Senin, 25 September 2017

Fathers Day Crafts - Here is a Unique Specialty Gift Wrapping For Fathers Day That Anyone Can Do

Ok, so you have the Fathers Day gift, now what? Well, why not incorporate some simple sports or hobby themed related items in to your gift wrapping. In order words, try adding layers of interest to what would normally be considered a traditional gift wrapped box with a bow. This project will demonstrate how easily anyone can spice up a plain wrapped gift for Fathers Day that your loved one is sure to enjoy.

This project is all about the details. Not only are you creating visual interest, you are also making something that your one love can use after the gift is unwrapped.

You will need the following supplies:

·Sports or hobby related gift wrapping paper: We chose one that has an antiqued look to it.
·1 small bungee cord: Use a medium or large bungee cord for larger boxes or packages. Bungee cords come in a variety of colors and sizes. Coordinate the color of your bungee cord with the colors in your wrapping paper.
·1 name tag: Store bought or you can make your own.
·Hole puncher
·Ribbon or cording: Choose a color that matches the colors in your gift wrapping.
·1 decorative sports related item: Choose items that can be easily attached to the end of your bungee cord. You can purchase one at a party supply or craft store. Another idea would be to look at what you have in the garage or in the house. For example, your husband loves to play darts. You could buy a package of darts and attach one of them to the bungee cord.
·Scotch tape
·Scissors
·Sharpie pen

Steps 1: Begin by measuring and cutting your themed wrapping paper. You can also use plain colored wrapping paper and stamp a sports or hobby related theme pattern on to your paper using different colored ink. In attempt to keep this project simple, I opted for a decorative single sheet store bought wrapping paper.

Step 2: Wrap paper and secure with scotch tape.

Step 3: Using your hole puncher, punch a hole out on the top of the name tag and address card using your sharpie pen. Set name tag aside.

Step 4: Wrap bungee cord around the center of your box or package hooking the ends together.

Step 5: Thread your ribbon or cording through the opening of your name tag and attach to the bungee hooks, and tie the ribbon at the back of the hook.

Step 6: Attach a decorative theme related item to the other bungee cord hook by securing with ribbon or cording. Take care not to cover too much of the design of your sports or hobby related wrapping paper .


Senin, 11 September 2017

Antique Pocket Watches Are a Great Addition to Any Watch Collection

If you happen to be one of those types of people who only likes to wear the very finest clothes, and is always accessorized to the max, you might want to consider acquiring an antique pocket watch. Many highly esteemed collectors consider them to be eye-catching pieces of artwork. For those of you that truly enjoy making dramatic fashion statements, these remarkably well crafted dazzling ornaments should be perfectly suited for you.

Many of us are always trying to outdo our friends and neighbors by acquiring larger and nicer homes, or in some cases, the latest design of the most modern sports car. One thing that you can almost be certain of if you do decide to start wearing antique pocket watches regularly, is that not too many other people will also be sporting them.

This of course will create a sense of envy in everybody that comes in contact with you, as well as a great deal of questions regarding how you were able to obtain such magnificent additions to your already eye-catching collection.

Antique pocket watches are not nearly as expensive as one would believe. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, and can be worn each and every day if you so desire. Some of them are made from extremely expensive metals like silver, platinum or gold. You can also get ones that are less costly, that attempt to emulate the look of the most popular precious medals.

Pocket watches for the most part come in two distinct styles, which are the open-face and the hunter-case. Open-faced pockets watches are sometimes referred to as Lépine, and are easily recognized because they lack a metal cover which is used to protect the watches crystal. Most pocket watches of this kind will have two pendants, with one being located at 12:00, and the other at 6:00.

Hunter-case watches have a round metal lid that is operated by a spring, which closes over the top of the watch's crystal, protecting it from water, debris and scratches. In most cases, the hinge for the cover will be placed in the 9 o'clock position, and the box, crown, and stem will be located in the 3 o'clock position.

The internet has changed our lives in so many ways, and saving money on almost everything that we buy happens to be one of the most important ones. Today there are many websites that supply wholesale watches. You did read that correctly, the price that you pay for a watch of this caliber, is nothing compared to what you would have to spend for it at a local jewelry store.

The reason for this is relatively simple to understand, and that is operating a website costs much less than running a retail store. In fact in most instances, the websites that sell these particularly high quality pocket watches and vintage cameo lockets, do not even carry stock.

They are simply marketing agents for the manufacturers of these items. After you place your order, it is sent directly to the supplier, who ships the pocket watch to you the very next day. The vast majority of the time all of the shipping costs are already included in the price of the pocket watch, so you do not have any other additional expenses.


If you happen to be one of those types of people who only likes to wear the very finest clothes, and is always accessorized to the max, you might want to consider acquiring an antique pocket watch. Many highly esteemed collectors consider them to be eye-catching pieces of artwork. For those of you that truly enjoy making dramatic fashion statements, these remarkably well crafted dazzling ornaments should be perfectly suited for you.
Many of us are always trying to outdo our friends and neighbors by acquiring larger and nicer homes, or in some cases, the latest design of the most modern sports car. One thing that you can almost be certain of if you do decide to start wearing antique pocket watches regularly, is that not too many other people will also be sporting them.
This of course will create a sense of envy in everybody that comes in contact with you, as well as a great deal of questions regarding how you were able to obtain such magnificent additions to your already eye-catching collection.
Antique pocket watches are not nearly as expensive as one would believe. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, and can be worn each and every day if you so desire. Some of them are made from extremely expensive metals like silver, platinum or gold. You can also get ones that are less costly, that attempt to emulate the look of the most popular precious medals.
Pocket watches for the most part come in two distinct styles, which are the open-face and the hunter-case. Open-faced pockets watches are sometimes referred to as Lépine, and are easily recognized because they lack a metal cover which is used to protect the watches crystal. Most pocket watches of this kind will have two pendants, with one being located at 12:00, and the other at 6:00.
Hunter-case watches have a round metal lid that is operated by a spring, which closes over the top of the watch's crystal, protecting it from water, debris and scratches. In most cases, the hinge for the cover will be placed in the 9 o'clock position, and the box, crown, and stem will be located in the 3 o'clock position.
The internet has changed our lives in so many ways, and saving money on almost everything that we buy happens to be one of the most important ones. Today there are many websites that supply wholesale watches. You did read that correctly, the price that you pay for a watch of this caliber, is nothing compared to what you would have to spend for it at a local jewelry store.
The reason for this is relatively simple to understand, and that is operating a website costs much less than running a retail store. In fact in most instances, the websites that sell these particularly high quality pocket watches and vintage cameo lockets, do not even carry stock.
They are simply marketing agents for the manufacturers of these items. After you place your order, it is sent directly to the supplier, who ships the pocket watch to you the very next day. The vast majority of the time all of the shipping costs are already included in the price of the pocket watch, so you do not have any other additional expenses.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6895171

Senin, 28 Agustus 2017

Scrapbooking Crafts - Make Personalized Book Markers Using Easy to Find Wrapping Paper

Are you or someone you know an avid reader?  Try making a personalized bookmarker so you will never lose your place. You can make several of these in no time at all using cardboard and antiqued looking wrapping paper.  What a quick way to create art with decorative scrap paper and your own personalized 3-D foam letter, as you will find out by reading below.

Begin by selecting a scrap piece of wrapping paper that resembles time gone by.  If you do not have any left over wrapping paper, you can find some very inexpensive paper at your local craft store.  For this project an antiqued looking sports theme was used in a flat finish (tan, brown, black and olive).   Using scissors, cut the wrapping paper in to two 8 in.H x 2 in.W strips.  Next, cut one piece of thin scrap cardboard in to an 8 in.H x 2 in.W piece to match in size the two strips of paper you have already cut and set aside.  Spray artist adhesive to one side of the cardboard and apply one of the wrapped paper strips to it, smooth out any wrinkles and allow time to dry, approx. 5 minutes.  Next, flip the quickly to be finished custom book marker over and repeat the same process on the other side.  Now, to add the personalizing touch to your project, add a 3d foam letter sticker for scrapbooking to the front side of your marker.  For this project we used a cream colored S letter, 1.5 in. x 1.5 in..

That is all there is to it.  A nice simple scrapbooking craft, and a special and personalized custom book marker.  A great classroom craft for teachers, or just the rest of us everyday home crafters.   

Senin, 14 Agustus 2017

Glass Lamp Shades and Lighting For Your Home

In the same way glass is infinitely malleable in the care of a skilled artisan, glass lamp shades come in a dizzying combination of styles, diameters, and colors. During Roman eras and likely before, people were indulging in the craft of making useful and even elaborate glassware. In more contemporary times, as natural gas and electrical lighting permeated our world during the industrial ages, glass lamp shades also entered the homes.

In this way, glass lamp shades have integrated into both home lighting and the exclusive circles of art. because of the singular properties of glass, shaping glass is unlike any other craft. It is a composite substance, distinguished by molecular disorder. As seen in crystals or ice, the atoms don't line up neatly even in its solid form. When glass is heated, it doesn't undergo a change from a solid to liquid.

Rather, as it softens, flows and deforms under pressure. The experienced craftsman starts off with a mass of heated vitreous substance. He uses a long, hollowed out steel rod known as a blow pipe to pick up the glass. By alternately breath-inflating the softened glass and rolling the glass on a metal table with the rod, he can mold the glass into a cylindrical shape.

Finer features of the glass, such as flaring of the edge of the lamp shade, are adjusted with additional metal tools. Lamp shades come in various colors. Louis Comfort Tiffany, the well-known interior decorator, was famous for creating stained glass lamp shades. Calling upon the artistic framework of stained glass art, Tiffany combined lead rods and fragments of colored glass to generate dreamlike art reflecting a dazzling combination of colors, objects and scenes from nature. For the craftsmen, adding color to the glass is an integral piece of the craft. Because of the presence of metal oxide contaminants, the material may begin by being tinted. The artisan might also add color to the material through several procedures. A tiny chunk of colored material can be softened over transparent glass to give rise to a double layer effect. To create novel designs, very small crushed grains of tinted material may be mixed into clear material. In another process called enameling, a paste mixture is used to draw designs on the glass directly.

To set the liquid concoction, the decorated piece is then fired in the kiln. Modern glass lamp shades are as dazzling and classy to own in the home as their precursors. Hard to get, antique shades may be expensive. Store glass lamp shades are more accessible with respect to supply and also cost. However, the acquisition of a vintage glass lamp shade may be thought of as an asset rather than purchase. For a very long time, these items will be treasured.

Senin, 31 Juli 2017

3 Reasons Why Vintage Looking Wedding and Engagement Rings Are Surging in Popularity

The definition of antique and vintage wedding rings is often the same. Beginning with the romantic period of the 1800's with the advent of Queen Victoria, bands became influenced by Egyptian and Greek carvings as well as those of other exotic countries. The jewelry that is a result of this time period are rare and have an exquisite old world charm.

With her highly romantic marriage to Prince Albert, the interest in jewelry swelled. It is reported that she gave out 60 rings at her ceremony. The public caught her spirit and new designs in gold, platinum and rose gold became the rage. The Romantic Age was in full bloom and it still grabs the hearts of women today. The Queen was also known to have worn a serpentine band to represent the past and the future, which became very popular at the time.

Rose gold was extremely well loved during this age. It resulted from adding copper to gold. The more copper added, the pinker the result. Rose gold coupled with the intricate filigree work made a lovely union and was very beautiful. The hand-crafted, meticulous work of filigree that was done during these periods are very hard to duplicate today without enormous expense. Women who have their heart set on vintage wedding rings of filigree will not settle for anything else.

Diamonds were not used at the time due to the lack of supply. The gems most seen in antique jewelry were sapphires, rubies, emeralds and seed pearls, for instance. These performed beautifully for the delicate, lovely hand-made creations of the Victorian era. However, the opening of the South African mines around 1872 changed the landscape of the jewelry.
Another era considered vintage is the Edwardian age influenced by the son of Queen Victoria, King Edward. Samples from this period show more of a leaning towards band carvings of nature and birds.

Blending with the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Art Nouveau period brought delicate flowers and vine creations to the table. Often replicating a veneer of stained glass, a process known as Plique a'jour, bright colored stones began to take over the market.

When the advent of the 1920's and the Suffragette movement, trends began to change. Beginning with the start World War II, the housewives headed off to work. Along with their new found freedom came confidence and changes in style, including their jewelry.

Geometric shapes and bright shiny gems were the items of the period. Even hexagons were made with diamonds, emeralds and banquettes. This became known as the Art Deco Age. Many women love the history of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras with their geometric shapes and the applications used with the gems of the period and will not settle for anything else.

The 1800's through the 1920's is characterized by its meticulous, hand-crafted work. Except for the cost, if you just must have something that represent these unique styles, finding one from the rare vintage wedding rings available, definitely be a reason to celebrate.


Senin, 10 Juli 2017

Mahogany Antiques - The Many Uses of Mahogany Antiques

One of the most gorgeous and elegant woods is mahogany. Mahogany furniture pieces are of a rich dark color, and of hard wood. These pieces are durable, resilient, and can be passed down to many generations. Mahogany antiques are beautiful pieces that can warm a room and enhance any décor. It only takes one piece of mahogany antique furniture to add instant warmth to a room. Whether it is a mahogany bookcase to enhance the office or even a corner on your living room where you keep your favorite tomes, or a set of antique tables nestled in a group to ad interest to a décor, a single piece can work its magic.

Some of the most versatile pieces of mahogany furniture are sideboard antiques and wardrobes antiques. These can be utilized in any room of the home and for different purposes. Wardrobes can serve their original function or they can be used in a mudroom to house coats and rain gear. They make excellent pieces to keep towels and linens in a bathroom. They can act as closets in old bedrooms that do not have closet space or any closets. On the other hand, they can double as elegant pieces in an office to keep supplies - the uses are many, and all that is needed is a little bit of imagination and the ability to think outside the box.

Sideboard antiques are the perfect pieces to use in the kitchen, dining room, living room, bar, utility room (all-purpose room), and even in a craft room or office. This is a very versatile piece that can fill many needs, aside for the original purpose it has.

Other versatile and useful pieces are desks antiques. These can be utilized around the house to enhance any décor. They can be utilize as desks - their main function - or as craft tables, stationary and letter stations - to write invitations, letters, pay bills, at a corner in the kitchen to keep an organized center for cooking books and recipes, and even the are perfect to keep mementos and display pictures in a living room. There are perfect for displaying a favorite collection (side boards as well), and they add instant sophistication to any room.

The possibilities of using different pieces of mahogany antiques throughout the home is unlimited. These pieces are versatile enough to match any décor. Eclectic designs benefit from these furniture pieces, but any design style can incorporate a piece or two in the décor. One important rule is to not deviate too far from the actual décor - for example, a contemporary style room will benefit from pieces that have simple clean lines and that are not too ornate.

A French Country or French Provencal décor can incorporate ornate pieces as well as more simple ones, depending on the mood that one wants to create. For a rustic, country and relaxed atmosphere opt for less ornate, simple pieces. A more elegant and formal décor will be enhanced with ornate pieces. A Tuscan décor can follow the same rules. The most important rule is to balance the pieces with the mood a person wants to create in their home. That is why Mahogany antiques are a great way to bring your home to life.