Ezy Win

May 5, 2009

What to Steer Clear of When Accessing the Internet

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 5:53 pm

The internet has changed daily life in so many aspects, and still is. The way people communicate, do work, share information, and even travel has all been computerized. It seems like everyone is linked. Some one in India can get in touch with someone in America almost directly. Even things like Scrapbooking albums have changed, instead of Scrapbooking on paper, people scrapbook internet collections. The internet can be used by almost anyone too. There are users as young as four years old to senor citizens. This openness in the world can also be unhealthy. In the past five years we have seen a climb in inter-net related crimes. It is a very sharp double sided sword, extreme good and extreme bad can come from the internet.
If used constructively, the internet is a powerful tool. It can be a great device for communicating with distant loved ones. Sites such as my space and face book connect people. Personally, I wouldn’t use them if it weren’t for the fact that it gives me a way to keep in touch with relatives in Maryland and friends in Minnesota and Palestine. I know a family friend whose son went to Chile and they used face book to talk to each other, send photos and document his journey. If it weren’t for the internet, he would have barely been able to talk to his son for three months because there was no cell phone service in Chile.
However, if used the wrong way or in a dangerous fashion, the internet is dangerous. Unfortunately, no one can find a way to completely control predators on the internet. So, allowing children on the internet can be dangerous if they misuse it. Learning proper internet safety guidelines is pivotal to using the internet wisely. Also, parents should block adult or dangerous sites from their children.
The internet can also be treacherous for adults. Sites such as Craig’s list and eBay are playgrounds for scams, con artist and predators. On eBay, it is easy to be fooled into buying a faulty product or something that you never get. Ebay scams have become an art, however it’s completely avoidable if careful. In the news recently, there have been murderers and inappropriate users reported on Craig’s list. The Police can’t patrol this site, so these things can occur. Millions of people are selling and buying on this site, it is easy to get away unnoticed. Children should not have access websites like this, and adults should be careful.
When used correctly, the internet can do great things. Sometimes however, our plugged in world can be for the worse. Cyber space is a huge place that can’t be patrolled easily, so lots of predators and con artists make their way into it. It is easy to fall into their traps too. However, if you exhibit simple safety rules, it is also easy to avoid them. When talking over the internet, never respond to someone you don’t recognize. Never post personal information for websites that aren’t confidential. If you follow these simple guidelines, {the internet can be a fun, useful pace for you|you will only gain positive things from the internet

April 24, 2009

Tell Me Socks Advise

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 8:45 am

Haven’t we all heard that silly expression? Sock it to me baby? The saying isn’t that silly and actually has some interesting history behind it. The truth of the matter is that one fine, sunny day in the middle of summer, in a country far across the pond, a creative person thought of the unique concept of wearing socks on our feet – well, as opposed to wearing them on our hands, ears or heads.

Who knows what this person was doing trying to wear socks on their ears, and besides it’s totally ridiculous to even be thinking what a rational person would be trying to accomplish with socks on other body parts. Mens Socks Who knows why it took as long as it did for people to realize that socks are worn on the feet not the head, but then the truth does tend to be stranger than fiction. Fancy that, socks don’t go on your ears. The change from wearing socks on the head to the feet really created a whole new and exciting era in history. Over Knee Socks Let’s stop kidding for a minute. Once upon a time there really was a person who thought up the idea of putting something on their feet to keep them protected from the rough ground and other cuts and scrapes.

Great idea when you stop to think about it given that just about everyone these days does wear socks for everything from keeping their feet warm to keeping them dry. In terms of foot coverings, socks became a monster hit in the world of fashion and that is clear even today and will continue on into the foreseeable future. Can you even begin to imagine what bare feet would be like inside your fave tennis shoes or rubber boots? If not socks, then what would we be wearing?

At one time it was animal skins, huge tough leaves, rough cloth and even wool. Every idea we’ve discussed is a good one, but they all do wear out over time. Face it, if you walk lots then the socks you wear are going to suffer the consequences and give up the ghost. Knee High Socks Anyone have any ideas what to wear if we don’t wear socks? I get this vision of a rubber boot thing with a thick sole and fancy zippers. Not very fashionable unfortunately.

April 19, 2009

3 Tips For Cutting Costs When Building Your Next Wood Project

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 4:37 am

The most effective way to save money for any project is to use free woodworking plans. They still give you the same detailed information as a plan that you paid money for does, yet they come at no charge. The extra money that you would have committed can now be put towards the materials needed for the project. It allows for different options to be considered and essentially implemented in the first design.

There are so many different choices that one could consider for using in their woodworking projects. By using free plans the options are endless. You can run into a wall when you purchase a plan and then realize that it just isn’t what is needed. Ordinarily you don’t receive all the details on woodworking project until it is paid for, but when it is free you have no hold ups on viewing the full specifications. It is trying to spend money in something that might eventually be something you really didn’t want after all. Sometimes the best things in life are free, so it is worthwhile to see if you can find free woodworking plans for your woodworking projects.

The different types of products that can be used in woodworking are numerous. One option would be a woodworking project that can use either transparent or mirrored glass that would have a picture etched into it. It can be a specially made glass etching made into anything from a simple glass top for an end table or a rectangle wall hanging frame. The mirror or glass can range in the details from the size, shape, and decor that are referred to for the etching.

Most projects have a specific list of materials that will be needed to put together the project. The free woodworking plan is ordinarily just as detailed as those that you would pay for, but they allow you the advantage of seeing the complete project. When you acquire a design without seeing the complete detailed prints, it is difficult to know if it is exactly what you are getting. If you are making alterations, having the full prints will allow you more easily to make changes like adding a glass top, door, or shelve to the project.

Most woodworking plans are trivial to follow and can be put together by practically anyone. They make step by step directions to follow to ensure the builder is properly constructing their project. Normally they require just an intermediate level of construction involved to slap together a well detailed, good looking piece of art. There are so many choices that can be taken in consideration when finalizing exactly what you are trying to build when looking through free woodworking plans. There is never a reason to spend money on something that you could have thought up without viewing it.

The best way to save your money is to be as cheap as possible without compromising the integrity of your project. Just because the plans are free doesn’t mean they are in anyway less complete than those they want your monetary contributions. There may even be the same plans you would have spent money on that you can get for free.

April 16, 2009

How to arrange your Doll house furniture in your Miniature Doll House

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 2:26 pm

Doll house collections would never be complete without the stylish touch of the Miniature furniture. Children and adults alike love to decorate their Doll Houses with tiny, exquisite Miniature furniture, which complements the style of the Doll house in perfection. From doll beds, chairs, closets or little doll tables and chairs, Doll house collectors surely have plenty to choose from.

Beautifully crafted Miniature furniture can be purchased from specialized stores or from online providers. If you are looking for unique pieces of Miniature furniture or collectible items, the Internet is the best source to start with. Miniature furniture manufacturers with online shops or EBay auctions can provide you with a large range of Miniature furniture to decorate your Doll house .

With various colors, designs and prices, Miniature furniture should always uphold the overall theme of the Doll house. Therefore, remember to purchase only the Miniature furniture items that match the style and the architecture of the Doll house . For example, purchasing Miniature furniture that represents the Victorian period for a contemporary style Doll house can easily affect the overall style of your project.

Kids are less picky of course, and anything would work for their Doll house . However, for passionate Doll house collectors, the level of detail and the precision in choosing the best Miniature furniture is one of the most important stages of a Doll house project. Here are three hot tips on how to choose the right Miniature furniture:

TIP #1 – Styles
Deciding on the miniatures style depends on the type of Doll house you already have. If you are not sure of your choice, there are many magazines available, as well as online information.

TIP #2 – Quality
True collectors will spend whatever it takes to get that unique piece of Miniature furniture. Expensive Miniature furniture will definitely sow off a Doll house , but it’s not meant for playing purposes. If you buy Miniature furniture for your kids’ Doll house , less expensive items are just as good; if kids can play with them, great!

TIP #3 – Kits

Doll house also come in kits. Generally, kits are cheaper and include more items specifically designed for one room, like bathroom kits or living room miniature kits.

Most Miniature furniture is handmade and created with a high level of detail. Choosing handmade Miniature furniture will also increase the value of the Doll house , and it will allow owners to enjoy perfect Miniature furniture for a lifetime. Some of the most popular types of Doll house are:

-The Victorian style, impressing with the striking appearance and stylish design;
-The Tudor style, featured by beautiful wood Miniature furniture
- The representative Miniature furniture for this style includes stools and chests, rather than chairs. Beds with detailed carving are another excellent point for choosing Tudor miniature dollhouse furniture.
-Georgian miniature Miniature furniture;
-Contemporary style;
-Southwestern Miniature furniture.

As you can see, it is very hard to decide on a certain Miniature furniture style. Every style has its own charm, but this is where the collector’s choice intervenes. Doll Houses allow people to express their fascination for a certain historical period and the attached architectural style. The miniature dollhouse furniture represents the top of the iceberg, providing a personal insight of those times simply by recreating exactly the interiors. It’s like taking a trip back in time, getting the real feel of the history, just at a smaller scale.

April 12, 2009

Nurturing your individuality in a high-tech world

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 8:32 pm

Today’s world is getting more high tech every day. Products are mass produced. Goods that used to have individual character are being made into commodities. Manufactured goods getting slicker and slicker. What’s happening to individuality? Individuality has not disappeared. The human drive for individuality is being encouraged by the growth of interest in handmade crafts. More and more people are showing an interest in handcrafts as a way of expressing their artistic individuality. But these handcrafts can’t be just the same old things that your grandmother made. No antimacassars here. New craft items are being dreamed up every day. For example, have you ever heard of a purse dangle ? No? It’s the same as a handbag pendant. Adornment for your purse. Doesn’t that sound fun?

But there’s not really a bottomless chasm between the world of high technology and the world of handmade crafts. As it turns out, it is the world of high technology that is allowing handmade crafts to flourish. The best and easiest way to sell handmade crafts is to sell them directly on the Internet. Sure, you can find stores that sell craft items, but you have to know where they are and have to travel there. And for the seller, the process from making the item to putting the item in the buyer’s shopping bag can be complicated. The crafter may have to meet with the store owner—on the store owner’s schedule. The store owner surely will want to evaluate the item and either accept it for sale or reject it. Then there are the terms of the sale. A store owner has to pay overhead. That means that she will take a large portion of the artist’s profits. There can be many other complications in the contract, such as obligations for promotional activities.

Selling on the Internet is a simpler way to go. The buyer can just browse the sites from the easy chair. And even locating the sites is easy. Just do a search for the item that you are looking for, and the site where it is located will come up. The most widely known site, eBay, allows anyone to sell just about anything to any buyer. Its fame makes it a go-to place for people looking for handmade crafts. The crafter doesn’t have to make herself known to the world because the world knows eBay. Other sites are more specifically craft oriented. For example, Etsy is a site that is gaining a reputation as a place to find just handmade crafts and vintage items. On Etsy, the artist has full control of a personal shop. She can create an identity based on a profile, a photograph, and a logo. The selling process is also easy on the pocket. The cost is only twenty cents per item for three months, and Etsy’s commission is only 3.5 per cent. The artist can upload multiple photographs of each item.

People are excited to purchase handmade objects because unique possessions allow them to express their individuality in a truly stylish way.

March 23, 2009

Ear Money By Making Candles At Home

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 4:04 pm

Chunk candles add a great alternative to the standard pillar candle of yesterday. These colorful candles add a vibrancy and life to them. Looking at chunk candles, they appear to be very difficult to make. However, just the opposite is true. In fact, many candle makers claim they are easier to make than basic pillar candles. This is because pillar candles have to be perfectly smooth. If they aren’t, it is easy to see the visual defect. Such blemishes aren’t visible in chunk candles. While chunk candles aren’t recommended as a beginner project, they can be made once you know the basics of the candle making process.

There are two phases to making chunk candles. To make the process easier, it is recommended that you keep the two separate. Attempts to cut corners often result in chunk candles that are of poor quality and don’t burn well. The first phase of the project is making the chunks. The second is the process of turning those chunks into gorgeous candles. Some individuals choose to purchase pre-cut chunks at craft stores or online.

To make your candles their prettiest, select colors that compliment each other. To start making the color chunks, spray a cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. You only want a thin film on the cooking sheet. After the wax you are using has completely melted, add a color to it as well as any fragrance you want. Pour the mix onto the cookies sheet. Fill the sheet to the level you want the depth of your candle chunks to be.

Keep an eye on the cooling color chunks. Once it is the consistency of cookie dough you will want to use a sharp utility knife to cut it into chunks. Allow the chunks to continue cooling. If you are making several colors of chunks you can mix them together or leave them separate. Some people choose to let the colors mix together on their own while others like to create a design by adding the amount of each color they want.

Using the same molds that are used for pillar candles, insert your candle wick through the bottom of the candle mold. Fill the mold loosely with color chunks. You can put one color on the bottom with another color on top or even layers of three colors. You can also use only one color. The choice is all yours. Do not stack as many chunks as you can in the mold or the candle won’t form properly. Just toss them in and let them lay where they end up.

You are now ready to pour the melted wax over the color chunks. It is recommended that you do leave the melted wax colorless, but some people choose to add a light color to tint it and add a uniqueness to their chunk candles. As the candle cools, the chunks will adhere to together with the hot wax. Once the molds cool the chunk candles should slide out with ease.

Making chunk candles is really quite simple if you have the basic candle making concepts under your belt. These candles add flare to any décor as well as make great gifts. They are a bit more time consuming to make since you will be making your color chunks, but well worth the results. Remember that you can purchase color chunks to save you time. That is a great option for someone who plans to make large quantities of chunk candles.

For those who want to get even more creative, consider using embeds on the sides. You can place them in the candle molds first. They will stay in place once you put the chunks in the mold. You can adjust the embeds as needed prior to adding the hot wax to the mold. There are excellent books available on the various patterns and embeds you can add to make specific chunk candles. There are also great pictures and step by step instructions available on the internet.
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March 14, 2009

Don’t Trash Those Plastic Shopping Bags, Make A Craft!

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 1:52 am

A friend of mine decided to throw a small dinner party with a few friends last week. After sitting and talking with everyone and eating our fancy finger foods I noticed that she had purchased some gorgeous custom coasters. I asked her where she had purchased them and she told me that she had purchased them at a little consignment shop. I was very intrigued in them and asked her to wrap one up in one of her recyclable plastic shopping bags. After searching for a weekend for a set of my own custom coasters, the only thing that I had found to purchase was a cute set of non woven bags.

I called my friend back to let her know that I hadn’t found anything like what she had purchased, so we decided to throw yet another craft party and we ended up making our own. It was a lot of fun but it would have been a lot easier to purchase them with no hassle. We also decided to use some plastic shopping bags to create some awesome art designs. we had nothing to do and were so excited that we even made a plastic shopping bag dress! We dressed up a manikin with them and that was awesome. It actually looked like a real dress!

My good friend also has some really nice non woven bags. The material is eco friendly and a lot more comfortable feeling than normal bags. They can be embroidered with initials or even decorated with jewels and iron on prints. It is a great craft to do when you’re bored or a snow day and it is so easy to get all of the materials. A local craft store should offer all of the materials that you will want or need. I found my non woven bag at a local thrift store, but your local craft store should have any plain non woven bags, so that you can make it your own. Personally, I like my bags to have a lot of color. This is why I often look for an already made bag or a plain bag that I can put a lot of my things in.

Speaking of color ideas for your non woven bags or custom coaster crafts, try using a piece of jewelry or clothing for inspiration. I’ve used a numerous number of inspirational clothing pieces that come in a wide range of color. Go to your local craft store, bag up some supplies in a plastic shopping bag and start your own coaster or non woven bag project. I can promise that it is tons of fun and is a great fix for any boring day. To add to the fun, try to get together a bunch of friends and assign them all an item of supplies to bring. This way everyone brings something different and great pieces of useful artwork can be created! Everyone gets to bring a non woven bag or their very own custom coaster home to their friends!

We have decided to have our little get-togethers every week. It has turned into a great way to have fun and save fundsat the same time!

March 13, 2009

Kids Enjoy Making Coasters!

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 7:47 pm

I baby-sit a numerous amount of kids. I’ve had a lot of clients since I was in about sixth grade and they all require my services almost all of the time. If I’m not picking up toys or cleaning I’m almost always trying to find something fun to do with the kids. Their ages range from six months to ten years, so there is a lot as you can see, to take care of. Some of the kids are too young to do certain crafts, but I’m able to do a wide range of crafts with all of them. One craft that I created with a couple of the kids was custom printed coasters. The coasters were so much fun to make and some of them were even paper coasters, making it very inexpensive and easy to entertain the kids.

The coasters were a quick fix to a bored spell and a fresh new craft to add into some of our daily routines. The kids were used to finger painting or coloring but the coasters were a nice surprise that I could afford. We drew out our ideas and figured out what we wanted to draw on our coasters. The kids wanted to draw pretty flowers and goofy animals and they even wanted to make something for their parents, which was great. We used paint and pencils and markers and crayons, so the kids had a wide variety of supplies to work with. I think that the coasters, especially the paper coasters, were a great idea as far as art ideas go. We’re so used to creating unimportant art, but the coasters were great!

I also think that the coasters were a great way for the kids to express their artist qualities. Some of them aren’t old enough to be in an art class in school, so making these crafts at home is a helpful outlet to let out those artist expressions. Plus, the coasters were officially custom printed coasters that they could use everyday. Another great thing is that the coaster craft is a simple cleaning job. I didn’t have to try extremely hard to clean everything which was awesome. I think that getting the kids involved in such an awesome art piece really makes them feel more involved too.

The coasters were really easy to finish when the kids were finished with their designs. I didn’t require the usage of a kiln or the oven or anything like that. All that we required the use of was a simple and easy to use painter’s gloss. It was really inexpensive and made the coasters look really genuine. The kids really loved their finished product and now that I know that this craft is a hit, I know what to do when the younger kids that I baby-sit grow up and get a little bit older. These crafts are not only great for fun but they are great for a bad snow day when you are stuck inside too. Your kids or even kids you might know at a pre-school or that you may baby-sit will really enjoy this craft too.

It really does feel good to do something that is fun while using re-purposed items and saving money.

March 8, 2009

The Top Woodworking Plans For Your Wood Shop Students

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 6:16 am

Sample woodworking plans are a wonderful resource for students and shop teachers. Having a selection of ready made plans available gives students a selection of items to build in the wood shop. This is easier for them than having to design something themselves or having to come up with their own concept for a wood project. Having free wood projects available for their students also helps shop teachers. Not only do they reduce the time needed to prepare lessons, but since they are free they also reduce costs. When teachers have a selection of plans to utilize, they can offer each student projects which are tailored to the student’s specific ability and skills.

There are free woodworking plans for beginning level students, such as the etched glass wall mirror. This project involves putting together a frame for a pre-made glass panel. This project requires only miter cuts and rabbet to assemble the frame. The only other skills needed are assembling, sanding and finishing. This project needs a minimal amount of time and materials to complete.

A more sophisticated woodworking project would be to make an end or coffee table. The tables will use a frame built, including legs, cross members and a lower shelf. These plans will require using a table saw and jointer. The student will also have to know how to glue up the material for the table top and shelf from smaller boards. There are free woodworking plans available for both which can be made using etched glass panels just as the wall mirror has. This design consistency is key since it provides for projects of multiple skill levels and complexity using the same type of glass panels with etched images. Following this common theme makes for a well-planned lesson plan where all the projects have a unified, consistent element while still allowing for variations in students abilities and time commitments.

All of the students can be offered the same decorative glass panel and then have the choice of building a project with it that they prefer. Advanced students can also use the glass etching panel to build complex projects, such as a cabinet with glass doors or a glass fronted grandfather clock. These projects will require making complex doors as well as the frame. The frame will need intricate mortise-and-tenon joints as well as dados. The top, side and back panels will require gluing up many pieces. The students will have to use the router table and planer for this project and the table saw and jointer.

By leveraging free woodworking plans, shop teachers can provide their students with challenges which will match their skills while still having a mutual component. By using a selection of pre-made plans, teachers have standard criteria for grading and can allocate more of their time to teaching the students.

March 4, 2009

What To Do For Your First Dog Show

Filed under: Crafts — tkwriter @ 5:12 am

Dog shows are one of the most usefultools when breeding to gauge how well your program and stocks are. Even pet lovers can benefit by letting their beloved furry friends socialize and have a new change in environment. Even if you do not really intend to win the most coveted prize, Best in Show, it is important that you have an idea about the guidelines at least to be sure and to have the best time.

1. Dog arrangement. In dog shows, dogs are arrangedaccording to the groups they belong to first. There are 7 groups, depending on the specific functions of the dog such as Toy, Working, Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Terrier and Hound Group. After the dogs are arranged by group, they will be arranged into different breeds.

Males and females will be shown separately as well. As for the prizes, the best male of the breed is called Winner’s Dog and the best female of the breed will be called Winner’s Bitch. The winner among the two will be called Best of Winners, which will move forwardto the Special Class to compete with champions. The best in the breed will advance to compete for the Best in Group title, and finally, the Best in Show.

2. Registering. Make sure you register early so that you can pick the perfect spot for grooming and storing your Money clips. Always keep an eye on your things and on your dog, since the environment tends to get busy over time. It will help to staywith others who are also showing dogs of the same breed, so you know when to enter the show ring. You may be lucky to be lent some preparation tools to make your dog look better.

Mens wallets, cellular phones and other valuables need to be stored properly. You may ask a friend or family to hold these for you, as you prepare to get in the ring. Wear the proper attire, preferably with tones that accentuate your dog. Some judges are very keen on your attire, so not being formal may cause you important prizes.

3. The ring. When entering the show ring, you will be asked by the judge to placeyour dog into a stacking position. Try to practice this weeks before the show, since your dog needs to stay very still upon inspection. Some smaller breeds may be required to be placed on a table to be examined carefully.

Afterwards, you will be asked to gait your dog to check if it is moving properly. Some common courses include a circle, a triangle and a square. Listen to the judge carefully as he may be giving you tips on how to improve, as well as the major weaknesses and strengths that can make or break your dog’s show career. After the show, take time to confrontthe judge and ask for advice. Exchange through your Business card case and make more breeder contacts for added reference in the future.

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