How to decorate your coffee mug, a handmade craft project using household items, in thisfree arts and crafts video taught by an expert. Expert: passportt Bio: Melody has been involved in almost all forms of art medium since she was about 2 years old. She has been painting in mixed media for as long as she can remember. Filmmaker: Daron Stetner
Posts Tagged ‘Handmade’
How to Make Unique Handmade Arts & Crafts : How to Decorate Your Coffee Mug
Saturday, July 17th, 2010Handmade Envelope: how to make an envelope from scratch in under 2 mins – Eco-Friendly Craft Idea
Friday, June 25th, 2010
How to make a custom envelope using paper and tape. Perfect for giving photos, gift cards, concert tickets, handmade cards, etc. Music is “Lettre à Paris” by Paris Combo
How to Make Nylon Flower (Stocking flower Tulip) – Handmade, DIY, howto craft
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Please go to www.newsheer.com for books and supplies. IF you want a hobby that is fun and rewarding, cheap and easy to start. Handmade nylon flower ( stocking flowers ) is an easy to learn craft, Do it yourself, you will be so impressed by the result. we also have more HowTo videos… Calla Lily, Water Lily, Daisy, Magnolia, Rose, Rose Brooch, Rose Choker, Peony and more… go to www.newsheer.com for supplies and books
Handmade Paper Crafts
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Handmade paper, as the name implies, is a variety of paper made by hands. Making crafts from handmade papers is one of the oldest craft making material. It is an innovative and artistic medium in itself. Handmade paper crafts are ever green decorative items and perfect to gift to please your loved ones. Previously, designing of handmade paper was done with the help of various cotton rags or vegetables fibers. But now, the art of making handmade paper crafts has completely revitalized.
Paper Crafts Evolution
Handmade Paper-crafting has been around since ancient period. The name paper comes from the word “Papyrus”. The scrolls of papyrus were made by taking slices of the inner part of the papyrus stem, flattening then pounded into a hard, thin sheet. China was the first to start making crafts out of handmade paper. Gradually, it spreads through Mid-East to Europe.
Handmade Paper crafting also helps in forestation and de-forestation. Handmade Paper, itself, is an excellent example of recycling. There can be numerous variety and applications of paper pulp and handmade paper.
Varieties of Handmade Papers
Different types of handmade papers are being used such as Handmade plain paper, Jute paper, Embroidered paper, Embossed paper, Millenium paper, Leaf impression paper, Tie Die paper, Screen print paper, Crocodile paper, Silk paper, Flower paper, Handmade Batik paper, Leather paper, etc. to make various crafts.
Types of Crafts made by Handmade Paper
Handmade paper is quite popular materials for making a concourse of decorative crafts like greeting cards, carry bags, Art portfolios, Gift boxes, Wallpapers, Pen stands, Tissue boxes, paper holders, File Cover, Diary, Paper bags, Note pads, Envelops, Visiting Cards, Letterheads and many more. These handmade papers can be availed in numerous colors so that one can choose a crafts of his choice.
Looking for more information on Handmade paper crafts, click here
What’s Hot in Handmade Cards
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Handmade cards are being hailed as one of the fast growing trends in the greeting card industry right now.
There’s some debate on what exactly constitutes a ‘handmade card’ in card circles and this category still includes “the look of a hand-assembled – yet manufactured” card.
The degree to which the handmade card has actually had mechanical manipulation is of course down to the nature of the card and its selling points. There’s no doubt though, that handmade is big business. And the more frippery, glittery and feathery you can make it – the better it is for business.
There seem to be a number of key words in the handmade category if you’re trawling around looking for inspiration. The main keyword is “embellishment”. Most of us know this to mean some extra facet added to the front of the card, often giving a 3D quality. That could be anything from beads, buttons, paper, fabric to wire or metal, to name a few. That list is by no means exhaustive, and any crafter worth their salt will know just how tempting it is to add any bit of dazzling finery to their card. Often though, less is best.
What seems to be catching the public’s eye this end of 2007 are cards incorporating glued or stitched on fabric. The card front though is only half the story.
One of the UK’s leading card industry magazines carries regular reports on best selling products in the handmade categories. Whilst smaller independent stores often speak of cards being ‘subtly sparkly’ they also mention the ‘beautiful board’ (or card stock). They talk of ‘delicate and feminine’ being in vogue too.
Whether you’re drawn to buy a handmade card or make one yourself, you’ll be up with the trends if you search out all things glittery and embellished. There’s sure to be a great range in your local stores to meet demand, and as craft retailers know, if its in demand in the card shops, then their craft buying public will want to purchase similar boards and bags of embellishments. Just take a look at the QVC shopping channel – or any one of the craft channels to check out what’s sizzling right now.
Trends continue to include a mix of materials, metal, glitz and fluff so the answer really is that anything goes.
Check out the better card shelves for ideas. See what workshops are being held locally and read magazines to get up-to-the-minute ideas for all things current. As in any market, things are always on the change but as magazines are planned up to several months in advance you’ve got comfort in knowing that trends will stay around for a little while.
Craft stores will always carry a wide selection of card embellishments and if you’re canny you’ll also include flea markets, bargain stores and charity shops in your trawl for all things that could loosely be described as ‘surface decoration’. Make sure you store your favorite bits carefully so that you’ll be able to find them again when you need them. There’s nothing worse than tracking down the perfect addition to your handmade card, only to find yourself hunting feverishly for it, just when you’ve found the perfect place to use it!
Handmade cards are certainly hot news right now!
Pull apart worn out dresses for fab buttons, look at old watches with a new eye, and start to hoard interesting paper textures, fabrics and fluff. Maybe you’ve some fellow crafters who would welcome a ‘swap shop’ event or a workshop where you can pool ideas and learn from each other. Craft is definitely one area where it pays to share your enthusiasm, skills and resources. You never know who might have just the perfect piece to lift your current project.
Jumble sales can be great sources of card ephemera if you look beyond what you see.
Imagine how fabric flowers may look separated into individual petals.
What could you do with that feather duster?
How could you make the most of those metallic service buttons?
How could you weave that line of thin coated wire into your next card project?
Which bits of fabric and paper could you stitch or glue together to create a new base material?
Learn to look at things from different view points and keep abreast of colors, textures and trends to make the most of your current and future projects.
Time spent collecting and sorting is never wasted. You’re building up a supply of exciting embellishments to adorn your lovingly planned and assembled card.
If you want to ride the trends in handmade greeting cards just keep an eye on the market.
Geraldine Jozefiak
Geraldine Jozefiak has written widely on how to craft a handmade card for someone special. Greeting Card Guide gives you the latest news, trends and products to make your greeting card selection as quick, fun and painless as possible. http://greetingcardguide.com
A Handmade Wedding for Crafty Brides
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
If you are the crafty bride, then a handmade wedding is certainly going to appeal to you! Your wedding is a day that you will remember you entire life and is probably one of the most important days you’ll ever have. It makes perfect sense a crafty or artistic bride would want to add her special handmade touch to her wedding.
While a handmade wedding can be beautiful, keep in mind that it is not always a way to save money. Some brides may choose to make a lot of their accessories thinking it will save them a lot of money. Often they discover (all too late) that by the time they add in the cost of making something and their time — they have “spent” an equal or higher amount to what buying that item would have been. So just like marriage — only have a handmade wedding because you love the idea. Creating handmade items for any other reason will stress you out in the long run. Keep in mind that if you aren’t the crafty type these projects will take time and practice so you may need to consider factoring in extra costs for mistakes. For that cost, it completely makes sense to buy the item!
Wedding dress. In another generation it was expected that a young woman would make her wedding dress. There were many dress patterns to create wedding dresses. Your wedding dress would take you several months to carefully sew and this was often a fun, sentimental sewing project you could do with your mother. But with today’s wedding dresses becoming more sophisticated, a bride expects a much fancier dress than most have the sewing skills to create. If you have a fashion design degree or strong sewing skills and want to create your own wedding dress this can be a lovely project. Designing your own pattern or working with a dressmaker can be a great idea.
Veil making. It has become popular for brides and bridesmaids to make their own veils. This can save you money on your veils but it will probably take some practice to get it just the way you want it. There are a number of veil making materials available at larger craft stores.
Unity candle. This is an easy project that makes a lovely gift to give a couple. Making a unity candle uses a large candle and then decorating it in a way that will appeal to the couple. Some Unity candles are quite elaborate and others are very simple candle styles. As Unity candles have become much more popular with many ceremonies, this craft is seen more and more.
Sign-in book. Making your own sign-in book is a fun project that most beginning crafters can make using a blank sign-in book and decorating it to match the theme of their wedding. Most will use crafting glue or a glue gun.
Wedding favors. There are many different types of favors you can make. One of the most classic is sweet almonds in small tulle bags. Or you can put tiny tree seedlings in small tulle bags. This can be a fun project to do with your bridesmaids.
Judith Turner
Visit Wedding Rings and Things.net for all your wedding needs.
Craft a handmade Birthday card
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
If you have an artistic hand and you like to add a personal touch to gift a birthday card then it is very simple to make on at your home. It will require some materials that are usually found at home and time of minimum 15 minutes. Cards craft book helps you in making cards with minimum efforts.
Many times it also happens that you don’t find the right card of your choice and so it is a great idea to craft one of your own. You should collect materials such as a white blank card, birthday border sticker, happy birthday sticker, birthday cake sticker, red balloon stickers, green gift box stickers, blue birthday candle stickers, green birthday candle stickers, yellow birthday candle stickers, blue double note sticker, red double note sticker, yellow single note sticker, red single note sticker, green single note sticker, red bold tip pen.
Instructions for making a birthday card
1. First cut the border sticker from the sheet of stickers. Then cut the border in half and center one half of the border at the top of the card. Once you are satisfied with the look, peel the sticker from the back and press it to the card in the predetermined spot. Center and attach the other half of the border sticker to the bottom of the card.
2. Then center and attach the Happy Birthday sticker below the top border.
3. Next center and attach the Birthday cake sticker below the happy birthday sticker but remember to leave enough room to write the name of the recipient.
4. Now arrange and attach a red balloon sticker on either side of the happy birthday sticker.
5. Then arrange and attach two blue candle stickers slightly above and to the left of the red balloon sticker on the left hand side. Line up a green candle sticker with the closest candle sticker and press it to the card. Attach another green candle sticker next to it with the same spacing between them as between the two blue ones. Repeat with the remaining set of candle stickers, that is the yellow ones.
6. Arrange and attach the double and single note stickers above, beside and below the red balloon sticker on the right.
7. Arrange and attach a green gift box on either side of the cake and then press into place.
8. Write the name of the recipient when you are ready to give the card to someone.
For more information, visit our recommended website craft-books.net
Olivia Andrews
Olivia Andrews, writer of craft-books.net is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.
Home Made Arts and Crafts Ideas : Handmade Tin Can Craft Project
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010How to make a tin can handmade craft project in this free arts and crafts video taught by an expert. Expert: Melody Mann Bio: Melody Mann’s artwork has been seen & sold in juried art shows, and a few of her prints selling in shops & businesses for about 25 years. Filmmaker: Daron Stetner
Handmade Party Invitations: 5 Easy DIY Ideas
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
You like the idea of making your own special handmade party invitations, but donât really know where to start, or think your skills with paper craft are a little lacking, but every time you pick up that generic pad of fill-in-the-blanks invitations you just donât feel happy right? Taking a little time to make your own invites adds a special touch to any party, but whatâs more gives you a fantastic opportunity for a craft with the kids.
So, forget fancy paper craft ideas and start looking around the house for things you already have, or if needs be, pop down to the local discount store for the things you donât.
Here are 5 easy handmade party invitations that you can make very easily together with your child.
1. Photograph It:
This has to be one of my favourite ways to put together an invite, and itâs also the simplest. Start by handwriting your invitation on a large piece of card and get your party child to hold it in front of themselves with a big cheesy smile on their face. Now just take a picture, print them on your home computer or through your local photo processing in standard 10 x 15 cm size. Laminate them for extra strength, or glue to coloured card.
2. Flip Flop It:
This one will probably require that quick trip to the discount store I mentioned and while there pick up some really groovy flip flops The humble flip flop makes a great invite  for summer pool parties, beach parties or anything with a tropical theme. You can write the invitation on the sole with a marker pen, or use the flip flop as a template and draw around it on a piece of coloured card. Cut out the flip flop shape, write the invite and decorate before sticking onto the sole of the flip flop. You could even use this as a basis for a game whereby each child has to find out who has their matching flip flop by sitting in a circle and asking each other questions with yes or no answers like the game âWho Am I?â
3. Age It:
Iâm sure youâve all at one time or another made a pirate map, perhaps when you were at school yourself. Well a better and safer way to get the aged look onto a pirate map for example is to make up a tray of tea, no milk or sugar required of course. Just soak a few tea bags in a tray of water and then drop sheets of regular paper into the water nice and flat. You donât need to soak for too long, we donât want the paper to disintegrate. Take out and hang on the line with a peg to dry. You now have the basis for a beautiful handmade party invitation with an authentically old look. Write on it with a fine marker pen in a loopy old fashioned way; perfect for any pirate party.
4. Puzzle It:
Take your invitation, either hand written, printed or one of those ones you can buy in a pad. After writing, glue to a piece of card stock. On the back create a jigsaw puzzle effect by either drawing odd shapes or mimicking a traditional jigsaw design. Now cut up the invitation accordingly and pop all the pieces in an envelope. Your little guests will need to put the invitation together in order to read it.
5. Inflate It:
Balloons are extremely cheap to buy and very easy to use as an invitation. Write the invitation on regular 80gsm paper, roll it up into a scroll and insert the invitation inside the balloon. Now blow it up and deliver to your guests with the words POP ME! written in marker pen. Itâs even more appealing if you can inflate with helium and tie with coloured ribbon. Imagine your child turning up at school with a bunch of balloons for all their friends to stomp on, great fun!
Sarah Gasu
Sarah believes in giving a party the personal touch by creating handmade party invitations that will be worthy keepsakes. If you would like to download a unique invitation template from Sarah’s personal collection each month go to her website => The Party Mums and sign up for her mailing list now.
