The Handicrafter

Fuzzy Blue Slippers is one of the new kids in town and by the look of it one that will give all the rest a really good run for the money. It is an online marketplace. It is a social networking site.  Think of Ebay, Etsy, Home Shopping Network and Facebook all rolled into one It has tons of features.

 “This new site, Blue Fuzzy Slippers, fills the needs of millions of sellers, shoppers, and networkers who, like me, are frustrated with trying to cut through the clutter, high costs and inefficiencies of many of the Web’s most popular sites.” ~ Sherri Baldy CEO “BFS incorporates the best aspects of the most popular Web sites, while eliminating the negatives, to create a secure place to connect, network, socialize, blog, and here is the key differentiation, you can promote, shop, and sell.”

It is a great place to shop, to sell, or to connect with fellow handicrafters. Don’t even get me started about the oodles and oodles of dolls and miniatures.

BFS allows users to:

• Set up their own customizable profile Web page
• Play their music, videos and commercials
• Sell their products with a Buy It Now or Auctions buttons - right on the user’s profile page
• Link friends and customers to their home page, store, blogs, groups, advertising, and products all under one roof
• Have their own on-line TV channel and much more
• No need for a Web site
• No listing fee’s and no final fee’s
• Do it all in their blue fuzzy slippers!

There is a limited time offer right now  $5.00/month or $25.00/year shops.

There is also a free to try it shop. List up to 10 items and try it all out for yourself for free. It doesn’t get much better than that folks.

4 paws up for this one!

This is the first of my picks for your 2009 Gotta Have-it Book List. It is called Fairy Crafts. There are sections containing detailed instructions for making toys, costumes, gifts and even one about preparing a fairy party. Each section is annotated with a short introduction. The author is Heidi Boyd. The book is published by F & W Pubns Inc on 2003/09/01 You’ll get 95 pages of fairy fun in this beautifully illustrated paperback.

It seems fairies are hotter than ever and we just can’t get enough of them. I have a collection of fairy craft books on my own shelf. Even if I do not get around to making any of the items I enjoy taking the books out from time to time and dreaming about all the wonderful things I would make had I unlimited amounts of materials and time!

Acids are essential for our daily comfort, but when it comes to scrapbooking, there’s really nothing worse.  If you look at old scrapbooks or photo albums that your grandmother or even your mother made, you’ll notice a distinct “aged” look to the photos.  Most of that damage is not caused by time, it’s caused by acids. 

The best place to buy acid-free products is at a scrapbook store or scrapbook supply website, but that doesn’t mean everything you find there is acid free.  You need to learn to read labels.  There are certain label codes that mean a product is safe.  If the packaging is unclear, you can always ask the sales clerk or research the product online. 

If you’re unsure of a the acid level of paper, or just want to double check, you can test products on your own with a Ph pen.  They’re available at your local scrapbook store.  They are also great if you’re using products that aren’t pre-packaged for scrapbooking like greeting cards or wrapping paper.  For just a small investment, you’ll be saving precious memories.   

PH pens have chemicals in them that change color when you expose them to an acid.  Just write on a small piece of the material you want to test.  If it stays the same color, it’s safe.  If the material changes color, don’t use it.   

If papers are too dark to see the color change, just rub the paper onto a white sheet until some of the color comes off.  Then, test the white sheet with your pH pen.  The acid is usually in the ink, not the paper, so this should give you an accurate result. 

Everyone will tell you to use acid free paper, cardstock, and photo albums, but there are other hidden offenders that can do just as much damage to your memories if you don’t buy acid-free products. 

Glue.  Using a pH pen isn’t feasible for products like glue and other adhesives.  You should learn the tell-tale signs that there’s acid present in the product.  The first and easiest is, of course, by reading the package, but that’s not always helpful.  A safe glue should not have a strong distinct smell and should always dry clear. 

Page protectors.  These are another big acid offender.  While it may seem easier to just go buy regular protectors from the store, the very things you use to protect your photos may actually be destroying them.   

Ink.  Whether you’re keeping track of your photos by writing on the back or just journaling and adding details on the pages of your scrapbook, you need to use acid-free ink pens.  Also, remember to read the label on the ink cartridge for your printer(s) if you use your computer to help prepare your pages.

Storage boxes.  Whether you’re using boxes to store pictures that haven’t been used yet, or to store completed books, you should make sure that the boxes are acid free.  Acidic boxes can do just as much damage as putting pictures on acidic paper. 

While it may take a little extra time and money to find and buy acid-free products, the long term results will make it worth the effort.

 Looking for a craft for a detail oriented child?  Does your child enjoy crafting?  Do they have an ability to focus and enjoy spending their time creating?  Cross stitching may be the perfect hobby. 

Even very young children can learn to cross stitch.  Children as young as seven have the ability to focus, have the eye hand coordination and the skills necessary to create fun and memorable projects.  When just beginning, depending on the age of your child and their skill and patience level, plastic canvas projects may be exactly what they need.  If they’re more advanced then perhaps a basic fabric pattern can be used to start.  Here are some of the basic supplies you’ll need to get started:

If you’re beginning with a plastic canvas:

o 7 or 5 count plastic canvas with fun pattern

o Brightly coloured yarn

o Large needles designed for children and plastic canvas projects

o Scissors

If you’re beginning with a fabric canvas:

o 7 or 11 count Aida cloth (the cloth designed for cross stitch with the little X’s on them.)

o 3″ plastic hoop

o Size 22 tapestry needle is recommended because it has a blunt end.

o Brightly coloured floss

o Easy beginner pattern.  There are a ton of beginner patterns designed specifically for children’s small hands. Bugs, animals, letters, and other large patterns with only two or three colors are a great way to start.

When teaching young children it’s best to begin with a short time limit in mind so that they’re not overwhelmed with the project or become frustrated.  Additionally, a short time limit will help them stay focused. 

Start with a basic lesson on how to hold the fabric, how to position the hoop, and how to thread a needle.  Quite likely that may be enough for a first lesson!  If they’re still interested in continuing, demonstrate the cross stitching process either by stitching a few rows yourself or showing them a completed row.  You may want to have them practice the basic stitch on a blank canvas and let them complete a row or two before they begin on their personal projects.

Teach in a room that is quiet, comfortable and free from distractions.  For many, part of the joy of cross stitching, and many other crafts or arts, is the almost meditative quality of the work.  If you’re teaching cross stitching in the middle of a busy and noisy room, they may miss out on that aspect and they may have difficulty focusing.  Sharing your joy of crafting and cross stitching with your child can be a wonderful way to connect, to spend time together, and to teach your child the joy of creativity.  Cross stitch is an excellent hobby because it enables your child to see the progression of their work and once they’ve completed their project it can be hung on the wall, sewn into a pillow, or displayed in any manner they choose so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

 Once you’ve adopted a beading hobby it’s easy to find yourself up to your eyebrows in earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Your jewellery box is full, all of your friends’ jewellery boxes are full and yet you still want to create beautiful objects with beads.  Not to worry, there are other wonderful items that can be created with beads.

Accessories

Belts, handbags, and hair accessories all just beg for a little embellishment.  Handbags and belts can both be made entirely of beads or you can find a pattern and sew it onto your favourite accessory.  Crystal beads, gems, and metallic beads are excellent choices for an evening bag.  Smaller beads and beads with an ethnic flair work very well for belts.  Hair accessories, headbands, bands, barrettes and the like all can be made entirely of beads using elastic or else hot glued to give a plain band a festive shine.  Accessories are also an excellent place to use those extra beads you have lying around.

Fabric and paper art

Grab a needle and thread, a piece of elegant paper, silk or other fabric to use as a background and go on to create a masterpiece.  Patterns can be found online or else you can create your own pattern or design. 

Home accessories

Vases, candle holders, baskets, cabinet knobs and much more can be adorned with beads.  Grab your hot glue gun, a collection of gems or crystal beads and create unique accessories.  Napkin holders are often decorated with beads or made entirely out of beads.  Picture frames are the perfect foundation for glass beads.  Use this project to create a one of a kind gift for a loved one. 

Holiday decorations 

You can use beads to decorate a holiday tree.  Beads can be used to make snowmen, angels, snowflakes, Santa Claus shapes and many, many others.  Hearts can be created from beads for Valentine’s Day, and four leaf clovers or shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day. Any holiday can be a reason to create a beadwork masterpiece.

Create real, usable pieces or art.  Bookmarks can be created with beads.  Lamps can be adorned with or made from crystals that can hang from the ceiling. Vases and candle holders can be created from beads. Wonderful figurine patterns, including ones for some truly magnificent bugs, can be found online. 

Stepping outside of beaded jewellery can take your hobby farther than you could ever imagine.  It’s amazing to watch small glass beads evolve into major works of art.  Grab your favourite beads and start exploring non-jewellery options today.

 Sometimes it’s ideal to set the children down at the table, give them a craft to work on and then step back and enjoy the focused peace and quiet that lasts for about five minutes!  Other times, it’s more fun to have the entire family get involved in a craft project.  It creates a sense of togetherness, shows your children that you enjoy focused time with them, and the results of the project can be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.  Here are a few craft projects to consider doing as a family.

Family Tree Projects: 

Family trees are an excellent way to connect with your heritage and to teach your children about where they come from.  Family tree projects can be created by making a collage from copies of old family photos.  Depending on the age of your children you can also create a mural tracing your ancestry back as far as you can.  Smaller children will enjoy placing names or pictures on cut out green leaves and positioning them on a felt tree or a hand drawn tree.

Garden Crafts:  

Garden craft projects are exceptional because they not only allow your children to create something permanent they teach your children about growing and taking care of the planet.  Projects can be as simple as creating small seedling planters and painting or decorating the containers to creating elaborate yard art. Bird baths, luminaries, stepping stones, and wind chimes are all fun projects for the entire family.

Piñatas and other holiday crafts: 

Piñatas are a blast to make and even more fun to tear apart.  Family members can join together to create a fun family decoration and party favour for an upcoming celebration or use the piñata as an excuse for a celebration!  Piñatas require a balloon, paper mache tools, paint and candy or party favours inside.  Children can be involved in the entire process while parents oversee it or parents can join in and get arm deep in sticky paper mache - it’s fun!  Of course letting it dry is the difficult part and a piñata usually takes several days to make.  However the end result and the smile on your children’s faces as they dive for the goodies as they tumble out is more than worth it.

Word of warning though, don’t use too much glue or else the piñata will withstand hammering with even the studiest of baseball bats.

Other holiday crafts include Christmas tree decorations, Halloween masks, and Earth Day tye dye t-shirts!

Family crafts are a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, a fantastic way to create a holiday tradition and always a superior way to connect as a family and create special memories and love.

 Wise parents and child care givers know the power of a well stocked craft closet.  Rainy days, sick days, and those extra long school breaks can wreak havoc on even the most patient of parents.  A well stocked craft closet can save the sanity of babysitters, grandparents, and parents when these two little words are uttered, “I’m Bored.”  The words are enough to send children and parents alike into tears.  Imagine being able to reach into your magic craft supply box and pull out exactly the right craft supplies to help your children entertain themselves and keep them busy and happy. 

Here are my suggestions for those super handy craft supplies needed to get you through those moments when having an activity is an absolute must!

o Tempera paint

o Glue - clear or white glue is best. 

o Construction paper

o Tape (Lots and lots of tape)

o Crayons

o Markers

o Glitter and or glitter glue.

o Hole punch

o Safe scissors

o Pipe cleaners

o Ruler

o Clay - the kind that doesn’t dry out is ideal.

o Cookie cutters

o Felt or foam sheets and shapes

o Paint brushes

It also helps to keep a folder full of easy to make craft instructions.  That way all you have to do is pull out the craft instructions and supplies and an afternoon will pass quickly by.

Of course, all of those supplies can take up a ton of space.  A plastic organizer, cart with drawers or an organizer designed specifically for crafting are great ways to store supplies without having them take over the home. 

On top of the staple craft supply kit, there are a few items found around the home that you can begin collecting.  It’s a great way to be environmentally conscious and to inspire your child’s imagination. Collect and reuse any of these items:

o Bottle caps

o Buttons

o Cereal boxes

o Straws

o Egg Cartons

o Scraps of fabric

o Old magazines for collages

o Popsicle sticks

o Paper towel and toilet paper rolls

o Wrapping paper

o Bows and yarn

o Tin cans

o Newspaper

o Sponges

Rainy days, cold weather days, sick days and those good old hang around the house days are more fun when children are engaged in creating fabulous works of art.  A well stocked craft supply kit will make it much easier to have those special moments and you’ll never hear those two dreaded words “I’m bored”.

Make sure you have plenty of space to store their artwork and don’t forget to leave room on your refrigerator!

Children are fantastic when it comes to using their imagination.  They’re also pretty great about the three Rs, reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Put those two ideas together and your children will have a ton of fun.  Here are some ideas on how to get them started. 

Plastic Pop or Water Bottles: 

Butterflies -  You will need a butterfly stencil approximately four inches square if you are using a large 2 litre bottle or 2 inches square for a standard 780 ml or 1 litre bottle.  Trace the butterfly onto the plastic and cut them out.  Decorate with glitter glue sticks for extra bling. Butterflies can be strung by piercing the center with a needle.  Hang them outside for extra fun.  

Ocean in a Bottle – This project works best with smaller 780 ml or 1 litre bottles.  Fill half the bottle with clear non-toxic oil – like light canola oil.  Fill the remaining half with water.  Add food coloring, glitter, small lightweight plastic items and confetti shaped like your child’s favourite animal or shape. There are many different shape punches available in your local arts and crafts dealership. Recap tightly.  Let your child play with them to their hearts content.   

Cardboard Tubes: 

Rain sticks are a fantastic and fun way to spend rainy afternoons indoors.  Not that you’d want to conjure up more rain!  Supplies include: 

o Masking tape

o Paper towel tubes

o Tempera paint

o Elmer’s glue or other white craft glue

o Rice, lentils, or small beans 

Paint the tubes first and allow to dry.  Poke several very small holes, toothpick sized, into the tube.  Cover one end of the tube with tape and place a small handful of rice or beans into the tube. Cover the other end of the tube with tape and let them at it.   

Different materials, rice, beans, or lentils make different sounds.  Encourage your children to make several and experiment with sounds. 

There are a huge number of items around the house, items that normally end up in the garbage or the recycle bin that can be used to create an artistic masterpiece and hours of fun.  Old egg cartons can be used to make tulips or bells.  Tin foil can be washed and used to make picture frames or small sculptures.  Old newspaper makes great paper mache, baby food jars are excellent containers for luminaries and snow globes.  Tin cans make great planters for starting seeds just be sure to remove any sharp edges with a file.   

Give your children the challenge to come up with ideas of their own. A paper grocery bag could become a suit of armour, a plastic bottle can become a wind sock or a piggy bank.  They have amazing imaginations, creative thinking skills, and they’re truly the experts at recycling and reusing materials around them. 

Looking for a craft to teach your children?  A craft which will result in quality, usable products?  A craft which will teach them to focus, to set goals  and give them a sense of  accomplishment  and pride as well as to teach them design planning and follow through?  Sounds like a tall order, right?  Nope, the answer is as simple as teaching them to crochet or knit.   

Crocheting 

Crocheting is a great place to start, particularly for younger children, because it uses a single blunt needle called a hook. Children as young as four can be taught to crochet. Required supplies include: 

o Size J hook

o Favourite color worsted weight yarn

 o Beginner pattern   

Hooks come in a variety of materials from metal to plastic.  Lighter weight hooks are often easier for small hands to use effectively.  It’s easier to teach a child to crochet if you’re sitting side by side so a couch is ideal, just make sure the television is off or they won’t be paying attention.  It is important to note whether your child is left handed or right handed as the pattern directions will vary.    

Beginner patterns are usually scarves, blankets or placemats.  Remember to start small, be prepared for frustration in the beginning and set a mental time limit or create a goal – for example, let’s start with a 4X4 square so they feel like they’ve accomplished something when they finish. 

Before beginning any project it’s important to master a few knots, practice them, and make your yarn skein into a yarn ball.   

Knitting

Like crochet, knitting is a great way to teach children focus, give them a sense of accomplishment, and is a great way for children to keep busy as an alternative to a television, computer or video game.   

Knitting supplies:

o Size ten knitting needles

o Yarn, preferably wool

o A knitting pattern or project 

Easy knitting patterns include a scarf, a potholder, or a hat.  Begin with your child sitting next to you somewhere comfortable.  Sometimes it helps to have your child sitting in your lap so they can emulate your hand motions.   

Like crochet needles it helps small hands if the needles are larger and if they are lightweight.  Additionally, choose needles which have rounded tips rather than sharp pointed ones.   

Patience is required when teaching knitting or crocheting.  Knots can be difficult for small hands to master.  If you become frustrated they will too.  Knitting and crocheting are a fantastic way to bond with your child and to teach them the joy of crafting, the joy of creating something with their own two hands that will last a whole life long.

Love tie-dye but hate the mess?  Here’s a quick and easy way to create the same gorgeous retro effect without all the buckets and mess. 

To get started you’ll need to grab a few things: 

o Package of coloured sharpie markers.  These are sold at your local office supply store or in the office supply section of your grocer.  They come in a wide variety of colors ranging from red, blue, yellow, purple and so on. 

o Rubber bands.  These are used in the same manner that they’d be used in a traditional tie-dye project.  They’ll be used to make bulls-eyes.   

o Something to tie-dye.  This can be a t-shirt, bag, table cloth, pillow case; anything that you feel inspired to add a colourful retro feel to. 

o Rubbing alcohol.  This is the key to the whole project! 

o Spray bottle.  This will be used to spray the alcohol.   

Taking your shirt or socks or whatever you’re going to be dying, grab a bit of fabric and wrap a rubber band around it leaving a bit of fabric poking out.  Do this as many times as you wish.  Varying the size of the fabric inside the rubber band will create different sized color swatches on your finished project.  To create the bulls-eye pattern layer the rubber bands on the same piece of fabric, so one handful of fabric will have a rubber band an inch down, two inches down and so on depending on how many rings you want in your bulls-eye.   

Now take your markers and start coloring in the gathered material.  Color it however you choose.  If you’re making a multicoloured bulls-eye you’ll want to color each banded section a different color.   

Once you’ve finished coloring the sections, grab the fabric and take it to a well ventilated area.  An old plastic chair, bench or even a bucket outside is ideal.  Using your spray bottle full of alcohol, start spraying the rubber banded sections.  Continue spraying until the entire shirt has been tended to.   

Now you can sit back and watch.  The alcohol will start to react with the colors causing them to bleed into one another.  It’s a great and dramatic effect and it is fun to watch.  Let your fabric dry.  Once it’s dry, you can remove the rubber bands.  Launder it in cold water to set the colors.  Dry and wear. 

Tie-dying with sharpie markers is a much easier, faster, and less stressful way of creating the same fabulous projects the buckets and dye powders offer and without the mess.  And hey, yeah, I’m all for that!