholes from the back of the neck.

How to design longer dresses:
You may have a doll that requires a longer dress at the waistline. Use your measuring tape lengthening it so that it meets with the bodice region where the armholes meet the body region between the ribs and the hips.

How to design wrist and shoulders:
You can add additional length to dolls with bent arms. Merely use your measuring tape and begin measuring at the elbow. Measure the sleeve length also.

How to design skirts:
If you intend to design a skirt measure the doll, starting at the waistline and continuing to the hips. Make room for hemming. When measuring your pattern always verify the length with the body of your doll. If the skirt does not fit properly, you can add insertions, using lace to create sides or edges farther apart. Use your inclusion lace, begin stitching panels of your tucked region, and insert into the lace. If you are stitching yoke fashions, party dress, christen, etc, use your fabric length to its entirety. You can hem the skirt also. If the right angle does not require hemming, you can hand sew. You can use the edges of your lace to stretch the length to the desired measure. If you are stitching, the round skirts use your inclusion lace and stitch along the edges while turning up the smaller area of your fabric. Pull up your yarn at the top of the lace until the hem is fitted.

How to measure shorts, trousers, underwear, etc.
To measure trousers, shorts and under garments start at the area where the legs join with the body (Crotch) and continue up to the front center.

How to adjust underwear:
If the dolls panties are tight, slash the side downward and add to your pattern.

Sometimes sewers must adjust their patterns so that the doll dress fits. To adjust patterns you will need to shape the fabric so that it matches your dolls figure. If you are adjusting baby doll dresses leave space, since the chest region is often broader.

How to lengthen patterns for bodice:
When you need to lengthen the fabric to fit your bodice, verify the areas before you start lengthening. For instance, if the waistline demands added space review the area to match a fit.

How to design sleeves:
If you need a full opening, add breadth, as well as altitude. Starting at the top of your pattern, shape your sleeves by slashing downward and working to the edge, while spreading your design to the preferred pattern.

If you need to adjust the sleeves, start by slashing downward toward the center sleeve and continue. You will need paper to stack the sleeve parts. Starting at the center, measure the desired length and opening, measuring the area side by side. Make sure that your top opening is consistent with the edge of your sleeves. Now add your altitude.

How to Knot Stitch and More

2008-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

When you start a knot stitch, you will need to avoid knot stitch the first square. Instead, start in the first row, chain stitching one time and single crocheting in the identical stitch. Draw up you loop to ¾ inches and Yarn over Yo through your loop on the crochet hook.

Next, intersperse your hook so that it is beneath your single back strand, Yarn over Yo and pull it through, Yarn over YO again and pull it through both your loops at the hook twice, and skip two stitches, single crochet in the following stitch, and repeat your steps across and to the finish, and turn. Complete your knot stitch on the second row. Chain stitch five in the first double crochet and another two chains in the next single across the middle knot of your starting loop. Chain two stitches, a single crochet in the middle knot of your following loop, continuing across, to the finish and chain two stitches a double crochet in the beginning chain of your preceding row. Repeat the steps outlined in the first row to complete your pattern.

NOTE: Chain stitching is sometimes called “Yarn over Yo.” SO when we mention Yarn over, begin chain stitches. From here on out however, I will refer to Yarn over as chain stitching.

One of the popular methods used in crocheting Afghans is the popcorn stitch. The stitch works your favorable number of stitches into the following stitch. Once you complete the steps pull up your loop into the following cluster stitch, and then drop the loop away from your crochet hook. Intersperse your hook into the beginning cluster stitch, and continue by plummeting, a loop, and drawing from side to side to the loop, completing your step with constricting.

How to puff stitch:
Experts in crocheting use the puff stitch to create patterns in completing the Afghan. To start keep your loops on your crochet hook and chain stitch followed by interspersing your hook in the identical stitch. Draw your loop up a few times and chain stitch through the nine loops on your crochet hook. Once you complete your steps move to the shell stitch.

How to shell:
You will need multiples of six, plus one to create a base. In the first row single, crochet into the second chain away from your crochet hook. Skip two chain stitches and five double crochet into the following chain, skip two more chains and single crochet the following chain stitch. Repeat your steps across, and then turn.

Moving to row, two add three chain stitches for your starting double crochet in the first stitch. Skip two double crochets and use the single crochet method to complete the following double. Skip two doubles, and work five doubles in the following single crochet, repeat the steps working across, and to the finish, working three doubles in the final single, skip your turning chain and turn. In row three-chain one stitch in the start stitch, skip two doubles, and work five doubles along the following double, skip two doubles and work a single into the following double. Repeat your steps across and to the finish adding a single in your turning chain stitch, and then turn. You have now completed your pattern.

Once you learn how to knot stitch, popcorn, puff, shell, you may want to learn how to V-stitch, zigzag lozenge stitch, sample square, border, and finally assemble your Afghan. The V-stitch is simple, so let’s get the step out of the way and move onto zigzag lozenge stitching.

How to V-stitch:
Skip your first stitch and two doubles, chain one, double two in your following stitch and repeat your steps across.

How to Finish the Sample Square in Craft

2008-04-25T00:06:00.001-07:00

To finish steps eight through 18, you will need to learn the steps one through seven. We encourage you to visit your local library to take out books to help you finish crafting an Afghan. In the meantime, I will walk you through steps eight and 18 so that you can move onto your borders in crafting your Afghan to complete your pattern.

How to sample square:
Now that you have gathered your materials, such as alpaca gray wools, etc, you can move to step eight. In row eight you will combine pale, blue-gray with medium gray, light gray, etc, from the materials you purchased, such as the worsted-mohair, and cotton. Once you gather your dark, and pale, blue-gray yarn use the diagonal spike stitch to work toward the following stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat the steps across, and to the finish working a double crochet into your previous stitch, turn, and then close tightly. In short, you perform the same steps as you would in the previous row.

Now you can move to row nine. In this row gather your medium grays and use the diagonal spike stitch to work in the direction of the following stitch. Skip one stitch, reiterate the steps, starting across, and to the finish working two double crochets into your previous double, turn, and then close tightly.

In row, ten add your pale, blue-gray and start the zigzag lozenge stitch. (In row one on the left side chain two stitches to join the initial half-double crochet, and half double into the following stitch. Skip one stitch, half double, chain one stitch into the following stitch and repeat the steps continuing to the previous two stitches, skip one stitch, work two half doubles into the previous stitch and turn. *Continue the zigzag steps as followed:

*In the second row, take up again the zigzag on the right side. Chain three stitches to finalize the beginning double crochet. Double crochet the first stitch and chain one time, and double crochet three clusters in the following space. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working through the final space, adding one chain, two double crochets in clusters and at the crown of your turning chain, and then turn.

Moving to row three, chain stitch twice for your first half double. Skip the starting stitch and half double, one chain, and another half double followed by space and repeat your steps across, and to the finish, completing with a half double in your crown section of the turning chain, and then turn.

Row 4 you will chain stitch three times for your first double, skip the initial stitch and cluster three doubles in the following space. Chain another stitch across, and to the final, working a double crochet into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn: Moving to row, five add two chain stitches to the first half double. Half double another stitch into the first stitch, half-double, first chain, half double, and into the following space. Repeat your steps across, and to the finish working two, half doubles into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Complete your steps by repeating the second through five rows.

You have completed the zigzag lozenge stitching steps. Now you can move to the sample squares, which sums up eighteen rows. Once you complete the steps, you can move onto the borders, and finally finishing your Afghan. Once you finish however, you will need to edge the pattern to finally finishing your Afghan.

Continue to row eleven and combine your medium shades of gray, performing the zigzag lozenge stitch. Do the same in the 12th row. In the thirteenth row combine your medium grays, work the puff stitch, double crochet, working across, and then close tightly. Combine your lighter shades of gray in row fifteen and perform the zigzag, ending with the double crochet into the previous stitch, and then close tightly. Row 16: combine the medium shades of gray and perform the zigzag lozenge, finishing with a tight close. Row 17: Combine the pale, blue-gray yarn and stitch three chains into the first double, add three doubles into the following stitch, skip two stitches, and work across the three doubles to the finish, working into the double crochet at the last stitch. In row eighteen, chain two stitches to combine the half-double crochet. Half double crochet into the stitches across your pattern, and then close tightly.

How to Cut your Craft in Quilting

2008-04-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

When you start your quilt, you will need patterns, such as rectangles, squares, cut strips, and so on. Once you gather your patterns, you will need cutting tips to complete your quilt.

Cutting the strips:
When you begin to cut your strips, you will need to align your fabric, mark, etc. Use a ruler to decide the width and start cutting once you reach your desired dimensions. For instance, if you want to create a 2-inch strip, locate the mark on your ruler and place the area side by side of your edges that square.

Once you finish cut the strips. You will need a rotary cutter to complete your mission. Your layers figures are based on the strips you cut. You can also mark and then cut your strips so that you have separate squares. You perform the same actions when making rectangles. Squares are also cut in the same fashion. However, you will need to create two squares per cut.

You will need two rectangles also per cut, since the fabric is thick. For instance, if you were to cut 3 ½ inches of fabric strips x 44 inches, you will need to cut 6 ½ inches x 3 ½ x 6 ½ inches to form your rectangles.

When you start to cut your triangles, start at a 45-degree angle. Cut the squares succeeding to cut the squares slantwise, or diagonally and in half. When cutting your triangles, keep in mind that the longer sides require seams that allow room to finish. You need about a 2-inch finish line per triangle, or side. On three sides however of your triangle, you will need to leave a width of 2 ½ inches to complete your task.

If you are not use to measuring materials, purchase a transparent, heavy-duty ruler and create templates to use as your guide.

Use your templates, aligning it on the material, and lay it in line down the edges at the three sides and use your ruler in a straight line and over your template. Once you have your template in position, you can start cutting across the width to meet your template.

Once you have cut your patterns, you will need to organize and then cut your pieces. Once you cut, your pieces try to organize them so that they do not get lost. You can categorize the pieces and stack them neatly in a desired area near your sewing station.

After you organize your pieces, you want to learn how to press properly. You will need to iron your fabric to prepare it, yet you want to learn pressing techniques, rather than strict ironing. You merely press and lift, relocate, press, release, and relocate, repeating the same cycle to press your fabric.

You will need to press your fabric as you move through the stitching stage also. You will also need to press the allowances at the seams. Head in the same direction at what time you are pressing the seams. To make your fabric durable and sturdier, press the seams to one of your sides.

Learn more about pressing, and irons to complete your quilt. Pressing is important. Once you have your patterns together, pressing down, etc, you can move onto piercing a perfect quilt.

Of course, if you are not in the mood for hand piercing, you can pick up a few tips in stitching seams and allowances, as well as appliqué. Appliqué is the process of fabric pieces sewn onto fabric, sewing shaped parts of fabric onto an underpinning to form a pattern or design.

How to Craft the Pieced Wall hangers

2008-04-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Wall hangers make nice gifts. In addition, wall hangers make a nice decoration for your home. The flowerpots, which are pieced by hand, make fancy decorations or gifts as well. In view of the fact, we can start designing a wall hanger together.

Let’s get started:
Now understand that we are not talking about making something that will hang on your wall, rather we are speaking of a quilt. The notion behind the wall hangers is to assist beginners, since it is one of the easiest in the craft business to create.

To get started you will need one yard of fabric, i.e. green print. Add another ½ yard to tan fabric print, and another 1/3 yard of blue and yellow, ¼ peach, and ½-rust. You need at least 128 x 36 inches of pieces of fabric that coordinate. This will make up your background. Purchase another traditional-weight piece of batting in the same dimension as the background material. Add 4 yards of coordinated quilt binding fabric, and gather all-purpose thread to complete your task.

Throughout the process, you will need rotary cutters, scissors, needles, thread, thimble, pins, pincushion, and so on. The cutters will assist you with cutting ¼-inch seam allowances throughout your quilting experience. If you do not cut the ¼ as advised, your quilt will come out uneven.

Now that you have gathered your tools, it is time to start assembling the top of your quilt. Before we get started however, let’s require the pieces you purchased.

The fabric green print colors are your upper and lower borders. You should have the amount of two when you get started and you will need to re-size your inches to 2 ½ x 19 ½. You will need to of your prints for the border sides, which equals two, and the size of 2 ½ x 27 ½ inches. You can start making squares or building blocks to prepare to stitch your quilt. Use your green print as the D square and mark the amount of 36, and the inches in size at 1 ½ x 1 ½. Next, move to your tan print. You want to make the tan amount to eight, and have five blocks, or pieces. The tan should go as follow: “A-Strip, B-piece, C-strip, D-square, E-square, and F-strip.” Now the A block amounts to eight, and has inches in size at 1 ½ x 4 ½. The B block should amount to eight also, and measure to 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches. The C block should amount to 28 and measure to 1 ½ x 2 ½ inches. D amounts to 52 and measures at 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches; E is eight counts and 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches. Finish your final block and should amount to 12 and measure at 1 ½ and 3 ½ inches. Now you have your blue print, which is the C-strip and amounts to 26, measuring at 1 ½ x 2 ½ inches. The C-strip for the blue print is important, since you will use eight of the blues as borders for your quilt, and the remaining amount to create your blocks. The blue has a D-square at 12 and measures to 1 1/2 x 1 ½ inches. Now you have your yellow and peach prints left. The yellow is C-strip, D-square, and the last four is the cornerstones. C has a value of eighteen, and measures at 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches, while the D has a value of 12 and measures at 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches. Moving along the F in Peach Print Strips has the amount value of four and dimensions of 1 ½ x 3 ½ inches.

How to Craft the Petticoat

2008-04-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Making an undercoat for Camille is easy providing you follow a few simple steps and have your materials gathered. You will need lace edge, fabric, thread, and the ability to sew. To start you begin French stitching the seams and gather the seams at the shoulder so that it meets the front and back section of the bodice. Press after you cut the seams that overlap the armholes. Next cut 10-mm and about 2/5 inches of the thin edges of your lace, cutting it into dual nine ½-inch lengths. One length should be cut around 12 inches lengthwise.

Crisscross your stitches and add 12 inches of length to your lace at the inner region of the untreated edges of your collar. Sew the right side collectively and crisscross, stitching the lace to join with your fabric so that it meets the collar. Perform the same actions to finish around the armholes. Press the middle of the back at the fold lines until it forms a facing at the back. Stitch in a straight line down the length of your row without stitching the lace near the crown face.

The side seams should connect. Next, use fabric glue to attach the free thread at the seams of your armhole. Press the upper sections of the dress and cut your insertion lace about 2 ½ yards. Spray craft starch to the area and press. Use your inclusion lace, placing it ¼ inch onto the surface stitching row at the skirt bottom. Now, stitch a straight line so that it joins with the crown of your lace. Press the lace away from the left side of your fabric. Cross-stitch the over crown of your lace without touching the fabric, stitching only into the lace. Cut left over and press. Cut 2 ¼ yards of inclusion lace, starch and then press before placing it over a stitch line from the base line of your inclusion. First, create an outer stitch line and then press, and stitch another row, press. On the left side, cut your fabric down at the center of your stitch rows. Press your fabric on each end so that it does not touch the lace.

Cross-stitch the base line of your lace. Press, and stitch a couple of lines while collecting your stitches near the waistline. The side seams should connect, as well as the back region. Now you can pin your skirt so that it attaches to the both rights of your bodice. Starting at the middle rear, pin the yokes back and fold your seams permitting the rear back and back room.

The bodice should fit your fabric. Pull it up, collect evenly, and continue to stitch to fitting. Cut the seams and check your zigzags for evenness. Before adding, the edges of your lace to the inclusion make sure that the garment fits your doll. Test it by trying it on her.

Now trim 3 4/5 yards of the ¾-inch edges of your lace. Starch, press, and pull the thread to the crown and at the end and edges of your lace. Collect the lace, gathering it at the bottom and bundle it so that it connects to the inclusion lace. Finish with a crisscross stitch. Next, complete the edges at the rear seams. Thread the fabric and lace so that it marks your pattern, and pressing once, you make the inclusion even with your stitches. Now you can create buttonholes.

You will need to mark the area where you want to add buttons. Use fabric glue along the buttonholes and pin. Now you can stitch your buttons.

How to Craft the May Wall hanging Baskets

2008-04-24T23:45:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like the fresh smell of spring when the flowers start to bloom, and the trees grow its natural colors. The only thing that can truly set off the natural beauty of spring is the fabulous May wall hanging baskets. I hope that you have some idea how to craft, since having a basic knowledge will help you move along smoothly. Otherwise, let’s hope you can follow directions if you intend to make your own basket.

To get started you will need materials. The materials should include 1/3 yard of fabric print, such as the beige, fawn, manila, camel, or other off-white shade. The material is used to create your back settings; as well, as add tone to a few of your blocks you will build to complete your basket.

You will need ½ yard of fabric print, such as the lighter shades of brown. The brown will help you create a beautiful outer border as well as make squares for your basket. Purchase ¾ yards of fabric print, such as the “medium brown.” The brown is used to create your handles and basket. Buy 1/3 yard of fabric print, such as the green to complete your sashing duties. You will need 35 x 30 inches of “Low-loft” pieces of fabric as well for batting. Buy 1/3 yard of “floral print.” Make sure the background is offset with white, which will help you bind and create your internal borders. Purchase 123 x 3 inches of scrap. Purchase a variety of greens to create your foliage, or leaves. You will need 64 x 4 inches of scrap to create flowers. You may prefer pink. You will need 62 x 2 inches of yellow assorted square fabrics to create the centers of your flowers. The backdrop is set off with coordinated fabrics, which you need 35 x 30 inches of pieces to complete.

Your quilt will have a finishing size at 33 x 28 inches, and the blocks will have a finishing size of 8 x 10 inches. You should purchase 6-strands of embroidery cotton floss. The shades are optional; however, since the quilt you are creating as flower knots designed in French, you may want to consider the dark and light pinks. Your thread should be the all-purpose, which include the colors light brown, green, pink, and yellow. Purchase 12 x 36 inches of freezer paper, specifically the waxed paper. You will need 2 yards of satin ribbons (Yellow) to create your bows. The satin should be around ½ inches widthwise, which the bows once finished will strap to your handles on the basket.

How to trace your handles:
Now you are ready to trace the handles of your basket. Use your off shades of white fabrics, (off white) and cut out your, A-Rectangle. You will need six, and measuring at 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches. Once you have your rectangles cut out, you will need to fold them in half and then press. Pressing will mark the core of your quilt. The fold you create is your mark. Once you fold the material in half, open, and draw your post handle lines. At the end of your task you want to expand your prefigure 200%. Now you are ready to trace your copies. On each of your rectangles created, begin tracing. The copies are your guide to cut and create your handles.

Once you finish the project you will move onto create the blocks for your basket. The process is eight easy steps and you will have finished your block building steps in how to craft the May wall hanging basket.

How to Craft the May Wall hanging Baskets

2008-04-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

How to Craft the Lap Blossom Quilts

2008-04-24T23:44:00.001-07:00

You are going to make a finishing quilt measuring 36 x 51 inch with the finishing 8 x 13 inch block. You will need sewing materials to complete your mission.

What materials to purchase: ¼ yard of fabric. (Greens; at least eight different shades) The green fabric will make your foliage. Purchase ¾ yards of background fabric. Creamy colors or your choice of colors: If you want the blossom lap however, choose the creams. Buy ½ yard of floral in a variety of colors and shades. The material will be used to create your external borders. Buy ¼ yard of pink fabrics. Purchase up to eight or nine shade variety. The materials are needed to make your blossoms, or flowers. Purchase scraps of yellow assorted prints. You will use these scraps to make the center flowers. You will need 1/3 yard fabric, shaded yellow to finish your internal borders. Purchase 40 x 55 inches (I yard) of part fabrics that match to create your background. You will need 1 yard of 40 x 55 inches to create your inner area, therefore purchase the measure of low-loft batting. Purchase six yards of binding material, preferably green and some all-purpose filaments/thread to coordinate with your green, yellow, pink, creamy colors, etc.

Purchase a transparent craft ruler, rotary cutter, scissors, needles, etc so that you have all your materials together to complete your blossom.

Once you purchase your materials, start trimming your parts. You will need to snip narrow pieces of your material to create borders. The material will make up your sashing as well. Your floral fabric is needed to create two A-Borders at 3 ½ x 45 ½ inches, as well as two B-Borders at 3 ½ x 36 ½ inches. Use your yellow fabric to create C and D borders. You will need two each, which the C will measure at 1 ½ x 43 ½ inch, and the D at 1 ½ x 28 ½ inches. The creamy colors are used in sashing E and F. E should value 12 at 1 ½ x 13 ½ inches, and the F should value at four, 1 ½ x 28 ½ inches.

Use the guide and trim the cream fabric creating G, cutting eight small squares per block valuing 72 and sizing at 1 ½ x 1 ½ inch. You will need 36 H blocks at 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches large per foursquare blocks. Use your pinks to make eighteen I-blocks at 3 ½ x 3 ½ inches over squares to make two counts per block. Make your J-blocks as you did the I-blocks, using the same measures. Create K-block using your pink fabric cutting 36 narrow pieces to form four strips per block at 1 ½ x 3 ½ inches. Cut L-block in the same method as you did the K block.

Use your yellow print and cut M-block. You will need four blocks per center equally 72 and the pieces should be 1 ½ x 1 ½ inch. Next, use the creams to form N and Q block. N should have a value of nine and bands per block at 1 ½ x 8 ½ inches. The Q block should have units, i.e. 18 parts and two units per block. Measurements should be 2 7/8x2-7/8. Cut your green prints. Form O-block using the amount of 27 to craft #1 green block, cutting three for each block at 2 7/8 x 2 7/8. Do the same for your P-block.

Now you are ready to start crafting your blossom quilt to keep your lap warm.

How to Craft the Evening News Afghan

2008-04-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

The “Evening News” Afghan is created in several ways, yet many are shades of semi-gray, light gray and mohair blends. Mohair is wool made of soft, silk and comes from the Angora goat. To start your Afghan you will need your finish, which should be around 47 inches by 70 inches. Next, you will need material.

How to choose material:
You will need smooth, wool cloth, which is closely woven without a nap, and made from tight twisted yarn. The wool should be made up of long-fibers of wool, which you can obtain from worsted cloth. Buy the cotton wool and 16 ounces of semi-gray shades. Buy another batch of heavy worsted mohair blends and 11 ounces of light colors of ash, i.e. gray. You will need 28 ounces of darker gray, preferably the sport-weight wool from alpaca. The wool is made from shaggy, long hairs of alpaca and can be a glossy cloth made of wool, cotton, rayon, etc. Use the wool, and purchase another sport-weight batch of machine washable wool. You will need 11 ounces of medium shades of gray. You will need 18 ounces of sport-weight dark gray wool and 14 ounces of “pearl gray.” Purchase another 4 ounces of gray worsted-wool (Weighty) and finally purchase a crochet E hook. The square gauge weight is 7 ½ inches, which you can match the hook.

How to get started:
To start use pattern stitches along with your yarn to create 54, 7 ½ inch squares. Start by working your borders of single crochet stitches on the squares before beginning to assemble your Afghan. You want the same square size heading in the same course. Now, we can do this a couple of ways, yet to save time it is best to learn a few tips on texture, color, bobble, chain, Chevron, etc.

Tips:
Texture is achieved with stitches that work in the loops at the front or back. If you work your texture in this way only, you can make ridges easily. To achieve an uneven texture you can work the front and the back loops.

Color tip:
To start work a double crochet, triple, and/or a double triple using light shades of yarn. Row the yarn about the post at the front of your stitch and work darker shades of yarn to achieve a masterpiece. If you want to create a cheerful wavy pattern, use dark and pale shades and shape your pattern with a flow of tiny gentle waves and/or the V-shaped Chevron stitches.

How to start bobbling
To get started bobbling, keep the most recent loop of your stitches at the hook, and you are your stitches to a favorable level of the stitches into your following stitch. Next, perform the “Yarn over Yo,” crochet and bring it through each of your loops on your crochet hook. The steps will take you to the last stitch, which completes bobbling.

How to Chevron stitch:
Chevron stitches can be achieved in two rows. You will need a base, which adding two is ideal. In the first row skip two chains and double crochet into your following chain and double crochet each of the following three chains. Finish with three double crochets in the following three chains and the next three double crochets in your following chain. Repeat by working across and ending with another two double crochets in the ending chain, and then turn. In the second row, chain stitch three double crochets in the beginning stitch and another double in all of the following three stitches, followed by three collections over the following three stitches. Double crochet in all of your following stitches, double stitch another three in the following stitch, and repeat. Work across, and at the finish adding two double crochets at the top of your turning chain stitch, and turn again. Repeat the steps using row two as your guide to fashion your pattern. Learn more about the “Evening News” Afghan to complete your project.

Collect and Play: Have Fun With a Toy Hobby

2008-04-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Some adults never seem to grow up. They seem to retain their childlike wonder at the world around them. These are the adults who have started a toy hobby. Kids like to hang around with these adults because they seem more like kids. Sometimes having a child or a grandchild can spark an interest in toys. Be that as it may, a toy hobby will keep a person young at heart.

Many women love dolls and never outgrow them. Some prefer baby dolls, some fashion dolls, and still others go for antique or decorative dolls. Often an interest in dolls will spill over into a craft interest, as the doll lover begins to craft clothing and accessories for favorite dolls. Sometimes the hobbyist becomes skilled at crafting the dolls themselves. Some types of dolls that are often hand-crafted are rag dolls and cloth bodied dolls with ceramic heads. It is not uncommon to find older women who have an entire room of their homes filled with special dolls on display.

Older men, on the other hand, (and sometimes women, too) often like cars and trucks. Antique metal cars are hot collectibles, with some older ones being quite valuable. Matchbox cars have always been loved, but so have the large Tonka dumptruck, road grader, and bulldozer. You can bet the grandkids will want to play with your trucks and cars.

A toy hobby that is extremely popular is collecting Beanie Babies. These small velour animals, made by the Ty company, each have a personality all its own. You can find Beanie Babies in every type of animal you can think of. A similar hobby is collecting teddy bears. There are many Beanie Baby teddy bears, but a teddy bear collector will probably want to branch out to collect other types of bears. In fact, many bear collectors have figurines and other items collected in addition to their teddy bears.

Wooden toys are popular among adults, both to craft and to collect. There is something quaint and pleasant about a child playing with a handcrafted wooden toy. Wooden toys make attractive home accents wherever they get dropped, which is not something you can say about the latest plastic gizmo. People who like country decorating often prefer wooden toys for their kids.

You don't have to outgrow toys! A toy hobby will keep you young at heart and make you a favorite among the kids in your neighborhood. Whether you collect toys or craft them, a toy hobby is something you can play around with!

Craft Idea for a Group: Make a Mural

2008-04-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Most craft ideas are geared to individuals, whether kids or adults. Sometimes you'd like to have a craft idea that works for a group of kids working together. Making a mural together is an idea that works for a group. By working together, you are creating something to decorate a shared area. Individual crafts can be displayed, but one unique item is often more effective than a group of items that are almost identical. In addition, sometimes kids' crafts, like it or not, just become clutter when they are taken home, and it isn't long before Mom throws it out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone's home.

The basic materials for a kids' group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side. Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements. You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make hand prints (or even foot prints!) on the paper. You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on. They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens. They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!

For making the mural, choose a topic that relates to the group in some way. If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping. If you've been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme. If you want a really messy project that makes a cute mural for fall, mix up finger paint in fall colors. The children can each make a tree by first laying their forearm in brown paint. Then they lay their arm on the paper to make the trunk of the tree. They should spread out their fingers so their arm print has five short branches at the top. To make the leaves, the children make fingerprints all around the top of the tree using paints in other fall colors. If you add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to finger paint when mixing it up, it will be easier to clean off the children's arms. Do make sure they have old clothes or smocks for this craft idea.

Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down. Glue sticks are neat to use with small children. They will paste some of the pictures upside down. Expect it and do not scold them. It is the process that is important in this craft idea. The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural, too. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn't slide around while the children work.

An elaborate form of this craft idea that adults often make is a quilt around a theme. Each person in the group creates a quilt square to represent some aspect of what the group stands for. These quilt squares can be colored with fabric pens or crafted of patchwork or applique. Again, the craft idea is to build group solidarity and not to highlight one artist's skills over another. When the quilt top is completed, it can be a group project to tie it or quilt it. It can be hung in a special central location or given to an appreciated leader or member.

Hot Weather Fun: Summer Crafts for Kids

2008-04-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

When boredom looms and the weather's hot, get everyone involved in summer crafts for kids. Kids are always excited to be free from the school routine when they are let out for summer break, but it isn't long until they start wondering what to do. Summer crafts for kids will keep them occupied and maybe even teach them a thing or two.

In summer, crafts for kids can involve found objects, like seed pods, grasses, and similar objects. Let kids create nature collection collages by gluing these items to a stiff piece of cardboard. Help them spray paint some of the findings with silver or gold paint. Alternatively, they might like to glue glitter to some of the findings. Perhaps they would also enjoy collecting wild flower seed heads and creating dried flower arrangements. Arrange the bouquet in a homemade vase.

A vase for summer bouquets, fresh or dried, is another craft that naturally fits into the summer crafts for kids category. A simple vase can be made from a tin can. Soup cans work particularly well because they are smooth on the outside and rather narrow. Be sure to file off any sharp spurs on the inside opening. Start the work of art by cutting a piece of construction paper or other colored paper to fit around the sides of the can. This will be glued to the outside of the can, but first it needs to be decorated.

The vase cover can be decorated in many ways. The child can draw a summer scene on the paper and then decorate it with glued on glitter or small stickers of summer things. Another idea is for the child to write their name in large letters, and glue beans, seeds, or glitter to the letters. Let all glue dry before attaching the paper to the outside of the can. Add water and fresh flowers or leave dry for dry flowers.

You can also use the can for a trinket container or a place to put pens, pencils, and markers. To make them real summer crafts for kids, glue grass seed heads and found seed pods to the paper in a decorative way.

Jar vases make good summer crafts for kids, too. Canning jars make particularly cute vases, but any cast off mayonnaise, pickle, or other jar, even plastic ones, can work, too. To make a jar into a vase it first needs to be sparkling clean. Kids love getting wet in the summer, so let them roll up their sleeves (or put on a bathing suit!) and have fun splashing at the sink while "washing dishes." When the jar is clean and dry, tie an attractive ribbon around the opening. If desired, decorate the outside of the jar with glued on beads and buttons.

Summer crafts for kids will provide some cute decorations around the home and keep the kids from being bored. This summer, crafts for kids should be at the top of every parent's To Do list!

Creative Handicraft: Potholder from Scrap Fabrics

2008-04-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

If you need a gift for a special person, or just need some time to unwind, make a creative handicraft. Crafting is therapeutic when you are feeling stressed, and it also can yield a useful or decorative item. Everyone has some measure of creativity, and with modern kits and patterns, a creative handicraft does not have to end in frustration.

If you have a sewing machine, you can learn to make a creative handicraft that will be a useful and welcome gift. Potholders are a great beginning sewing project that can be made from scrap material or unwanted clothing and a bit of double-fold bias tape. Here are the simple instructions for this creative handicraft.

First cut two 8-inch (21 cm.) squares of fabric to be the front and back of the potholder. Choose coordinating fabrics that match your kitchen for these pieces. To make it easier, you can make an 8-inch square pattern from a piece of cardboard to use as a pattern. Cut more 8-inch squares of any old fabric to stack for the filling. You want the stack of fabric squares to be thick enough to protect you from a hot pot, but thin enough to be flexible and able to be sewn through.

Stack all layers so that the outer layers are facing to the outside and the filler layers are inside. You can put a couple of large straight pins through all layers to keep them together. Now sew right across the middle of the stack. Sew across the middle again, perpendicular to the first stitching. You will have divided the square into 4 squares. Sew across the stack again from corner to corner, and again from the other corner to corner. The layers should be joined and sturdy now.

To bind off the raw edges of your creative handicraft, trim with scissors so that all the layers are again even at the edges. Open out one folded edge of the bias tape. The wider bias tape might seem to be easier to use, but the narrow type makes a neater finished product. Starting at one corner, line up the edges of the tape with the edges of the potholder, and start stitching through all layers along the first fold line, which will be about 1/4 inch from the edge. Stitch neatly and slowly, attaching the opened tape all around the edge until you reach the beginning corner. Cut the bias tape off, leaving 3 inches, (7 cm.) to make into a hanging loop.

Fold the bias tape over the raw edge so that the middle fold lines up with the outside of the potholder and the other fold is hiding the raw edge of the bias tape. Now, for best results, hand sew the binding down, forming a loop on your creative handicraft when you get to the end.

This potholder is just one example of a creative handicraft you can create if you have a sewing machine. When it is finished, you will have a useful item made from all recycled materials. Feel free to give this creative handicraft away or keep it for yourself.

Paper Crafts: Scrapbook and Greeting Card Basics

2008-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Paper crafts are a popular pastime right now. Scrapbooking is a fun way to display pictures and chronicle family history. Other paper crafts include making greeting cards and even making hand made papers.

When getting started at paper crafts, it is easy to spend a lot of money! Go easy at first until you know what sort of paper craft products you are likely to use. For instance, you may find that you love using stickers in scrapbooks, but rarely use your rubber stamps. If this is the case, you would be better off spending more on stickers and less on rubber stamps for your paper crafts.

Almost everyone has at least some of their photographs stored somewhere in a shoe box. Scrapbooks are a great way to get those photos out where people can enjoy them. You will need a loose leaf binder, some plastic page protectors, and some colored cardstock for starters. Many paper crafts experts insist on only archival quality materials. Check the labels as you buy. Most paper products, even the cheaper ones, are labeled "acid-free," which means that it shouldn't fade or otherwise deteriorate if stored for a long time. Sunlight will bleach almost anything, but your paper crafts should not be out in the sunlight very often.

To start a scrapbook you have several options. You can select photos that all relate to one event, such as a trip or a child's participation in sports. This type of scrapbook will be short, but can be designed around a theme. This is a good choice if your photos are not in a jumble. If they are, then you may wish to choose 3 or 4 photos around a general theme, and change the theme for each page. You may want to include some 2 page spreads in your scrapbook.

Attach your photos to the cardstock with double-sided tape squares or a gluestick. Then it's time to decorate the page with stickers, paper shapes, or rubber stamped designs. In addition, you can use a colored gel pen to write dates, names, and other highlights about the activities in the pictures.

Other items are available in paper crafts stores. These includes die cuts, which are pieces of paper already cut into shapes and objects. There are also special scissors that cut paper with an interesting edge. A pair of the type called "deckle" scissors is very useful for making elegant looking scrapbook pages, greeting cards, and other paper crafts. If you also have an old pair of pinking shears that are too dull to cut fabric, you can use those for cutting out shapes and photos.

Many paper crafts enthusiasts begin with scrapbooking, but then branch out to making their own greeting cards. Greeting cards may or may not have an original poem written on the inside. A simple "Happy Birthday," "Get Well Soon," or even just "Hi!" is enough to brighten someone's day, so don't worry about not being a good enough writer to make your own greeting cards. Rubber stamps often make beautiful greeting cards. You can even attach small ribbons, beads, and other items to hand made cards. A handmade card is sure to please anyone, whether they are interested in paper crafts or not.

Cute Wooden Handicraft: Make a String of Hearts

2008-04-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves heart-shaped decorations. This cute wooden handicraft can be hung over a doorway or as part of a wall display. Paint the hearts red, pink, and white, and you will have a decoration for Valentines' Day. Paint them red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue to display love for America. You can leave it plain for a natural look. The string of hearts wooden handicraft fits well with country style furnishings.

To make the string of hearts, you will need 5 wooden heart cut-outs approximately three inches wide, a drill with an eighth inch bit and a quarter inch bit, a small amount of raffia, two yards of 1 -1/2 inch wide soft ribbon, two large wooden beads, and acrylic paints in the colors you want. The ribbon and the beads should match the color sceme you desire. Plaid ribbons are particularly effective. The string of hearts has five hearts side by side tied together with small raffia bows. The first and last hearts have the wide ribbon strung through a hole on each side and a bead strung on the ribbon. The ribbon is knotted at the very ends, making a loop of ribbon on each end which can fit over a nail for hanging.

The first step in making the wooden handicraft is to drill a small hole on each side of the hearts. The two outside holes are made with the quarter inch bit, and the other holes are made with the 1/8 inch bit. Now paint the hearts with the acrylic paint in the colors you desire. Acrylic paints are the small bottles of craft paint that are sold in 2-ounce bottles in a wide variety of colors. They can sometimes be purchased very inexpensively. Tempera paint will work if you can't get acrylic paints. Another idea is to spray paint them, especially if you want to use a metallic color.

When the paint is dry, tie the hearts together with the raffia. To do this, cut four 10-inch lengths of raffia. Thread the raffia down into one hole and up through the hole on the next heart so that they lay side by side. The raffia should be tied in a neat bow on the top of the arrangement. Do the same between the rest of the hearts so that all the small raffia bows are on top. Trim the raffia ends if necessary.

Through each of the outside holes, thread one of the ribbons. Pull the ribbon through until the ends are even. Thread the large bead over both ends and slip it up close to the heart. Trim the ends of the ribbon decoratively and knot them. Repeat the process on the other side to complete the wooden handicraft. Now hang the string of hearts wherever desired for a cheerful decoration. A wooden handicraft like this makes a nice gift for someone special.

Bust Boredom with Kid Crafts

2008-04-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard those familiar words, "I'm bored," coming from the mouth of your child? If so, then kid crafts are the answer. Provide the kids with craft materials and boredom will be a thing of the past. Read on for ideas about kid crafts.

Kid crafts essential materials include paper, crayons, safe scissors, and glue. Paper for kid crafts can include construction paper, plain typing paper, cardstock of various colors, and many other options. Even junk mail and old magazines can make interesting art projects. Crayons are nice for younger children, but the stores are now filled with other options, such as washable dry-erase markers, watercolor pencils, and gel pens. Kid crafts supplies can run into money, but even on a budget there are many possibilities.

Other materials kids can craft with include recycled junk and found objects. By recycled junk, I'm referring to empty cereal boxes, toothpaste boxes, cardboard from packaging, plastic containers, and even tin cans. If you let kids craft with tin cans, however, you need to make sure the open edge of the can doesn't have any sharp edges. Simply file these off or squeeze them flat with a pair of pliers.

Found objects include leaves, twigs, rocks, snakeskins, and other natural item a child might find. Perhaps there is a sheep farm nearby. If so, wool scraps can often be found stuck to the barbed wire fences. Any or all of these items can be used in kid crafts.

One of the most fun and popular kid crafts is making a collage. Kids can glue anything down when making a collage. Use heavy paper for the background, and then let the creativity begin! For an extra challenge, a collage can be built around a theme, like food, animals, or babies. Old magazines can be searched for just the right pictures, which can be cut out and glued to the background. The older child might wish to cut out details from magazine pictures and reassemble them in new and interesting ways. They might cut out interesting words and headlines and add them as well.

Younger kid crafts can include collages made of glued down pasta, beans, popsicle sticks, leaves, and many other materials. Don't forget about glitter, too. If the budget allows only a few kid crafts splurges, remember that kids of all ages, particularly girls, really enjoy crafting artwork that includes glitter. But whether your kids are boys or girls, young or older, suggest some kid crafts the next time your kids are bored!

Holiday Crafts: Thanksgiving Decorations Kids Can Make

2008-04-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! What a spiritual renewal to take a day to reflect over the past year about just how good God has been to you and your family, to give you harvest and shelter, health and hope. To get the most out of this joyous occasion, make some holiday crafts with your children. These days, Thanksgiving often gets squeezed out by Hallowe'en's spooky decorations and the lights and gala of Christmas. With the following holiday crafts, your home can be decorated for this quieter but important celebration.

Turkeys are a natural choice for decorations. A familiar project at this time of year is for a child to trace around her hand and make the resulting drawing into a turkey. The thumb is the head and the fingers are the tail feathers all displayed. While many of the turkeys that are raised for food are now the domestic white variety, the turkeys eaten by the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving were the wild brown ones. The tail feathers on a wild turkey are brown, but they are iridescent. catching light and appearing to be multi-colored. This is why children color the tail feathers in bright colors.

The turkey's head has a wattle under the beak. This is a vertical flap of loose skin that is red colored. Be sure to draw this in order to make the hand turkey look like a turkey. Add skinny legs and bird feet. When done, the children can cut out the turkeys and hang them on the wall. It's really cute to make a whole flock of these turkeys in the sizes of all the hands in the family. The little hand shapes are particularly sweet.

Another nice turkey decoration to make when making Thanksgiving holiday crafts is a turkey door decoration. Make a brown construction paper body and head of a turkey. Now make a large number of colored feather shapes. Each family member writes on a feather something he or she is thankful for before attaching as part of the turkey's tail. Repeat until all the feathers are used, and hang the turkey on the front door to greet visitors with a message of gratitude. Make a sign to accompany the turkey that says "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!" or simply "Be thankful!" or "We're thankful for you!" or whatever you like.

Children love making construction paper chains. To further decorate the house for Thanksgiving, let them make a paper chain in fall colors as one of their holiday crafts. Using 9 by 12 inch construction paper, cut the paper in half across the long side and cut the halves into one inch thick six inch long strips. Use a stapler to attach the ends of the strip into a circle. Loop the next strip into the circle and staple it. Continue the process alternating colors of brown, red, yellow, and orange. When the chains are long, you can drap them along the ceiling or stair rail. If you don't make the door turkey, the children can write something they're thankful for on each strip of paper before adding it to the chain.

Thanksgiving is too nice a holiday to let the other more commercial holidays crowd it out. By making holiday crafts to decorate the home for Thanksgiving, you can keep this day special, too. The extended family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., will be pleased to see the holiday crafts the young ones have made to decorate the house and make it cheerful for their visit.

Grandma Craft Tips

2008-01-18T02:29:00.000-08:00

How to understand crochet basics

To get started we can begin with crochet abbreviations to help you relate to the process. Crochet experts use the terms beg (Beginning) bet (Between), bk lp (Back loop) ch (chain), ch-(previous chain), cont (Continue), dc (double crochet), dec (decreasing), dtr (double/triple crochet), ft lp (Front loop), hdc (half-double crochet), inc (Increasing), lp (loops), and so on.

Those who crochet must learn how to handle the hook, work jointly, chain stitch, slip knot, and crochet a single row.

How to hook:
To hold your hook you would start with a pencil. The hook may have a resting finger, which you can locate your thumbs to gain control.

How to work in union:
Once you have a hold on your hook, weave the thread/yarn so that your, left fingers have control, and can be used to apply pressure. Once you begin your project (Work), you want to use your thumb and the center left finger to press the stitches.

How to slip knot:
You want to form a shape-like pretzel by looping your yarn about, allow the loose ends to drop, fallen behind your loop. Pull the ends of your yarn without pulling too tight.

How to chain stitch:
On your hook position a slipknot and use your hands, i.e. center left finger and the thumb to hold the yarn in place. Wrap your yarn first up and then over your hook starting at the back and moving to the front. You will need to familiarize your self with this procedure, since it is a basic crocheting technique known as “Yarn over Yo.”

Now pull the yearn using your hook bringing it through the lp (loop). When you yarn over Yo and combine it with lp, it forms a ch. (Chain)

Continue until you have the acceptable chain and continue motion on even strokes and until the stitches that form a chain and each stitch (st(s) are even. Near your work area, hold your chain and continue twisting whilst avoiding counting the loops on your hook.

How to crochet a single line:
Beneath your crown loops insert your hook at the second chain away from your hook and begin Yarn over Yo crocheting. You should continue to stitch between the two loops. Continue the yarn over process and pull your yarn through the chain to it meets two loops on your hook. Continue the Yo process again and pull the yarn through the other two loops.

Once you complete your hook, work, slipknots, chain stitch, single line, etc, you will need to learn how to double crochet, half-double, triple; slip stitch, back loop, popcorn stitch, etc. Behind the steps is the process of working back loops, chain space, stitches between, and about the post.

How to double stitch:
To double crochet you will need to perform the yarn over Yo steps and then insert your hook into the third chain away from the Yo and hook. Next, pull your yarn so that it goes through your chain and three loops at the hook. Continue the Yarn over steps and pull the yarn through the next two loops. Again, continue the Yarn over and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops.

How to half double:
Conduct the yarn over steps and insert your hook so that it goes into the second chain away from your hook. Yarn over and string your yarn through the third loops.

How to triple crochet:
Yarn over a couple of times and insert your hook so that it goes into the fourth chain away from the hook. Yarn over and stretch your yarn through the chain and the fourth loop at your hook. Yarn over, stretch the yarn through the second loops at the hook, and finish your three time steps.

I hope this guidance help you finish your craft

Here is the guidance how to make Afghan

2008-01-18T02:26:00.000-08:00

You will need a 40 inch by 60-inch material to finish your Afghan. Once you have the finish you can start building your materials.

How to choose materials:

It’s up to you what type of Afghan you want to create, however in this article I will show you a few steps in my the “Ivy League.” You want to select deep, vivid colors. Ultimately, you can select soft fabrics. You will need wool, preferably the heavy-duty. Purchase 45 ounces of aqua, red, etc, in a variety of colors. Choose 22 ounces of red, light green; dark greens, forest green, etc, and blue. Choose 28 ounces of red and navy blue in a variety of colors. You will need to purchase a hook, preferably the “K” crocheting hook. The gauge is around 6 ½ squares, which you can purchase a hook that matches this gauge also.

How to square:
Use a variety of colored yarns in succession per square. If you want to shift colors, it is best to avoid chain stitching at the end of your lines. Start turning your work until you connect with the colors, chain stitch I row and work your line in accordance.

To chain stitch, start with placing one slip knot over your crochet hook. Your hands should be prepared to work, which includes the thumb and middle left finger. Hold the yarn at the end and then wrap up and again over your crochet hook. You should be crocheting at the front of the back and to the front. Learn more about “Yarn over Yo.”

When you start you, Afghan you will need to square, row, row, border, assembly, border, etc. When you start squares, create 54 squares on a chain two stitch. Move to row. To row one work, you will need three single crochets in your second chain stitch and away from your hook on another single chain turn.

Move to your second row. Work two single crochets in your first single crochet and move to the following single crochet and the second, single crochet in the last single. Continue with five stitches and chain another single turn.

In your third row work two single crochets in your first single, continue singles within the following three singles, adding two more singles to your last single, and then chain another turn.

Moving to the fourth row, work two singles in your first single and then single crochet an even row to the last single. Work another two singles to the last and chain one turn.

Next row, repeat by adding four rows and after you reach rows eleven up to twenty-three begin your stitches across the material.

Continuing, create a loop in all of your first two singles. Use the “Yarn over Yo” method and move through all three of your loops on the crochet hook, which brings you to one single crochet and the decreasing phase. Next, single crochet two even stitches to decrease your last two singles and churn one turn. Repeat the steps on the twelve rows, yet only stitch three single crochet remains.

On your last row create a loop in each of your preceding three singles and start the “Yarn over Yo” method to continue through each loops on your crochet hook and then close.

Now you will start border rounds. Gather your greens, blue, and reds with a slipstitch in your corners. Do another three singles in the corner and another single to the following corner making sure the singles are even. Repeat the steps from about, and slip stitch toward the first single crochet.

On your second and third rounds, slip stitch toward the middle stitch of your corner, and repeat the round once, and close after your finish the third round.

Now you are ready to assemble. You should have a six square Afghan created, which is wide and has another 9 squares lengthwise. You want to oversew stitch (Whipstitch) the square togs and run ALL crosswise stripes so that they move in the same course. Now, border another round. Gather your yarn with another slipknot at the corner, and single crochet three in the corner, single crocheting another in the following corner, while making sure it is even. Repeat, stitching around and slip knot to reach the first single. Round two includes the slipknot to the middle single crochet of your corner, repeat round one, and close.

Tips How To Save Money On Craft Show Supplies

2008-01-14T01:21:00.000-08:00

By: Natalie Goyette

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: Craft Shows

Tips How to Make The Perfect Craft

2008-01-14T00:54:00.000-08:00

By: Doug

Making crafts are a wonderful way to spend a day at home. Leisure activities such as ping pong, board games and making crafts are different activities to do in your home. Painting, coloring, writing, making music, and making crafts are all creative activities. The process of making art and the process of making crafts are related but different.

There are many ideas and for making crafts for the table, wall, or door, plus lots of different tree ornaments you can do when you think about it. Coming up with Christmas craft project ideas can be difficult, to find ideas look at some craft magazines. There are many ways to come up with craft ideas, try using everyday products around the home or use recycled materials to create your crafts. You will also find lots of ideas for making crafts using household items. There are plenty of summer craft ideas for all ages if you think about it. The internet is a great place to get ideas for cards or scrapbooks. Stamping and needlework are easy to learn and there are many ideas for patterns. When on a budget, add accessories to your crafts or bedazzle them. Kids love Halloween crafts, children always have fun making crafts, especially holiday-themed crafts.

Handmade crafts and scrap booking are very enjoyable and popular pastimes for adults and children. There are loads of scrap booking layout ideas for you to try out. Buying discount scrap booking supplies can save you a lot of money. Scrap booking is an activity which is growing in popularity. Scrap booking, cross stitch, patchwork and needlework kits are easy to find the stores or on the internet.

When making crafts learn to have fun with it. Kids have fun drawing, painting, making crafts. This origami craft is fun to play with and educational at the same time. You can make crafts without creating a huge mess. Include your children when creating crafts you could have a lot of fun making crafts with your kids out of the things you throw away every day. Easter is a fun holiday and the Internet has many fun things for families to make crafts with. Children will have fun making crafts and exploring their creative side. Join the fun of making crafts, reading stories, cooking, gym play, and tumbling during these four-week sessions. Join in with the family and enjoy fun activities such as holiday crafts and games, this is one way of brining the family together. There are so many ideas that we cannot mention all of them but one which is easy to do is to create fun items just to spice up a lonely shelf or tabletop. Find fun activities to do together, such as making crafts, writing a story, or acting out a musical. Crafts can be a fun creative outlet for kids and adults.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

David Marc Fishman is the owner of tipsquad.com. Tipsquad is a new tip website which gives advice on many different subjects

Tips: Maximize Your Craft Show by Mixing Crafts

2008-01-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

By: Natalie Goyette

Here are 4 ways you can mix the crafts in your craft show booth and add a little variety to your business:

1.) Open a seasonal booth – People spend millions every year on seasonal items. If you can provide a stocking cap for the winter, or Halloween or Christmas items, then you are going to find real success. If you enjoy making festive items, the sky is the limit – you can make items for the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mother's Day – whatever you want!

The beauty of being seasonal is that you aren't bound by the same cookie cutter sort of crafts that some crafters make for their booths. Your creativity and your supplies are the only things holding you back. If you come up with an idea that is craft-related, then you can take it and run with it.

2.) Mix similar items together – You can have a variety of different sized crafts, or they can be different colors, or maybe there are slight design differences in each of the crafts. All in all, you are adding a little variety to your craft show booth, but still sticking with the general idea of your crafts.

3.) Mix items that work together – If you have crocheted a hat, maybe you would also include scarves and mittens in your craft show booth as well. That's the idea of making crafts that will work together. Like hand towels and a wooden towel rack, or reusable grocery bags and then a bag holder – you can come up with so many different ideas of crafts that work together. Put them together in a craft show booth and you might have a recipe for multiple sales!

4.) Open a theme booth – How about "Crafts for Kids," or, "Kitchen Crafts" – this is another way you can add a little bit a variety to your craft show booth. Once you decide to open a theme booth, you can just about create any craft you want that is going to fit into the booth's new theme.

You don't always have to make the same crafts for the craft shows you attend. For many crafters, that might get a little monotonous and take some of the fun out of making and selling your crafts for a profit. Having the opportunity to challenge yourself creatively might just be the spark you need to help boost the sales in your craft show booth.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: Craft Shows

Tips: Pin Collecting

2008-01-13T23:49:00.000-08:00

When most people think of pin, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to pin than just the basics.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Pins are available in many motifs and themes. Some of the most collectible themes are Disney characters, sports teams, and Hard Rock Cafe. The first rule of pin collecting is to specialize. If you like the San Diego Padres baseball team, for instance, you can start pin collecting with souvenir pins that celebrate this team.

Many pins are centered around modern entertainments, but many pin collecting enthusiasts collect campaign pins from election campaigns. Buttons are a similar item and are collected by many of the same people who do pin collecting. Pins created to advertise businesses and services are also very collectible. To display pins you have several options. When you wear a jacket with lapels, you can wear a few of your favorite small pins.

Many pin collectors wear a few on the front of a cowboy hat. Tote bags, purses, and fanny packs are another place where some pins can be displayed. A bulletin board, perhaps covered with a plain piece of fabric, like dark blue velvet, makes a nice backdrop for a pin collection. The pins can either be pinned into the cork of the bulletin board through the velvet or attached to the velvet first.

Another way to display and store pins is in a notebook. Either punch holes in the side so they fit into a looseleaf binder, or slip the pages into page protectors after attaching the pins to the pages. The type of looseleaf binder that zips closed is the best to use for pin collecting. Future scratching can be avoided by using page protectors in notebook collections. Pin collecting is a very popular hobby. You can find groups of likeminded people with which to trade pins, making pin collecting a hobby that helps people make friends.

Knowing enough about pin to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about pin, you should have nothing to worry about.

Crafting Success, Hobby Cards & Craft Supplier Launch Website

2008-01-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

London, United Kingdom (ContentDesk) March 10, 2006 --car_logo_square.jpgCards and Craft is proud to announce the launch of an innovative new hobby craft website. Encompassing an online shop selling a wide range of charms, appliqué, beads, buttons, ribbons, bows and papers plus a separate craft news portal with crafting news, features, product demonstrations, how-tos and craft advice; Cards and Craft aims to appeal to hobbyists interested in the ever growing creative craft and card making sector.Making cards and paper crafting is the fastest growing hobby in the UK, says Claire Perry, Managing Director of Cards and Craft. I want to show people how simple it can be to create stunning, creative designs of their own. With our project guides and range of unusual and hard to find craft supplies we want people to be inspired.Cards and Craft are also exhibiting for the first time at the HobbyCrafts fair at the NEC, Birmingham from the 30th March to 2nd April and looks to capitalise by increasing awareness of the brand and loyalty in its existing customer baseHobbyCrafts at the NEC is one of the biggest craft shows in the UK, says Claire Perry Well be exhibiting alongside some of the biggest names in the craft supplier industry though aim to offer exciting new craft products that people havent seen before.Cards and Craft online shop can be found at cardsandcraft.co.uk and the craft news portal at news.cardsandcraft.co.uk.About Cards and CraftClaire Perry worked as a Production Manager in film & television for 10 years and co-runs film-tv.co.uk, a website for people working in film and television. With this previous experience in online ventures, Claire Perry had the idea for a new online craft website selling unusual embellishments, charms and craft supplies.

Central to the website is the craft news portal offering advice, craft project guides, demonstrations and craft RSS-XML feeds.The Cards and Craft website was designed by Mark Byart, New Media Director at Ouno..

Jewelry Craft

2007-11-21T23:54:00.001-08:00

Tiffany’s is a multi-million dollar industry business, but you will also find that there are precious metals and jewels that you can wear with pride. The Jewelry that you can make will be something that you can get passionate about and all you need is just the right tools and supplies to help you get started.

When it comes to making the best investment for making jewelry, you will find that it is the jewelry kit. This kit will help you to make some marvelous pieces and give you plenty of confidence. The best investment you can make if you want to begin making your own jewelry is a kit. Kits will include the tools you need to get started, like a needle-nosed pliers and clasps. You will find that there are chains and necklaces or even bracelets or earrings to help you make some wonderful pieces.

You’ll also need chains for necklaces and bracelets, backings for earrings, posts to create anything that dangles, and supplies to link it all together. Beads are made from a variety of things, such as metal, glass, clay, plastic, and even wood. You can make your own beads too, if you enjoy working with polymer clay. When shopping for beads, look for a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors so that you can make a number of different designs with your jewelry.

Using a magnifying glass probably won’t work well, since you’ll need both hands to work on the jewelry, but you can by magnifiers on headsets that you can move in and out of your line of vision as you need it, or you can use standing magnifiers to work on your projects. The magnifying tools will help you to stay and keep yourself from loosing all the fun in making the jewelry. It will allow you to lose the frustrations. These magnifying tools will help your eyes stay strong and keep you from becoming too frustrated.

If you are working on making beautiful jewelry, you will want to use a flat surface so that you can keep the beads from rolling around.

Craft

2007-11-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Paint happens to be a craft supply that no crafter could ever be without. You will find that you can buy the paint at local craft store and you will begin to get familiar with the brands and colors of paints. You will also learn the difference in paints and be able to shop efficiently.

The most popular kind of paint happens to be watercolor.. Watercolors are great because they can create a soft look if you use a lot of water or a very sharp, heavy look if you use very little water. You may be able to use this type of paint for all sorts of projects, but you will find that you can waste all your paints trying to make it even in coating or thick in coating. Tempera paint, which is commonly sold with children’s craft kits and is used in school frequently, is basically very thick water colors, so use it as you would watercolor paints.

Acrylic paints happen to be something that is very common to use among crafters. You will find that these paints are not something for children to use, but children can use them. When acrylic paint dries, it becomes a plastic, so you can use acrylics for outdoor projects as well as for indoor projects. This type of paint is thicker than tempera pain, but it cleans up easily with water. However, make sure that you clean your brushes and any spills before the acrylic paint dries—afterwards, the plastic-y remains are permanent.

Oil paints are used a lot in the market. If you purchase oil paints, remember that you’ll need to get special cleaning tools and liquids as well, and don’t use them around children.

There happen to be a variety of paints that you can use and purchase that will help you to do large projects and even special projects. You will find that there are edible paints for cakes or cookies and then there are fabric paints that will help you to decorate or design clothing. You will need the primaries plus black and white paint to help you make every color. Mixing colors can be a fun aspect of painting.

Kids and Crafts

2007-11-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

The people who work with children on a regularly basis is able to find great benefit form the world of crafts. You will find that crafting will help children to show some creativity and be able to show off some skills. You don’t even have to be crafty to enjoy making things with your children.

It can be impossible to find a craft that you can work your way into more difficult techniques, but the most important part of crafts is something that you will be able to enjoy with your children.

When we were children, one of the most basic craft projects we learned to do is coloring with crayons and markers. This is something great to do with children because you can find many educational coloring book pages. Instead of just having simple construction paper pictures on your fridge, you may want to think about encouraging your child to do more complex projects. Grandparents love getting birthday cards featuring drawings from their grandchildren!

You will want to research some fun projects for you to teach your children about the importance of recycling and how they can use recycling to make beauty objects. Use newspaper, for example, to do paper mache projects and create candles out of old crayons. It is important that you do projects that are safe for children. You will want to keep in mind that your child is till developing mentally and physically. Learn what chemicals to avoid and check labels. Make sure to watch younger children very carefully, as even non-toxic substances can be harmful if they get into a child’s eyes and, in any case, can be difficult to remove from carpets and walls!

If you really do not like doing crafts, you may want to change your mind for the sake of the children. If you notice that your child is taking a real interest in art and crafts you may want to get them enrolled in classes so that they can enhance their skills and embrace that aspect of their world.

Tips : Hunting for Craft Projects

2007-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

You will also find that there are people who devote their lives to a particular craft. You will want to make sure that you show off your craft ability by finding new projects that are challenging. You will find hat there are tons of craft ideas to help you get by and you can be into some quick and simple projects. Things like quilting, rubber stamping, or using clay to help you may projects are just some of the thing that you can go to make the craft projects simple and affordable.

You will first want to go online to find some of the craft ideas that you need to get motivated. Basically, a blog is an online column that is updated rather frequently by the same author. Blogs usually have a specific topic, so by searching for ones about crafting, you can find updated ideas almost every day.

You can subscribe to a general craft magazine or one that is more specialized to your specific wants and needs. Good news—if you run a business by selling your crafts, trade magazines are tax deductible! Of course, you’ll have to wait a month for a new issue, but crafting magazines still reflect current trends, like blogs and articles do no the Internet.

Books are a great starting place. If you’re short on cash, you can even simply borrow them from your local library. You can purchase or borrow crafting books on every subject, and they are great to use in conjunction with magazines or even a crafting class.

It doesn’t matter what your craft is, you will be able to find plenty of project ideas and you will also be able to walk through your local supplies store and allow your creativity to guide you.

Etching

2007-11-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

You will find that etching glass can be one of the most special crafts that you can do. You will find that you can make some of the most beautiful objects by using etching as a technique. You will find that this craft is not hard either. Even beginners will learn how to etch quickly.

Like any other project, you will find that your first step will be Find an etching cream that is relatively inexpensive for your first try at this technique, and practice on glass that is easily thrown away before you sit down to etch your windows or favorite wine glass set. You may need to get a pair of gloves and even a facemask, depending on what the etching cream says that you need. Etching cream can be very harmful for you body if not used with care. For this reason alone, etching is not a good craft to do with your children.

You will of course need to get a piece of glass to etch.. Hand mirrors work well and are inexpensive. You can also try etching glasses, jars, windows, picture frames, and any other type of glass. You will want to clean and dry all of the glass pieces that you plan to use for your etching.

Clip art works well, or you can find etching kits that have stencils ready for you to use. Use carbon paper to trace your stencil onto contact paper—white paper works best. You will want to use a utility knife to cut out your design from the contact paper or you may even use a pair of small scissors. When you cut out the design, leave at least an inch or two of paper around it to make application easier. Stick the contact paper to the glass, making sure that all the edges are firmly stuck down, and then follow your etching cream’s directions to apply a thick coat of the cream with a foam brush or paper towel.

Once you have applied the cream you will want to allow it to set for a specific period of time.

Sticky Situations

2007-11-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

For those who are use to being crafty and for those who know that there are more to crafts than just gluing, you will want to check out the market. You will find that each brand has it’s own job and you will be able to get exactly what you want. Do you know that there are some stores that have aisles devoted to just glue? It’s true, you will find that the glue that you choose can make or break your crafts in the end. It can be very hard for someone to choose the type of glue that they would like or need.

When it comes to the traditional white glue, you will find that it is great for kids to work with. You will find that ever teacher has some and there are million and one things that you can do with this type of glue. You will find that white glue is also called school glue, since it usually is easy to clean up and it is often very inexpensive. You will find that it is perfect for construction paper and glittery.

You may have also heard of something called super glue. This is another common household glue that most people will keep on hand, however, you will find that it is mostly in the garage or basement. You will find that it can be expensive, but it provides a good hold to some things. You will find that that it’s history began in the military, but then became something that everyone could use. You will want to use super glue when you would like to glue awkward things together. You will want to also keep in mind that it is very toxic and that you will want to make sure that you wash up quickly if you get it on your fingers so that they do not stick together.

Tacky glue is basically thick white glue, but it has a much better capacity to hold things together and it is usually waterproof, so you can use it with outdoor crafts. A little bit of tacky glue goes a long way, but it is not very expensive, so you can use it on most of your craft projects. You will find that tacky glue is the white glue for adults. You can use it in conjunction with hot glue to create a very strong hold.

You will also find that acid free glue is much like super glue in price; very expensive.. However, it is irreplaceable if you are working with photographs over papers. Over time, the acid in regular glue will cause papers to yellow or pictures to discolor. Using this type of glue will help you to avoid discoloration.

If you have ever heard of repositioning glue, you will notice that it is fairly new to the market. You will find that it is something that it has a bond stronger than that of a sticky note, but it is good for any type of project where you have play in mind. There are things like t-shirts and scrapbooks, but also you will be able to do any project that you would like. You will find that you have a right to choose your glue, but you will also want to make sure that the glue that you choose will be strong enough to get the job down and down correctly.

Polymer Clay Craft

2007-11-14T22:23:00.001-08:00

Do you like to mold things into shapes, figures, and other things? Clay is something that you can use to make any sculpture that you would like, but you may want to try polymer clay, since it is a great substitution for commercial clay. This type of clay will require you to bake at a very low temperature. You will find that polymer clay is something that you can find in bold and bright colors, but it is also easily found at most craft stores and it can be very easy to work with.

You can use many tools to help you shape polymer clay when you’re making crafts. There are plenty of household items that you can use to help you to make your craft, but many people find that there hands and fingers are the best tools to use for clay. Toothpicks and paper clips are great to start, and you can also check out some other supplies for interesting patterns that can easily be impressed into the clay. In the kitchen, consider using a rolling pin to smooth out the clay. You don’t want to cross contaminate. This means that you can’t use a rolling pin that you used on food to clay and then back to food. You will want to make sure that you don’t use the items again for food because you may end up kneading poisons in your food.

There is many common kitchen items to use with polymer clay, but it is the pasta machine that is mostly used. This is great for rolling slabs and making long snakes out of the clay. If you learn special techniques, you can create clay slabs that have pretty colored designs. This is not usually possible with a rolling pin, because you do not have as much control of the amount of pressure used every time you roll out the clay.

Once you are able to get the shapes that you want from the polymer clay, you will find that you can bake in the over for a period of time and your clay will take permanent hold. Most polymer clay needs only to bake for twenty minutes, and when removed from the oven, the result is very hard clay. Polymer clay can be used indoors and outdoors, and for almost every craft project you can imagine. You don’t want to use this clay with candles since the clay will give off some toxic fumes when it is burnt

As for storing, you will find that it may be easy for you to take care of the polymer clay since it won’t get hard unless it is baked. You will find that over long periods of time you will have to deal with dried clay, but that is just natural. You will find that when you want to work with the clay you will first want to begin kneading it so that your hands can warm the clay up. You will want to do this for at least ten minutes so that you are able to bring it back to its original state: soft and flexible. You will find that polymer clay is a good craft supply and something that you are able to keep on hand and use it for many different things.

Craft Supplies

2007-11-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Crafting can be something that you can have a lot of fun with and something that will be very rewarding. You will find that crafting is something at many adults and children do to pass the time.. There are some supplies that can be very pricey, but you will get a lot out of your hobbies when it comes to showing them off at fair time and even online in a store. You will be able to mix your business with pleasure when you pick a hobby that

You will be able to save a lot of money when you go to visit your local craft stores during a sale. When you shop at a store regularly, ask if they have newsletters or other mailings to alert you of upcoming sales and sign up. For the best products at the best prices you will want to keep in mind that a local sale is best for you. Otherwise, the items you want might be gone. Hot times for sales are after holidays and seasons, but if you craft a lot, stock up for next year by buying seasonal items when they go on sale.

You will also want to buy in bulk and save some money.. If there is a certain kind of craft that you love to do, you should buy lots of the same item at a time. When you buy in bulk, the store or manufacturer may be able to give you a discount. If you open up and ask how you can get the supplies at wholesale prices, you will find plenty of ways for you to save a lot of money. If you run a crafting business, you might be able to save in that way as well.

You will find that shopping online is a great way for you to past your time and you will find that there is a lot that you can do to get your supplies from the manufacture so that your prices are cheaper. You will find that then you leave out the intermediary; you will be able to save a lot of time and energy. In addition, you will want to pay attention to the extra shipping charges that you will be asked to prove, but you will be able to save a lot of money either way.

You will find that when you look at craft supplies that are cheap you will find that there are many supplies that you can get for fewer than ten dollars, but crafts that will help you and your child deal with life and it can help you to move on. You should be able to find cheap hobbies to spend all the fun filled time that you need to. You will find that you can get everything that you need online.

Crafts

2007-11-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

Many things are made simply for decoration like dolls or flower arrangements. These are great little things to do, however you might want to try out some things that you will find not only decorative, but some that will be functional. Functional craft items are sold at craft fairs and showers, so you will find that by going with functional crafts you will be able to make a lot of money. You will find that there are various crafts that you can do that are functional, but you will want to make sure that it something that you would like to have in your home or office so that you can find a craft idea that you like.

If you would like to find a craft that will be functional and crafty, you will find that making blankets will help you fill your hours with fun and then give you something that you can really use. There are so beautiful, however, you will find that you can show off your creativity, but you will also find that you can build something to keep you warm at night. Quilting is one of the best ways to make a beautiful blanket that can keep you warm at night. If you are not already familiar with quilting, begin with a simple design Rag quilts are fun and relatively easy to make. With only a few instructions and some pieces of fabric, you will be able to create a beautiful and warm quilt. However, if quilting is not your craft of choice, you can use knit, weave, sew, crochet or otherwise craft a blanket.

You can also create rugs for your home to pass the time and to make something functional. Braided rugs are fun and easy to make with a little patience. You can use them on carpet or wood floors, or as welcome mats. Children might like to latch hook. This simple craft can be done by almost anyone, but produces nice rugs and mats. You can always customize the rugs by using colors of materials that will match your home or a loved one’s home. They make great gifts.

If making rugs don’t appeal to you, you can always go with rubber-stamping. You will then be able to create a lot of functional crafts and gifts. Could be more functional than stationary and greeting cards? Instead of purchasing letterhead for your company, make it, using colorful inks and pretty rubber stamps. The nicest part of rubber stamping is that you can order some of the stamps to have your name and address so that you can make some lovely letterhead and so on. Greeting cards can be stamps with your logo on the back so that you can use them to send out at birthdays, but also they become an advertising tool.

There are lots of functional crafts that you can learn and you may be able to make some money or boast your ego by mastering a functional craft. You will find that when you make your own clothing, you will be able to put that old sewing machine to good use and you will be able to make some great designs. When you make your own clothing you will be able to save a lot of money and you will be able to make clothes that custom fit you. If you learn how to make your own clothing, you will be able to make your child’s wedding even more unique by making the wedding dress for your daughter. You have complete control on the way your crafts look and how they function for you.

Crafting Online Guiding

2007-11-14T22:20:00.001-08:00

The Internet is one of the biggest markets and you will find a big resource for those who have hobbies and for anyone who dabbles in crafts. You will find that the net is one way that you can find a large source of knowledge too. You will be able to find new ideas and techniques to help you to become a good crafter and make some of the loveliest projects. You will find that there are plenty of sites to shop online as well. You will be able to get everything that you could possibly need from the net. You can get everything from the beads to the glue to the paint and much more. You can find all of your crafting needs online.

When it comes to shopping for a craft supply online, you will want to keep some of the following in mind so that you can make a smooth transaction.. First and foremost, be sure you trust the company from which you are buying. Don’t forget that you are going to have to give out some credit card information and you will want to make sure that you are taking precautions; meaning, you shouldn’t give anyone that you don’t trust your credit card information. A good place to start is to search for companies you already know in real life to see if they have a website where you can buy online. That way, you can be sure to get what you want without any problems.

You should always keep in mind the amount that you will pay for shipping and handling when it comes to finding low prices online. Of course, it is very convenient to be able to shop any time of day or night and in your bathrobe. You will want to avoid all businesses that charge a lot of money for shipping and handling. Many people like to shop for bargains online. Remember, those prices may not be so low once you reach checkout and have to pay for shipping! You should always check out the charges that you will get added on to your amount before you go through all of the final charges.

You may also want to check out the return policies so that you are aware of the consequences of your actions. If you order ten packages of glass Christmas ornaments and half of the balls are broken when they get to your home, you should be able to call the company for a refund or exchange. However, it doesn’t always work like that. Some companies have policies that damage due to shipping are not their responsibility. You will want to purchase some shipping insurance so that you don’t get charged for items that are damaged or lost in the mail. You will want to make sure that you understand all of the policies pertaining to your purchase.

When you shop online, you will find that it can be very exciting and fun. There are lot of advantages and disadvantages to going online for your purchases, but you will find that when you get use to the idea, you will notice that your business transactions will be smoother.

Clean Scrapbooking Sequel Simple Is A Way To Keep Records Intact

2007-10-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

By: J Foster

One always derives pleasure while viewing one?s scrapbooking projects. It also reflects the happiness and fun activities that one has spent while creating scrapbooks. If you have unrealistic expectations for what you will accomplish or how the finished project will look, you will be very disappointed in the work you have done. The aim of clean scrapbooking sequel simple is to make one relax so that and one can enjoy each moment of scrapbooking projects. The goal of clean scrapbooking sequel simple is to create wonderful memories that you can be proud of instead of criticizing your work each time you look at the scrapbook pages.

Clean scrapbooking sequel simple includes incorporating the concept of telling a story as one completes a scrapbooking project. One can add words and a short story or in fact a series of photographs to explain the pictures that further gives a nice touch to the project. This is an excellent way to use clean scrapbooking sequel simple to share those experiences with other people. One can find many people starting out with a clean scrapbooking sequel simple and by the time it is finished they have several ideas for their next one. If it is to be a continuation of the first scrapbook then one can use clean scrapbooking sequel simple methods to make that happen.

As memories are never ending and they stay forever, one can actually make a sequel by creating various designs on the fronts of the books that say volume one and volume two or more. Or else, one can stick a picture of their beloveds in their different stages of growth, such as the original one can have a baby?s picture and the clean scrapbooking sequel simple can have the other stages of the baby?s growth. At the end of volume one, one can create a scrapbooking page that says, to be continued or something nice but catchy that tells the person there is another book on the way. In fact, one can add different colored or textured pages to the scrapbooks a reference to a clean scrapbooking sequel simple.

These days, one can find pre-prepared kits on a clean scrapbooking sequel simple in the markets. In fact, if one is short of time or wants to create a clean scrapbooking sequel simple in very short period then one can log onto various websites that are specifically dedicated to scrapbooking. When it comes to scrapbooking, incorporating a clean scrapbooking sequel simple always leaves the door open for you to pursue new ideas and a variety of different projects. Even though you want your scrapbook pages to be exceptional and unique, remember the reasons why you wanted to engage in the process of scrapbooking to begin with. Creating a clean scrapbooking sequel simple will help protect your memories. Clean scrapbooking sequel simple is just not a fun activity but also provides a chance to relive every moment of life. One can say that clean scrapbooking sequel simple additionally offers the opportunity to reflect and record the old good memories.

John Foster has special interest in arts. He gives advice to anyone who wants to know about online art school and scrapbooking and others. He refers to www.layersofourlives.com in many of his sessions for art school class for scrapbooking, clean scrapbooking sequel simple and DIY scrapbooking art, Scrapbooking Book.

All About Ceramics

2007-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Ceramics come to be when different kinds of stone is ground into a fine powder, then mixed with water until what results is a paste like substance. This resulting paste is appropriately formed and fired in a and oven called a kiln at very high temperatures until the particles of stone melt and fuse together to create a strong glass like substance.

Bone China is a very glass like, smooth, non-porous pottery. It's made from bone ash, china stone and fine china clay or kaolin. Bone china is light weight and thin, and is fired at very high temperatures. You'll find that bone china patterns tend to be more formal and despite it's delicate appearance doesn't chip very easily. It has the distinction of being the finest and most expensive dishware available.

Porcelain is another non-porous pottery. It's made from fine kaolin and is fired at more 1250 degrees. porcelain is a translucent, thin and light weight dishware that originated in China. Though it appears quite delicate it's actually stronger than stoneware. Price wise, porcelain is generally less expensive than bone china and is available in casual and formal patterns.

Another kind of ceramic is Stoneware. This is a dense kaolin, fired between 1200 ?1450 degrees to create a very porous ceramic. It's neither translucent or heavy and chips more easily than porcelain or bone china. Stoneware has a casual appearance and is generally glazed in muted earth tones. It can have fine detail or be rough and grainy. Stoneware is quite a bit more affordable than porcelain or bone china.

Earthenware a coarse, porous pottery and fired at a low temperature between 800-1000 degrees. Earthenware chips quite easily and has a casual appearance. It formed by hand and is often glazed in bright colors.

When considering care for your ceramics you should always follow the manufacturer?s instructions. Keeping in mind that direct heat sources can and do cause rapid changes in temperature. These changes can cause cracking. This aversion to heat means you should never put your antique or any fine ceramics in the dishwasher.

Ceramics

Craft Bazaar Best Sellers

2007-10-09T18:28:00.001-07:00

By: Carol French

Many groups and organizations use craft bazaars to sell items their member's make to increase funds. The items can be as simple as coffee mugs filled with wrapped candy, or business items for desks. A mug full of paper clips might make its way to a secretary's office. Give a mug cake with icing on top to someone in your department at work. You don't even have to bake one in the cup unless you want to. Just purchase a double pack of cupcakes, and set them down in two mugs to give away! Wrap them in clear, or colored, cellophane for sanitary reasons. Decorate a card with the recipe on it to hang around the jar lid if more ingredients must be added to the contents of what is inside. Or print some labels with a special quote from you on them to attach to all the gifts you make.

The mugs are a fun project for scouts or 4-H groups to raise funds for their treasury. You can purchase a box full of coffee mugs at thrift or consignments shops very reasonably. Fill them with what you like, and business sales will boom.

Sit down with paper and pen, and think of all the wonderful handmade gifts that were given to you as you were growing up. If you can remember what they looked like, most of the time you, or someone else, will be able to find instructions on how the craft item was made.

Marking each craft item with the sale price is essential. No one likes to ask the prices of everything they look at. Make it easier on the customer, and save yourself valuable time, by pricing each item you have available for purchase. You may have three customers at once, and you don't want all of them waiting in line just to ask the sale price of an item. Walk up to the front of your display and pretend to be a customer. Are you pleased with the way each item is placed on your table? Can the display be improved in some way? Working problems out ahead of business hours will save both you and your clients time and money.

Rag Quilt Patterns

2007-10-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

By: Steve Knowles

Quilting has long been an art with the earliest American women creating beautiful quilts to adorn their homes. For hundreds of years, women all over this planet have been sewing quilts to keep their family members warm. In fact a lot of women would hand down their quilts from one generation to another or make some memory blocks to stitch lovingly all the wonderful milestones in their lives.

Many families use quilts also to celebrate different events of our life like weddings, birth of a baby, Christmas and other festivals and events. When it comes to warmth, there is little that can outmatch a quilt, and when you want something that is aesthetically pleasing, quilts deliver in spades. There is no particular technique for making quilts nor are there rigid rules barring safety and hygiene. People are attracted to quilts by the variety of designs and the many different colors. Quilts can be seen as a reflection of people, places, life and times. One of the joys of quilting is being able to spend your craft time doing various styles or types of quilts. Quilts, what a wonderful way to add that country touch to your d?cor.

Easy Quilt Patterns

If you are into quilting, then you must have realized that one of the most critical and important parts is actually in choosing quilting patterns to work on. You also need to consider your ability and skill in choosing quilting patterns. One critical thing to remember in choosing quilting patterns is that you have to make sure that the design will complement your home d?cor.

Start Quilting Business

Sewing has a proven track record as a home-based business in dozens of niches, including upholstery, bridal wear, crafts and quilts. You can often make at least a fifty percent profit on your completed quilts. Whether you want to make a business of quilting, or you just want it as a serious hobby, investing in a quilting machine is a wise decision. Quilting machines allow you to not only create quilts faster but, you can even make a profitable business out of selling them. With a quality quilting machine you can easily make two or three quilts per day.

Quilting Sewing Machines

Good sewing machines for quilting can really help you to enjoy your hobby rather than hindering it. A poor machine will leave you frustrated so it is well worth taking the time to research and choose from one of several good sewing machines for quilting. The needles that fit in the good sewing machine for quilting will also be an extremely important point for consideration. Number 14 needles are the best option for quilting, but not all sewing machines will hold them.

So if you are searching for inexpensive quilting patterns with great designs, using easy to follow quilting techniges then here is your answer.

You can find the best easy quilt patterns review here and the best expert advice available for quilting techniges (techniques).

Decorate A Frame

2007-10-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

By: Benetta Strydom

Materials needed:

A small wooden frame, easily obtainable from most craft shops ? for this project, I used a frame sized 5? x 7?. It need not be made of an expensive or a very durable type of wood.
Acrylic paint in two colors ? in the example I used Touch of Lilac and Blush Pink.
A thin paintbrush.
Fine sanding paper.
A sheet of old newspaper.
A few suitable scrap book embellishments.
Quick-drying glue.
Quick-drying spray varnish.

Sandpaper the whole frame thoroughly. Dust well with a dry cloth before starting to paint. Start off by giving the frame a wash with the lilac paint. The paint should be applied unevenly all over the frame. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Apply a second wash, this time using the Blush Pink paint, again ensuring that the paint is distributed unevenly all over the frame. Again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Lightly wash lilac paint over some areas of the frame again. Wait for the paint to dry for at least 2 hours, or even more, before continuing with the next step of the project.

Once dry, turn the frame around and lightly sandpaper any excess paint off the back of the frame, so that the project will have a neat finish. To protect the paint from wear and tear, apply one coat of the quick-drying spray varnish. Allow to dry thoroughly again.

Arrange the embellishments on the frame and then glue them to the frame. Remember to use only a small drop of glue for each embellishment.

This article was written by Benetta Strydom, site owner of Crafter's World Online. Visit her site at http://craftersworldonline.com/

What Part Of Handmade Card Appeals To You Made Or By Hand

2007-10-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

By: Geraldine A Jozefiak

What exactly is a handmade card? If you buy one what are you looking for? If you make one, how much help do you want? Do you go it alone, or dive into a mix of pre-formed shapes? The Handmade card category is big business "" in both the Craft arena and Greeting Cards and so it covers a variety of card combinations:

1. any hand made -or rather 'home made' cards
2. hand-embellished but pre-packaged
3. a card kit that you 'hand-assembled' at home.

This makes it more difficult for retailers to know how to promote their stock but it gives more choice for the customer and crafter.

Let's look at them more fully.

1. The handmade/home-made card
This one gets my thumbs up or rather a thumbs on! Homemade doesn't mean cheap and tacky. With some excellent courses, books and tutorials out there, there's no excuse for half-hearted efforts.

This category applies to any hand-made card made from scratch using your own ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness. It certainly requires the most inventiveness and the likelihood is that a handmade card - made from either casual or carefully selected materials will be truly individual.

Such handmade cards are made with considerable love and attention and usually treasured by the lucky recipient.

2. The hand-embellished card
Interestingly the greeting card industry considers handmade to cover any 'hand-assisted' card, often with 'proud' features. That includes (but is not limited to) sequins, felt, glitter, ribbon, beads etc. Think base design, on a quality card stock. This background is then topped with a selection of hand-embellishments: anything from tinted photos to faceted beads.

Many publishers use emotive vocabulary such as 'embossed, sophisticated and elegant' - to attract customers to purchase what they (both public and customer) consider one step above the mass market crowd.

3. The card kit
Card kits are increasingly popular with all age groups. You know the thing - a complete set of blank cards and envelopes, with inclusive, inviting little thingummies that you hand assemble to create new. You might get some templates as to layout, or be inventive in laying out your surface additions. Card kits usually come with all manner of glitz and glitter with recommendations on how to create your own handmade card. Detailed instruction may, or may not be included.

There are a number of advantages to card kits: a. everything (and sometimes this means glue too) is included, ready-to-go b. placement and assembly is directed by the materials. instructions come as standard - so no need to be inventive in your use of the materials - unless you want to.

On the other hand, whilst card kits don't give you too much freedom of choice they can give you a way into testing your creativity. With a great range of kits to choose from it shouldn't take long to find the right kind for you. A number of sites and stations have tantalising packages to buy and the immediacy of them makes card making fun.

There's no reason to lessen your sense of achievement in using card kits and they are often one move up from the hand embellished card, and a pre-cursor to going it alone - in free thinking creativity.

Whatever you opt for, making or giving a handmade card shows your willingness to go the extra mile for something extra special. How much or how little you do, depends on the type of card you buy and how handmade you want your handmade card to be.

Perhaps it comes down to semantics. Handmade to me often meant 'homemade' which often smacked of a cheap alternative to the bought version. What I didn't know then was that handmade really gives you a chance to shine in your particular avenue of creativity. And if you are an aspiring free thinker then the card kit will naturally impose just one too many restrictions on your ability to go with the flow. If however it allows you, with good conscience to say 'handmade' with pride then it has great appeal.

The craft market is in boom time right now and card making is enjoying a high too. Hence the number of card making magazines available marrying these two great trends perfectly.

So handmade need not mean a 'less than' card. It certainly shouldn't. Personally I'd favor handmade over bought. Where you step into the realms of making or buying a handmade card lies in your needs, abilities and pocket.

Choose what's right for you and give or make a handmade card with pride. It will always single your card giving out from the crowd and say much about how you see the act of giving as well as the art of making.

Geraldine Jozefiak has created a number of card activity kits to help you create a handmade card for someone special. The Craft Teacher has a wide selection of card projects, ideas and courses to learn yourself or to share with others. http://www.the-craft-teacher.com

You Can Find Gold With A Metal Detector Over 300 Worth Of Gold Found In A Local City Park

2007-10-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

By: Joseph Buffalo

Metal Detecting is a fun hobby or business. Many treasure hunters combine business with pleasure in treasure hunting. There is treasure buried all over the US and the world just waiting for you to come by.

Here is an interesting story on one of our great finds. Coin shooting in a park. Over $300 worth of gold found in a local city park!

It was a typical hot July afternoon in the Arizona desert. The temperature hit the 107 degree mark.

We should have followed our fellow man and been in doors under the air conditioner. But the thrill of the hunt for treasure with metal detectors overshadowed the heat.

Myself and a cousin packed our trusty medal detectors and headed for one of the local parks. We were going to coin shooting that day. At least our better sense did prevail....we stayed out of the hot desert and real close to water and shady trees.

The park we picked was built some 20 years ago, so we knew the coins would not be vintage, but the excitement of finding any coins was fun. With parks you want to coin shoot under children swings, by refreshment stands, around swimming pools and sports areas.

We had been searching for about an hour. There were all denominations of coins, with the oldest about 20 years old. All toll about $1.55. Not a kings ransom, but the fun and exercise was worth something. We were about to pack it in and head for one of our wateringholes. The last area to be searched was the basketballcourt. I found a couple of quarters, dime and about 15 pennies. My cousin was searching behind one of the backstops and got real solidhit. Buried about 2 inches was an older 18 karat boys high schoolclass ring with a very large stone. The gold content alone was worth around $375.00. Gold was selling for around $500 an ounce the day he found it.

We called it a day.

TIP: Make sure you check with the local authorities about using metal detectors in the parks. Most cases you may need a permit from the city, county.

Author has over 30 years in the electronic industry. Management, sales, technical, business. Metal Detecting is one of many hobbies.

Please visit us at; Azmuletreasure

How to create a time capsule

2007-09-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Scrapbooks are fun and tell a story about the characters preserved in its content. Scrapbooks can include photos, journals, letters, report cards, certificates, stories, books, handprints, footprints, college papers and more.

Each detail that goes in your scrapbook will leave you a lasting memory. When you create the time capsule scrapbooks, you invent seals, history, and preserve time as a whole. Time capsules can include photographs, clothes, hand/feet prints, CDs, names, weight, height, and more. For instance, you can make up a scrapbook that records your baby’s first step and up until this very moment. You can add a journal, photos, prints, etc to set off your design.

How to start your time capsule:
You will need a container to seal your items. You will pictures and members of your family and friends along with the items they want to add to your scrapbook. Make a lit that includes your items, photos, family names, etc. Once you collect your details, close your container, label it, and add the date you started. Include the date you intend to begin your scrapbook.

If you have newspaper clippings including recorded events, add them to your scrapbook. You can trace your children’s feet, hands, etc, and add them to your scrapbook as well. You may want to craft a favorite page so that everyone knows your children’s, yours, spouse, or friends’ particular items of interest.

If you have parts of clothing that brings up memories, add them to your scrapbook. CDs make up great memories in scrapbooks as well, especially if the dates are marked. Photos will tell a story about you, your family, friends, etc. Try to organize the photos so that the storybook comes together.

If you have goals set, you may want to add them to your scrapbook as well. The memos will serve as a reminder.

Graduation articles will make a good time capsule for your scrapbook. You can add photos, graduation gown articles and more. Don’t forget to add dates, names, locations, etc so that you have something to remember for a long time to come.

If you wrote a short story, you may want to add it to your time capsule. I had started writing short stories when I was thirteen and would give anything if I would have preserved the copies in my own time capsule. The success we achieve is something to remember for a lifetime, therefore adding stories is giving you a moment to remember.

Some people add locks of hair to their scrapbook. The hair is a reminder of the person they love. In addition, the hair represents a special moment in history.

If you received a special rose from a loved one, or friend you may want to add the flower to your scrapbook. You will need a dried, pressed flower and glue to your page. Add the flower to bring your theme come together. That is if you create a garden page; add the flower in this section. Better yet, if you created a page of your loved one, friend, especially the one that gave you the flower, add it to this section.

If someone in your home is an artist, perhaps you can make a special page for this person. Use the arts drawn and mount them to a page in your scrapbook. Your friends and family will appreciate this special moment, since art says a thousand words.

In all you can add nearly anything you choose to your scrapbook and go back in time in your capsule as you choose. The main idea is using common sense when crafting your scrapbook so that you do not invent bulky pages.

How to Craft Camille Outfit

2007-09-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have Camille? Would you like to create an outfit for her, yet you have no clue where to start? If you answered yes then continue reading, since we are going to design Camille a fashionable suit.

To start you will need materials. You will need 40 inches of pink plain-woven, fine fabric made of linen and/or cotton. The fabric is needed to make Camille’s loose fitting pants that gather at the ankle, as well as her underskirt. Purchase 2 ¼ yards of soft lightweight, fabric with small prints and made up of wool. The material is used to create Camille’s cape and her dress. You will need 28 inches of material for the cape, such as stiff shining, silk lining. (Taffetas) Purchase 26-inches of entredeux and 6 ½ yards of brown lace edging. You will need some thin lace edges, (30 inches-2/5 inches) and matching poly-cotton DMC-4442 thread. The thread will match your plain-woven fabric, which you will need DMC-4446 (light brown) to coordinate with your soft, lightweight, pink fabric. To make a rose, purchase 3 ¼ yards of ribbon. You will need ¼-inch buttons, one/8 inch level elastic, and 3 ¼ yards of silky spherical cord to finish your rose.

Once you gather your materials, you will need to cut a fold at the front region of the bodice, and cut another two at the back. Next, cut the fold of the skirt front and two at the back. Cut two pantaloons, i.e. the wide pants that gather at the ankle. Once you cut out your patterns use the 50-point pale brown DMC cotton broder to stitch your lace.

Now that you have your materials, you can design Camille an outfit. For those who are not familiar with Camille we can briefly describe the doll in case you want to purchase her and create a dress later.

Camille is a gorgeous doll, which stands around 25 inches tall. Camille includes the collection edition, regency or the Victorian series. Jennifer Esteban is the original creator of Camille. Camille wears collected sleeves and folded skirt, as well as a taffeta cape. Camille also wears batiste underwear, which the lace is pale brown. The pantaloon and skirt extending from the petticoat is also laced with pale brown lace.

To make Camille’s dress you will need to start with her pants, or pantaloon. Once you complete the pantaloons, you can move to the undergarments. We can get started now on the project, yet you must find information to help you complete. Unfortunately, a single article cannot produce the length required to make up a complete outfit.

How to make Camille’s Pantaloons:
At the over-locker, begin French stitching the seams, collecting them at the back and front. Press and then turn the seams under the cover on your folded line. Press the garment again and create a minute size hem at the cover. Stitch a straight line at the cover. You want to leave space to thread from side to side your elastic. Around the edges of your crown, stitch in a straight line in the direction of your cover.

Now you can use starch, spray your fabric, and press once you finish. Cut two, 7 ½ inches length of lace and stitch a row at the edge of the legs near the bottom of the pantaloons. On the right area, press your lace so that it folds back. Perform a crisscross stitching pattern over the crown of your lace. Your stitches should entwine with both the lace and fabric. Near the crisscrossing stitches, cut the extras. Next, trim two, 7 ½ inches of your entredeux. Use your starch, spray, and then press. You will need to trim the ends that extend to the entredeux and the edges of your lace where it crisscrosses, meeting the other, and connecting it. Press and you can move to connect the seams of the legs to the crotch. Align and gather the legs and ankles by threading ribbon so that it goes through the entredeux.

The Crafts in Patching your Quilt

2007-09-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Patches can make up a fashionable, yet old-style quilt that will last for a long time to come. To create patchwork you will need fabric. You merely cut the pieces of your fabric to form patches and design, stitching in simple numerical lines. If you are creating the traditional patchwork, you will need fabrics, including lengthy stripes, squares, curved shapes, and rectangles. You can leave out the shapes that curve if you don’t want to go through the steps of creating a complex quilt.

Crafters often use patches to create quilts with many parts, such as the quilts that resemble the Picasso arts, or the basic quilts. Once you gather your patches, you will need to form blocks of your fabric. The blocks in crafter terms include the “corn and beans,” motifs, “turkey tracks, maple leaf,” and so on. One of the more attractive quilts is the “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” blocks. Regardless, you will need blocks to finish your quilt.

To start you will need to select your block scheme. You have the choice of the 4-patch scheme, or the 9-patch. The patch block schemes make up grids, which fill in various simple lines in numbers and shapes. The 4-patch is one of the common patterns used to make traditional quilts. The 9-patch is also used, yet other styles are made up on different geometric grids.

The 4-patch:
The 4-patch is 4-squares factored into a numerical grid. For instance, you can picture a box, draw a cross inside, and count 1-4 to achieve the 4-block scheme. To continue to the 4-patch scheme you would need to add squares, stripes, etc.

The overall notion behind the 4-patch scheme is that you can use a variety of patches to create a multi-color quilt, yet you must lay out your block foundation first.

Now if you want to use the 9-patch scheme you would create nine squares in your grid and either leave them together or break them into parts. Still, you must leave the 9-patch structure.

For instance, if you were to take a piece of craft paper, rather graphing paper and draw per inch, four squares, eight squares, and then another ten, you would have your foundation to start your patchwork. To make up your designs however, you would need to add shapes to your grids.

Once you design your craft on graphing paper, you can create a full-size block. You will need to cut your patches, as well as create templates however before you can start your quilt.

To start your quilt you will need to consider the style again. Do you want the 12, 14, 16, 18, or larger blocks? If you are new to making quilts, you may want to start with the lower block inches. However, you will need to learn how to make borders to complete the quilt.

Once you decide you will need to consider your schemes. If you are working the 4-patch scheme on blocks, around 4 inches then you will need to cut your patches 2 inches in squares. The higher the scheme, the more patch inch squares you would need. For instance, if you want to create a 12-block scheme, you would need twelve patches and cut in six-inch squares.

On the other hand, if you were using the 9-patch scheme, choosing the 12-inch blocks then you would need to cut your patches into 4-inch squares.

Now you can move to create your templates. Templates in crafter terms are patterns, which are cut from strong fabrics, or materials. You need the templates to create an easy squared quilt, otherwise prepare to battle.

The Craft of Quilt Templates

2007-09-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

How to make templates

Templates are patterns so to speak, only with templates you cut the materials you need from strong fabrics. Otherwise, if you were making patterns you would cut the templates from ordinary paper.

At what time you create templates, you are making your quilt making process easier. The surface patterns will flow consistently as well. You can use your created templates and trace along your patterns, instead of pinning graphing paper to your quilt material. You can purchase ready-made templates, however if you create your own you will save money. You can purchase transparent plastics at craft stores, or stores that carry supplies, such as craft, paper, pencils, etc. If you choose plastic, you will need to individually, trace your patterns. You will need allowance for your seams. After you create your patterns, cut your templates. The plastic templates are ideal for making larger quilts.

Straight grains make up woven textiles. The grain lines run comparably along the edges of the non-fraying edges in the materials. Across the “straight grain,” is another line known as the “cross grain.” Crafters use the term to define the lines, such as “Fabric on the grain.” You will need to eliminate the edges, by cutting it off.

The non-frayed edges are makes up the areas that have not been cut, especially around the label and the snug woven areas.

How to create basic templates:
Creating templates is as simple as tracing your footprints on paper. To create your templates you will need to choose plastic and/or paper. Once you make your choice you will need to trace your template to paper, add a few permitted seams, and then use adhesive to add your trace to a clip of hard copy, i.e. cardboard or the like and cutout your templates. Stop: before you cut your templates, first replicate copies and play with the patterns until you achieve your desired mark. Once you achieve your patterns add numbers and/or letters to mark your pattern. This will help you remember where each template goes. Next, you will cut your pattern parts out, using common scissors. Cut the outside areas only at the edges. You will need to create one template per piece to add to your quilt.

Next, trace your patterns, tracing the parts onto your plastic and/or paper. Space the parts once inch in all directions, and away from the other. Use a measuring device, such as a ruler to draw ¼-inch line at the outer outline. On your templates, create a dot. You want the dots to meet two seams per count. The dots are important to mark your stitching areas.

Next, use your direction of textile thread lines (Grain line) and convey the arrows you have created from your model parts and relocate it to your template. You have made basic templates; however, there is a variety to choose from.

Tip: You can invent templates using software installed on your computer.

In addition to the basic templates, you can make window templates. The templates are ideal for those want to pierce by hand. You can also make templates for pre-prepared designs. Window templates can assist the beginners, since you will have a marked line to follow through when you begin stitching. The windows are easy to make, yet you must follow the “hand piercing: rules to complete your patterns. You can also add templates to your window, which may include emblems such as roses, bouquets, etc. Regardless the window, basic, or other types of templates can lead up to a block/border pattern, rather a fashionable quilt.

The Craft in Blocks and Borders

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Once you select your patterns, blocks, templates, etc, you will need to prepare your fabric. You will need to consider how to organize your blocks, once you gather the necessary amount needed to complete your project. You want to consider your borders as well.

You will need graph paper, since you will need to sketch in order to determine how many blocks you will need to complete your quilt. To get started you will also need to decide the size of quilt you want to create and then you can consider settings.

To set your blocks, or organize the blocks you can consider borders, sashing, and cornerstones. The diagonal settings are another style you can consider, as well as the straight set.

Sashing works in the same way as the straight sets, i.e. you merely block your settings against the other and in an organized line. After you will run horizontal and vertical lines, which makes up your 9-patch scheme. The blocks in this instance are interacting with the stitches in three lines and with only three blocks. Use the “block-to-block” steps as listed above to continue. To create a visual, think of a box, or frame with nine rows across and nine rows down in a framed grid. Now add star-shapes, creating nine stars in three rows across your grid. If you can visualize the grid, you can get an ideal how the slash and straight setting works.

Next, add narrow stripes at the corners and around your row of boxes. If you can visualize, you have created a grid of lattice and/or slash. The pattern is designed to enhance your quilts overall outcome, yet you can add different effects to achieve your ultimate design. You can create an ordinary quilt from this grid, or you can crisscross the framework by interwoven your open-mesh frame, crisscrossing the stripes until you form a pattern. Some crafters use geometric patterns to arrange points.

How to set diagonal patterns:
If you want to create a diagonal pattern, or set you will need to organize, and add your blocks, placing them diagonally across your fabric, and on the points. Work a 45-angle into the scheme and work at the side. “On point” is a crafters term to state that the set blocks are on the points.

In the middle of the diagonal set, you will need to create triangles to make up the middle section of your pattern. You will need large and small triangles, which the larger batch will make up the center, while the smaller batch will fit the corners. Slashing terrazzo or strips is optional as well.

In addition to the slashing, straight, or diagonal, you can also choose to vertical set, or else the strip set. Crafters refer to the strip set as “Strippy.” Forming the Strippy is easy. You merely place your blocks perpendicularly in narrow pieces and divide the other narrow pieces, or strips.

The medallion is another set you can consider when crafting quilts. You will need to create middle equidistant from the other points. Next, you will need to focus on the points in the middle and surround them with various styles of blocks, slashing, or borders.

Now create your borders. To start your borders add your blocks to achieve the dimension of your borders at the side. You will need to factor in the slashing measurements, as well as the blocks. Example: Three blocks measuring 10-inch square, plus four strips at one inch wide equals 34 inches. Once you finish add a quarter or ¼-inch seam and leave room to each side of your fabric. Now you can move to finish your borders.

Porcelain Craft

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How to make porcelain doll dresses

Porcelain dolls, China dolls, etc, are made up of pottery and/or ceramic. The dolls are small, medium, and sometimes long. The twirps, Mellette, or youthful dolls may benefit from hailspot dresses, apron, shoes, socks, and so on. You can purchase socks and shoes at craft shops, otherwise you can hand knit the items for her.

You will need materials to get started. Materials should include 10 inches of hailspot patterns or fabric, which you will use to make underwear and the dress. Add 6 inches of white plain-woven fabric, or batiste to make your apron. The fabric should be made of fine, soft and plain woven-fabrics, such as linen, cotton, etc. add 40 inches and another 3/8 inches of narrowed edge lace to make your underwear, apron, and dress. You will also need light, DMC thread made of poly-cotton. Embroidery DMC thread should be light also to use on your sewing machine. (If applicable) Helmar is a fabric spray that stabilizes the material. You will need this also. You can find other brands at craft stores.

Purchase 818 embroidery threads, such as pink. You will need green also. (524) The thread will be used to make your bonnet and apron. You will need studs and/or buttons as well. Purchase the OOO types, as well as the “OOO studs” to complete your apron.

Once you gather your materials, you will need an acting technique, which includes patterns that you will cut. The patterns should include 2-underwear, front upper section of the dress on folds, or bodice. You will need a pattern to create the back region of the bodice on folds as well. In addition, add two sleeves, and the fold of your dress kilt.

How to design underwear:
To start, crisscross the lace attaching it to the legs. Pull the right face or sides of your fabric together and begin stitching at the front core and back center so that the seams come together. The untreated edges of the crown should crisscross, turning over a ¼ inch to achieve the covering. Sew in place and leave an aperture to the thread expandable via the covering, or casing. Now bring together your seams at the crotch and add fabric glue to the crotch ends, or seams of your thread. You can cut now. Crisscross and begin stitching over the expandable hat and about the interior of the doll legs at ½ inch from the edges of your fabric.

Continue after stitching your expandable fabric, continuing to pull up the fitted legs. Your expandable casing should easily detach from the crisscrossed region. Now you can lock up your expandable and cut to fit. Do the same on the other leg. Next, cut your expandable so that it fits the waistline, and sew at the crown of your underwear and lock it.

Now you are ready to make your dress. To start you want to link the line of stitching at the shoulder and the bodice at the front and extend to the bodice at the back region. At the fold lines, press the middle of the back. Now you can measure the edges of the neck, including the neckline at the front and the back center and so on. Now you can cut your narrowed edges of lace to fit your doll after doubling your measurements achieved.

Next, pull your thread up to meet the top of your lace and gather it so that it fits the neck and the back centers. The ends should fold before you doppelganger your lace and begin stitching the lace about the neck on the seam lines. Keep the opposite free. The right facing side should be brought up to bodice on the right and the seams at the shoulder should match. Start sewing near the neckline and then stitch the row prior, starting at the middle back. Continue to the around the doll to the middle back. Next, cut about the neckline, turn it so that it angles at the right facing outward, and then press your garment.

How to Zigzag Lozenge Stitch in Craft

2007-09-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

The zigzag stitch is a common stitch expert cricketers’ use to create Afghans and more. The steps are relatively easy and must be learned to finish the “Evening News” Afghan, or other patterns of Afghans. After you finish your chain, bobble, Chevron, cluster, cross double, crossbatch, V-stitch, etc, you will need to zigzag your lozenge stitches. To get started we encourage you to read the steps below.

How to Zig your Zag to create the lozenge stitch:
To start the zigzag lozenge stitching you will need a base. The base is factored by multiples of two, plus one. In the first row, starting on the left side, chain two stitches to start your half-double crochet. Half double in the following stitch and skip one stitch including a half double, chain, and another half double in the following stitch. Repeat the steps starting with the final stitches skip one stitch and work two half doubles in your final stitch, then turn.

How to half double stitch:
Chain stitch and then intersperse your hook so that it goes into the second chain stitch and away from your hook. Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn bringing it through your finished chain and three loops on your crochet hook. Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn bringing it through each of the three finished loops on the hook, and the finish, working a half-double stitch into your pattern.

In the second row, continue to zigzag on the right side. Chain stitch 3 times to complete the start double crochet. Double crochet your first stitch and chain one time, and double crochet three clusters in the following space. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working through the final space, adding one chain, two double crochets in clusters and at the crown of your turning chain, and then turn.

Moving to row three, chain stitch twice for your first half double. Skip the starting stitch and half double, one chain, and another half double followed by space and repeat your steps across, and to the finish, completing with a half double in your crown section of the turning chain, and then turn.

Adding Zigzag to Row 4:
Row 4 you will chain stitch three times for your first double, skip the initial stitch and cluster three doubles in the following space. Chain another stitch across, and to the final working a double crochet into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Moving to row, five add two chain stitches to the first half double. Half double another stitch into the first stitch, half-double, first chain, half double, and into the following space. Repeat your steps across, and to the finish working two, half doubles into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Complete your steps by repeating the second through five rows.

You have completed the zigzag lozenge stitching steps. Now you can move to the sample squares, which sums up eighteen rows. Once you complete the steps, you can move onto the borders, and finally finishing your Afghan. Once you finish however, you will need to edge the pattern to finally finishing your Afghan.

Remember when you design an Afghan, particularly the Evening News; you will need to work through a seven ½-inch gauge. When you start your pattern, keep texture and colors in mind. We encourage you to visit the Internet to learn more about the Evening News Afghan and the patterns available to you. In the period in-between, we can continue learning how to sample your squares.

How to Stitch Quilt Borders

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We started the borders by adding blocks to complete the range of your borders on the sides of your material. We calculated the dimensions of slashing, as well as the size of your blocks. If you haven’t done so, use the example as followed to measure your blocks. Example: Three blocks appraising the 10-inch square, in addition to the four, terrazzo at one inch width, which adds to 34 inches?

How to create borders:
Once you finish your dimensions, insert ¼-inch seam and leave space to each side of your textile. The side borders should measure up to 10 x 34, i.e. width and length. The finishing measurement is factored into the ¼-inch seams you inserted. You will need to take up the spaces or seams left (later) to complete your borders. Once you insert ¼ inch you will have created 10 ½ x 34 1/2, which is the inches you will use to cut to fit the borders along the side. Use the same dimensions to cut at least two borders. The borders will cover each side of your fabric. Now measure the lower and upper borders. Add your blocks together to achieve your size. Follow the same method as outlined in the example above. Once you achieve your dimensions finish the width on one side of your borders. You should have counted 10 x 43, width and length unless you are quilting a larger or smaller quilt.

Next, insert another ¼ inch to your seams and leave space to each side. Refer to your measurements 10 x 43.

You will need to cut from the borders to achieve 10 ½ x 43 ½ inch to fit the edges at the top and bottom of your fabric.

You are creating a framed quilt so to speak. You may need to trim your borders to fit.

How to trim borders:
Starting at the crown of your quilt and working down to the middle, measure your quilt. You wan the length dimensions. If your dimensions are 30 ½ inches, thus round it off to the nearest tenth, i.e. 30 to complete your calculations: You will need to insert ¼ inch into the seams and make room for your sides. Next, use measuring tape, or a ruler to measure your quilt. Measure from the alongside and factor in the dimensions of your borders. Now insert the ¼-inch seams to the sides.

Once you finish your borders, you will need to start stitching after your prep the strips of your borders. Start by folding your strips. You will need to fold them in half and search for the middle, then press until your borders crease. You can pin to mark. Now find the middle of your sides by performing the same action as you did above. Mark again, and then start stitching your quilt. The center should be aligned. The right sides should come together, as well the crown should center. You will need craft pins to hold your ends in tact.

Along the length, start stitching your borders. You will need to work the fabric as you stitch to keep it in tact. If you are sewing on a machine, you can place the excess over your machine parts, which accept the input of your fabric (Feeder dog) to align. Hold back the shorter top layer and begin stitching slowly. The feeder will work the layers through.

You can pull the layers at the top through to slow the excess while allowing your feeder to pull the layer at the lower end through. Now connect your borders, by stitching it to your quilt. Insert the side of your fabric and allow your feeder to pull back the layers at the top. Press out your borders and leave a seam to work through the fabric border.

How to Seam Allowances in Quilt Craft

2007-09-23T08:30:00.002-07:00

As we mentioned in the previous works, you can learn a few helpful tips in stitching seams. In addition, you can learn tips in seam allowances, as well as appliqué. Appliqué is the progression of using fabric or pieces and sewing them onto fabric. You sow the shaped pieces of the fabric onto your groundwork to shape a pattern or design. The appliqué steps include the machine and hand sewn styles. In short, you can use the steps to work through hand-sewn quilts, or machine made. Don’t forget to learn more about needles, thimbles, thread, etc before you get started, so that you choose the best brands to complete your quilt.

You will need to stitch your pieces of fabric into the background. First, however you will need to prime the edges of your fabric pieces, or appliqué if you will. Turn the ¼-inch “seam allowance” under the appliqué and stitch so that it meets with your backdrop. If you want to create a quilt in less time, try the “fusible webbing appliqué” style.

The style of appliqué we are discussing now is the simple design. You have advantages with this strategy, since the seams and stitches will not show on the top of your quilt. The appliqué” will hang in the back of the quilt as well, which creates a stunning design.

The key to making the appliqué is to learning turning steps to bring your seam allowances under your garment. You can use templates to create your patterns. You will need to start by cutting your appliqué shape out and shaping it side by side the lines you have marked. If you haven’t learn how to cut and mark visit your library, or go online to find helpful tips. You will need to cut ¼ inch per shape. If you template has a solid row at the outer lines and a dash within the lines, then you are working in harmony with your template and quilt.

Once you cut, the shapes turn the seam allowance under. You can do this by turning and basting, using glue stick, or freezing your paper. If your seam allowances are not flat at the curves, turn the seams in and around the curvatures to the upturned points.

Once you finish turn the seams or shapes at the corner, turning it up so that it meets the first point. Turn your seam allowances up and you are finished. It doesn’t matter which side you turn the last seams up.

How to the turning and basting appliqué works:
This is one of the protracted tactics used in quilting. However, you can advance. You want to start by tracing your appliqué, cut it to shape, and work around the seam allowances, turning the seams to the left side. You may need to clip the upturned points and the curvatures. Use your hand to bast the folds. You will need needle and thread, pulling the thread through the needle and stitch 1/8 inch of your shape. Work your stitch to the folds at the edges. You will need to finish by stitching the background so that it meets your appliqué. Now, remove your thread and you are prepared to start the appliqué process.

Once you start the appliqué, you can move to the freezing paper style. This style makes room for easy quilting. The finishing touches will even and smooth out, making you are grand quilt.

Freezing paper in quilters’ term is “Freezer paper.” You know the type of paper you purchase at your local grocery, and use to store your meet in the freezer. You can also use other types of paper, such as the English.

How to Sample your Squares in Craft

2007-09-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

Crafts are fun experiences all of us can enjoy, providing we know how to sample our squares. Of course one must learn chain stitching, double crochet, double-triple crochet, Chevron stitching, clusters, cross double crochet stitch, crossbatch and more. To get started however, we can learn how to sample your squares.

How to sample your squares:
In craft terms, sample squares include a variety of stitches and crocheting patterns. Crafters’ use a variety of hooks, loops, stitches, etc, to complete particular projects, yet in this article you will work toward completing the “Evening News” Afghan. The gauge to complete your Afghan must reach 7 ½ inches over 54 squares.

How to sample squares:
To begin you will need to chain stitch 18 ounces of sport-weight, darker gray wool, and 14 ounces of the pearl shaded grays. In the first row single, crochet into the second chain stitch away from your hook. Chain one stitch, skip one chain, and single crochet into the following chain stitch. Chain two stitches, skip two chains, single crochet into the following chain, and repeat your steps starting across and to the finish. Now turn and start the second row.

At the second row start three chain stitches to the initial double crochet, and double crochet into the following single crochet. Work three doubles into each of your space and across to the finish adding a double crochet into the final single crochet and beginning chain stitch. Finish with your turn and close off the area. Next, move to row three. Combine your sport-weight machine washable wool, i.e. 11 ounces of medium colors of ash, or gray rather with your dark gray and pale-blue gray. Next, chain three stitches to start the double crochet, and double crochet into all, following two stitches; chain two stitches, skip one stitch, double crochet into the following two stitches, and across to the finish working a double crochet into the final stitch, turn, and close.

Moving to row, four add 28 ounces of light gray, i.e. the worsted-mohair weight and blends to your dark gray wool, medium ash, and pale-blue gray. Chain 2 stitches to start your half-double crochet, skip one double, and half double beginning with the following two double crochets. Next, keep each of your loops on the hook, chain stitch, and intersperse your hook into the following stitch, followed by pulling up your loop a few times, and chain stitching through the finished nine loops. (See Puff Stitching) Puff stitch into your following space and chain one stitch. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working a half double crochet into the final double, turn, and close tightly.

Continue to row five by adding 28 ounces of dark alpaca gray to your yarn. Chain 3 stitches into your starting double crochet. Double crochet into the crown of your following puff stitch and puff stitch yet another into the following half double crochet, repeating the steps across, and to the finish, working in a double crochet into the following half double, add a two chain stitches, another double crochet into the final stitch, turn, and close tightly.

Moving to row, six add your pale, blue-gray yarn and chain three stitches to start the double crochet. Double crochet your stitches across and to the finish, turn and close tightly.

In row, seven add the darker gray yarn and use the diagonal spike stitch to start the following stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat the steps across, to the finish and add a double crochet to the last double, turn, and close tightly. Continue rows 8-18 to finish your steps.