Making Your Own Bead Jewelry

By Pamela Bruce

Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.

If you ever asked yourself “couldn’t I do that myself?” while you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is “yes”. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a great source of gift ideas for family and friends.
The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are huge mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques. If there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as “The Beader’s Companion” will have to do.

“The Beader’s Companion” by Judith Durant and Jean Campbell is a small (7″ x 5″) paperback book with spiral binding that lies flat, so you can keep it on your work surface next to your beading projects. The book starts out by describing various kinds of beads (with illustrations), as well as types of glass and finishes used for beads. This is followed by section on threads/cords and different types of needles. Particularly useful is a chart telling beaders what thread to use with which kind of bead. There are also extensive chapters on various stitches and crochet techniques. Further sections on finishings (clasps, hooks, ear wires, etc.), tools and basic wire techniques round out what almost amounts to a beading course in a book. Even after you mastered the different techniques described in this guide, you will be coming back to it for the various useful charts and tips, such as the bead-sizing chart.

Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps, chain, etc.). You might be impatient to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Some stores will even offer packaged starter kits that include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.

You should then set up your “beading space” – preferably an uncluttered, well-lit area in your home. You might have to invest in a good lamp, maybe one combined with a magnifying lens. Remember, you will be stringing some rather tiny objects! Make sure you have plenty of containers to keep different types and colors of beads separate – nothing will spoil your joy of beading like having to hunt for a single bead in a jumbled pile. Beading stores will sell you various storage systems, but you can also experiment with plastic containers meant to hold small hardware or fishing tackle.

Well, now you are ready for your first bead jewelry project. Happy beading!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/LOVE-BEADS-UNLIMITED) and on her website at http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com, where you can also download the free e-book “A Consumer’s Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online”.

Add comment March 11th, 2006

Know These Important Things Before You Learn How To Knit

By B. Hopkins

Know These Important Things Before You Learn How To Knit
Did you ever enjoy texture of yarns in your hand or wondering how that interesting color pattern was created in your favorite sweater? Then you will surely have fun learning the art of knitting. Knitting is one of several ways to turn thread or yarn into cloth-weaving and crochet. It’s all about creativity.

The Introductory Steps of Knitting

Unlike woven fabric, knitted fabric consists entirely of horizontal parallel courses of yarn. The courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops in which a short loop of one course of yarn is wrapped over the bight of another course. Knitting can be done either by hand, described below, or by machine. What makes knitting even more exciting is the fact that this art can be easily learned.

In practice, hand knitting is usually begun by forming a base series of twisted loops of yarn on a needle. This is called Cast On. A second knitting needle is then used to reach through each loop in succession in order to snag a bight of yarn and pull a length back through the loop. This forms a new stitch. Work can proceed in the round (circular knitting) or by going back and forth in rows. Knitting can also be done by machines, which use a different mechanical system to produce nearly identical results.

Knitting Styles: There are two basic styles of knitting; English and Continental. The difference between the two is in how you hold the yarn. In the English method the yarn is held in the right hand. In continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand. Whatever your natural hand-preference, you should be able to master either method because the nature of knitting is basically ambidextrous.

The two basic stitches are knit or plain and purl or wrong. These two nominal stitches are actually identical, however, being the obverse and reverse of the same stitch. It is the variations and combinations of these two stitches that create all the different stitch patterns which are possible in knitting. Typically, a knit stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a left-to-right perspective and pulling a loop of yarn through to form a new loop, while a purl stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a right-to-left perspective.

A piece of knitting begins with the process of casting on, which involves the initial creation of the stitches on the needle. Casting on is the first step in knitting These stitches become the first row of stitches and one selvage of your work, usually the bottom or hem.

Different methods of cast on are used for different effects; one may be stretchy enough for lace, while another provides a decorative edging. Provisional cast on is used when the knitting will continue in both directions from the cast on.

The body of a knitted piece may include plain stitches or a number of colors and textured patterns. The number of active stitches remains the same as when cast on unless stitches are added -an increase or removed- a decrease to shape the item.

Patterns to Knit (Way to Online Income): There are lots of people who sit at home and publish great knitting patters from home. Since over the years they have collected and modified many knitting patterns. They make a great income by selling/publishing the patterns on the net. Once you have enough practice, even you could make some online income.

Many patterns can be made by using knit and purl stitches in various combinations. If only knits or only purls are used when working back and forth in rows, the result is called garter stitch.

Alternating rows of knits and purls result in stockinette stitch, also known as stocking or jersey stitch, the stitch most often used in commercial garments such as T-shirts. Different combinations of stitches can be used to form ribbing, cables, or other textures.

Once the knitted piece is finished, the remaining live stitches are cast off. Casting or binding off loops the stitches across each other so they can be removed from the needle without unraveling the item. Although the mechanics are different from casting on, there are a similar variety of methods and choices to be made. Of the various methods the most versatile are the Plain Bind-off and the Suspended Bind-off.

Knitted garments are most commonly made in pieces, where individual sections of the garment are knit separately and then sewn together once all the pieces have been completed. Seamless knitting, where a whole garment is knit as a single piece is also possible. Smaller items, such as socks and hats are usually knit in one piece on double pointed needles.

Knitting can be easily learned these days as there are many websites on knitting and also various books for beginners available on the market, where you can find step by step instructions. These instructions are so easy to follow that even kids would not find them difficult at all. Show your creativity, grab your knitting tools and learn to knit today!
Do you want to learn how to knit? For more articles on knitting and crochet, go to the knittinginfosite.com. Find knitting and crochet articles, knitting resources and other items usefull for knitters. http://knittinginfosite.com (This article is a http://Drivetraffictomywebsite.com creation)
Article source: ArticleWorld.net Free Articles
 

 

Add comment March 11th, 2006

Essential oils Used in Today’s Aromatherapy Applications

by Homeherb

Description of Essential Oil:
Essential Oil used in today’s aromatherapy applications have been around for centuries. Our skin is also a very popular way to reap the benefits of Essential Oil. Incorporating these precious oils into massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to utilize their many various properties. Essential Oil molecules are extremely small and can easily penetrate the skin where they become pliable and have the capacity to pass into the circulatory system. Enjoy the benefits of Essential Oil is by adding them to a bath. By adding just a few drops of Essential Oil to a warm bath, users are again treated to both the skin penetrating effects, as well as the aromatic scents.

To enjoy the benefits of the Essential Oil take a buyer’s guide to the best Essential Oil safe, effective, rapid-acting, non-sedating supplement from Homeherb.com

1. Essential Oil by Bindi:
Replenish and nourish your skin with three golden drops of this specially blended formula of seven Essential Oil. These purest of oils are quickly absorbed to repair and restore equilibrium to damaged skin by cell regeneration to help deter the skin’s aging process. .05 Oz.

2. Essential Oil Grapefruit by Aura Cacia:
Grapefruit, Essential Oil 0.5 oz. (15ml) Oil by Aura Cacia Products Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) is used as a tonic, for obesity, kidney and liver problems, migraine headaches, depression, rheumatism, as a nerve tonic, diuretic, sedative and analgesic.

3. Essential Oil Lavender (lavendula augustifolia) by Aura Cacia:

Aura Cacia Essential Oil are exactly what aromatherapy customers are looking for, 100% natural oils that exactly duplicate the aromatic profile of the living plant source. Pure botanical distillates in protective amber glass bottles with individual applicator rods, formulated according to traditional aromatherapy processes and current research. Objective analytical controls including gas chromatography, along with the subjective skills of highly trained aromatherapy specialists, assure the highest of purity standards and consumer satisfaction. All-natural, cruelty-free.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil by Nature’s Alchemy:
These 100% natural Essential Oil are meticulously extracted from plants by cold pressing or steam distillation using the same techniques developed by the medieval Persian physician Avicenna. All Nature’s Alchemy high-quality botanical oils are scientifically tested for purity and contain no chemical solvents, added alcohol or other extenders. We feature high quality pure oils at competitive prices. Nature’s Alchemy Oils are all aromatherapy grade. Please note that we cannot recommend use of any oils internally. Follow the guidance of your alternative health care practitioner in utilizing these fragrances.

Click here for more Information: Essential Oil.com
About the Author
Homeherb offers Nutritional Supplements, Weight Loss, Vitamins, Health Care, Anti aging, Vision Care, Herbal Teas and all alternative health products on discount offer.
www.homeherb.com

Add comment March 11th, 2006

Selling Your Craft Over The Competition

Selling Your Craft Over The Competition
By: N. Goyette
 

If you are planning to head to several craft shows to sell your items, there is a good chance that somewhere along the line you are going to run into someone who sells a similar craft to yours. I know, with all of the possible craft ideas out there, it seems like a long shot to actually run into somebody who has the idea as you. But, it does happen. People have caught on to the same fad as you, or they have seen something in a magazine or in a craft store that they thought they could make a little different or better – and then you both end up at the same craft show, selling the same sort of item.

You are both going to get people through your booths, and you need to capitalize on the initial sales when people get there. You don’t want them going to the competition to get the same piece, when they can get a better one at yours… right?

So, what do you have to do to convert the traffic in your booth into sales, before your competition does? Here are a few ideas:

Sell the quality – You might want to take some time to wander over to the competition’s booth and see just what they have to offer. Maybe they aren’t using a certain piece, or constructing the craft a certain way. If so, you can sell your product in a way that doesn’t bring down the others product, but builds yours up.

Your booth set up - If you make your booth easy to navigate, inviting and put people in the mood to shop, your sales will soar. Make sure the booth is neat and tidy and people know where to find things. Some booths frustrate you from the moment you walk into them, and the only thing you can think about is getting out as soon as possible. Make your booth better than that.

Merchandising – Hand in hand with your booth set up, should be the way the product is displayed. If you have hand knitted sweaters, then you probably want to model one of the sweaters yourself, and have a couple of mannequins modeling them as well. Create the environment you would find your craft in, and your customers will be able to visualize themselves owning it and using it for that purpose.

Offer all forms of payment – or at least as many as you can. You should definitely take major credit cards, cash and even checks (with identification). You will really set your booth apart if you set yourself up to accept debit cards for point of sale purchase. You never want to lose a sale because you aren’t able to accept someone’s form of payment.

Customer service – Be prepared to answer whatever questions the customer might have, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with them. Ask them if they craft themselves. Ask them what they like or don’t like about your craft. People always enjoy buying products from people they like. With that said, let them shop, too. Don’t be too peppy or overbearing.

Price – This is the last measure you should take when you are at a craft show, competing with other booths. While you want to make sure your price is competitive with the other booths, it doesn’t have to be lower. Only if you notice a steady decline in sales should you even think of lowering your price. It is a last resort method to help you save some sales from going elsewhere.

You don’t need to let cash out of your booth if you pay careful attention to what your competition is doing, and then do it better. If you follow a few of the suggestions that I have put together above, there is no doubt you have a greater chance of selling your craft at a craft show than your competition.
About the Author:

Natalie Goyette is the best selling author of Craft Show Success. Her e-book shows you how you can finally make money at craft shows. http://www.craftshowsuccess.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Add comment March 11th, 2006

Creative Soap Crafts

Creative Soap Crafts
By: Alli Ross
 

Soap is a craft that is fun and easy to make. It’s a great project to do with your kids.Simply follow the instructions below and you’ll be on your way to one of your first bars of soap….. where you choose all the soap colors and shapes.

You will need the following materials:

- One bar of color free soap
- Essential oils of your choice
- Food coloring of your choice
- Almond Oil
- Vitamin E Oil (optional)
- Oats

Instructions:

1. Shred soap in a blender or food processor.
2. Boil a pot of water and put a glass bowl over the pot.
3. Put some almond oil into the bowl.
4. Place the soap into the bowl.
5. Take the water from the pot and pour it into the bowl until the soap changes into paste.
6. Add oils, color, and Vitamin E as you prefer.
7. Let your soap cool in the molds of your choice. (Your mold could be ice cube trays, cookie cutters, or anything else that you might come up with.)
8. Allow the soap to air out on wax paper for a day or two.

Best of luck and be sure to experiment with different colors and shapes for your soap.
About the Author: