The Nuts and Bolts of Vintage Tin Toys

Before Game Boy and Play Station, there were tin toys. During their heyday, these whimsical toys amused children for hours. Today, these toys have great nostalgic appeal. Here's your guide to tin toys.

The Players.

In England, Wells, Hornby and Chad Valley were dominant players in the tin toy market. During the post-1930 period, these companies were at their peak and any of their work from this period is very desirable. In Germany, M?rklin and Bing were the big guns. In France, it was Fernand Martin. Toys by any of these makers are desirable.

How It Started.

Before there were tin toys, children played with wood and paper toys. Tinplating was developed during the Industrial Revolution. Its discovery made the tinplated toy industry possible. Tinplate was fashioned into boats, submarines, cars, planes, horse drawn carriages and more.

Germany dominated the pre-WWI export market. The outbreak of WWI forced the rest of Europe, Japan and the US into the market due to wartime shortages and to counteract the German dominance.

After WWI, Germany refocused their economy and regained market dominance in tin toys.

But once again, war affected commerce when WWII resulted in shortages in raw materials and a battle-focused economy.

Post WWII, when Germany and Japan received financial aid to revitalize their economies, the tin toy industry in these countries was revived.

Just as tin toys were once the hot new toy replacing wood and paper toys, tin toys were usurped by plastic toys by the 1970s. These new plastic toys captured the imaginations of children since they were cheaper to produce, didn't rust and were sturdy.

How They're Made.

Tin toys were made from sheet iron that was plated with a protective layer of tin to prevent rusting. Before the Industrial Revolution, tin toys were stamped out, molded and hand painted. The Industrial Revolution led to mass production.

Around 1875, lithography - a transfer printing process whereby a series of dots make up colors - was invented. This eliminated the time-consuming hand painting and increased production.

Part of the charm of tin toys is that you wind them up and away they go. The clockwork mechanism (the mechanical part of a watch that makes it tick) is responsible for this action. In 1945, clockwork mechanisms were replaced by battery-operated mechanisms.

Condition.

If a tin toy looks brand new, works perfectly and is in a pristine box, it is considered to be in mint condition. Very good condition refers to a toy without spots or dents. Some fading is acceptable. Good condition means reasonable condition. Play-worn implies just that ? a used toy which may have chips in the paint and missing parts. Keep any original boxes regardless of the shape because they help to authenticate the manufacturer and date.

Paint Repairs.

The lithography process makes paint repairs almost impossible to do. And a poor restoration job will lessen the value of a toy.

How to Date Tin Toys ? Part I.

A little knowledge of lithography can help to figure out the age of tin toys. In older lithography ? (1875 ? 1960) each color was printed on a separate plate. Under a magnified glass, you'll see dots appearing in an irregular pattern. Newer lithography ? (1960 to present) only four colors ? black, red, yellow and blue are combined to make up all the colors in the rainbow. Under a magnified glass, dots will appear in a regular pattern.

How To Date Tin Toys ? Part II.

From the end of WWII until 1950s, German toys were labeled "Made in US Zone" and items made in Japan were marked "Occupied Japan". After 1950s, Japan used "Made in Japan" and Germany used "Made in West Germany". Keep these two tips in mind when you're trying to figure out how old a tin toy is.

Hot Toys.

Japanese robots and exotic limousines from the 1950 ? 1960s are desirable to serious collectors. Plus, any Batman and Disney tin toys continue to be popular.

Spotting Fakes.

Spotting fakes with tin toys is tricky. The marks on many new toys are the exact same as the marks used on old items because some manufacturers such as Paya, a Spanish company, continue to use the original moulds and dies. One thing for you to watch for is that newer models tend to be marked with "Limited Edition".

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at <a target="_new" href="http://www.takeaboo.com">http://www.takeaboo.com</a>

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's either too much junk food or not enough exercise. In many cases it is a poor diet and no exercise. We go to work and sit behind a computer or a counter, and we sit. Then we get up for coffee, and then we sit. On and on, day after day. It's the ritual that many people get used to. They are creatures of habit. But the trend can be broken.

In many cases, folks just need to get out and about to enjoy life a little. As funny as it might sound, there are many hobbies that keep some people from being stagnant and growing fat. <a target="_new" href="http://www.body-mass-index-4u.com/health_and_fitness.htm">True fitness</a> doesn't have to come from the gym, there are plenty of fit people who simply watch their diet and do something everyday.

Golfing and Fitness

This is the one I struggled explaining to my wife. Then she bought some clubs and started coming along. It's great exercise. Buy the backpack style straps for your bag or get a pull cart. Take the initiative to walk the course. If the weather is ninety five degrees and humid, ride a cart. On the nice days, walk it. It's not only good for your body, it's also good for your mind. The great outdoors has a lot to do with your happiness. And it doesn't hurt if you make a couple nice birdie putts.

Getting out a couple times a week to play either nine or eighteen will keep your blood flowing and challenge your thought process. Golf is a game for life, in more ways than one.

Join a League for Health

There are organized sporting leagues for just about every sport that is played. Whether they are managed by your local community or your favorite watering hole, leagues offer not only a good time, but some good exercise as well. It doesn't take too much to get your body involved in some good physical activity. You'll circle the bases in a softball league, or cruise around the rink from red line to red line.

Leagues are designed to keep people active doing what they love. All ages are welcomed, and lots of good times are had. Softball, volleyball, tennis and more get your body moving and involved in the social arena. Where else can you ground out and meet friends?

Diet Hiking

It doesn't take a game with eight hundred year old rules or an organized sports team to get outside and enjoy some exercise. Plenty of people enjoy the great outdoors just for what it is: the great outdoors. An activity as basic as hiking is some of the best exercise you'll ever get. You control the level of difficulty that you want to endure.

All you need to do to participate is throw on some comfortable clothes and strap on your shoes. Go search for agates or take the dog for a walk. <a target="_new" href="http://www.body-mass-index-4u.com/diets.htm">Get your exercise and keep your diet going</a>.

It really doesn't take a whole lot of effort to get your body moving. Once you get started, your routine will become easier and you'll want top expand it. Health and fitness quickly becomes addicting. Choose your poison.

Robb Ksiazek writes and publishes <a target="_new" href="http://www.body-mass-index-4u.com">diet advice and body moving tips for Body-Mass-Index-4U.com</a>. He believes in simple common sense solutions to keep your body, mind, and soul in a state of wellbeing.

Choosing The Correct Comic Book Storage Box

Most Comic Book Storage Boxes are super strong and come with sturdy well-fitting lids and handle holes that can be left in the closed position for storing or pushed open for carrying. They are properly sized to hold a comic in a bag with a backing board. Comic Book divider cards (used for categorizing) fit in most comic book boxes with the lid on. Comic Book Storage boxes ship flat which takes up less storage room and they fold together when you are ready to use them without glue or tape.

Storing your comics in a properly sized box helps protect your comics from corner and edge damage. Putting your comics in a comic box also protects the comic from being exposed to ultra-violet light and Ultra-violet light causes inks to fade. Most comic book boxes are made form either Corrugated Plastic or Corrugated Cardboard and come in several different lengths for your various storage and display needs.

Comic storage boxes do not need to be acid-free if you have your comics in bags.
For short tern storage the most popular material choice for comic storage boxes is corrugated cardboard. It is sturdy and reasonably priced. Corrugated plastic comic boxes are an excellent choice for long-term comic storage because the material is acid-free, water proof, vermin resistant and extremely strong. They are more expensive than the corrugated comic boxes, but the material properties of the plastic corrugated material make the extra cost worth the investment for long term archival comic storage.

Brought To You Courtesy <a target="_new" href="http://www.aaa-collectables.com">www.aaa-collectables.com</a>

A Playtime Project: The Memory Quilt

A friend recently suggested a use for my daughter's first wardrobe, which I've dutifully saved in the back of the closet, and lugged on two long distance relocations. Turns out she's done the same thing with her daughter's first clothes, and we've decided to make memory quilts. This playtime project preserves my little girl's everyday playclothes for no other reason than that they are hers.

Having been raised in a somewhat non-sentimental household, I jumped at the chance to engage in something that could possibly boost child emotional development at the same time that it provided a way for my daughter to feel connected to happy childhood events. I suppose it's my way of compensating for something I always wished I had. By the time I was born, the fascination with baby girls was past, and whatever I used and wore was handed off to Goodwill when I was finished with it.

The project lets you conserve storage space by cutting those favorite 0-3 month outfits into workable squares-or if you're an experienced quilter, you may feel confident experimenting with different shapes. I've never tried this before, so I don't want to complicate it with my perfectionist tendencies. I want to turn this into something we can do with our daughters-it always surprises me how young children can take to things that we assume are beyond them.

I went through the clothes to separate them according to &quot;cuttability.&quot; Fearful of violating airline luggage allowances, and mindful of movers' square footage guidelines, I've unwittingly reduced the cherished collection little by little; this last relocation I was so desperate to conform to the rules that I left behind many of the pieces I had faithfully saved. Our having been in the Caribbean this past hurricane season further persuaded me to fork over even more of the little wardrobe to children whose homes (and wardrobes) had been destroyed. The pieces that remain are so few in number that I find I cannot bear to take the scissors to any of them.

And so the playtime project will consist less of quilting, and more of time spent sitting on the floor, arranging tiny high-tops, Mary Janes and workboots into shadow boxes. There's also the first jean jacket, overalls and the dress Little One wore to &quot;school&quot; when she was four months old. All of these are small enough to pass for doll clothes, and therein lies their preciousness. The rest are tiny crew neck sweaters, a little rain slicker, and the pajamas she wore in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. These, with selected Boston Globe front pages will go into a trunk alongside the baby book (volumes I and II), the photo albums of the first years, and The Scrapbook; to be opened with great fanfare on some birthday after "we" have reached the Age of Appreciability.

Tricia Wellington

Amish Furniture for Kids Summer Projects

Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out of school. Mom's and dad's everywhere will soon here &quot;I am board; I don't have anything to do.&quot; Give them a lesson and a project that will teach them a skill, and provide them a physical memory of time spent with mom and dad or one another.

My friend and his wife have four children from four to twelve. While they were visiting, my web site (www.stoveramishfurniture.com), they saw a few small piece of unfinished Amish Furniture. Now it would have been just as easy to pay a little extra and have the pieces finished, but they thought &quot;Why not let the kids do it?&quot; So as a summer project for the kids, they bought four different pieces of Amish Furniture. They then set aside a space in the garage for the projects. Each child was given a role in the finishing. The youngest two where thought to sand a clean each piece. The oldest two went to the library and the hardware store to find books on finishing the projects. They were all given a schedule and a planned completion time.

The kids were surprisingly really industrious. When I visited they reminded me of Amish Craftsmen, by the care they took in each of their operations. Those four pieces took roughly three weeks and about thirty-five hours to finish.

What really surprised my friends was that the kids turned there work into a business. They went out into the neighborhood and started collecting piece from their neighbors to finish. They did several chairs and a few tables, and made enough money for each to enjoy activities on vacation.

Amish Furniture is born of Amish Tradition. A tradition is something passed on from parent to child, a lesson that will be remembered for a life time. Amish families instill great values in their children, through hard work and lots of love. By purchasing a piece of Amish furniture, like my friends did, your family will become a part of that tradition. Your family will have a lasting piece of furniture that will provide a memory of when parent and child worked together and lessons where learned. Visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.stoveramishfurniture.com">www.stoveramishfurniture.com</a> for unfinished furniture projects.

John Stover

Make Your Own Citronella Candles

Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes while providing a romantic, outdoor setting. Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.25 per candle. Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes:

Materials Needed:

Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do. This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store.

Citronella - You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes.

Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into. The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do.

Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do.

Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick. You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax.

Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do.

Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning.

Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax.

Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.

Directions:

<li> Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper. You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them.

<li> Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.

<li> Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella.

<li> Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold.

<li> Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.

<li> Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top. Leave about one inch at the top of the mold.

<li> Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax. Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over.

<li> Set to dry. Making citronella candles is as easy as 1-2-3! Be truly unique and buy terra-cotta pots, paint them and use them as one-of-a-kind candle holders!

Cassie Morgan is an avid candle fan who loves <a target="_new" href="http://www.candlesandcandlemaking.com/candle-making.aspx/">making candles</a> in her spare time. Due to her expertise, she also does freelance writing for sites like Candles and Candle Making. The above candle is one of her favorites as it also helps <a target="_new" href="http://www.mosquitoes101.com/">fend off mosquitoes</a> in the summer.

A Playtime Project: The Memory Quilt

A friend recently suggested a use for my daughter's first wardrobe, which I've dutifully saved in the back of the closet, and lugged on two long distance relocations. Turns out she's done the same thing with her daughter's first clothes, and we've decided to make memory quilts. This playtime project preserves my little girl's everyday playclothes for no other reason than that they are hers.

Having been raised in a somewhat non-sentimental household, I jumped at the chance to engage in something that could possibly boost child emotional development at the same time that it provided a way for my daughter to feel connected to happy childhood events. I suppose it's my way of compensating for something I always wished I had. By the time I was born, the fascination with baby girls was past, and whatever I used and wore was handed off to Goodwill when I was finished with it.

The project lets you conserve storage space by cutting those favorite 0-3 month outfits into workable squares-or if you're an experienced quilter, you may feel confident experimenting with different shapes. I've never tried this before, so I don't want to complicate it with my perfectionist tendencies. I want to turn this into something we can do with our daughters-it always surprises me how young children can take to things that we assume are beyond them.

I went through the clothes to separate them according to &quot;cuttability.&quot; Fearful of violating airline luggage allowances, and mindful of movers' square footage guidelines, I've unwittingly reduced the cherished collection little by little; this last relocation I was so desperate to conform to the rules that I left behind many of the pieces I had faithfully saved. Our having been in the Caribbean this past hurricane season further persuaded me to fork over even more of the little wardrobe to children whose homes (and wardrobes) had been destroyed. The pieces that remain are so few in number that I find I cannot bear to take the scissors to any of them.

And so the playtime project will consist less of quilting, and more of time spent sitting on the floor, arranging tiny high-tops, Mary Janes and workboots into shadow boxes. There's also the first jean jacket, overalls and the dress Little One wore to &quot;school&quot; when she was four months old. All of these are small enough to pass for doll clothes, and therein lies their preciousness. The rest are tiny crew neck sweaters, a little rain slicker, and the pajamas she wore in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. These, with selected Boston Globe front pages will go into a trunk alongside the baby book (volumes I and II), the photo albums of the first years, and The Scrapbook; to be opened with great fanfare on some birthday after "we" have reached the Age of Appreciability.

Tricia Wellington

Make Your Own Professional Gift Baskets

Ever given your family or friends a beautiful gift basket? Gift baskets are such a wonderful gift and can be given for any occasion. However, if you are like me you don't have a clue where to start, let alone how to put one together?.. and the thought of creating a gift basket is the last thing on your mind? Then read on?.

Let me tell you how easy it is to make an amazingly beautiful gift basket like a professional. Even you won't believe you've made it!

To begin lets start with your &quot;basket&quot;. When you hear gift basket the first thing that pops into your mind is a typical wicker basket. Well things have changed; you can use anything as your &quot;gift basket&quot;. Once you decide who you are creating this gift basket for then decide on the type of basket which would be appropriate for that person. For instance if it is a teenager try a makeup bag or a plastic bucket for a gardener or a beach bucket for a child, try a laundry basket, a small plastic container or even a pretty purse, depending on the occasion and who it's for (you are only limited by your imagination for the type of &quot;basket&quot; you choose).

Next, find your fillers. The fillers don't have to be expensive but ensure that they match the type of gift basket you are creating. Make sure that what you buy will fit inside your basket. The secret to the presentation of your gift baskets are to make sure it looks like it is overflowing. The type of fillers you use will depend upon the theme of your basket and again, who you are creating it for.

Now for the fun part ? decorating! Start arranging your items into the basket. Make sure to put the bigger, taller or larger items to the back and the smaller items in the front. You can use shredded paper or any other &quot;stuffing&quot; to prop things up or fill in the holes if you need to. I like to cover the basket in cellophane and then type of personalized card.

Finished ??. how easy was that!

For more gift basket ideas or how to make gift baskets, visit us at www.101giftbasketideas.com.

About the Author: Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of eBook &quot;101 Gift Basket Ideas&quot;. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on how to create your own &quot;Personalized Gift Baskets&quot; visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.101giftbasketideas.com">http://www.101giftbasketideas.com</a>

The Leather Look, Accents, and Punching for Your Scrapbook

A leather look can add elegance to your scrapbooking page.

To create a unique leather look, simply distress cardstock. To do this, grip the cardstock in your hands. Then, with a gentle circular motion, rub the cardstock together as if you were pre-treating a laundry stain. Gradually, work your way around the cardstock until you get the desired effect.

Simple accents can be added to your pictures, borders, and backgrounds to create an air of softness and elegance. Simply rub chalk (or eye shadow) along the edges of the paper. The color of chalk chosen can be either a similar color to the background, a contrasting color, or an outlining color such as black or grey depending on the result you want.

Basically punching is the cutting out of an image or piece of text using a cookie cutter like tool. Most punches are made of die cast steel. They come in various shapes and sizes. Photographs and text blocks can be punched into virtually any shapes or sizes. These shapes can add to the impact of the themes.

For instance, pictures of your sweetheart can be punched into heart shapes to add to the romantic type of love. Alternately, small doves can be punched and placed along the borders to add a romantic touch to a wedding scrapbook. Titles and text can also be punched to create professional looking scrapbook pages.

When punching out and gluing small pieces of paper, place a strip of double-sided tape on the paper before punching out the shape. Next, just punch the tape into shape. Then, the piece is immediately ready to place.

Mia LaCron is the founder of 101-scrapbooking-tidbits.info - <a target="_new" href="http://www.101-scrapbooking-tidbits.info">http://www.101-scrapbooking-tidbits.info</a> - devoted to helping individuals record, store, and preserve their most cherished memories via the art of scrapbooking.

What Is A Reverse Painting?

Welcome to the world of Reverse Painting on Glass. Reverse painting on glass has been considered a popular 'art of the people' for many centuries. The use of glass as a support for this intricate painting technique has not hindered its continuing popularity.

A reverse painting is created by painting a subject onto one side of a sheet of glass (or plexiglass) after which it is viewed from the other side of the glass, or through the glass.

Contrary to painting on a canvas or similar support this technique requires an artist to paint in reverse, or 'back to front.'

When an artwork is created on a support such as canvas or wood panel, it is painted from the same angle and direction that it will ultimately be viewed from on completion. However, in the case of a reverse painting the painting side and the viewing side of the artwork are opposed to one another.

Similarly, an artwork that is created on a canvas usually begins with a rough outline and gradually builds towards its completion and finishing touches. In a reverse painting this procedure begins where it would normally end and finishing touches such as finer details and the artist's signature are usually applied first and the background applications of colour are added later, hence the use of the term 'reverse painting'.

The effect that glass can give to a reverse painting can make it a very beautiful object. Some artists use thick glass in order to give more depth to their work.

For those who see a reverse painting on glass for the very first time it can take a little while to realise that the subject has been painted on the surface of the glass itself.

Extract from website "A guide to reverse painting on glass" at <a target="_new" href="http://www.reversepaintings.com">http://www.reversepaintings.com</a> See reverse painting artworks at <a target="_new" href="http://www.mayannemackay.com">http://www.mayannemackay.com</a>

Copyright Mayanne Mackay 2005

Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Who Has Everything!

Have you ever thought about giving a personalized Gift Basket?

Is it just me or do you also get excited when you give a gift to your friends and family and you know they love it!

The downside you give a gift and you just know they hate it! Unfortunately you can't always get it right because what seems right and the appropriate gift for you isn't always right and appropriate for the person you are buying for.

Take my mother for instance, if you don't buy her a gift say for Mothers Day you will be in the bad books for weeks. Now before you agree with her, let me ask you this &quot;What do you give someone who has everything&quot;? If you could walk around this ladies house you would understand my problem!

Well over the years I have learnt how to stay in her good books by creating something different and unique every year. I also like to make it a gift that I make, so its personal and comes from the heart. Yes you guessed it a personalized &quot;gift basket&quot;.

Leading up to the occasion, I take some time to think about things that Mum has said she liked over the year and things that she has pointed out in a book that she might like. Then I go about looking for items that would fit into a theme that I can put together into a &quot;Basket&quot;. She loves &quot;glass bowls&quot; so I try to use a glass bowl as the &quot;basket&quot; for my gift and then fill it with items that she likes. It could be as simple as some pampering items or a night out to the movies such as popcorn, candies, a drink, chocolates and two movie tickets etc.

Gift Baskets can be all shapes and sizes, you are only limited by your imagination and of course your budget. A gift basket doesn't have to be big and elaborate it can be something small. Presentation is the key to a stunning gift basket!

I have always struggled with &quot;creative talent&quot; so when I discovered that making gift baskets was very simple, I became a talented person over night!

Something I have found funny since I learnt how easy it was to create a &quot;Gift Basket&quot; is how many friends copy my ideas and give baskets to their friends.

I give &quot;Gift Baskets&quot; for all occasions - from Christmas to Marriages, Arrival of a New Baby, Birthday Gifts for Boys or Girls, Leaving Party in fact the reasons are endless.

For a boys birthday, how easy is it to get a bucket, spade and sand digging equipment. A cool towel, hat or cap (write their name on the hat to give it a unique look), a stick of sunscreen or zinc cream. Then wrap it up !!

For a girl, they love lots of knick knacks or things they can make. Try putting together packets of beads in a container with compartments. Include some wire and hooks. Your local craft store can help you with the items required. You can create this &quot;Gift Basket&quot; for less than $15.00 and they love it !

About the Author ? Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of 101 Gift Basket Ideas. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on how to create your own &quot;Personalized Gift Baskets&quot; visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.101giftbasketideas.com">http://www.101giftbasketideas.com</a>

How to Make Sea Shell Candles

Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids summer activity. Take it one step further by transforming their seaside treasures into beautiful decorations or kids make-and-take party favors. This easy sea shell candle craft shows you how.

When completed, scatter sea shell candles about your party table along with other beach souvenirs, such as starfish and sand dollars. Larger shells can be used as unique centerpieces, or accent pieces in the bedroom or bath.

The perfect souvenir for a seaside-themed party.

What you'll need: <ul> <li>Bar of paraffin</li> <li>Wicks</li> <li>Metal wick holders</li> <li>Double boiler with a pouring lip</li> <li>Shells</li> <li>Stubs of colored candles</li></ul>

Most of these items can be found at your local craft store. If you can't find metal wick holders, remove the wicks inexpensive tealights. Use stubs from colored candles to make candles in various shades.

Method:

Clean shells in a 10% bleach solution. Rinse with cool water and let dry.

Cut up the paraffin block into smaller chunks with a sharp knife. Melt them in the top of the double boiler by heating the water below to a slow simmer. Use the paraffin as is, or you may wish to add bits of colored wax for different color combinations. This is a great way to use up your old candle stubs. Experiment with color blends, but remember that the wax will be a shade darker when it dries.

Cover a steady surface with plastic or newspapers. Balance one of the shells on a small cup and slowly pour in the melted wax. Immediately place the wick and wick holder in the center of the shell. Leave wax to cool for at least 30 minutes so all the wax will harden fully.

Light up and enjoy your beautiful sea shell candles!

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.kids-party-paradise.com/index.html">Kids-Party-Paradise.com</a> - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her <a target="_new" href="http://www.kids-party-paradise-blog.blogspot.com">Kids Party Blog</a>.

Starting Your Own Scrapbook Club

Before I discovered the world of scrapbooking, I was inexplicably drawn to my local office supply store. I loved to stand in an aisle surrounded by the different colors of copy paper. And the pens!

At the time, I thought this was really strange. (So did my family). And then I discovered that there are a lot of people who share this fascination. I realized that there is an entire industry that caters to my obsession with patterned paper and coordinating embellishments.

Then I discovered that these people also form clubs where they get together, share ideas, and eat chocolate. What could be better?

Scrapbooking clubs are the quilting bees of the modern era. When you join ? or form ? a scrapbook group, you create a regular time to meet with creative, loving, and family-centered friends.

Carving out a regular time to meet is an ideal way to create and maintain these meaningful friendships. Plus, as everyone gets together to work with family photographs and poignant memories, conversations tend to be deep and meaningful, too.

You can start your own scrapbooking club by asking yourself these questions:

--> How often do you want to meet?
How frequently do you want to hold group meetings (or crops)? Weekly, twice-monthly, monthly?

It's best to get a consensus from group members as to which day works best, as well as which time of day. Will you need child care ? and how many people will be pitching in for the sitter? How many people do you want in your scrapbook club?

The group dynamic varies greatly if you have 12 people, versus 30 or more. Decide in advance how many people you think will comprise an ideal group. Do you want an intimate gathering of friends ? or the energy of a larger collaboration?

--> Where do you want to host the crop?
You can start out at your home, if you have the space. Or you can ask if the scrapbookers in your club would like to rotate houses.

For larger groups, consider churches, community centers, or conference rooms. Often churches and businesses will be very receptive to providing space for this type of gathering. Scrapbooking is a fun, family-oriented activity, which places of worship and community centers generally love to embrace.

--> Do you want to charge membership dues?
If you have to pay for your scrapbooking space, you'll probably want to recoup those costs. If you are going to provide instruction (or food or a babysitter) - simply charge reasonable dues from each member to cover your costs. Many scrapbookers are accustomed to paying for this type of scrap space.

--> What will you serve?
You can serve food - or not. I like to keep things really simple. I have a simple basket of cold Evian bottles - which I stock up on when there's a sale.

The best foods to serve don't leave anything behind, so stay away from anything that would make it necessary for guests to wash their hands with each bite. If you're going to serve finger food, use toothpicks. And ? for the chocolate fix - M&Ms are wonderful because they really do melt in your mouth and not in your hand.

--> How structured would you like your meetings to be?
Some scrapbooking clubs will invite Instructors to teach a variety of more advanced techniques. Check with your local scrapbooking store and direct sales consultants to see which classes might be available.

Tip: You ? or one of your club members ? might want to consider becoming a consultant yourself in order to supply the group with product and training in the latest techniques (direct sales consulants often receive this training from their teams and from the company themselves, ie. http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/business.htm ) Then you can earn a profit and the club can earn and share the free hostess rewards. Free scrapbooking goodies for all! Or you can schedule your crop around a monthly scrapbooking club kit, ie.: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/scrapbook-club It's fun to see the different projects that each club member comes up with, using the same supplies. Plus, some monthly club kits(like the one cited above) come with idea sheets and an artist/designer gallery of club creations.

--> What is the best way to set up the meeting space?
Make sure the lighting is adequate and that each guest has enough table space. You can set everyone up on your dining room table, or ? if you have the space, create a more elaborate configuration. One idea I found on the Two Peas in a Bucket (http://www.twopeasinabucket.com) message board is to create a square from 2 8-foot tables and 2 6-foot tables. This configuration will comfortably accommodate 8 scrapbookers.

It's fun to have some community tools on one table, too. I have the basics: trimmers, Coluzzle, Silent Eyelet Setter, a mini sewing machine, etc.

I also like to bring a selection of my favorite idea books and scrapbooking magazines, especially those that feature seasonal project ideas.

And place a small gift bag or paper lunch sack in the center of each table for little scraps. This goes a long way in helping to keep each workspace organized and clutter-free. You can also set a relaxing (or energizing) mood with your choice of soft background music.

--> How will you find club members?
If you don't already have a group of scrapbooking friends (or you want to find more), simply announce your group in the community.

Word of mouth is the best way to do this. Ask your scrapbooking friends to bring their scrapbooking friends to the club meetings.

You can also post flyers and announcements on community bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, community centers, etc.

Check to see if your local newspaper will run a free ad in the Community Notes section before each scheduled crop. For example: &quot;Free Scrapbooking Crop. All levels of experience welcome. Instructor/designer on hand to answer questions and provide instruction. Come have fun and meet new friends. Time and location. Your contact info.&quot;

You can also send email invites to all your friends. Evite.com (http://www.evite.com) is a great tool for keeping track of invitees. Simply pitch your crop night as a &quot;girls' night out&quot; (or &quot;mom's night out&quot;) where you'll get important things done (and it never hurts to let them know you'll have chocolate on hand.)

Have a great time meeting new scrapbooking friends and inspiring one another to complete cards, layouts, and gifts-from-the-heart in your new scrapbooking club.

About the author:
Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape's Scrapbooking Playground. Subscribe to her free twice-monthly scrapbooking newsletter, featuring best-of-the-net design ideas, advanced techniques, and money-saving specials on supplies ? here: <a target="_new" href="http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking">http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking</a>

Capturing the Craft Show Market

Finding the right product to sell at a craft show is extremely important in finding success on the craft show circuit. You may already have an excellent craft product or line of products you are creating or even selling, or you may be looking for a craft to produce in order to enter the business. In either case, market research is going to help you find a craft show product that you can produce at a low enough cost to net a profit - and one that you will enjoy making. If you don't spend time looking into what everyone else has at their craft show booth, you might repeat what others have, or create a product no one really wants.

What exactly is a craft? The dictionary definition of "craft" is to make by hand, therefore, theoretically anything handmade is a craft. Although that's true, a craft typically falls into a category of items that are normally sold under the umbrella of arts and crafts that are either decorative or useful or both-and that consumers generally purchase for ornamental or practical use. The endless creativity of new craft show items is nothing short of remarkable. The product you choose will likely be one you enjoy producing or have a natural affinity for. It might be a skill passed down from generation to generation in your family, but you can also learn it on your own. You may decide to take classes or apprentice to a master to learn a new skill for producing a craft show item. Yet in order to make your craft business a success, you should consider doing a little bit of homework about what craft show item to make, ahead of time.

Market research

What sells? Wouldn't you like to have the answer to that question before putting all your resources into creating a product? How can you get the answer? Market research. Any large company that manufactures products utilizes market research before developing new products. You can use the Internet as well as common sense. You can ask friends, visit craft shows, galleries, retail stores, eBay and other websites to see what is selling and what isn't. Ask other artisans and craft show booth owners. Study trends by reading consumer magazines, trade journals, the fashion section of the newspaper or even watching TV.

Product ideas also come from everyday life-find a niche and fill it ? and you will most certainly find success in craft shows. But, you need to make sure you stay on the cutting edge. Children, animals and nature can provide inspiration as well. Jot ideas for craft show items in your notebook or computer whenever you come up with something you think would be a hot seller. Compile a list of possible items and compare it to what you might enjoy producing. Then ask yourself if the craft show item is practical, decorative, unique, can be priced right (for profit), has a personal touch, is of excellent quality and offers exceptional value.

You might also want to check out the competition in any category you select. How can you put a spin on your product to make it distinct and stand out from the others? If you're a crafter, you're probably highly creative, so use your creativity to come up with something imaginative. Without plunging into it full on, see if you can make a few samples and solicit feedback from friends or store owners. Do a small craft show and gauge customer response. If all systems seem to be saying "go" then go for it!

Find a craft you enjoy making, that you can construct efficiently and cost effectively, and one you can sell, and you have the craft show market cornered. But, you probably aren't going to land the perfect product without some groundwork done beforehand. If you want to find the utmost in craft show success, then take the time to deliver a product that you have researched, and watch craft collectors flock to your booth!

Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show
business profitable in her best selling ebook:
Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site:
<a href="http://www.craftshowsuccess.com/" target="_blank" title="Craft Shows">Craft Shows</a>

How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts From Ordinary Candles

If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing to spend. With just a little extra time and effort, you can make a personalized candle out of an otherwise ordinary candle gift that the lucky recipient will love.

1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle can be personalized.

2. Anything smaller than a tea light will be difficult to personalize. For tea light candles, you can normally purchase a big bag for a low price. These candles are great as favors for guests at a wedding or baby shower. The easiest way to personalize is to use either a graphics program on your computer or a word processor. We'll stick with the Word processor since it is easier. First, draw a circle the same dimensions as the lid on the tea light, or better yet use a circular label sheet. Then select a nice font, like cursive script or Corsiva. You can enter then names and date of the event into the circle. Print out a sample on plain paper to make sure the look and size is right. Once you have the desired result, you can print your tea light label stickers. Finally, apply the sticker onto the top of the tea light.

3. For jar candles, you can create a square-shaped personalized label. Since you have more area to work with, you can download free graphics from the Internet. Search the web for "free clip art" and download the images you want. Once again print out a sample on plain paper and then print the label. If you don't have a color printer, you can go to a local copier and they can make a nice label for you. Stick the label on the jar. Now you have created a unique gift personalized just for that special person.

4. For tall pillar candles, you can get those engraved at an engraving shop (look in the phone book under engravers). The artwork and text can come in different colors. If you are artistic, you can even buy candle-engraving kits online and do it yourself.

5. How about those 1oz votive candles? For a professional looking gift, get cellophane bags and colored ribbon. Wrap the candle in the cello bag and tie it up with the ribbon. Then attach a personalized tag to the ribbon. These candles can also be engraved.

6. If you can make candles, then there are limitless possibilities. You can use different fragrances oils to create scented candles. You can use embeds for decoration. Cookie cutters and molds are also useful for designing the right shape.

In summary, you can take an ordinary store candle and make it a very special gift with just a little more effort. Your friends and loved ones will cherish these gifts for years to come.

About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more personalized gift ideas, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/personalized.htm">Personalized Baby Shower Favors</a>, see <a target="_new" href="http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm">Baby Shower Candle Favors</a> (<a target="_new" href="http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm">http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm</a>).

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

Kids Crafts: Balloons, Bubbles & Balls #1

Craft: Colored Bubbles
Activities: Flyswatter Bubbles, Cotton Ball Pickup, Balloon Water Fun
Snack: Chewy Popcorn Balls
Reading Selection: The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois

CRAFT: Colored Bubbles

Need:
dishwashing detergent
food coloring or washable paint
a straw
paper
shallow pan

Directions:
Mix about 1/2 dishwashing detergent, and 1/3 of water in a shallow pan(cold or hot)mix any kind of food coloring until you get the ideal color you want. If you use paint, make sure it is washable. Go outside with the pan full of the colored bubble mixture. tip one end of the straw in the pan, lift it up, and blow through the other side to create a bubble, then slowly pick up the paper and pop the bubble on it. Keep doing this with different colors of paint and you will get a great colorful bubble print picture!

You can also use the straw to blow a lot of bubbles in the pan and then place a piece of paper over the top to 'absorb' the bubbles. It will leave a nice print!!

ACTIVITY: Flyswatter Bubbles

Need:
clean fly swatter
bubble solution

Directions:
Fill a shallow plastic bowl with bubble stuff and provide each child with a new clean flyswatter. Have them dip the end in and then swish it through the air creating tons of bubbles!

ACTIVITY: Cotton Ball Pickup

Need:
Cotton balls
vaseline
string (or handkerchief)

Directions:
Spread out cotton balls in a designated area. Each player has their hands behind their backs, or hands in their pockets and vaseline on their nose. When the game begins, the player walks to a cotton ball, bends down and picks up the cotton ball with their nose. Either the first one back wins or set a time limit and whoever gets the most cotton balls. You can also play with teams!

ACTIVITY: Balloon Water Fun

Need:
waterguns
balloons
pennies or small objects
string
markers
clothes line

Directions:
Children will love these fun targets they can squirt with water guns. Insert a few pennies in a balloon. Blow it up and attach a string. Tie the string to a clothes line. To make it more fun, faces or bulls eyes may be drawn on the balloon. Hang many balloons of varying sizes and string lengths to increase the challenge. Stand back and take aim!

SNACK: Chewy Popcorn Balls

Need:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
4 Tbs. margarine
1/2 tsp. salt
8 cups popped popcorn

Directions:
Place the sugar, light corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a steady simmer. Add the popped popcorn to the mixture, stirring until all the popcorn in entirely coated. Remove from the stove and let cool. Fill a medium-sized bowl with water. Dip your hands in the water and shape the popcorn into balls, about the size of a tennis ball. Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and after they are completely cool, place each in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap.

Reading Selection: The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois
This is a great children's story to go along with these ideas!

Pam Lester is the owner and creator of <a target="_new" href="http://www.TheIdeaBox.com">http://www.TheIdeaBox.com</a>. The site offers free kids crafts, recipes, games and activities for parents, teachers and caregivers. Please visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.TheIdeaBox.com">TheIdeaBox.com</a> for more great ideas!

How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace

With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is beautiful. A little more effort is needed when stringing a gemstone necklace together.

First, decide on the design. Take a fishing line and string the gemstone beads through it. Hold the string of beads around your neck in front of the mirror to see how the necklace would look. When you are pleased with your design, then start stringing the beads together properly.

For that, you need colored thread that matches the beads and some nylon thread to strengthen the necklace and to needles that can go through the beads, 1 at a time.

Thread both needles with as much colored string and nylon thread as they can take.

Twine an end of the strings from both needles together Thread the needles through the hole on one side of the clasp and tie decorative knots to secure the strings to the clasps.

Use both needles and tie a knot as close to the clasp as possible.

Slip both needles through the first bead, one needle at a time, then tie another knot to secure the bead. Make sure the knot is large enough so the bead cannot slip over the knot. Slip the needles through the next bead and tie another large knot to secure the bead. Repeat the process until you have secured all the beads for your necklace.

Now slip the needles through the hole at the other part of the clasp and tie a decorative knot as close to the beads as possible. Slip the needle back through the previous bead to hide the string and then snip off the excess string.

That's it. Now you have a simple gemstone necklace. If you do want something more modern, check out these <a target="_new" href="http://www.buy-gemstones.com/gem-beads-necklace.htm">gem beads necklace</a>.

The writer is the webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.buy-gemstones.com/">buy gemstones</a>, a site which features beautiful <a target="_new" href="http://www.buy-gemstones.com/gemstone-jewelry.htm">gemstone jewelry</a>.

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

This is where you can really make or break your craft show career. Being able to produce quality crafts as efficiently and affordably as possible is the key to making a tidy profit from craft shows.

How Production Evolves

How you handle production of your craft show items will evolve over time. Initially you may produce all your craft items alone. This will likely be the most cost effective way to start your craft show creations. As your business grows, you may decide it is best to find employees who can recreate your artistic flair ? so you can build more products and increase your overall revenue.

Time and experience will help you streamline your production cycle for maximum efficiency. You'll learn as you go how long it takes to produce your craft show items, how long to allow for drying, setting or baking, what quantity of supplies you need for a certain amount of inventory and how much inventory you'll need for a one-day craft show. Basically, you are going to get better and smarter about how to build your craft show items ? so you can maximize the profit!

Always have some form of quality control if you're working alone, such as a friend or family member checking your crafts for sturdiness, appearance, etc. If you make jewelry, have someone else try on a necklace to make sure the clasp works, it doesn't fall apart while putting it on and that you are pleased with the appearance. If you have put a frame around a small painting, ensure the frame's sturdiness, so your craft customer isn't disappointed when it falls apart. Think about how you will transport your products during the production process, making them sturdy enough to travel or finding strong packing materials through your suppliers.

Over the years, your products will evolve as you make modifications to existing designs and add new products. With feedback from customers and keeping abreast of current trends, as well as developing new skills and interests, you'll probably add new products and remove slower-moving ones. As soon as you see a steady decline in sales, consider dropping the product-don't get attached, this is business. You can always use slower products as bonuses, gift items or for raffle drawings or donations.

Pricing

The crucial question about pricing is: How do I price my craft show products for the best results-good sales and good profit? Can I have both? You may fear that if your prices are too low, you could incur the wrath of your competitors or make less profit. If your prices are too high, your sales will drop. The right price is one of the most significant factors in contributing to your success or failure-and one of the most difficult factors to decide upon.

There are several schools of thought on how to arrive at the best price for your work. Again, time and experience will be your best guides. It is easy enough to raise or lower your price with each craft show you attend and eventually find the best fit. You may even find yourself changing prices at different craft shows as you learn the shopping patterns of your customers. If someone seems interested then walks away, ask them why they didn't buy and if they say price, ask what they would be willing to pay. If you get the same information repeated several times, it's an indication of what customers are willing to pay-at least at that craft show!

Although you need to test your prices, don't make drastic price adjustments in the same weekend, as customers may complain. Make smaller adjustments in different towns based on craft show results and customer feedback. Sometimes the difference in improving your sales can be as small as $1.00, such as lowering a $12.00 item to $10.99. And sometimes selling fewer items at higher prices can be more profitable in the long run.

Take time to consider your price carefully. Consider cost of supplies and labor, craft show fees, transportation and other expenses involved. The efficiency of your production will also have an impact on how much profit you can make from your craft show items, and ultimately both will determine your success on the craft show circuit!

Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show
business profitable in her best selling ebook:
Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site:
<a href="http://www.craftshowsuccess.com/" target="_blank" title="Craft Shows">Craft Shows</a>

An Introduction to Lanyards

Lanyards are pieces of rope, wire, or cloth specifically designed to attach to objects. They are typically used to secure small items such as a work badge, key, identification card, eyeglasses, whistle, cell phone, bottle opener, knife, or compass. A lanyard can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist. When worn around the wrist, a lanyard is often referred to as a &quot;wristlet.&quot;

One typical use of a lanyard is to wear it looped around the neck to secure and display an object that is frequently needed. Securing the object with a neck lanyard keeps it readily available for use, provides easy access to the object, and keeps the hands free. In a business environment, many employees choose to wear lanyards around the neck to display an identification badge or secure keys. A lanyard may also be attached to a belt loop to allow the secured object to be tucked into a pocket.

There are as many lanyard styles available and there are many uses for them. People who like to differentiate themselves from the &quot;norm&quot; can have a lanyard custom printed or personalized. A lanyard can be as simple and inexpensive as a 3/8&quot; shoelace style cord or as extravagant as a wire strung with expensive crystals and gemstones.

Lanyards are available for purchase through a plethora of suppliers, and many can be found online. The lanyard business is booming, as many large businesses continue to purchase lanyards by the thousands for their employees. Even when custom printed with company names, logos, symbols, or slogans, lanyards are relatively inexpensive. They serve as an effective and convenient source of advertising when worn at trade shows or given away for promotional purposes.

Lanyards have become increasingly popular for their ability to keep important objects close at hand while simultaneously keeping hands free.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-lanyards.com">Lanyards Info</a> provides information on printed, custom, beaded, badge, neck, key lanyards, and cell phone accessories and jewelry.

Rainy Day Fun - Crafts For Kids

Rainy days can be so boring for a child?and just as hard on moms. So we give some ideas to brighten your day and chase their rainy day blues away!

Shadow puppets

In a room that is fairly dark set up a flash light so it is facing a wall. Have the children make hand shadows?If they get really good at them they could even put on a little play.

My box home

As a little girl some of my best times were spent making Barbie homes out of medium card board boxes. Paints, markers, crayons, fabric scraps, glue, and so on were used to fashion wall paper curtains and the like. The ideas and possibilities are endless!

Little boys can make garages for there cars as well.

Magazine Story

Take ten pieces of paper. Staple them together. Have you child go threw a magazine and pick out 10 pictures to cut out. Tell him/her to paste one on each page. Now what ever order they are in the must right a story, the story should have some thing to do with the pictures on each page. This can be a real challenge but is endless fun and giggles.

Puzzles

Have you child search for a few pictures they like in an old magazine. Paste these pictures onto heavy cardboard. With a paint brush, brush on a coat of clear drying glue such as Elmer's glue. Let them completely dry. Once they are dry cut them up into different shaped pieces. Now you have a puzzle for this rainy day and rainy days to come! Store in zip lock bags.

Bean Bag Pals

You will need a 10x10 square of felt, thread, needle, a parent to sew, beans or rice, tacky glue and scraps of different color felts to decorate with. Mom or Dad should sew the squares together all the way around, all but about 2 inches. Turn the square inside right. Fill with the beans or rice and sew closed. It can be decorated with the scarps of felt to make animals. Googly eyes are fun to add as well but are not recommended for children under four.

A Gift of Comfort.

Not long ago when I was in the hospital having my son, I was given a special heat pack for my back. It was very simple and would be a great project for children to help with. My suggestion is have your child make about 30 and donate then to a labor and delivery floor.

Rice Sock Heat Packs

You will need white men's tube socks ones that have no preformed heal medium is a good size.

You will need uncooked white rice (not minute)

You will need ribbon any color or colors you like.

Gift tags that tie on.

Fill each sock two inches from the top.

Tie a length of ribbon tightly in a knot attach the gift card and then make a bow.

On the gift tag write the instructions for use (you could make gift tags on your computer and print them all out) Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until it reaches the desired warmth. Enjoy!

These work great, stay warm for a long time. If your child makes them to give away it is an added bonus of pride!

Dress Up

My children have a tote full of dress up clothing. I did it inexpensively threw yard sales, Dollar Stores, Halloween clearances and Good Will. I pick up things such as jewelry, hats, sun glasses, badges, fancy dresses, costumes and other articles of interest. Many times I save new things to add on a rainy day or another day they have nothing to do. It generates new interest and hours of play. One reader even mentioned the idea of theme boxes. Such as a fairy box if that was what your little girl was into or a princess or a firemen ect. I think that is a good idea for but also I believe a good mix of things inspires imagination and creativity.

Driving Mat

A huge poster board or cardboard is great to let your little one paint roads on for his cars In fact I bought my sons a light colors rug remnant (it was cheap) about 4x5 .It can be any size you like. My sons used fabric paints on the rug. They painted lakes, roads, airports trees and so on. If you decided to do the poster board you can use crayons or markers as well. They had a really great time making this one rainy day and still enjoy it to this day. When they are done they just roll it up and put it away. Card board milk cartons can be saved and painted to make little decorative houses and stores as well as stores to place on their car mat. Be sure to wash them well, dry them and staple them closed.

? 2003-2004

Jennifer & Gregory Gove

About The Author

Jennifer is the owner of simply moms.com. She is a full time stay at home mother living on the coast of Maine.To see more articles, parenting community, chat, baby name finder and more. Visit her site at <a href="http://www.simplymoms.com" target="_new">http://www.simplymoms.com</a>

<a href="mailto:admin@simplymoms.com">admin@simplymoms.com</a>

How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work

Many thanks for taking the time to read this compact jewelry article entitled 'How to Value your Jewelry at Home or Work'. You are about to discover the intricacies and formulas that highly qualified Gemologists and Valuers are using, right now, to evaluate and appraise gold, silver and platinum jewelry.

But before we begin, I would simply like to bring you 'up to speed' on what will be required. As you know, the art of valuing jewelry takes many years to learn (over five years before you can graduate) and then it takes several more years to gain the necessary experience to 'get it right'.

Gemologists don't all become Valuers because of this high level of study, which doesn't include the expense of Microscopes and Refractometers and Dichroscopes and and and....

In this program we don't even want to explain what these pieces of equipment are because firstly; they are too expensive (you can pay thousands of dollars just for a binocular microscope) and secondly because you are not a trained jeweler, and probably don't want to be.

So don't let that put you off because we are NOT trying to turn you into professionals overnight. That would be wrong of us to even try.

We don't want the Jargon either. Just some simple facts. What we are going to achieve is nothing more than a simple understanding of what you need to know, to at least get a 'Slippery Grip' of basic terms. The hardest part is NOT the testing or algorithms involved but mainly the correct and systematic identification of what your are trying to value. The calculations are nothing more than a natural outcome, which just proves what can be accomplished using the most simple school mathematics. If you can multiply and divide, and add money, you can do this course.

We assume you are trying to get a 'Ball Park' figure on something you own, or want to own, or sell, or insure. Which brings us to the first question.

What exactly is a Valuation or Appraisal?

All of the calculations and procedures done throughout this series of articles are built into our 'Online Jewelry Valuation Self Appraisal Kit' which does all the work for you. Why? So you don't have to. Simple...

You can go to the Valuation Appraisal Centre, to discover how easy it is to value your own jewelry at home or work (The address is listed at the bottom of this article) and discover why we use it ourselves.

This is an important yet sadly overlooked concept.

People, just like you, simply want to 'Know what it's Worth' but that's a very subjective statement. For example:

What's it worth to you?

Does it have sentimental value?

If it does, there is no way we can measure or calculate for that. It's a personal thing.

What's it worth on EBay?

That depends if you are a Buyer or a Seller. At the end of the day the value lies in what two people agree upon.

What's it worth if you bought it from your neighbor?

What's it worth to them or what's it worth to you?

These are two different things.

What's it worth when your local Jewelry Store has a 50% Off Sale? Are you really buying a bargain or is it just another ploy to get your money.

What's it worth if it's stolen?

Does this value represent the true figure?

If you were 'Fagin' in Oliver Twist, what was it worth to him?

Bet Fagin had a different price in mind when he traded with the Artful Dodger.

But what if you were the jewelry owner. What's it worth then? The Insurance company might have a different view to you. After all, they want to replace it as cheaply as possible, while you want it valued as high as you can. You pay the premium for the privilege, of course, but it still remains very loose.

Tip: A 'Valuation or Appraisal' is generally accepted as a price based on Insurance assessment. ALL other valuations flow from this one rate.

So the answer lies in some form of accepted standard which must be based on sound principles, backed by REPEATABLE formulas which can be expected to be 'around the same figure' no matter where you go in the world.

And thankfully, it is. Gold is Gold is gold... right?

The calculations used (behind the scene so you never need to see them) in our 'Online Jewelry Valuation Self Appraisal Kit' knows from your answers to multiple choice questions, exactly 'What's it worth'. Easy eh?

Go to the Valuation Appraisal Centre to uncover the secrets of just how stress-free it is to value your own jewelry at home or work (The address is listed at the bottom of this article) and let the 'Kit' do it for you.

Like humans, not all gold is created equally.

Thankfully. A lot will depend on what part of the world you come from and certainly can dramatically change the value of any jewelry item.

You may have wondered about that VERY yellow gold which comes from the Middle East or Asia. Is it the same as the gold on Sixth Avenue or Hatton Garden in old London Town?

Why is it that jewelers talk about CARAT weight in diamonds and gemstones, but also use the term CARAT when it comes to the quality of gold. Are they the same thing?

We will certainly be looking into that term in an upcoming issue.

You see, when it comes to Gold (this does not apply in quite the same magnitude for Silver or Platinum items) because it comes in more than one color and more than one quality.

You have the typical yellow gold, a green gold, the ever popular white gold which is currently making a bit of a comeback, and the sought after 'Rose gold,' fashionable in Victorian and Vintage Jewelry.

Each of these will have a different price structure when it comes to appraising your jewelry. Nothing dramatic, but a difference anyway.

Yet the bottom line could add several hundreds of dollars to a Bracelet or ring, so you will need to know 'How to' spot these distinctions in metal.

So how do you do it? By using the best tools a Valuer can possess (your eyes) while employing the greatest skills you can learn (how to measure things). Once you have these handy little methods in your arsenal, the rest is just a matter of arithmetic.

So watch out for your next issue of this mini-course, where we'll reveal the single most important consideration when it comes to valuing ANY jewelry.

regards and please watch the road. David Foard F.G.A.A. Fellow of the Gemological Association of Australia and former member of JATVC - The Valuers Council (retired).

P.S. If you are really serious about getting a Valuation Appraisal done quickly and easily with minimum effort.... then go to the Valuation Appraisal Centre to discover just how easy it is to value your own jewelry and reproduce a Certificate on your own Printer at home or work (The address is listed below) and follow the advice given there. Couldn't be any easier.

David Foard is retired ("Ha..." he laughs). He is working harder now than at any time in his life, especially over the 30 years he spent in the Antique Jewelry Trade as a qualified gemologist and member of the Valuers Council. Now he concentrates on the three 'R's of 'Reading' Ritin' and re-ritin articles, courses and producing a free monthly newsletter at his website.

Get all the info now by going to <a target="_new" href="http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com/">http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com/</a> and follow the links to the Valuation Appraisal Center.

History of Kokeshi Wooden Dolls from Japan

Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls. One school of thought believes that Kokeshi dolls have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion. Wooden dolls were thought to contain the spiritual essence of the dead and were often made for honorary remembrance.

The modern history of Japanese Kokeshi dolls began in the latter part of the Edo Era (1603-1867). Originating in the Tohiku region of northern Japan, famous for it's hot springs and rejuvenating spa waters, Kokeshi Dolls acted as an important source of extra income for local artisans known as Kijiya (which means woodworker in Japanese), who specialised in wood work and the production of household utensils such as trays and wooden bowls. In severe winters these Kijiya craftsmen began making "Kokeshi Dolls" to sell as souvenirs to visitors who frequented the local hot springs. The dolls acted not only as souvenirs but also as massage tools used by the bathers to tap their shoulders whilst enjoying the warming benefits of the hot springs.

The Kokeshi dolls were very simple in design, originally made on hand-powered lathes. Traditional Kokeshi dolls had common characteristics that consisted of a basic cylindrical limbless body and a round head. Though the first dolls might have been unpainted, today most Kokeshi are painted in bright floral designs, kimonos, and other traditional patterns. Colors used were red, yellow and purple. As all the dolls are hand painted, no two faces are alike. This is perhaps the greatest charm of the Kokeshi. Some dolls are whimsical, happy and smiling, while others are serious.

Soon their popularity spread throughout Japan and they became favoured as wooden toys for those unable to afford porcelain dolls. In addition the simple rounded shapes of the dolls lent themselves as early teething rings for young babies.

Kokeshi dolls traditionally represented young girls and they quickly became popular for their depiction of feminine beauty. In addition their simple charm and association with childhood meant that they were often given as gifts when a child was born, as birthday presents or as symbols of remembrance when a child died. In addition Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls were popular with the children of farmers as it was widely thought that they would promise a good harvest, as it was believed that it would create a positive impression on the gods if children played with the dolls.

The woods used for Kokeshi vary. Cherry is distinguished by its darkness. Mizuko or dogwood is softer and used extensively. Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple is also used. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used to make a doll. Today, Kokeshi is recognized as one of the traditional folk arts of Japan.

Despite their common features two schools of design exist, Traditional Kokeshi and Creative Kokeshi.

Traditional Kokeshi are for the main part still only produced in the six prefectures of the Tohoku region. The twelve schools of design here all exhibit distinctive features that allow experts to tell exactly where they have been produced and often by whom.

Creative Kokeshi do not follow the traditional designs originating from the Tohoku region and instead have an unstructured inspiration which is completely free in terms of shape and painting, the only traditional constraint being their manufacture by means of the lathe. Unlike traditional kokeshi, they do not display any of their distinctive local colour nor the techniques that had been passed down through the generations. They simply represent the creative thought and ability of the craftsman.

Traditional and Creative crafted dolls have become a cause for celebration in Tohoku and across Japan. Every year, in early September, people gather in Naruko Onsen where craftsmen from across the nation gather to honor Kokeshi in a competition where the number one prize is an award from the Prime Minister.

There are many different styles of Kokeshi, but there is one philosophy that all Kokeshi dolls share, and that is the pursuit of beauty and artistry through simplicity. This philosophy is extolled at the website: www.dollsofjapan.co.uk

Ivor Conway has traveled extensively throughout Japan and was charmed by the Japanese art form of Kokeshi. The website, <a target="_new" href="http://www.dollsofjapan.co.uk">http://www.dollsofjapan.co.uk</a>, is a global resource intended to further knowledge of these simple but elegant works of art.

Tech-Savvy Crafters Can Go Global

The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene, even pastoral. It's easy to imagine a potter spinning his wheel in his barn-turned-studio and then selling his wares at the little farmer's market down the road. Or a knitter, knitting quietly with a dog at her feet and a cup of tea as she gets ready for this year's Christmas craft fair.

But, in today's global market, such crafters, artisans, artists and designers need not rely on farmer's markets and craft fairs alone. The Internet provides such crafters with access to a global market, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, traditional methods of selling just can't compare in terms of sales and exposure.

An online presence can be a great benefit for any type of crafter, be it a jewellery maker, a knitter, a glassblower, a potter or a painter. It gives crafters credibility as a legitimate business because now their customers can easily access their information, including contact details (in fact, customers may consider you less credible if you don't have a website).

Crafters can advertise their domain name on their flyers, business cards and signs, and potential customers will automatically go to their website to find out more about them and their products. Crafters can have a complete, updateable inventory of their products with photos on their website, making it easy for a buyer to simply click and order.

A presence on the Internet is essentially like having a store opens every day, all year long ? no waiting between those craft fairs or local tourist season. And their customer base grows automatically from a limited local market to a worldwide one.

Considering all these benefits and the knowledge that if you're not online, your competitor will be ? having an online presence isn't so much a question of &quot;Should I?&quot;, but &quot;How do I?&quot;. But the thought of managing a website, especially one that offers online ordering, can seem daunting for many small entrepreneurs.

Crafters can hire a website designer to create an online presence with ecommerce capabilities for them. There are often high costs associated with the design and management of websites, of course. There are also concerns about things like security and payment, which must be handled appropriately in this day and age of identify theft. Another option is to join an online crafters' mall. A good crafters' mall will make things easy for crafters, as it will have created the basic infrastructure already and they won't have to worry about the logistics of maintaining the website; they will only have to update their personal information and fill the orders that start coming in.

Catherine Stabler is owner of the virtual craft mall Gold Leaf Crafters (<a target="_new" href="http://www.goldleafcrafters.com">http://www.goldleafcrafters.com</a>), which brings together crafters, artists, artisans and designers with interested buyers worldwide via the Internet.

Scrapbook Photographs -- How A Picture Can Be Worth A Thousand Words

For many people, photos are at the heart of their scrapbooks -- and for a very good reason. We all treasure photgraphs of friends and loved ones, and many of us carry some with us wherever we go in a wallet or locket or keep photos on our desk at work. And if disaster were to strike and you had to evacuate your house, many people say they would save their photo albums before any other possessions!

So most scrapbooks will contain photographs. Even the most disinterested reader of your scrapbook will look at them. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Therefore, it is important to choose photographs that are of good quality and clearly illustrate your scrapbook theme.

Any photograph can be used in a scrapbook. Even instant photographs can be used in scrapbooking. Just be careful that the chemicals within the photograph do not spill out on the rest of your scrapbook. Digital pictures can easily be printed right onto lignin-free and acid -free paper.

Always bear in mind that scrapbooking is permanent. For this reason, it is probably better to use copies of your only picture of Great Aunt Betsy rather than risk ruining the original photograph forever. So just scan the picture on your computer scanner and print the image on lignin free and acid free paper.

Everybody loves looking at photos of family, friends and special places. That's why they have such a special place in any scrapbook. It can be a lot of fun to use photos in imaginative layouts and for abstract effects -- don't feel confined just to mounting your photos as you would in a traditional photo album.

You can find inspiration for new scrapbooking ideas from magazines and visits to art museums. Just keep your eyes open and let your imagination run free!

Nigel Patterson is a writer on arts and crafts and the publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.all-your.info/scrapbook/">Create Your Own Scrapbooks</a>.

Visit his website for new and imaginative scrapbooking tips and ideas -- so you can maintain your most treasured mementos and present them artistically for you, your family and your friends to enjoy.

Tech-Savvy Crafters Can Go Global

The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene, even pastoral. It's easy to imagine a potter spinning his wheel in his barn-turned-studio and then selling his wares at the little farmer's market down the road. Or a knitter, knitting quietly with a dog at her feet and a cup of tea as she gets ready for this year's Christmas craft fair.

But, in today's global market, such crafters, artisans, artists and designers need not rely on farmer's markets and craft fairs alone. The Internet provides such crafters with access to a global market, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, traditional methods of selling just can't compare in terms of sales and exposure.

An online presence can be a great benefit for any type of crafter, be it a jewellery maker, a knitter, a glassblower, a potter or a painter. It gives crafters credibility as a legitimate business because now their customers can easily access their information, including contact details (in fact, customers may consider you less credible if you don't have a website).

Crafters can advertise their domain name on their flyers, business cards and signs, and potential customers will automatically go to their website to find out more about them and their products. Crafters can have a complete, updateable inventory of their products with photos on their website, making it easy for a buyer to simply click and order.

A presence on the Internet is essentially like having a store opens every day, all year long ? no waiting between those craft fairs or local tourist season. And their customer base grows automatically from a limited local market to a worldwide one.

Considering all these benefits and the knowledge that if you're not online, your competitor will be ? having an online presence isn't so much a question of &quot;Should I?&quot;, but &quot;How do I?&quot;. But the thought of managing a website, especially one that offers online ordering, can seem daunting for many small entrepreneurs.

Crafters can hire a website designer to create an online presence with ecommerce capabilities for them. There are often high costs associated with the design and management of websites, of course. There are also concerns about things like security and payment, which must be handled appropriately in this day and age of identify theft. Another option is to join an online crafters' mall. A good crafters' mall will make things easy for crafters, as it will have created the basic infrastructure already and they won't have to worry about the logistics of maintaining the website; they will only have to update their personal information and fill the orders that start coming in.

Catherine Stabler is owner of the virtual craft mall Gold Leaf Crafters (<a target="_new" href="http://www.goldleafcrafters.com">http://www.goldleafcrafters.com</a>), which brings together crafters, artists, artisans and designers with interested buyers worldwide via the Internet.

Simple, and Stylish Wedding Reception Centerpiece: Craft Project

This simple, yet elegant table centerpiece is a great way to make a fancy "to do" at each table, without breaking the bank.

This is so easy, even a child can do it! I had my 8 year old son help me. For my own wedding, we picked up stemware at our local thrift stores. The idea wasn't to have every table look exactly the same, but rather for each table to be a variation on a theme. If you're looking for a more unified appearance, please make sure your count is accurate and buy everything you need at once, to ensure colors and shapes match.

For each centerpiece, you will need:

1 wine goblet, or other stemware
2 pieces of tulle 9-12" in width (either square or circle)
2 contrasting curling ribbons approximately 10-14" long
1-3 tea light candles (the 7-hour floating type)or other floating candles, depending on the width of the glass
water

1. Stack the tulle pieces. If you are using square pieces, turn one of the pieces so that you have an 8-point star shape. It will add more visual appeal to the finished project. You might consider using 2 diferent colored pieces of tulle to add a more dramatic appearance.

2. Center the glass on the tulle. We're about to tie the tulle around the base of the glass, but before we do, we need to get our ribbons ready.

3. Take the 2 lengths of ribbon and pull them together. Make sure they are not twisted. You want one color on the "inside" and the other on the "outside" so that when we tie them around the stem of the glass, we have a beautiful contrasting mix of color.

4. Pull up the tulle and secure it in place with the ribbon. Tie a knot to secure the ribbon to the stem. Now make a bow and pull the ribbons apart so that your bow has more volume. Curl the ends of your curling ribbon and arrange the curls around the base of the glass.

5. Fill your goblet with water. You might consider coloring your water with a bit of food coloring to match your wedding colors.

6. Float the candle(s) on top of the water. Light the candles as the reception begins. Look for long-burning floating candles. You don't want your candles burning out just as dinner ends. A single candle floating on water will gravitate to the edge of the glass. Try to find glasses big enough to float 2-4 candles safely. Too much heat may damage fragile stemware, so use caution.

For a more elegant look, arrange goblets of different heights on the same table or change the level of the water in each glass to create the illusion of height. You can also decorate your tulle with beads, or find tulle that is already adorned with sequins or beads. Use your imagination and create something perfect for your special occasion. Place the goblet on a mirrored coaster to create a beautiful reflection of light.

Good luck, and best wishes on your special day.

Lisa Robbin is the Director of Product Development for <a target="_new" href="http://www.thegivingcandle.com" title="Scented candles, candle holders and decorative accessories from the giving candle">the giving candle</a>, the maker of Heavenly Gems resin-based clear candles. Lisa writes articles on all things candle related in an effort to educate consumers about making the most out of their candle purchases.

You can email her directly at <a href="mailto:lisa@thegivingcandle.com">lisa@thegivingcandle.com</a>

Leather Care

Leather Care

When buying leather, the best thing you can do is ask the people who you buy it from, what the manufacturer recommends for leather care and cleaning. Don't forget to ask what other products may work well for leather care too, as there may be something you're more comfortable using. Also ask what the product does to and for the leather.

While still alive, leather on the animal, fish, or fowl is maintained in situ. (It's their skin) The oils that keep leather conditioned and help remove dirt and grime from the skin of the animal are produced naturally by their body.

Once leather is processed, these &quot;living&quot; components cease to exist although they do retain many of their physical characteristics such as leather's porous nature and chemical reactivity. Leather is naturally acidic so anything alkaline is bad. For proper leather care, you want to mimic some of these natural processes. If you sift through all of the mythology, home recipes, and good ol' folk lore about leather care, you are left with the two basic tasks that all those natural processes accomplished: cleaning and conditioning.

Any leather care enthusiast will tell you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and if you want to protect your investment keep it in top form. Leather care is relatively easy but you need to be consistent. Leather can be restored, but regular maintenance is highly recommended. If cared for properly, your leather will last and stay in good shape for years.

You want to know the type of leather you have, as well as the way it was processed during tanning. For example, were any anti-mold finishes applied or was a sealant used, and how was it colored, if it was. Keep in mind that aniline, suede, and nubuck are not as robust as pigmented leather because they do not usually have a protective surface coating.

Pigmented leather is the most durable, full grain pigmented leather has intact grain, and corrected grain pigmented leather refers to whether or not the leather has been sanded to remove imperfections.

Aniline

This top-grain or full-top grain leather is not pigmented, just dyed whereas semi-aniline treatments combine pigment with dye, usually to even out the grain because the leather has some imperfections. The result is that the leather has a more consistent color and some stain resistance qualities.

If you lightly scratch the surface of aniline, it will turn a lighter color. Some nubuck leather will do the same thing. To correct the problem, wet your finger lightly and rub it into the leather. It should darken slightly, but dry the same color.

Antiqued / Marbled / Two-Tone

A second pigment may be rubbed over the original pigment to give the leather an aged or antique appearance.

Nubuck

This is aniline leather that has been brushed to give it the texture of velvet. In fact, nubuck is often mistaken for suede. Nubuck is stronger because it is brushed on the grain side, which is the side where the animal's hair was, where suede is made from the flesh side. If you apply the wet finger test to nubuck, it will darken slightly and dry darker so be sure if you do this that it is done in an inconspicuous area.

Pull-Up

Pull-up, also referred to as waxy or oil pull-up is leather that lightens in color when stretched during wearing, creating a broken-in appearance.

Suede

Suede leather is made from the fleshy side of hide. For leather care of suede, it is important you make sure any product you use won't damage it. Find out as much as you can about the active ingredients in the products you buy and the action involved. You might want to bring your jacket with you or a swatch if you can, and ask what would work best for it.

If you schedule leather care and cleaning you won't end up with a jacket that looks like someones cast off. I suggest scheduling a cleaning at least once a year or so. (Mark it in your daytimer)

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*** Hey! Want To Make Something Out Of Leather? *** Discover How To Make Leather Crafts for Fun and Profit Click Here ==> <a target="_new" href="http://www.leathercraftsecrets.com">Leather Craft Secrets</a>

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The above article may be re-published where you see fit as long as the resource box is included exactly as written.

The Surprising Popularity of Cigar Smoking

The practice of cigar smoking has been on the rise in the U.S. since the early 90's. In part due to a reputation as a glamorous alternative to cigarette smoking, the increase can also be tied to its popularity among celebrities, as well as to the social nature of its practice. But whatever the reason, it is clear that cigars are big business in the U.S. with higher sales of premium brands each and every year.

Magazines like Cigar Aficionado portray cigar smoking as alluring, and perhaps slightly risqu? (particularly for women), and so the hobby strikes a cord with young Americans. Celebrities are often photographed at parties or social gatherings with a cigar in hand, and cigar lounges find regular folks trying to emulate these stars. Clubs and societies, particularly those dominated by men, often design their regular activities around the ritual of cigar smoking.

In general, cigar smoking is viewed as the &quot;civilized&quot; alternative to cigarette smoking. Unlike cigarettes, cigars have a distinct, elegant stigma attached to them that often appeals to young people, particularly those with a higher than average income. They are most often associated with an elevated status in society, and the many of the available cigar accessories reflect that fact.

One of the most prominent cigar accessories, the humidor, reflects the overall style and refined nature of cigar smoking among young Americans. More expensive humidors are hand crafted out of wood. They serve not only to protect and preserve the product within but also to display them in a tasteful and fashionable manner. Large humidors may cost many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and are often fixtures in the homes of the wealthy.

But despite their prominence among the upper class, the increased affordability and availability of quality cigars has also contributed to an overall increase in cigar smoking over recent years. Today discount cigars are readily available for purchase, often from easy-to-find online merchants, at prices well below normal. Cigar stores have increasingly moved to the Web in order to offer a wider variety of brands to any location at a fraction of the usual cost.

In part because of its current glamour and in part because of its practical affordability, cigar smoking has never been hotter, trendier or more profitable in the U.S.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.cigars-web.com">Cigars Info</a> provides comprehensive information on cigar smoking, Cuban cigars, discount cigars, humidors, lighters, boxes, and more. Cigars Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-humidors.com">Humidors Web</a>.

Soap Making For Beginners ? Melt And Pour Process

As you will learn, soap making can be simple or complex. Some people enjoy the challenge of going all out professionally, which is fine. However, other people simply want to make soap for personal use or to give as an occasional gift.

Keep in mind that safety precautions should still be followed because soap becomes dangerously hot when melted, regardless of the skill level involved. Here, we will discuss easy melt and pour techniques, perfect for the novice or skilled soap maker!

First, keep in mind that most handmade soap is made from glycerin. When you purchase store-bought soap, the majority of the glycerin has been processed out. Therefore, when you make your own soap, you have a great opportunity to create something that is glycerin rich and soft.

Although &quot;glycerin&quot; is usually clear, with today's colors and fragrances, you can create beautiful soaps that not only make your skin soft but also look great. With glycerin, because it is a humectant, moisture is drawn out of itself. That means when you use glycerin soap while bathing, a very fine layer will stay on the skin, adding moisture.

BUYING SOAP

To go through the easy melt and pour method, you want to stop by your soap-making supply or hobby store, or online soap supply store. There, you will find large blocks of clear soap. These vary in size and type. Remember, the prices will vary depending on where you live and the store or business where you buy.

Regardless, the following are the types of melt and pour soaps you would need to make your homemade soap.

Hemp Glycerin Soap

This type of glycerin is great for the &quot;melt and pour&quot; system, creating semi transparent soap with the benefit of hemp. Hemp oil is rich with essential fatty acids, enzymes, Omega 3 and 6, and vitamins A, D, & E. When buying hemp glycerin, you should look for blocks that are around 20% glycerin, is alcohol free, and free of any harsh detergents.

Typically, you will find 11-pound slabs, which will make approximately 44 bars of soap, each four ounces. If that is too much, you might try to find smaller slabs or go in with another soap maker to split the soap. This size slab will average $40.

Olive Oil Soap

Olive oil soap is semi-transparent with just a slight tan color. However, the benefits and features are very close to that of hemp glycerin. The only difference is that instead of hemp, olive oil is used. When buying, look for cold pressed olive oil that contains essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and as close to 20% glycerin as possible. Again, an 11-pound slab for olive oil soap runs around $40.

Clear Glycerin Soap

This type of soap is transparent and has low shrinkage qualities. In addition, clear glycerin soap has very little problem with discoloration. This soap is vegetable derived and an excellent choice for &quot;melt and pour&quot; soap bars. You can add color or fragrance easily and the soap will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Clear glycerin soap is also a great choice for making soap with multiple layers, novelty soaps (those with toys, flowers, or other objects inside), and yet the clarity is exactly what you would buy from your favorite boutique. If you want a good daily soap, one that is fun for the kids, and makes an excellent gift, clear glycerin is it.

Goat's Milk Glycerin Soap

This type of soap originates from the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The feel is creamy and rich, and very luxurious. The appearance of this soap is off white. Many people shy away from goat's milk glycerin because of the name but you will find that it has no fragrance and actually takes both color and fragrance perfectly.

If you want soap that is natural, this is a great choice. Typically, goat's milk glycerin soap is slightly higher than the other types of soaps but still very affordable and well worth the investment.

MELT AND POUR SOAP MAKING EQUIPMENT AND INGREDIENTS

The great thing about using melt and pour is that you can use equipment you typically have on hand. With this method, you can use the base of a double boiler or your microwave oven.

Keep in mind that if you choose the microwave, the bowl with the soap substance will need to be covered with plastic wrap to keep it from splattering but more importantly, to help keep the excess moisture from evaporating. For the microwave method, you would melt the base soap on high for about one minute, stirring in the remaining pieces not yet melted.

For the double boiler option, bring the water to a boil. Then, add your melt and pour soap of choice, cover, and leave on low. This will take quite some time to melt so about every 10 minutes, check the base to see if it is melted. If you like, you can stir occasionally to ensure an even melt.

Fragrance

For both methods of melt and pour, if you want to add in fragrance, once the base soap has melted, then you would add the fragrance oil. Be sure the fragrance is mixed in completely and that the base of the soap does not have a cloudy appearance.

Although you can use more or less fragrance according to personal preference, typically a good rule to follow is to use .25 ounces to every one pound of soap base. In addition to fragrances, you can also use essential oils.

Color

Now for the color, if you want to create colored soap, add approximately one-eighth teaspoon to one-quarter teaspoon mica in with the melting soap base, making sure to mix in it well.

If any bubbles form on top of the soap, you can leave them for design effect or spray them with rubbing alcohol. If you want to use food coloring, start with just one drop to the melted base, stirring well. Then, you can add one additional drop until you find the color of preference.

After the fragrance and color have been added to the soap base, pour the melted base into the mold of your choice. Again, if you want to remove any bubbles that will settle on top, spray them with rubbing alcohol. After the soap has hardened, generally a few hours, you can use it and enjoy!

COST

As you can see, to make your own soap at home, you would pay around $40 for the slab of base, a few dollars for fragrance, a few dollars for coloring, and that is about it. The process is very cost effective, fun, and you end up with exactly the type of soap you love most.

Most people figure that one bar of homemade soap will average .50, far less than you would pay elsewhere. In addition, you can add in special items or effects to jazz things up.

Making soap using the melt and pour process is easy and fun? and makes for very inexpensive soap. Not only is it great for making your own soap, but it makes for truly unique and creative gifts.

Dave Cushion is the creator of the very popular book "Soap Making Made Simple!" To get additional soap making tips, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.soap-making-made-simple.com">http://www.soap-making-made-simple.com</a> and learn much more about this very fun and useful craft.