Four Frugal Craft Ideas For The Summer

By: Andy Spinks

Beach Memories
Who can resist picking up shells, rocks, and all those shiny colorful goodies that have washed up during a walk along a beach? Once home, though, the treasured memories usually dry out, lose their original luster, or may not make it home at all. With this project, your beachcombing efforts can be kept sparkling and create a long lasting summer memento.
Fill a canning jar with a layer of sand and wedge larger shells or driftwood in this layer of sand, and then add the smaller shells. Fill the jar with seawater, screw the lid on tightly, and wrap in a towel to prevent breakage.
Place the jar in a water filled cooking pot. Heat until the water in the pot boils, then simmer for 15 minutes (this will kill any algae). Carefully remove the jar from the cooking pot (parents only) and cool. Label the jar and enjoy for many years.

Chalk Art
One of summer's perks is that young artists now have the time and the weather to allow them to take advantage of those big canvases for their drawings. Here are some ways these young artists can decorate sidewalks, driveways, and walkways.
Draw a map of the neighborhood area around your home, with roads, houses and parks. Then populate the chalk neighborhood with toy cars and figures.
Trace around a friend's body, and then draw in hair, eyes and clothing.
Outline a large “color by number” dinosaur, favorite zoo animal or cartoon character, and let you friends color in different sections.
Copy a favorite comic strip in the sidewalk squares (a panel in each square), or invent an original strip of your own.

Box Of Treasures
This treasure box, organized around the idea that anything goes, should have ample room for plastic bags of beach findings, photos, coins, drawings, movie ticket stubs or even a small diary.
Find a sturdy cardboard box (one with a lid), which can labeled with the treasure hunters name and the date. As treasures are discovered, place them inside or, glue them onto the outside of the box. To give the box a durable finish, brush on a coat of white glue thinned with water or cover with contact paper.

Catching The Breeze
This project, with its long blow-in-the-breeze tail, will make any craft maker feel like they’ve sprouted wings.

MATERIALS
2 large plastic cups
Clear, flat trash bag
Dowel or stick
2 rubber bands
Masking tape
Hole punch
Scissors

1. Cut the bottoms from both cups. Lay the trash bag flat and roll its sealed, bottom end around the outside of one cup, 1 inch below the cup's rim. Tape in place.
2. Feed the trash bag through the bottom of the second cup, then pull the cup firmly over the first so the rims are aligned.
3. Using the scissors, cut fringes on the tail of the trash bag. Punch two holes through both of the cups (on opposite sides of the cup), just below the rims.
4. Push the dowel or stick through the two holes, wrapping a rubber band around it on each side of the cup to hold it in place.
5. Catch as much breeze as you can!

Andy Spinks is co-owner of The Clay Store -
http://www.theclaystore.com. The Clay Store offers a large selection of
Polymer Clay Supplies and
Polymer Clay Tutorials.
Article Source: The FREE Article Distribution Center

Learn How to Knit with Easy Beginner Instructions

By: Chris Robertson

As a beginner in knitting, you're probably curious about the basics in knitting before you take lessons. Knitting provides a hobby that's fun, requires self-discipline and steadfastness, and allows you to feel a sense of achievement when your knitting project is complete.

Knitting Defined

Knitting is a craft in which two needles along with thread or yarn are used to create fabric pieces or garments by creating loops in the yarn. Knitting can be used to create many types of fabric, from framed knitting artwork to sweaters, afghan quilts, throws, blankets, mittens, or even bedroom slippers.

The very basic type of knitting is called the knit stitch. With the knit stitch, you'll slip the needle through the loop from front to back. Then, loop the yarn around the needle and put the stitch through onto the second needle. Another common type of knitting is the purl stitch, which is handled in an opposite manner than the knit stitch. When learning how to knit through paid or free knitting lessons for beginners, you'll learn these basics first.

A completed fabric that has been knitted is characterized by rows of stitches that resemble loops and flat rows alternated.

Why Learn How to Knit?

Knitting has been around for thousands of years, and probably always will be. So, why knit by hand when you can easily buy finished fabrics in the marketplace? There are many reasons to learn how to knit and to also teach your daughter to knit.

One, knitting gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you complete a beautiful knitted piece that can be framed as a home decor piece, you'll be proud to hang it on your wall. When you complete a lovely, warm sweater made with your own hands, you can proudly wear it and explain that you knitted it yourself.

Two, learning how to knit requires self-discipline and steadfastness. You must work on it consistently to complete a project. Your child can also learn to set goals, stick with something until the end, and accomplish something special through knitting.

Three, knitted items make excellent gifts. When your friend or loved one becomes an expectant mother, you can immediately begin knitting a blanket for the baby. Or, knit slippers for your family members as Christmas gifts. Giving something you knitted with your own hands makes a very special gift from the heart.

Where to Learn

Learning how to knit is easy today with so many online resources. There are online paid or free knitting lessons for beginners as well as advanced knitting instructions. You can opt to learn from an individual locally, but this can cost quite a bit of time and money. Learning how to knit online enables you to learn from your own home during your spare time. It's also very affordable.

Some things you'll learn through online knitting lessons include what tools and supplies are needed, how to cast on, how to know knits from purls, how to create patterns and designs, how to block and sew your work together, how to care for knitted garments, and other valuable knitting skills.

With free knitting lessons for beginners or advanced knitting instructions, you might also benefit and save money with the free knitting patterns provided at some knitting websites. Learning how to knit will give you a skill that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies.
For tips/information, click here: how to knit
Visit Majon's Crafts and Hobbies directory.

Dyeing Pasta for Craft Projects

Kids love to play with pasta! Who knew something so simple and inexpensive could be so interesting to young children.

Dried pasta comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you don't already have some in your kitchen cupboard, you can find a variety of different pastas to choose from in the bulk section of your grocery store. Let your child go with you to pick it out.

Pasta can be used for a variety of craft projects, and it is very easy to dye. It takes only a few minutes to dye the pasta, and a couple of hours for it to dry.

To dye the pasta all you need is:

- Pasta in different shapes and sizes
- Food coloring
- Rubbing alcohol
- Several small bowls

Pour approximately 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol into each bowl. Add 10 or so drops of food coloring into each bowl, one bowl for each color. Drop the pasta into the bowl and stir gently with a spoon for a few seconds. Remove the pasta from the bowl and allow to dry for several hours on a paper plate. The colors will brighten as the pasta dries.

Your kids will enjoy playing with their colorful pasta. They can use it to create macaroni necklaces or they can glue pieces of pasta onto a sheet of paper for a creative work of art.

Children as young as two years old will enjoy counting and sorting the pasta into different piles. Have them separate the pasta by color or shape. They will have fun moving the pieces of pasta from bowl to bowl.


Photo of dyed pasta shapes:
http://www.crafty-moms.com/kids_crafts/dyeing-pasta.shtml


Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For
scrapbooking, card making, gift-giving ideas, and more family
memory-making activities, visit http://www.crafty-moms.com

Making a Textured Pendant

For this project you will need the following:
1.5mm Spacer
Acrylic Roller
Suitable Work Surface
Non stick Baking Paper
Mini Cookie Cutter or Craft Knife for cutting out a shape
Texture Mats or similar
Stainless Steel Mesh for firing on a Gas Hob or a Ceramic Firing Brick for use with a Gas Torch
Stainless Steel Brush
Stainless Steel Burnisher
Art Clay 650 Silver Paste ? small amount
Sanding Pads or Needle Files
Necklace, Ribbon or Leather Thong
Small bowl with some water and a paintbrush
Art Clay 650 7g Slow Dry

1. Using the spacers as a guide, roll out your clay to an even thickness between 2 sheets of baking paper. Use the paintbrush and water to help keep the clay moisturised whilst working with it and to smooth out any cracks that may appear.

2. Apply a texture from your texture mats or anything else that you may be using.

3. Cut out your desired shape using the mini cookie cutters or a craft knife. For the design above, I used mini heart cookie cutters, to cut out a smaller heart shape from the larger one. I then used a little paste to stick the smaller shape (texture side down) onto the larger heart shape. If you are making a design that is different to the one shown in the pattern, remember to make a hole for a jumpring.

4. Dry your piece using the oven, warming tray, hairdryer or heat gun. To find appropriate drying times please look at Drying Schedule for Art Clay resources page

5. Once dry, use your sanding pads or needle files and smooth out any sharp edges and corners. Now is also the time to carve in any patterns or designs you would like.

6. Your piece can now be fired using your preferred method. For a firing schedule please look at Firing Schedule for Art Clay resources page

7. After your piece has been fired and cooled, brush with a Stainless Steel Brush to bring out the beautiful Silver colour.

8. You can now use your Burnisher to create a mirror finish to your pendant. Add a necklace, ribbon or leather thong to complete your unique creation.

9. Enjoy!! All that you need to create a unique Textured Pendant is available in The Webshop

For more information on using, drying and firing Art Clay please take a look at the Resources Page

Candle Making Kits

Candle Making Kits - A Candle Hobby Can Be Fun
By Christopher J

Millions of people throughout the world have hobbies to help them relax after a long day of work. One hobby that has risen in popularity is candle making.

Candle making has become sort of an art form. Each person has their own ideas and designs for candles, and each candle has the potential of becoming a work of art, if only to its creator.

Candle making is not difficult, however if you are creating something that will become a focal point of a room, you want it to be perfect. The great thing about candle making is that if you make a mistake, you can melt the candle and start all over again.

Candle Making Kits Are Great

Candle making kits are great for first timers to introduce yourself to candle making. Candle making kits will show you the basic steps and techniques when you have the basic knowledge of how to make candles, you will be able to create candles that are stunning.

The first step in candle making is to protect your work surface from melted wax. Covering with newspaper or heavy plastic will insure that your workspace is kept clean.

You do not need elaborate tools to create wonderful candles. A roasting pan and a thermometer will work just as well as all of the fancy equipment that can be quite expensive.

Candle making kits can become a way to spend quality time with your children. However, it is very important that they are supervised at all times to avoid any accidents that may occur.

Safety First

Melting wax is relatively easy, however little fingers may try to test it. Make sure that you advise your children that although the melted wax may smell good, it is extremely hot and they could get serious injuries if they try to touch it.

Dyes and fragrances for candles are available at craft stores throughout the country. It is important that you add the dye slowly to the melted wax and wait for it to dissolve completely. Adding colors one at a time will allow you to determine which colors work with each other the best.

It is very important that you watch the wax very carefully when it is melting. If the heat is too high, it will burn the wax. If melting wax begins to smoke, remove it from the heat immediately, being very careful not to spill any on your skin. If this should happen, do not wipe it off. You could spread it cause more serious burns. Instead, run it under cold water until the wax hardens and it should fall right off.

Once you have poured your wax into your molds, it will need twenty-four hours or more to cool and harden completely. Once the candle has set up, it is time to decorate.

Add Personality To Your Candle Making

Choosing the right pattern for your candle is the most creative part of candle making. If you want to add a splash of color, try melting your favorite colored crayon for a vibrant look to your candle.

You can use just about anything from stencils to non-flammable beads to create works of art. You are limited only by your imagination.

If you choose to create scented candles, adding crushed herbs will give a pleasant scent that will last as long as the candle itself. Candle making kits come with complete instructions on how to create the perfect candle. They are easy to follow and can be used in any setting. Candle Making Kits are great fun and also make for an interesting past time by yourself or with your family. Learn even more about candle making kits at. Types of Candles.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christopher_J http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christopher_J

Soap Making Supply... What And Where!

By Al Bullington

Soap making supply sources are very numerous on the Internet. It's actually puzzling where to go for supplies and information.
Consider these five categories of soap supplies that you must choose for your soap making project.
1. Oils
The most basic material you must choose are your base oils, the actual oils that turn to soap. If you're making only small batches, you may choose to use what's available in your local grocery store.
As your production volume goes up, you may choose to buy in larger volume. Here, shipping costs are a major factor.
If you do order your oils, consider Columbus Foods in Chicago for excellent quality materials at great prices.
2. Scents
If you scent your soaps, which you probably will, the choice of a scent supplier is difficult. Thee are so many to choose from.
You must choose whether to use synthetic fragrance oils in endless varieties. Or you may decide to use natural essential oils.
There are suppliers who specialize in each or some carry both types.
The choice of the scent oils may be a large part of your cost for a bar of soap.
3. Colors
Colors can be commercial pigments approved for cosmetics. These are often clay based.
Or there are many natural materials that produce muted earth tones. I've used and enjoy rose hips, spirulina, turmeric, kelp and many other natural plant-based materials as colorants.
Some soap making supply sources carry both types.
4. Lye
Lye is used to turn the oils to soap. It is a necessary ingredient in soap. But it is classified as a hazardous material so it's expensive to ship. Luckily it is available through many of the soap supply source companies.
Lye can sometimes be found in building supply stores in the plumbing department.
The best place to buy lye is locally through an industrial chemical supply house. You'll most likely need a tax exempt certificate or some way to prove you're a business. Your wholesale cost will be far less than any other way.
5. Information
There is a bewildering amount of information about making soap available online.
Much of it is very good. and from reliable sources. Some of it is worthless.
A good inexpensive basic printed book is Soap by Ann Bramson. It's a classic.
With some good guidance and a little work you can find the best soap making supply sources for your soap making projects.
Al Bullington writes about rural living and small scale business topics. He has made and sold soap for years.
For ideas about the best soap making supply sources as well as professional tips on making and marketing soap get his Soap Business Kit at [http://www.soapbizkit.com]www.soapbizkit.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington [http://ezinearticles.com/?Soap-Making-Supply...-What-And-Where!&id=643047 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Soap-Making-Supply...-What-And-Where!&id=643047

Fingerprint Pendant, Brooch, Tie Pin or charm

For this project you will need the following:
Silicon Moulding Compound
Stainless Steel Burnisher
Stainless Steel Brush
Art Clay 650 Silver 7 or 10g – depending on the size of the print to be taken Sanding Pads
Jump Ring & Necklace or Earring fittings
Liver of Sulphur

This is a wonderful project to make as a present for parents, grandparents aunts, etc. Or for a new parent to make as a keepsake.

1. Mix together equal quantities of the blue and white Silicon Moulding Compound until well blended, about 5mls of each for a small child’s print. You have to ensure that there are no streaks or light and dark patches. Roll this mixture into a ball and flatten slightly.

2. Press a clean and dry finger or thumb into this ball and hold for about 1 minute. You will need to allow this mould to rest for about five to eight minutes. It is ready when a fingernail pressed into the silicon no longer leaves an impression.

3. When the mould is ready press the Art Clay into the mould and smooth out the back.

4. At this stage a Bail Back or Eyelet can be pressed into the wet clay or they can be attached later using a bit of Art Clay Paste.

5. Allow the Art Clay to dry either in the mould for a few hours or overnight or after about 1 hour carefully remove the Art Clay shape and dry using a hairdryer or in a moderate oven.

6. When completely dry you can sand out any rough edges and carve out the person’s name or date of birth, etc.

7. You can now fire the shape on a Gas Hob, with a Gas torch or in a Kiln. Firing instructions for the different methods are included with the Art Clay.

8. Once fired the fingerprint can then be brushed with a Stainless Steel Brush and burnished. Burnishing helps strengthens the finished item as well as giving it a lovely shine.

9. You can also finish the piece by dipping it into a solution of Liver of Sulphur. This does highlight the finger print rather well. You can achieve all sorts of colours using this method and it may be worth experimenting.

10. If you do not like the finished effect with the Liver of Sulphur then just refire the piece, brush and burnish.

You know have a wonderful keepsake of someone special to wear as a Pendant, Brooch, Charm, Tie Pin, etc. Enjoy!!!

A kit is available with everything you need to make your own Fingerprint for only £32.95 which is a 16% saving on the normal Retail Price!! The kit contains enough to be able to make 2 fingerprints of children.

The kit includes: Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless Steel Brush
Burnisher
Art Clay 650 10g
Sanding Pads – 3 grits
A Bail Back
Sterling Silver 18" or 16" Necklace
Liver of Sulphur
Blue & White Moulding Compound


Buy the kit here...