I was thinking about starting a new hobby when I came across a clay polymer Christmas ornament that really caught my eye. The amazing thing about this item was that it was created by a friend of mine. While she is crafty she isn’t really known for her amazing artistic ability.
However, I now see my friend in a whole new light after seeing what she can do. The clay polymer Christmas ornament looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark store. The quality of the decorative holiday item is amazing and I could not believe that this polymer clay ornament was really hand-made.
My generous friend offered to show me the process step-by-step but I didn’t want to take up too much of her time and I am great with arts and crafts. I figured that no matter how professional the clay polymer Christmas ornament may be that I would have no trouble creating one just as nice on my own.
I wouldn’t say that I could make a better polymer clay ornament because I really can’t imagine how her project could be improved. It is absolutely perfect as it is. Nevertheless, I am an arts and crafts enthusiasts and my dear friend can’t draw a straight line if her life depended on it. If she could do it, so could I.
I began my search for the clay polymer Christmas ornament project in our local crafts store. I was quickly overwhelmed with the many items and different colors of clay in the arts and crafts store. Maybe the best place to start would be a book or a magazine that would outline the details of such a project.
There were many publications on the subject but none looked as if they were for beginners. I hate admitting that I am a beginner with any craft but the clay polymer Christmas ornament project had me running in circles.
I finally decided that the whole process was far too involved and intimidating for me and maybe I should just give up before investing any more time in the project. I also didn’t want to invest a lot of money, either. I thought that it was time to take my friend up on her offer.
As she eagerly showed me the process of making the clay polymer Christmas ornament, she was so at ease with the steps that the task suddenly seemed less intimidating to me. I learned a few things with this project including the fact that everyone has a talent. They just need to take some time to figure out exactly what it is.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Crafts For The Elderly
Have you ever actually sat and pondered retirement? What will you do on a day-to-day basis once you're finally finished with your career? Will you go sailing on that dream yacht it took you twenty years to pay off? Will you venture all over the United States in search of quaint towns and antique shops? Or maybe you're more interested in just kicking back at the old homestead and reading the paper. This routine certainly varies from person to person. It's difficult to tell what we're going to be satisfied with after our days of work have finished. Fortunately if we can't seem to come up with any wonderful ideas, there are always crafts for the elderly available. Do you have a home computer available?
Have you ever come across crafts for the elderly? Now, keep in mind that these can range from any variety of things. It all truly depends on what you're interested in. Do you like building bird houses or possible sketching and painting? These are fascinating crafts for the elderly. I often wondered why my grandfather had retired in his sixties. Oh, don't get me wrong; I know that most individuals tend to retire around age sixty two or so, but he just seemed too rambunctious. He was always so full of energy. I couldn't really see him just hanging around the house all day. I knew that he would need some entertaining crafts for the elderly to keep him busy. In no time at all, he was painting like a mad man. I was amazed at how divine his technique became over the next few months. Anything with wildlife or outdoor settings was his forte. Now, this is definitely more healthy that those retired folks who mow their lawns on a daily basis. I often wonder about their level of sanity.
Are you searching high and low for decent crafts for the elderly? Hey, it's time to get in the know, people. All that you can imagine regarding crafts for the elderly can be spotted in cyberspace. Not only can you find out what all is available online, but you can actually learn how to do several crafts for the elderly just by sitting at your computer. Sort through a number of web pages that specialize in crafts for the elderly. Find that ideal hobby for your grandparents, parents, or even yourself. The World-Wide-Web makes it a synch.
Have you ever come across crafts for the elderly? Now, keep in mind that these can range from any variety of things. It all truly depends on what you're interested in. Do you like building bird houses or possible sketching and painting? These are fascinating crafts for the elderly. I often wondered why my grandfather had retired in his sixties. Oh, don't get me wrong; I know that most individuals tend to retire around age sixty two or so, but he just seemed too rambunctious. He was always so full of energy. I couldn't really see him just hanging around the house all day. I knew that he would need some entertaining crafts for the elderly to keep him busy. In no time at all, he was painting like a mad man. I was amazed at how divine his technique became over the next few months. Anything with wildlife or outdoor settings was his forte. Now, this is definitely more healthy that those retired folks who mow their lawns on a daily basis. I often wonder about their level of sanity.
Are you searching high and low for decent crafts for the elderly? Hey, it's time to get in the know, people. All that you can imagine regarding crafts for the elderly can be spotted in cyberspace. Not only can you find out what all is available online, but you can actually learn how to do several crafts for the elderly just by sitting at your computer. Sort through a number of web pages that specialize in crafts for the elderly. Find that ideal hobby for your grandparents, parents, or even yourself. The World-Wide-Web makes it a synch.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Crafts for kids
Television and video games are incredible lures for children. They have bright colors and loud noises and all sorts of excitement. While television and video games may have some value in small doses (there are many educational television shows and video games have been known to improve hand-eye coordination) studies have shown many times that extended exposure to video games and television has a detrimental effect on children. So what can we do to keep our children busy and help them forget about the electronic entertainers?
One thing that children of all ages love is crafting activities and there are many crafts for kids that are easy and economical. Even my 11 year old daughter still loves doing crafts! Children can start learning crafting activities as soon as they are old enough to sit up. There are even many crafts for kids as young as 2 years old. Another wonderful aspect of crafts is that they are not only entertaining but they are educational in a way that children don’t even realize they are learning.
One of the most popular crafts for kids is Play dough. Play dough, clay, and silly putty are all crafting implements that children can use from a very early age but continue to be enjoyable for older children, as well. Creative crafts such as these help them to use their imaginations, which is something that can be useful throughout their lives. Innovative thinking is a job skill that almost all employers look for today.
Some parents feel that they just don’t have the money to put into buying crafts for kids at the stores. That’s okay because with the use of the internet they can find many crafting activities that are free and downloadable and are great for both parents and teachers. Many of the crafts for kids that can be found on the internet require only a few things that you can find around the house or that your children already have like crayons and glue. The rest of the things you need can likely be found around the house like scraps of cloth (worn out clothing is great for this), toilet paper rolls, and drinking straws. Crafts for kids do not need to be expensive if you look around your house to find what you need.
So the next time your children run to turn on the television or attach themselves to the video games bring out some crafts for kids that will leave the television cold. By finding crafts for kids that your children can enjoy you’ll be building on their futures!
One thing that children of all ages love is crafting activities and there are many crafts for kids that are easy and economical. Even my 11 year old daughter still loves doing crafts! Children can start learning crafting activities as soon as they are old enough to sit up. There are even many crafts for kids as young as 2 years old. Another wonderful aspect of crafts is that they are not only entertaining but they are educational in a way that children don’t even realize they are learning.
One of the most popular crafts for kids is Play dough. Play dough, clay, and silly putty are all crafting implements that children can use from a very early age but continue to be enjoyable for older children, as well. Creative crafts such as these help them to use their imaginations, which is something that can be useful throughout their lives. Innovative thinking is a job skill that almost all employers look for today.
Some parents feel that they just don’t have the money to put into buying crafts for kids at the stores. That’s okay because with the use of the internet they can find many crafting activities that are free and downloadable and are great for both parents and teachers. Many of the crafts for kids that can be found on the internet require only a few things that you can find around the house or that your children already have like crayons and glue. The rest of the things you need can likely be found around the house like scraps of cloth (worn out clothing is great for this), toilet paper rolls, and drinking straws. Crafts for kids do not need to be expensive if you look around your house to find what you need.
So the next time your children run to turn on the television or attach themselves to the video games bring out some crafts for kids that will leave the television cold. By finding crafts for kids that your children can enjoy you’ll be building on their futures!
Art shows
Art shows
Every spring, art shows seem to pop up everywhere around my house. Many small towns close off some streets or set up parks for the day to hold the art shows. People come from miles away to wander around and admire the artwork. Large amounts of money exchange hands when art is purchased and artists compare their works to others. Growing up, my father insisted that I have some culture in my life. I didn't like being dragged to art shows back then, but now, I love them. My father would take me to the art shows and carry me around telling me about the paintings and creations. I always wished that I was at home watching cartoons.
I'm now one of those people who will drive for miles and miles to find art shows. I don't always go to purchase artwork since more often than not, I cannot afford anything. However, having culture in my life is something that I credit my father for and I very much continue that to this day. As much as I love theater and opera, that isn't something that is local and affordable. Art shows are most often free and not only enjoyable, but educational. I love to take my children to art shows and let them see the artists that paint in front of an audience and some of the artists that create pottery while people watch and admire. My children are learning to appreciate art shows because I do insist that they accompany me. I always reward them with something special afterwards, perhaps lunch or dinner at their favorite themed restaurant. They have taken to art shows fairly well and absolutely love when my father joins us. He takes the time to explain how important art shows are to my children, just as he did to me when I was younger. I walk behind them, smiling inwardly.
I have acquired a few exquisite pieces of artwork through my travels to various art shows over the years. There is a beautiful painting hanging in my foyer that I fell in love with the moment that I saw it. My husband thought that it was entirely too much money but I just had to have it. To me, art is not an expense, it is an investment. He doesn't like when I go to art shows because he fears that I will come home having emptied out our bank accounts. He has come to know, however, that I will not leave art shows with anything in my possession unless it is absolutely beautiful. Lucky for him, spring only comes once a year. And so do the art shows around my house.
Every spring, art shows seem to pop up everywhere around my house. Many small towns close off some streets or set up parks for the day to hold the art shows. People come from miles away to wander around and admire the artwork. Large amounts of money exchange hands when art is purchased and artists compare their works to others. Growing up, my father insisted that I have some culture in my life. I didn't like being dragged to art shows back then, but now, I love them. My father would take me to the art shows and carry me around telling me about the paintings and creations. I always wished that I was at home watching cartoons.
I'm now one of those people who will drive for miles and miles to find art shows. I don't always go to purchase artwork since more often than not, I cannot afford anything. However, having culture in my life is something that I credit my father for and I very much continue that to this day. As much as I love theater and opera, that isn't something that is local and affordable. Art shows are most often free and not only enjoyable, but educational. I love to take my children to art shows and let them see the artists that paint in front of an audience and some of the artists that create pottery while people watch and admire. My children are learning to appreciate art shows because I do insist that they accompany me. I always reward them with something special afterwards, perhaps lunch or dinner at their favorite themed restaurant. They have taken to art shows fairly well and absolutely love when my father joins us. He takes the time to explain how important art shows are to my children, just as he did to me when I was younger. I walk behind them, smiling inwardly.
I have acquired a few exquisite pieces of artwork through my travels to various art shows over the years. There is a beautiful painting hanging in my foyer that I fell in love with the moment that I saw it. My husband thought that it was entirely too much money but I just had to have it. To me, art is not an expense, it is an investment. He doesn't like when I go to art shows because he fears that I will come home having emptied out our bank accounts. He has come to know, however, that I will not leave art shows with anything in my possession unless it is absolutely beautiful. Lucky for him, spring only comes once a year. And so do the art shows around my house.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Getting KIds Ready To Learn Arts And Crafts
Getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is a very effective way to develop their creative side. Not only is it a great way to develop their creative side but it has also been proven that sharing arts and crafts is a fun way to bond with your children. There are plenty of projects for your kids to do, and fun is only the basic aspect of it.
The most important aspect about engaging in craft making with your kids is that apart from the obvious fact that everyone is having fun, your kids and you are also learning. Making crafts can improve many types of thinking and learning skills as well as long term judgement skills. Kids crafts are also a great way to keep your kids occupied on those rainy days or when there simply is not much else to do.
An effective way to keep your children entertained is to set up holiday crafts. This is guaranteed enjoyment for both parents and their kids. There are many crafts that you can do with your children regardless of their ages.It does not matter whether they are in primary school or elementary school, they can enjoy arts and crafts. Lets take a look at two simple kids crafts below.
Paper snowflakes. All you need is some white paper and a pair of scissors. Firstly you should fold the paper in half, then in half again until you have a triangle. Now you need to cut small shapes out of the paper, unfold carefully and now you should be left with a beautiful snowflake. If you want to make them fancier, your kids can use glue and glitter to give them a sparkling look.
Recycled cards . By letting your kids cut the message parts off the cards and gluing them to the front of either folded construction paper or lightweight card stock, they can make their own cards to send to friends or close relatives.
If you would like to discover over 365 easy crafting ideas and games for young children then please visit the website below.
The most important aspect about engaging in craft making with your kids is that apart from the obvious fact that everyone is having fun, your kids and you are also learning. Making crafts can improve many types of thinking and learning skills as well as long term judgement skills. Kids crafts are also a great way to keep your kids occupied on those rainy days or when there simply is not much else to do.
An effective way to keep your children entertained is to set up holiday crafts. This is guaranteed enjoyment for both parents and their kids. There are many crafts that you can do with your children regardless of their ages.It does not matter whether they are in primary school or elementary school, they can enjoy arts and crafts. Lets take a look at two simple kids crafts below.
Paper snowflakes. All you need is some white paper and a pair of scissors. Firstly you should fold the paper in half, then in half again until you have a triangle. Now you need to cut small shapes out of the paper, unfold carefully and now you should be left with a beautiful snowflake. If you want to make them fancier, your kids can use glue and glitter to give them a sparkling look.
Recycled cards . By letting your kids cut the message parts off the cards and gluing them to the front of either folded construction paper or lightweight card stock, they can make their own cards to send to friends or close relatives.
If you would like to discover over 365 easy crafting ideas and games for young children then please visit the website below.
Arts And Crafts - Quick Guide To Decorative Rug Making
When I got started as a custom rug maker, I admit I was in it for the money and a much needed career change. Since then I've had decorative rugs featured in Designer Showcase Homes, Corporate Headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 Companies, and even a Generals office in the Pentagon. It's been a great ride. But what if you don't care about all that, maybe you don't want a career change? What if you're just looking for a creatively rewarding hobby that'll blow the socks off your friends or family? Here's a quick guide to decorative rug making in 5 easy steps.
Step One - Learn the Basics: What's the best approach to learning how to make a rug?
Do some research, identify the different techniques used for rug making. You'll find basic teaching guides for latch-hook rug making kits that that will tickle Granny Smith's fancy. If the antiquated Latch Hook rug-making techniques make you *yawn*, then keep your eyes open for more comprehensive custom rug fabrication programs that are designed for more serious hobbyists and entrepreneurs. Hint: Google 'rug making'.
Step Two - Invest in Your Education: Identify an investment level that you're comfortable with.
Some hobbies require a larger investment than others. If you want a very low budget entry point, then Latch Hook rug-making with grandma is definitely the way to go - expect a measly investment of 50-100 dollars. On the other hand, a more specialized custom rug training program will cost 1,000 - 10,000 dollars, tools and equipment included.
Step Three - Create Your Studio: Create a space for your new studio / workroom.
A garage-like workshop with a 4 x 8 table is fine for a hobbyist. The table top should line up with your hips, not too high or too low. I like to add some splashes of color in my work- space. I make cool and colorful samples and hang them on the walls. It's fun to let those creative juices flow. Make your studio a fun place to come too and practice your hobby.
Step Four - Have fun with your rug designs: Fill up your home with your new creations.
Give them away to your friends and family. Identify themes to play with; what are your interests? There are countless attractive themes like - animal print rugs, abstract designs, company logos or heck, even a Star Wars Yoda Rug! Replicating a design into a rug is easy once you learn the tricks.
Step Five - Brace Yourself: Prepare for the WOW! comments coming from friends and family when they see what you're doing.
The questions will come: 'Where did you get this rug? You made this? Wow what talent you have... You're so talented... this is amazing, I had no idea you could make a rug like this...". I am not making this stuff up, it will happen.
Decorative rug making is one of those fun and creative hobbies that has the potential to uplift your spirits because it's so rewarding. You're actually producing something from start to finish. It does take some practice, but the steps are manageable and relatively easy to learn. Give it about 30 days of practice and you'll be well on your way to a enjoying a fun hobby.
Step One - Learn the Basics: What's the best approach to learning how to make a rug?
Do some research, identify the different techniques used for rug making. You'll find basic teaching guides for latch-hook rug making kits that that will tickle Granny Smith's fancy. If the antiquated Latch Hook rug-making techniques make you *yawn*, then keep your eyes open for more comprehensive custom rug fabrication programs that are designed for more serious hobbyists and entrepreneurs. Hint: Google 'rug making'.
Step Two - Invest in Your Education: Identify an investment level that you're comfortable with.
Some hobbies require a larger investment than others. If you want a very low budget entry point, then Latch Hook rug-making with grandma is definitely the way to go - expect a measly investment of 50-100 dollars. On the other hand, a more specialized custom rug training program will cost 1,000 - 10,000 dollars, tools and equipment included.
Step Three - Create Your Studio: Create a space for your new studio / workroom.
A garage-like workshop with a 4 x 8 table is fine for a hobbyist. The table top should line up with your hips, not too high or too low. I like to add some splashes of color in my work- space. I make cool and colorful samples and hang them on the walls. It's fun to let those creative juices flow. Make your studio a fun place to come too and practice your hobby.
Step Four - Have fun with your rug designs: Fill up your home with your new creations.
Give them away to your friends and family. Identify themes to play with; what are your interests? There are countless attractive themes like - animal print rugs, abstract designs, company logos or heck, even a Star Wars Yoda Rug! Replicating a design into a rug is easy once you learn the tricks.
Step Five - Brace Yourself: Prepare for the WOW! comments coming from friends and family when they see what you're doing.
The questions will come: 'Where did you get this rug? You made this? Wow what talent you have... You're so talented... this is amazing, I had no idea you could make a rug like this...". I am not making this stuff up, it will happen.
Decorative rug making is one of those fun and creative hobbies that has the potential to uplift your spirits because it's so rewarding. You're actually producing something from start to finish. It does take some practice, but the steps are manageable and relatively easy to learn. Give it about 30 days of practice and you'll be well on your way to a enjoying a fun hobby.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Resources For Making Religious Arts And Crafts
Religious arts & crafts
Religious arts & crafts allow artisans and crafters the opportunity to showcase the symbols of their faith, and the opportunity to craft an expression of their faith into tangible form. In this manner, religious arts & crafts provide a way for the faithful to proudly acknowledge their beliefs, and profess their love for their god or gods. Religious arts & crafts usually do this by referring to their religion's main textual tenants or predominant symbols.
Which religions use arts & crafts to express belief?
Religious arts & crafts, as commonly thought of in western society, is concerned primarily with Christianity. For this reason, the common symbols of Christianity - the cross, fish and loaves, angels, Jesus Christ, etc. - are commonly incorporated into American arts & crafts. Another popular theme is to incorporate scripture quotations. Of course, Christianity does not have a monopoly on religious arts & crafts; arts & crafts are well known within the Jewish tradition, for instance. Jewish arts & crafts typically focus on the most widespread symbols of Judaism, and include the Star of David, menorahs, and other icons of the belief. Jewish sayings are also frequently featured on Jewish arts & crafts.
Ideas for religious arts & crafts
Religious arts & crafts are designed to serve as decoration for one's home, office, vehicle, or church. Although religious features could be showcased in virtually any type of arts & crafts, these are some popular ideas for religious arts & crafts used for decoration:
1. Beaded Crafts: With a set of beads and string, pipe cleaners or safety pins, the devotee can create cute, creative religious arts & crafts. The possibilities for these crafts are almost endless, and are great for the whole family. These beaded crafts can be designed as jewelry, decorations, and other adornments. Virtually any religious symbol is possible with this versatile craft idea, from the Star of David to the Shroud of Turin.
2. Paint Your Own: Try to let your creative side out and paint your religious items for decoration and display or even for use in a religious service. Special ceramic paints are great to use for painting, decorating, and personalizing ceramic crosses, angels, and even scenes from the Bible. Personalize these paintings with names, birthdays, and scripture to make wonderful personalized gifts.
3. Cross Stitch & Embroidery: While it may take more skill and expertise, with a bit of practice most devotees can become experts and creating needlework arts & crafts. Religious needlework is especially noteworthy as it can combine both graphical images of crosses, angels, doves, and Bible scenes, as well as scripture, Bible verses, and other words of inspiration. Some more popular options for religious arts & crafts using cross stitch and embroidery include religious pillows and Bible covers.
4. Stained Glass Arts & Suncatchers: Stained glass art is popular for religious arts & crafts since stained glass is usually associated with churches and places of worship. This does not mean that you need to be a church to afford stained glass art. Far from it, inexpensive stained glass kits are readily available in most hobby and craft stores, and can be used by those without any previous experience.
5. Ornaments & Window Hangers: Ornaments and window hangers are often quite simple to create - in the absence of specialized skills, all you need is some imagination and a dash of creativity. Ornaments may be designed specifically for the Christmas season, or may be year-round crafts that can be hung anywhere, even from your rearview mirror. Look on the Internet for some fun ideas for religious ornaments, hangers, and other crafts.
6. Handmade Jewelry: Most religious people will happily wear the symbols of their faith as a personal reminder of their faith and devotion. Handmade religious jewelry is very popular, and can include anything from resin angel earrings to homemade metal crucifixes. Brooches, necklaces, and bracelets are also very popular, and while they are generally designed for women, men are becoming increasingly comfortable wearing fine handmade crucifix necklaces.
Looking for resources for making religious arts & crafts
Many arts & crafts shows will feature quite a bit of religious crafts and artwork. While there are rarely shows designed specifically for this niche market, a very high percentage of artisans & crafters feature work that includes a religious focus. If you are not able to attend any shows, do not give up hope. When looking for other ideas for religious arts & crafts, head to your local Christian bookstore or specialty shop. These stores will almost always maintain special sections dedicated to arts & crafts supplies of a religious nature. These stores also typically have arts & crafts ready for purchase and gift giving. If you are more adventurous, go to a hobby and arts & crafts store and convert a secular hobby kit into a testament of your faith.
Arts And Crafts For Kids
Getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is a very effective way to develop their creative side. Not only is it a great way to develop their creative side but it has also been proven that sharing arts and crafts is a fun way to bond with your children. There are plenty of projects for your kids to do, and fun is only the basic aspect of it.
The most important aspect about engaging in craft making with your kids is that apart from the obvious fact that everyone is having fun, your kids and you are also learning. Making crafts can improve many types of thinking and learning skills as well as long term judgement skills. Kids crafts are also a great way to keep your kids occupied on those rainy days or when there simply is not much else to do.
An effective way to keep your children entertained is to set up holiday crafts. This is guaranteed enjoyment for both parents and their kids. There are many crafts that you can do with your children regardless of their ages.It does not matter whether they are in primary school or elementary school, they can enjoy arts and crafts. Lets take a look at two simple kids crafts below.
Paper snowflakes. All you need is some white paper and a pair of scissors. Firstly you should fold the paper in half, then in half again until you have a triangle. Now you need to cut small shapes out of the paper, unfold carefully and now you should be left with a beautiful snowflake. If you want to make them fancier, your kids can use glue and glitter to give them a sparkling look.
Recycled cards . By letting your kids cut the message parts off the cards and gluing them to the front of either folded construction paper or lightweight card stock, they can make their own cards to send to friends or close relatives.
If you would like to discover over 365 easy crafting ideas and games for young children then please visit the website below.
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