Tips for Organizing a Scrapbook

You’re toying with the idea of making a scrapbook. Maye you’ve scrapbooked before or maybe you’ve just always thought it would be something you’d like to do.  So there you sit with a bag full of photographs, cards, letters and other miscellaneous material that you’ve been saving for “when I get around to it.”

Where do you start? It’s a daunting task, and one that definitely calls for some know-how in the area of scrapbook organization.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by looking through what you have and thinking into terms of categories.

Do you have tons of memorabilia around a certain event?  If so, that event could be the focus of a total scrapbook — as in a wedding album, birthday party album, retirement party album, vacation album, etc.  Set those items aside in a pile or place them in a bag or box.

Return to the pile of photos. Do you have many photos that fit a certain theme?  Perhaps you have plenty of Halloween photographs taken over several years. There are not enough photos of any Halloween in particular, but looking at the total, creating a Halloween themed album would be a possibility. Set these aside in a separate folder or box.

Perhaps you have an array of photographs of the family pets. How about a pet themed album? Or a garden themed album? Or a sports themed album?
Back to your pile of photos once more. Sort again and see what themes or topics come to mind. Perhaps you would like to do a chronological album — Baby’s First year, for example, or A Year in the Life of the Smith Family.  Separate these.

What still remains in your bag of photos?  Perhaps by now, you are looking at a miscellaneous selection of items that you want to use, but they don’t fit anywhere. In this situation, consider making a “Miscellaneous” album in which individual layouts have themes, but the scrapbook as a whole does not.

Once you have decided on the topics or themes for your memory books, decide how you want to organize this material in the layouts. I always like to start with a title page, then organize the layouts in chronological order from that point on.

It’s not necessary to use every photograph that you have in your collection. Scrapbooking is not like making a photo album — to many scrapbookers, only the best and most significant photos are used. However, the content is an individual choice. There is no right or wrong way to go about it.

Please refer to the following link for plenty more information about scrapbooking and scrapbook video tutorials.

Add comment July 24th, 2008

Choosing the Right Scented Candle

Choosing scented candles for yourself or a gift is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes you may get “scented out” by too many scents and not pick any. Being overwhelmed by scents, especially at a candle store or booth is common. See if there are any coffee beans to neutralize your scent buds, it works like crackers to your taste buds. Now you’re ready to sniff some more.

Choose scents you are familiar with. Sometimes we waste precious time and scent buds by “trying out” some scents that we know we’ll hate. I do not like patchouli by itself, so why would I smell it again? There are so many scents out there to explore. On the other hand, be daring and try different smells that you’ve never heard of.

Decide where is the scented candle going? Living room, bedroom, kitchen. This often can decide on the scent. I choose fruits or herbs for the kitchen, and soft florals for living room. Another wonderful choice is an ocean scent for the bathroom.

If this is a gift for a friend, try to think what the he or she may like, not just you. Over and over again I see people buying candles for other people with scents that they like themselves. Are they hoping that the friend will give it back to them so that they can enjoy it?

Go for quality, not necessarily the packaging. I’ve seen so many wonderful candles being passed by for the more expensive, cooler packaged candle. Candle crafters make high quality candles, sometimes in little or no packaging experience.

Freshness counts. When was this candle made? How will the scent hold up? Buying a candle that has been faded by the sun, or buried in a box for three years will burn differently from one that was made last week. Get to the know the per who makes the candle, or the re-seller for more information on the candle itself.

I hope this has helped you choose the right candle, and remember, the more educated you are, the better choice you’ll make.

Don Stevens is a consumer writer and co-owner of Wick-edly Sent Soap and Scented Soy Candles Company in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.

Add comment March 24th, 2008

Protected: Natural Soaps Wholesale Supplier - Handmade soap loaves at low, discount prices. Shop Today!

There are a lot of opinions about handmade soap and natural products which, in turn, may cause a lot of confusion. Claims about neutral pH, triple milled soap, unnatural vs. natural and more, all seem to be rampantly spread and accepted as “truth”. In the end, I suppose it is my turn to spread my opinion about handmade soap, in an attempt to “balance the teeter-totter of public opinion”.

So what is good about handmade (cold process) soap? Handmade cold process soap, when made properly, is one of the great blessings to the skin. Even the cheapest of base oil ingredients can make a wonderful soap that will pamper your skin. This is mostly because of the glycerine content and the absence of free alkali (talked about later). There is also “melt and pour soap” which is a commercially made soap base which usually contains much less of the “good stuff” and often synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Also, melt and pour soap soap is made in a similar way common manufactured soaps, so their benefit is minimalized. Therefore, always look for the keywords “handmade cold process soap” to be sure you are getting the good stuff. For an example how this may be presented, view Handmade Cold Process Soap

Before I continue I should define glycerine which was mentioned before. Glycerine is a natural bi-product of oil when it is transformed into soap. Glycerine is a common ingredient in lotion and is a humectant (draws moisture to itself and helps to soften skin). Many commercial soap makers extract this glycerine from the soap (logically, since it interferes with their soap process) and adds some back in later. With handmade soap (cold process that is), all the glycerine remains in the soap, since their is no need to remove it. Therefore the glycerine content is high and your skin benefits.

Alkali (aka Sodium Hydroxide/ Lye) is the chemical needed to make soap. Without getting to complicated, this is an extreme “base” (oposite of acid) which, when added to oil, makes soap. The more alkali that is used, the higher the pH. Generally the pH of soap is between 8 and 10, which is safe. The problem with many soaps on the grocery store shelves isn’t the pH, as many would suggest, it is the free alkali in the soap. This is why grandma’s soap was so harsh, and one reason why most commercial soaps are so harsh. When cold process soap is made properly, there are no free alkali left in the soap, thus a mild soap.

Enter your password to view comments November 27th, 2007

engagement ring

Engagement Ring From Here To Eternity
 
Engagement ring encompasses in them the sense of love, commitment and fidelity. These are given at a very special moment in the life of two people, promising an eternal love and honor between the two. These rings hold their special place in the life of the people from very long. The invention of wedding rings and engagement rings is attributed to the ancient Egyptians, but the use of those rings had been there for quite long. But the purpose of engagement and the wedding rings did not change so much over the years, conveying deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness.

 
These rings are one of the most special gifts that you can get. These rings signify eternity between the two that is the giver and the receiver. An engagement ring is a complete circle with no break and no end or beginning, it is only eternal which means it just goes on and on.

 
An engagement ring is often intentionally expensive as a sign of man’s permanency. It is typically a precious band and mounts a diamond or other gem. The reason for its expensiveness is the use of diamond in it. Most people choose a diamond engagement ring. The argument for a diamond is that it is the most enduring, beautiful and expensive gem.

 
An engagement is an agreement or promise to marry, and also refers to the time between proposal and marriage. Engagements have no predetermined length, and may range from days to years. During this period, a couple is said to be affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged. Ring is a romantic way to recognize an engagement, anniversary, or any other special occasion. An engagement ring is a beautiful way of expressing love and proposing for marriage to someone. Customs surrounding engagement vary greatly, and may include a formal or informal announcement to friends, family, and community, or a celebratory party or gathering.

 

Add comment September 23rd, 2006

variety of diamonds

Diamond the most valued gemstone. The name comes from the Greek word “Adamas” meaning ´invincible´. The diamond is considered the greatest of stones, revered throughout the ages for its great beauty, and strength. The diamond is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty, which makes it women’s best friend from ages. 

1. Pink Diamonds
The pink diamond is the world’s most rare and valuable diamond. The Argyle mine is the world’s foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world’s supply. Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat. For years the white diamond was considered the world’s most beautiful diamond, 

2. White Diamonds
White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The white diamonds recovered from the Argyle mine are particularly brilliant and of high quality. The Argyle mine also produces white diamonds with secondary pink color that command a higher price per carat. A higher price is commanded for pink secondary color depending on its depth and strength, because pink is one of the most rare colors found in diamonds. 

3. Champagne Diamonds
Champagne diamonds are naturally colored diamonds that are produced in a wide range of colors from light straw to rich cognac. The 4C’s of color, cut, clarity and carat weight apply to colored diamonds just as they do to colorless diamonds except the intensity of color, not lack of it, plays a greater part in the valuation. The diamonds are graded on a C1-C7 color scale. The fancy cognac diamond is graded C7. 

4. Pink Champagne Diamonds
Attractive champagne diamonds with secondary pink color are also available and command a higher price per carat than champagne diamonds. These stones display slight to bold flashes of pink in their fire. Pink is one of the rare colors found in diamonds. 

There are some more varieties of diamonds available in different colors such as yellow diamonds, blue diamonds and the green diamonds. These are some of the rarely found varieties of diamonds. 

Diamonds are not only used for jewelry, other than fashion it is also widely used in the industries. These industrial diamonds are a bit different from the gem diamonds. Diamonds hold their own significance in different streams and its beauty and tendency to perform helps it to excel over others

Add comment September 23rd, 2006

wedding ring

 
With this ring, I thee wed.” Those words have long been spoken to signify a couple’s ever-lasting commitment to one another. The exchanging of wedding rings marks the beginning of a new life together for the bride and groom. A big day in the life of two people, yes the wedding day for which the preparations start from very long. A couples wedding day won’t be labeled as the big day for nothing. It definitely is something to look forward and to get prepared for well in advance.
 
According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts, which may also include the engagement ring, traditionally given as a betrothal present. Choosing the perfect wedding ring depends on what kind of ring you desire and what choices are available. Whether you prefer yellow gold, platinum, or white gold there is a vast assortment from which to choose. Even more important than how your wedding ring looks, is how it feels.
 
 Most of the wedding rings are made up of diamond with a base of gold. Most people tend to choose a diamond wedding ring because it is believed that diamonds are women’s best friends and they are the best in impressing them. So because of such beliefs most wedding rings are diamond rings. Diamonds too give a number of options to choose on. Diamonds are available in different shapes, sizes and colors. The favorites are colorless or the pink diamonds. Their ability to shine more than the others give them a special place.
 
 A perfect wedding is a collaboration of many things out of which one of the most important is a beautiful diamond wedding ring. Wedding rings are outward symbols of love and commitment, but they are also very personal possessions. With so many options available, look for something that reflects your personality and use this as an opportunity to express something about yourself

Add comment September 23rd, 2006

Diamonds – The Aura

THE BEAUTY OF DIAMONDS 

Wedding ceremonies, the symbol of a mystic union, and the embodiment of a promise so eternal; an offering on the altar of marital bliss surely should resound with this sentiment. Diamonds, the ornament of the royal, are the perfect embellishment for a moment so precious. The grandeur of this beautiful gem speaks for itself in all its shimmer and glory. From being the one and only possession of the erstwhile rulers, to being the ultimate expression of passion, the charm and beauty of this marvelous ornament truly remains eternal.
Petite and eye-catching necklaces for bold and beautiful people, the jaw-dropping magnificence of diamonds has always held the fancy of jewelry lovers. Apart from being a beautiful ornament, diamonds have also been considered a very wise way of adding up to your investments, ensuring high and beneficial returns. Diamond has always been prized for their beauty and brilliance. Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and worn through out the world. Buyers worldwide walk up to procure millions of carats every year to stock up their treasures.
 
The stunning glaze of diamonds has also been an object of muse to historians who’ve been churning out tales of its evolution, since ages. It is actually believed that the history of diamonds dates back to some 300 years to India. Historians believe that upon its discovery, diamonds were being used for decorative purposes as well as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in the battle.  
 
We, at Goldenmine fulfill your penchant for this wonderful ornament like no one else does! Come and take your pick from the most dazzling collection offered at our http://diamonds.goldenmine.com. From pink diamonds to exquisite diamond engagement rings and wedding rings, studs and bracelets, earrings and hoops, we have it all for the esteemed diamond lover!
 
Written by Goldenmine Team. Goldenmine specializes in all kinds Jewelry especially Diamonds. It is established in the industry for the past 20 years and sells a variety of Jewelry at wholesale prices.
Ezine Subscription & Enquiries: Send mail to info@theonlinejewelers.com

Add comment August 29th, 2006

How To Deliver the Best Online Customer Service

It seems in this day and age of exploding online business start ups on the Internet, a lot of effort goes into creating the perfect online presence. Including website design, SEO optimizing, marketing and promoting. But so often, one of the biggest things that can make or break your business is having great customer service. Sure you can have a fantastic website, great products and mass marketing campaigns going on. But if your customers feel your customer service is awful then your business will surely suffer for it.

You have to look at it this way. If you walked into a store you would surely expect the owner or sales person to be courteous and helpful right? Well, so do your customers online. When I say “customers”, I’m also referring to businesses that offer intangible services and have clients also. Without customers and clients where would your business be? They are your greatest asset and you should treat them as such. So now that we’ve established why customer service is so important, what are the techniques for implementing the greatest customer service possible?

Let me offer you an outline to help the bigger picture come together for you.

1. The Golden Rule Method. We all need to remember the golden rule of “Treat others as you would want to be treated”. This definitely applies when it comes to customer service. Give your customers the same treatment and attention that you would expect from a business. A good business that is.

2. The Customer Is Always Right. NEVER argue with a customer or client, even if they are wrong. Instead respond to their question or complaint in a polite and non-threatening manner. Do your best to explain yourself and offer answers to whatever issue they are having. For example if a customer purchases a product from your website and complains that they thought it would be bigger and are not happy with it. The best thing to do is to in this case would be to respond and tell them that you are sorry they are not happy with the item and offer A). They can return the item for a refund or B). Depending on your policies, offer them a website credit. Both examples of course are based on whatever policies you have in place. If you have a policy that says no refunds or exchanges. Instead, offer them an online voucher of so much off their next purchase if that is all you can give. But don’t not do something for this customer or you might as well wave good-bye to them for any possibility that they will order from you again. Not only that but you probably won’t gain any of their friends or family as customers either. Of course there are customers out there that can be dishonest and take advantage of situations so you have to use your judgment per individual situations. But for the most part it’s always wise to err on the side that the customer is always right and offer what you can to rectify the situation in hopes that they will continue to purchase from you and tell others what a great company your company is.

3. Remember it’s email. While email is a great communication tool, it doesn’t have the ability to convey verbal expression. Unlike communicating on the phone where people can hear the expression in your voice. So always be aware of this when sending your responses to your customers and try to write them in such a way that expresses their importance to you and your concern for whatever issue they have.

4. Be Accessible. There’s nothing worse than feeling like the customer service of a business is not very accessible. Always have an area on your website for customer service inquiries. Don’t let your customers feel like they can’t come ask you a question at anytime. A good idea is to add at the end of your response to your customers something like “If I can answer any more questions or assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me again”. This will let them know that they can come ask you anything, anytime. Some customers and clients can tend to not want to “bother” you. But you want them to know they are not bothering you with questions, concerns or comments they may have. Being accessible not only keeps the communication lines open but it builds that so important trust you want your customers and clients to have for you and your company.

5. Don’t Make Them Wait. No one likes to wait for a response from a business. I’m sure many of you have sat on hold while calling a company and it feels like forever. Customers get frustrated with this. Unless your company has a huge customer service response team it may be unrealistic for you to respond to customer service inquiries immediately. But you can at least let them know that you received their customer service inquiry by implementing an autoresponder through your email client. This would be a email they would receive right after contacting customer service telling them that you have received their email, letting them know how important they are to you and giving them a time line as to when they can expect a response from you. For example a autoresponse email might say “Thank you for contacting “Your Company Name Here”. Your inquiry is very important to us and we wanted to let you know that we will respond to your inquiry promptly within the next 24 hours. Thank you and we look forward to speaking with you shortly.” -Signed by Your name and Your Company.

6. Follow Up. A nice customer service touch is to follow up with the customer. Say for example you have a customer that has a problem ordering or issue from a client that subscribes to your service. A simple email a day or so later asking them if they’ve experienced any further difficulty will be very appreciated and allow for an open door that you initiated in case they indeed are having more difficulties. Don’t overdue it of course. Just the one follow up is sufficient. Some customers/clients may not respond and that’s ok as no response usually means all is well. I hope the previous has been helpful and you all will go out now and perfect your customer service. Remember customer service is one of the most important aspects of your business. It is one of the big reasons that your customers will keep coming back to your company.
Author: Talena Bacon, Marketing Manger

Pattern Mart, LLC

http://www.patternmart.com

Bio: Talena Bacon is a doll maker, pattern designer and also the marketing manager for Pattern Mart, LLC

Add comment August 3rd, 2006

Creative Block- Why do we get it?

Now I think that is good question. Like most crafters everyone has a day when they have a creative block and just can’t come up with anything new to create.

 

This is ok and don’t worry you are not losing your mind. Sometimes we do too much and our minds get alittle boggled down with our everyday chores and we overlook that we are only human.

 

I find that sometimes we need a break from our creation table as I call it. Time to clear our heads and take a “For Me” day.

 

A “For Me” day is one where you do nothing but sit and relax. Read a good book, go shoe shopping, or even get a foot massage. These are things that relax your mind and your body. Ok, maybe shoe shopping doesn’t fit into this category but it sure makes any woman feel good when they find a good sale.

 

I find that taking this time gives you a new outlook on your business and also stem up some new ideas that you did not think of before.

 

For us workaholics who can’t take a “For Me” Day than take a “For Me Hour”. Just alittle time to is all we need to clear our heads so that we can start fresh and new creations.

 

Author: Talena Bacon
Bio: Copyright © 2006—All Rights Reserved—Written By Talena Bacon of Sew Cute Dolls & More Primitive/Country Doll Maker and Doll Pattern Designer. http://www.sewcutedolls.com 

 

 

Add comment July 30th, 2006

Altering the Color of Wool

Changing the Color of Your Woolens

Wool comes in glorious colors, and some not so glorious colors! Don’t ever pass up a good piece of wool just because you don’t like the color. You want to constantly be building your stash of wool, and in time you may want to start overdying them to achieve exactly the colors you need for a project.

In the meantime, there are ways to change those ugly or not-quite-right woolens to get the colors you need for your hooking projects.

Learning to Marry the Colors of WoolensIf you have several red pieces of wool and you need more than one red for a project, but the reds you have just don’t look good together, you can marry them! Here’s how:If you have several red pieces of wool and you need more than one red for a project, but the reds you have just don’t look good together, you can marry them! Here’s how:Put all those pieces of wool into a pot of warm water with about 1 Tbls detergent. (You might want to save a little “before” piece of each wool for your records.) Put the pot on the stove and let it simmer (I usually go for about 20 minutes). The woolens will each release a bit of their dye, then all the dye colors in the solution blend together, so that the fabrics will become new shades that go well together. When a decent amount of dye is released into the water (or after at least 20 minutes in the pot simmering) you need to set those dyes back into the fabrics. Pour about 1/3 cup white vinegar into the pot, give it a stir, then let is all simmer for another 20 minutes. Pour it all into the sink, allow the wool to cool slightly, then rinse in clear water. Put the wool in your washer and let it go through a cold rinse and a spin cycle, then dry in the dryer with a towel and a dryer sheet. All those colors will now look much better when used together in your rug!

If you have several red pieces of wool and you need more than one red for a project, but the reds you have just don’t look good together, you can marry them! Here’s how:Put all those pieces of wool into a pot of warm water with about 1 Tbls detergent. (You might want to save a little “before” piece of each wool for your records.) Put the pot on the stove and let it simmer (I usually go for about 20 minutes). The woolens will each release a bit of their dye, then all the dye colors in the solution blend together, so that the fabrics will become new shades that go well together. When a decent amount of dye is released into the water (or after at least 20 minutes in the pot simmering) you need to set those dyes back into the fabrics. Pour about 1/3 cup white vinegar into the pot, give it a stir, then let is all simmer for another 20 minutes. Pour it all into the sink, allow the wool to cool slightly, then rinse in clear water. Put the wool in your washer and let it go through a cold rinse and a spin cycle, then dry in the dryer with a towel and a dryer sheet. All those colors will now look much better when used together in your rug!You can do the same thing with woolens of different colors. If you have a bright blue that you want to tone down, just marry it with a piece of orange wool (its complementary color on the color wheel)— the blue and orange will marry to yield two pieces of different colored, but complementary wools that will be less bright and usable for the same project. If you are not sure about complementary colors, check this web site for an example of a color wheel; complementary colors lie directly across the wheel from one another.

1 comment May 24th, 2006