handmade

Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking

2009-02-04T15:40:00.001-08:00

I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all the possibilities there are for scrapbook layouts.

When I first began I pulled out and organized a lot of my daughter's childhood photos. Also collecting dust on my closet shelf was a box of other family keepsakes I'd kept throughout the years.

For example, when we went to Disney World, in addition to all the pictures we had taken, I kept the plane tickets, the cards you get to open your hotel door, meal vouchers, luggage tags, post cards, and theme park passes. These will make a fun addition to our Disney World-themed scrapbook pages.

For school, there are a number of things you can keep. Certificates, award ribbons, and report cards are just a couple of ideas. You can also break this category down into smaller ones, like school sports, plays, band, etc. I've kept all of the programs from my daughter's school plays, which will make a great addition to the pictures I have of her "in character."

Other keepsakes might include handmade cards or little notes your child might have left you from time to time. These memories are priceless, and could never be re-created even if you tried. Keeping these treasures in a family scrapbook will ensure the memories are preserved.

For holiday memories, you might have childhood Christmas wish lists, family letters, holiday cards, party invitations, or favorite family holiday recipes. I even keep thank-you cards I have received.

Looking through my box I also found some other types of family memories that would also make great themed scrapbook pages. Wedding announcements, funeral programs, and graduation announcements are a great complement to your family photographs.

Hopefully these ideas will get you thinking of things you might have tucked away somewhere that would be a great addition to your scrapbooking projects. If not, it's never too late to start.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For scrapbooking, card making, gift-giving ideas, and more family memory-making activities, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.crafty-moms.com">http://www.crafty-moms.com</a>

A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Swords Online

2009-02-04T14:20:00.001-08:00

Looking at all the various swords for sale online can make you feel a bit like a kid in a candy store. But if you are looking to buy authentic replica swords online, it can be a bit harder to get what you really want than it otherwise might first appear?

Sure, if you are just looking for an ornamental sword to hang on the wall ? it's pretty easy. Just look around for a sword that takes your fancy, don't spend much more than US$50 and your chances of getting what you want are good?

But if you are like me when I first started my sword collection, you might not know that there is a world of difference between an ornamental sword that you hang on the wall and a REAL sword that you can actually swing through the air or cut things with!

The reality is that the vast majority of swords for sale on the internet are what experienced sword collectors call "sword like objects". Even just swinging one of these swords through the air is asking for trouble, and may the gods help you if you try to cut something as simple as a cardboard box! More often than not, the swords handle will break, the blade will shatter or worse still, come flying off like some demented helicopter blade at a speed of just over 40mph (trust me, voice of experience here!).

The fact of the matter is that if you are looking for a REAL sword, you need to start your search looking for what online sword sellers refer to as a "battle ready" or "functional sword."

Unfortunately though, not all sword sellers are scrupulously honest in their description of a battle ready sword? And quite often, this description is applied to swords that are anything but "functional".

Essentially, there are three main characteristics that all REAL swords have in common. And those characteristics are:

<ul><li type="disk"> They are made of high carbon steel, NOT stainless steel.</ul> <ul><li type="disk">The swords have been properly heat treated to ensure they are not too brittle and not too soft.</ul> <ul><li type="disk">The sword has what is called a "full tang". In other words, the metal insert that goes into the swords handle is forged as part of the sword, and not welded on afterwards.</ul> Of course, not all "functional" swords being sold online accurately describe if they have these characteristics. Luckily though, there is a fairly easy way to determine if a sword is REAL or not. And that is by only buying swords made by a well known and respected sword manufacturer.

In my opinion, the best "bang for your buck" swords are all produced by 3 companies ? Windlass Steelcrafts, Generation 2 and Paul Chens Hanwei Forge. All of these manufacturers make good quality REAL swords at prices around the US$150 to $200 mark.

While you might think that this is a lot to pay for a sword, especially when compared to the cheap swords being sold online for $30 or $40 ? the reality is that you are not comparing apples with apples. And believe me, for this price range you can get some very mean, strong swords that you would be proud to show off to your friends.

For more information on how to select a your first real sword, as well as reviews, test cutting results and everything else you need to know about buying swords online, check out my website. <a target="_new" href="http://sword-buyers-guide.com">http://sword-buyers-guide.com</a>

Friendship Albums

2009-02-04T02:10:00.001-08:00

My 12-year-old daughter was mad at me when I refused to pay $25 for a school yearbook last year. Who are they trying to kid?

In an attempt to appease my daughter, I suggested buying a little notebook that her friends could write messages in for her. As it turned out, we found a small turquoise spiral-bound notebook for about $3 that she really liked. Her gel pens looked really great on the turquoise paper.

I also agreed to let her take my camera to school on the last day (it's a fairly inexpensive camera). She took a roll of film that was all hers to take pictures of her friends. She had her friend write little notes to her in her notebook, including phone numbers, AOL Instant Messenger screen names, whatever information they wanted to exchange.

After we got the film developed, my daughter cut the faces of friends she wanted out of the photos and glued them into her notebook. Next she added notes next to each photo, including the person's name and something about that person. The neat thing about those photos was the fact that they were all so candid. She got group photos of her friends, shots of all the boys she had crushes on throughout the year--everything she wanted to remember in years to come.

The total cost of her little friendship album was about $10. The memories it contains are priceless. When I last asked her where her album was, she said a friend had borrowed it so she could scan all the pictures for herself!

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For scrapbooking, card making, gift-giving ideas, and more family memory-making activities, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.crafty-moms.com">http://www.crafty-moms.com</a>

Marking Tools and Laser Marking Machines for Marking on Metals

2009-02-04T00:00:00.001-08:00

Marking tools are used for marking metals and non-metal surfaces. Mark can be a company logo designed with alphabets, numeric pattern or any graphical shape. It distinguishes one company from others. Marking also keeps you ahead of your competitors. Customers usually recognize companies with their logo or mark. Marking is the quick and easy way of identification among other products.

Marking is made easy with marking tools like marking stamps, blocks, punches and dies. The marking tool like stencil, engraving tool, stamping tool and embossing tool creates permanent neat, clear and precise marking. Marking tools have a capability of giving high definition graphically and permanent marking on metals like zinc, steel as well as non-metals like plastics, that are hard to fade out and eye pleasing at the same time. We have a wide variety of machine tools and hand tools. Tools can be made as per your requirment.

Laser marking system is a new form of marking systems. Laser systems are now used worldwide for many industrial applications including cutting, marking, stamping, embossing and engraving. Through laser marking very precise marks can be made. Computer aided laser marking system uses special system software. Its quite sofisticated. Results are far more better than conventional marking. Marking through latest marking machines is now made simple.

Copyrights - <a target="_new" href="http://www.reliantmarkingtools.co.uk">Reliant Marking Tools Manufacturer UK</a>

Read More about Marking Tools and Machines at <a target="_new" href="http://www.reliantmarkingtools.co.uk/marking_tools.htm">Marking Tools and Marking Machines</a>

Leather Care

2009-02-03T04:10:00.001-08:00

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

The Wonderful Art of Bonsai

2009-02-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These are the dwarf-sized trees that have been developed in the Asian countries of China and Japan for many hundreds of years. Most people have to go out to a forest to experience the marvelous plants that we call trees.

But in the hands of a master Bonsai creator, the beautiful trees can be reduced in size to the point where they can be brought indoors to be enjoyed at any time. And the person who learns this age-old art so that he or she learns how to create this small piece of beauty experiences even more of a thrill -- something closely akin to producing a child, but with the added advantage of being able to shape and design it themselves. And these trees grow more beautiful with age. Some renowned trees are as old as five hundred years or more.

Naturally, they need nurturing and care, just as any prized possession does, especially things that are living and developing, in the same way a child develops. But the care that is needed is not difficult, though it may require some time and some special equipment (not overly-expensive). And, of course, these beautiful trees can be purchased at any Bonsai nursery.

Usually it never enters the head of the admirer of Bonsai that they have the potential of creating them on their own. Becoming a member of any local Bonsai Club (they're virtually everywhere) will provide all the support and direction a person might require. It's exciting to sit in front of one of these miniature trees and realize that this tiny tree in its tiny pot might otherwise be growing tall in some forest somewhere. And you can pick it up, turn it, and see all sides of it without leaving your chair.

They truly are a marvel, these Bonsai trees. The word Bonsai itself means "tree in a pot." And there is not just a single species of tree that is adaptable to your particular area. There are hundreds -- even species that would normally not be considered a tree, such as shrubs, bushes and even plants like roses and many herb species. But, no matter what kind of plant you may have in your pot, it's always called a "tree" in Bonsai language.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to study with the great master, John Naka, also addressed as "Sensei" (master teacher). Sadly, Sensei Naka left us a few years ago, and has been greatly missed by all who knew him and knew of him. He wrote the consummate manual on the subject of Bonsai, which was his true passion. He traveled all over the world to teach and judge competitions and he loved every minute of it. He made his home in Southern California, but the world was truly his, gaining enormous respect wherever he traveled.

If you're thinking of creating or buying a Bonsai tree, you must bear one thing in mind at all times -- these are living things, and do require care and even love. You can't go away on vacation for a week or two and expect to find your tree alive when you return -- unless you've wisely made arrangements to have someone take care of your tree for you. And that person must know intimately the requirements of the tree. A trusted neighbor who, upon seeing the tree for the first time, says, "Oh, isn't that cute?" is not the person to entrust your tree with.

The principle tree for a beginner to start with is the Japanese Black Pine (pinus thunbergii), primarily because it's the easiest to grow and work with, and also that it's available in most areas and climates. It can be grown anywhere in the U.S. and most of North America. It's extremely hardy and adaptable to even adverse weather conditions and makes a superb-looking Bonsai tree.

If you're looking for a new adventure and hobby, I believe you'll be happy and contented with your own Bonsai trees. It's an especially good interest for people who are home-bound, and who need something to make them feel vibrant and needed, and to give them continuing joy. Yes, a good Bonsai tree is a tru

<a target="_new" href="http://www.jayspaintings.com">http://www.jayspaintings.com</a>

A Brief History of Candles

2009-02-01T06:20:00.001-08:00

For centuries man's progress has been lighted by candles. However, people know only very few things about the origin of candles. It has been written that the first candles were made by the Ancient Egyptians. They used rushlights, or torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten tallow. Unlike the candles, the rushlights had no wick. The Romans were the ones who it is said to have developed the wick candle. They used it to help travellers at dark, and to light homes and places of worship during the night.

America's first contribution to candle-making was made by colonial women who discovered that if they boiled the grayish green berries of bayberry bushes they got a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. But it was extremely tedious to extract the wax from the bayberries so their popularity soon diminished. The first important change in candle making since the Middle Ages was bought by the growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century. Spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil, was available in large quantities. The spermaceti wax, as well as beeswax, did not smell unpleasantly when burned. Even more importantly, spermaceti wax was harder than tallow and beeswax and it did not soften or bend because of the summer heat. Historians write that the first candles as we know them were made from spermaceti wax.

During the 19th century, people made most of the changes in candle making. In 1834, Joseph Morgan, invented a machine, which allowed continuous production of candles by the use of a cylinder, which had a movable piston that ejected candles as they solidified. Today, they are no longer a major source of light for people, but candles continue to be very popular and useful. Candles mean celebration, romance, ceremony, and can be an object of d?cor, while casting the same warm and enjoyable well-known glow.

This article may be reproduced on websites subject to credit being given to the author, and a link to his website. If you would like more information go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.candlesources.com">http://www.candlesources.com</a>

Machine Embroidery Digitizing - What Youll Need Besides the Software

2009-01-31T20:10:00.001-08:00

You've purchased an embroidery machine, practiced the designs that were included in the package, maybe even bought a disc of designs or downloaded a few designs off the Internet to stitch out. Now you're thinking about investing in digitizing software and taking your embroidery to the next level. But the digitizing program is just a part of what you'll need before entering the creative world of embroidery digitizing.

Choosing the Hardware

An embroidery digitizing program is image editing software capable of converting a digital picture to stitches and saving it in a format that can be read by your embroidery machine. And, like any robust image editor, a digitizing program is resource intensive. The program's packaging will state the manufacturer's recommended minimum computer system specifications to operate the software. Let's take a look at just such a recommendation and see how the 'minimums' stack up. (I won't mention the program or the manufacturer but these are actual recommendations from a popular digitizing software. Yours may vary but probably not by much.)

The Computer

Manufacturer recommends: IBM-PC or compatible computer originally equipped with a USB port.

I recommend: The same.

Operating System

Manufacturer recommends: Windows(R) 98, ME, XP or 2000. I recommend: Windows(R) XP Pro with the latest Service Pack and updates. You might be able to get by with an antiquated operating system but not for long.

Mouse

Manufacturer recommends: N/A

I recommend: Any comfortable, optical, non-rollerball mouse. When doing imaging you cannot attain the precision you need with a rollerball. And an optical mouse means there is no ball on the bottom to catch or jerk at a critical time.

Processor

Manufacturer recommends: Pentium 500 MHz or higher.

I recommend: Pentium class 1 GB or higher. The faster the processor the better. We're imaging, not typing a letter.

Memory

Manufacturer recommends: Minimum 64 MB (256 MB or higher is recommended.)

I recommend: Minimum 512 MB. Memory is cheap and more is always better. You can never have too much.

Hard Disk Free Space

Manufacturer recommends: Minimum 100 MB

I recommend: You'll need 100 MB free to install the software but you're going to need a lot more than that to store your creations. Purchase a hard drive with a minimum of 40 GB, 80 GB or higher is better. A hard disk is like a garage: It collects junk and you rarely clean it out. Give yourself plenty of room for storage.

Monitor

Manufacturer recommends: SVGA (800x600), 16-bit color or higher.

I recommend: 17" SVGA (1024x768), 32-bit color. You're going to appreciate the extra screen real estate from a large monitor, and you'll need to be able to easily differentiate your thread color choices.

USB Port

Manufacturer recommends: USB Ver. 1.1 or higher.

I recommend: USB Ver. 1.1 or higher, 2 or more. Some programs will run only if a card reader/writer is installed. That's one port taken. If your machine accepts input directly from your computer you'll need another port available to send your finished file to your machine.

Printer

Manufacturer recommends: A graphic printer that is supported by your system (only if you want to print your images).

I recommend: A graphic printer. You will want to print your images and the associated thread color data. As a side note: I'm not sure why anyone would have a printer that was not supported by their system.

CD-ROM Drive

Manufacturer recommends: Required for installation

I recommend: The same, but with a minimum twenty-four-speed (24x) drive speed. A higher speed drive is fine, it transfers data faster but it's also a little noisier.

CD-ROM Recorder Drive (RW)

Manufacturer recommends: N/A

I recommend: Once a year or so when you're in the cleaning mood, you'll want to burn your images to CD to reduce clutter on your hard drive and reorganize.

Deciding to purchase machine embroidery digitizing software is just the first step to truly creative embroidery with a personal touch. Get the most out of it by making sure it is happy in its new home.

Digitizer Deb Schneider offers her machine embroidery designs on her website, <a target="_new" href="http://www.windstarembroidery.com">WindstarEmbroidery.com</a>.

You'll also find <a target="_new" href="http://www.windstarembroidery.com/embroidery-information.cfm">Embroidery Thread Conversion Charts</a> and information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.windstarembroidery.com/machine-embroidery-digitizing.cfm">embroidery digitizing</a>.

You can email Deb at: dschneider(at)windstarembroidery.com

Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out

2009-01-31T17:40:00.001-08:00

The first thing you will need to do is check out the condition of your item, be it a train, collectible Barbie doll, Disney collectible, or some other collectible item. Is it scratched, torn, clean, dirty, new, in a box, without a box? You get the idea...

Use a good light source and check the item out very carefully, noting the name, identification marks, and any copyright marks. Also, check for any imperfections, tears, scratches, color imperfections, mars, stains, etc.

Many dolls are collected with the box intact. An intact box can raise the value of an item a great deal. Some are worthless if the box is damaged badly or missing.

NOTE: Some dolls are meant to be played with and taken out of the box to dress. Examples are the Tonner Doll Company dolls: Tyler Wentworth, Sydney Chase, Gene, etc.

Remove the doll from the box for inspection. Look for forums, discussion boards, or news groups where similar collectors gather online. You can also check on eBay (or other online auctions) to see what similar items are selling for and what their condition was at the time of sale. Compare the prices with, and without a box to see the difference.

To find your item on eBay:

1. Find the category on eBay where your item would most likely be listed. (Dolls, bears, trains, Disney collectible would be likely categories.

2. If using Dolls, use the [check only in Dolls box] in the search.

3. Use your keyword to search, such as "Barbie doll". This will bring up the current auctions window.

4. Now, check the completed auctions box, to check out the prices and descriptions on the sold items.

5. When you click on the individual auctions, you can see the price the item sold for, the condition of the item and whether it had a box. Look for terms such as NRFB (Never Removed From Box) or MIB (Mint In Box).

Note that the price on eBay is not the best price for your item. Usually, the price could be more if sold locally because the online auction buyer cannot actually handle the item and examine it in person.

Other places to find information about your item (doll) would be websites selling your item (doll), antique or boutique shops, toy or hobby shops, and resell shops. Also, check out the resource books at the public library.

Popular collectibles might have a price book that is printed for collectors. You can also use a collection of hobby magazines to price items or to locate the year the item was made.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot find the information that you need about your item, check out some local hobby clubs in your area. Most hobby enthusiasts will be willing to help you find the information you need and are eager to talk about their hobby. You might even find an expert on your items, or a buyer!!

? 2005, Courtesy of <a href="http://www.hobbyhour.com">HobbyHour.com</a> - You're welcome to use this article on your website, as long as you link properly to our site - the main page or direct article - and leave this notice intact.

Simple, and Stylish Wedding Reception Centerpiece: Craft Project

2009-01-31T17:00:00.001-08:00

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>

Tracing Your Family History

2009-01-30T11:10:00.001-08:00

Let me say straight away that tracing your family ancestry is a great hobby but very addictive, so unless you want to get well and truly hooked, don't start.

When I travel around the country to Family History Fairs, I am amazed at the number of people who say quite cheerfully, "family history is so easy, I did mine in half an hour on the internet." If they are happy with that, then good luck to them, but for me, if I cannot prove it, it doesn't count.

Family history is not about just collecting a pile of names and then trying to fit them all together like a genealogical jigsaw puzzle. You must start with what you know to be true and that is your birth certificate. On that will be the names of your parents, so, if you do not already have access to it, it shouldn't be hard to obtain their marriage certificate. From there until 1837, you can travel back fairly safely with hatched, matched and dispatched certificates from the Family Records Centre in London. Pre 1837, you have to be able to access parish registers, and this is where the going can get tough. If you are unsure of the area your forbears are from, census returns can be very helpful.

In case you are planning to have a go at compiling your family tree, be aware that you could be in for a few surprises (shocks). Just because granny always seemed prim and proper to you, doesn't make it so.

Pam Drake, Parish Chest. The Premier Online Family History Shop

Invitation Envelopes ? Make or Break Your Party

2009-01-30T10:00:00.001-08:00

What will separate your party from all the other events of the season? Of all the planning that goes into your special occasion, there is no excuse to forget about specialty envelopes. Your invitation is the first impression that you and your party will have. There are many ways to make your invitations and envelopes the hit of the party.

How important are the invitation envelopes? The invitation envelope is the first contact that you will have with your guest list. You are working hard to create a theme for your get together, and your envelopes need to reflect the theme. If you are having a wine tasting party, let your guests know immediately when they grab the mail. For a baby shower, your envelopes should reflect baby images.

Choose Your Envelope ? Tough to Decide

Envelope styles are cooler than ever. Many craft and scrap booking stores have some of the best options no matter what your theme is. Some of the best envelopes are those that have never been seen before. Here are some of the latest design ideas:

<ul>

<li><a target="_new" href="http://www.checks-4u.com/vellum_envelopes.htm">Vellum</a>. This semi-transparent paper is smooth. It is available in glossy and matte, in just about any color you can imagine.</li> <li>Square envelopes. A shift from the norm is the square version of the commodity. The square shape definitely sticks out in the mail.</li> <li>Clear Translucent. A unique alternative that offers a glimpse inside.</li> <li>Foil-lined. Linings are a great way to add color and texture to your invitation. Set the color theme of the evening.</li> <li>Linen. Classy, yet relaxed. Linen envelopes should be reserved for special occasions.</li> <li>Metallic Foil. More than just lining, the metal sheet-style envelope leaves nothing to be desired.</li> <li>Plastic button and string envelopes. Trendy and vibrant. A summer pool party complete with waterproof invitation envelopes.</li>

</ul>

These are just a small selection of the envelopes that are available. You'll be surprised how inexpensive these party favors are. Buying in bulk is still the best option. Envelopes are sold in units from one to one thousand.

Personalize Your Invitation or Envelope

Now that you have some ideas for the style and design of the special envelope for your gathering, there is more work to do. Customize your envelopes and make a theme that best represents your party plans. The ideas are numerous, but all are quite easy to put together. Create them yourself, or enlist the help of your friends. Some ideas that never go unnoticed:

<ul>

<li>Stickers. A classic, yet favorite method of adding charm. Everyone likes stickers, and they can be found in every variety.</li> <li>Paper doilies. Add vintage form to your favorite envelope.</li> <li><a target="_new" href="http://www.checks-4u.com/Rubber_Stamps.htm">Rubber stamp kits</a>. They're available in all shapes, styles, and themes. You can pick your own color.</li> <li>Glitter. A fan favorite for young and old. All colors and sizes.</li> <li>Yarn and ribbon. Available anywhere. You make the design how you want it.</li>

</ul>

Getting the most out of your gathering begins with the planning. For your guests, it begins with the invitation. Make them excited for your event as soon as they look through the mail.

Robb Ksiazek is an author and publisher for <a target="_new" href="http://www.checks-4u.com">Checks-4U.com</a>. He has researched and written about the little things that make a difference in the paper supply industry, from personal and business checks to envelopes and address labels. Turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

Comic Book Supplies, Necessities of the Serious Collector

2009-01-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

If you want to keep your comic book collection in tiptop shape, comic book supplies will become part of your collecting life. As soon as a magazine is printed there are natural environmental forces going to work to try and destroy the ink and the paper. You have put in a lot of time, effort and enjoyment in acquiring all your comics. You don't want them to turn back to the dust and elements from which they came do you?

Elements such as humidity, temperature, pollutants, human skin oils and even the chemicals of the printed materials themselves, will start to deteriorate and discolor your comic books from day one. Tools that have been developed over the years to help us combat these natural forces are de-acidification paper, polymer type storage bags, stiff backing material, storage boxes and desiccants (dehumidification materials). Not only will these comic book supplies protect your comics for your own enjoyment, they will add to reinforce the future value of each comic book.

Most all of these supplies can typically be located down at your local comic book shop. But as I have discovered lately, there can be a world of difference in preservation abilities depending on what materials are used in the manufacture of comic book supplies. Quite typically what you may find downtown will be of sufficient protective quality to protect your comics for quite a while. Although, polybags, to put your comics into, are quite common and fairly cheap, Mylar bags are definitely the way to go. They will protect for 100 years (that may be a little overboard) as opposed to 2 or 3 years for poly.

There has been a lot of elaborate science, particularly chemistry, which has gone into preservation material manufacturing the last several years. MicroChamber material has been developed that will increase preservation from de-acidification and environmental breakdown for a vastly superior time period as opposed to typical materials available today. Beware though, comic book supplies manufactured with this new material can become quite costly. But if you have some serious collector's items, which you feel are worth a significant amount of cash, isn't the investment worth it? It is also no secret that CGC uses these materials in every comic book they grade.

I have created a page at my comic book site, which incorporates links to some rather technical scientific articles on preservation and using MicroChamber materials. You can read an in-depth discussion at www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com/comic-book-supplies.html . Be forewarned though, You may need a moderate understanding of chemistry and physics to completely follow some of the discussions. But the articles will open your eyes to what is available in the comic book industry for preservation supplies these days.

Now if you have a rather rare back issue that may well have a high dollar value, here is a process worth considering. De-acidification products are usually used to neutralize acids in the paper prior to storage of most paper products of a pulp nature. This is not to be taken lightly, as it is considered by most to be an extensive form of restoration. The current understanding of the process is that the staples are removed and the sheets are submerged, film developer style, in a bath of de-acidification material. Then the entire book is rebuilt with new staples. This process can cost around $50 per comic book, when done by a professional, but will restore and increase the life expectancy of your comic book by many years. This process, in my opinion, should only be considered for already deteriorated comics that may have a considerable future worth if restored.

One final item to consider, especially if you live in a high humidity area is the use of descants within your storage boxes. A desiccant is a chemical sieve for water, and is available for industry use in small packets or in buckets. For our purposes an 8 oz can (that looks like you'd keep a grasshopper in) can be simply put inside the box to absorb moisture and indicates when it is full by changing from crystal colored to pink. These same cans can then be reused by baking them for 3-4 hours in an oven at about 350 F. Each canister can cost around $9-$10 from one supplier called GAYLORDMART. 1 canister per short box and 2 per long box should be sufficient. Another consideration is the little packets typically found in a box of shoes. These are even more inexpensive, but would require further research to insure no harm would come to each comic book.

So as you build your valuable comic book collection, you will want to put some serious consideration into the comic book supplies that you will need. Materials and supplier source will become important variables in your overall decisions. I will have more interesting topics and sources from time to time at my site, so come on over and visit. You may even want to bookmark it.

Dave Gieber, a former rocket engineer, has decided to take up residency on the Internet. He is the owner and editor of several websites, one of which was built around one of his childhood passions; <a target="_new" href="http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com">http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com</a>. You can visit here to keep up to date on the world of comic books and comic book collecting. Feel free to sign up for his comic book ezine at <a target="_new" href="http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com/comic-book-ezine.html">http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com/comic-book-ezine.html</a>

A Look at the Humidor Plan

2009-01-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

There are many styles of humidors that range from the smaller traveling humidor to the large cabinet and even walk-in room humidors. By far, the most popular humidor is the glass top humidor also referred to as the desktop humidor.

While many people will choose to purchase an already made humidor, for those who are more inclined, the art of making one's own humidor can be a very appealing idea and lend bragging rights at the same time. By making one's own humidor, the cigar aficionado can choose the materials, the size, the design and the specific humidifier for his or her own personal creation. The only limit is the imagination of the individual. Whether one chooses to make a simple, rectangular box design or one decides to be more elaborate, choosing to tool the wood with intricate designs, there is no wrong approach.

Performing a simple search for a humidor plan, one can find a wide variety of designs and plans, some for free and some for very inexpensive prices. If one so chooses, there are even plans on the internet for making a humidor out of Tupperware?. One can make any humidor from the traveling humidor to the glass top humidor to the cabinet humidor. The biggest question one must ask is how much time and effort does one want to invest in the finished product.

The major materials for starting ones own project include: -Cherry or rosewood (for external sides of the humidor)
-Spanish cedar (for the interior finish)
-Hinges (for the top)
-Hygrometer (mounted externally for monitoring)
-Humidifier (for maintaining humidity levels)
-Propylene glycol and distilled water (to maintain humidity levels)
-Weather stripping material (to maintain a tight seal)

The basic process for making a humidor from wood with the hygrometer and the mechanical humidifier is as follow:

-Cut the cherry wood to make a bottom, the four sides and the lid
-Cut the Spanish cedar to fit inside the cherry and to be used as the internal lining
-Drill a hole in the front wall of the humidor to receive the hygrometer
-Place weather-stripping around the hole where the hygrometer will be inserted and mount the hygrometer
-Attach the walls and the bottom of the humidor according to the design. Usually, with smaller cases, simple wood glue can be used with small brad nail for support
-Insert the humidifier according to the instructions for the specific humidifier purchased
-Mount the lid hinges to the lid and then mount this to the back wall of the humidor
-Attach weather-stripping along the lip of the humidor where the lid will sit
-Turn the humidor on and allow it to run for at least 24 hours to test the operation and to ensure that the humidifier maintains an approximate 70% humidity level
-After checking, place your cigars in the humidor and enjoy

There are many variations of humidors, affected by taste, requirements and funds available. However, the above plan describes simple steps for building an effective humidor.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-humidors.com">Humidors Info</a> provides detailed information on cigar humidors, travel humidors, and humidor plans. Humidors Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.cigars-web.com">Cigars Web</a>.

Scrapbooking Those Memories!

2009-01-29T16:00:00.001-08:00

You will find scrapbook supplies for photos and pictures in a craft store or online. Scrapbooks are used to combine photos and pictures to make a picture story album. Today with the advent of computers and image editing software it has become easier than ever to make your scrapbook.

Free scrapbook clip art is available online and will give you a head start in working on your book. The internet is an endless source of information to anybody interested in scrapbook making and scrapbook supplies. You will find ideas for different themes, excellent images,ideas and supplies online.

With the help of any search engine such as Google you can find numerous websites dealing with scrapbook supplies and ideas. Another source of free clip art would be coloring books.

After you find your free clip art, you can use a scanner to load the images onto your computer. After you have the images on the computer, you can use image editing software to add some creative touches to the clip art.

Other scrapbooking supplies would include glue, paint brushes, a wet and dry cloth.

One of the favorite uses of a scrapbook is to preserve the cherished moments of your baby growing up. Pictures and photos have will provide a lot of sentimental value in the future. You could have photos of the baby's first moments since birth in the hospital, first clothes, first hair cut, first diaper change, pictures from the baby shower, toys, baby's lovely mischievous smile etc. The ideas are only limited by your imagination.

When the your children get older you can capture all those memorable moments. These could include school awards, first day of school, first finger painting or first dance to name just a few possiblities.

Be a part of your child growing up and catch those cute unforgettable moments in your scrap book. One day your teenage child will be sitting with you and glancing through the scrapbook might just say blushingly, "I can't believe I did that!"

Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as <a target="_new" href="http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/baby-shower-invitations.html">Invitations for Baby Showers</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/Baby-Shower-Games.html">Party Games for Baby Showers</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/party-favors.html">Baby Shower Party Favors</a>.

Scrapbook Photos -- Getting Adventurous With Your Layouts

2009-01-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

When you have selected the photos for your scrapbook, you'll need to decide how best to lay them out on the pages. Don't feel obliged to follow any principles that don't suit your own design. There are no specific rules stating that all photographs or mementos must be placed in chronological order. It is completely up you to decide in what order you wish to place your items and embellishments.

Choosing Your Layout

You can place your photos in a formal chronological order if you want. You can also group them into formal or informal categories according to similar colors, events, activities, individuals or families. Photographs can also be placed into random or abstract arrangements, or collages.

Each style has its own place in scrapbooking. For instance, a chronological order might be useful for an anniversary scrapbook. Pictures and mementos of the couple's years together could be placed from the first day they met through the wedding day to the present day with each time period on a different page.

On the other hand, a scrapbook for a parent might just have a collage of photos and drawings to create a sense of the character of their family and their lives together.

Getting Creative With Borders And Frames

Next time you want to find materials to make scrapbook photo frames, have a look in your sewing box or craft cupboard. You'll almost certainly find bits of ribbon, lace or embroidery cotton that can be re-used to make fascinating and unusual borders for pictures, photos, text or even entire pages.

These items can be used in many different ways by the scrapbooker and help create a sense of theme or mood, as well as contributing color and texture to your pages.

Ribbons and Lace

Ribbon and lace are by far the most common and most beautiful border embellishments. The flowing nature of both materials encourages a touch of softness and elegance. Ribbon and lace are especially popular in gift and memory scrapbooks. Ribbon is easy to glue and attach. Lace requires a bit more patience.

For an interesting change from ribbon and lace, try using jute or raffia.

Embroidery Cotton

Embroidery cotton can be used in a number of interesting scrapbooking ways. Individual fibers can be used to add a focus to special items or used to give dimension to artwork or drawings.

Embroidery fibers can also be twisted or braided for use in artwork or as imaginative borders. Embroidery cotton can even be used to tie down other items in a beautiful and creative way.

Hemp

Hemp can be used for a number of purposes in scrapbooking. Single, twisted, or braided fibers can be used to add focus as picture frames, or along the edges of the scrapbook page as a border. Hemp looks especially good in scrapbooks with a western theme. In general, hemp can also be used to make a scrapbook appear more masculine.

Hemp glues quite easily and hides glue messes well. To increase the likelihood that a piece of hemp will stay in place while the glue is drying, place a piece of scotch tape over the rope until the piece dries fully.

Always trust your own instincts and have the confidence to organize and decorate your scrapbook according to how you see the people and events it represents. That way your work will form a unique record and have even greater personal value.

Nigel Patterson is a writer on arts and crafts and the publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.all-your.info/scrapbook/1/scrapbooking-is-easy/">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.

Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

2009-01-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving. Even kids would want to get into the picture. Giving gifts to their friends and loved ones.

Now what gifts can kids give that do not look tacky? I mean, kids generally do not have much income. It kind of breaks a mom's heart to see a kid break his or her piggy bank just to buy a gift for someone who might not really appreciate it.

A better alternative is to get kids to make something cute to give as gifts to those who matter to them.

One thing that comes to mind is a pet rock. Those cute little pebbles with faces, which one could get quite fond of. These are easy to make, and they are practical as well. Pet rocks make great paper weights. Add a secret message below and you have an adorable, personal gift a kid could make, without breaking the bank.

All the kid has to do is to collect some smooth pebbles, each around the size of his or her palm. Mom can supply the felt, glue, cardboard and pens. Kids just spend their free time making gifts they can give out on Christmas day. The glue must be able to stick the felt to the stone. To avoid disappointment, test first by sticking a small piece of felt to a stone that you do not want. Stick another small piece of felt on top of it. Let it dry. If the felt pieces stay stuck to each other and to the stone, you are all set to go.

How To Make Pebble Pets

1. Wash and clean the pebbles. Let these dry. Take 1 dry pebble to begin with.

2. You need white, black, brown, pink, and red felt, and a light colored felt to write the message.

3. Cut 2 ovals from the white felts to be the white of the pebble's eyes. Cut 2 smaller circles out of brown, blue or green felt to be the irises of the eye. Cut to even smaller circles out of the black felt to be the pupils of the eye.

4. Glue the 2 white ovals towards the end of the pebble, where the eyes should be. Remember to leave some room for the nose and mouth. Glue the irises to the white of the eyes and the pupils to the irises.

5. Cut out a small triangle out of pink or brown felt to be the nose. Glue it right at the center, beneath the eyes, where the nose should be.

6. Cut out a small crescent out of pink or red felt to be a happy smile. Glue it below the nose, where the mouth should be. Let the pebble pet dry.

7. Cut a piece of light colored felt slightly smaller than the pebble. Write a secret message on the felt. Glue the felt under the pebble with the message facing outwards. That way, whoever gets that pebble can turn it over and read the secret message beneath it. Kids love secret messages. This should appeal to them.

Once you and your kid have made the first pebble pet together, your kid should be able to make the rest of the pebble pets he or she can give away on Christmas day.

Here is another a tip about Christmas gifts. Every year, you and your kids would get gifts you do not like and spend money on gifts for your loved ones which they do not really like either. Everyone wastes money that way.

A smarter way is to be more upfront. Go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.christmas-giftshop.com/what_do_you_want_for_christmas.htm">What Do You Want For Christmas</a> and search for the things you and your kids really want. Then add what you want to your personal registry by clicking on the pink add to my giftlist button right below the gift. Get that registry to email your choices to those who give you gifts each Christmas and ask them to return the favor by adding what they like to their registry. Everyone gives and gets gifts that will really be appreciated. No money is wasted that way.

The writer is the webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.christmas-giftshop.com/">Christmas Giftshop</a> which helps you with your Christmas preparations and with gift shopping.

A Few Tips About Comic Book Backing Boards

2009-01-27T20:30:00.001-08:00

Comic Book Backing Boards come in different thicknesses and acid-free properties. The basic purpose for using a backing board is to give the comic some stiffness, which helps keep the comic pages from bending, creasing or wrinkling. When a backing is placed in the center of the comic it protects the comic book spine from crushing. The second purpose for using a backing board in a comic is its potential to neutralize acid in the comic book paper.

Acid in the paper that the comic is printed can cause the deterioration of the comic. Using an acid-free backing in your comic can potentially trap and neautralize acid in the paper. The three types of comic backing boards we offer are: Economy comic book backings, Standard acid-free comic book backings and Archival comic backings.

The economy comic backing should be used for short-term storage and stiffening purposes only. It does contain acid and can contribute to the breakdown of the comic. People generally use this board for quick sale items. The standard acid-free comic backing material is acid-free and can be used for long-term storage (over 100 years). The archival comic backing material is acid-free and buffered with calcium carbonate, which means that it will remain archival for 100's of years. Our comic backing boards are sized to properly fit into our comic bags.

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

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

What Is A Reverse Painting?

2009-01-26T08:50:00.001-08:00

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>

Rubber Stamps ? For Teachers and Students

2009-01-25T10:40:00.001-08:00

Once again we are reminded that summer is not long enough. It is the beginning of another back to school shopping season. New clothes, notebooks, pencils, and rubber stamps fill out the shopping list.

Teachers and students all have to prepare for another nine months of education. There is some fun involved every once in a while too. When the class has had their lessons for the day, it's time to develop some crafting skills. Children young and old get that chance to use their creativity in making projects, greeting cards, and seasonal crafts.

Rubber stamps come in handy in the classroom more than just for grading papers. Students alike have access to use <a target="_new" href="http://www.checks-4u.com/Rubber_Stamps.htm">rubber stamps</a> on their projects. Stamping is a way to dress things up and to add a little personality.

There are many types of stamps that can be fun for boys and girls:

<ul>

<li>Animals. Everybody likes a caricature of jungle lions or giraffes.</li> <li>Cartoon characters. Spongebob, Powerpuff, and Disney round out the top choices.</li> <li>Sports. Baseball, basketball, and soccer to name a few.</li> <li><a target="_new" href="http://www.checks-4u.com/alphabet_rubber_stamps.htm">Alphabet stamps</a>. Great for identifying with student's names.</li> <li>Seasonal rubber stamps. From Halloween ghosts to snowflakes to turkeys.</li>

</ul>

Limits on rubber stamping really do not exist. There is a style and design for everyone and the project they are doing. Rubber stamping companies are continuously designing new stamps for crafting.

Getting the most out of rubber stamping projects is having a large variety to choose from. Storage containers for all the stamps make them easy to find and clean up. Stackable stamp bins are inexpensive and don't require a lot of space.

Keep an open mind when shopping for the upcoming school year, and don't forget the school supplies that kids can use for life. They'll bring home projects for the refrigerator posting that the whole family will enjoy.

Discover the Truth about Comic Book Collection; Nerdy Geeks or Shrewd Investors?

2009-01-24T23:20:00.001-08:00

It is unbelievable when one says, yeah, I collect comic books, what the general public response might be? Oh no, a slightly off the wall geek. Here is someone who has lost touch with reality. Or someone that is in his or her own little world. I think not. Yes, comic book collectors may sometimes march to the beat of a different drummer, but who says we all have to be cut from the same mold. Comic books are big business.

Back in the days of my youth (what, several millennia ago?), I loved reading comic books. And so did a lot of my friends. Whenever we had an extra dime or sometimes a quarter, we could run up to the local small town grocery and spend some very happy times at the comic book rack.

We would even go out and find small odds jobs for pocket change, which was enough then to purchase 2 or 3 good flights of adventure and fantasy. I can even remember crawling under our house to retrieve a cat that had the misfortune of dying there. My Dad couldn't stomach the smell and enticed my friend and I to accomplish the chore for ample pocket change. We braved the spiders and other crawly creatures to retrieve and bury the unfortunate cat. Not long after that, we were the proud owners of yet, several more intriguing comic books. Even the local bully (who was really a pretty good guy) would purchase our worn out or unwanted magazines for far more than they were worth, so we could purchase new ones.

I didn't know much about collecting then. I just liked saving what I enjoyed. I had a large cardboard box that I kept under my bed, filled with all my little treasures. I didn't realize that I had the beginnings of what could have been something very lucrative. In later years when I headed off to college, I dragged my large cardboard box with me. At one point in time, I left most of my belongings in the charge of what I thought were trusted friends. When I returned from my forest firefighting adventures, my box full of magazines were no where to be found. And needless to say, were my trusted friends either. Others had seen the value in what I had and wanted it for themselves. Oh well, live and learn. That limited collection of comic books and other magazines would have been worth a small fortune today.

Are there big bucks in the comic book genre? Just look at what Hollywood has been up to for the last few decades. As far as I can tell, the really big blockbusters started back in 1978 with the release of Superman, The Movie. And since then there has been comic book hero after comic book hero to hit the silver screen. And they all make tons of money. The Hollywood moguls may or may not be "into" the genre, but they can smell large profits. And these kinds of profits aren't harvested from a small out of touch with reality niche. It take large numbers of individuals forking out 5 to 10 dollars a pop, to accumulate the astronomical profits that Hollywood is seeing these days. Made up bu individuals who may or may not want to admit their avid interest in comic book characters. I will stand up and say, I enjoy watching these movies and have even started my own collection of comic book character DVDs. Who knows, maybe some day my DVDs will become as valuable as comic books. Probably not.

Although, not every individual's collection has magazines worth thousands of dollars, there are a sizable amount of collections that can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. These are not people that have lost touch with reality. A while back, the actor, Nicholas Cage, put his comic book collection of about 400 magazines up for auction. Word was that he might have realized a value into seven figures. That ain't chicken feed.

It is not uncommon for single additions to be worth several hundred to several thousand dollars. Some comic books can enter the realm of several hundred thousand dollars for one magazine. Now the owners have to be some pretty rich economically savvy geeks. Are these the types of small niche individuals who have lost touch with reality or don't want to confess they like comic books? So the next time you hear someone profess, yeah I collect comic books, you may want to look inside yourself and say, how do I release my hidden passion and start collecting myself?

Now that you know this, isn't it about time you start a comic book collection for yourself? It is fairly simple, but there are several things to take into consideration. To get started on the right step, I am accumulating some of the best information on the Net about comic book collecting. Come on over and satisfy your curiosity.

Dave Gieber the owner of a website built around one of his childhood passions. Learn the basic essentials to comic book collecting success. To receive your free 5-part mini course visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com/5-day-course.html">Collecting Comic Books!</a>

Sewing ? A Wonderful Pastime

2009-01-23T21:50:00.001-08:00

To think that in the beginning the only sewing patterns used were to measure from ankle to dirt and chop off the animal skin so that it would not drag on the ground. Now you can get sewing patterns for everything from a simple square sewn together to create a throw pillow to an elaborate wedding dress. You can find sewing patterns by the thousands at any fabric or specialty store, and find specialized catalogues, which cater to custom sewing patterns for any size and style. You can now also buy sewing patterns online from all the classic pattern manufacturers, and the technology of the internet allows formerly unknown pattern manufacturers a chance for the spotlight.

Sewing patterns are simply sheets of tissue paper, which are marked with the dimensions needed in order to produce the garment pictured on the front of the package. When laying sewing patterns on the fabric be sure to avoid laying them on the wrong size or against the wrong part of the grain. It is advisable to take a sewing class before you tackle a pattern, which can be daunting to the novice seamstress.

Sewing can be a wonderful pastime. Sewing patterns for clothes, plush toys, home d?cor, etc. are endless. Stop in any fabric store and look at the array of fabrics to compliment your home d?cor or your fashion statement. Many fabric shops offer free or low cost sewing lessons. If you need a wonderful hobby, then sewing could be your answer.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.sewinginfocenter.com" target="blank"> <a target="_new" href="http://www.SewingInfoCenter.com">http://www.SewingInfoCenter.com</a> </a>

Scrapbooking Ideas for Kids

2009-01-23T17:50:00.001-08:00

Many times at auctions, or estate sales, a box of books will turn up a real treasure, like a scrapbook that was kept by someone in their youth and sometimes through their adulthood. The book could be 50 or 60 years old, and a source of great fun to look at the pictures, news clippings, and personal mementoes.

The hobby of keeping such collections is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, with people of all ages finding new and inventive ways to record special events or occasions in their lives. Scrapbooking ideas for kids can be very basic to start with, because once they catch on to the fun, they'll start developing their own sense of style and preference for decorating.

A scrapbook with reasonable quality paper makes a great special occasion gift for a child, along with glue, scissors, and perhaps a simple book on creating your own special treasure trove of memories.

Give them a start on their hobby by helping with the first entry, to celebrate the occasion such as a birthday. Cover a page in the gift paper that the book was wrapped in, and then tape or glue a photo of them in the center of the page. A package of 2" x 4" white labels is a handy part of any scrapbooking package, as they provide a clear area to put text, and can be stuck over top of an older label with outdated information. This is a handy way of adding your caption or comments to highly decorated pages.

Colored pencils, crayons, markers, and other artistic tools will also contribute to their enjoyment, as they use them to enhance a page with a photo of their new puppy, by drawing bones, mailmen, balls, and other doggy subjects around the picture.

Scrapbooking ideas for kids are only limited by their imagination in what they collect and use, from photos, to news clippings, souvenir programs from concerts, hair ribbons, ticket stubs from movies and more. They can even make mini scrapbooks of things like a visit to Grandma's, and give it to her as a Christmas present.

Kathleen Hudson is an avid scrapbooker and shares some of her best scrapbooking tips and ideas on her website at <a target="_new" href="http://www.yourscrapbookingtips.com">http://www.yourscrapbookingtips.com</a>. Visit the site to add new creativity to your scrapbooking layouts.

A Few Tips About Comic Book Backing Boards

2009-01-23T15:20:00.001-08:00

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

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

Capturing the Craft Show Market

2009-01-23T11:40:00.001-08:00

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>

Russian Nesting Dolls - The Beginning

2009-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in Russia in the late 19th century (believed to be year 1890), it was figurine of bold headed old man, Buddhist sage by the name of Fukuruma, on the island of Honshu, Japan.

According Hakone Town Office, Japan, products such as "Shichifukujin" and "Irokawaridaruma" have been created from Junitamago. "Shichifukujin" was shipped to Russia at the end of the 19th century, becoming a folkcraft called Matryoshika, or a doll having children. It is thought that Russian missionaries from the Russian church which used to be in Tohnosawa visited Hakone for the summer and took "Junitamago" back to Russia as souvenirs. Let us explain what Shichifukujin mean.

According Japan sources -

Japan`s Shichifukujin--usually identified as Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei--are traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to people. The seven have long been depicted in painting, sculpture, song, and dance and began to be worshiped as a group several hundred years ago. The practice of making a meguri, or pilgrimage, to shrines and temples of all the Shichifukujin during the New Year season became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Shichifukujin Meguri are still popular everywhere in Japan--including the Fukagawa and Kameido districts of Tokyo`s Koto-ku. But Russian nesting doll got another name and had a different meaning from the very beginning.

At the end of 19th century at Russia Children`s Education Workshop at Abramtzevo village near Moscow was established. Abramtzevo workshop started to produce dolls in traditional ethnic dress. That workshop collected dolls from all over the country and from countries abroad. Dolls series was designed to entertain childs and to give them knowledge of other ethnicities.

It is believed that Fukuruma doll inspired Russian artist S.V. Malyutin to produce first "Matrioshka" (nesting doll in Russian) doll. But Russian doll was different from original Japanese one. At Russia it became toy, game for childs, it depicted the chain of life, and got woman name.

It is the diminutive form of Matrona or Matriona. Therefore, Matroska, should be a feminine noun. "Matrona" is Bysantee and ancient Rome originated name, which means "well respected woman".

Matrioshka appeared as synthesis of Buddhist sculpture, pre-Christian toys of Russia and Christian beliefs of 19th century.

Original, ancient Russian dolls was produced from solid piece of wood and depicted ancient - pre-Christian gods. That dolls was in fact, miniature ancient Indo-Iranian pagans, they depicted Horses, Cows, Birds, Humans. Once Bysantee Empire style Christianity appeared in Russia at VIII-IX century, that type of dolls was transformed into wooden figures of animals and Heroes of fairy tales, cause " pagan toys " was not Ok to use anymore. Russian Matrioshka produced from solid piece of wood too, but became nested, and depicts people, fairy tales heroes or animals - same as many centuries ago, but now - with Buddhist sence, nested.

Nested doll was very popular toy for childs cause it helps to develop motility of fingers, imagination, representation about the sizes and colors.

"Matrioshka" nested doll spelled differently outside Russia. Exactly, According to the spelling mat + ros (as in albatross OR as in metros) + ka (as in Alaska) [m?̀trɔ́skə, m?̀tróuskə] According to the original Russian word ma as in machine; tro as in tr in try + Yo in New York, but shorter and narrower; ska as in sh in ship + ka in Alaska [mətrʲóʃkə] ----

Article provided by Russian nesting dolls internet shop: <a target="_new" href="http://www.rus-sell.com/catalog587.html">http://www.rus-sell.com </a>

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

2009-01-23T06:30:00.001-08:00

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.

Why You Need A Display Case

2009-01-23T03:40:00.001-08:00

Why You Need A Display Case

Some people are under the impression you need to own a retail shop to have a display case. While commercial display cases (like commercial pet display cases) are popular, many people often have one in their home. Why? Most of us have valuables stashed away somewhere in our homes.

These may include coin collections, doll collections, antiques, rifles, knives, military paraphernalia and more. Unfortunately many of us also have a habit of piling these items in trunks, storage or boxes in the basement. Now, that isn't a very nice way to show off your collectibles is it? In fact, it is the perfect way to help them collect dust.

Collectibles and Cases

There are many reasons to have a display case in your home. The most important reason is to show off your collectibles. In fact, the most common reason people own display cases in there home is to show off valuables and other collectibles. Fortunately there are hundreds of display cases you can choose from to display your favorite memorabilia.

Think you have to invest too much time and energy to do so? Think again! Setting up a display case is easy, and inexpensive when you know what to look for. The first thing you'll need to decide is the kind of display case you want. There are many to choose from. Many people opt for a specialty display case.

These include:

<ul><li>Die cast or car display cases</li> <li>Flag display cases (military flag burial cases)</li> <li>Football jersey display cases (and other sports memorabilia)</li> <li>Jewelry display cases</li> <li>Sword display cases (and knife cases)</li> <li>Wooden display cases</li> <li>Bakery display cases</li></ul>

You can even have a custom display case made if you own a valuable and unique item you want to display. Of course, you may not want to put all the collectibles you have at your home on display. Chances are however you have at least one family heirloom or prized possession you have considered showing off more than one time. This is the kind of item you need a display for.

Deciding The Right Spot for Your Display

Not sure where to put your display? No problem! Almost any place is better than the basement or your closet. Many people decide the dining room is the best place for their display. This is very much the case if you have China or other fine or delicate items to display. The den or game room however, may be a better selection if you plan to display your favorite sports memorabilia. Likewise, the living room may be a good place to show off your favorite rifle collection or swords. Truly, where you set your display depends on how many people you plan to show it off to.

In some cases, your kitchen or bedroom may even be the right place for a display. If you plan on displaying some cherished wards or other private mementos, you may decide you prefer to have them by your bedside. The key here is to think about where you want your display before you go and buy one. This will help you decide the right size, style and shape for your display. You can then select the style you want to match the room you plan to show your items off in.

Remember, putting your collectibles on display is far more interesting than bundling them in the closet. There is a reason you collected each item you have, after all. Your guests and family members will enjoy coming over and marveling at your ingenuity and motivation once you do get your items on display. Why not enlist the help of family and friends? You can literally throw a display making party. Get out all the objects you want to show off, then have friend's help you pick out just the right display. You can then have them over again to set up your cherished display case!

Remember, setting up a display case doesn't have to take a lot of time and energy. It can be fun and exciting. You'll pat yourself on the back for a job well done once you are through.

About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as <a target="_new" href="http://www.1st-4-display-cases.com/commercial-pet-display-cases.html">commercial pet display cases</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.1st-4-display-cases.com/diecast-car-display-case.html">diecast car display cases</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.1st-4-display-cases.com/flag-display-case.html">flag display cases</a>.

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

2009-01-22T11:10:00.001-08:00

Golfing and Fitness

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

Diet Hiking

Woodworking Beginners: Introduction To First Time Crafts

2009-01-21T21:40:00.001-08:00

Woodworking: The Process Of Making Something Using Wood

The art of woodworking is one of the most ancient and widespread. From the earliest days when humans first experimented with the many uses for wood, our civilization has had a connection with this material, in all its varieties and forms. And the growth and advancement of mankind has been closely intertwined with our ability to improve our woodworking skills and to develop new uses for wood.

Primitive civilizations used wood as material for building shelters, tools, weapons, utensils, and other items necessary for survival. As time went on, they began to expand the use of wood to include the creation of creature comforts such as furniture and decorative items. They also built boats and rafts for exploration, travel and trade.

As skills and knowledge continued to develop, and woodworkers began to understand the wide variety of properties of woods from different tree sources, wood became one of the most widely used materials, found in nearly all areas of life, from home to work, production to pleasure. Those who had a talent for working wood became important artisans and craftsmen, and guilds and workshops were developed to help document and preserve the art, train apprentices, and represent the interests of those involved.

Different specialties within woodworking began to develop, each with their own tools, projects, and techniques. These categories included: <ul> <li>Wheelwright - A person who makes wooden wheels and spokes.</li> <li>Cooper - A person who makes barrels and related goods.</li> <li>Turning - Using a lathe and cutting tools to create symmetrical, round or curved pieces such as table and chair legs, pedestals, and candlesticks. Some wood turners, called bodgers, focused specifically on making bowls, cups, and other household utensils.</li> <li>Carving - generally refers to any woodworking project that involves removing pieces of the original wood to create a finished product.</li> <li>Carpenter - historically a wagon maker but over time the term has come to be associated with woodworking in general and more specifically with home and commercial construction.</li> <li>Cabinetmaker - Someone who specializes in making cabinets, shelving, and some pieces of furniture, such as chests, curious and other storage items.</li> <li>Shipwright - professional shipbuilder, often assisted by craftsmen from other areas of woodworking.</li> <li>Parquetry and Marquetry - Creating beautiful and often complex patterns with different wood veneers. Originally used as decoration on furniture and some homes, but now has expanded to include artwork and picture making. Parquetry typically involves the use of geometric shapes, while Marquetry draws from life images and scenery.</li></ul> Today, some of these categories have become obsolete as steel, plastic, cement, and other compounds have replaced wood in many situations. While wood is still used in numerous important applications, including home and commercial construction and furniture making, woodworking has become an activity practiced less for necessity and more for pleasure, challenge, satisfaction, and honor.

For some, woodworking is still a means of making a living, but for many, it is a fun and rewarding hobby. In addition, the tools, techniques, and applications have become more advanced and sophisticated. A person just getting started in woodworking could soon become overwhelmed with the amazing number of choices.

Most experienced woodworkers would agree that the art is still a progressive experience, taking many years to learn and advance in skill-level. The knowledge needed to create a stunning and functional chest of drawers, grandfather clock, desk or other fine piece of furniture for example, takes time and practice to develop. And the skills needed often overlap the different areas of specialization in woodworking.

Not knowing where to start or how to focus their interests, many people new to woodworking become discouraged and frustrated and soon give up. In addition, taking on projects that are too difficult or trying to work with inadequate tools can also lead beginners to decide that woodworking is not for them.

Luckily, tips and ideas from expert woodworkers can help those new to woodworking get off on the right foot. In an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of woodworking we have done the work, travelled and talked to experts in their fields, and grilled them over their secrets, their challenges, all their experiences, and their key advice for beginners. Those interviewed include fine furniture makers, master carvers, seasoned shop teachers, and several other skilled craftsmen who have been working with wood for decades.

One of the most common suggestions given was to start with the basics of general woodworking and the use of common tools used, and to avoid getting too complicated too fast. There was strong emphasis on building a solid knowledge of different woods, using key hand tools, starting with simple projects to develop key skills, and learn about safety.

As one expert toy maker, shared, "Getting a good working knowledge of woods and basic hand tools is the best thing a beginner can do to ensure future success. You need to know what type of wood works best for different projects, and if you know how to measure, cut, shape and join with hand tools, you'll be much better at it when it comes to using power tools and woodworking machines."

Taking the experts' advice, comments, and tips to heart we explored those beginning, foundation skills in a manner that is easy to understand and does not intimidate beginners. You will learn about: <ul> <li>common woodworking terms</li> <li>the traits and uses of some of the most popular types of wood</li> <li>general woodworking safety</li> <li>different types of hand tools and their proper use and care</li> <li>basic types of projects for beginners</li> <li>introduction to woodcarving and the tools needed</li> </ul> Also provided is a resources list with details on different publications, websites, and other sources of information for beginning woodworkers.

It is important to note that the field is filled with talented and skilled craftsman of both genders. Women are active in all aspects of woodworking and have established reputations for quality work. We spoke with several women in gathering material and their input was an important contribution.

That is one of the beauties of woodworking; it is a field that is open to people of all ages, genders, races, backgrounds, educational levels, etc. Anyone willing to learn and to take the time to practice can become skilled.

Woodworking is a vast and interesting realm with seemingly endless applications and opportunities to learn. Enthusiasts can take their skills to many different levels and interest directions, and even make a living with their woodworking abilities. By mastering the basics and establishing a solid foundation, you take the first, and perhaps most important steps to becoming a successful woodworker.

Copyright ? 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact. Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new <a target="_new" href="http://woodworking.byethost33.com"> "Woodworking Beginner's Guide - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started" </a>, made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.

Airbrush for Profit - Sell Your Services to Colleges

2009-01-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

Colleges, schools, university and the like are one way you can make money from airbrushing. Why they are a good market is that there are plenty of students to begin with. Therefore, you are starting with a big customer base. Generally, look for any large groups when you want to make money from airbrushing. The cost of advertising will be low, and you will get to concentrate all your energies on one group.

You could arrange to sell your products and services at different school events. You could set up a booth at the school fair, paint at concerts, sell at dances, or any other big event or day they may have. Sell face painting, t-shirts, temporary tattoos, anything really.

One particularly good event that you can sell your product or service is graduation day. Call the organising committee and see if they would like a particular product airbrushed for the Graduating Class. One product that would be a good money earner, that students would love to get their hands on are "Class of 2005" t-shirts. Paint something that will remind them of the school or the year that past. Ask the organisers what they would like to see on them, and give them a few FREE SAMPLES to model for you around the school. You never know, a school with 200 graduates could be a good weekends work, not to mention the extra money you could make.

Talk to the committee and see if you are able to set up a work area at their end of year function. That special night, could also be a special night for you. Most times, students love to remember the night. You could be the right person to give them what they want!

Get more information at <a target="_new" href="http://www.makemoneyairbrushing.com">Make Money Airbrushing</a>.

About the Author
Roger Vail is a marketer who helps people find ways to sell their airbrush products so they can earn a little extra cash. His ebook and blog can be found on his website at <a target="_new" href="http://www.makemoneyairbrushing.com">Make Money Airbrushing</a>.

What is a Battle Ready Sword?

2009-01-21T17:40:00.001-08:00

You'd think that the term "battle ready sword" would be pretty much self explanatory wouldn't you?

Unfortunately, many of the swords being described as "battle ready" are anything but. And to quote Adrian Ko from Sword Forum International, "a lot of these swords I wouldn't want to take into battle even if they were strapped to a M-16. And even then I'd be worried!"

Don't let that put you off though. You'll find that there are actually some pretty good swords to be found in this broad category, IF you know what to look for.

The first thing you need to look for in a truly "functional" sword is the type of steel it is made from. To keep it simple, 99% of all real battle ready swords are made from properly heat treated high carbon steel .

Stainless steel swords are a big no no. Why? Well basically, stainless steel is great for making knives. But any stainless steel blade over 12" in length tends to become brittle, which is clearly not the kind of thing you want for a "battle ready sword." So steer well away from sales pitches that describe "fully functional stainless steel blade"!

There really is no such thing?

The second thing to look out for is the swords handle, or more specifically the tang (the bit of metal which attaches the sword to the handle).

Most cheap "wall hanger" swords have what is known as a rat tail tang, in other words the tang is just a thin bit of metal welded to the sword blade. Rat tail tangs are a major cause of a sword breaking when swung through the air, and can be extremely dangerous, creating what sword enthusiasts refer to as a "helicopter". (very scary stuff when this happens, trust me!)

What you should be looking for is a sword that has a "full tang", in other words a tang that has been forged as part of the sword, not tacked on afterwards?

Finally, it's also important to consider a swords overall weight and balance.

Contrary to popular belief, a heavy sword is NOT a good sword. Historically, nearly all swords weighed under 3lbs, and this was because to reach maximum speed and deliver the most powerful blow, they needed to be relatively light and well balanced. So swords over 3lbs should be viewed with a very cautious and suspicious eye.

Of course, it's not always possible to see immediately in a swords description if it has all these essential characteristics. So if you see a sword being described as "battle ready" or functional, but aren't sure if it really has all the above characteristics ? either ASK the seller what kind of steel the sword is made from, how it has been heat treated, what kind of tang it has or how much it weighs, or look for another listing that does.

Otherwise, you'll probably end up with a sword that snaps in half the first time you swing it really hard, or worse still, shatters into shards of steel when you try and hack up a cardboard box?

For more information on choosing a good battle ready sword, as well as some easy ways to find them, including reviews and tests of some of the most affordable yet high quality blades on the market, check out my website <a target="_new" href="http://sword-buyers-guide.com">http://sword-buyers-guide.com</a>

The Easy Way to Make a Club Logo

2009-01-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

Are you a member of a club or association? Have you ever thought how much better your letterheads would look with your own club logo? How about a sign for your club with your logo and club name on it?

Well, it is really very easy to make up your own logo. It will be unique to your club too.

By using your computer and some copyright free clipart you will have a huge range of material to choose from. Here's how to begin this exciting project.

You are going to select suitable objects from the clipart package and use these to design your logo.

Choose things that relate to your club's activities. For example, cameras, tripod, and film for a photography club. Or perhaps a checked background with a few chess pieces for a chess club.

The easiest way is to open an art/graphics program - most computers come with one. This does not need to be any particular program just whatever you have available.

Have a look through the clipart. This can be the ones that come with the art/graphics program or one of the many clipart CD that are for sale. Try to use copyright free clipart, most clipart is. You will be combining various clipart objects in your final logo so there shouldn't be any copyright problems anyway.

I like to copy and paste the various clipart objects onto one page in the art program. It saves going back and forth to the clipart. Collect together suitable objects that relate to your club.

Next decide on the shape you would like the logo to be. It could be square, round, arched, even heart shaped.

Open a new page then start with the logo shape and fill it in with a suitable colour. This will depend on the colours of your other objects. If the objects are dark then a light background will be better, and if the objects are mainly light try using a darker background.

Use copy and paste to move the objects onto the page with the logo background. Place your objects onto the background. Resize them to suit the background if necessary.

I like to have some of them overlapping; I think it looks more interesting. When you do this select the one you want to bring to the front, then click on Arrange, then Layer, and bring forward. Your program may be a bit different but it will let you do this - use the Help menu if you need to.

If you want to include the club name, leave room for it when you are placing the objects.

To add the club's name add a Text Box. Type in the club's name. You can use any font you like - there is almost too much choice. Move the text box into the correct position.

You could use a banner shape from the options in the program and place the club name on it if that would suit your layout.

Once you have an arrangement you like use the Edit menu to Select All, and then Save it.

You can make several logos with different objects and different layouts. Be sure to Save the ones you like!

Print them out, and take your new logos to the club so that the club members can decide on the best one to use.

It has never been so easy to create your own logo. How about one for yourself or your family?

Add the logo to all your club stationery. Use it on your letterhead, cards, and activity programs. You could even make your own sign.

A good logo will make your club standout from the crowd.

Catherine Calder is the author of the popular Acrylic Painting Course. Check out The Acrylic Painting Course Special Report 'The Easy Way to Brighten Your Community' for further information on the easy way to make your own club logo as well as a simple technique for painting a club sign - including your club's name and new logo. Look in the Special Reports section at <a target="_new" href="http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp">http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp</a>

50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby

2009-01-21T12:50:00.001-08:00

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun, it also allows you to be creative and to spend quality time with your family and friends. Plus, it results in a storybook of lifelong memories.

One very important element of scrapbooking is getting it all organized. This includes, but is not limited to:

<ul>

<li>storing all of your supplies in an organized fashion so they can be found instantly when you need them.

<li>remembering what supplies to pick up at the store, and eliminating duplicate purchases.

<li>finding time to research new and creative ways to spruce up your scrapbooks.

<li>finding enough time to enjoy the art of scrapbooking in your busy life.

</ul>

<li>TELL A STORY.

Plan your photos, before you shoot. Instead of taking random shots of someone standing here, or someone else sitting there, tell a story. For example, let's say it's Halloween. You may plan on taking four photos of your child:

<li>on the hayride taking him/her to the pumpkin field.

<li>looking for a pumpkin.

<li>finding a pumpkin.

<li>with the carved pumpkin later.

<li>GREAT PHOTOS.

Photos for your scrapbooks can be extra nice if you take a little bit of time to learn some basic photography. Visit www.kodak.com for a quick photography tutorial. Getting organized has a lot to do with preparation and this site is filled with helpful tips and ideas.

<li>WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN.

Organized documentation is important for the serious scrapbooker. The main goal is to eliminate future questions such as "Who or what is that?", "Where and when was this photo taken?", and so on. Document photos as you're taking them, so you'll know exactly what is on each roll of film. That way you'll be prepared when you're ready to organize the photos in your scrapbooks.

<li>TAKE CARE OF THAT UNDEVELOPED FILM.

If you find rolls of film around your house that are ready to go to the developer, bring them today. You may consider mailing all of your film to a supplier such as www.mysticcolorlab.com so you don't have to spend time dropping off film or picking up photos. Simply mail your film out, and you'll get your photos back in the mail a week later. From now on, always get your film developed as soon as you take the used rolls out of your camera.

<li>STORING PHOTOGRAPHS.

Once your photos are developed, you need a place to store them until you're ready to put them in your scrapbook. Keep them separated by year or event, in Ziplock bags. Label each bag with a number, and put a corresponding number on your Documentation Form. Then, store them in a photo box. Keep the box in a dry, cool place to protect your photos until you're ready to put the photos into your scrapbook.

<li>ORGANIZING BOXES OF PHOTOS.

If you have boxes of photos that span from the beginning of the 1900's to now, it's time to start getting them organized. Schedule a day and time to begin sorting through them and stick with your appointment when the day rolls around. Get your kids, or friends, to help out. Begin by making piles, categorized by event or year. If you don't know the exact year, at least sort them by decade. This may take a little while, but once everything is separated, scrapbooking your photos will be much easier and more pleasant. Once they're all sorted, store your photographs as mentioned above.

<li>WORK BACKWARDS.

If you're planning to scrapbook lots of photos from way back, start with the most recent photos you have, and work backwards. Chances are, you have a journal describing recent photos, and even if you don't, you can probably recall the details more easily. Older photos--the ones that you don't have a journal for--will take a little more thinking.

<li>BABY STEPS.

If your scrapbooking hobby seems like a colossal job to you, it's not going to be fun. Don't feel like you have to put ALL of your photos into scrapbooks. You can always put the majority of your photos in acid-free photo albums or photo boxes where they will be safe. Choose a small set of photos to begin scrapbooking. Once you're done with this small set, you can then decide whether you want to dig into your photo albums or photo boxes and continue scrapbooking them, or leave those photos where they are, and simply scrapbook any new photos in the future.

<li>DOUBLE PRINTS.

Double prints will do you no good if they're just sitting in your photo box taking up space. Do something with them. Perhaps send them to someone who is in the photograph. It's a great way to keep in touch. Or, pass the doubles onto your young children who may like to create their own scrapbooks. It's a great way for them to learn your beloved hobby and decide if they would like it to be a hobby of their own.

<li>RELATED STUFF.

Sometimes, for the purpose of creatively decorating your scrapbook, you may wish to keep tickets, brochures, maps, postcards, and so on, that are related to a particular trip or event. Use manila file folders or catalog envelopes for this purpose. Label the folder/envelope so that you know which photos/Documentation Form it corresponds to. File these until they're ready to be used.

<li>KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER.

Already have a pretty good idea of stickers, diecuts, etc. that you're planning to use with a particular set of photographs? Keep them in the same Ziplock bag with the photos until you're ready to put them into your scrapbook. This way, everything will be in one place and ready to use.

<li>STICKERS AND SHAPES.

Stickers and punched shapes can be kept in acid-free sheet protectors, plastic baseball card sheets, business card sheets, or even Ziplock bags that are 3-hole punched. Each sheet should be categorized and labeled by theme: birthday, Christmas, Halloween, wedding, springtime, etc. Insert these sheets into a 3-ring binder. If you have a large number of stickers and shapes, you may want to use index dividers labeled with general categories. For example, a general HOLIDAY category, may hold Easter, Christmas/Hanukkah, Halloween, etc., a general SEASONS category, may hold Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, and so on.

<li>TINY STUFF.

For very tiny diecuts and other small items, consider storing then in empty film canisters. The clear ones are best, but if you only have opaque ones, simply stick a label--or the actual diecut attached with a piece of tape-- on the canister indicating what is inside. Baby food jars serve the same purpose well.

<li>PAPER.

Where do you keep all of that cool paper until you're ready to use it? You can get a plastic, portable filing container--research its composition to assure archival safety--that holds hanging file folders. Label the hanging files by theme or color. You may want to place a manila file folder into each hanging file folder, to keep your papers from curling. Or, you may buy file folder pockets or sheet protectors that fit into a 3-ring binder and store your papers inside each pocket, categorized and labeled. By the way, be very careful not to store acid-free paper with other paper.

<li>STORAGE CONTAINERS.

Do a little bit of research and purchase a scrapbooking organizer, which will hold papers, supplies, etc. There are many products on the market that can help you keep it all together. Many office supply stores carry six-drawer organization stations. They're vertical and have 6 see-through drawers of equal size. Each drawer can be designated for a different purpose--papers, templates/diecuts, stickers, etc. Plus, they have wheels, which makes them very easy to transport from one room to another. Or, if you often bring your scrapbooking supplies outside of your home, such as to a friend's house, use a portable system that isn't too heavy or cumbersome, and comes with a handle.

<li>STENCILS.

Put your stencils/templates into sheet protectors that can be purchased at any office supplies store. Then insert them into a 3-ring binder for easy access. By the way, you can store two templates in one sheet protector with a piece of paper in between each--white or colored depending on the color of your template. This will make it easier to see the designs and eliminate them from catching onto each other.

<li>SUPPLY CADDY.

If you always scrapbook at home, use a kitchen utensil caddy with a number of divided compartments, like those you normally keep tall kitchen spoons, ladles, and spatulas in. The ones that spin will keep everything you need at your fingertips.

<li>HANG IT UP.

If you're lucky enough to have a room specifically designated for your scrapbooking hobby, hang a large pegboard above your work area. You can then attach scissors, templates, crimpers, rulers, stencils and more, all within easy sight and reach. In addition, you might hang a small ledge or shelf nearby, to store all of your corner rounders, photo corners, and so on. If you prefer everything out in the open, this system will work like a charm.

<li>RUBBER STAMPS.

Store rubber stamps in shallow, plastic containers, a rubber stamping organizer, or a plastic organizer with shallow drawers. Don't stack stamps. They should be stored in a single layer, so that you can always see the top of the stamp showing the design.

<li>OTHER STORAGE IDEAS.

Fishing tackle boxes--with compartments and levels that expand and collapse--are wonderful for storing scrapbooking supplies and tools. Plastic tool boxes, with many see-through drawers are also great for this purpose.

<li>SCRAPBOOKING MAGAZINES.

Is your closet full of scrapbooking magazines? There are a few things to do about this dilemma. 1) You can go through your magazines, find the articles you wish to keep and organize them into file folders by category. In other words, keep the article, toss the magazine. 2) Or you can keep the magazines in cardboard magazine boxes. If you do this, you should always keep a list of the title/issue of the magazine, the pages that interest you, and a few words describing why they interested you. This way, you can just scan your list, instead of going through the entire magazine to find what you're looking for. You can even use your computer and create the list in a word processing file. Then using the Find feature, you can simply search for key words in your document.

<li>HOLD THAT THOUGHT.

Rather than keeping all those great scrapbooking ideas and tips in your head--you know, the ones you pick up from magazines, web sites, etc.-- keep a 3-ring binder with some notepaper inside for all your thoughts and ideas. Plus, when you see something in a magazine, you can simply tear the page out of the magazine, 3-hold punch it, and place it in your binder. The same goes if you see something on a web site that you wish to refer to later; just print it out and insert it into your binder. You can even separate the binder into a few different sections, such as page layout ideas, organizing ideas, neat tools/supplies, etc.

<li>CHOOSE A DESIGNATED WORK AREA.

Scrapbooking is more fun and less of a chore, when everything is in one place and in close, accessible proximity to your working area. Designate a room, or a portion of a room, in your home for this activity. You should be able to retrieve your supplies, photos, etc. in seconds, without having to walk into another room, or rummage through a closet.

<li>SHOPPING.

Use an organized shopping system so you remember what you want to pick up for your hobby --scissors, crimpers, papers, etc. This will also eliminate purchasing items that you already have. When you think of something you need, immediately put it on a SCRAPBOOKING PICK UP list, and bring this list with you when you go shopping. Using 3 inch x 5 inch index cards, make examples of your cuts and punches on them. Label and keep them in your day timer, or a tiny 3-ring binder. Bring these cards with you when shopping for scrapbooking items, and you'll never buy duplicates. This also works great for remembering what color pens/pencils you have. Just draw a line on your index cards and label them.

<li>USE WHAT YOU HAVE FIRST.

Resist the urge to buy a million new papers, punches, and so on, until you've used some of the craft supplies you already have. Unless you're planning on opening a scrapbooking warehouse, it's best to be choosy before emptying your wallet on new items, when you already have items you could use in your current supply.

<li>SHOP ONLINE.

You'll save a lot of time running back and forth to the store, if you commit instead to making your purchases online.

<li>TRADE.

If you have something that you haven't used in a year or more, such as craft scissors, stickers, etc., swap them with a friend. Who knows? Perhaps your friend will find immediate use for this item, and you will get something you can use right now in return.

<li>GOALS.

Always set goals for your scrapbooking hobby, perhaps one to two pages a week. This is especially necessary if you're creating a scrapbook for an upcoming special occasion.

<li>PLAN.

Before you start working on your pages, plan ahead. Arrange your photos in chronological order and gather stickers, diecuts, etc. that correspond with your photos. Think about your layout and how you plan to document each photo. This will ensure you're going to be happy with the final results, and will reduce the need to redo things.

<li>DO THE TWO STEP.

Step One: Assemble your pages with your photos, documentation and critical diecuts.

Step Two: Decorate with stickers, stamps, etc. The two-step process will help you get the critical part (step one) done faster, and then you can continue with the second step (less important) later on.

<li>KEEP YOUR PAGES SIMPLE.

Although you may really feel the need for creating a work of art on occasion, if your goal is to get a scrapbook done as quickly as possible, keep it simple. Getting photos and documentation in the album is the main goal. Save your really creative moments for extra special scrapbooking projects. And remember, too much stuff on any one page, takes away from the photos.

<li>QUICK COLOR SCHEMES.

Quickly, organize your scrapbooks with colors that compliment each other, by referencing a good color harmony book. You can pick one up at your local bookstore. They include hundreds of color combination examples. Color Harmony, by Hideaki Chijiiwa, is an excellent book for this purpose.

<li>MULTI-TASKING.

Looking for a few minutes here or there to catch up on your scrapbooking? Take and make all your phone calls in the same room as your designated scrapbooking work area. Then, while you're on the phone with your friends or family, you can crop, frame or mount at the same time. Or, instead of making punches when you need them, make a bunch of punches at once while you're watching television, or are on the telephone, or when you're waiting for a pot of water to boil. This will save time later because your punches will be ready when you need them.

<li>GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED.

Many people like to get their kids involved with the actual project, such as arranging stickers, applying diecuts, etc. If you would rather your kids were not involved with the actual project, give them a project of their own. You can always find a few photos that you're not going to use in your scrapbook, some inexpensive paper, kid scissors, etc. Then have each child make their very own scrapbook. Either way, the kids will be occupied, which will give you time to enjoy your hobby.

<li>ELIMINATE BICKERING.

If you have more than one child that is involved with a scrapbooking activity, get them each their own plastic storage box and/or accordion files to keep their own supplies in. This way, when they want to work on their scrapbook, all of their supplies will already be separated. You may even color code their supplies, plastic boxes, etc. so they always know which stuff belongs to them. For example, blue container, blue scissors and markers labeled in blue for Billy, and all pink for Sally.

<li>FAMILY TIME.

Scrapbooking is a great way to spend some time with your family. Get the whole family involved and around the table at the same time. It's a great time to share ideas and dreams with each other. Can't seem to get the male family members involved? Perhaps they can sit at the table while the females are scrapbooking, and they could do something they enjoy at the same time. At least everyone will be together and having fun.

<li>TEAM UP.

Scrapbooking is a great way to spend time with your friends and catch up with each other. Start a scrapbooking club and meet at each other's homes one day every few weeks. Make a party of it!

<li>IDENTIFY.

The next time you get together with friends, or a scrapbooking club, put a little piece of colored tape on your scissors' handles, the sides of your punch tools, pens, etc. Then, everyone could share, but you'll be sure to get your tools back when it's time to go home.

<li>DON'T TAKE THE KITCHEN SINK.

If you're going to be scrapbooking at a friend's home, take a few minutes to plan what you want to work on. By doing this, you will only have to carry those supplies you're going to use. In other words, if you're going to be working on a wedding theme, there's no reason to be carrying all of your holiday items with you.

<li>CLEAR THE WAY.

If you are spending too much time looking for supplies, background papers, photos, frames, that great rubber stamp and so on, then, it's time to organize your work station. Declutter and toss out or trade those items you don't need, you don't like, etc. Organize your supplies into binders and storage containers. You should always be working on a clear surface, with only the current project in front of you.

<li>CLEAN UP THE SCRAPS.

If there is a wastepaper basket right near your work station, all of the scraps that you're not planning on using can be tossed immediately. Don't leave trash on your work surface. If you visit a friend's home, you may want to carry along an empty tissue box so that all scraps can be discarded immediately, and make clean-up for your host quick and easy.

<li>PUT IT AWAY.

Always have a home for your supplies, and when you're finished using them, take a few moments to put everything away. You should be able to start fresh with a clear mind and a clear surface.

<li>BIG ITEM/SMALL ITEM.

Never place a big item over a smaller item, because if you do, it will be out of sight, and difficult to find quickly.

<li>ERGONOMICS.

Organize your work area for increased productivity. Make sure it's well lit. Have a comfortable chair to sit on. Your supplies and tools should be within arms reach.

<li>SAFETY.

Organize your scrapbooking with safety in mind. Use a protective covering for your table. Craft mats are great for cutting on. Scissors and other sharp tools should be face down in a holder, and out of a young child's reach.

<li>MAKE IT EASY.

Different personality styles require different organization systems. Make sure you use an organization system you can live with--one that works with your style and that allows you to find things without delay. If you find things easier when they're alphabetized, then use that type of system. Perhaps you're better at finding things by color. Then use that system. Your organization system must work in harmony with your personality.

<li>DON'T DO SO MUCH.

Finding the time for your scrapbooking and/or rubberstamping hobby can be difficult if you have too many things going on in your life. Reduce or eliminate the activities you don't truly enjoy. Reduce the activities of your children. Get on an organized cleaning schedule, so you're not wasting the entire weekend cleaning up. Make easier dinners that are healthy, but take half the time to prepare. Get your family to help out with household chores and obligations.

<li>SPARE TIME.

Those spare minutes that we all have can be put to good use. Have to wait at the doctor's office for your appointment? Sketch out a quick layout idea. Waiting for the wash cycle to finish? Sort out some photos, or gather supplies for tomorrow's scrapbooking project.

<li>WRITE IT DOWN.

Don't ever leave your home without a small notebook in hand. You're bound to come up with a thought, or a cute caption, for your scrapbook. If you don't write it down right away, you may forget about it. You may also want to keep a small pad and a pen right near your bedside, in case you have a bright idea in the middle of the night.

<li>ENJOY!

Plan, organize and schedule some time to enjoy your creations with family and friends. Scrapbooking is all about fun, laughter, memories, and touching moments!

About The Author

Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com</a>

FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!

Spruce Up Your Pages with Scrapbooking Embellishments

2009-01-21T08:10:00.001-08:00

Having this nagging doubt that you may upstage your precious photos or clutter your pages with scrapbooking embellishments?

One moment you're just so tempted to paste the embellishment onto your page, and the next moment you're questioning yourself, "Should I? Should I not?" You even wonder if you're just trying to force that simply irresistible page accent onto your page to satisfy your craving for? more embellishments.

Well, you're in good company. I still remember the first time I encountered packets and packets of wondrous embellishments. My eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and my heart fluttered in excitement and the truth was, I simply can't decide. What a rush!

So for anyone who loves scrapbooking embellishments, we have to learn some balancing acts and avoid falling into the trap of overwhelming the pages with loads of such page accents.

Here's some tips for you to consider when you're holding that simply irresistible piece of embellishment in your hand, and pausing for that momentous decision.

TIPS: <ul> <li>If it distracts people from your photos, you might be better off saving that piece of embellishment for another page. Let's remind ourselves that photos form the essence of scrapbooking, not embellishments.

<li>If the reason to use the page accent is because it's the coolest or hottest trend right now, upon reflection this may not be so in the long run. Remember how you flinched in horror as you looked back at your biggest fashion mistakes? It can happen to your scrapbooking layouts too.

<li>If there's only a single photo especially with close-ups, by all means launch into your most daring mode and spark up your page with embellishments. But keep the scrapbooking embellishments to the minimal, when there's multiple photos on a single page.

<li>If the piece of accent has a functional purpose such as concealing unsightly parts of your photo, adding balance to the overall layout or holding another item in place, then use that lovely embellishment.

<li>If the embellishment boosts your story-telling ability for the page, then jump on the chance.

<li>If the purpose of the embellishment is to copy what you've seen people did in some magazine, it's might not speak of you own style. Instead, follow your instincts and use whatever you feel confident of expressing your style on the page! </ul>

There's probably no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to scrapbooking with embellishments ideas. Just keep in view that an embellishment or two when used in the right combination, will contribute to the vision you've been trying to express in a powerful way.

Happy scrapping with embellishments!

About the author: Fion Lim is the creator of <a target="_new" href="http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com"> Everything-About-Scrapbooking.com</a> - Learning about scrapbooking? Here's your guide to beginner scrapbooking. Find tips, ideas, inspirations, articles, and resources to quotes, poems and fonts right here.

Feel free to use the this article provided it is published in its entirety, with the resource box and a "live" clickable link to: <a target="_new" href="http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com">http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com</a>

Choosing The Right Mat Board Colour For Your Art Work

2009-01-20T17:50:00.001-08:00

The framing industry has no books, no set theory, not hard and fast rules on how to pick colours. There are some personal opinions from various writers but that's all they are. However it is not as hard as you may think.

The obvious starting point is to go for a colour that's in the picture, then vary the shades from darket to lighter to see which suits best.

An Inner mat is the smaller window just surrounding your art work and it is usually used to sharpen the image. Darker inner mat will increase the contrast between the light and dark areas of the picture, making the image easier to see. Therefore, adding an inner mat is both decorative and functional.

An outer mat is a bigger window closest to the glass, and sitting just on top of the inner mat. There is one or two rules I can give you for choosing the outer mat. Always make the outer mat border at least 2 1/2" (60mm). 2" mats do not work. The wider the mat the more you see the picture. The other rule relates to the surroundings. The colour of the outer mat you choose should have NOTHING to do with your taste or the colours in the room. If you do your job correctly you should see the picture, not what surrounds it. Many people make mistake by starting to use their personal taste or decorator themes in framing.

You can practice choosing the right mat board colours using the <a target="_new" href="http://www.clubframeco.com/smartFramer.html">Smart Framer program</a> on our web site. Upload some of your own digital photos and frame them.

With more than 30 years of experience in the business of picture framing, Gary Leete is the owner of Melbourne-based <a target="_new" href="http://www.clubframeco.com">FrameCo Picture Framing Supplies</a>, a company that specializes in DIY framing tools, start up kits and framing accessories. For further information on FrameCo products and services, feel free to email <a href="mailto:frame@frameco.com.au">frame@frameco.com.au</a>

How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work

2009-01-20T13:20:00.001-08:00

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.

An Introduction to Lanyards

2009-01-20T04:10:00.001-08:00

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 "wristlet."

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 "norm" can have a lanyard custom printed or personalized. A lanyard can be as simple and inexpensive as a 3/8" 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.

Embroidery Designs Sewing

2009-01-19T22:20:00.001-08:00

Denim is a twill weave and runs diagonally and any diagonal weave is difficult to control, whether you are attempting construction sewing or machine embroidery. Twills are designed to give the wearer ultimate wearing comfort by the natural "give" it has. That's why we all love our chinos & jeans! However, this comfort quality presents a real problem for machine embroidery enthusiasts.

It is essential to keep fabric "blocked" while cutting, assembling, and stitching either regular seaming or machine embroidery. From cutting out pattern pieces to hooping denim for embroidery, you will experience a challenge of keeping the fabric "blocked" squarely. If you're a quilter, you know exactly what blocking is. If you're not a quilter it simply means keeping the grain of the weave, in both cross & straight directions, straight or square.

Denim is difficult to block because of the diagonal weave and, generally, denim is a heavier weight than most other fabrics are. I recently stitched an ankle length, heavy, denim duster coat using a very large design down the front edge of the coat opening, near the hemline. This meant I had to keep the design running straight in 2 directions at once. The outcome could have been quite unsightly if I hadn't taken extra precautions to make sure the design was placed squarely and that the stabilizing was adequate to prevent the puckers and warping that result from the pull of a machine embroidery design while it is stitching.

Since I had chosen a rather dense assortment of designs to combine for a scene, I knew that I had a difficult, but not impossible, task. First I had to determine what would keep the twill from becoming distorted during the stitching. Second, I knew it would be next to impossible to hoop the coat - the denim was as heavy as any work jeans I've seen.

I immediately knew that I wouldn't be able to hoop the coat, therefore it was a matter of first stabilizing the denim then finding a way to create a method of hooping a backing that would hold up under a high stitch count design and remove easily when the stitching was completed. Given the factors I couldn't change - the weight of the fabric & the heaviness of the group of designs - I wanted to use a "formula" of layers which wouldn't create a stiff effect when all was done. The front edge of a coat does flip open - this could be considered a lethal weapon if one is not careful!

~ DESIGN PLACEMENT ~

The first problem to overcome - can you imagine the bulk of all this fabric when attaching the hoop to the machine! Since the bulk of the fabric must be to the left of the machine so as not to constrict the movement of the embroidery "arm" and hoop, the design had to stitched upside down! To accomplish this you simply flip the design/s first vertically then horizontally.

Using a printed image of the design and the plastic grid for the hoop, I decided exactly where I wanted to place the design. (Always stand about 3 feet away from the garment to make sure the design is where you want it! It's usually best to try it on & look in the mirror.) Since this was for my daughter I had to wing it!

~ PREPARING THE FABRIC OR GARMENT ~

I laundered the coat to shrink it to prevent any warping or puckering which would have happened after it was laundered the first time. Next I steam pressed the front of the jacket to its original flat state by applying Magic Sizing and heavy steam. Now the key here is the word press - not iron! If you iron (move the iron in any direction while bearing down) denim will be stretched and distorted.

After allowing the coat to dry completely after this process, and making sure of the design placement previously decided, I then applied the fusible medium tear away backing to the back side, using a dry iron set at the polyester setting, making sure that the backing straight grain was running with the coat cross grain. Again - press the backing not iron it. To avoid an armor look, I chose the soft tear away backing as the second layer which was placed straight grain to straight grain. A light spraying of 505 temporary adhesive was applied to keep it from shifting.

~ STABILIZING ~

My choice for the "hooping" backing was wonder solv - a water soluble, fabric-like stabilizer, which will support any number of stitches. I hooped a piece in my Brother jumbo hoop, which has a 5 X 12 inch stitch area. I then sprayed the wonder solv with a heavy coat of 505 spray.

I set the jumbo hoop on my Hoop Mate to insure that I could get the front edge of the coat straight with the curved edge of the hoop. Then, making sure that the hem edge was kept straight as well, I pressed the entire backed portion of the coat to the hooped wonder solv. I placed the plastic grid template over the "hooped" fabric to double-check the placement Whew - the worst part of the project was accomplished!

~ FINALLY! READY TO STITCH ~

After locking the hoop to the embroidery arm, I placed a sheet of web solvy on top to prevent the stitches from sinking into the denim. The first thing I stitched was the basting outlines in all three areas of the jumbo hoop. It takes a bit of time, but is well worth the effort. This secures the fabric/garment to the hooped backing helping to insure the least amount of movement during the actual design stitching.

I proceeded by stitching the top design first, then the bottom design and finally the center design. By moving around the hoop in this fashion you are preventing excessive pull in any one area, which can cause distortion of the fabric and unsightly puckering.

~ FINAL RESULTS ~

I'm happy to report that the entire scene was straight/square with the front and hemline edge of the coat, there were no puckers, no warping and no "off " outlines! The coat was no stiffer after the designs were applied than it was originally. My daughter now proudly wears a lighthouse to ocean-floor scene on the lower edge of this spring / fall weight coat!

Terry Carter is the webmaster and author of embroidery articles at <a target="_new" href="http://www.threadartist.com">embroidery designs by Thread Artist</a>. He has an article about embroidery software for digitizing and lettering fonts at <a target="_new" href="http://www.threadartist.com/embroidery_magic_2.htm">embroidery software</a>. There is a free embroidery digitizing Tutorial at this web address - <a target="_new" href="http://www.threadartist.com/embroidery_magic_2_tutorial.htm">embroidery by Thread Artists</a>. You can email Terry at this address - <a href="mailto:ThreadArtist@qx.net">ThreadArtist@qx.net</a>

Friendship Albums

2009-01-18T06:10:00.001-08:00

My 12-year-old daughter was mad at me when I refused to pay $25 for a school yearbook last year. Who are they trying to kid?

Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out

2009-01-17T01:30:00.001-08:00

Many dolls are collected with the box intact. An intact box can raise the value of an item a great deal. Some are worthless if the box is damaged badly or missing.

NOTE: Some dolls are meant to be played with and taken out of the box to dress. Examples are the Tonner Doll Company dolls: Tyler Wentworth, Sydney Chase, Gene, etc.

To find your item on eBay:

1. Find the category on eBay where your item would most likely be listed. (Dolls, bears, trains, Disney collectible would be likely categories.

2. If using Dolls, use the [check only in Dolls box] in the search.

3. Use your keyword to search, such as "Barbie doll". This will bring up the current auctions window.

4. Now, check the completed auctions box, to check out the prices and descriptions on the sold items.

Popular collectibles might have a price book that is printed for collectors. You can also use a collection of hobby magazines to price items or to locate the year the item was made.

Learn Origami

2009-01-16T07:50:00.001-08:00

Basic folds

Most of the designs that you will learn will use a square piece of paper ? and most will be done with origami paper, so the directions will show a colored (or gray side to indicate color) and a white side.

Also, most patterns will have an arrow that points you in the direction of where the fold should go. We have talked about the different types of arrows earlier in the book.

The following folds are reasonably simple. It may take a while to get the terminology down, and the way they show up on the directions, but with a little bit of practice you will most certainly get the hang of it.

There are 10 folds you should know as an apprentice origami artist, but two (or three) that you should become very familiar with. All of the folds are:

* Valley fold
* Mountain fold
* Petal fold
* Rabbit ear fold
* Squash fold
* Inside reverse fold
* Outside reverse fold
* Crimp fold
* Sink fold

We'll go through all of these in some detail, and they will get you well on your way to making some of the fantastic creations you see in origami.

After mastering these basic folds you should learn the basic bases. It is from these bases that most creations are made and knowing them can give you an infinite base on which to build your skills.

The main bases you should learn are:
Preliminary Base
Fish Base
Bird Base
Waterbomb base

Bases are important

Bases are like the foundation for a house ? if they aren't built very well, then the chances of you building a long lasting piece of origami decrease.

Practice your bases so you can make the best origami designs. You will need good knowledge of these bases as we move into the next chapter on making some of your favorite pieces.

Jeremy Hansen is a recognized expert on everything Origami and author of the book "Origami Secrets Revealed: Everything You Need To Know And More". For more great information like this you can check out his website at <a target="_new" href="http://www.m5info.com/origamisecrets.html">http://www.m5info.com/origamisecrets.html</a>

Handmade Quilts are Made with Love and Make Great Family Heirlooms!

2009-01-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

Today's handmade quilts are more like a work of art than a bed cover. With all the wonderfully artistic quilt patterns available to quilters today, we are beginning to see some absolutely breathtaking quilts glowing with character and personality. If you are lucky enough, hopefully someone will give you a handmade quilt that you can enjoy and pass on to your children.

When I hear the word "quilt", I think of the colorful patchwork quilt draped across my Grandmother's bed. Her quilt consisted of a well thought out arrangement of bright colors and shapes that she had cut out from leftover fabric remnants. All the patchwork pieces were lovingly sewn together into a one-of-a-kind pattern creating a quilt that even today continues to add a cheerful traditional charm to my own bedroom. My Grandmother's handmade patchwork quilt is now a beautiful family heirloom that will be cherished by many generations to come.

If you don't have a beautiful patchwork quilt to pass on as a family heirloom, there are many quilt kits available to you. This way you can make your own quilt instead of buying one and it will have more sentimental value to your loved ones as it was handmade by you!

If a handmade patchwork quilt is absolutely out of the question for you, don't despair as there are plenty of quilts available at linen shops or through online retailers. You may even be able to find a beautiful handmade bed quilt at an auction, flea market, or local bazaar.

Whatever kind of quilt appeals to you is going to look stunning draped across your own bed. The unique look and textures of each quilt will add a traditional, charming look to your decor. You can find these colorful bed covers in a wide array of sizes too. There are baby quilts for your little one's crib, and child size quilts for your child's room.

Many of these beautiful home-made quilts are so stunning, that they are worthy to be hung on a feature wall. Hours and hours of time are put into the making of a typical quilt, so the next time you are given one as a gift, be sure to show your appreciation.

Check the internet for a variety of quilts, some handmade and others machine made. Or maybe you prefer to make your own quilt with one of the many quilt patterns or quilt kits available. Whatever you choose to do, your quilt will be a fabulous and charming addition to any home!

Chris Rodriguez is the author/publisher for <a target="_new" href="http://www.duvetcovers-n-more.com">http://www.duvetcovers-n-more.com</a> Visit her sight and discover a wealth of information on different kinds of bedding and other decorative linens. You too can turn your bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary where you can escape from the stresses of day to day life.

Leather Work Tips

2009-01-15T02:20:00.001-08:00

For leather work, consider the basics: an awl and spare point, a retractable X-acto knife and spare blades, a retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch. In addition, you'll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some waxed linen thread.

As well, a pair of pliers to pull the needle through the leather is a must, and scissors you can use for cutting the leather. Then there are edge slickers and bevellers that are used to finish the edges, drive punches for bigger holes and thong cutters for making laces. A T-square, compass and yardstick are essential to ensure that your leather work is measured accurately.

If you're just starting out with leather work, you might not want to spend a lot of money on tools. Once you've worked with the basic set and completed a few projects, you'll have a better idea of what tools work best and what you use most. At that point, a little research and some comparative shopping can lead you to acquiring some better quality tools that will enhance your leather work.

Of course, even the most expensive tools won't help if you haven't taken the time to develop and perfect your craft. If you do your very best with what you have, it doesn't matter if you can't afford the most expensive awl or the latest knife. Quality will show anyway.

Tips and Tricks:

* Start with a basic tool set.

* Buy better quality tools once you've completed some projects and have a better idea of what will enhance the quality of your leather work.

* Study the various types of leather before starting.

Tooling Leather

There are many different types of leather available, some better than others, depending upon the project you have in mind. Vegetable-tanned leather, also called tooling leather, has been processed using vegetable dyes rather than chemicals. It's usually flesh-colored and is excellent for a variety of projects, especially if the top is to be stamped or tooled.

Because it has a relatively rigid structure, this type of leather is ideal for leather work items like book covers and belts.

Latigo

Oil-tanned leather, also called latigo, unlike other leathers, has a waxy surface and is ideal for leather work projects where durability and flexibility are a must, such as for tack and saddles. Avoid using it though if you don't want the finished product to have stretch and flexibility, such as in dog collars. Bear in mind also that it can't be tooled or stamped.

Top Grain Leather

Top grain leather has one smooth side, called grain, which is the skin side, and a rough inner side, the flesh side. Either side can be used, rough or smooth.

Chrome-Tanned Leather

Chrome-tanned leather is dyed with modern chemicals such as chromium and comes in a variety of colors, is often white on one side, though the cut edges can be a different color than the facing. It's relatively inexpensive, but not very breathable, and can't be tooled or stamped because it's too soft for leather work and it's waterproof

Weight of Leather

Leather thickness is given in ounces. The heavier the weight, the thicker the leather is.

Calf or goat skin is generally 2 ounces or 1/32 inch thick. One ounce is 1/64th of an inch thick. On the other end of the scale, 8 ounce leather is usually 1/8 inch thick.

Summary:

* Tooling leather is the best choice for most leather work projects.

* Latigo leather is great for durables like tack and saddles.

* Choose suede and garment leather when making clothing.

* The heavier the weight of leather, the thicker it is.

* When ordering leather through the mail, try some sample swatches first.

* Keep your leather soft and supple with the proper oil.

Hey! Need To Know More About Leather? Here's How to Get Your Answers Quick and Easy Click Here ==> <a target="_new" href="http://www.leathersecrets.com">Leather Work Secrets</a>

Getting Rid of Messes and Mistakes in Your Scrapbooks

2009-01-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

No matter how careful you are, you will undoubtedly find a mistake, mark, or mess on your finished scrapbook page. This is just part of the process of making a scrapbook. If you find a mistake, mark, or glue bits on your scrapbook page, just rub it off using a soft white eraser.

Alternately, make the mark into an interesting squiggle or doodle. In other words, incorporate the mistake into your creative works! You know the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I've personally created some very unique and interesting patterns from mistakes that actually came out beautifully in the finished product.

Here's how to handle some common mistakes:

For mistakes in journal text, cover the mistake with a sticker the same color as the journal page. Then, just write over the sticker. White out can also be used for white pages.

Fingerprint smudges on your photographs can be removed by rubbing the fingerprints with a piece of flannel or a dry baby wipe.

Excess powder or glitter can be brushed away. This is time consuming and frustrating. The best solution is to reduce static electricity before you add the powder or glitter. Just place a dryer sheet on top of the page before you work.

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.

Preserving Thanksgiving Memories for Scrapbooking

2009-01-14T14:40:00.001-08:00

Last year our family tried out a new way to preserve Thanksgiving memories, and the result was truly a treasured keepsake.

A day or two before Thanksgiving, my daughter and I used a turkey rubber stamp to make place cards for all of our family members. We colored the place cards with colored pencils and wrote people's names on them with a metallic gold pen.

We then cut up strips of paper to put into a small basket to distribute before Thanksgiving dinner. The day of Thanksgiving, after all of the guests had arrived, we handed out the slips of paper and asked everyone to write down something they were thankful for.

Now you should have seen the looks I got! Keep in mind that there were family members of all ages, from young teenagers to adults. Most of them looked at me like I was crazy (because this memory-making stuff is all new to them), but I told them they had to do it before they could eat.

So they all sat to write down what they were thankful for. Some came up with something very quickly, and others sat there perplexed and worried they were going to spell something wrong. Several didn't write anything down at all.

The end result was a wide variety of very thoughtful answers. I put away the slips of paper, made sure to take some good family pictures (carving the turkey, eating dinner, visiting with each other, napping after dinner), and made sure to keep some of the place cards.

I don't always get to my scrapbook pages immediately after an event like this. I do, however, make sure everything is in one place so that I can assemble my pages when I'm ready.

I later went to the store to buy some pre-cut Thanksgiving and fall images for my scrapbook pages, and then framed my pictures with some coordinating cardstock pieces. I then laid out two scrapbook pages with the photos, a couple of the turkey place cards, and most of the slips of paper people had written on. I tried to arrange a person's slip of paper near their photo.

My finished project was by no means fancy or a work of art, but it will always be an irreplaceable treasured family keepsake.

Photos of finished project: <a target="_new" href="http://www.crafty-moms.com/scrapbooking/sample_layouts_4.shtml">http://www.crafty-moms.com/scrapbooking/sample_layouts_4.shtml</a>

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2009-01-14T02:30:00.001-08:00

The song says it all, "Hot Fun in the Summertime." Our summer was certainly full of fun: outdoor barbeques, neighborhood cookouts, making ice cream, 4th of July parades, a trip to grandpa's house, sleeping late, moving my oldest daughter into her first apartment? It never seems like the season is long enough to do everything we want to do.

Now that the summer is almost over, how do we preserve these memories? Take a few minutes before the busy routine of school begins to put together a family album of summer keepsakes. Whether it's in a scrapbook, photo album, or shoebox, these mementoes chronicle tidbits of family life that often become lasting traditions. Your kids will love showing friends and family how they spent their summer vacation.

Want a quick and easy way to make a time capsule of your summer vacation? Make a keepsake jar.

Find a large, clean, wide mouth jar (mayonnaise jars work well) to hold your treasures. Paint and decorate the lid.

Gather together pictures, ticket stubs, sea shells, maps, souvenirs, pressed flowers or anything that has sentimental value from you summer vacation.

Write names and dates on the back of photographs. Place all of your items inside the jar. On brightly colored paper, write a few notes about each event. You may want to interview other family members for their thoughts as well.

Preserve your summer stories in a place of honor. Kids will enjoy getting their keepsake jar down to tell stories for many summers to come.

And, don't forget to snap a picture on the first day of school. We take a photograph in the same spot every year. My daughter is leaving for her first year of college. In the opening pages of her scrapbook are all of the pictures we had taken on the first day of school. From the scared preschooler with the little lamb name tag, to the confident, beautiful young woman she blossomed into, each picture was truly worth a thousand words.

About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.togetherparenting.com">http://www.togetherparenting.com</a> To subscribe to her online newsletter, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp">http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp</a>

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

1. Printed in its full form with no changes 2. Includes an active link 3. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article: About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.togetherparenting.com">http://www.togetherparenting.com</a>

Please send a courtesy copy of your publication to the above contact.

Ideas for Making Gift Baskets

2009-01-14T01:50:00.001-08:00

Do you want to give gifts to your friends or family for birthdays, Christmas or some other holiday, but you just don't know what to get them?

Just take a decorative basket and you can create a gift basket filled with great items that either your friends or family will love.

The items basically you will need to create a gift basket will include:

**A decorative basket;

**Shrink wrap;

**Any color tissue paper;

**Different assortment of shredded paper. You can use your shredded paper if you have a paper shredder;

**An assortment of items to fill those gift baskets

All the above is all you need to make the basket and can be purchased at your local arts store or Wal-Mart. There are dozens of designs created for all of those popular holidays and birthdays.

It's a good idea to keep a supply of them on hand so when you want to create a gift, it's right in front of you. You can purchase an assortment of baskets in different sizes, shapes and colors. You can stock up on gift items to fill the basket.

Some great gift ideas that can be used for many different occasions include stationery supplies, shampoos, candles and can even be books and toys. The ideas for your gift basket are virtually endless. Use your imagination and you can create a gift basket that suits every occasion.

To create one of these beautiful gift baskets here are five easy instructions:

**Start with a gift basket big enough to hold your gift items.

**Stuff your tissue paper at the bottom to form a base for your items. You could also add shredded paper for decoration.

**Arrange theitems in the basket so that it looks attractive;

**Take the shrink wrap and spread it on a flat surface. Place the basket in the center.

**Now gather the shrink wrap at the top of the basket and secure it with a pretty bow or ribbon.

Here are examples of gift basket ideas:

For Housewarming gifts, you can select potholders, towels, boxes of pasta, coffee or tea. You can also take a set of measuring spoons and place them on the ribbon so they dangle in front of the basket.

For a Baby shower you can start with the large white basket. Find some colored flowers without stems. Then glue them around the basket. You can use a glue gun for that. You can place a receiving blanket, cute little outfits, baby bottles. You can put a baby rattle outside so it hangs out in front of the basket.

For a Wedding gift a lot of times the wedding couple has everything they need already. Why not give them a honeymoon gift basket. You can put scented oils, massage oils and maybe even a bottle of champagne. Of course, don't forget a box of matches to light those candles.

Gift baskets can be fun and easy to make.

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<a target="_new" href="http://www.diamondreviews.info">http://www.diamondreviews.info</a>

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How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry

2009-01-12T18:40:00.001-08:00

As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and Style of an item, it is hard for clients to appreciate the 'Craft' involved in Handmade work, as they only see the Gold value or Diamond Value fluctuate over the years.

If Gold goes up or the older something gets, the value increases, right?

No. Not always. It depends...

Antiques and Collectables are a 'subjective' thing too. Supply and Demand plays an important part in the ways we Invest.

Good quality is always going to be good quality.

Just because something is 'OLD' doesn't make it worth a lot of money. A hundred year old bucket, is still an old bucket - right? Unless it has 'Historical' significance, of course.

Take these for example:

Antique Stickpins in Gold or Silver.

Do they have all the right qualifications. Maybe? They are made of precious metal, may be adorned with gemstones and could be stamped and dated to be more than one hundred years old.

But are they 'Valuable' - 'Collectable' - Are they worth Investing in?

To some people yes, but in general terms they have NOT been the great Antique Investment we would wish for.

There are exceptions to this of course. Certain Stickpins can be very expensive, but the general, run-of-the-mill stuff we see everyday are so common, so profuse, they have hardly shifted in price over many years.

In fact, some have gone backwards, especially since gold dropped from its peak at over $800 per ounce, to the current $420's per ounce (approximate).

It could be argued then, that Stickpins 'SHOULD' be collected, as they are currently undervalued. An Antique Bargain and there is some truth in this.

However...

Our advice has always been to buy what you personally like. Get the very best examples of it, in the very best quality, and hopefully, wear it and enjoy it. It's that simple.

An Antique dealer can Invest in Jewelry because they are 'on the pulse' of what's happening in the world, know what their clients want and can get it for them. They invest Time and Effort but pay lots of incidental costs the general public cannot do.

Why? In the majority of cases, because they love their jobs.

But there are NO Dealers who can devote all their time just to one style or type of Antique Collectable and know as much as the avid amateur collector. They don't have the time.

But know what - YOU DO!

Invest then into something which appeals to you. Become your OWN expert. You will certainly get Bargains that way.

Over the years (remember Antiques are a Time Share Commodity) you will come out on top. Promise...

If you are going into the Buying and Selling (aka Investing) Antique Jewelry, doesn't it make sense you enjoy it too?

You might want to start with - heck, maybe... Stickpins!

There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take some time to visit.

There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good advice, plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry, Insurance guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips etc, and they are being added to all the time.

And the best bit is they are FREE....

Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If you thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any way I would appreciate your comments via email at the address shown below.

This is my personal email address and I read every comment - good or bad.

Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you can think of someone who might benefit from this useful information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly appreciate it.

Thank you. As usual.... Take care and watch the road. Kind regards.
David Foard F.G.A.A.
President gemologist/valuer at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.

P.S. There are many other complimentary Reports available to you at our website, or if you haven't yet done so, you may like to subscribe to our email-on-demand Newsletters - the Antique Jewelry Guide - full of Hints - Tips - Secrets and Articles in every issue.

About The Author

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 at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.

<a href="mailto:gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com">gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com</a>

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home or Work

2009-01-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

It looks like a million dollars but after a couple of months it doesn't have the same 'Sparkle' or look it once had (a bit like me really).

So what are we to do?

The first thing is to make sure it is SAFE to be cleaned!

Naturally, delicate items should be best left to a professional Jeweler to clean. BUT Opals, Pearls and Emeralds are very susceptible to damage in a Jewelers Ultrasonic cleaning tank, as it can loosen pearls from their mounts and breakdown Opal and Emerald quite easily.

SOLUTION: Clean them yourself! BUT VERY GENTLY.

Make up a solution of Washing up liquid (Clean of course, not after doing the Sunday dishes) and use an old Toothbrush and carefully clean around the mount, using the bristles of the brush to get into the setting and CLEAN BEHIND THE STONES.

But beware as too much pressure could 'Pop' the stone out of it's setting, so if in doubt - take it out (of the bowl I mean).

Yet even this has a good point. If you lost it somewhere other than the washing process, not only would you probably never find it, you'd be very annoyed at me for suggesting such a thing in the first place.

However; if the stone came out in the wash, it would prove that the setting was so worn it would have come out sooner or later anyway, so better to 'catch the falling star' as it were, and get your local Jeweler to reset it safely back for you.

See, I just did you a favor... no need to thank me just yet.

Let's continue....

Don't have the water too hot and certainly don't leave the items to soak all day. Pearls are generally only glued onto your Jewelry (rings, brooches etc) and if the item is a few years old (say over 20) then the glues used then were not as good as they are today. A couple of minutes should be enough.

Dry everything on a paper towel in a warm area (under a sun drenched window is perfect) and finally buff up with a soft cloth and check everything before you wear it again.

It should look good for another few months.

By the way: In General terms, the only difference in the cleaning fluid used by your Jeweler or purchased from a proprietary Brand would be Ammonia!

A small cap of Cloudy Ammonia bought from Coles or Woolies or your local Supermarket, mixed with washing up liquid is a terrific cleaner. It smells a little but the results are perfect!

DIRTY DIAMONDS?

Just to continue from the previous section:

Most of the white colorless gemstones used over the past hundred years or so as Diamond Imitations or Simulants, were either Paste (Fancy name for glass) Spinels or White Sapphire (corundum) and occasionally Zircon (Not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia CZ's which is quite modern).

When you first purchased your beautiful ring it glistened like diamond, but slowly became duller and duller.

Ladies, you are to Blame!

Hand Cream is the biggest culprit of them all as it gets under the stone and dulls it.

Wearing your Jewelry while Gardening doesn't help much either and you certainly shouldn't wear your rings while doing the washing up (all that grease sticks to the stone).

This is one of the major 'Properties' of a Diamond.

Just clean it in the same solution as we suggested above and brush it with an old toothbrush. It will return to sparkling quality in no time.

Once every few months is perfect, so don't over do it.

There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take some time to visit.

And the best bit is they are FREE....

This is my personal email address and I read every comment - good or bad.

Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you can think of someone who might benefit from this useful information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly appreciate it.

Thank you. As usual....
Take care and watch the road.
Kind regards. David Foard F.G.A.A.
Resident gemologist/valuer at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.

About The Author

<a href="mailto:gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com">gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com</a>

Capturing the Craft Show Market

2009-01-12T07:30:00.001-08:00

Market research

Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore

2009-01-10T22:40:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest of us. We often think that their lives are so much more interesting and exciting than our own and that we have little or nothing in common with the Hollywood crowd.

Well, it may surprise you to know that at least some of today's hottest stars enjoy perfectly normal leisure activities that we might acquaint more readily with something your grandmother enjoys doing.

I'm talking about crafts. More specifically, knitting and crocheting. These two activities are especially hot in recent years and Hollywood stars and other celebrities are certainly not immune to the lure of a relaxing evening spent with a crochet hook or knitting needles and a skein of yarn or two.

Indeed, some stars seem to be particularly captivated ? some might even say addicted --by these old-time traditional activities. Julia Roberts, for example, is now well-known as a knitting enthusiast who loves to knit sweaters and was once photographed knitting on the set of a movie she was working on.

Other well-known knitters include Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hilary Swank. Not to be left out, some well known celebrity men have decided that knitting is not just an activity for women. Tough-guy actor Russell Crowe and former NFL player Rosie Grier have made no secret of the fact that they enjoy it as well.

And who didn't see the TV footage of Martha Stewart and her now-famous "Coming Home" poncho that she was wearing during her trip home to Connecticut after completion of her sentence at Alderson Federal Prison in West Virginia?

The poncho was reportedly crocheted especially for Martha by one of her fellow inmates and after it appeared on TV, it seemed every knit and crochet addict in the country had to have the pattern. There was so much demand for the pattern that it crashed the server that hosts Lion Brand's web site soon after they posted a version of the pattern there.

And it's not just celebrities that are knitting and crocheting in record numbers. Manufacturers of yarn and other craft supplies report that sales are way up in recent years. One of the best-known yarn manufacturers, Lion Brand, reports that their sales have doubled in the last year alone. Granted, celebrities have a lot of money, but still, I don't believe they are solely responsible for Lion Brand's recent success!

It's hard to know just what may have triggered all the recent interest in these activities that have been around for so many years. Some believe that the terrible events on 9/11 have influenced people to focus more on home life and simple, more traditional activities. Others suggest that these activities are a nice contrast and welcome respite from lives that have become far too hectic in the wake of the new millennium.

Enthusiasts report that knitting or crocheting can be a very relaxing activity that also provides a nice sense of accomplishment upon the completion of a project. It's also a great way to create gifts for friends of loves ones that have that personal touch ? so much more so than something purchased at the shopping mall.

Some also cherish the traditional aspect of these activities and still harbor fond memories of a beloved relative that took the time to pass along a skill that has endured through countless generations. A skill that they intend to pass down to their children as well.

Whatever the motivation, there's no question that these traditional activities are experiencing a revival of sorts. There are many possible explanations, however I suspect that speculation and statistics don't interest these enthusiasts as keenly as their plan for the next project they intend to tackle just as soon as the finishing touches have been applied to the current project.

Randae Radford is webmaster for <a target="_new" href="http://www.learn-crochet-now.com">Learn Crochet Now,</a> a producer of quality instructional videos that teach crochet.

Marking Tools and Laser Marking Machines for Marking on Metals

2009-01-09T19:40:00.001-08:00

Copyrights - <a target="_new" href="http://www.reliantmarkingtools.co.uk">Reliant Marking Tools Manufacturer UK</a>

Read More about Marking Tools and Machines at <a target="_new" href="http://www.reliantmarkingtools.co.uk/marking_tools.htm">Marking Tools and Marking Machines</a>

Butterfly Candle Holders

2009-01-09T06:40:00.001-08:00

Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great gift idea. The materials are very inexpensive, and you can use your imagination for a variety of designs. To get started, you will need:

Materials:

Small glass candle holders
Butterfly wrapping paper
Yellow tissue paper
Decoupage
Cuticle scissors
Small paintbrush
Damp paper towel

You can buy whatever glass candle holders you like (or use some you already have laying around). I bought mine at Walmart for about $0.59. You could also find them at thrift stores or yard sales.

I chose butterflies for my design, but you could choose whatever design you'd like--maybe keeping in mind the tastes of the person you're making them for. You can cut out pictures from anywhere, including calendars, greeting cards, magazines. Thin paper decoupages best.

After you have some pictures in mind, use cuticle scissors (the kind you cut your fingernails with) to cut out the pictures. These scissors work best on small pictures and cut rounder corners than regular scissors. If you're not going to use the pictures right away, store them in ziploc bags.

You can buy decoupage at any craft store. It is normally found with the glue. It allows you to permanently affix a picture to another object, giving the object an overall glossy effect. Make sure the glass you're working with is clean. Tear a piece of tissue paper into small (approx. 1 inch) pieces. Using the paint brush, brush some decoupage on to the back of one of the pieces of tissue paper. Position the tissue paper on the glass and then brush some more decoupage on top of it. Continue gluing on pieces of tissue paper, overlapping at the edges, until the entire candle holder is covered (including the bottom--set the candle holder on its top to dry). Brush one last coat of decoupage over the entire candle holder. Use damp paper towel to wipe off any excess decoupage.

After the decoupage has dried for about an hour (or more), position the butterflies (or other pictures) on top of the tissue paper. First brush some decoupage on the backs of the pictures and place them on the glass. Brush another coat of decoupage over the entire glass and set the candle holder on its top to dry again. After the decoupage has dried, add 2 or 3 more coats of decoupage after each coat has dried.

That's it! These candle holders are only limited by your imagination. Use different colors of tissue paper and a variety of pictures for different themes. You could make these with holiday themes, like for Christmas or Easter. They also make great birthday presents, hostess gifts, or party favors. They are very easy to make and you can make several of them at one time.

Photo of completed project: http://www.crafty-moms.com/articles/102701a.shtml

Starting A Coin Collection

2009-01-08T22:50:00.001-08:00

The best place to start collecting would be with pennies, we will focus on the Lincoln Cent for the years 1909 through 1958, which are the Wheat Cents. There are still a number of "wheat cents" showing up in circulation, so it is possible to start a coin collection without spending a great deal of money.

While you are searching your pocket change for "wheat cents", be sure to check for silver coinage and of course check those quarters. Then new 50 State Commemorative Quarters are a very good place to start since you can find five new states each year plus the different mint marks.

Getting back to pennies, which is where we want to start our new collection. The first Lincoln Cent was minted in 1909 and was made of copper. The mint continued to make pennies from copper until 1943, when for this year only, they were made of steel and zinc plated to prevent them from rusting. These coins appear to be silver or gray in color because of the plating. The pennies were made of steel because of a copper shortage brought on by the war, but they resumed using copper in 1944. Between 1909 and 1958 the penny featured Lincoln on the obverse (front of the coin) and the words "ONE CENT" over "United States of America" framed by bundles of wheat on each side of the words, there by getting the descriptive name of "Wheat Cents". This is how the penny is called for the years 1909-1958. Other than a minor change in the composition of the metal which was 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc until 1943 when they were zinc plated steel, and then 1944 until 1958 when they were 95% copper, 5% zinc and no tin.

The Penny remained the same for 50 years. It was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials appeared on the reverse, of some, of the coins minted that first year. There are two varieties of the 1909, some have the VDB on the reverse, (back of coin) at the bottom of the coin at the 6 o'clock position, and others do not. The pennies were minted at Philadelphia, Pa. and San Francisco, Ca. The pennies from San Francisco have a small "s" under the date while the Philadelphia coins have no mintmark. The coins to watch for are the ones with mintmarks; this applies to all coins not just pennies. The value of coins is greatly based on rarity and with the Philadelphia mint being the largest of the mints; it was natural for them to produce the greatest number of coins. There is also a mint in Denver, Co. and a mint, which had been closed by this time in Carson City. The Denver mint put a small "d" under the date and on older coinage of other types you will find the letters "CC" for Carson City.

Mint Marks are Important, learn to watch for them.

Back to pennies, in 1909 when the first Lincoln (wheat cent) penny was made, they minted 72,702,618 in Philadelphia without the designers, Victor David Brenner, initials. They produced 27,995,000 with the VDB on the reverse of the penny. This same year, 1909, San Francisco minted 1,825,000 without the designer's initials and 484,000 with the initials VDB on the reverse at the bottom of the coin. So now for the economics lesson of supply and demand and how it affects price. If you had a 1909-penny in "good" condition it would be worth about 75 cents, in "mint" condition it would be valued at about $14.00. If you had a 1909 with VDB on the reverse in "good" condition, it would be worth about $1.80, in "mint" condition ( I can't explain this ) the value is about $9.00 ( the only apparent reason for the penny with the lower mintage being worth less in mint condition then the plain 1909 in mint condition, would be that in numismatic records kept by the grading services, there are probably more 1909 VDB's on record than plain 1909's) If you had a 1909s in "good" condition it is worth $37.00, in "mint" condition about $120.00. Now if you were lucky enough to find a 1909s with the initials VDB on the reverse in "good" condition it is worth $350.00 and in "mint" condition it is worth $680.00 or more. Not bad for a penny.

In all coin types and series there exists what are known as "key dates", for now lets just say they are important because of a number of factors (another big subject), but that they are important in collecting coins of all types, not just pennies. The "key dates" for the Lincoln penny 1909-1958 are:

1909s
1909s VDB
1914d
1922
1931s

The semi-key dates, also valuable, but not as significant as the "key dates" are: 1910s, 1911d, 1911s, 1912s, 1913d, 1913s, 1914s, 1915, 1921s, 1922d, 1923s, 1924d, 1926s, 1931d, and 1933d.

This takes you through the "wheat cents" 1909-1958, along with keys and semi-keys each series of coin has Error varieties, Die varieties, and double die varieties which are also worth more than the common date coins. These again are subjects in themselves but a brief description is needed to make you aware of what to look for in collecting coins.

Error varieties are any condition, which may have existed resulting in a coin being struck and getting into circulation in a condition of appearance to be other than what was intended by the U.S. Mint. Simply said if it looks different than all the other s as a result of a mint mistake and not tampering or defacing by an individual, than it is an error, and they tend to be worth more.

Double Die varieties are actually errors because the coin after being stamped does not exit the die but remains in the die and is struck again causing parts of the design to be duplicated. Sometimes the duplicate is very noticeable other double die varieties require a powerful magnifying glass or microscope to see them.

Die varieties are the result of many dies being used to mint any particular series of coin. They could never produce this many pennies with only one die. Each die has its own characteristics, small differences between dies, which are noticeable enough that you can distinguish pennies or other coins being minted by a particular die.

As you may become educated at this point into the many details of coin collecting, let me say this now. Coin Collecting should be no more involved, difficult, or time consuming than you want it to be. The main objective of coin collecting is enjoyment, if you are interested in investing, find a Stock Broker. Lastly, I borrow this comment from another person whose name I don't remember, but who deserves the credit none the less. "As a coin collector, you are not a coin owner, but a coin keeper. Although you have the actual coins in your possession and legally they are yours to hold, buy, sell or trade, while they are in your possession you should do everything possible to maintain the condition and appearance of the coins."(To who ever said this, I apologize for not being able to quote you verbatim or give you your due credit) "As keepers of coins, we enjoy our collection, than pass them to the next generation of keepers." This was significant to me personally, as it links, you, others, and me in a great chain from past through present and into the future as we are the keeper of coins, coin collectors and Numismatists.

Enough now of history, economics and philosophy, let's collect coins.

To start, get yourself a magnifying glass, the bigger the better. Search your coins in a well-lighted area to be better able to spot errors, mintmarks, and to read dates on some of your more worn coins. Determine what coins you will collect and purchase a bookshelf folder for that denomination or series. Whitman, Dansco, Harris & Co. and a few others put out these folders. The Whitman folders are probably the most familiar; they are blue folders about 8 inches high, 6 inches wide and about ? inch thick. They retail for about $3.75 each and are available at most bookstores all coin stores and many web sites including my own.

Try to purchase a book called, "A Guide Book of United States Coins" by R.S. Yeoman. This is commonly called the red book and it is a red book which retails for about $11.00 in the hard cover edition at most book stores and coin shops. The Red Book is published every year, it gives you a good over view of the history of U.S. coins, basic grading information, average retail value for all U.S. coins, descriptions of the different coins past and present and a listing of the errors, with pictures, of some errors found in the minting process. Purchase one of the monthly publications on coin collecting. My two favorites are "Coins" and "COINage". Krausse Publishing who also publishes more than half of all coin related books and periodicals publishes coins magazine. COINage is published by Miller Magazines, Inc. and is always packed with great stories and information as well as advertisers for coin related material. You do not need a subscription, but try to buy at least one copy of either magazine. It will give you some great insight into prices of coins, coins other than pennies that you may want to collect also some great pictures of coins and good articles to educate yourself in coin collecting. Both magazines sell for about $4.00 each, if that is within your budget, then you should buy a copy to get an idea of what is out there. Coin World and Numismatic News are two weekly newspapers with many great articles, current news and classified sections for buyers, sellers and traders all relating to coins. They retail for about $1.95 and are also available at bookstores. The newspaper may not interest you until you get more involved in the hobby and want to stay more in tune with what is happening currently in the Numismatic world. Numismatic News is again published by Krausse publishing and Coin World is published by Ames Press.

A second book you should try to purchase is "Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins", put out by the American Numismatic Association. The book is an excellent guide to grading coins, a skill you will need to develop if you continue in coin collecting. It is a well-used and respected guide for grading coins. Visit the A.N.A. at http://www.money.org, and if you can, consider joining, they have a Junior and Adult Membership. The Junior is only $20.00 for the year and the adult is $36.00, but the benefits are worth the cost of membership. Another coin club is Coin Masters, which is free and also has a Junior Membership as well as Adult. The group is not as large as A.N.A. but it is a great group with some very helpful members. Visit their web site to join at http://www.coinmasters.org/

Some supplies should be purchased when you start collecting coins. You should have something to put your coins in for storage, until you are ready to place them in an album, or for you duplicate coins. You can purchase coin tubes, clear plastic tubes preferably with screw on tops, in the various coin denominations, penny tubes, nickel tubes, etc. Tubes cost about 20 to 50 cents each and usually come in packages of 4 or more, but can also be purchased in bulk for a cheaper price per tube.

IMPORTANT POINT: When storing coins, be careful of the material used in the storage device, many plastics react with the surface of coins causing them to discolor or develop black spots. The paper used is also important as many papers and cardboard contain sulfur, which will cause a silver coin to turn black. The very best and most expensive are air tight holders. These provide the best storage and the expense is of little concern for your more valuable coins. A common and popular method to store coins is in 2"X 2" white cardboard folders which have Mylar/Polyester windows. These are very good and affordable holders for your more common coins and they retail for about $3.75 to $5.00 for a box of 100. They are available in bulk packs of 1000 at lower prices, but I prefer the boxes since they make an excellent way to store the folders once you have inserted and labeled your coins. You simply insert your coin into the round window; fold the other side over and staple shut. NOTE: Try to use stainless steel staples, as they will not rust like ordinary staples. There are a number of other methods and devices for storage, be sure they are made of material that is safe for your coins.

A quick note on copper coins: try to store your coins in an area that is dry. This is particularly important if you happen to have some mint state or proof coins. A nice choice red coin when exposed to moisture, even for a brief period could suddenly begin to change color and end up being brown, dull and less valuable.

Cleaning Coins: Read about it, learn it and leave it to the experts. I recommend no cleaning except under the following condition. If a coin has been exposed to something that will further deteriorate the coin, then cleaning may be needed. Never use an abrasive substance to clean a coin, at most use a mild soap, such as Ivory soap, and water. Gently dab the solution onto the coin, do not rub, and then rinse very well in clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. De-natured alcohol is also used to remove harmful oils from a coins surface, remember to hold the coin by the rim or edges and not on the face of the coin. The acid and oils present in your skin will leave finger prints on the clean shiny surface of a mint state or proof coin that can be seen from five feet away.

Finally, as long as this article may appear, it just scratches the surface of the many aspects of coin collecting. As your collection and interest grows, so will your knowledge. Take the time to listen, to read, ask questions and learn. This is a process that will continue the rest of your coin collecting days. Your education can save you money now and make money for you in the future, but most of all remember have fun. Enjoy the "Hobby of Kings" which has grown to become the "King of Hobbies"; you are a numismatist, a coin collector and a keeper of coins.

Basic essentials needed to start a coin collection.

1.Coins, pocket change is a good way and inexpensive way to start.

2.A good magnifying glass, or a cheaper one at least.

3.Coin albums for whatever denomination and series of coins you intend to collect.

4.Storage devices to protect your coins, tubes are nice but the coins must be removed from them to admire or search through your collection. The 2X2 cardboard holders or flips work best for this reason.

5.Most if not all books and periodicals can be found at your public library, take advantage of that to save money for purchasing coins.

6.Try to join a local coin club. You can probably find one through your Chamber of Commerce or telephone book. There are also some clubs listed on the Internet and clubs such as Coin Masters, which is only available on the web.

7.You will at some time need to purchase coins. It would be near impossible to complete a folder with coins from circulation. Wheat cents are available by the pound at very reasonable rates, but you should shop around.

8.Subscribe to the news group rec.collecting.coins

Visit us at <a target="_new" href="Http://www.Vportweb.net">Http://www.Vportweb.net</a> or <a target="_new" href="Http://www.vportweb.com">Http://www.vportweb.com</a> - our other hobby.

By Paul "Tumble Weed"

No formal writing skills, terible with grammar, but like a "Tumble Weed", I ramble on. Enjoy writing, philosophy, web site building, coin collecting, home remodeling, Tea Cup Pommeranians, and much more.

The Easy Way to Make a Club Logo

2009-01-08T18:30:00.001-08:00