CRAFTING FOR FUN AND PROFIT

An online blog may be the perfect place for you to start sharing your love of crafting. How would you also like to make money while you blog? Journaling online, called blogging, allows you to share your beautiful crafts and your talent with other crafty people. With simple to learn, free applications like Blogger.com or Wordpress, you can choose templates to suit your style. Your craft blog can be personally designed to illustrate:

Photographs: Your readers will appreciate a clear picture of the craft idea, from start to finish. When creating something from a recycled object, pictures of the original object are especially of interest to your readers. If you also include step-by-step photos, you’ll end up with a very popular blog in no time. Using a good digital camera will help your readers get an idea of how a simple craft can become a treasured object.

Describe the materials: When your readers look at the pictures of your crafts, they want to know exactly what materials they are looking at and where they can buy them. Be specific, using familiar names, even brand names, of the materials, specific colors, sizes, and shapes. The reader can then find the exact items they are looking for at their local craft stores or online. Detailed descriptions of materials used also helps by telling the internet search engines which items you’re discussing on your blog. Google.com ™ will then begin to send people to your blog when people search for items using words you mentioned in your description.

Crafting know how: Oftentimes, crafts include one or more basic crafting techniques that are popular, or perhaps, uniquely yours. If you have developed your own crafting technique, you may even want to patent it. If your readers can learn something from a particular craft idea, and personalize it for their own uses, they may be willing to purchase an inexpensive “lesson plan” to learn a new crafting method.

Materials: A list of materials should be simple, but concise. Your readers will want to know what was used to make your craft and where to find the materials. Describe the materials in as much detail as possible, including the amounts and sizes. Include any substitutions if possible. Your reader will want to have a thorough list when they shop for the items needed for your craft. When your readers re-create your project at home, and it turns out perfectly (just like yours) they’ll be sure to tell their friends and family members all about your blog, which turns into free advertising for you.

Selling crafts: One of the best ways to see a return on your time investment with crafting is to offer certain items for sale on your blog. Why not offer custom made or personalized items to your readers? Holidays and birthdays are great times for your readers to purchase your unique, specialized crafts. You can sell them directly on the blog or include a link to outside auction sites like eBay.com or Etsy.com. You can also sell your own craft patterns, advertising space on your website and more.

Taking the time to do crafting takes a lot of time, patience and talent. Blogging about your crafting ideas will help you take your art to the next level, by increasing awareness of your unique crafts. Start now to create a blog, let the rest of the world know about your talents, and make money in the process!

Has your gift giving budget taken a hit this year due to your dwindling finances? You are not alone. So, what do you do when you want to give someone a gift for their Birthday, or for dog-sitting, or Christmas, or Valentine’s Day, or any number of times when a small gift would be appreciated?

When the budget starts to suffer, we start to rethink giving gifts. Yes, we want to show our appreciation to the people who support us and love us, but we just don’t have the money anymore. The answer goes back to the old days: giving gifts from your heart, using the talents you have, and you will never go wrong.

My favorite heartfelt gift is food, chocolate in particular. If you have a little bit of time, you can create some pretty fancy chocolate treats with very little money. A little bit of chocolate goes a long way when you use it to create nut clusters or coconut haystacks, or any number of fun, simple treats. Anyone would think you just paid a fortune when you present them with some pretty chocolate delicacies.

Chocolate gifts aren’t as hard to make as you might think. With a little practice, you can create marvelous confectionery delights that will thrill your friends and family and make you the talk of the town! This is a fancy chocolate treat that no one makes for themselves, so it is the perfect gift.

Gourmet Chocolate Coffee Spoons

This spoon will top your list of all time favorite gifts for the coffee lover. What’s great is that you can give this gift to a man or woman because chocolate knows no limits.

Get ready with these items:

You’ll need to buy heavy duty plastic spoon, I like the clear ones. If you’ve got a great thrift store or antique store in your community, you might be able to find some unique silver spoons that would definitely add a special touch. Be sure they’re in good condition, then wash and dry them well.

In the grocery store’s baking aisle, you’ll find blocks of milk chocolate coating. That’s what you’ll need for your spoons, not the Real Chocolate. Real Chocolate tends to be harder to control, and will not stay shiny if it’s not handled exactly right. The chocolate coating is much better, and actually tastier, than the Real stuff.

Candy sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies may be a nice addition if you want to make your spoons even fancier. You may consider flavor additives like peppermint oil if you think your gift recipient would like the flavored chocolate.

Purchase some parchment paper, NOT wax paper, to cool the spoons on. This will keep them from sticking to your cookie sheets as well as keep your pans clean and ready if you are into mass production.

You’ll need some clear candy bags to wrap your spoons. You can find these in the craft store with the candy making things. While you are there, look for some ribbon, raffia, and anything else you may want to dress up the packaging.

The process is simple:

Place a large pot of water on stove, bring to boil and turn off heat. Meanwhile, cut your chocolate into small pieces and melt by placing in a small heavy pot inside the larger pot of water that has boiled. When chocolate starts to melt around the edges, remove from hot water and stir with a rubber spatula or big wooden spoon until all the chocolate has melted. Be careful that you don’t splash any of the water from the big pan into the small pan.

After the chocolate has completely melted, start by dipping one spoon and carefully laying it on the parchment paper covered cookie sheet. If you are embellishing your spoons with candy sprinkles or peppermint pieces, decorate each spoon as you go so they don’t have time to set up. Otherwise the candy won’t stick. When all of your spoons are dipped, place your cookie sheet in a cool or cold area until chocolate is firm. The refrigerator or freezer will work, but take them out after only a few minutes so they don’t get moisture gathering on them, which isn’t good.

Once the chocolate has set up, you can put each spoon in a candy bag, and tie a piece of ribbon, raffia, or what have you around the handle of the spoon to close the bag. Now you can add a little extra ribbon, a candy cane, or any other decoration you’d like. If you are giving more than one spoon to someone, be sure to put them in a candy bag first, then place all of them together in a pretty bag or box.

You have now completed a gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive. Don’t you feel good knowing that you used your creativity and time to make a personal gift for someone you care about? This is not just any gift… it’s a gift you gave from your heart.

You’re raring to go. You want to get away from it all. It’s been a year and you need to reward yourself with a nice vacation for the Christmas holidays, and Florida is the place you’ve never gone to in your entire life, but you got one dilemma. You can’t decide which places to visit or what to do in Florida. Have no fear, a list is here to help you manage your vacation itinerary and spend more time enjoying your stay than planning for it.

Are you a music lover? If you love Christmas carols, don’t miss the Historic Bok Sanctuary, where the carillon plays every 30 minutes. There are daily performances for the entire month of December at 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. There is no entrance fee to the gardens.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is another treat for music lovers. The show, titled “Holiday Pops Encore”, features the long-standing orchestra together with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus at the Jacoby Symphony Hall. Now that you’ve relaxed and filled your ears with the soothing melodies of Christmas, you’re sure to be in that holiday state of mind.

One place you must really go to while in Florida is Fort Christmas Historical Park. The park is a replica of the fort that was built in 1837 sometime during the Second Seminole War, which started from a battle called the Dades Massacre. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss this Fort Christmas recreation.

Okay, so you’ve lost all that energy and you need to get some sugar into your system. Walt Disney World’s culinary experts showcase their sweet masterpieces at the Beach Club Resort, Epcot, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts, and at the Yacht Club Resort’s lobby. Oh, and yes, you can eat the displays.

One place you must really go to while in Florida is Fort Christmas Historical Park. The park is a replica of the fort that was built in 1837 sometime during the Second Seminole War, which started from a battle called the Dades Massacre. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss this Fort Christmas recreation.

The Whitehall Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida is one option you’d really want to consider. Henry Morrison Flagler, one of the original partners of the oil giant now know as Exxon, had the 55-room, 60,000-square-foot winter vacation house built as a wedding gift for wife Mary Lily Kenan. Whitehall is among the so-called Gilded Age homes that exist until today.

Christmas won’t be complete without presents, and one really memorable place to go shopping in west central Florida is at Rogers’ Christmas House and Village. You’d swear that that Santa Claus was a Florida native after you’ve toured this captivating village. Rogers’ Christmas House and Village consists of five houses, namely the Main Christmas House, the Magnolia House, the Country Cottage, Storybook Land, and the Little House under the Oak Tree.

Interviewer: Is everyone as crazy about the Roller Doodles as my customers?

Ginger John: Absolutely! I love the Roller Doodles and sales indicate that most people who run into them love them just as much as the two of us!

Interviewer: Where’s the Glitz Netz? I loved that. Will you ever offer it again?

Ginger John: It’s not in our current product line, but it was a fun item and I’ll be sure to bring it up when we meet to discuss our next fabulous line!

Interviewer: How did the three of you Glitz Girls meet? What made you and Laura and Erin go for it and start Glitz Designs?

Ginger John: I’d say that Laura brought the three of us together. I live close to Laura and Erin is an old friend of Laura.

Interviewer: Tell me about the husbands…are they involved? Supportive?

Ginger John: At first they were all just indulging us in our little hobby; going along for the ride and humoring us. But now they’re coming to shows with us and giving us business advice. They’re all so sweetly proud. (I find it pretty much adorable).

Interviewer: Do the Glitz Girls ever get to sit down and scrapbook together?

Ginger John: Not as often as we’d like. We’re all so busy doing the “business” end of the things that we sometimes miss the reason we started the company in the first place, but we did just sit down this morning and work on a project…a Glitz Acrylic Clock. We’re thinking about offering classes soon. It was really fun. We make sure to set aside time like that just to enjoy the products and their possibilities so we can be reminded of the basic enjoyment we each get out of scrapbooking!

Interviewer: What do you like to eat and/or wear when you get together to scrapbook?

Ginger John: Personally, I usually have a Dr. Pepper sitting beside me. Laura and Erin tend to munch on something chocolate. Laura made no-bake cookies for all of us today! I think the three of us all lean towards jeans and a T-shirt. Isn’t that what all us Mom’s wear?

Interviewer: I noticed that you like to do a lot of Digital Scrapbooking. What is something you would tell someone, like me, who has never tried it?

Ginger John: Just try it! I started out knowing next to nothing about Photoshop. I jumped online and took a couple tutorials and it just rolled from there. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get a grasp on just what you can do. And once that happens you’ll be surprised how quickly you get attached. Try something simple to learn the methods and go from there. An easy way to get started is with the Glitz Create A Card cd. A layout may seem like an overwhelming project while a card comes off as more approachable for the digital newbie!

Interviewer: Do you have a particular Glitz line that’s your favorite?

Ginger John: I really got attached to the Rhapsody line. That peacock was unbelievably usable!

Interviewer: Give us one piece of advice that you think every scrapbooker should be aware of!

Ginger John: I guess…don’t forget the purpose behind the fun of scrapbooking. Make sure you’re recording those memorable moments in a way that you’ll find meaningful in the future.

Interviewer: What has been your favorite experience since starting Glitz Design?

Ginger John: The shows! Heading out to the CHA shows is just exciting. It’s fun to meet all the great people who work in this industry and to stare in awe at the massive amount of creativity gathered all in one spot.

Interviewer: What has been the hardest experience since starting Glitz Design?

Ginger John: Balance! All three of us would agree that the hardest part is giving enough of ourselves to each aspect of our lives: Glitz girl, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend…but then balance is something I think everyone struggles with at one point or another. Most days I think I’m doing a pretty good job and some days I realize that the balance has shifted without my knowledge and I have to re-evaluate!

Interviewer: The Glitz Design website is a fun place if you’re a woman. Is it everything you imagined when you started the process?

Ginger John: It is! The only problem is that my imagination keeps on moving! I do LOVE the feel of our glitzy, fun website, but I’ve always got some new idea or change rolling around in my head.

Interviewer: Name someone you admire in the industry.

Ginger John: That’s always such a hard question! There are so many people in this industry to admire! There are the designers that are traveling here, there and everywhere! There are the retailers that are working day in and day out keeping the industry alive. There are the Scrapbookers that are non-stop creative and always demanding more fun and exciting products. The whole hobby as a whole amazes me! The creativity I see on a daily basis is what makes my job as a “Glitz Girl” so fun!

Interviewer: Chocolate or candy?

Ginger John: I often go for both, but if I had to pick I’d go chocolate!

Interviewer: Diet or regular?

Ginger John: There’s no “leaning” here…always absolutely loaded!

Interviewer: What inspires you?

Ginger John: When I see other people being creative it makes my juices start to flow. Or when I go shopping. Or when I watch TV sometimes…Could my answer be that it depends on my mood?

Interviewer: Favorite movie?

Ginger John: Willow. You might think I’m nuts now, but it’s something that I held on to from my childhood. My brothers and sisters and I used to watch it a lot and anytime I need some background noise…I lean towards Willow!

Interviewer: What do you aim for when you create layouts?

Ginger John: I like to be able to see the story as I remember it right there on the page!

Interviewer: What’s your favorite scrapbooking rule?

Ginger: Well, since I have the need to tell a story…I say journaling is a must!

Interviewer: What is one thing you would tell someone who has dreams of doing what you have done?

Ginger John: It can be difficult, but it’s worth it! Go for it and give it your best shot and no matter what…you can always know that you did it.

Around the world many children and adults are familiar with the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. In fact, so many people have been influenced by his many children’s books that every March his birthday is celebrated across the globe. If you are looking for some creative ways to share your love of Theodore Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) why not try one of these Dr. Seuss crafts inspired by his extensive library of stories?

Most people are aware of the many fantastical creatures that proliferate throughout the Seuss universe. Why not try creating your own version of a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz from Dr. Seuss’s ABC with googly eyes, pipe cleaners, bits and pieces of construction paper, and other odds-and-ends that you find lining your crafting box? Nothing you create could possibly be considered inappropriate.

Another Dr. Seuss craft is based on The Shape of Me and Other Stuff. You’ll need some construction paper, crayons or markers, and a stapler. Fold 4 - 6 sheets of construction paper and then staple them together to resemble a book. Some ideas to include within your book: outlines of your hand and a child’s, you can also draw or stamp a pet’s paw or footprint rather easily; illustrate or trace the bottom of different sized cups, forks or spoons; and anything else in your home that you can find in multiple sizes. This is a great lesson in looking at people, animals, and objects for their differences but also their similarities. This is a common theme found throughout Seuss books.

The Cat in the Hat is one of the most popular and familiar of Dr. Seuss books. An excellent craft idea is creating a hat that resembles the one the cat wears and is a whimsical reminder of the unique perspective of these fun and classic stories. Using strips of red and white construction paper, cover a cardboard oatmeal container in a striped design. Next either paint or color a disposable paper plate red or black. Then, cut a criss-cross pattern using a pair of scissors into the center of the paper plate and insert the oatmeal container into the plate forming a brim. Voila, a hat even the cat would be proud to wear!

For the last of the Dr. Seuss crafts, why not try making Oobleck from the story, Bartholamew and the Oobleck? Instead of the usual paper, pen, or paint you’ll need to head to the kitchen for a messy but fun experiment. Everyone familiar with the tale will be excited to try making this gooey concoction. You’ll need 2.5 cups of cornstarch, 1.5 cups of room temperature water, some green food coloring, and a mixing bowl and spoon to stir the oobleck all together. Add the water to the bowl first and tint it green with the green food color. Next add cornstarch a half cup at a time. Your oobleck can now be stretched, rolled, and squeezed to your heart’s content.

I hope these Dr. Seuss crafts help you and your family celebrate the many contributions of Theodore Geisel to children’s literature and are just plain fun. Enjoy!

Crafters and artisans all have something in common – finding the best supplies at the lowest cost to increase their profit margin. And divulging where they find those awesome bargains is like asking your great grandma to tell the world her secret recipe for pecan pie. Finding craft supplies at rock bottom prices is fairly simple if you know where and when to look.

The easiest place to start your hunt for cheap craft supplies is online. Head over to eBay (www.ebay.com) and do a search for, you guessed it, cheap craft supplies. The results may be hundreds of items up for auction or ready to purchase under a Buy It Now listing. Try looking for the specific craft item you need to get a narrowed down list of items. While a number of sellers on eBay are honest folks like you and me, some have less than desirable ratings leading some to steer clear of this venue.

So while you’re still online, pop on over to Oriental Trading for a myriad of craft and craft items at very reasonable prices. Be amazed at the amount of kids’ crafts that could make any child’s next birthday party a smash hit. Need silk flowers for a wedding bouquet, or 3D embellishments for your scrapbooking project? Oriental Trading has an abundance of items and is a hot spot for craft supply finds.

Another gold mine for cheap craft supplies is AllCraftSupplies.com, which has just about every craft item under the sun – even leathercraft and paper mache items that are not always easy to find in a brick and mortar store.
Then there are the local favorites: Michaels (www.michaels.com), A . C. Moore, Hobby Lobby, or Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts (www.joann.com) all waiting to dazzle visitors with in-store and online specials. Sign up with any of these businesses and receive email alerts inviting you to super secret online only sales events.

Before shopping online at any of your favorite craft stores, take a quick detour over to Ebates (www.ebates.com) and find out which stores it has partnered with that offers rebates on your purchases. While the rebate percentages are small – some only 2 or 3 percent, hey if you’re going to shop at the particular store anyway, you might as well get the rebate.

There is also a funky place online called Etsy.com (pronounced like Betsy without the B), especially for crafters and artisans. It proclaims to be a showcase for everything homemade. Type in a search for “destash”, which is crafter lingo for someone clearing out leftover supplies they no longer want and are selling cheap.

Now that you have a few examples of where to buy cheap craft supplies, the trick is also knowing when to buy. Weekly sales are, of course, the most popular time to buy those items that are…well, on sale. A number of sales circulars have coupons and some craft stores even accept competitors’ coupons. End of season sales can mean up to 80% savings on some items.

Handicraft is described as something made entirely by hand, without technological help. This has been done in India for at least 5000 years. Although some stone and bone weapons have been found that predate the oldest handicrafts, these are not considered handicrafts. India’s history of arts and crafts is interesting, covering thousands of years and millions of square miles. Indian traditional handicrafts revolve around the needs of commoners, patrons, royalty, religious beliefs, and domestic and foreign trade.

The earliest proven archaeological discoveries of Indian handicrafts date back to the Indus Valley civilization circa 3000 B.C. At this time Indian craftsmen excelled in making jewelry, pottery, beads, terracotta, and weaving. This period represents a significant technical advancement in the field of handicrafts, as evidenced by excavations in Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Kotdigy, Dholaveera, Harappa, and others. Many artifacts have been found that reflect the burgeoning skill of the local craftsmen of the era.

The next significant advancement in handicrafts took place in the Vedic age, around 1500 to 700 BC. The Vedas excelled in weaving, wood crafting, and pottery making, and began using clay, wood, and metal in their handicrafts. Later in the Vedic period, a noteworthy development was the use of iron in weapons on a large scale. This is the period when crafts traditions became enmeshed in the culture and social structure.

Indian handicrafts came close to perfection during the Maurva period, highlighted by the advancement in stone crafts. This is the period of the great transformation of Ashoka to Buddhist reformism after hardcore imperialism, and craftsmen were now indulged in many activities. It is believed that at least 84,000 stupas were created under Ashoka, the most prominent of which can still be seen today at Vaishali, Amaravati, Bharhut, Sanchi, and Mathura. The iron pillars of Vaishali and Delhi are wonderful examples of metallurgy dating from the same period.

A period of assimilation of regional influence in Indian arts and crafts followed the Maurvan. This was a time of great political turmoil, India could not be ruled for long periods by a single dynasty. Invasions by Indo-Bactrians, Shakas, Indo-Greeks, and Kushanas turned the Indian political scene upside down. The handicrafts of this period were strongly influenced by these invasions of central Asians and others, as evidenced by Buddhist sculptures from this period found at Swat Valley, Bamiyan, Taxila, Begram, and other areas. A direct result of Greek influence at this time is the depiction of Buddha with curly hair, draped in flowing clothing. The Central Asian invasions had their greatest influence on the sculpture, leather products, metal works, jewelry, and textiles of the period.

The Gupta age, a period of efficient ruling, political stability, and consistent patronage of arts and crafts, has been called India’s classical age. Some highlights of this time are significant advancement in both art and techniques of wood and stone carving, weaving, jewelry making, and sculpture, and includes beautiful murals of Aianta. Major advances were made at this time in art and literature, but science was also coming into its own, including mathematics, astronomy, physiology, and astrology. Sculptures of metal and stone from this period represent high quality standards. The temples of Ellora, cut from rock, represent the highest standard of stone craft in India known at the time.

Development in arts and crafts shifted to the southern peninsula of India during the Medieval period. Trade and commerce based on the handicrafts of local artisans was vigorously supported by the Chola and Vijaynagara empires. This period saw the use of intricate detail carved in temples, and great importance was given to gems and jewelry. This period saw the peak of silk weaving and bronze sculpture, while in northern India Delhi Sultanate allowed wood carving, metal works, jewelry, weaving, and pottery making to flourish. Arts and science reached new heights under the patronage of the Mughal empire, with the emphasis on architecture. Painting was the hallmark under the emperors Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Akbar, while Mughal paintings influenced other regions, such as Pahari, Boondi, Kota, and more. Weaving and metallurgy flourished at this time as well, with metal working reaching several milestones during the medieval period. Evidence exists of battles fought with guns and cannons technologically advanced for the era.

We can see from the archaeological evidence the evolution of arts and crafts among civilizations of the Indus valley from 3000 B.C. to the past few hundred years. The lifestyles of the various peoples inhabiting the area reflect the integral role played by craft traditions. Handicrafts in some cases came to identify groups of people, as the caste system limited use of certain crafts to groups of people. The people confined to a certain caste were responsible for much creativity and innovation in their specific handicrafts because they relied on them for their livelihood. This contributed significantly to the prosperity of handicrafts in India. It also led to the development of new techniques in order to find ways to please the patrons.

From one “crafty” person to another, here are a bunch of ideas to try out while you’re crafting or sewing to make your life a bit easier, and to save a bit of money and time in the process.
1. Use inexpensive index cards to staple on fabric swatches or ribbon; very handy to take with you to your fabric or craft shop.
2. Old pillowcases make handy cover-ups for children! Cut out a large hole for the head and two smaller holes for the arms and just slip over their heads. They can even decorate them with tie-dye, fabric paint or iron-ons.
3. If you use rubber stamps for your projects, clean them with a mild detergent after each use, making sure you keep the wood parts dry. Use a paper towel to dry the stamp and then store them with the stamp side down, away from direct sunlight.
4. Large bottle caps make handy disposable containers for paints or glue.
5. Use a toothpick to apply glue to a small part; less “glue-y” fingers!
6. A damp Q-tip can pick up small items such as seed beads or rhinestones.
7. Keep a magnet handy in case you drop needles or pins on the floor.
8. A coffee can is great for storing balls of yarn when crocheting or knitting. Simply punch a hole in the coffee can lid and poke the yarn up through and out; then close the lid.
9. Use cardboard emery boards as sandpaper for small parts or areas where regular sanders or files will not reach.
10. Shred your leftover wrapping paper to make pretty “stuffing” for gift baskets and bags.
11. Use your lint roller around your sewing table to pick up bits of thread.
12. Don’t toss out that old plastic tablecloth when you buy a new one. Use the old one as a table protector when crafting.
13. For larger projects, use an old plastic shower curtain as a drop cloth or cut it into smaller table protectors.
14. Tweezers make great holders for those small parts you’re trying to glue or paint. Less glue and paint on fingers.
15. Lubricate the tip of your needle before sewing by pushing it into a sliver of soap.
16. Keep a roll of paper towels on your worktable to clean up spills, wipe your hands and even to use for creating texture in your paintings.
17. Use an old coffee can sitting in a pot or pan of hot water on the burner to melt leftover pieces of candles. Make sure you handle the hot coffee can with oven mitts. Add an old candle, the long, tapered kind, to a cardboard milk carton. Add ice and then the melted wax. After the candle is set, tear away the carton over your sink to drain the water and you’ll have a unique “Swiss cheese” candle to use. You can toss out the coffee can after its use. No worrying about cleaning a pot with wax residue.
18. Use an old (or new!) fishing case, with all its many compartments, for your small craft parts.
19. Hate throwing away the last sliver of soap? Break it up into pieces and place in a rubber baking mold. Melt more soap, either left over or purchased inexpensive soap, cool slightly so it won’t melt your soap bits and pour into mold, let harden and pop your new soap out of the mold!
20. Tape a small plastic grocery bag or a small paper bag to your sewing table so it hangs over the side. Handy for tossing out bits of cut thread and fabric scraps.
21. A small metal parts cabinet (the kind for bolts, nails and screws, etc.) is great for storing small crafts parts and sewing items. I even have two of them housing all my earrings and necklaces – one or more drawers for each color!
These were just some of the handy hints I’ve used over the years. There are TONS more out there which may result in “Handy Craft Tips Two” – hey, you never know…stay tuned! Oh, by the way, if YOU have any great tips to share, please email me at info@whimsies-online.com.

Are you looking for a way to increase quality time with your children? The craft of woodworking is practical and fun. Depending on how much time and effort you want to put into the creation, woodworking with your kids can teach them valuable skills while they have fun in the process. While woodworking does have some difficult aspects, children are capable of doing most of the process - with a little supervision on your part! Before deciding on your project, take a moment to consider a few of these points.

Evaluate Your Workspace and Equipment

Take stock of your resources like tools and space first. Nothing is more frustrating than getting halfway through a project and realizing you don’t have the tools or the room to complete it. Look through the instructions, buy all of the tools beforehand, and get the kids to help organize everything. Decide together where you’ll work on the project and clear more space if you have to.

Where’d Everybody Go?

Have you ever started a project with the kids only to look up and find you’re suddenly the only one left participating? Try to tailor the complexity of the project to the attention span of your children. Some children might only have enough patience for a project that takes a few days - or even a few hours. Undertaking larger projects with younger children might mean you’ll end up finishing it alone. Older children, on the other hand, might get excited about larger projects and see it through until the end. You know your children best and how long you’re able to hold their attention, use it to your advantage.

Keep It Interesting

Find a specific project you and your children can get jazzed about. Working on a project that isn’t satisfying will just end up being a chore nobody will want to finish. Whether you’re recreating a Victorian style house in miniature or carving animals and trains out of wood, the possibilities are endless.

Do Research Before You Begin

Even the most experienced hobbyist needs to do some research before undertaking a project. Beginners who have never done woodworking before will find a great deal of information online or at their local library. Talking to woodshop teachers at one of the local high schools or contacting your local hobby store will help too. Do some practice projects first. Start your children with small projects and work your way up to something more involved. The bigger project will seem much easier and cause less frustration with everyone involved.

Woodworking is a very rewarding activity for you and your family. If you take the time and make the proper evaluations before beginning, the entire project will fall into place easily and instill a sense of accomplishment in the whole family. The bonds created will have your kids remembering the good times for rest of their lives. Take the time to find a new project and see how it can bring your family closer together.

When I think of crafting I remember back to when I was in my early 20’s, before I was married with children. You know, the days before being so busy with everyone else’s activities, when I actually had time for myself! No kidding, now a day’s I barely have enough time to sew my husbands missing button on his shirt let alone make crafts for myself! But, the truth is, women are making money every day by doing just that ~ Crafting! This is not a new way to earn money; it has been around for years!

The beauty of crafting is that you are in control of what crafts you make for money and how much you will be getting paid for each craft! The best part of crafting is you literally do not have to leave your home to do it! Your package of crafts are delivered to your doorstep and when you have completed your shipment of crafts, you send them back with pre-paid shipping, then you get paid for those crafts!

Crafting for money is fun and is a way that many women are able to create and earn some extra money to put into their pockets! So, if you like crafting and want your creative side to be seen again, crafting may be the income opportunity that you are looking for! Some of you already create your own crafts as a hobby, if you are one of these people there is opportunity to make money off your own creations as well, and right from your home!

There are so many other income opportunities available for the “stay at home mother” that is looking to earn some good, honest cash. The best 3 things to practice while earning money from home is:

1.) Make sure you enjoy doing whatever is making you money.
2.) Always build on your strengths; what you are good at.
3.) Learn to try new opportunities. You never know, you may love them!

If you practice these 3 things you will be on your way to success!