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May 30, 2009

Saving Cash On Your Candle Making Stuff

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 3:47 am

Candle making can be a great past time, hobby, or business venture, very much like custom embroidery Chicago is also a great pass time and hobby.

While the supplies for candling making are remarkably inexpensive, the cost does start to add up over time. There are many ways you can cut back the cost of the candle making supplies, but I caution you not to sacrifice the quality of the products you purchase just to save a few dollars. This is especially important for those who sell their candles. If the quality of the product goes down because you are buying wax and other supplies that are of less quality, you will end up costing your business money over the long haul.

Keep a list of the candle making supplies you use. Include the brand, the price, and the amount of the item you get for that price. This will help you compare the prices with sales you run across and know if you are getting a better deal or not. Many craft stores run sales on candle making items before and right after the holidays. This can be a great time to stock up.

Checking online auction sites including Ebay and Yahoo Auctions can often be an excellent way to find the same candle making products you use at a discounted price. It could be that the seller of the items doesn’t have the time to make candles anymore or they simply have moved on to other things.

If you use a large volume of candle making supplies on a regular basis, consider buying them wholesale. You will pay more up front for your supplies, yet overall you will save a considerable amount of money. You can search such wholesalers on the internet and compare prices. Many online wholesalers offer free shipping as well so that is another area where you can save money if you normally purchase your candle making supplies online. If you know other people who make candles as well consider buying in bulk and sharing the cost as well as the supplies. This is an easy way for everyone to get a discount as well as reduce the cost at the time of purchase.

Some of the discount candle making products on the market are very comparable to the quality products you already use. A good way to tell is to compare the ingredients. You can research the necessary ingredients of each item on the internet. If the discount products contain all the major ingredients as the candle making supplies you already use, then give it a try. It is recommended that you only purchase one or two items at first to test the quality. Keep track of where you purchased the discounted items so you can return to that retailer or online store if you are happy with the quality of the products.

Containers and holders for your candles are one area you should never spend a great deal of money on. I won’t recommend buying them for regular price unless they are for a wedding or other very special occasion. You can buy mason jars, extra glassware, votive holders, and many other containers to use candle making at thrift stores and garage sales for a very reasonable price. You might also check the online auctions to purchase large quantities of candle making container and holders at a very good price.

The supplies used in candle making can cost you a great deal of money over time. To save money on the quality supplies you use, take the time to compare prices both online and at local retailers. Take advantage of discounts and sales throughout the year at craft stores. Be cautious when looking at discount candle making supplies. You want to make sure they offer the same quality that you are already using. Finding supplies at online auctions and buying them in bulk are also great ways to save you money on candle making supplies.
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May 13, 2009

What is Mirror Etching and Why Does It Turn White?

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 3:53 pm

Etched glass is a common sight in today’s world, and it adds flair and a touch of elegance to many otherwise boring pieces of glass. Though few give it much thought, there are actually two very distinct and different ways of producing glass etching, both methods differ in cost and also the final object.

Before talking about the methods, it is important to understand the actual process of etching a glass surface. Etching is done by removing small amounts of a surface of a material to engrave designs. This is done in a controlled manner, to create often complicated and beautiful patterns and motifs. The traditional method of glass etching is sandblasting, which involved covering a “negative” of the design desired onto a glass surface. To clarify, this is akin to putting up tape on the surfaces you don’t want painted when spray painting. The same notion is applied to the glass, and then specialized equipment is used to bombard the glass with sand, which scratches away at the glass where it is not covered and creates a frosted effect.

The updated method is titled “high definition chemical etching”. Rather than using clunky equipment to bombard the surface of the glass with small particles of rock, this process uses chemicals to delicately remove a small amount of material from the surface of the glass. This results in much more complex results, and also makes possible more depth and shading, as sandblasted etchings are all a uniform frosted white color.

The two methods are very dissimilar and produce drastically different results. While sandblasting is better for general designs and large area work, high definition etching is much more classy. Not only is it smoother, unlike sandblasted glass, it provides much more detailed work.

When determining whether to use custom work, high definition etching is definitely the best call. When speaking of custom glass etching a beneficial thing to know is that chemical etching is generally more budget efficient than sandblasting, partially explained by the fact that it doesn’t require complex and costly equipment. However, a great deal of work or skill goes into its production, as chemical etching is a precise and precarious process, which demands real skill. Generally in the etching business there is no such thing as a do-over.

Etched glass is a fantastic way to add some class to any glass door, window, table, etc. Etched mirrors can add a elegant accent to any home decor . Each high definition etched mirror also has the amazing ability to continue to be reflective, even in the parts which they’ve been etched. This is not so with sandblasted mirrors, as they are a frosty color in the sections that they’ve been etched. This makes possible for some very elegant and tasteful mirrors.

May 10, 2009

Show Your Personality Through Your Lighter Design

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 12:06 am

It is safe to assume that Zippo is the leading brand of cigarette lighters in the market. Indeed, it is so popular that many similar brands have tried to compete but none has established the same level of brand positioning as Zippo has achieved. Over the years, custom designs are available for these lighters that enabled smokers to manifest their personality through this accessory.

Prices of Zippo Lighters

Zippo lighters are reasonably priced despite its brand prominence. With as little as $18 to as much as $25, you can get your own personalized zippo lighter. Since it has been around for several decades, it brings forth nostalgia and a vintage essence that makes it a popular brand despite all these years. Add to that the fact that non-smokers love to collect Zippo lighters as well. Hence, it reaches quite a wide market instead of catering only to the smoking populace.

Available Design Choices

There are as much design choices available for customizing or personalizing your Zippo lighters. All of them are designed to suit your personality. Hence, you can use one that really exhibits your personality and you can do the same if you want to give it as a gift.

Below are just some of the design choices to pick from:

*Sports-themed: Sports is almost always quite popular with men. Hence, most of them choose engravings or designs that feature their favorite teams. Among the top motifs for Zippo lighters are MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL Zippo Lighter.
*Themes that reflect profession: Here is another popular choice among men who want to embrace their masculinity. military zippo lighters and playboy zippo among the top choices in this category.
*Celebrity-themed: Have a favorite celebrity or TV personality in mind? You can also choose to incorporate famous Hollywood stars into your lighter if you want.

Why Are Zippo Lighters Popular?

There are as many reasons why men (and also women) love custom Zippo lighters as there are available designs. However, here are some of the general reasons why they appeal to the market so much:

• Zippo lighters, due to the name of the brand, are more than just there for function – they are used as status symbol. Being able to smoke using Zippo lighters represent exponential interpretations in a highly brand-conscious society.
• Zippo is the top brand of lighter in the market. Many have attempted to establish their own prominence but Zippo has successfully established its market in the old and newer generation.
• The variants of designs available enable one to freely express him or herself. There are different customized choices for you such that you can pick one the closely represents your personality. If you want to go a step further, there are also engraving options available.
• More than just a status symbol, using Zippo lighters with personalized designs make quite a statement. For one, it reflects your personality and what your interests are. Aside from that, you also earn an association with those symbols and figures. Let’s say you sport a military lighter, then it reflects your level of masculinity.

May 9, 2009

Starting Your Private Antique Clock Collection

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 8:59 pm

Antique clocks are one of those highly valued items, with some dating as far back as the 15th to the 17th century. Indeed, they are classic items to have and many are collecting them. These items have a rich history and they also exude class, elegance, and durability for its ability to withstand all these years.

Common Collectible Clocks

There is a wide range of clock types and designs in the market. Nowadays, you will often only see 15th-17th century clocks in museums. Only a few individuals have their own private collection of these old and classical clocks. Hence, if you are interested in them, there are lots of collectible clocks that you can find and these are quite rare.

Collectible mantel clocks, for instance, area picture of function and elegance. They are made out of a variety of materials ranging from mahogany and other types of wood with a fine finish. They come in a variety of maritime designs that add style into your usual timekeeping devices.

Collectible mantel clocks are another popular choice among private antique clock collectors. These types of clocks are often placed on top of the fireplace, infusing a more sophisticated look to your salon where guests gather around. And yet, they are rare items in themselves that make an irresistible choice for collectors to the oldest and most stylish clocks to have ever made it into the market.

Factors To Consider When Buying

When buying a clock to use at home, it is not just about the item’s efficacy in telling time that you are looking for. You also want something that blends well with your efforts at adding an aesthetic touch to your home. This is one reason why a decorative wall clock is fast becoming a major option in every household.

For antique collectors, however, you cannot simply fall into the idea of buying just about any type of antique clock you see. You cannot to consider a few factors to ensure that you have quality clocks to boost your collection. These factors are discussed in detail below:

*Type of Antique Clock: This is a must for the antique clock enthusiast who is really into collecting rare and antique clocks to fill their collection.

*Price: This is one factor that any antique clock collector must be paying close attention to. Many could fall into the false notion that all antique materials are expensive. However, it is important to do some research before going out to shop. This will help give you a better idea of the pricing guideline so you know that the clocks are appropriately priced.

*Size: This one depends on the type of clock and your own personal preference. Grandfather clocks, for example are large types of clock. Meanwhile, mantel clocks or table clocks are relatively smaller and can be kept inside your cabinet or elsewhere you want to store your collection.

*Condition: This is just as important as any other factors above. When buying clocks, look at them objectively to be able to properly make an assessment of these clocks. However, there are also a variety of restoration processes available in order to make your clock appear and function as good as new.

The Importance of Office Bookends

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 2:50 pm

If you’re a bookworm and enjoy reading so much that you have amassed quite a large collection of books at home, then it might be time to reconsider how you can properly organize all of them. Bookends are a stylish way to add more elegance into organizing your books, which makes it a must-have for anyone who loves to read books.

What are Bookends For?

Your multitude collection of books are often stacked up in your cabinet or shelf. Or worse, you have difficulty trying to get all your books in one place such that it would be easier to find a specific book that you are interested in reading. For those who keep their own personal library at home, bookends are essential items to have.

If you are keeping rare books and materials in your collection, then taking care of them is of utmost importance. Getting a new copy will most likely be difficult, so it is important to retain the quality of the book and extending its shelf life.

Aside from properly organizing your books, it also makes them more accessible. The books are laid out in such a way that you can see the title of the book for you to easily pick them out if you want to read them. After all, what’s the use of collecting them if you are not going to read them anyway? Bookends is just another way for you to enjoy reading more often and take proper care of your belongings.

Benefits of Using Bookends

Below are more reasons why bookends can be highly beneficial to you:

• Organization: Oftentimes, you will buy a book and not necessarily read them right away. Hence, bookends are a good way to safely store them until you feel the need or desire to start reading them. If you are merely going to place them in a corner or desk, then you will most likely lose them or be covered in clutter. With bookends, you have just one place to look and you know you can easily find them.
• Cheap: Bookends provide not only a convenient but also inexpensive storage room for your collection. If you value this hobby so much, you will most likely be willing to spend a good fortune just to purchase a book you want. But it does not necessarily mean that you must also spend as much just to keep them organized.
• Display: With the many styles and designs of bookends that are currently in the market, it enables you to explore your sense of style. Hence, not only are you manifesting your personality through the books featured in your collection but you are also manifesting it through your choice of design.

Different Styles and Variants

Bookends come in a variety of materials and designs that make it easier for you to navigate through a wide array of books. Wood and metal are two of the most common types of materials used in creating bookends. Metal bookends are one of those first types of bookends released into the market. But since then, more stylish options came about such those wood or Brass Bookends.

Indeed, Decorative Bookends add a touch of personality and vitality into your bookkeeping routine. There are a few unorthodox designs that enables you to unleash your creativity such as the Globe Bookends, Weight of the World Bookends, and Bull &Bear Marble Bookends. They can replace decorative items at your home, thus serving two purposes at once.

Just the Way Mike Did It

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 9:09 am

Every little boy may have the same dream of becoming like Michael Jordan. They practically spend 6 to 8 hours in outdoor and hardwood courts, trying to measure how higher their jumps went and how taller they’ve grown in a span of 2 weeks. If you’re way past the growing years and are now even battling a very inactive lifestyle, worrying more about Groomsmen gifts than the game, it’s about time you get better at basketball and improve your strength and athletic prowess as a whole.

1. The importance of knees. When you shoot the ball, the movement actually originates in the knees. Press your feet down, making sure that they are in the right position, then slowly lift yourself up in a little pump to radiate the energy straight out into your fingertips. You will find that doing jump balls become less tiring and you get more control over the ball. Practice shooting straight from the knees, keeping your back straight and your shoulders and arms relaxed at the end of the movement.

You should also allow a few seconds while jumping to focus on the ring. Add some gentle touch into the movement as you release the ball, keeping that slight spin as it aims for the ring. Keep your arms up a few seconds after you release the ball to add momentum. Wearing a sleeveless shirt will help you position and shoot better.

2. Defense is the best offense. This law is still very applicable nowadays. It is vital that you master the art of defense, so you can easily handle a variety of opponents. Identify your position among the 5 members of the team. If you’re acting as center or forward, you should learn how to find your way around the painted area and take care of rebounding and catching stray balls. If you’re working as guard or point guard, you should practice your footwork and keeping playmakers out of the scenes.

3. Conditioning. To become better at every game, you should enhance your conditioning each and every time. Practice your cardiovascular endurance by getting rid of your old Cigar accessories and running a hour each morning or so to keep blood pumping and your lungs in top condition. You should also do some form of weight training to condition your legs, triceps and shoulders. This training routine should be different from your actual basketball practices and games. Try to practice 3 to 4 times a week for best results.

You should also eat healthier meals to keep your energy levels up all the time. Eat more protein-rich foods and take a form of carbohydrates before each game to stay full and energized. Some of the best sources to take right before the game involve a potato, whole wheat bread or an energy drink rich in taurine to keep your alertness up. It may be time you quit smoking and pass on your Cheap zippo lighter to a close friend, or even an opponent.

May 8, 2009

The Finest body jewelry, : PEACE NAVEL RINGS

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 5:34 am

Belly buttons have been a source of fascination and wonder since ancient times. Used to be a belly button was a place to collect jam and a things for swamis to contemplate but then came 1953 and the sexy invention of the bikini It seems that ever since that wonderful innovation arrived showed up , a woman’s belly button has been displayed to varying degrees with much pleasure .

Of course, wearing body jewelry, of various sorts has been happening since ancient times, but the pierced belly button and peace belly ring is a relatively newtrend . Historically, the first peace navel ring was worn by super-model Christy Turlington on a London model runway in the 1960s. Naomi Campbell showed off her peace navel ring a few years later. Since then, peace belly button rings have become almost ubiquitous, showing up on celebrities from Janet Jackson to Madonna and many, many more . Today, getting a peace navel ring is no large , and it seems almost every twenty-something lady has one. One of the main benefits of a body jewelry, (besides looking great ) is it can be covered under clothes . Show up at Grandma’s house with a pierced eyebrow, or other facial body jewelry, and you are bound to have some explaining to do. Shewon’t have to knowabout your peace navel ring, does she?

So you’ve decided to get a peace navel ring? Before you do, be sure to know all about after care, and have the cleaning supplies you will need ready at your apartment . Here’s what you’ll need to keep you and your body jewelry, clean and healthy:

* Non-iodized Sea Salt
* Sterile (bottled) water
* Cotton swabs
* Mild, Fragrance-free Liquid Soap

Wash your newly-pierced belly button and peace navel ring in the shower with just a drop of fragrance-free liquid soap anddab dry with a clean towel. Soap no more than twice a day. In between showering use a simple saline soak created with 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt dissolved in eight ounces sterile water. Clean for any reason, even cleaning it. To soak your belly button hold the saline solution in a little glass and press it over your piercing and against your belly button to form a vacuum, a shot glass works great for this!. Hold in place for ten to fifteen minutes. Do this several times a day for best results and fast healing.

Even if your piercing looks healed, continue this process for at least three months. The thing is, a navelpiercing heals from the outside, in, and although it may appear healthy from yourpoint of view, it may still be raw on the inside. Wear loose-fitting clothes that put zero pressure on your new peace navel ring, as well.

Wonder what’s normal to expect with a new peace navel ring? Well, for one thing it will be a little sore . It could possibly be red and maybe a little bit swollen, too. You may notice a clearish, white to yellow liquid being secreted from the piercing this is called sebum– this may sound gross, but if you do have this discharge, smell it. Normal secretions are odorless, but if it’s pus, which indicates an infection. The secretion will smell rather rank and you may require medical attention and antibiotics tofix the problem .

Never, take your body jewelry, out until you’re certain the piercing is one-hundred percent healed. Once it is completely healed, enjoy your piercing and all the cool styles of peace sign belly rings you can dangle from your new, sexy navel.

May 7, 2009

Free Woodworking Plans For Your Custom Wood Project

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 11:25 pm

Free woodworking plans provide teachers and students alike with a array of interesting and unusual projects which build technique, knowledge, and excitement. Well done woodworking projects have the added benefit of intrinsic value.

By taking advantage of free woodworking plans, wood shop students can create a diverse portfolio that will exhibit their skills, and encourage them to move beyond their comfort zone. Moreover, the products made may be auctioned, displayed, or sold in a bazaar. This is the basis for a profitable career, or a good lead-in for the enthusiastic hobbyist. The very best woodworking projects and plans for shop applications will result in useful items that are exclusive and inspiring to both the student and the average investor.

Bookcases make customizable workshop endeavors. Students may choose from a ample range of sizes and styles, assuring that each project will have a personal touch. Low bookcases with two or three attached shelves can be customized with different designs, adornments, or cut work. These can be great fun to design, and the results are often quite attractive. From regular, traditional bookshelves to whimsicall creations for children, the starting wood shop pupil can learn about precision cutting, joinery, and finishing techniques. Joining other elements with wood working boosts creativity and instills enjoyment.

Etched glass is a great way to delve into. Free woodworking plans adding the use of etched glass include mirrors, frames, and a selection of tables. While the results are intricate, the projects themselves are good, beginner-level skill builders. Projects like these lend themselves very well to school exhibits or silent auctions. Students will enjoy not only selecting their own glass or mirror inserts and compiling the finished product, but also seeing how their ability impresses passers by.

Chairs are another awesome project for the ambitious class. Designing a chair requires patience, skill, time, and an ability to understand and follow direction. Patience is vital in professional woodworking, and is a ability to be learned right from the start. A chair is a thought provoking endeavor as the student must be sure that the final product will not tip over, be too heavy, or lack durability. Remembering that balance comes into play, and will aid students to conquer more complex tasks as they increase in creativity and capability.

These are only three of the many options free woodworking plans offer. These three categories will help to set up a good basis upon which future woodworkers can build. Mastery of the basic concepts of carpentry and furniture building will fortify students to expand their horizons and develop their own individual style. Free woodworking plans provide an obvious cost savings, but also inspires inspiration and determination, giving students the ideas and knowledge they want, and giving teachers the tools required to effectively encourage their students.

Chemical Etching VS Sandblast Etching: Why Is The Etched Glass So Much More Detailed?

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 5:33 pm

What is Glass Etching? Glass inscribing is the abrading or roughening of a piece of glass in chosen areas in order to fabricate a new cool design. It is a method to produce a frosted outline on the surface of a piece of glass so that it looks nice, but it is much more than that. It can also be applied to carve a design deep into the glass or to produce a shaded design that looks like delicate airbrushing or piece of craft, but is permanently etched in the glass.

Using the same equipment and techniques, it is also possible to etch or carve on stone, ceramic or wood, and even to etch designs on metal to produce cool design results. When doing etchings the main concept is to normally pulverize deeply into the surface of the glass, erasing any possibility of fine details and crunching the glass surface into tiny shards that leave a rough surface while crunching where it’s been etched.

One of the procedures of etching is called sandblasting. It is a general term used to depict the act of pushing very fine bits of material at high-velocity to clean or etch a surface. Sand is the most commonly used material, but since silicosis (a lung disease) is triggered by extended inhalation of the dust created by sand, other materials are now used in place of sand. Any small, somewhat uniform particles will work, such as steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives, even bits of coconut shell.

Due to the threats of inhaling dust during the process, sandblasting is carefully managed, using an alternate air supply, protective wear, and proper ventilation. Due to the high density of these materials they settle down quickly and provide a dustless atmoshphere for the workers to perform their tasks.

There is another system of etching that is called chemical high definition etching. High definition glass etching works fine in a variety sizes and decor items. Custom etching can augment room dividers a glassy looks, cabinet doors, or other glass or etched mirror decor items to suit your personal decorating tastes. Since this etching technique works for any photo, you can etch any of your valued photographs or any other meaningful moment copied as a one-of-a-kind etching. The technique for this sort of high definition etching was perfected in the early 1990s, making it possible to reproduce any two-dimensional image on etched mirrors or glass etchings.

Custom artwork or photographs can be etched with a photo beautiful look to the etching. By choosing the most important elements of an artwork or photo and etching just those elements on the glass, the rest of the mirror or glass remains in its regular state. The result is a frosty etching on a gleaming mirror or on crystal clear glass. This technique provides far greater depth and shading for the etching than customary etching techniques can fulfill. Traditional etchings are done by sandblasting the spaces to be etched. While this sandblasting technique works well for creating flat, silhouette-type etchings with minimal shading, it cannot reproduce the nuances of an original artwork like high definition etching does.

High definition etching has brought a unique look to the new era of glassy and mirror materials and a new method of embellishment. The etched glass tops on coffee tables and end tables can alter tables usually used as a platform for decorative presentations into accent pieces, but now they are themselves works of art in conspicuous places in the room.

High definition chemical etching presents a greater degree of detail as a surface burn, while sandblasting cuts deeper and can carve glass into beautiful artworks. Whether sandblasting or high definition etching, there are many more preferences to consider with etching the next time you have a special decorating idea or gift to buy.

May 5, 2009

Scrapbooking: A Growing Craze

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 11:47 pm

Scrapbooking is becoming a beloved American pastime. Scrapbooking is a fun way to bring people together, preserve memories, and give a heart-felt gift. custom scrapbookingaren’t hard to find and are generally not very expensive. Creating your own scrapbook will mostly likely cost less than scrapbooking supplies done by a business. Making a scrapbook can take a great deal of time, but it truly is the ultimate gift. We have always been told that it’s the thought that counts, and a scrapbook shows lots of thought and love. Additionally, scrapbooks are full of nostalgia and joy. Heartwarming images and memorabilia are kept together with whimsical designs and layouts. It is never a bad idea to give someone a scrapbook.

One of the best occasions to give a scrapbook for is high school graduation. I made one for my older brother, and it made him tear up. A great way to go about this is to take everything important during their four years of high school and designate a page for each. I made a sports page, and academic page, a page for his senior trip, and a page for each of his 6 closest friends. The pages for the friends included letters written by each friend. These pages were the most touching part of the scrapbook; however it took a lot of planning. A lot of planning and thought goues into scrapbooks, but they are fun and meaningful.

Another very appropriate occasion to create a scrapbook for is a wedding anniversary. They are great gifts for milestones such as 20 or 40 years of marriage. Getting written letters is also very touching for these scrapbooks. You can have close friends and family members write to them about their experiences with the couple and just how they see the two people. Getting pictures from the wedding, early years of their marriage and their kids is not only necessary, but an adventure!. When making a scrapbook such as this, you have to be close with the couple so that you can make a connection on a personal level.

Lastly, creating a scrapbook for a child as they age is tons of fun. This provides the child a way to look back at to remind them of their childhood, and it can be a fun parent-child activity. These usually start during the child’s early years with baby pictures and “first” moments. However, as the kid ages, parents and children can create pages together. It’s the ultimate rainy day activity.

Some occasions are tricky to pick gifts for, but a scrapbook is almost always appropriate. A scrapbook can be formal or informal, serious or whimsical, expensive or easy-done. The best part about receiving a scrapbook is knowing that the person thought about their gift. Taking the time to try and make a genuine heartfelt gift is a trait someone will appreciate. In addition, a well-done scrapbook is really timeless. It can hold so much nostalgia for a person in such a fun package! When in doubt about what to give for mother’s day, Valentine ’s Day or graduation, I highly advise falling back upon the scrapbook plan. It is foolproof.

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