Stitch and prayer

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Tips When Planning To Buy Rubber Stamp Materials

Rubber stamping allows you to create beautiful and unique artwork. One of the many reasons rubber stamping has grown in popularity is the flexibility and variety involved in choosing and using rubber stamp materials. Another reason is that rubber stamp techniques can be applied to the popular crafts of scrap-booking, card making, and other paper arts. Anyone can become intimidated when purchasing rubber stamp materials, here are a few helpful suggestions that can make it easier.

The three main components of stamping are the stamps themselves, the paper, and the ink. Stamps can be place on wood mounts, or acrylic mounts. Acrylic mounts are newer, and a popular version are the clear mounts, which let you see precisely where to stamp. If you are a beginner, a clear version will give you more ability to see exactly where you'll be stamping, helping you to eliminate mistakes. Because of smudging issues with acrylic stamps, its important you get a high quality stamp, which will give you the clearest image and the cleanest lines.

Wood mounts with natural rubber stamps are extremely popular, and the natural rubber will soak the ink very well and give you a very crisp and defined image. However, rubber mounts can take up a lot of space when storing. If you are planning to use wood mounts, you may want to consider buying unmounted stamps, as there are many advantages. Unmounted stamps can be purchased in sheets, and there is a cost savings as you are purchasing more than one stamp. Another cost savings, if you order online, is the cost saved with a lower shipping weight. Unmounted stamps are very versatile, they are backed with a static cling mounting foam, or magnets, and then can be mounted on either wood or acrylic blocks.

While there are many choices, you may want to try different techniques at first, and find out which ones your most comfortable with. However, different stamps work better with certain applications. Foam stamps, for example, work well on fabric. If you are planning to insert a rubber stamp as part of an in-depth, multi-layered scrapbook design, you may want to go with a clear acrylic stamp, so there will be no mistakes. Natural rubber stamps work well for card making and other small paper projects.

While many rubber stampers purchase their materials online, you may want to first visit a crafting store so you can test and get a closer look at many of the different materials that are available. Once you settle on your favorites, it will be easier to comparison shop online. Magazines and catalogues are also good sources for creative rubber stamp inspiration. While the tools used for rubber stamping can be considered basic, the final product will only be limited by your imagination.

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

Power Scrapping

From what I read and see, many scrappers are turning away from the high-maintenance time consuming and expensive scrapbook page. I think one thing that has changed in the scrapbook industry is the number of scrappers who have time or even like to spend 2 hours (or even 2 days) on a single page. Most of us have figured out that we are buried under a growing mountain of photos. As my husband pointed out to me last week- digital photography has become a scrapper's best friend AND worst enemy. I snap digital photos like there's no tomorrow because I know I can print out ONLY the ones I actually want. However, because I take so many photos, I now have MORE good ones that I want to scrap. You can't win! So, many of us are buckling down and turning away from the artistic side of scrapping and moving towards the "just get it done" side.

So, how can you use this in your businesses and in your own personal scrapping?

SCRAPBOOK ARTISTS: Sell the angle that your client might not have time to make the artsy pages, but you do! These days, some people have more money than time. You may find scrappers who desire to make an extra-special album for their grandmother's 80th birthday but lack the time. That's where you step in. Perhaps they would rather pay someone to do it for them than take the time to do it themselves! But, even then, use Power Scrapping (and coordinated products) to get the pages done efficiently

STORE OWNERS: Sell the kits that everyone wants. There are a ton of kit options in the scrapbook industry right now. This industry is driven by customers-they are demanding the ease of a coordinated kit so, don't disappoint them. Teach them that the kits make their scrapping more efficient in time saved both shopping and scrapping!

KIT MAKERS: Make your kits as easy to use as possible. Gone are the days when customers want to trace little patterns onto cardstock-they want it all pre-cut with ideas and easy-to-understand directions. It might mean more time for you, but you can raise your prices if need be to cover the extra time!

CONSULTANTS: Have a power-scrapping class. How about a "6 Pages in 60 Minutes" class? Sometimes we need to help people re-tool their brains. For instance, you don't have to mat EVERY photo. Cropped photos on plain cardstock with a quick embellishment can be quite effective. Teach them how to use large flat embellishments like stickers that LOOK lumpy (eyelet pounding takes time) and take up space on the page. Then teach them how to get MORE photos on a page with efficient cropping.

SCRAPBOOKERS: Understand that in 25 years, your grandchildren won't care that you spent 5 hours and $40 on one layout. They just want to see the pictures and the stories. You want your pages to look nice but nice and extravagant are two different periods of time. Take advantage of kits and coordinated products to get your photos and stories on the page as efficiently as possible. Burn-out is the number one reason scrappers stop preserving their memories. And, burn-out most often takes place in scrappers who spend the most time and money trying to make perfect pages. Learn to lower your standards a bit and re-focus yourself on the reason you started scrapbooking in the first place.

There will always be scrappers who want to scrap for the art of it, but there is a growing number of potential customers who don't have the time to think that way anymore. They crave fast and easy, yet still artistic to some extent. Provide them with the tools, products and services to help them achieve their goals and they won't lose their passion for scrapping!

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Handmade Quilts Make a Beautiful Heirloom if You Care For Them Properly Today

Many people buy a handmade quilt because they look more pleasing aesthetically to the eye than do other types of quilts. The thing with these types of quilts are that they actually highlight the skills and the prowess of the person who has produced it. Certainly such a quilt would not only make a great decoration in the home but also provide a unique gift that will show someone that you care about them.

You will soon discover that a handmade quilt is much sturdier than many machine made ones. Plus they also help to keep you much warmer as well. However as a lot of time is taken in respect of the man hours that are needed to produce such a quilt they will generally be much more expensive than a machine made one.

Certainly if cleaned and cared for properly such a quilt can last a lifetime and beyond. So if you have purchased such a quilt recently or have one already in your possession then by following the tips provided below you should be able to extend the life of it for some time to come.

When it comes to washing a handmade quilt it is best that you do not do this too often. Normally if you are using it on your bed then it should only be washed annually whilst one that is either an antique or heirloom should be washed every 5 years or so. However if yours gets dirty quickly then you may need to clean it more often. But what you should be doing between each wash is to air it out in the open so it gets freshened.

What you should do before you actually wash the quilt for the first time is to check for fabric colorfastness. This will help to ensure the fabric dyes used on the materials that make up your quilt won't run. Plus if the color is not fast then the colors will fade and the quilt will become discolored. The best way of testing the material to see if it is colorfast or not is by rubbing a white piece of cloth that has been dampened with water on each color on the quilt. If you discover any of the colors have bled on to the white cloth then do not wash it. If none of them have bled with cold water then try again with warm water and if it bleeds you will know not to wash it warm water but you can in cold. But it really is best if you wash your handmade quilt in either cold or lukewarm water, and never warm or hot.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

How To Choose the Right Doll House for you

A doll house, if created and finished with care can very well become a family heirloom. With this in mind, you should not rush into the purchase, but should take your time and look at different available models carefully before deciding on the right house for you.

I think the first decision should be whether you want to purchase a house that has already been built, or if you want to purchase a doll house kit and build it yourself. Personally I think the fun and satisfaction realized when building a kit is the only way to go! You may however not feel comfortable in taking on this task, and if this is the case by all means look for a house already assembled.

Once this decision has been made, you should decide what style of house you want to own. There are many styles available, from cottages to grand Victorian style homes, to modern houses. Accessories and doll house furniture for every style of home is available for purchase. Some people choose the style based on their childhood house, or on a full size house that they wish they could own!

Each style of doll house will also be available in a few different sizes. I don't mean the scale of the doll house, but the actual physical size. If you have limited space available for display, you will want to look at the smaller models.

If you plan to have children handle or play with the doll house, you should also take that into consideration when choosing the type and style of doll house you purchase. Some styles are sturdier, and the rooms are more easily accessible than others. Avoid houses with intricate gingerbread trims as these are easily damaged by children.

If you may consider adding to your doll house in the future, look for a model that has additions available. You may decide you are happy with the house as it is, but it is nice to have the option of adding another couple of rooms onto it in the future. There are a number of doll house kits available that allow for this option.

Doll house building, decorating and furnishing is a wonderful hobby, that should be enjoyed for years to come. Take your time each step of the way, beginning with your choice of doll houses and have fun!

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Saturday, May 12, 2007

Wood Turning Projects - What Is a Beginner Wood Turner to Do?

Wood turning tends to be a fairly solitary venture taking place in a work shops around the world. There may be a class or two or monthly meetings of the wood turning club, but for most it will be an hour here and there, privately in the garage, basement or wherever the shop may be found. For the beginner the big question seems to be "What do I turn now?" Most seem to spend some time turning square pieces round and then are not sure where to go next. Enter the wood turning project.

Wood turning projects tend to be set up in much the same way regardless of the finished piece. Instruction is given not only as to what wood to use but also the tools needed, any special sharpening techniques required and how to fix the wood to the lathe. There are generally pictures available and the more the better as each new aspect is introduced. This is of course ideal for the beginner.

Four things should be looked for in a beginner's wood turning project:

  • Ease of turning but yet a challenge. The procedures should be well within the beginner's grasp but yet enough of them should be new enough to require learning and give a challenge. The trick to learning to turn is practice, practice, practice and this will be boring without a challenge. At the same, a whole lot of new things to get used to can be frustrating and off putting. Take your time.

  • Inexpensive. Some projects need extra parts or call for exotic woods. The best way to learn is to turn the same thing over and over with minor variations for the sake of interest. Those extra parts and exotic woods can add expense fast. Local woods are cheap and still beautiful to use.

  • Green or fresh cut wood projects are easier to turn and cheaper still. In fact, a lot of green wood is free for the taking as the power company clears lines or the neighbors have to take down a shade tree whose roots are destroying the foundation.

  • Popularity. What are you going to do with all those projects, turned one after another? Sooner or later they move you out of the shop, you turn them into kindling, or you give them away. People love wood turnings. Even if you think they are not good enough to sell, people love a gift.

  • Wood turning projects present opportunity for learning while enjoying a new hobby, entertain low expense, use up wood that might otherwise be landfill and provide presents for friends and family. Turn, turn, turn.

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    Tuesday, May 08, 2007

    Card Making & Scrap Booking - Best Ways To Use Brads

    When I first began card making and scrap booking I though I knew quite a lot however over time I have picked up and learned so many new tips and tricks and I am sure there is plenty more out there to discover.

    One of my favorite accessories for card making is brads, they come in all shapes and sizes and a huge variety of colors.

    There are so many things you can do with brads, when I first started card making I purchased some silver and gold brads just to see what I could come up with. I mainly used them to make a template for a word stand out, usually happy birthday. Id cut a piece of card into a rectangle then use peel offs for the words, id find some gold or silver mirror card and mount the words on the mirror card using 3d foam pads.

    I would then use a pokey tool to make a hole in the word template all the way through my card, id then put the brads through the holes (one at each end) turn the card over and bend the backs of the brads to hold them in place.

    Although this made the card look fantastic it meant that when the card was opened you could see the backs of the brads, so I would either make an insert to hide the backs of the brads or I would cover the back of the card front with another piece of card to hide them.

    I did this for almost a year until I realized if I put the brad through the first piece of card where my letters or wording was before I mounted it onto the mirror card the brads would already be in place, I could then use double sided tape to attach the mounted wording to the card. This meant I did not go through the actual card itself so there was no need to cover the inside of the card as the back of the brads could not be seen.

    It may seem obvious but it was a long time before I twigged that this is a better way to attach brads to cards.

    Brads come in so many different colors however its always the way when your making a card that you never have the color you want. I had a go at embossing one of my brads and it worked. Follow the same steps as you would for embossing a stamped image, cover the brad in ink the sprinkle your embossing powder over the ink and heat as normal.

    Try not to over heat the brad as this can cause it to become fragile and the backs may snap. Using this method means that you make your brad any color you like.

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    Saturday, May 05, 2007

    The Berberry Handbag A Great Choice

    The Burberry handbag has been around for more than 150 years and began its evolution in a small village in England. Thomas Burberry, the company's founder, was a fabric genius who is credited not only with the creation of the classic Burberry plaid, but also the invention of gabardine, a waterproof fabric first used by the military and then adopted by Hollywood actors.

    Burberry began his creations in an era where fashion and the times were much simpler, but the desire for style and quality was still an important part of life. Burberry's creations have continued in almost the same form they had when they were introduced because it's hard to improve on perfection.

    Burberry found worldwide recognition with his Burberry handbags at the turn of the century. Burberry handbags were in demand with every fashion conscious woman in the world. Originally designed by Italian designer Robert Menchetti, the Burberry handbag has remained a major player in the handbag market.

    Burberry handbags, like many other popular handbags, are subject to frequent knockoffs. Burberry handbag knockoffs can look surprisingly real, leaving many consumers wondering if they had received an authentic Burberry handbag or not.

    Besides buying from a reputable source, there are several things that separate an authentic Burberry from its imitation cousins. Burberry manufactures its handbags from a durable vinyl coated canvas with lots of leather trim. Each Burberry hand bag has a canvas lining, leather straps and a key ring. Burberry quality is easily recognized by the discerning shopper in the stitching and construction of these impressive bags.

    Burberry handbags are quite affordable and are often priced in the $500 range. For those who do not wish to spend so much on a handbag, Burberry handbag knockoffs run about $200 and are quite impressive in their ability to imitate the original. Certainly, real quality and fashion are not cheap.

    There is a difference between purchasing a Burberry handbag replica and buying one from a roadside dealer or, even worse, out of the trunk of a car or a corner vendor. Replicas are company sanctioned bags that are made under exact specifications to replicate the original bag. These replicas are definitely good quality bags that may provide years of quality and fashion just as the original, but at a much lower price.

    With the availability of replicas, every woman can own her own Burberry handbag. From the rich and famous to the average fashionista, there is a Burberry handbag for everyone. Just a little shopping around and knowledge of the handbag industry and of Burberry itself will ensure that you get the best handbag for your money.

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    Wednesday, May 02, 2007

    The Miniature Doll House Fascination

    Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know many miniature enthusiasts. What fascinates them about seeing familiar objects in a tiny, realistic form?


    Much more than a child's plaything, building doll houses, and ultimately decorating and furnishing them in a theme of your choice, has become an adult hobby. The only way to improve on that, is to have a daughter or grand-daughter who can share that interest and passion with you.


    Personally, my miniature interest lies in antique miniatures and dolls, more so than in modern works. The strange thing about that is the fact that antique pieces were seldom created with a true eye to scale, and scale is of utmost importance to me when viewing modern miniatures.


    The craftsmanship involved in creating tiny little porcelain dolls, with jointed limbs, often hand blown inset glass eyes, real mohair wigs is amazing.

    Add to that the primitive conditions within the factories that many of these dolls were created in, adds to my amazement. Many of these tiny dolls have lasted in excess of 100 years , they have been handled, and played with, loved and often abandoned, only to turn up years later in an attic somewhere. The furnishings of this same era were often handmade, often primitive, and much did not stand the test of time as well as the little dolls did. To find, own and enjoy these pieces today is a delight.

    Manufactured doll house furnishings of this era, were often made in Germany as were the little dolls. I had a dear friend of German origin bring her childhood collection over to me to help her sell. She is in excess of 90 years old, a delightful lady who still teaches piano, runs her own household, and dresses her dolls. She had a story to tell about every piece of furniture, and remembers hours spent with her sister in creating the tiny little bed linens, doll clothes and lampshades. I like to think there are similar stories about every antique piece that comes my way.

    Also of importance to me is for miniatures to be made of the material they are in real life.
    If a bed is representing one made of wood, I cannot tolerate it in plastic. (sorry Chrysenbon) If bathroom fixtures are representing porcelain pieces, then do not make them in wood! Realism is very important in my own collections.

    Some enthusiasts enjoy making all of their own furnishings and accessories, even their own dolls. This exacting craft can only be admired by those of us less talented, but certainly makes their fascination obvious. Some crafters make such exquisite pieces that the prices can command as much as their full size counterparts. There are miniature artists, who paint on tiny canvases each work of art is a one of a kind painting. Other artists paint on tiny plates, even buttons as canvases.

    There are miniature artists who do miniature needlepoint, knitting, rug making and pottery as well as wood workers.

    One thing I have found is once someone embraces this hobby, it is usually a life long obsession.

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