These days saving money is on everyone’s mind. Being frugal is a good thing. One way you can save money is by making your own gifts. Homemade gifts are usually the most treasured of all gifts someone receives. The fact that you took a little time to create something unique for someone is special.
Often the time involved in making a homemade gift is what stops us. No one says you have to make a gift that will take a year to complete. For most of us, that just wouldn’t be practical. However there are many easy craft ideas that you can use to make gifts that will only take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
Some examples of frugal, but fabulous homemade gifts are:
1. Jazzed-up Pillow – Take a plain, inexpensive pillow and sew felt shapes with a blanket stitch to the front.
2. Ribbon wrapped candles – Purchase an inexpensive pillar candle and wrap it with gorgeous ribbon, hang a charm from it, and you have a gift in about 10 minutes flat!
3. Make a beaded bracelet – Using some fabulous beads, and stretchy jewelry cord, to make a simple, but elegant bracelet in minutes.
4. Embellished picture frame – Buy a plain picture frame, then jazz it up with paint and glued on embellishments, that suit the recipient.
5. Decorative Clipboard – Decoupage a wooden clipboard with beautiful papers or fabric. Use sports, fishing or other hobby themed paper, or fabric for a great gift for a guy.
6. Jar full of beads – A great idea for that crafty friend, fill a pretty glass jar with a mixture of colorful beads, then wrap the neck of the jar with ribbon. It can be used for a decoration, as well as a nice supply of beads for crafting.
7. Stamped tile coasters – You can purchase stone coasters at a home center, and stamp them with dye inks to create wonderful, one of a kind homemade gifts.
8. Framed scrapbook page – Purchase a 12 x 12 picture frame. Make a scrapbook page (match the paper to their decor), and leave a place for them to add one or two special photos. This is another great idea for a man, if done in colors and paper to match his office or den.
9. Earring Hanger – Take a pretty picture frame and remove the glass. Cut a piece of window screening and staple it to the back of the frame, using a staple gun. The earrings will hang from the holes in the mesh.
10. Collaged Journal – Buy a plain journal with a cover that you can glue paper onto. Decorate the cover with a collage of paper, mementos, stamps, quotes, or anything else that can be glued on.
Don’t be afraid to try making your own homemade gifts. It is incredibly rewarding to create something with your own two hands. You might just find a new and rewarding hobby. Your friends and family will love that you spent some time creating something just for them – even if it only took you a few minutes!
Deborah Smith is the author of the e-book, Fabulous Scrapbook Pages in Minutes, “founder of Elegant Crafts and Homemade Gifts, and a lifelong crafter. For easy homemade gift and craft ideas, with step-by-step instructions and pictures, visit http://www.elegant-crafts-and-homemade-gifts.com
Author: Deborah H Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Humorous photo captions
Filed under Bead Craft Ideas by on Jul 10th, 2010. Comment. 
Features step-by-step projects and full-color examples Create unique jewelry to wear with everything from jeans to a ball gown! Want to make your own jewelry? This easy-to-follow guide gives you lots of hands-on instruction in making simple, fabulous jewelry and working with beads. From wire wrapping and knotting to weaving and polishing, you’ll get all the skills you need to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, key chains, wine charms and items for the home. Disc (more…)
Filed under Buy Beads Online by on Jul 3rd, 2010. Comment.
Create a gorgeous selection of sparkly accessories with buttons, beads and jewellery wire. The simple technique gives stunning results, you’ll be able to make a funky ring to match every outfit.
Filed under Beading Ideas by on Jun 29th, 2010. Comment.
Do you consider yourself a jewelry artist? As artists we enjoy learning and exploring about other or new media in order to expand or to enhance our imagination.
Do you feel aggravated or frustrated at times when you are on demand to create or produce a new innovated fashion creation?
May I suggest you take a detour and look at beaded fashions in order to create a new line of contemporary or trendy jewelry?
There are new beaded jewelry projects weaving into many jewelry making techniques that are familiar to you.
You are able to learn of the beading how to by using video on demand. As a new user of on demand video here is a checklist of the benefits of this service:
- Learn at your own pace in the privacy of your home or jewelry studio.
- Enjoy personal convenience and economical savings.
- Select your level of interest.
- Instructional details are clearly defined.
- Learn on your time schedule.
- Professional tips and tricks from a professional instructor.
As you learn about beading beads for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, there will be many jewelry making ideas that will be born from your imagination.
- As a jewelry artist you have learned many jewelry making techniques but as artists we constantly have to ignite our creativity to expand our jewelry gallery or to keep our jewelry photography album bursting with ideas.
- We need to be prepared as there are times when our creativity goes to sleep at the wrong moment. It is a blessing when we can look at our photo album and find the right jewelry idea for the customer at the right time for their special occasion.
- Knowledge is power, therefore, as artists we can never fall asleep at the steering wheel. Nowadays, we have the convenience and ease of working with video on demand to better our skills as craft artists.
- As you work with video on demand one major element that you will enjoy in the instruction is the camera lens magnifying the workspace. You will be able to view the jewelry assembly with ease.
- And there is nothing better than your own personal professional jewelry instructor at your fingertips.
After reading this article do visit Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and gather information for making beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with video on demand.
Through the years I have learned to be a jack-of-all-trades and maybe mastered one. Because my interests are many, diversity has been the road most traveled. Currently, my hobby is learning and combining these interests with my business of internet marketing.
Author: Tricia Deed
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Anyone that has ever been to the beach has spent a little time checking out all the different sea shells and treasures that have washed ashore. Most of us have even picked up a few “pretty ones” with the thought of doing something creative with them later. Of course, just like so many other things in our life, we put them away only to forget about our “treasures” until spring cleaning some year. Again we think of all the possibilities we could use the sea shells for, only to repeat the previous cycle. Fortunately, all it takes to break the cycle is a little excitement and motivation.
The potential of sea shells is limited only by your imagination. One common problem of working with shells is how fragile and brittle they can be. The easiest way to alleviate this problem is to attach the shells to a hard surface such as wood. Great examples of this method are frames, jewelry boxes, and mirrors. All it takes is glue that bonds well with wood and organic material, some unfinished wood products, your shells, and some creativity. To finish your design off, a non-yellowing clear gloss will keep the shells shiny and provide some protection and durability. Most of the products you need for these projects can be purchased at your local craft store.
Another use for your beautiful sea shells is handmade jewelry. I know beading has become a very popular hobby and business venture; sea shells can be used in the same way. You may have to take a jewelry making class or spend some time practicing techniques and designs, but the end results can be amazing and very satisfying. Again, what type of jewelry you make and how you use the sea shells is nearly limitless. So it’s time to find that old shoe box of sea shells and start making you own works of art.
Alan Reisch founded and operates HB Shells & Sea. He creates unique, handcrafted, jewelry and other beautiful sea shell products exclusively using sea shells found naturally along the beach. Visit his site at http://www.hbshellsandsea.com.
Author: Alan Reisch
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Pressure cooker
Filed under Bead Craft Ideas by on Jun 21st, 2010. Comment.
In Beading on a Loom, young crafters will discover how to create colorful beaded accessories on a beading loom they put together themselves. This fun kit brings the art of making jewelry to a level kids can appreciate and understand. It comes with all the basic supplies needed, as well as step-by-step, photographed instructions for 12 projects. Components include beading loom, beads, needle and thread.
About the Author
Stefanie Girard earned her degree in (more…)
Filed under Buy Beads Online by on Jun 20th, 2010. Comment.
Bean bags are easy and safe for kids and provide a great way to be creative while making something special to play with. It can be very satisfying to make a bean bag with your child and then be able to play with them after it is all done. Here are some bean bag craft ideas to help get your imagination jumpstarted so you can start making your own bean bag crafts.
A very popular bean bag game involves having several bean bags and a target to aim them at to gain points. A bean bag toss is a great activity for a birthday party and can also be something fun to do any day of the week too. First you will need several bean bags that will be used to throw at the target to score points. It is great to have several of the same color or theme so that each person playing the game can easily keep track of their score and so that turns can be taken to toss. The target is probably the most difficult part of the bean bag toss. The best material for the target is plywood, but this can be expensive and requires special tools to work with. You can build a stand or use an easel to put the target at an angle so that the bean bags can go through holes in the target. You can also lay the target flat on the ground and keep score according to where the final landing place of the bean bag is on the target. The size of the target and bean bags can also change depending how often you will be using the game and also where it will be used the most. Smaller targets and bean bags are appropriate for smaller spaces and vice versa.
Making your own bean bags can be very fun and engaging. They are great to play with carefully around the house and are even better in the back yard to throw and play with. One very popular design is a lady bug bean bag. This bean bag requires that the person making it have either sewing skills or is able to use a hot glue gun. Children over the age of 7 should be able to do these things but adult supervision should always be done. Younger children can help with this craft and then it can be given to them as a gift. If this is going to be an introduction to sewing for children, you should take care to educate them about needles and thread or sewing machines to ensure safety. There are several different stuffing options for making bean bags. Many people would probably be surprised how few bean bags actually have beans in them. Other popular bean bag stuffers are rice, dried corn or plastic beads. You can make this lady bug bean bag in either a small or large size. If this will be the first project for children sewing, it is recommended to sew the large parts of the body and then to use glue for the more detailed sections.
Felt is a great material for bean bags and is durable enough for them to be thrown around multiple times without being damaged. Other more durable fabrics are also great materials for bean bags but fabric is more difficult to sew together, especially for someone who is learning for the first time. Make a template of the lady bug design or find a pattern online so that if you make more than one, or need to try more than one time, you will be able to have the exact duplicate. You will need black and red felt to use for the different parts as well as the material you will be using to stuff the bean bag. Be sure to use beans or rice that is not cooked because they will be more durable and last longer.
For more kids crafts, visit http://www.makeplaydough.com.
Author: Beverly Frank
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work
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You’ve probably coveted jewelry you’ve seen in artsy boutiques and fashion magazines or envied friends who have the perfect bling to accent everything. With this book, you’ll learn to craft designs that are chic but inexpensive. With hundreds of detailed photos, this book covers tools and supplies, bead stringing and weaving, wire wrapping, and more. Terrific projects will get you started and inspire you to create your own jewelry and beadwork designs. Concise two-page lesson (more…)
Filed under Buy Beads Online by on Jun 13th, 2010. Comment.
Spring and summer come and everyone starts opening their doors and windows, bringing in the fresh air. Tree leaves are full and flower blooms abound; birds are singing, building nests and taking care of their chicks. I am drawn outdoors by the lure of warmer days and the call of the dirt and new sprouts. Not to mention, as a mom, the kids are clamoring for more room to play. It’s a perfect time to pull out some fun out door family crafts.
Here are a few, easy to personalize, summertime craft ideas for summer fun or to celebrate May Day, Mother’s Day or a holiday weekend. All craft supplies are easily attainable from craft supply stores or online suppliers. While making these crafts is a fun family activity, some are available in pre-assembled kits, or already made. Use your favorite search engine for more information on various ideas – keyword suggestions are offered below craft each idea.
1. Terra cotta clay pot bird bath. Invert terra cotta clay pots, from larger on bottom and smallest on top. Add a clay saucer (the part the pot sits in to catch the drained water). A waterproof saucer is necessary. Set the clay saucer on top of the inverted stack of pots. Paint or mosaic the pots if you feel especially creative. For more bird fun, add a mister. Birds love to play in the water. Note: Make two similar stands and use one for a bird feeder.
Keywords: clay pot bird bath; clay pot bird feeder; terra cotta bird bath.
2. Plant and grow an herb garden. Include herbs such as basil, thyme, sage, chives and any other favorites. You’ll have fresh herbs to add to your recipes all summer long. Herbs are easy to grow, making this an easy garden for kids to help. Take it one step further and create a “kitchen garden”, including lettuce spinach, tomato, cucumber or other salad favorites.
Keywords: growing herbs; kitchen garden; easy herb gardening; gardening plans; container gardening.
3. Build a toad abode (toad house). Use a terra cotta pot and a rock. Invert a clay pot and prop edge on a rock. If you have a chipped pot, that would work great too and wouldn’t require propping. Paint and decorate to your liking.
Keywords: clay toad abode; toad house; frog house.
4. A handmade stepping stone. Personalize with stones, marbles, or other memorable items. Make the project a tradition. Mark the stone with the year and include items to remember the year; a key (house or car), a toy, etc. A footprint each year could signify the walk of life and would be fun for young children to mark their growth from summer to summer.
Keywords: stepping stone craft; handmade stepping stones; stepping stone kits.
5. Personalized necklaces. Letter beads (for names or initials), a few spacer beads, a charm or two added to a simple chain makes a lovely, personal necklace for any mom or grandmother. For fun, make matching necklaces one for mom, grandmother, and daughters.
Keywords: personalized mother’s necklace.
6. Bookmarks make a great craft for rainy days. Get creative – use paper, dried flowers, ribbons, needlepoint thread. Use beads and charms attached to chain or yarn to create a “book thong”.
Keywords: handmade bookmarks; handmade book thong.
7. A decorated throw pillow. A pre-made throw pillow with light colored fabric, decorated with fabric paint. Fabric glue will easily adhere buttons and other small mementos. Start from scratch and decorate your fabric before making a pillow – tie-dye, iron-on colored pictures made with fabric crayons or reverse dying using a darker fabric and bleach provide many creative ways to decorate any pillow or piece of fabric. Another variation would be decorating pillow cases.
Keywords: handmade throw pillow; throw pillow craft; decorative pillow craft; fabric crayons; iron-on transfers.
8. A tie-dye party is fun for family or a gathering of extended family and friends. Supplies are readily available online coming in easy kits.
Keywords: tie dye supplies; reverse dying.
When doing a search, try searching images also. Often time pictures of an already made item will spark some creative thoughts.
Judi Cox is a wife and mother of 4 children. Her hobbies include, but are ever growing, making handmade soap, gardening, crafts, web design, reading…
Author: Judi Cox
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Prototype PCB Assembly
Filed under Bead Craft Ideas by on Jun 12th, 2010. Comment.