How to use the Wagner Texturing Tool from Craft Supplies USA
Archive for February, 2010
Wagner Texturing tool
Sunday, February 28th, 2010Getting Started on Etsy
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Have you been looking for a way to sell your handmade goods online? Do you currently have a business website but long for more traffic and a larger customer base? If so, Etsy may be the answer. Etsy is an online marketplace dedicated to handmade products.
Opened in June, 2005, Etsy now represents more than 100,000 artisans from around the world – each artisan selling their handmade goods, crafting supplies, or vintage items with their own Etsy store.
Why Sell on Etsy?
·Etsy store owners receive their own customizable store, a URL to link to and drive visitors to, and an abundance of marketing tools and resources to build awareness and of course profits.
·Etsy is easy for both buyers and sellers to utilize. Store owners can customize their shops without the need for programming skills or knowledge. PayPal is the payment processor of choice so payment and fulfillment are easy for both customer and buyer. Etsy also offers sellers several pages including policies, profile, favorites, feedback and a custom request form so you can set your store apart from the others.
·Getting started is free! Much like eBay, Etsy makes money by charging a small listing fee and a 3.5% sales fee.
Your First Step to Selling on Etsy
Step one for selling on Etsy is to register for a seller account. This requires you to provide the typical information which will include your name, address and such but will also include adding a credit card to your account. There is no charge to sign up however your credit card will be used to pay for your listing and transaction fees and is therefore a requirement to signing up as a seller.
Make sure when registering your username that it accurately represents you. Your username will be your URL. For example, yourusername.etsy.com. If your username is difficult to remember, type, or doesn’t relate to you or your business, it will be more difficult for customers to find you.
Making the Most of your Etsy Store
There are simple strategies and tips to follow to make your Etsy store as successful as possible. These tips and strategies include:
· Generate positive feedback. Like the feedback system on eBay, Etsy provides buyers the opportunity to leave positive, or negative, feedback. The better your feedback rating, the more confident customers will be to do business with you.
· Do your research. Spend some time finding out what other sellers, especially your competition, are doing on Etsy. How much are they charging? What payment options and procedures do they utilize? What can you do better to both attract and keep customers?
· A picture is worth a thousand words. Would you buy a sweater, candle or piece of jewelry without knowing what it looks like? Probably not and your customers won’t either. Take good pictures of your items, from all angles, and show your customer how wonderful your products are.
· Describe your products accurately. A detailed product description will help sell it and if you happen to have a knack for creative and entertaining catalog copy then by all means use it. Share your item’s story, engage your customer, and make them want to share the experience by buying your products.
· Categorize and tag your products. Etsy offers tagging features and categories. Utilize these features to make finding you and your products as easy as possible for your potential customers.
Whether you’re selling vintage clothing, crafting supplies, or one of a kind homemade items Etsy is the place to sell them. Their continued growth rate, ease of use, and highly targeted audience make it an ideal place to sell your wares and grow your business.
Angie Sandy
Set yourself apart from other sellers with your own Etsy logo design. Angie Sandy is the lead designer and owner of Auction Add Ons, your source for making the most of your online selling.
Hover Craft Project
Sunday, February 28th, 2010This is our hovercraft that we built for physics.
Fabric Wall Art – CRAFT Video Podcast
Sunday, February 28th, 2010In this week’s CRAFT video, we take a visit to the new fabric store Whiz Bang Fabrics in San Francisco where owner Helen Fawcett shows us how to make some cool fabric wall art.
The Mazda Mud Flap: Crafted for Ultimate Auto Body Protection
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
The Mazda Mud Flap is one functional automotive accessory that can be used and installed in Mazda vehicles to make sure that their auto body will be protected from mud and other road hazards which are encountered when traveling on and off the road. This add-on is not usually original equipment. This means that the mud flap is typically not supplied by vehicle manufacturers in their models. Rather, it can be purchased from specialty automotive shops and may be added as an aftermarket part to vehicles. The mud flaps usually appeal to drivers and vehicle owners who want to start aftermarket styling and customization in their auto and to those people who want to upgrade the protection and the overall looks of their vehicle. Typically, the mud flaps are rubber mats which are often attached and installed directly behind the wheels of automobiles. The main role of these flaps is to shield the exterior of the vehicles from mud and other debris which are usually thrown by the tires as they spin. These flaps are very effective during off-road adventures and when traveling during rainy season. During off-road travels and when driving on wet days, the wheels and tires of vehicles are partially submerged on mud and rain water. The moment the autos accelerate, some of the mud, dirt, and rain water can be kicked towards their exterior body, harming and affecting the overall looks and condition of the automobiles. Though mud flaps are not the typical standard accessories for passenger vehicles, these are best installed in autos to properly protect their exterior from mud and stones which may cause stains, scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. Aside from performing these functional roles, the mud flaps can also serve as agents of style when mounted at the back of the wheels of the vehicle. Mud flaps may carry a number of designs, making these accessories a cool way of expression on the road. These can be secured from automotive stores and can be customized to match the needs of vehicle owners. The Mazda Mud Flap may carry various stylish designs. Many of the mud flaps which are available in the market right now feature cartoon characters, logos, and other things which are similar to bumper stickers. These accessories are easy to install under the vehicle and will not require the help of a mechanic. The mud flaps can be customized to meet the needs and the demands of various vehicle owners. These accessories may come in a number of designs and colors that will surely match overall style and look of Mazda vehicles. These will effectively add a dash of style on the auto and prevent small nicks and scratches from showing on the Mazda auto body. The Mazda Mud Flap is readily available in the market, and will prove to be helpful when it comes to upgrading the style of every Mazda model. And aside from style upgrades, the mud flaps are truly reliable. They will minimize expenses on car washing and on possible future auto body repairs which are caused by damaging elements.
John Garett
John Garret is an automobile mechanic who knows every crook and cranny of his truck. He’s also a vintage car enthusiast, and he’s dedicated to fixing and restoring them. He is a motorist who believes in continuous research and improvement.
Cutting Your Quilt
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
When you start your quilt, you will need patterns, such as rectangles, squares, cut strips, and so on. Once you gather your patterns, you will need cutting tips to complete your quilt.
Cutting the strips:
When you begin to cut your strips, you will need to align your fabric, mark, etc. Use a ruler to decide the width and start cutting once you reach your desired dimensions. For instance, if you want to create a 2-inch strip, locate the mark on your ruler and place the area side by side of your edges that square.
Once you finish cut the strips. You will need a rotary cutter to complete your mission. Your layers figures are based on the strips you cut. You can also mark and then cut your strips so that you have separate squares. You perform the same actions when making rectangles. Squares are also cut in the same fashion. However, you will need to create two squares per cut.
You will need two rectangles also per cut, since the fabric is thick. For instance, if you were to cut 3 1/2 inches of fabric strips x 44 inches, you will need to cut 6 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches to form your rectangles.
When you start to cut your triangles, start at a 45-degree angle. Cut the squares succeeding to cut the squares slantwise, or diagonally and in half. When cutting your triangles, keep in mind that the longer sides require seams that allow room to finish. You need about a 2-inch finish line per triangle, or side. On three sides however of your triangle, you will need to leave a width of 2 1/2 inches to complete your task.
If you are not use to measuring materials, purchase a transparent, heavy-duty ruler and create templates to use as your guide.
Use your templates, aligning it on the material, and lay it in line down the edges at the three sides and use your ruler in a straight line and over your template. Once you have your template in position, you can start cutting across the width to meet your template.
Once you have cut your patterns, you will need to organize and then cut your pieces. Once you cut, your pieces try to organize them so that they do not get lost. You can categorize the pieces and stack them neatly in a desired area near your sewing station.
After you organize your pieces, you want to learn how to press properly. You will need to iron your fabric to prepare it, yet you want to learn pressing techniques, rather than strict ironing. You merely press and lift, relocate, press, release, and relocate, repeating the same cycle to press your fabric.
You will need to press your fabric as you move through the stitching stage also. You will also need to press the allowances at the seams. Head in the same direction at what time you are pressing the seams. To make your fabric durable and sturdier, press the seams to one of your sides.
Learn more about pressing, and irons to complete your quilt. Pressing is important. Once you have your patterns together, pressing down, etc, you can move onto piercing a perfect quilt.
Of course, if you are not in the mood for hand piercing, you can pick up a few tips in stitching seams and allowances, as well as appliqué. Appliqué is the process of fabric pieces sewn onto fabric, sewing shaped parts of fabric onto an underpinning to form a pattern or design.
Jake Saab
Want to look at iguana pictures and pictures of iguanas? Watch them at the Iguana Care website.
Sell Crafts Online – SEO And Other Mumbo-Jumbo!
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
If you want to sell crafts online then it stands to reason that you’re going to have a much easier time of it, and be much more successful, if you can put your crafts in front of as many people as possible. Without a doubt doing well in the search engines is of great benefit, but is there a danger that we can put to much effort into one area and find our craft business suffering as a result?
There’s a lot of hype about SEO – search engine optimization – a lot of mumbo-jumbo. Some of it is just the language of the subject. Every business has it’s own phrases and terms and SEO is no different. Some of it though is at the very least misleading.
Search engines like to be able to figure out what your site is about, so basic SEO is simple. To sell crafts online, make your blog or website specific. Don’t go off here, there and everywhere. If your craft blog is about knitting, fill it with relevant, useful, regularly updated information about knitting – the search engines will love you. Don’t make it about what you did at the weekend, or where you’re going on holiday or what new car you are interested in… and about knitting. Do that and the search engines aren’t sure where to put you, and you won’t rank well.
But concentrating just on the search engines is getting unbalanced. Being active at relevant forums can draw traffic to your craft site, guest writing on other blogs can do it, article marketing can get individual short posts ranked higher in the search engines than your site might, especially if you target specific keywords… and there I go using “trade” words and phrases, some of which might be complete mumbo-jumbo to you!
The point is, that as important as good SEO can be it’s not the only way to ensure you can sell crafts online. You need to do some research into the areas you don’t know well and learn how to best market and promote your crafts. Selling online is not a five minute fix, as some would have you believe, but the market is so huge, so much bigger than you could reach in any other way, that it’s worth a little effort to get it right.
Bob Beacham
There’s plenty of mumbo-jumbo about to catch the unwary. Fortunately there are down-to-earth blogs like Sell Crafts Online where you can get expert advice, plain and simple. You can also pick up your free copy of the highly acclaimed fact file “Craft Success Online”.
Easy Back to School Art and Craft Ideas for Kids
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
These free art and craft for kids ideas are easy to make and a great way to save money while creating unique school supplies with your kids. Just in time for back to school! If youâre looking for some ideas, read on and I will show you some simple free craft ideas for kids. They all take 30 minutes or less to complete.
Art and Craft Ideas for Kids #1 Bulletin Board: Keep things organized with this handy bulletin board. Why spend $40 to buy a pre-made bulletin board when you can easily make one for under $10? You can customize the bulletin board with each kid â pick the favorite colors to decorate the bulletin board. This project should take about 20-30 minutes.
Art and Craft Ideas for Kids #2 Brown Paper Lunch Bags: Make your kidsâ lunch extra special by packing them in customized brown paper lunch bags. Just take a regular bag and decorate it with labels and stickers. Or punch interesting shapes on the bags directly with craft punches. It will definitely give your kids something to smile about. This project will take about 10 minutes.
Art and Craft Ideas for Kids #3 Customized Notebooks: This Who wouldnât want a cool notebook to scribble notes on? There are many way to customize a notebook â you can cover it in scrapbook paper, photos, stickers or even fabric. A beautiful notebook will surely inspire your kid to write more often. This project will take about 15-20 minutes.
I hope these free art and craft craft ideas for kids have given you some inspiration on crafting with your school-bound children. For more information on back to school crafts, or other children craft ideas, visit Kid Craft Project at www.kid-craft-project.com
Edda Shea
Edda Shea is the author of Kid Craft Project: a website for people who enjoy crafting with their kids. It is an online directory that sources the best ideas for kid craft projects. Edda is a lifelong crafts enthusiast and enjoys everything handmade.
Hobbies – Natural Relief Tips for Overworked Arms and Elbows!
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Maybe you play music, build things, or enjoy crafts. Some hobbies require extra work from your arm muscles. Do your tendons and muscles get overworked from your favorite activities?
When we use our arm muscles for hobbies, we risk getting soft tissue injuries. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) are common when hobbies require repetitive movement and muscle patterns. Tendon pain in the arm, elbow or wrist may be an early sign of an RSI.
But there are several ways to relieve tendon pain naturally and prevent soft tissue damage. For best results, follow each step for several months:
* Warm up muscles before activity. Shake your arms rigorously. Move them around in different directions. Get the blood and oxygen flowing.
* Stretch. Warm up before you first stretch. Take stretch breaks during activity. Then follow your session with a long stretch.
Practice static stretches. These are stretches in which you hold for 10-30 seconds, feeling a deep pull. You should feel like you are stretching a rubber band taut.
If your arms are overworked, or always tight, then you might feel tingling or numbness as you stretch. But regular sensation should return within one minute of releasing from the stretch.
* Learn stretches for the arms and forearms. You’ll want to learn specific stretches, including those for biceps, shoulders, and wrists.
* Strengthen opposing muscles. For example, if you usually use the arms in flexed, twisting positions, focus on strengthening the muscles that extend and unravel, like the triceps. If you are always leaning forward, for more details visit to www.profit-pulling-niches.com rounding your shoulders and upper-back, then work on making your upper-back muscles stronger.
* Think of your posture. When your chest is tight, and your shoulders are slumped, this puts a strain on your neck and front-body. Muscles, for more details visit to www.auto-cons.com nerves and other tissues become restricted. Improving your posture will restore blood flow and tissue integrity.
* Get regular aerobic exercise. Blood and oxygen flow are crucial for good health in our bodies. Aerobic exercise affects our whole bodies and all of our tissues.
* Apply ice and basic first aid care. Ice, or cold compresses, can provide instant relief to overworked muscles. Remember: pain is usually a sign of inflammation. Cool the flame!
* Massage fatigued arms. Refresh blood supply and relieve tension. Aahh.
www.activities-little-fingers.com
www.arts-crafts-for-all.com
abhay.jan2009
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