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Many Kids get bored on rainy weekends when they don’t have any work for those days and all their usual games are also over. Then why not try sewing stuff, kids will get to learn something new and creative and proud enough to show it off at their school the next week. There are lots of easy as well as fun projects that anybody of any age group can try and learn and who knows Mom or Dad might have an excellent time as well.

Teaching The Basics

Prior to getting into sewing fun stuff, make certain that you teach each child about the safety and precautions using needles and pins, and how to accomplish a basic stitch through doing some practice on a piece of material.

If you have the money, provide a sewing kit to all of the children as this might give them an awareness of responsibility and an encouragement to sew more. But after the projects, keep the kits in a safe place and out of reach of children.

Pin Cushions – An Excellent Place To Begin

Pin cushions can be a good place to start since it is easy and simple to produce. Also it can further be added to a children’s sewing kit. All it that is required is a piece of fabric, a small amount of stuffing and obviously a thread and needle. Sew a shape of the material together like a pillow(square is the easiest), leaving a relatively small section open for the fill. Fill the shape, sew the hole and you are done.

Decorate Bags and Shirts

Decorating bags and shirts is another way of creating sewing stuff fun, as it can get your children’s creative juices flowing as well as producing an end effect that is wearable for them. Instead of sewing the entire bag or shirt, purchase a plain style bag or t-shirt from a second hand type of store or a regular department store, and embellish with fun sewing stuff such as buttons, patches, fabric paint. Fabric paint is a great option for children that are younger, as there is no required sewing at all which means no needles, pins, or chance of accidents involving needless.

Quilts – Not As Hard As You Think

If children discover sewing stuff fun, and they understand the basic stitches easily a relatively easy project to take on is the more humble patch work of quilt. All that is required is an old blanket or quilt, thread and needle and a bag full of rags. Go through the bag of rags, separating the materials and patches you like, and then begin stitching it starting from one corner of the blanket. It will keep the child occupied and it will teach them commitments and give them some sense of happiness when they are finished.

Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of home improvement. If you would like to learn more go to http://www.waterheaterspro.com/ and at http://www.sewingfunstuffpro.com/sewing-buttons/

The high-handled flower basket of our grandmother’s time is seldom seen nowadays except in pictures. It has gone the way of the old- fashioned bouquet with short-stemmed flowers tightly bound together. In gathering masses of long-stemmed roses from our gardens we shall find a tray-shaped basket more convenient.

Green Openwork Basket for Violets

Materials:
24 30-inch pieces of No. 1 rattan,
2 weavers of No. 2 rattan,
An iridescent glass bowl.

Nothing could be more harmonious than the cool green of this open-meshed basket enclosing an iridescent glass bowl filled with violets. The basket is dainty, yet very simply made.

The arrangement of spokes in the usual sixteen-spoke centre is followed, except that there are six spokes in each of the four groups, instead of four, and the weaver follows three times around these groups before they are separated into threes. Ten rows of under-and-over weaving, according to the Indian method, for an even number of spokes, make a slightly rounded bottom. The edge is bound off, and each group of spokes having been wet until pliable, is brought under the next group on the right, over the next, under the next, over the next, under the next and outside.

The mat-shaped basket is then moulded up between the hands into a bowl shape, like the openwork candy basket in “How to Make Baskets.” The spokes are drawn in or out and the top pressed closely in until it fits the glass bowl. This process will take time and patience, for the edge of the basket should be even and on a line with the edge of the bowl. When this is accomplished the basket is turned upside down and a pliable weaver doubled around one of the groups of ends is woven in pairing for two rows to form part of a base. This should be done carefully so as not to draw the ends too close together and make the finishing of the base difficult. Each group of ends is then brought over the next two groups, on the left and inside the base, which completes it.

In order to get the silvery green colour for this basket, it is not soaked in the alum mordant before dyeing, but simply wet in clear water. The directions for green dye with indigo and bark extract may be used, but before dyeing it the colour should be tried on bits of rattan.

Buy the 77 page ebook More Baskets and How to Make Them at http://shopping.directorygold.com/zen/descriptions/lf/basket_weaving.htm to learn more on how to make and weave baskets.

Creating scrapbook page layouts is a great way to unwind, relax and be creative. If you are new to scrapbooking then it is important to have the basic tools to get you started.

Entering a store and asking the owner what tools you need could prove expensive, you will soon find yourself investing in things you probably do not need.

There are some basic tools you will need if you are going to start creating scrapbook page layouts, here I have put together a list and explanation of some of the items you will need and use on a daily basis.

Fancy edges scissors or craft scissors – These scissors are a wonderful tool to use when creating scrapbook page layouts. They come in a variety of designs and can be used to create fancy boarders and edges with paper.

Craft punches – craft punches can be used to create embellishments as well as a decorative edge to paper projects. Punches come a huge variety of shapes and sizes and can be purchased with ease from any craft store. It is wise to keep your craft punches sharp to ensure a clean crisp cut. You can sharpen your punches by occasionally punching through foil and if you have difficulty applying enough pressure to punch through the paper you may also need to purchase a punch aid.

Tweezers – tweezers a great for lifting and holding small and delicate items such as beads or gems. You can also use your tweezers to apply embellishments to your scrapbook page layouts.

Glue – To attach any material to your scrapbook page layout will require some form of glue. There are different types of glue for different materials such as sticky dots, glue sticks, silicone, glue pens, double sided tape and spray glue. Always ensure the glue is acid free before using it on your scrapbook page layouts.

Decorative materials – To jazz up any scrapbook page you will need some form of decorative materials such as, pencils, chalks, embossing powders, glitter, peel off stickers, ready made embellishments different types of patterned and printed paper.

Scrapbook – You will need a scrapbook to store all your finished pages in. scrapbooks come in a huge range of themes and colors to suit any occasion. You can also purchase refill pages if you run out of space.

If you are creating your first scrapbook page layout then try to keep things simple. Have a look on the internet and get some ideas by looking at other peoples scrapbook pages.

Once you have finished your first page I guarantee you will have the bug to create more and once you are more confident you can then invest in more intermediate products to use on your scrapbook pages.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in scrapbook ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for creating stunning scrapbook page layouts. Vicki also specializes in card making

http://www.vickisscrapbookideas.com

http://www.vickiscardmakingideas.com

Whether you are new to scrapbooking or have been putting your scrapbook ideas into practice for a while, every keen scrapbooking enthusiast welcomes new ideas, tips and techniques so I am going to share a few of mine with you.

Attaching Ribbon To Your Scrapbook Ideas:-

Ribbon is a beautiful way to accessorize a scrapbook page. It gives the page a three dimensional look and there are thousands of colors, designs and sizes of ribbon so you are sure to find something to suit the project you are working on.

There are many ways to use ribbon with your scrapbook ideas including ribbon glue which is especially made to adhere ribbon to paper. You could also use eyelets or brads, again these come in a huge variety of shapes and colors.

Attaching ribbon using staples is also a visually impressive way of embellishing your scrapbook ideas. You can use peel off pens or permanent markers to change the color of the staples helping to coordinate them with your scrapbook pages.

Using Chipboard For Scrapbook Ideas:-

Chipboard is a lot like cardboard but generally it is slightly thicker than cardstock but thinner than cardboard. If you are using chipboard for your scrapbook ideas always check the packaging or use an acid test pen to ensure it is acid free as quite often it is not.

The most common way to use chipboard with any of your scrapbook ideas is to cover it with paper. Cut the chipboard to the size and shape you require then trace the chipboard to the backside of your chosen paper. Simply cut the paper out and adhere to the chipboard. Because the sides will still be showing you can use ink, paint or pens to color the edges.

Using Flat Or Wrinkled Paper For Your Scrapbook Ideas:-

If your scrapbook page layout is depicts an old era then distressing a piece of paper to use as a background is a really effective way to give an aged look. To distress or ‘age’ a piece of scrapbook paper begin by crumpling it up then flattening it out. Brush an ink pad over the raised surface to give a distressed look. You can purchase specialist distress ink that will work really well but generally any ink will do but some may just need longer to dry.

If you need to flatten a piece of paper to use for your scrapbook ideas the best way is to use an iron on a low setting with no steam. I would recommend you also place a piece of scrapbook paper on top for extra protection.

Tips For Framing Photos:-

Most people matt and layer photos before adding them to a scrapbook page. Matt and layering is basically a technique where you build up layers of paper sticking one on top of the other to form a frame. There are many other ways to frame a photo including using ribbon, photo corners, photo turns, large brackets and ready made metal frames.

How To Attach Pictures For Your Scrapbook Ideas Without Causing Damage :-

If you are creating a scrapbook page layout and using an original photo that you do not want to cut, stick or damage in anyway there are a few simple techniques to add the picture to your scrapbook page without causing any damage.

The easiest way is to use photo corners however if you want a really effective way try making an envelope and placing the picture inside. Keep the envelope open so the photo can be seen, you can embellish the envelope to match your scrapbook page.

When putting together any scrapbook ideas every crafter will stumble upon new ways and techniques and it is always a good idea to share these ideas with other keen scrapbookers by joining a community or forum, you never no, you may find the answer to a problem that has been bugging you for ages.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in scrapbook ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for creating stunning scrapbook page layouts. Vicki also specializes in card making

http://www.vickisscrapbookideas.com

http://www.vickiscardmakingideas.com

Perhaps you thought of getting a new tall ship model lately, if so, you might have given some consideration to building one. The choice of whether to build or buy does not even take into concern the type of ship you are looking to get and that will be left to your preference.

In any case, there are several issues to dwell on when making such a choice. Factors that must be accounted for include such things as the quality of the materials being used, the cost of materials and supplies, the amount of time needed to build a ship and the quality of workmanship that you wish the ship to be. All of these concerns should be addressed before making your decision to get started.

Things you will need

Patience will be your primary tool. Most model ships will have a considerably large number of exceptionally small pieces. This fact will become quite glaringly obvious with a tall ship model. There will be a ton of tiny cannons, rigging material, a dozen sails, and literally thousands of small pieces of wooden planks.

Because you have decided to build your model tall ship, you might at well get started buying some of the other items that will be needed. You will need several types of tools to build your new model ship. The list will generally include a generous amount of various woods, such as teak, oak, or poplar, a few hobby saws, a large supply of hobby knives, sandpaper, small files, glue, any paints that will be needed, and do not forget the ship kit or detailed plans, in case your building the ship from scratch.

Now that you have the basic tools, you would want to look into several good books on model building, assuming you have not already bought those as well. Most books can be found at your local hobby shop, if you have access to one. If not, the internet is your friend and these can be ordered through an online bookstore, such as Amazon. Luckily there is also an extensive amount of information that is freely obtainable on the web as well.

If you are building your new tall ship model from a kit, then you may get off easy on building a ton of small parts. The ability to build your own parts will come in handy should you lose any parts, or if you simply make a decision to alter the ship in some way. If you are not building the ship from a kit, then building those small parts will be a fundamental component of your construction effort.

If by some chance you are a beginning model builder, then you may perhaps wish to practice your new skills on some other models before delving into a tall ship model. Building a model ship from scratch will be a very rewarding experience and a great way to better your modeling skills; however, it might not be the best way to develop these abilities for the novice modeler.

Once you have all of your materials, plans and tools, you are ready to get started. Make sure you have lots of room to work, a place to keep it from getting disturbed, and plenty of light. Now you can get to work. Take your time, and do not rush or get overly frazzled at any point. It is now up to you. In the end, this will simply mean that the quality of your model ship will be solely limited by the skills you possess and the amount of time that you are willing to put in to it.

Derek Wood scale model enthusiast that has been building models for 24 years. Specializing in models such as planes, tanks, dioramas, model ships and model trains, he now spends his time helping others enjoy the modeling hobbies. Learn more about model ships at: http://www.ModelShipsOnline.com