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<b>1 TIP TO ENHANCE ANY ART OR CRAFT IDEAS</b>

Sometimes there is just something missing A great way to enhance any craft, from scrapbooking to card making to photo framing is to include titles, captions, sayings, phrases or quotes. Not only does this add meaning to a picture but it can be uplifting and express the emotions you had about a specific event in your life that you want to share or the message you want to get across. Not only are these words or phrases good for expressing emotion, but they are made up of letters. So what? So let ...
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Top crafts people pay money for!

What crafter wouldn't like to know the 'secret' to finding the crafts that sell? Especially the ones that sell most often, and for the highest dollar. It is a common question, and one that certainly cannot be answered easily. A number of factors will determine the success of your craft on the craft show circuit. If you can imagine craft shows all across the country, you could probably imagine several different types of crafts at each show. This is just one reason why it is difficult to ...
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Christmas Craft, bead and pipe cleaner ornaments

Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree. To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colours and ...
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Preparing For a Leather Craft Project

Preparing For a Leather Craft Project Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll need the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable and give you a sense of satisfation when you're done. If you're like most of us you'll probably be working on more leather craft projects over time, so creating a designated area is probably a good idea. What to Cut On Regardless of the project, you'll need to cut your piece of leather. ...
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Amazing Easter Basket Stuffers for under $20

Easter Sunday is a holiday much anticipated by kids. After all, they get to hang out with friends and family, play games, eat candy and other treats, and even get presents! Of course, unfortunately for us adults, we're the ones who have to provide all the fun. Instead of carefree enjoyment of the holiday, we get responsibility. It can be exhausting to have to find the perfect Easter kid's gifts, and make sure we come in within budget. Luckily, this article is here to help. Here you'll get fun ...
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Wacky Spiders - A Fun Halloween Craft For Kids

This is one of my favorite Halloween crafts for kids. It is quick and simple, can be done with a crowd if necessary, and is an excellent way to practice cutting and fine motor skills with younger children. Older kids can let their imaginations take over and create some really wacky spiders! You will need: Black paper Scissors Glue or sticky-tape Googly eyes (optional) or scraps of paper and pens Instructions: Cut a rectangle of paper approximately 3 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Fold the short ...
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Homemade Gifts From the Heart - Chocolate Dipped Spoons

Whether you're trying to find your babysitter a Christmas gift, or your sister a little Valentine's Day gift, or your child's teacher a Thank You gift, there are times when you have to come up with an idea that won't break your budget. If your family is like most, your finances are bleak and gift giving is one luxury you can't afford anymore. Normally when people are struggling with a tight budget, things that are considered unnecessary are the first things to go. Gifts are often the first ...
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Back to School Show & Tell

One thing you can count on during the first day of school is the inevitable question of "What did you do over the summer?" Here are a few creative ways to describe your summer experiences for the first edition of Show and Tell. 1. Flip Books Create a moving picture of your summer fun with a flip book. Start out with a Post-It pad or a pocket-sized spiral notebook. Draw the first picture on the last sheet of paper and work your way to the first page by changing the picture little by little. For ...
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Free Crochet Patterns

Crocheting is more than just a mechanical activity. Crochet is a craft that involves a great deal of talent. It allows a person to create a handmade item that will give provide a great deal of pride and a sense of accomplishment. To be able to crochet, one needs to have time, patience and the ability to perform delicate, controlled movements. Technically, crocheting involves a few tools, inexpensive materials and a pattern. Crochet patterns can range from the simple and traditional, to the ...
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Making money away from Craft Shows!

As you gain experience selling your crafts at craft shows, you'll be planning your schedule a year in advance. Although a business plan isn't essential, a marketing plan is a good idea to have as you plan your shows. You'll want to keep your customers on your mailing list informed of new products, special sales and upcoming shows. You may need to update your marketing materials from time to time as well. In addition, between shows, you may decide to pursue other paths to selling your ...
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Copyrights, Patents & Trademarks for Selling at Craft Shows

Copyrights, are common concerns for craftspeople. If you've invented a unique product, you will more than likely want to protect it from others who can create knock-offs of your craft show gem at cheaper prices. Although it may be flattering to have created a craft item others want to duplicate, it can also be a nightmare to see your distinctive creation on the Home Shopping Network! The United States Patent and Trademark Organization Web site (www.uspto.gov) is a good place to learn the ...
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Jar Lid and Jar Candle Decoration

Jar Lid and Jar Candle Decoration Create a personal look to your Jar candle and Jar lid Written by Expressive Candles Supplies Needed: Most items can be found around the house or in a craft store. Jar Candle with lid - with removable plastic bottom Craft Glue Paint Scissors Decorating Candle Jars and Lids is a fun and easy project for all ages. You can use many different craft items to embellish your jar and lid. If you are really creative, you could even make a snow globe out of the lid. But ...
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A beginners guide to marketing images with mats

Professional and semi-professional artists and photographers must effectively market their images. This market is very competitive, and keeping costs down while using quality materials is of prime importance. Thoroughly professional ways of presenting your product in an effective manner is essential. In some instances an image can be marketed by itself, but more often an art mat is used, and at times a frame is added. Some of the common places to marketing matted images are through retail ...
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Selling Your Crafts Over the Competition

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 ...
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Four Ways to Organize a Playroom

Do you often feel like organizing the playroom is an endless cycle of putting toys away, just to find them scattered all over the next day? Yes, you have good intentions, but you might be going about organizing the playroom the wrong way. Does each toy have a designated home? Is it easy for the kids to put the toys away? Are containers labeled for simple identification? Your goal shouldn't be to hide the toys in toy boxes or closets, but rather offer plenty of storage and accessibility. If ...
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Raising Creative Grandchildren

'Where did he come up with that?' Kids often amaze us with their imaginative ideas, and we should give ourselves a pat on the back for playing a role in this development. Innovative thinking is essential for success in school and in life, and it's our job as parents and grandparents to nurture our kids' innate desire to be creative. Inventive play fosters original thinking, an asset when children are confronted with new situations. By providing activities that use their creativity and ...
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How To Earn A Great Living as a Craft Fair Artist

Ever walk through a craft fair and say, 'I could do that.' Ever hear someone say 'you should sell your stuff?' Admit it ' you wish that you could make a living doing the thing that you love doing the most'.your craft. I understand exactly how you feel because I used to feel exactly the same way. I longed to make a living as an artist but I held myself back. Fearful and intimated of putting myself out there, I ignored my dreams. Fortunately, someone pushed me right into my business. ...
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