Wednesday 30 June 2010

Best Art and Craft Projects For Children's Parties

By Criss White

Kiddie parties should be eventful and full of fun activities. Nowadays, it feels like the only thing that kids do is playing online games. What a pity that these children lose out other fun activities. It's high time to get their creative juices pumping! Pack up those video games, shove them in the closet and host a party that is a sure hit. Try these kiddie arts and crafts with your children and have fun yourself.

1) Easy homemade party cupcakes
Simply buy regular or chocolate cupcakes. Obtain a selection of colorful icings and let the children decorate the cupcakes themselves. To make the cupcakes one of a kind, add more decorations like sugar flowers, gum drops, chocolate chips or fresh fruits. What's wonderful is that they get to eat or keep their cupcakes. Make sure to prepare a small working station where they can make a mess.

2) Environmentally friendly gardening
One good way to keep the children busy and to promote caring for the earth is to have a gardening event. Prepare small pots, soil, seedlings/ plants, paint and paint brushes. Pick gardening tools which are best for kids like hand shovels, latex gloves and watering cans. Provide a work area where the kids can paint the pots with their own designs. Let them to fill the pots with dirt and seeds, encouraging them to care for their plants so they will grow. These are great party favors that children will remember for months.

3) Customized fashion flip-flops
This next activity is to develop the fashion designer in the child. Simply supply the children with cheap flip-flops of different colors, shapes and sizes. From gift supply store, you can get some ribbons, glue gun and a assortment of trappings. Trimmings can range from floral accents, gemstones, beads and feathers. You can pick multiple embellishments or stick to certain ones that are in-line with your party theme (Example: for a summer theme, choose floral accents and shells). In a workstation, allow the children to select their flip-flops and embellishments. By using the glue gun, kids can create their flip-flops as they wish. This is a useful, practical and fun gift they can actually wear.

4) Jewelry design challenge
Young girls like to wear accessories. Buy various colored beads and elastic threads from a craft supply or toy store to make necklaces, bracelets or anklets. One great tip is to find "letter beads" which they can use to spell-out various words. This is a wonderful activity that kids will surely enjoy. They can make their own accessories or make some for their friends. Remember, kiddie parties are all about having fun. Provide your energetic guests with the tools they will need to make your party a wonderful arts and crafts event.

Criss White is a professional author on baby and wedding information. For more arts and craft related tips, like diaper cakes (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/diapercakes.html), visit My Baby Shower Favors blog.As long as the credits and resource box are intact and the hyperlinks functional, you are welcome to share this article in your newsletter, on your website, or e-zine.

Free Sewing Patterns

Laura Marsh Designs Orginal Sewing E-Patterns


FREE PATTERNS

You'll find a selection of free patterns for you to try at home. Most of the patterns you'll find here are very simple patterns, so if you're looking for something a little more challenging why not have a look at some of the other patterns avaliable on the site!


Free Draw String Trouser Sewing Pattern 8-22

Free Draw String Trouser Sewing Pattern 8-22

  These trousers are very simple and make up very quickly.   The pattern has had 6cm added around the waist and hips as well as 3cm...


... more info
Free Long A-Line Skirt Pattern PLUS SIZES 22-36

Free Long A-Line Skirt Pattern PLUS SIZES 22-36

This skirt is very easy to make and would be an ideal beginners project.   The skirt is simply made from two pieces of fabric, a front and a...


... more info



Wednesday 23 June 2010

How to make Nintendo Necklaces


(You can upload sprite pics here and this site will pixelate the pic for you. Make sure the pics are VERY small for it to work best. I mean VERY small. Thanks for the link Yourtiy)

VLoG #115: Showing step by step how to make an 8 bit or 16 bit necklace. While I was in LA the other gamers were calling them the "sWooZie chains" which also has a nice ring to it ^_^

http://bizklimkit.deviantart.com/gall...

http://www.smashboards.com/fzero/embl...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danny_8b...

http://sdb.drshnaps.com/

Duck from Duck Hunt:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c27...

Cape Mario from Super Mario World (SNES):
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c27...

Sonic (one row taller than a standard peg board)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c27...

Yoshi Super Mario World (SNES):
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c27...

extra sprites: http://www.spriters-resource.com/

**For those of you who can upload videos, post some video responses when/if you make your own sprite

How to Make Altered Paper Jewelry


In this "Look, Learn & Create" video, learn how to make altered paper jewelry with Craftside blogger/author/craftster Stefanie Girard and "Altered Paper Jewelry" author Jenn Mason!


How to Make Paper Jewellery - A Great Alternative to the Rising Cost of Precious Metals

How to Make Paper Jewellery - A Great Alternative to the Rising Cost of Precious Metals

By Miriam Beloglovsky

With the instability of prices affecting the precious metals market and the skyrocketing costs of jewelry making supplies, learning how to make paper jewelry has become an interesting and inviting alternative. Paper Jewelry offers versatility and the opportunity to contribute to a green economy by recycling materials readily available at home.

The main question to ask as you learn how to make paper jewelry is how to transform the material into a high fashion and artistic medium. With this in mind, selecting papers that have intricate artistic designs can make a difference in your work. Learning to fold the paper integrating origami into the design will also enhance the jewelry you make.

Paper has been used widely by contemporary jewelry artist. They have integrated it into their work in a variety of ways; from casting to folding, from cutting to creating three dimensional forms. Many artists have made their own papers from recyclable materials and others use recycled paper to create their work. The possibilities are endless.

Learning how to make paper jewelry includes finding different ways of making the jewelry permanent and sustainable. Laminating and using different lacquers to protect it are just two of the many solutions available. When you laminate paper in increases its thickness and adds support. You can laminate the paper using other materials such as linen and other fabrics. When using glue to laminate you need to rub the paper with a soft cloth to smooth the paper and prevent buckling.

Paper is fairly easy to work with and can be cut and scored with a craft knife. Once you have cut the paper, you can use the knife handle to score the paper which will make it easier to fold. You can always use tape to reinforce a fold.

Learning how to make paper jewelry can also save you time and money. You can create prototypes of your jewelry designs before you execute them in metal.

Integrating stamping into paper jewelry can bring dimensionality and interest to a piece. You can use the jewelry design stamps on the paper once it has been laminated to create intricate designs. You can also use the stamps with inks of different colors to add interest to a piece of jewellery.

Paper can be combined with silver, copper, wood, by stitching, riveting and gluing. Paper can be made into beads that can be combined with other gemstones to create Bohemian Jewelry. The main thing is to be creative and let your imagination run wild.

Papers from Japan can help you achieve that high fashion look when learning how to make paper jewelry. The beautiful patterns found on Chiyogami are inspired from kimono textile motifs and feature breathtaking designs from nature. Many of the Japanese papers feature both antique and contemporary patterns of plum blossoms, lotus, lilies, bird cranes, and other motifs that embody metaphor of good fortune, bountiful long life and elegant grace. Thus Japanese paper jewelry is worth investing in because of their symbolic values.

A wet sheet of paper can be pressed into a mold. Once the paper dries it retains the shape of the mold. Paper can be soaked into a liquid made of water and glue or it can be made into a pulp and then presses into the mold. This formed paper shapes can then be used a cabochons and bezel st into silver or copper metal.
Learning how to make paper jewelry has also helped many impoverish communities to generate income. Women in Uganda have been creating beads out of recycled paper and selling them in the 'Fair Trade Market." This has allowed them to become self reliant and to support themselves and their families.

To learn more about jewelry making visit theartofmakingjewelry.com
Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques - A Resource Guide for Artist and Designers. This website was created to share information about the art of making jewelry with other jewelry artist and designers.


How To Make Crazy Dazzle Jeans

How To Make Crazy Dazzle Jeans
Summer crafts

Funk up a dull drab pair of jeans with a little bit of flower power. Great for kids jeans or hippie ladies jeans or a project for a teenager, you're bound to be a trend-setter in funky daisy jeans. Quick and easy to do and not a great deal of artistic flare is needed.

To make daisy jeans you will need...
A pair of jeans (cheap jeans are ideal), thick bleach, artists paintbrushes, thick card, scraps of bright fabric (look in the patchwork box in your local haberdashery) and a needle and thread.

Lay the jeans out flat on a table. Move anything from the area that would be spoilt should it come into contact with the bleach.

Push some thick card up the inside of the right leg of the jeans. This creates a firm base and prevents bleach from seeping through to the fabric below.

Along the bottom hem and up the side seem of the leg to the knee draw 4 to 8 daisies with a biro. The flowers can be assorted sizes. Start off with an "O" shape at the centre and draw six petals or so coming off from the daisy middle. Just draw the flower heads - no stalks or leaves.

Once you are happy with the design go over the daisies with bleach. Pour some bleach onto a plate (thick bleach is best) and using a paint brush, brush the bleach over the biro lines.

You need to work quickly because not only will some brush bristles melt, but the bleach will also be bleaching and attacking the fabric of the jeans. Really you want all the daisies bleached to a similar colour.

Reapply bleach to areas you feel needs it.

When all the daisies have turned white, immerse the jeans into a bowl of water and rinse three or four times to get all of the bleach out. Do not put them into the washing machine because the bleach will perish the rubber seal of the washing machine. Leave the jeans to dry.

You can leave the jeans like this, or you can give each daisy a coloured centre.

Here's how to colour centres...
Draw around a mug or something onto the back of some brightly coloured fabric. Cut out and with a needle and threads sew a row of running stitches around the outside of the fabric circle. Draw the running stitches up so that the raw edges are drawn in. Flatten the circle out, this is your daisy centre. Adjust the tightness of the "Drawing up" to make the centre bigger or smaller to fit each particular daisy. Sew or Wonderwed the daisy centre into place on the jeans. Use invisible stitching, hemming stitch would be good.

Feeling adventurous?

Try covering the jeans in daisies, the front and back. Or just across the seat of the jeans. The funky design possibilities are endless.

Wednesday 16 June 2010

Lunchtime In Fairyland - Recipes & Tutorial


Fed up with dull dinner times? Can get the kids to eat? Have some Fairy Tale food times!

It's no secret that I adore red and white toadstools and I've been wanting to add them to a bento box design for a while now, so this meal is "fairy food"!

The main ingredient, mini meatloaf, was inspired by the muffin tin meal recipes that have become so popular for single-serving bento-size portions, but the best part is that you can make them in advance and stash them in the freezer until you need them. My mini meatloaf muffin is decorated with cheesy pepper ring flowers.

In the larger box with the meatloaf are some fresh clover sprouts, broccoli, pea pods and of course, the pretty little toadstool mushroom. I am super excited to share how I made this one!

In the smaller box there are orange wedges, pear slices, cherries, broccoli and a mini yellow bell pepper that I used as a container for my veggie dip. Sitting up top is a homemade snail roll!

Visit Squidoo for the Recipes...


Cup Cake Knitting Pattern

To knit a Cup cake tea cosy you will need...
Size 6 UK Knitting needles
50g Double Knitting wool for Main Tea cosy
50g Double knitting wool for the icing on the cup cake
Small amount of red wool for Cherry
Small bright beads to decorate the top to look like sprinkles.


Take the wool and divide the ball so that you can knit with 2 strands.


Main Tea Cosy part
Cast on 28 stitches and work 26 rows of Rib.
Rib is - *Knit one stitch, purl one stitch* Repeat to end of the row.


Cast off in Rib.


Knit 2 alike.


Icing Top for Tea Cosy
With the icing coloured wool cast on 56 stitches and stocking stitch 4 rows.



Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Knit.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.


Sewing up the Tea Cosy
Sew the icing to the main part of the tea cosy just below the first row on the inside. Stretch the  main part so that both parts fit all the way around the icing.

Then sew the main parts together part way on the top and bottom on both sides leaving a gap for the teapots spout and handle.

The Cherry
Using red double thickness yarn cast on 6 stitches.

Row 1: Inc in every stitch

Stocking stitch 3 rows

Row 5: Knit 2tog to end

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off. 

Lightly stuff and sew on top of the tea cosy in the centre. Around the cherry sew on a scattering of small beads.



Turn the cup cake into a Birthday cup cake with the Birthday Candles knitting pattern




Thursday 10 June 2010

How to Design a Treasure Map For Your Children

By Kellysa Becca

The initial step must be done with the material of the map. You should take a white paper and then boil it into a pan with tea. Dip it through 5 minutes, and then let it become cold until one minute and do not forget to flip it. To make a realistic one, you may need to separate the paper into some parts and burn the edge, so it will make it sense like a true map.

You can now arrange a strange location with its detail landmarks and enough room. You can try to look for the inspiration through a book or search on the internet. You can also use the modern landmarks when you have difficulties to find the natural one. However, the most important is that you should make the hunting for a real treasure. You need to design the road of treasure so take notes and check for another factor like the general things and the risks for their safety.

You need to make sure the language you want to use on your map that the clues, the notes, and a little side note should be compatible with the era of pirates. You may want to use Avast Matey type, and then you can arrange the direction as zig zagging from the corner to corner of terrain, so it becomes as difficult track as the treasures hunt.

You can insert some picture of a person in black ink and some specific signs of pirates include, booty, swords, crossbones, anchors or compass rose. However, you do also need to hinder giving a lot of clues and features o your map. If there are some fair children, you can arrange it, as they have to cooperate to successfully finish the track and find the treasures.

You should hide the exact place where you have put the wealth on the secret part of your map. Most of the actual wealth should be covered, so your children could not find it when they have returned. You can arrange the treasures to be covered by anything like Easter eggs, after several weeks from the Easter, the children could discover it easily as it has hidden properly.


Know more how to design a treasure map for your children inCreating Wealth, or you can visit our website http://www.db-dp.com/creating-wealth-through-adventure.


Making Your Own Handmade Stoneware Pottery

By Joseph Paul Caparas

Making of handmade pottery started way back in 25,000 BC and it is considered as the oldest craft. The first ever pottery made was a handmade pottery vessel for holding water. In Egypt, about 3,000 - 4,000 BC potteries were hand carved as during those times, the pottery wheel has not been invented yet. But when it was created, pottery has evolved. New forms were made and potteries are more symmetrical.

Hand crafting pottery is still practiced up to date. There are thousands of potters making handmade pottery worldwide. Handmade Pottery still serves it functional purpose moreover; it is also a form of expressing artistry. There are many techniques and styles used by modern potters yet they are still making use of the basics. Because of these changes, handmade stoneware with unique appearance was developed.

Handmade stoneware pottery is famous for its non-porous texture and scratch resistant features. There are times that porcelain is believed to be a type of stoneware pottery but porcelain is white and often transparent. There are two options to make beautiful stoneware, with or without pottery wheel although the former is much preferred.

Before starting making your handmade stoneware, equipments and other items needed should be prepared and these are the following: apron, clay, water, gaze, brushes and pottery wheel. You also have to choose a working that is flat, smooth and wide enough for ease of working.
To make handmade stoneware pottery, follow these simple steps.

Air bubbles should be removed from the clay by wedging, kneading and throwing. Then for conformity of the set pieces, the clay should be weighed but prior to it, by wedging. Stoneware pottery is often made of clay that is heavy in mixture to have greater pottery strength. You also have to choose what color you will use. Colors of clay range from beige to white tones but the common are brownish to grayish.

Mold the handmade stoneware to your desired shape. After which, apply glaze over the handmade pottery once it dried up. Glaze can either be prepared or purchased depending on the potter's liking. The glaze will serve as the coating of your handmade stoneware. It also acts as sealant to preserve the richness of color and texture.

The handmade stoneware is then placed into the kiln. High temperatures are often fired to stoneware to enhance its colors. However, if dull colors are desired, low temperatures can be used. Moreover, firing at high temperature gives the hard finish look of the handmade pottery.
Making handmade pottery is an art. Typically, these handmade stoneware pottery are durable that will certainly last even if the potter who made it has passed away. In every pottery there is a story left unspoken, thus it will be a good heirloom to future generations especially if you hand crafted it personally.

MadeItMyself is a rapidly growing, unique and fun artisan online marketplace that lets you post your handmade creations and share them with the rest of the world.

MadeItMyself provides endless possibilities for the people who love art and originality and want to make a good living from their respective trades. http://www.madeitmyself.com
(c) Article Copyright - MadeitMyself.com.


Tuesday 8 June 2010

Beautiful Button Fairies

Beautiful Button fairies. A great little trinket to make for friends birthday presents. Cut out a photo of their head and torso and glue on some wings behind and and artificial flower in front and thread some buttons onto some coloured thread to make a tail. A really sweet idea.

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Father's Day Cardmaking Ideas

Father's Day Cardmaking IdeasBy Michelle Anne Leah Custodio
If you love the idea of cardmaking, why don't you do your own card for a Father's day celebration? This is to express your love for your father. This is the nicest way for you to express your love to your father especially if you are not an expressive daughter or son. Cardmaking is very easy to do, if you have patterns and ideas that you can get in the internet. If you do not have enough time to crate handmade cards, then you can choose readymade printable cards. All you have to is to add the message that you want for your father. The following are several ideas that you can follow to create nice and expressive father's day card.
· With the use of scrapbooking papers, you can create a father's day card with very simple design. These kinds of papers are available in wide array of colors and unique combination of designs. This will provide added sophistication and style to your card. Choose a color that is suited to the personality of your father. Father's day card does not require many decorations. The simple the better.
· You can also use the method of layering. This will give a different effect for your card. This card looks advantage without you doing and tricky technique on it. There are lots of time consuming techniques that you can locate in the internet. You can avoid these techniques if you will just use layering.
· Pop up is another technique that you can use, this might be a time consuming technique, but the result is amazing.
· A worn out look card might is suitable for father's day card. All you have to do is to rub ink pad around the edges of the card. It's nice to use brown ink to complete the look of a worn out look card. You may also play with other colors when you are going to create card for other occasion and celebration. Cardmaking is all about fun and experimentation.
· Decorative edges- you can create decorative edges with the use of punches as well as scissors. You can simply tear the edges of the paper to create different appeal. These decorative edges can help you set the main tone of your card that is perfect for father's day. This will help you to direct the tone that you want to express.
Father's day celebration is a special occasion to honor your father and express your love to your father. If you cannot verbalize it, then the best way is to write your feelings by making father's day card. Cardmaking is one way to communicate by means of creative writing and card making.
It is important not to be afraid to experience mistake and experiment when making a card. You must enjoy the entire process and open your eyes and mind for new ideas and opinions of others. You might not be aware of the nest idea that will come out of your mind. Make your own card and start using your creativity and imagination.
Looking for cardmaking materials? For more info and excellent customer service, visit http://papermilldirect.co.uk.




Tuesday 1 June 2010

Birthday Candles Knitting Pattern for Cup Cake Tea Cosy

Birthday Candles Knitting Pattern
This is a great Birthday gift idea - a birthday cupcake Tea cosy. There are lots of Free cupcake tea cosy knitting patterns online, so find one that you will enjoy knitting. Then knit 6 birthday candles to add to the top of the tea cosy to make a real birthday treat.

To knit birthday candles for the top of a Cup Cake tea cosy you will need…
Knitting needles sized UK 9, 3.75 mm, or US sized 5
Crochet hook sized 3.50 mm
Oddments of double knitting wool for the candle,
Yellow double knitting wool for the flame
And a drinking straw.


Main Candle Part
With sized 9 knitting needles and main candle colour cast on 14 stitches.

Stocking stitch 8 rows and cast off.

Flame
Turn the main candle part, and pick up and knit 6 stitches along the row ends.
Next Row: *P1, Inc 1 purl ways* to end

Stocking stitch 4 rows.
Birthday Candles Knitting Pattern
Next Row: *K1, K2 tog* to end.
Next Row: Purl
Next Row: *K2 tog* to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

To Make up the Candle
With right sides together, fold the candle in half, length ways and sew the flame par of the candle. Turn the flame right sides out, and lightly stuff with the thread ends.

Place a straw on the inside of the main candle part and wrap the knitting around the straw. Sew the cast on and cast off edges together. Cut the straw to the length of the candle.
With the crocheting hook and a candle contrast colour, chain stitch 25 chain and finish. Tack one end of the chain to the top back of the candle, and then wrap it around the candle to make a twisted stripe. Tack the stripe in place.

Candle Holder
With the contrast colour and sized 9 knitting needles, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: *P2 tog* to end

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and join the row ends so that it forms a circle.

Sew the candleholder to the bottom of the candle.

This is your finished birthday candle ready to sew onto a cake like tea cosy. 6 candles look great on a tea cosy.