Make Your Own Cake Decorations

Make Your Own Cake Decorations

Making your own cake decorations can be a fun and an easy hobby. It is very satisfying and will give you a real thrill when you bake and decorate a cake from scratch for a special occasion.

Getting Started with Cake Decorating

Cake decorating is a wonderful hobby and it is really easy and cheap to get started. In fact, why not start with your first cake just before a family birthday or other occasion, and you could save the cost of buying a ready-made cake.

Cake Decorations – Basic Supplies

Other than the usual cake trays and cutlery that you already have in your kitchen, the most basic piece of equipment you will need is a piping bag and a selection of pastry tips. These are little metal cone-shaped devices that you put into the end of the piping bag to squeeze the icing out through. They come with a huge variety of opening shapes and sizes.

Star tips are probably the most common and are an easy and fun way to get started with your new cake decorating hobby. Drop flower tips are special varieties that make it easy to pipe individual flowers.

You can buy pastry tips individually, but it’s not a bad idea to buy a selection in a cake decorating starter kit, so that you can experiment and see which types you enjoy using the most.

Practicing Your Cake Icing Skills

You may wish to start off small with batches of cup cakes to practice on. It’s a good opportunity to cook with your kids, and the results are sure to be tasty if not yet professional looking!

Alternatively, you might want to make a batch of butter icing and spend an hour or two practicing piping onto baking paper to get the hang of your new equipment first.

Preparing a Cake for Decorating

Icing your cake to a smooth finish is actually the most important step in achieving a professional finish when you are decorating a cake. Here are some step-by-step tips to use for making your first cake easy to decorate:

1. Put the cake in the freezer for at least an hour, depending on the size. This will make it firmer and lessen its tendency to crumble.
2. Trim the cake so it has a flat top. A wire cake cutter is the best tool, but a large serrated knife will also do the trick.
3. Give the cake a full coat of plain icing. Get the icing as flat and smooth as possible.
4. Finally, warm an iron spatula and run it gently over the surface of the cake to give a completely smooth finish

Happy cake decorating!

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Fun Easy Crafts - Handmade Baby Rattles

Handmade Baby Rattles

Making handmade baby gifts is a favorite type of project for many a crafter. Tiny hats, booties, and baby blankets are both functional and adorable. But if you'd like to give the new baby something he can play with, why not make him a rattle?

Rattles stimulate young minds and keep them occupied while Mom shops or does chores. And there are numerous different ways you can make them. Here are some handmade rattle ideas, from super-easy to advanced.

1. Soda bottle rattle

It doesn't get much easier than making a rattle out of a soda bottle. Simply remove the label from the bottle, wash it out, rinse and turn upside down to dry for a day or two. Add some colorful beads, seeds or dried beans, and add a bit of non-toxic glue to the inside of the lid before putting it on. Paint with non-toxic paint if you like, let dry, and you have a quick and easy baby gift.

2. Gourd rattle

Gourds make great natural rattles. All you have to do is drill a tiny hole in an inconspicuous place and lay the gourd where it can get plenty of air for a week or two. The meat dries up, and the seeds are left loose to rattle around. You can leave it as-is or paint with food coloring or non-toxic paint.

3. Crocheted rattle

Crocheting isn't just for booties and blankets. You can crochet adorable toys as well. Crocheted rattles can be made using only one or two simple stitches. You can make them in the standard rattle shape in shapes of other objects. Just add a bell to the middle when you stuff it, and you've created a soft and safe rattle for baby.

4. Stuffed animal rattle

Stuffed animals are great for kids, and they're not terribly difficult to make. Putting a rattle inside makes them a perfect baby gift! Just be sure to sew on eyes, noses and other embellishments securely with strong thread. To make the toy even safer, stitch them out of thread in a contrasting color.

5. Wooden rattle

If you enjoy woodworking, there are many ways you can make a rattle. The most obvious way is to create a piece that is hollow on the inside and add a bell, beads or dried beans. You can also create a rattle by making a piece with captive rings. Not only will it rattle when shaken, it will also give baby something to move around with no worries about swallowing small pieces. Finish with mineral or seed oil.

Every baby needs a rattle. Why not give the new baby in your life a unique handmade one? No matter what your skill level, you can create a rattle that the little one is sure to love.

Baby Gourd Rattle

Most people think that baby rattles have to be shiny plastic do-dads with little plastic beads in them. Unfortunately these types of rattles, while bright, colorful and cute, can break, causing potential harm to the infant. Babies need safe toys to play with.

This adorable craft idea will help you make a toy that is colorful, fun, and safe for any baby. The gourd baby rattle is a natural alternative to the many dangerous toxic toys on the market today.

You only need a few items to get the job done:

• Gourd
• Food dye/non-toxic paint
• Rotary tool/Woodburning tool
• Non-toxic sealant

With this type of project you can make rattles for every baby you know and customize them to fit the baby. It is a great gift for the expectant mom who seems to have everything she needs for baby. A handcrafted gift made in love is always a big plus for sentimental mommas.

With this craft you can even make a few extra bucks selling them at craft fairs. People love this type of stuff and knowing that it is all natural is even better.

Your older kids can even assist with this or if you have a youth group you can make a few for babies who are hospitalized. So many possibilities with the Baby Gourd Rattle craft project.

So if you are seeking a fun quick project that you can do for any number of baby events, then think about giving this craft a try.

How To Beading - The Difference Between Using Artistic Wire and Stretch Cord in Your Beaded Jewelry

The Difference Between Using Artistic Wire and Stretch Cord in Your Beaded Jewelry

Beaded jewelry comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. It can be casual or formal, simple or intricate. One of the most important considerations when creating a piece is whether to use cord or wire. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits and Uses of Wire:

Artistic wire is one of the most popular types of wire for jewelry making:

1. It comes in fourteen sizes and fifty colors, making it possible to create a variety of looks. It is permanently colored and quite durable.

2. When creating jewelry with artistic wire, you can bend it into any shape you wish.

Bending it correctly requires some skill and practice, but you can create very intricate designs with it. Nice pieces can be created without using any beads at all. Beads can be added as accents, or they could be used throughout the piece.

3. Getting the correct beads is essential when using wire in your jewelry.

The beads must be the same gauge as the wire you're using. If the holes are too small, they won't fit onto the wire. If they're too large, they will slide around.

4. Artistic wire can be used to create virtually any type of jewelry.

It can be looped, wound, angled, and even woven. It does not stretch, so if making a necklace or bracelet, a clasp must be used. If the wearer has trouble with clasps, stretch cord might be a better choice.

Benefits and Uses of Stretch Cord

1. Stretch cord is not as durable as wire, but it can be used for different types of projects.

It's very easy to work with, making it great for beginners. It also makes it possible to make jewelry without clasps, which is good for children, the elderly, and anyone else who might have trouble with them.

2. Stretch cord is best suited to simple stringing.

It is usually completely covered with beads, so the cord itself is not visible unless stretched. It's possible to use it for more intricate designs, but if stretched too much during construction, it can cause the piece to become misshapen. Great care must be taken to prevent this.

3. Thread or cord that doesn't stretch might be more appropriate for beadweaving and other highly detailed projects.

Both stretch cord and wire can be used to create beautiful beaded jewelry:

Which one is best depends largely on the project and the skill level of the crafter.

• Stretch cord is easy to use and doesn't show in the finished piece.
  
• Wire is somewhat trickier to work with and is visible in most pieces.
  

Once you know the differences between them, choosing the right one for your project is usually pretty simple.

Beading for Beginners

Beading for Beginners is A New Artistic Beading e-Book that Teaches You the Quick and Easy Beading Steps You Need to take

Here is some of what you will learn:

• The hand-held finger-woven method
• Wire work or wire-weave
• Bias-weaving
• And the double-strand square-weave as well as:
• How to make a crown stitch bracelet
• How to make bugle beads and fringe
• How to make a bugle bead ladder
• How to make bead-woven bracelets
• How to make a beaded earring
• And much, much more!
  

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Easy Knitting Projects - Knitting Machines

The Pros and Cons of Using a Knitting Machine

Even though knitting has become popular again, knitting with a knitting machine is still a viable option. The imaginative use of a knitting machine can produce lovely end products.

Hand knitting is believed to have originated prior to the eleventh century. References to knitting in historic literature, as well as knitted artifacts, have been found in Europe, Egypt, and other locations around the world. The first primitive knitting machines began to appear just prior to the Industrial Revolution.

Knitting machines have evolved tremendously over the years. Once requiring the operator to do most of the work, many of today's machines are computerized and motorized. Here are some of the pros and cons of knitting machines.

The Pros Of A Knitting Machine:

• A knitting machine makes knitting much faster. A piece that would take days to do by hand can be completed on a machine in no time. This is especially beneficial for those who sell their knit items, because they can produce more products in less time.
• Pieces that are knitted by machine tend to be more uniform than those that are hand knitted. The machine's tension provides a nice, even texture that even the most experienced knitters are hard pressed to replicate.
• Motorized knitting machines are good for those with arthritis and similar ailments. They greatly reduce the need to use one's hands, allowing those who physically cannot knit by hand to create knitted items.

The Cons Of a Knitting Machine:

• There are certain stitches that knitting machines do not do well. These must be done by hand for maximum quality, so if a piece contains a large number of such stitches, it might make more sense to knit it by hand.
• Each knitting machine is designed to work with a specific type of yarn. The needles are set according to which type is to be used. So if you want to work with a different type of yarn, you can't use your machine to do it.
• Knitting machines are rather expensive. So unless you're going to use one fairly frequently, it may not be worth the price.
• You can't really take a knitting machine with you like you can hand knitting. It must be clamped to a table, so when you're knitting by machine, you're confined to a certain area.
• Like any other machine, a knitting machine is subject to errors. They can jam, parts can break, and things can just go wrong in general. These are things you don't have to worry about when hand knitting.

Many knitters combine machine knitting with hand knitting to get the desired results. They use the machine to do pieces such as backs and sleeves that are made completely of stockinette, and do the more complex parts by hand. This allows them to get the finished product done much faster without making extensive adjustments to the machine.

Using a knitting machine has its advantages and disadvantages. If you're knitting as a hobby, whether or not to use a machine is a matter of your own preferences. Both machine knitting and hand knitting can produce lovely pieces.

Knitting Essentials

Practice and Perfect Your Knitting Skills with “Knitting Essentials”

You’ll learn:

• How to master the eight elemental moves of knitting
• How to decipher knitting patterns
• How to fix common knitting mistakes
• How to get started on knitting projects
• How to understand knitting abbreviations
• And much, much more!

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Knitting Essentials

Easy Knitting Projects

Knitting has become very fashionable and is not considered a craft for old ladies any more. Easy knitting projects can be fun for the whole family.

Choosing the correct yarns is vital for the success of your craft.

Before moving on to the yarns, do have a look at an e-book that will give you all the info you need for Easy Knitting Projects. The name of the e-book is "Knitting Essentials" and it is downloadable.

Access is instant. Practice and Perfect Your Knitting Skills with “Knitting Essentials” You’ll learn:

• How to master the eight elemental moves of knitting
• How to decipher knitting patterns
• How to fix common knitting mistakes
• How to get started on knitting projects
• How to understand knitting abbreviations
• And much, much more!

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Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Knitting or Crochet Project

When it comes to knitting and crocheting, choosing the right yarn is instrumental to the outcome of your project. There is a mind-boggling array of yarns out there to choose from, but all of them will not work for all projects. Here we will discuss some things to consider when choosing a yarn for your project.

Most knitting and crochet projects list a suggested yarn in the instructions. This yarn should work well, because it has been tested with that specific project. But sometimes we do not want to use the yarn that is suggested. Maybe it's too expensive, or maybe we can't find it locally. Whatever the reason, it's important to find a yarn that is comparable to the suggested yarn so that the project will turn out well.

One of the most important considerations when substituting yarns is gauge. This tells us the number of stitches and rows we can expect in each square inch. If we use the wrong gauge, the finished product will not be the same size as the pattern.

Choosing a yarn of the correct weight is also crucial. Bulkier yarns will produce items that are thicker, more durable, and suitable for colder weather. Thinner yarns are best for lighter garments, such as shawls and summer clothes.

The material that the yarn is made from also makes a big difference. If you're looking for something that's easy to care for, synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are a good choice. Yarns made from animal fibers are usually somewhat harder to care for, but they are generally warmer, more absorbent and more durable. Yarns that are made out of plant fibers such as cotton are soft and breathable, making them good choices for lightweight clothing.

For the most part, color is a matter of preference. But for beginning knitters, simple, solid-colored yarns are the best choice. Yarns that are highly textured or of varied colors do not show individual stitches as well, making it more difficult to correct mistakes. These yarns are also best suited to simple patterns, as are yarns with unusual textures.

When buying yarn for a project, it's important to make sure that it is all from the same dye lot. This will ensure that the colors will match perfectly. It's advisable to buy a few extra balls or skeins, just to make sure you have enough. Most stores will accept returns of yarn that has not been used.

When you're knitting or crocheting, using the right yarn is very important. It can literally make or break your project. By taking the time to find the best possible yarn, you can increase your chances of having your project turn out just as you imagined.

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Fun Easy Crafts: Lamb's Pride Yarns

Fun Easy Crafts: Lamb's Pride Yarns

Knitting is becoming very popular as one of the fun easy crafts. It is not only "Grannies" that are knitting any more. So, because knitting has become one of the fun easy crafts, here is some information about yarn, an essential part of knitting!

Using the right yarn is crucial to any knitting project. It can truly make or break your blanket, sweater, scarf, or any other project. Sure, you can find low prices in any department store, but if you're looking for quality, chances are those off-brands just won't cut it.


Lamb's Pride wool yarns offer high quality at prices that won't bust your budget. They're available in two weights: Worsted and Bulky.

1. Lamb's Pride Worsted

Worsted is a single ply yarn that comes in a wide variety of colors. It's great for felting, and produces a nice, refined look. It's designed to have good stitch definition, so it's great for projects which require that, such as rugs, blankets and cable knit sweaters. It is also resistant to splitting and knotting, making knitting much easier.

2. Lamb's Pride Bulky

The Bulky yarn has a small amount of mohair mixed in, which produces a greater thickness. Also available in lots of colors, it works well for hats and mittens. Its texture tends to get fuzzier with time, and some knitters (and wearers) do not like that. But its heavy weight makes it ideal for clothing to be worn in the coldest of weather.

Lamb's Pride yarns are recyclable, making them a great choice for the environmentally conscious knitter. They're also made in the United States, so American knitters can be assured that they're supporting their nation's economy when they buy them. These facts, combined with Lamb's Pride's great quality and large selection of colors, make it a great choice for many projects.

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How to Measure Properly for Your Next Sewing Project

How to Measure Properly for Your Next Sewing Project

One of the best things about custom-tailored clothing is that it can be made to fit perfectly. Instead of going to the store and buying one size that's made to fit various body types, you can have clothes that fit just right in every way. It definitely beats buying a small only to find that it's right on the money around the waist but a mile too short!

For the casual seamstress, measuring can be a bit of a stumbling block. It's not rocket science, but it does have to be precise in order to get your project just right. Here are some tips to help you measure properly for your next project.

Men and Boys

• For the neck, the measuring tape should go around the base of the neck where the collar sits.
• When measuring the chest, be sure to measure the fullest part. This should be just under the arms, and the tape should be centered over the shoulder blades in the back.
• The waist measurement should be at the natural waist, at or very close to the bellybutton.
• The hips should be measured around the fullest part, leaving the tape loose enough to slide fingers underneath.
• Sleeves should be measured from the top of the shoulder bone to the wrist.
• Inseams should be measured from crotch to ankle, and outseams from the natural waist to the ankle.
• Back width is best measured when wearing a dress shirt. Measure from shoulder blade to shoulder blade at the shoulder seam of the shirt.
• For coats, the center back measurement should be taken from the base of the neck, along the spinal column. Front length goes from the shoulder seam to the desired length of the coat.

Women and Girls

• The bust should be measured at the fullest part, going under the arms. The tape should not be too snug.
• The chest should be measured above and below the bust.
• Inseams and outseams are measured the same way as they are for men.
• The waist should be measured at the smallest point, or where the waist of the garment is to sit. The hips should be measured 6 inches below the waist, and again at the fullest point.
• Skirt length is measured from the waist to the desired length.
• Sleeves are measured from the shoulder to the curve of the wrist, with the elbow slightly bent.

General Tips

• When measuring the hips, the heels should be together.
• Unless otherwise noted, the measuring tape should be snug but not tight.
• It's always better to take too many measurements than not enough.

If you are looking for some more top sewing tips, have a look at our blog: A Guide To Sewing A Wardrobe And More.

There is also a very good e-book that will teach you all the basics. The name is: Sewing 101

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Beading Crafts - Basics Needed to Get Started Making Beaded Jewelry

I hope you enjoy the pictures of my granddaughter parading her master pieces.

Beading Crafts - Basics Needed to Get Started Making Beaded Jewelry

Beading Crafts are very exiting and rewarding. When it comes to accessories, few are as versatile as beaded jewelry. Beaded pieces range from casual to formal, and many can be worn either way. It's no wonder that crafters love to create beaded pieces.

There are lots of different techniques that can be used to make beaded jewelry. They range from simple enough for young children to intricate and complex. Here are some of the techniques you can use, and the supplies you will need to get started on your hobby of beading crafts.

Stringing with Cord

Stringing beads is one of the simplest jewelry-making techniques, yet it can make lovely necklaces, bracelets and anklets. All you need to get started is:

• Beads
• Bead thread, beading elastic, or some other type of cord
• Beading needle
• Nail polish or glue (for sealing knots)
• Clasps

Stringing on Wire

Bead stringing may also be done on wire. The technique is similar to stringing with cord. Supplies needed include:

• Beads
• Beading wire
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Clasps

Wirework

Wirework involves carefully fashioning metal wire and adding beads to make jewelry. This makes beautiful rings and earrings, and can also be used to make pendants and charms. The supplies you'll need are:

• Beads
• Wire
• Wire cutters
• Roundnose and flatnose pliers

Beadweaving

As the name suggests, beadweaving involves stitching beads together so that they form something similar to a fabric. This technique is most often used to create bracelets and choker necklaces, but it may also be used on earrings, brooches and more. Supplies may include:

• Beads of uniform size
• Synthetic thread
• Beading needle
• Thread snips
• Loom, either made specifically for beading or made for traditional weaving but adapted for beading

To Stretch or Not to Stretch?

There are types of beading string that stretch, and types that do not. In some cases, which type you use is a matter of preference, and in others, the quality of your finished product depends on it.

If you're stringing beads, you could use either type. If you prefer not to use a clasp on your necklaces, bracelets and anklets, you could use a string that stretches to make them easy to put on. But if you plan to use a clasp, you might want to use a string that does not stretch to make your work sturdier. Non-stretch string knots better than stretchy string.

For embroidery and beadweaving, non-stretch string is usually better. If you use a string that is overly stretchy, it could cause your work to pucker. But if you want your pieces to stretch a little, stretchy string might work in some cases as long as you avoid over-stretching it during construction.

Doing beading crafts and making beaded jewelry is great for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Even simple techniques can create stunning pieces. More complex techniques will require some practice, but if you start off small you can work your way up in no time. So why not give creating your own jewelry a try?

For a good guide to help you Have A Look At Beading For Beginners!