Craft Fairs Can Be So Much Fun

Most crafters do what they do because they love to do it. But if you're good at a craft, it can open the door for money-making opportunities. There are all sorts of ways you can sell your crafts, including selling wholesale to retailers, placing items in consignment shops, and selling online.

Some crafts take a lot of time and is pricey, so to be able to sell than is a benefit. Even is you are still looking at options such as quilting with embroidery or something such as silk painting with silk painting kits, in the long run you will have to sell some of the crafts you do if you want to continue.

But if you want to have fun and make money at the same time, craft fairs are something worth considering. Hitting the craft fair circuit gives you a reason to travel to places you may have never been before and to meet fellow crafters. And since they attract craft lovers, you can make a substantial amount of money in a short time.

Does this sound interesting to you? Here is what you need to do to get started.

* Get busy crafting. You'll need plenty of inventory to take with you to the fairs for quick sales. You can also take custom orders, but most craft fair attendees prefer to leave with something in hand.

* Check out the legal aspects of doing business wherever you might participate in a fair. To keep things simple, you might choose to only participate in fairs in your home state. But if you want to do business in other states, it shouldn't be too hard to get set up.

* Find craft fairs in your area and others you are willing to travel to. Ask your crafty friends to keep you informed about any they hear about; check the newspaper and search online.

* When you find a craft fair that interests you, read the application information carefully. Most require application fees, and some are juried. You may have to pay additional fees for electricity and other amenities.

* Determine what you'll need to bring along to set up. You'll definitely need tables and chairs, and many fairs do not provide them. You'll also need a tent if the fair is outdoors, and you may need other items such as display cases depending on what you're selling.

* Get your office supplies together. You'll need some business cards and other promotional materials, receipt pads, bags, and a credit card machine if you accept credit.

* Price your crafts if you haven't already. Take into account all of your expenses, including travel and meals. You'll need to make enough profit to at least cover this, and preferably enough to pocket some of it.

* Dress comfortably, and take along food and drinks. Bring an assistant or two with you as well, if possible. Craft fairs are usually all-day (and sometimes multiple-day) events, so you'll need to be prepared.

Craft fairs provide the opportunity for you to sell your crafts in a fun atmosphere. But be warned: it's hard to stop at just one! Once you've experienced a craft fair first hand, you'll probably be scouring the papers looking for another one.

Angel Clay Handprints Kit

Casts of children’s handprints are a wonderful keepsake for parents, grandparents and godparents alike. It’s a nostalgic way to preserve the memory of your baby or child’s hand or footprint.

The Angel Clay Handprints Kit is suitable for children’s hands from birth to about age 12. The handprint clay tile is made from Mexican clay. The clay is self-drying and therefore easy to use at home.

The kit includes step-by-step instructions on how to make perfect impressions of your newborn’s foot or handprint or your older children’s handprints. Also included in the kit are shape clay , wax paper, sponge and twine for hanging up the treasured clay tile. The finished handprint tile measures approximately 9”x8.5”.

Imprint a message and a date and the angel clay handprint will be admired forever by the person who receives it as a gift.

Another keepsake grandparents and other family members will enjoy is a Scrapbook. If you are not familiar with scrapbooking why not go and have a look Beginner Scrapbooking.

Go, you will really enjoy it: Beginner Scrapbooking.

How to Make Rhythm Music Instruments

Despite the availability of all manner of complex electronic toys, kids still love to make noise with things they find around the house. This is great for developing creativity and motor skills. It also presents some grand opportunities to get them involved in crafting.

You might be surprised at how many rhythm instruments your child can make with everyday objects. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Tambourines

Supplies

* Two paper plates
* Markers, glitter glue, stickers and other decorative items
* Rice
* Glue
* Paper towel

Instructions

1. Decorate the bottoms of the paper plates with markers, glitter glue, stickers and anything else you like. Let dry.
2. Place one of the paper plates right side up on the table. Put a handful of rice into the middle of it.
3. Add glue about ¼ inch from the edge of the plate, running all the way around. Be careful not to make it too thick, but make sure there is a solid line.
4. Place the other plate upside down on top of the first one. Squeeze the edges together. Wipe off any excess glue and let dry.

Maracas

Supplies

* Two plastic bottles, cleaned, with labels removed
* Dried beans or peas
* Paint and paintbrushes
* Super Glue

Instructions

1. Paint the bottles any way you like. Add other embellishments if desired. Let dry.
2. Fill the bottle about ¼ full of dried beans or peas.
3. Have an adult put some Super Glue around the threads of the bottle, where the lid goes. Quickly put the lid on and tighten it. Let glue dry so that the lid cannot be removed.

Cymbals

Supplies

* Two foil pie plates
* Two strips of cloth
* Scissors
* Glue or tape

Instructions

1. Turn the pie plates upside down.
2. Place your hand in the middle of one pie plate. Hold one end of a cloth strip onto the plate with your other hand, and have someone else hold it down on the other side and mark the length.
3. Cut the strip to the correct length. Center it on the back of the pie plate, and glue or tape each end to make a hand strap.
4. Repeat with the other pie plate.

Glass Xylophone

Supplies

* Several glass cups or glasses
* Water
* Drumstick or spoon

Instructions

1. Fill one glass nearly full of water. Put a little less water in the next one, and a little less in the one after that, and so on until each glass has a different amount of water.
2. Line the glasses up from the most to least full.
3. Tap the glasses gently with the drumstick or spoon to make different notes.


These simple projects can provide hours of entertainment for kids. They’re also very educational, and can help plant the seeds for a life-long love of music.

Dimensions Fleece/Felt Applique Blanket Kit Jungle Animal

Felt Applique is a lot of fun. For Christmas you can do the most beautiful Felt Applique Stocking, but that is not all.

If one of your loved ones or friends is expecting a baby and you would like to give something really special to the new arrival, why not create this special cuddly and soft blanket.

This Fleece Felt Appliqué Blanket Kit Jungle Animals, available from Amazon,  will make a wonderful gift for a newborn. The blanket is made of soft fleece with jungle animals featuring an elephant, a lion, a giraffe, a monkey and a bird.

The blanket is easy to assemble. You simply cut out the felt pieces and sew onto the fleece patterns. The end result is a jungle animal blanket that will be loved and treasured by mother and baby alike.

The kit includes everything you need for this project:

* Cotton threat
* Printed fleece and felt
* Needle
* Detailed Instructions

The kit also includes letters and numbers for personalizing the blanket and making it one of a kind.

The product is high quality and made in the US.

How to Make a Kitchen Garden

The benefits of gardening are many. Planting a vegetable garden gives us fresh food to enjoy during the summer and early fall, and we can preserve the extras to eat throughout the winter. And for kids, gardening is a fun and educational experience.

It’s a common misconception that you have to have lots of land to plant a garden. If you have a yard, you can plant a small garden outdoors. And even if you don’t, you can plant some of your favorite vegetables in a large pot. Here’s how.

1. Find an appropriate space for your garden. Ideally, it should receive at least eight hours of sun each day and have room for at least six square feet of planting space. It should also be close to the kitchen if possible for quick, as-needed harvesting.

2. If you’re planting in the ground, till the soil. If planting in a container, you’ll need to use a lighter weight soil. Try packaged potting soil from your local garden center.

3. Plan your garden. If planned carefully, it can yield far more than if you just throw it together. You can plant early season crops first, midseason crops after the first harvest, and late season crops after those have been harvested. Most seed packets have instructions that tell you when to plant and harvest.

4. Know how tall each crop will grow. The tallest ones should be planted in the center of your garden (or the back if it is located against a wall) so that they won’t shade the shorter ones.

5. Pay attention to how far apart crops should be placed. Some need several feet of space between them, while others only require a few inches. For best results, draw a diagram of your garden space to scale on graph paper and plan where you will plant each crop.

6. Start planting. You can find cheap gardening tools at your local dollar store that will work just fine for a kitchen garden.

7. Water your plants each day. Gardens planted in containers tend to dry out very quickly, so you may even need to water twice a day if they get full sunlight. Keep watering until water runs out of the drainage holes.

8. Fertilize your garden once every two to three weeks. Read directions carefully to avoid over fertilizing, as this can damage or kill plants.

There are many types of vegetables that you can plant in a container garden. Some of the most popular include tomatoes, leaf lettuce, summer squash, cucumbers, carrots, green onions and bell peppers. Herbs may also do well alongside vegetables. Try some basil, dill, parsley, thyme or tarragon.

Planting a garden is not an activity reserved for those who own a farm. Anyone can plant vegetables, as long as they are well suited to the area’s climate. With a small initial investment, you can have enough fresh veggies to last your family several months.

How to Make a Beautiful Ice Skating Picture

There are many fun crafts for kids. You can think about something such as Mosaic Crafts For Beginners. Here is another possibility, an Ice Skating picture.

Ice skating is a popular winter activity that's as fun to watch as it is to do. Ice skaters have a certain grace that is truly a sight to behold. That's why they are so frequently photographed and videotaped.

The beauty of ice skating can also serve as the inspiration for some fun craft projects. This ice skating picture is easy enough for a small child to create, and beautiful enough to keep on display all winter. Here's how to make it.

What You Need

• Piece of light blue card stock or construction paper
• Piece of white card stock or construction paper
• Piece of yellow card stock or construction paper
• Aluminum foil
• Cotton balls
• Fine-tipped black marker
• Small twigs
• Pictures of figure skaters
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the white card stock in half lengthwise, but instead of cutting in a straight line, make some subtle curves. Glue the cut out piece onto the bottom half of the blue card stock to make a snowy ground.

2. Use the scrap of white card stock to cut out some cloud shapes, and glue them onto the blue sky. Cut a circle out of the yellow paper to make a sun, and glue it onto the sky as well.

3. Cut an oval shape out of the aluminum foil. Glue it onto the white card stock with the shiny side up to make a reflective pond.

4. Find some small pictures of figure skaters, either in a magazine or book or online. If you can't find any that are small enough, you could use a computer graphics program to resize them and print them out, or even draw some on white paper or card stock. Cut out the figure skater pictures and glue them onto the aluminum foil pond.

5. Glue three cotton balls onto the “snow” in a vertical line to make a snowman. Draw a face and some buttons on with the marker, and glue two small twigs into place to make arms.

6. Hang up your work of art for all to see!

Tips

* For best results, use heavy duty aluminum foil. Regular aluminum foil tears more easily, and might rip as you're gluing it onto the paper.

* To make sure your pond is smooth and bubble-free, use a craft stick to smooth it down after gluing it into place.

* If you want to make it look like it's snowing in your picture, you could splatter paint it once you've done all the cutting and pasting. Simply splatter white paint onto the picture with a toothbrush, and let dry.

Ten Easy Knitting Ideas for Children

Knitting is often viewed as an activity for elderly ladies. But young adults have taken quite an interest in it as well, knitting fashionable sweaters and funky scarves for themselves and their friends and families. And did you know that knitting is a wonderful activity for kids, too?

Kids Knitting Projects must be fun and they must see results pretty fast. Slowly they will learn to love knitting.

Children tend to become bored easily, and knitting is a very effective remedy. During car trips or while waiting for dinner, kids can occupy themselves by knitting. It helps them develop longer attention spans and improves their fine motor skills, and most kids find it enjoyable and relaxing.

There are many simple knitting projects that kids can do. Here are ten ideas:

1. Bookmarks – You can quickly and easily create a yarn bookmark by finger knitting. This is a great first project, as it requires no needles and no fancy stitches. All kids have to do is make a row of stitches.

2. Scarves – Simple scarves are among the easiest knitting projects. Using one color and the basic stitch, this provides excellent practice for young knitters. And the finished product makes a useful accessory for your child, or could be given as a gift to a grandparent or other family member to cherish for years to come.

3. Belts – Knitting a belt is very similar to knitting a scarf. The main difference is that it’s not as wide. Just knit a rectangle long enough to go around the waist and tie, and you’re done.

4. Squares – Knitted squares can be used in a variety of projects. If you need some for something you’re working on, let your child make them. This is a great way to practice making nice, even stitches that aren’t too tight. The knitted squares can also be used to make a patchwork quilt. In South Africa that is very traditional. Read more about patchwork quilts at: What Is A Patchwork Quilt

5. Bean bags – A basic bean bag is easy to make out of two knitted squares. And if your child is interested in sewing, it provides an opportunity to practise that as well. Just have your child knit two squares of the same size, sew them together on three sides, put some beans in an old stocking and insert it in the bag. Sew the fourth side up, and it’s all done!

6. Coasters – Knitted squares can be used as coasters. Your child can knit up a set to use at home or give as a gift. If she would like to try a different shape, patterns can be found online and in beginners’ knitting books.

7. Dishcloths – Knitted dishcloths are great for getting those stubborn plates clean. And they make wonderful projects for young knitters. The broken rib pattern is a good choice for this project, and it’s an easy new stitch pattern to introduce to kids.

8. Envelope purses – An envelope purse is very easy for kids to make. Just knit a large rectangle, fold it together leaving a flap at the top, and sew the sides together. Add a knitted strap, and you have a stylish new bag.

9. Baby bibs – If there’s a baby in the family, big sisters, brothers or cousins will jump at the chance to make something for him. Knitting a baby bib can be as easy as stitching a large square and a cord, then sewing the cord on.

10. Animals – Knitting stuffed animals is a good way to introduce shapes to kids. They can knit two simple animal shapes, sew them on all sides but one, stuff and finish for a cute new toy.

It Is Easy To Create a Good Scrapbook Layout - Here's How

Beginner Scrapbooking does not have to be frightening. I know that when you read about scrapbooking in magazines or online, you see the elaborate layouts that you can get. From this it is easy to see that many of them took hours to create. As a result you find that many would-be scrapbookers are intimidated by the complexity of the layouts they see and decide not to pursue scrapbooking and to turn to another hobby instead.

But you don't have to use elaborate layouts to make your scrapbook beautiful and memorable. Creating attractive layouts is much simpler than most people think. And by keeping things fairly simple, you allow your photos to take center stage. Read on to learn how to create a great layout without going to art school.

Choose the Right Papers

The paper is undoubtedly the most important element of any scrapbook layout. It doesn't matter how beautifully you embellish a page - if you choose the wrong type or color of paper, it won't look right. So it's important to spend some time choosing the right papers.

For the page itself, you'll need to use card stock. Solid colors are easiest to work with, because you don't have to worry about the patterns of your embellishments competing with the background. But using a patterned paper can work if you do your borders and frames in co-ordinating solid colors.

Colors should be co-ordinating and appropriate to the theme of the scrapbook and page. You can also help bring the page together by choosing colors from the photos themselves to use in borders and mats.

Matting Photos

Matting your photos gives your page a more finished look. And it's very simple to do. All you need is a pair of scissors or paper cutter, two colors of card stock and a glue stick.

To create the mat, choose the color you want to directly border the photo. Measure a square or rectangle that is a half inch wider and a half inch longer than the photo, and cut out. Then measure a square or rectangle on the other color of paper that is a half inch longer and a half inch wider than the first shape, and cut it out too. Center the smaller shape on top of the larger one, and the photo on top of it all.

Add Embellishments

Once you've chosen the colors and photos for the page, it's time to get started with embellishments. These include borders, stickers, die cuts, pressed flowers, and whatever else you want to place on the page.

When working on your layout, it's a good idea to hold off on gluing things down until you're sure that everything is the way you want it. That way, if you make a mistake, you won't have to start over from the beginning. It also allows you to experiment with placement of the items.

Creating a great layout requires some planning, but anyone can do it. The trick is finding the right balance between your photos and the other items on the page. If you avoid using so many embellishments that they draw attention away from the photos, and choose colors that co-ordinate with each other and your photos, it's hard to go wrong.

Ten Sewing Projects for Beginners

If you are looking for beginners sewing projects for a kid, have a look at Alex Toys Happily Ever Crafter is a very good idea. In it you will find various "sewing" projects a child can try to see which she really enjoys. You will also find good beginners crafts if you go to Fun Easy Crafts.
When you’re considering taking up sewing as a hobby, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The pieces made by experienced sewers look as good as something you’d buy in a boutique, and the patterns in stores seem to be in a different language. But don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of easy projects that beginners can cut their teeth on.

Now on to your promised sewing crafts ideas. Here are ten to try.

1. Bags – You don’t have to be an expert to make yourself a new purse. Envelope purses are very easy to make. Just cut out a large rectangle, fold up leaving a flap, and sew the sides together. Add a strap and you’re done! Drawstring bags are also a cinch.

2. Potholders – The potholder is a classic beginner’s sewing project. If you can cut squares out of fabric and filling material and sew seams, you can make one in a snap.

3. Heating pad – Heating pads are great for soothing sore muscles, and they’re simple to sew. Just cut a rectangle of fabric, fold the right sides together and sew the sides together. Turn right side out, fill with rice, and sew the fourth side up. Pop in the microwave to heat.

4. Halter tops – If you’re looking for a nice, vintage fashion project, how about a halter top? It’s as easy folding a bandana into a triangle, folding the top down, stitching casings at the top and bottom and running shoelaces through both.

5. Pre-printed pillow tops – Those adorable handmade pillows can be easily made with pre-printed pillow tops. Just buy a kit and follow the directions for a unique throw pillow.

6. Blankets – If you want to try your hand at a larger project, blankets are great for beginners. You’ll need to do some measuring and pinning, but other than that, all that’s required is sewing seams.

7. Aprons – Aprons are wonderful gifts for the cook in your life, and they’re really simple to make. They’re basically just a large rectangle of fabric with diagonal cuts at the top. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to have enough fabric to make straps to tie it with.

8. Stuffed animals – You don’t have to be an expert to sew a stuffed animal. You can whip one up out of any kind of fabric. Snakes are easy to make out of strips of scrap material. Just fold the right side of the strip together lengthwise, sew the edges together, turn right side out and stuff with batting. Sew the ends closed and draw a face on for a quick and easy toy. Of course you can also always make stuffed toys with Fun And Easy Latch Hook Kits, that is even easier than sewing.

9. Shawls – A shawl is an elegant accessory for special occasions, yet it’s a cinch to make. All you need is a couple of yards of fabric and some thread, and there’s very little cutting involved.

10. Children’s clothes – When you’re ready to move on to more complex projects, try children’s clothing. It uses the same techniques as adult clothing, but on a much smaller scale. If you botch a project beyond repair, you can start over without having to purchase much material.

How to Make Inexpensive Decorations to Welcome Spring

In winter we did Crafts Using Pine Cones but now, after a long, cold winter, with the first signs of spring it offers us a breath of fresh air and new fun crafts ideas.

The trees start sprouting leaves, the flowers start blooming, and the sun makes more and more appearances. For those who love to watch nature renew itself (and those who can't stand freezing temperatures), it's certainly cause for celebration.

If you're looking for a way to welcome this beautiful season, one thing you can do is decorate for it. You can find some beautiful spring décor in your favorite store or catalog, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to welcome spring properly. These inexpensive yet lovely décor ideas will fit the bill nicely, and creating them will help get you in the spirit of spring even faster.

# Decorate with garden items. Watering cans make wonderful planters or vases, or they can be incorporated into centerpieces.

# Make a simple yet elegant spring wreath. You can buy inexpensive grapevine wreaths at craft shops or dollar stores. Adorn them with dried flowers and pastel-colored ribbons, and hang them on your front door or wall.

# Buy some ivy garland and wrap it around the bannisters of your staircase or front steps. If you're using it indoors, add some tissue paper flowers every few feet. You can make them as follows:

Tissue Paper Flowers

What You Need

* Tissue paper in one or more colors
* Scissors
* Chenille stems or florist wire

Instructions

1. Stack eight pieces of unfolded tissue paper on top of one another, and cut them in half.

2. Take one stack of the tissue paper and fold one of the shorter edges down ½ to 1 inch from the edge. Make another fold the same size, but fold it back. Continue to make accordion-style folds until you've reached the other edge.

3. Use the scissors to round each end of the folded tissue paper. If you like, you can also cut a slit in the middle of each end.

4. Wrap a chenille stem or piece of floral wire around the center of the folded tissue paper, and twist to hold it together.

5. Very carefully, separate the layers of tissue from the ends to the center. Fluff as needed. Arrange some of your tissue paper flowers in a vase, glue them to a grapevine wreath, or use them to create a pretty centerpiece.

These easy-to-make spring decorations are great for welcoming the season without spending a lot of money. By creating your own décor, you can get your home all decked out for spring for less than you would pay for one or two ready-to-use items. So instead of going on a shopping spree, get creative!

How to Make Edible Play Dough and Modeling Clay

 Before we look at these crafts for the little ones, let's think about a fun craft for those little older kids of 6+. If you feel their motor skills still need a little help, why not look at a craft kit such as Alex Toys Super Knot A Quilt

In the early years, it's important for children to participate in art projects. It encourages creativity and helps build fine motor skills. But with toddlers' and preschoolers' tendency to put things in their mouths, the prospect of giving them art supplies can be scary.

The solution? Give them edible art supplies! It's simple to make play dough and modeling clay out of edible ingredients. When your child gets done playing with them, you can feel good about encouraging them to eat their creations. Here are a few recipes to try.

Peanut Butter Play Dough

Ingredients

* One 18-ounce jar of peanut butter (creamy variety)
* 6 tbsp. honey
* ¾ cup non-fat powdered milk

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together. You can easily change the consistency by adding more powdered milk.
2. If the dough is not consumed soon after making it, it may be stored in an airtight container.

Chocolate Play Dough

Ingredients

* 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
* ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp. light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate chips in a double boiler and heat slowly until melted.
2. Stir chocolate until smooth.
3. Stir in corn syrup, continuing to stir until mixed thoroughly.
4. Allow to cool briefly, then pour the mixture into a plastic bag. Refrigerate until it is firm.

Note: This dough is also great for decorating cakes!

Kool Aid Play Dough

Ingredients

* 1 cup flour
* 1 cup water
* ½ cup salt
* 3 tsp. Cream of Tartar
* 1 pkg. unsweetened Kool Aid mix, any flavor
* 1 tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions

1. In large saucepan, mix all dry ingredients.
2. Mix oil and water and stir into dry ingredients. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into dough.
3. Remove from heat and place on a heatproof cutting board. Knead until cool enough for your child to handle. This play dough may be stored for up to six months in a tightly covered container.

Chocolate Clay

Ingredients

* 10 oz. chocolate chips
* 1/3 cup corn syrup

Instructions

1. Place chocolate chips in a double boiler and heat slowly until melted. Stir until smooth.
2. Stir in corn syrup and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour onto waxed paper and spread out about ½ inch thick. Cover with more waxed paper and allow to harden for two hours.

Note: This clay may also be used to decorate cakes.

Easy Edible Clay

Ingredients

* 1 cup flour
* ½ cup salt
* Water

Instructions

1. Stir salt into flour.
2. Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly.
3. Continue to add water until the desired consistency is reached. Knead before using.

Note: This clay may be baked after modeling to create a permanent shape. It is non-toxic and edible, but its flavor is not very appetizing.

Edible Cookie and Cake Decoration Ideas for Little Chefs

Easy Beginners crafts are always a good idea to develop those small motor skills. Various beginner crafts are very good, you can look at mosaic crafts for beginners or even beginner scrapbooking and then of course these edible cookie and cake decorations.

Cooking is a great activity for kids of all ages. Older children can learn advanced techniques that will serve them well when they are out on their own. And younger children can benefit from the opportunity to spend quality time with their parents and learn how to measure and mix ingredients.

Even very young children enjoy putting the finishing touches on cookies and cakes. Here are some fun cake decoration ideas that parents and youngsters alike will love.

Edible Markers

Kids love to draw on anything and everything. So most of them will jump at the chance to draw or write on food! You can find edible markers at cake decorating supply stores and online. They're made with certified food color, so they're perfectly safe for consumption.

Icing

Icing comes in many different flavors and forms. There's the super-sweet icing we're all accustomed to eating on cakes, buttercreme icing, and whipped icing. There's icing you spread and icing you write with. No matter what kind of cake or cookie you're making, there's probably a type of icing that will go well with it. Kids can apply it with a butter knife, or squeeze it straight out of the tube.

Sugar Pearls and Sprinkles

Sugar pearls add a beautiful touch to cakes and cookies. They're most often found on professionally made cakes, but they may be purchased from bakers or online. You can also make your own if you have the right equipment.

Sprinkles are available at any grocery store, and they are great for adding color to your baked goods. Either of these items are great for young decorators.

Edible Play Dough and Clay

You wouldn't want to eat a cake or cookie with Play Dough on it, would you? Or how about clay? Well, with these recipes, it's not so bad after all. The kids can make shapes out of these concoctions, then use them to decorate cakes and cookies when they're done playing.

-Chocolate Play Dough

Ingredients

* 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
* ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp. light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Put the chocolate chips in a double boiler over medium heat, and allow to melt.
2. Stir the melted chocolate until it is smooth.
3. Add the corn syrup, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Pour into a plastic bag and refrigerate until firm.

-Chocolate Clay

Ingredients

* 10 oz. chocolate chips
* 1/3 cup corn syrup

Instructions

1 .Put chocolate chips in a double boiler. Heat slowly until melted, stirring constantly.
2. When chocolate is smooth, add corn syrup and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour the mixture onto waxed paper. Spread out until it's about ½ inch thick. Cover with waxed paper and let set for two hours.

Digital Scrapbooking Explained

Scrapbooking is a fun and relaxing hobby, so looking at Beginner Scrapbooking is a great idea. Unfortunately there are certain aspects of it that are less than appealing to some. For one thing, all those scrapbooks that accumulate over time take up a lot of room. They also use up a lot of paper, which isn't good for the environment. And all of those supplies that scrapbookers need cost a significant amount of money.

So what's someone who loves the look of scrapbooks but doesn't want to deal with the clutter and expense to do? Try digital scrapbooking!

Like traditional scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking offers an attractive way to display your photos. But instead of making a physical album, you do everything on your computer. You use digital photographs and graphics to create pages much in the same way as you would with a paper scrapbook, only without the paper.

Digital scrapbooking has numerous advantages, including:

* It's much less expensive than paper scrapbooking in the long run. You probably already have a suitable graphics program on your computer. If not you'll have to purchase one, but by the time you've created a few scrapbooks, you'll still come out ahead.

* It's easier to make changes to a digital scrapbook. With a paper scrapbook, once you've created a page, you can't really remove elements or switch them around. With a digital scrapbook, all it takes is a click of the mouse to make any change you want to make.

* If you create a template you love, you can save it and use it again and again. There's no need to recreate it from scratch.

* You can afford to send copies of your scrapbook to friends and family. Not only would duplicating a paper scrapbook be time-consuming, it would be quite costly. But with a digital scrapbook, all you have to do is send a file via email or burn it onto a CD. There are even websites where you can create a digital scrapbook and send the link to anyone you want to see it.

* You don't have to worry about your photos fading. Digital photos and scrapbook pages are immune to the effects of heat, time and oxidation.

* If you decide that you want a hard copy of your digital scrapbook, you can always print out the pages and make one. There are also printing companies that will turn your scrapbook pages into a professionally bound book.

Some scrapbookers enjoy the process of putting pages and books together. Others like the look of scrapbooks, but long for an easier way to create them. If you don't think paper scrapbooking is for you, or if you lack the time or funds to do it as much as you would like, try digital scrapbooking. But be warned: it is highly addictive!

Easy Beginners Crafts - How to Make Edible Alphabet Cookies

 Alphabet Cookies is a very good example of an easy beginners craft to do with the kids. They will love it. Another alternative are mosaic crafts for beginners where the small motor skill are also used encouraging the development of small motor skills.

It's no secret that kids love sweets. So if you can find a way to combine them with something educational, you have a grand opportunity to teach and reinforce skills that your child needs to learn. Alphabet cookies are a great example of how to accomplish this. And they also make fun place cards for kids' birthday parties – just make them in the shape of the first letter of each child's first name, and place them on a napkin with the rest of the name written out beside them.

What You Need

* 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (unsifted)
* 1 ½ cups butter
* 3 hard-boiled egg yolks
* 3 raw egg yolks
* ¾ cup sugar
* 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Put the flour into a large bowl. Cut butter into small pieces, add to flour, and mix it with your hands until fine crumbs are formed.

3. In a smaller bowl, mash the hard-boiled egg yolks with the sugar. Stir into the flour mixture.

4. In the small bowl, mix the raw egg yolks and the vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture, using a fork.

5. Press the mixture into a firm ball, then roll out with a rolling pin.

6. Cut the dough into 3- to 4-inch strips. Roll them to make rope shapes.

7. Shape the ropes into letters, and press down to flatten a bit. When you're done, they should be about ¼ inch thick.

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. They're done when they start to turn brown on the bottom.

9. Leave on baking sheet for a few minutes, then move to a rack and cool completely.

Tips

* If you want more colorful cookies, separate the dough into three or four sections after mixing in the egg yolks and vanilla and add a different color of food coloring to each section. Stir just until the color is even.

* You can also spruce these cookies up by adding some colored sugar or chocolate chips after shaping the letters.

* If you'd like to spice your cookies up a bit, add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to the recipe. Or, for a slightly different flavor, add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract.

* If you prefer, you can use letter-shaped cookie cutters instead of shaping the letters by hand.

* Once the cookies are cooled, you could add some colorful icing and/or sprinkles.

* This is a great recipe to make with your kids. They can assist with the measuring and mixing and help shape the letters. This provides an opportunity for both bonding and learning.

* The dough may be covered and refrigerated overnight if needed.

How to Get Started in Calligraphy

Calligraphy is not only a way of writing, it is an ancient art form. Its roots are believed to go back as far as Egyptian hieroglyphics, which represent the first stylized method of pictorial communication. Calligraphy as we know it, however, originated with Middle Age monks, who used it to make copies of the Bible and other holy texts.

Just as those monks used fancy writing to indicate the beauty and importance of the words they were writing, calligraphers today use the writing style to evoke similar feelings. Calligraphy is often used in signs, menus and other business applications to lend an air of grace and sophistication. Other places you might find calligraphy are in pieces of artwork and on wedding invitations.

While many people are intrigued by calligraphy, comparatively few take it upon themselves to learn it. They often feel that they do not have the artistic ability that is required. What they don't realize is that calligraphy really doesn't require much of that. It's more about attention to detail.

For those who are looking for a hobby that doesn't require a large investment, calligraphy is great. You only need a few supplies and a willingness to learn to get started. Two very good resource you may want to have look at though is:

The Calligrapher's Bible as it gives you all the strokes and more
Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit that is a kit with everything you need to get started so you do not have to buy a huge amount of supplies to start with your calligraphy.

1. Paper for Calligraphy

Choosing the right paper for calligraphy is very important. You don't need the most expensive paper for practice, but you do need a paper that will not bleed much. Some beginners use graph paper to help them get accustomed to making their letters in the correct sizes and proportions. Others use bond paper and draw light lines in pencil to guide them.

For finished work, a higher quality paper of a heavier weight is needed. Many calligraphers use handmade papers. Some also use vellum, which is made of animal skin. Whatever type of paper you use, it should be smooth and acid-free.

2. Pens for Calligraphy

Cheap ballpoint pens simply won't do for calligraphy. You don't necessarily have to use quills like they did in the old days, but you will need a flat-edged pen that is specifically designed for calligraphy. Or even better, a set of pens in a variety of sizes.

Fountain pens and felt tip pens are easier to use than dip pens, but it's hard to get the same quality out of them. These types of pens are suitable for learning, but for long-term use, a reed, bamboo or quill pen is a better choice. These types of pens utilize nibs, or tips, of various sizes. You'll also need some quality ink, but it's probably best not to spring for the really expensive stuff until you get some practice in. Some inks have droppers built into the lid to make inking your pen easier.

3. Other Calligraphy Supplies

To start with, paper, pens and ink are all that you really need. As you learn the basics and begin to work on more complex projects, you might find that you need more tools. These may include rulers, compasses and line guides. You'll also find that an ultrasonic cleaner makes keeping your nibs clean much easier.

Calligraphy is a fun hobby, and it can also provide a source of income if you want to go that route. Learning takes practice, but it doesn't cost much to get started. And just about anyone who has a steady hand and plenty of patience can do it.

How to Get Your Teenage Boy Interested in Crafts

When they're young, boys and girls alike usually enjoy crafting. But as they reach the teenage years, they tend to lose interest. This is especially true for boys, who often feel that crafting isn't masculine enough a pursuit.

But crafting is good for children of all ages, as well as adults. It's great for building self-esteem, and it provides something productive for them to do outside of school and extracurricular activities. And while you might be hard pressed to get many teenage boys to try their hand at sewing or knitting, such as you will find in the Alex Toys Happily Ever Crafter, there are certain types of projects that they often enjoy.

Here are a few to try.

* Solar system – 

Building your own solar system is quite educational, and it also makes a great decoration for a boy's room. You can find kits that contain everything your teenager will need to create a model of the solar system, or you can buy the supplies individually at your local craft store. Hang it in the center of the ceiling and add some glow in the dark stars, and you've got an instant bedroom makeover!

* Volcano models – 

This project is often done for science fairs, but it's also a great craft to do just for the fun of it. The volcano itself can be made out of play dough or plaster, and it's easy to make it erupt with some vinegar and baking soda.

* Wood crafts – 

Boys often love the idea of making things out of wood. It is a craft, yet it's not perceived as being “girly.” Building wall shelves is a nice, easy project for beginners. Birdhouses can be made to give as gifts or to sell for extra money. Woodburning requires a bit more practice, but it's a craft that can be used to make lots of great décor items and gifts.

* Decoupage – 

Boys and girls alike often enjoy decoupage. It's fun and simple, and it can be used to decorate everything from plaques to furniture. With a little Mod Podge and some photos, magazine pictures or even fabric cutouts, your teen boy can give his room a whole new look.

* Photo collages – 

A photo collage is lots of fun to make, and it provides a unique way to display your favorite photos. Teenage boys could make collages out of their favorite sports shots, pictures of their friends and family or movie scenes.

As you can see, there are plenty of craft projects that teenage boys can enjoy. Encourage him to try some of these projects, and he might even let you help with them. And as any parent of a teenager knows, any opportunity to bond with your child is a welcome one.

The Difference between Western and Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a beautiful type of writing that lends an air of sophistication to anything it's used on. To the casual observer, one piece of calligraphy might look much the same as any other. But each calligrapher has his own subtle differences in style, and there are also many different types of calligraphy that one may encounter. For all the info on Calligraphy you can have a look at a resource such as The Calligrapher's Bible. There you will find all the basics plus so much more.

The two most common types of calligraphy are Western and Chinese. Here are some facts and characteristics of each type.

Western Calligraphy

Western calligraphy dates back nearly as far as the Roman alphabet, which came into use around 600 BC. One of the first types of Western calligraphy that resembled the art as we know it today was called rustic capitals or canonized capitals. Rustic capitals were similar to their predecessors, Roman square capitals, but whereas square capitals were extremely uniform and intended for use in inscriptions, rustic capitals were more compressed, curvier, and better suited to pen and ink writing.

Uncial script developed in the second and third centuries AD. Like rustic capitals, it consisted entirely of capital letters, but it was more rounded in order to be more suitable for use on new, smoother papers such as parchment and vellum. Uncial was frequently used by monks to copy religious texts.

Western calligraphy underwent many more changes throughout the years, with the development of such styles as Semi-Uncial, Caroline and Gothic. The Gothic style was incorporated in to Johannes Gutenberg's original printing press, making it the world's first typeface.

Although the printing press made it much faster and easier to produce copies of scripts, Western calligraphy has stood the test of time. Modern Western calligraphy is done with pens and ink. Many calligraphers still use reed or quill pens, but fountain and felt-tip pens are also options.

Chinese Calligraphy

Also known as East Asian calligraphy, Chinese calligraphy is practiced in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. But true to its name, Chinese calligraphy originated and was developed in China. Although some Chinese scholars disagree, Chinese calligraphy is generally considered an art in the countries that practice it.

Chinese calligraphy has also undergone many transformations in its centuries of existence. The first known incarnation of the writing style was Jiaguwen, which has been found on carvings that date back to ancient China. Calligraphy was also done with brushes and ink in those times, but samples of such did not survive the test of time.

Until around 220 BC, each kingdom of China had a unique set of characters. But emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered that a set of standardized characters, called Xiaozhuan, be created. Lishu and Kaishu styles were subsequently created, and Kaishu is the style that is most often used today.

The most notable differences between Western and Chinese calligraphy are the alphabets and mediums used. But each style has its own colorful history. Have a look at The Calligrapher's Bible