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Not Another Arts and Crafts Show?

December 30, 2019 Comments Off on Not Another Arts and Crafts Show?

Not ANOTHER Craft Show?
Craft Shows… So much fun to walk and gawk but work you say? No… Never! Although it may seem like a thorn prickling your creative side, Craft Shows are 100% beneficial and a great outlet for passing out business cards and putting your crafty little name out there.
You will need to find a Craft Show that is right for you. I have several questions handy when trying to locate the perfect Craft Show for my niche and personality:
1.) How big is the show? How many people did they have attend at previous shows?
2.) What are their entry fees? Do they have a flat fee for your booth or do you have to pay a percentage of sold items?
3.) How do they promote the art show?
4.) How many vendors do they usually have and how many are selling similar items to yours?
5.) Will your product blend in? Does it feel right? Follow your gut instinct.
Once you determine if this is the craft show for you then you will need to come up with a plan for how to set up your booth and how to display your craft items. I usually define my space with display boards. You can decorate these as you wish while outlining the areas of your booth.
Make sure your space is easily accessible to your customers and that they are free to move about in a comfortable position. Avoid overcrowding, this will make your customers feel tense and not want to stay and linger. I prefer a “Y” shaped design with my tables, although a “U” or “L’ shaped design would work as well. Don’t place too many items on your tables, you don’t want your customers overwhelmed and just give up and leave.
When placing your items on your tables for display, place them in a way that your customers can visualize the product as if it was in use. For example, light your candles and place them in a beautiful arrangement. If you are selling a vase, place flowers inside. If you are selling jewelry, invest in jewelry display busts, writs, etc. If it’s clothing, invest in a mannequin. If you are displaying baskets, place beautiful fruits or practical items such as magazines. Work with levels, everything lying flat can appear boring or drab. Make sure your table cloths are in colors that compliment your items and not drown them out, making visualization difficult.
Last, but not least, offer sale promotions. Sales such as buy 1, get 1 free. Pair like items for 2 for 2 specials. Offer coupons if customers purchase to keep them coming back. Always include your business card so that customers are able to become repeat customers with ease.
With a little hard work and some creative juices flowing, you can really have a successful craft show experience and gain a tremendous amount of exposure for your special products!…

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Do-It-Yourself Graphic Design – A Huge Variety of Backgrounds For Business Cards

December 26, 2019 Comments Off on Do-It-Yourself Graphic Design – A Huge Variety of Backgrounds For Business Cards

Online do-it-yourself graphic arts is on the rise for many reasons, but two are primary:

By doing your own graphics design, you can save 30% to 50% on the final cost of your printed materials.

The average person has become computer aware to the point that most people can do their own design and end up with a very professional this in mind, many large trade printing companies are making the software required to do on line graphics available to their printing customers and resellers. With this growth, there is also considerable capital expenditure going into, not only the software, but other requirements like appealing backgrounds. The backgrounds are sized and laid out according to the printed media they support, and are categorized for the wide number of businesses or trades they represent.

For example, we recently went to one of the DIY Graphics sites and reviewed the available backgrounds for business cards. There were 25 separate categories of backgrounds for business cards with anywhere from 20 to 100 individual backgrounds in each category. Following are examples of the categories:

Abstracts – Colorful tie-died backgrounds that fit nicely into more creative professions like writing or designs

Animals – Variety of pets and farm animals for grooming or pet retail businesses

Babies – Ideal for announcing a new addition to the family or advertising handmade baby wear.

Beauty – Appealing backgrounds for stylists, skin specialists, nail technicians and more.

Business – A broad category of many backgrounds that range from office settings to business people shaking hands to creative representations of a single world of business.

Colorful – This category provides bright and contrasting colors with the goal of catching the eye. This category would apply to paint businesses, art stores, art schools and more.

Construction – Specific to the construction industry, this category offers many backgrounds showing different phases of construction, including design, earth moving, building, etc.

Fashion – Trendy and colorful, these are great for fashion design or retail.

Floral – Flower arrangements, flower gardens and more that are ideal for the floral business.

Food – Mouth watering and focused on restaurants, cooking schools, chefs or catering.

Jewelry – Great backgrounds for the jewelry retail, jewelry consignment, or jewelry design.

Landmarks – Used to professionally promote tourism, politics or initiatives of many kinds.

Scenery – Several options for these, including therapy, relaxation skills, meditation, etc.

Law and Justice – Designed for attorneys, judges and government offices.

Medical – These are directed towards doctors, nurses, hospital administration, medical supplies and more.

Nature – Great backgrounds for environmental businesses, recycling, all natural products, etc.

Real Estate – Apply to residential or commercial real estate.

Sport – For sports teams, coaches, trainers, schools, training camps, etc.

Technology – Can be used for people involved in internet marketing, hi tech sells, web sites, search engine optimization and more.

Transportation – Wide variety of cars, trucks, vintage cars, futuristic cars which could be used for car salesmen, mechanics, parts houses, etc.

Travel – Exotic locations, sunsets, palm trees, around the swimming pool and more. Great backgrounds for travel agents, tour guides or any other tourism types of businesses.

Wedding – Bride and Grooms in many different settings before the wedding, during the wedding, after the wedding, leaving the wedding, etc. Good for wedding planners, conference centers, hotels and above are just a few examples of the many categories and backgrounds available to the do-it-yourself graphic artist for business cards. The main message to convey is that there are not many trades, businesses, vocations or events that DIY Graphic Artist could not find an appropriate, professional background for.…

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How To Make A Mosaic Frame

August 10, 2019 Comments Off on How To Make A Mosaic Frame

Have you been looking for some quality time to spend with your family that involves imagination, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment? Parents are always looking for new ways to connect with their children and teach them something new. Why not create something that’s unique, and original from simple items that may be lying around your home?
Here is a simple, yet fun project that doesn’t take long at all to create. And what you will gain from such a simple project is priceless!
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Flat-faced wood frame
2. Piece of mirror approximately the size of the frame
3. Tile adhesive
4. Mastic Putty
5. Spatula
6. Gray and silver artist’s acrylic paint
7. Artist’s brush
8. Safety glasses
9. Pillowcase Hammer
10. Work gloves
NOTE: Wear protective glasses when breaking the mirror, also edges of mirror are sharp so work gloves are recommended.
Instructions:
Step 1. Place the mirror inside a pillowcase. Carefully hit the mirror to produce irregular pieces about 1″-2″ in size.
Step 2. Apply tile adhesive to the frame, one section at a time, and lay down mirror pieces, leaving a small space around each for putty. Let dry overnight.
Step 3. Follow the directions on the package of the mastic putty, you will need to knead it well before opening the package. Roll the putty into long lines to make it easier to maneuver around the mirror edges. Fill in the spaces snuggly with putty.
Step 4. Once all the spaces have been filled, paint can be applied even while the putty is still wet. Mix a little gray and silver paint together and paint the putty to replicate the leading in a glass window. It may take as long as a week or two to dry thoroughly. Be sure to keep it in a dry place, as humidity impedes drying.
I found that this project was simple and very fun, I hope that you have the same experience. This is one project that you can surely reflect on!…

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Taekwondo a Path to Excellence by Doug Cook

August 4, 2019 Comments Off on Taekwondo a Path to Excellence by Doug Cook

“Taekwondo a path to excellence” by Doug Cook is an exceptional book for martial artists, not just those who practice taekwondo. The subtitle of this book is “Achieving Physical and Spiritual Enrichment Through Disciplined Practice,” and while Cook’s specific practice is the art of taekwondo from Korea, I believe much of what he writes is applicable to any martial art, regardless of style or country of origin. This is not a technique book, but rather a text that shares the author’s journey and how taekwondo positively impacted his life.
Through Cook’s journey, this book explores taekwondo and can stimulate others to explore their own martial art path. Yes, I do believe those who practice the Korean arts will enjoy this book the most. I personally do not do taekwondo, but my experiences with my chosen art of hapkido are similar, and when Cook wrote about his trips to Korea, it reminded me of my time in the Land of the Morning Calm. (Not to mention, it made me a bit homesick to return)
The book is divided into seven parts. Part One focuses on what taekwondo is. The author explains it as more than just striking and kicking, and I found myself agreeing with much, especially the importance of “Do.” The second part explains a bit of history of taekwondo, including a bit of Korean history. Part Three addresses becoming a steadfast practitioner of the art. I really liked this part and think most practitioners can relate the author’s message to their own practice, regardless of art. The fourth section of the book has some very good advice aimed at beginners. Since we are all beginners at some part of our art, this chapter is good for everyone, but especially those starting their journey. Part Five is more personal to the author regarding his students, colleagues, and experiences. I found it an inspiring chapter. Part Six is fairly short, but provides some wisdom regarding the economics of the martial arts, something anyone who wants to make their living by teaching must deal with. Finally, Part Seven, relays some of the experiences of the author on his training trips to Korea. Those practicing Korean arts that have not yet traveled to Korea may be inspired by this chapter to journey themselves to their art’s country of origin. As I mentioned, it made me think of my time there and made me yearn for my next visit.
This was an enjoyable well written book that prompted me to ponder my own journey in the martial arts. I think it is a valuable book for martial artists, especially those that practice taekwondo or other Korean arts. Definitely recommended reading for all taekwondo stylists.…

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Get Started In Arts And Crafts With These Simple Tips

August 12, 2018 Comments Off on Get Started In Arts And Crafts With These Simple Tips

People around the world have enjoyed arts and crafts for centuries. All a person needs to get started is some tools and a little creativity. You can get involved with arts and crafts by just looking at the tips below.

There are lots of things that can be used in craft projects. For example, paper goods are great. From paper towel rolls to toilet paper rolls, there is a variety of items to make. You might also use magazines and newspapers. Try to think of ways you can incorporate items you would generally discard into your projects.

Try not to be critical of kids when they do arts and crafts. The main purpose of doing these projects is to encourage creativity. This will not be accomplished if you constantly nag and correct them about what they are trying to do.

Search for fabric and other arts and crafts supplies online. A lot of the time, you can compare prices and find coupons on the Internet much more easily than going from craft store to craft store. When you shop online, you can get exactly what you want from the comfort of your own home.

Get your kids involved with your next arts and crafts project. Kids love to play and learn, and a cool family project will do all that and more. It makes for an exceptional bonding experience between you and your little one. The child gets to learn from you, and you can have some smiles and laughs along the way!

Keeping your arts and crafts supplies organized can lead to a more pleasant experience when working on projects. Invest in good storage boxes, organizers and cases especially for smaller items. Supplies like beads and glitter can easily be spilled or lost. When you bring home new supplies, immediately transfer them into storage or organizational boxes.

Do what you can to make a craft work with what you already have at home. This isn’t always possible, but you should try it. It’s usually not worth running to the store to obtain the perfect paper, detail, trim, etc. You can diminish your enthusiasm for the project when you have to break to run errands.

To make a mosaic mirror that is stable without being too heavy, consider plywood as a backing material. Hardy board is waterproof, but unless you’re hanging the mirror near the shower, you don’t need a background with that much heft. A mirror of any size will need a colossal hook with a hardy board backing.

To keep your painting hobby from taking over an entire room, consider purchasing a collapsible easel. That way, when you are done working on your masterpiece for the day, the easel goes right into the closet, along with your canvas. That leaves your bedroom free for the rest of the day.

In conclusion, with some helpful advice, like what you just read, it’s simple to begin an arts and crafts project. Use the tips to help you create gadgets and pieces that delight you and everyone you know. The tips here are a great start and can help you in your crafting efforts.…

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Simple Tricks And Advice For Amazing Arts And Crafts

June 5, 2018 Comments Off on Simple Tricks And Advice For Amazing Arts And Crafts

Have you noticed others who enjoy arts and crafts, then want to get involved yourself? You are in the right place to learn about that. The following article will offer many tips to help you along your path to creativity.

Are you looking for a great place to find craft materials? You can find everything you need on the Internet. An Internet search will reveal a myriad of stores selling your craft supplies. Additionally, try shopping at stores that offer free shipping for added savings.

You can use different items for crafts. You probably throw away a lot of paper, but it can be recycled into many different types of projects. Paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls are useful. Magazines or newspapers are also good to use. Instead of throwing things away, get creative by thinking of ways to use them in your arts and crafts projects.

Beadaholique is a store where you can find nearly everything needed to make custom jewelry. Make any kind of jewelry from the fantastic variety of beads, chains and other supplies. Costume jewelry is an important part of many of our modern fashions. If you make your own, you have the power to both save money and also coordinate your wardrobe with your jewelry.

Focus on doing one thing before starting another. It’s not a good idea to work on multiple projects. However, that is how projects remain unfinished! Take the time to complete one thing before moving on. You’ll get more done this way.

Look online when you need new ideas for your arts and crafts. You will literally find thousands of websites that have ideas that will spark your imagination. You will find stuff that anyone can do online.

You can find craft supplies on Etsy. Private parties put items up for sale on the site. Plus, you not only get to purchase supplies here, but you can also sell your craft projects. There are many types of items to buy on Etsy.

Get organized. There are a number of ways to store supplies; find the one that is best for you. This will ensure that you can find the supplies you need, and it also helps you work faster. You’ll also know what supplies you still have.

Are you learning how to oil paint? If so and you paint something you’re not pleased with, just paint right over it. Oil is adaptable and the extra pain coats won’t harm the surface. In fact, the revised edition might be your favorite project yet!

If you are good in arts and crafts, make your presents instead of buying them. All through the year, you can enhance your gifts with personalization, then give them out during the holidays. You can save money and give a personally created gift at the same time.

Before reading this article, you have been curious about arts and crafts and why so many enjoy it. Now you have a good idea of how you too can enjoy this satisfying pastime. Use these great tips to begin your arts and crafts projects, and make sure you enjoy yourself.…

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Advice For Having An Optimal Arts And Crafts Experience

February 15, 2018 Comments Off on Advice For Having An Optimal Arts And Crafts Experience

Arts and crafts projects can be fun for anyone. It doesn’t matter what you like, there is an option for you. This article will offer you with some tips that can help you with your next arts and craft project.

Do you need new materials for your projects? There are a lot of online places to find your craft items at a big savings. Run an Internet search in order to identify the most advantageous prices on the things you need. Many stores have free shipping, too.

Get creative when it comes to thinking about what items you can use to complete craft projects. You might even make use of paper goods that end up in your trash. Paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls are useful. Save some of your old magazines to use for collages or scrapbooking. Remain creative with what you usually toss out by using it in your projects instead.

If you can’t find the supplies you need, look at thrift stores. Goodwill and similar shops have great things for creative artists. Visit frequently because they are constantly getting new stuff, and it goes very quickly.

If you want supplies, look to Etsy. You purchase items here that individuals are selling. Plus, you not only get to purchase supplies here, but you can also sell your craft projects. This site is ideal for finding vintage media for crafting.

Look in your kitchen for supplies. Many gems can be found there. Things alike metal cans, glass jars, and tin foil are just a few examples. Even dried beans and pasta can be crafting material.

If you’re engaging in oil painting and don’t like what you’ve just painted on canvas, paint right over it. Oil is adaptable and the extra pain coats won’t harm the surface. In truth, your new piece might just have some interesting atmosphere behind it.

If you want to make a birdfeeder alongside your children, start with a single pine cone, then add some peanut butter on the whole surface of it. Roll the sticky pine cone in birdseed. The seeds stick to the peanut butter, even after it dries, so if you just attach a string, you can sit and watch the birds come and feast in your favorite tree.

Etsy is a wonderful site for people who are into arts and crafts. Thousands of craft supplies are up for sale, or, if you prefer, you can just look around the website to get ideas to use for your next project. Additionally, you could choose to feature your best works on the site, and make a little money on the side to fund your craft.

Your children can get some great ideas about creating patterns while drawing if you use a Spirograph to show them. This shows children how patterns work.

Now, you can use the tips you got here to proceed with your crafts. It does not matter what medium you choose, you can always benefit from good advice, and you could learn something new. Creativity is all about change and growth as you strive to make better art.…

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Top Tips To Get You Going With Arts And Crafts

March 7, 2017 Comments Off on Top Tips To Get You Going With Arts And Crafts

Gorgeous arts and crafts are their own reward. From sewing to painting to woodworking, there is surely an arts and crafts activity you will love. Keep reading to learn more about the subject.

Do you want to locate supplies? Many online retailers offer such supplies at incredible prices. Quickly search online to find good deals on the things you use for crafting. Some of these online shops offer free shipping, which helps you save more money.

If you are doing arts and crafts that have the potential to create a mess, use old newspaper on any surfaces to avoid any damage. When you have completed any type of project, simply pick up the paper and toss it. You won’t have the stress of damaged surfaces afterward.

You can use a variety of materials for crafts. Paper goods that you throw away make great options. You can use empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. You can also use newspapers or magazines. Get creative with items you usually toss out, and try to use them in projects.

Remember that kids will likely make messes when doing arts and crafts. Cover everything nearby with butcher paper to keep it clean. Another idea is to use washable markers and water soluble adhesives.

There are countless jewelry supplies online that offer what you need to make your own pieces of jewelry. Beautiful jewelry can be made with many different accessories. Costume jewelry is very popular in today’s fashion scene. You can coordinate your wardrobe and save money by crafting your own.

Keep your supplies for arts and crafts organized. Put your stuff away any way you wish. It will be easier to find the things you need. You will also be able to keep track of your supply inventory.

Your kitchen has a lot of potential in providing you with arts and craft materials. There are many crafts and arts gems there. Things alike metal cans, glass jars, and tin foil are just a few examples. If you want to, you can also use dried beans or pasta.

Make a bird feeder with the kids by using a pine cone covered with peanut butter. While it’s sticky, roll the cone in the birdseed. You will find seeds to stick to peanut butter. This is the case even once it has dried. Simply put on a string and see the birds come to it.

Before starting any arts and crafts, be sure you already have what you need to create your project. It’s annoying when you must abandon your project to go buy more supplies. Write down everything you need beforehand, then run out and purchase those items.

All craft enthusiasts love Etsy. They have thousands of crafts available for sale or you can just browse the website to gain new ideas for your own projects. You can also sell your creations on Etsy, if you like.

The world of crafting is vast, and the article above touched on just some of the basics. Use what you have learned and find something that you truly enjoy doing. You will be able to start making items of real beauty by heeding this advice.…

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Arts And Crafts Tips You Need To Read

January 21, 2017 Comments Off on Arts And Crafts Tips You Need To Read

The entire family can enjoy arts and crafts. All that is needed is knowledge and some basic materials. After you have read the information here, you will know everything you need to know. You just have to decide your next craft project.

There are a million different things that can be used to create something crafty. For example, paper goods are great. Paper towel rolls can work. Magazines and newspapers are often used as well. Come up with creativity ideas that you normally would not use with certain throwaway items.

Typically, crafting with kids gets messy. If that bothers you, cover the work surface with newspaper or butcher paper to contain the mess. It is also helpful to use the washable versions of supplies, including markers and adhesives.

If it is hard to locate craft supplies at the price you want to pay, check out secondhand stores. Goodwill as well as other consignment shops sometimes have good selections for the eagle-eyed artist who sees art among every-day items. You have to check regularly, because the stock moves quickly.

Anyone interested in crafting will find a fabulous assortment of jewelry making supplies at Beadaholique. There are many different beads, chains and accessories for making gorgeous jewelry. Many of today’s fashions include costume jewelry. By making your own, you’re not spending as much, and you can blend your jewelry with your wardrobe.

Do a single project at a time. Plan the projects, purchase the supplies, begin the project and complete it before starting something new. But, doing this tends to leave projects unfinished. Take the time to complete one before doing another. This way, you will be more likely to finish.

Let your imagination soar when doing craft projects with children. Let them be as creative as they wish. For instance, they might glue a nose where you’d expect an eyebrow. This is a time to let them be creative without interference.

After you lay out your mosaic pieces and grout them, the pieces will look very cloudy. Simply spray it with a product that cleans glass and then dry it thoroughly. The powder portion can be tough to remove in other ways, and you do not want powder messing up your finish.

If you just began learning oil painting and you don’t like what you’ve made, paint over it. Oil is versatile, and painting an extra coat will not damage the canvas. It may even give your painting more depth.

People of all ages enjoy craft projects. No matter the age of the group you are working with, there are projects you can find that anyone can enjoy. Look online to find projects for every age group.

A Spirograph will help your child play with patterns and create some interesting pieces. You can make fun patterns and different shapes while teaching children a physics lesson.

Given your new knowledge, it should not be that hard to decide. You have some tips to help you make something fun. Then, get the whole family involved. You’ll spend quality time together.…