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Posts Tagged ‘Crafts’

One of the greatest things about precious metal clay ( Metal Clay and ACS or Art Clay Silver) is that you can add texture simply to your creations. Before Metal Clay came along, the sole way you might texture metal as a jewellery maker was to etch with chemicals, stamp with metal stamps, or use a dear rolling mill.

Metal Clay on the other hand is pretty a lot like potter’s clay, so that you can create distinctive details, complex patterns, and mold and add texture to the material while soft. Try doing that with metal sheet!

Be sure to remember before starting that metal clay has a tendency to be tacky and you need to use a release agent to whatever it touches. I like to employ an extraordinarily thin coating of olive oil on my hands, work-area, and tools. Do not skip this! You’ll be very sorry and have a mess to wash up. Be sure not to use too much oil though because this may also mean a massive mess.

Here are some simple methods to add texture to metal clay while moist.

There are lots of other methods to make your own texturing gear as well . Be sure to take a look at my other articles for more suggestions.

1. Push Molds: There are some beautiful polymer clay push molds available, but as most are not flexible, you may have issues getting your metal clay out of them. Be certain to make use of some olive oil or a product like Cool Slip to help the metal clay not stick to the mold. Allowing the metal clay to dehydrate and shrink a tad can help liberate stubborn clay.
2. Pointy Stick-like Objects:Skewers or toothpicks can also be used to make dots, and scrape lines into the clay. If you can find typewriter keys these may be employed to press letters and words into your clay. If you cannot find old typewriter keys, cheap metal letter stamps are available.
3. I really like to produce my own texturing gear from polymer clay. To make your own, just do what I am doing, and form scrap polymer clay into a lump with a handle formed bit that pokes from the back. Make a pattern on the lumpy part. This will be the portion you press into the clay. I’ve made ones with crosshatch designs, flowers, polka dots, and small leaves. After you create a tool, just cure your new texturing tool according to the package information.

As it is easy to see, precious metal clay offers almost limitless options for creating textured jewelry, charms, pendants, beads, and findings and add a whole new dimension to jewelry making. What are you making today?

Precious metal clay (also known as PMC and ACS or Art Clay Silver) is is as simple to work with as modelling clay. It’s soft and moldable, and works very much like clay in many ways.

Here’s how you work with this innovative material. You shape your pieces from the clay, let dry, then use a firing method to burn away the binder. This works because fine metal particles are suspended in an organic binder that can be burnt away leaving the metal fused into the form you shape it.

There are unlimited ways to texture, shape, and mold your metal clay into incredible and complex shapes, but these are beyond the scope of this article!

The Firing Methods

There are 3 most commonly used ways to fire precious metal clay. These are using a butane mcro torch, a pmc kiln or bead kiln, or with a Hot Pot (or similar gas/metal screen setup). In this article, we’ll be talking only about using a micro torch.

Using A Torch For Firing Metal Clay

Pieces larger than 25g aren’t suitable for torch firing. For best results, make sure your piece is pretty even in thickness and fairly simple. Complicated pieces are inclined to fare best in a kiln.

Here’s how to fire your pieces using a simple butane torch. Make sure youput your clay on a a fire proof and heat retardant like a soldering pad or a fire brick with a piece of aluminum sheet underneath. You’ll want a well ventilated area. Using your butane torch (I use a Blazer torch), aim your flame on the dried precious metal clay piece. At first you’ll see a little bit of smoke as the binder burns off. Then you need to get your piece to turn a nice pinky orange colour (you can see it quite clearly as long as your light isn’t too bright) Move the torch away a little bit and then back again if the glow fades. Just don’t go really close with the torch once you have got up to temperature or you will melt the detail on your work.

A Precious Clay Torching Video:
Videos always help explain this torch technique:

Looking for precious metal clay retailers? Resource girl to the rescue! Take a look at my precious metal clay pages and posts at http://shop.how-to-make-jewelry.com/metal-clay-supplies/ to find metal clay supplies and links for various suppliers and stockists worldwide.

Loom Knitting is a great hobby. You can make wonderful handmade items for yourself or for one of a kind gifts. It is a great advantage for people who have carpal tunnel and arthritis in their hands.

Loom knitting is actually an old craft form. Loom knitting has actually resurfaced in the last few years. Knifty Knitters have introduced loom knitting to many people who have not heard of it before. Provocraft is the company which produces the Knifty Knitter.

The Knifty Knitter is a low cost way to start loom knitting. Check your local craft store, the looms are usually sold there. Many sites on the internet also sell the Knifty Knitters.

There are several types of Knifty Knitters, the round ones come in several sizes, you can buy them singly or you can go for the whole set. The long looms which are known as knitting boards can be purchased the same way. The small flower loom is a very versatile loom on which many small beautiful items can be created.

A demonstration at Joann’s detailing what the Knifty Knitters can do got me started on loom knitting. One of the items she had for demonstration was a gorgeous shawl she had made on the Knifty Knitters. She also had a number of other items including hats ,slippers ,and scarves.

Once I saw the projects that could be created on the looms, I knew I wanted the looms. I bought the round set, and got started. Hats are the easiest to start out with. Looming a hat with the Knifty Knitters takes about two hours ,it is a quick evening project.

It is simple to start out loom knitting all you need is the loom and two skeins of yarn and you are ready to go. You may want to use two different colors for a nice effect. For a more unique look you can choose a novelty yarn as one of the skeins. Once you find how easy it is to use your Knifty Knitter you will move on to bigger and more complicated projects.

There are several good books on loom knitting and many of the patterns can be made on the Knifty Knitters. The internet offers lots of resources for patterns and advice, and Provocraft has patterns and tips on their web site.

The Knifty Knitter demonstration introduced me to a craft that I enjoy very much.

Learn more about the Knifty Knitter at http://www.funhobbyvideos.com/. You will find fun hobby videos of all sorts.

Loom Knitting is a great hobby. You can make wonderful handmade items for yourself or for one of a kind gifts. It is a great advantage for people who have carpal tunnel and arthritis in their hands.

Loom knitting is actually an old craft form. Loom knitting has become popular in the last few years. Knifty Knitters have introduced loom knitting to many people who have not heard of it before. The company which produces the Knifty Knitter is Provocraft.

You should try the Knifty Knitter for a cheaper way to start loom knitting. Knifty Knitters are sold at most stores that carry craft supplies. You can purchase the looms on the internet or at local stores that sell craft supplies.

There are several types of Knifty Knitters, the round ones come in several sizes, you can buy them singly or you can go for the whole set. If you choose to use the long looms, they are sold individually or in a set. Many small projects can be made on the small flower loom.

I got interested in loom knitting with the Knifty Knitters when I saw them demonstrated at a local craft store. She had a lovely shawl to match her daughter’s prom gown and matching flip flops she had embellished with edging made on the Knifty knitter. A number of other loom knitted projects were also available to show the items that can be created on the Knifty Knitters.

When I saw how fast and easy the knitted fabric was produced on the Knifty Knitter, I was sold. The round looms were my first loom purchase. Hats are the easiest to start out with. Looming a hat with the Knifty Knitters takes about two hours ,it is a quick evening project.

It is simple to start out loom knitting all you need is the loom and two skeins of yarn and you are ready to go. A good choice for one of the skeins is a contrasting yarn. For a more unique look you can choose a novelty yarn as one of the skeins. Once you find how easy it is to use your Knifty Knitter you will move on to bigger and more complicated projects.

Once you are ready to make bigger projects, there are several books with great patterns for loom knitting. Provocraft has a website which offers tips and also has some patterns, you can also find free patterns at several loom knitting sites.

The Knifty Knitter demonstration introduced me to a craft that I enjoy very much.

fun hobby videos are what http://www.funhobbyvideos.com/ is about. You will find all sorts of Knifty Knitter patterns there.

When people constantly tell you that you have a knack of creating beautiful crafts, you may want to stretch your imagination more by using hot fix crystals for your projects. Being gifted with the power to create beautiful things, you should spread the blessing by creating more. But what if you’re currently in a trench and you don’t know what kind of projects you should work on? Here’s a cure-all for your slump: hot fix swarovski!

When you start using hot fix crystals, you will realize that these are so versatile you can use them for almost all types of projects. These crystals are used for various accenting purposes, but it’s probably best to use these on Lycra or cotton.

Let’s think of one of the projects you can start right now…

Use hot fix rhinestones motifs for creating themed baby tee-shirts!

Baby tees are not just clothes for babies, but for pre-teen and teenage girls, too. If you understand fashion, you probably know that young girls love to dress up in baby tee shirts with their names on them. Girls aged 12 to 16 years are learning to forge friendships, which means the similar shirts they often wear when they’re hanging out are actually symbols of sisterhood.

You can create baby tee shirts with similar hot fix rhinestone motifs in different colors. Select the patterns carefully so the theme is consistent. For example, if your theme is “flowers”, look for different variants to put on the baby tees (e.g. daisy, rose and orchid).

What about the materials?

Swarovski crystal buyers from all over the world go to online shops to purchase their applicators and patterns. Look for package offers that give you an applicator and several varied motifs. Keep in mind that several sources may have different patterns to offer. For iron-on designs, you are going to need a good ironing board and of course, a functional iron.

Bulk plain tee shirts are easier to find and you can probably get these from your local department store. As for size, baby tee shirts are available in one size, so it’s nothing to worry about. Baby tees are available in polo-shirt and round neck styles.
Choose pastel colors if your crystals are in bright colors. If your motifs only have white sparkling crystals, the shirts must be dark.

If you need more information, visit the following sites today:
Hotfix Swarovski
Swarovski Hotfix Crystals Wholesale

When people tell you that you have the talent for creating beauty in the form of crafts, you may want to try using hot fix crystals to create better looking accessories. Being gifted with the power to create beautiful things, you should spread the blessing by creating more. But what if you’re in a slump and you need to find more inspiration to be able to create? Try looking at one of the most exquisite things on earth: hot fix swarovski!

From t-shirt accents to decorative bling, there are so many uses for hot fix crystals. These crystals are used for various accenting purposes, but it’s probably best to use these on Lycra or cotton.

Here is an example of a project you can begin doing now…

Create adorable baby tee-shirts using hot fix rhinestones!

Baby tee-shirts are not just for babies, they’re also for pre-teen and teenage girls. Young girls adore baby tee-shirts, and would go around wearing matching shirts with their friends. Pre-adolescence is the time for bonding between young women, and that’s why groups of friends often wear similarly designed shirts to show the world that they’re a team.

You can affix similar hot fix rhinestone motifs in shirts of different colors. Choose patterns that have a similar theme. For example, if your theme is “flowers”, look for different variants to put on the baby tees (e.g. daisy, rose and orchid).

Where to get materials?

Swarovski crystal buyers from all over the world go to online shops to purchase their applicators and patterns. The best deals include applicators and some motifs to start with. Keep in mind that several sources may have different patterns to offer. Some designs require you to use a strong iron with a variable heat range.

As for tee shirts, you can buy an assorted bulk with different colors. As for size, baby tee shirts are available in one size, so it’s nothing to worry about. Baby tee shirts are also available in two forms: polo-shirt style and round neck..
Pastel is the color scheme to go for if your crystals have different colors. If your motifs only have white sparkling crystals, the shirts must be dark.

If you need more information, visit the following sites today:
Hot Fix Crystals
Wholesale Hotfix Swarovski Crystals

Buttons for clothes do provide a purpose, have been utilized in several craft-based home business ideas, but they are also for decoration. You would like to look good in the clothing you wear. Having some craft buttons on them will cause them to look unlike what others are wearing. It can change a simple button up shirt into something classy to wear to work or out for the evening. You can get these types of buttons at hobby stores, retail shops, and even online .

It does not take excessive time to be able to effectively take away the old buttons and place these on your clothing. Confirm your practice enough so you can have the right abilities to secure them ready. You want to use top quality thread that is very alike in colour to the item you are placing the craft buttons on. This way the thread will not be clear as well as a distraction.

You also need to ensure that the buttons are going to fit well thru the button holes on the outfit. This is critical because otherwise you’re going to have Problems. If the craft buttons are too little then will end in your garments coming undone. If they’re too big you will not be able to fasten them.

Don’t worry though as there are so many different diameters out there for the craft buttons that this won’t be an issue for you. Chances are if you find a type of craft button you actually like, it will be offered in one or two sizes. It’s a good idea to buy a couple of extras too. This way if one of the craft buttons gets broken or falls off when you do not see it you will have a replacement. It may be a while later and you will not know where you were given that first set of craft buttons.

Have some fun with your clothing though with the employment of craft buttons. You can change the outward appearance of a top you have worn many times before. You may add something fun or classy to the outward appearance of your wardrobe. Replacing your buttons is less costly than replacing your clothing. You can get a full set of craft buttons for only two dollars.

Buttons intended for clothes do offer a purpose, have been utilized in several crafting home based business ideas, but they are also for decoration. You want to look great in the clothing you wear. Having some craft buttons on them will cause them to look dissimilar to what others are wearing. It can change a simple button up shirt into something stylish to wear to work or out for the evening. You can get these types of buttons at hobby stores, retail shops, and even on the web.

It doesn’t take too much time to be able to effectively take away the old buttons and place these on your clothing. Ensure your practice enough so you can have the right skills to secure them in place . You want to use high quality thread that’s very similar in colour to the item you are placing the craft buttons on. This way the thread will not be clear as well as a distraction.

You also must ensure that the buttons are going to fit well through the button holes on the outfit. This is crucial because otherwise you’re going to have Problems. If the craft buttons are too little then will end in your attire coming undone. If they are too big you will not be in a position to fasten them.

Don’t worry though as there are so many different diameters out there for the craft buttons this will not be a problem for you. Possibilities are if you find a type of craft button you actually like, it’s going to be offered in one or two sizes. It’s a good idea to buy two extras too. This way if one of the craft buttons gets broken or falls off when you don’t see it you will have a replacement. It could be a bit later and you will not know where you were given that first set of craft buttons.

have a chuckle with your clothing though with the utilising of craft buttons. You can change the appearance of a top you have worn many times before. You may also add something fun or stylish to the appearance of your wardrobe. Replacing your buttons is less costly than replacing all of your clothing. You can get an entire set of craft buttons for only two greenbacks.

When using free woodworking plans I can save money on my wood projects. When the project is really a large one the savings are generally greater than a small project, as large plans tend to be more costly to acquire. An example of a small project could be an end table which includes a glass top. A large project would be kitchen cabinets with glass fronts.

As earlier mentioned, glass tops and glass fronts give a touch of class and style to any woodworking project. I’m fond of saying “A touch of glass adds class,” and I think of frosted or etched glass particularly eye-catching, personally. Particularly if you are getting work done in the bathroom, consider adding frosted glass, as it creates a sense of privacy and cleanliness to the space.

One great source of free woodworking plans is WoodworkingProjectsAndPlans.com. Even though there are a plenty of websites out there which include woodworking plans (likely too many to actually try and list), this website provides plans that are easy to follow and concise, essential qualities in a woodworking plan. As with any project, make sure you put safety first, and working with a plan is the key part of this, mainly because it provides you with an image of what exactly your project will look like once it is done, and you may track your progress much more efficiently than without one.

Of course not making mistakes helps you to save time and money. An excellent rule would be to “measure twice and cut once.” If you have a plan you are better equipped in avoiding mistakes. Mistakes usually are costly as well as time consuming. Just about every woodworking plan not only helps you to save time and money, but a good plan may have a products list which will save you time as you won’t have to look around for material. While using the list, you will know exactly what you need by studying the plan.

A well thought out plan may also list the various tools required for the project. This can save time as you will not have to stop in the middle of the project to look for the right tools. I enjoy working with wood but I hate having “down time” when looking for tools or materials to finish the job.

If the free wood projects you will be working with gives you the templates for the parts and pieces of the project, it’s a good idea to make another copy of them before you go ahead and cut them out. Free woodworking plans may not always come with templates, and so try to make two copies of the ones you come across, as this will definitely save you time and money down the line.

If you’re choosing the plan for the next woodworking project, make sure you take the aforementioned points under consideration. All of these tips may add up to a smooth and easy ride, and you will be glad you took heed. As the final bit of advice, make sure you take great caution when handling glass, no matter if it is etched, frosted or clear. Sharp edges and broken glass are often very dangerous, and may ruin a great experience. Now, equipped with all this knowledge, go on and enjoy your tools and free woodworking plans, and make something great.

Loom knitting is a fun hobby. Loom knitting can be a very cost friendly craft. Starting with the Knifty knitter is probably the most affordable way to try this fun hobby out. There are of course more expensive knitting looms that are well worth the price once you become skilled. As a beginner the Knifty Knitter will suit your purpose quite well.

The craft of loom knitting is not new by a long shot. You may have also heard of knitting looms being referred to as knitting boards. In recent years there has been a resurgence of loom knitting. This is mainly due to Provo Craft introducing their Knifty knitter line of looms.

Knitting without needles has become very popular for many. This is due to a couple of factors. Someone can loom knit a great deal faster than most needle knitters. Another factor is just how simple it is to loom knit. Cost is also a factor in choosing to loom knit. The Knifty Knitters are really very affordable.

Loom knitting is also much better for those with arthritis in their hands. Loom knitting has allowed those people, who could no longer use knitting needles, to once again knit wonderful projects. Using the Knifty Knitter weaving tool makes it even easier on the hands.

It is flat out easier to loom knit than to knit with needles. There are many people who just can’t get the hang of knitting with needles. Just about anyone can knit on a Knifty Knitter after only a few minutes.

Some traditional needle knitters feel that loom knitting is not true knitting. Don’t sweat them. They are just haters. You can knit any stitch on a Knifty knitter that you can with needles. Those more advanced stitches may not be easy for the beginner, but once you are acclimated with loom knitting they will not be a problem. Fortunately with the Internet there are many loom knitting tutorial videos that walk you through even the most intricate of stitches.

Hats are definitely not the only Knifty Knitter projects. I have met a few people who have never made it past knitting hats on their Knifty Knitters. You can knit sweaters shawls you name it. Al you really need are some loom knitting patterns. Some people even design their own projects.

For anyone that is interested in a new craft; loom knitting is a fantastic choice. Get looming now and you’ll be ready when the holidays roll around. Imagine how much your family will appreciate getting handmade gifts this year. All you need is a set of Knifty knitter looms and some yarn. I would also recommend that you find a web site that has a selection of loom knitting tutorial videos. The instruction manual is a definite weak point for the Knifty Knitter. Follow along with the videos and you will be loom knitting lovely pieces pretty quick.

Knifty Knitter in hand? Find loom knitting tutorial videos at http://www.funhobbyvideos.com/. There are also other fun hobbies featured.