About the Author

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on a great work from home checkout his website today.

Some families watch television, others like to play sports. But you are a woodsman and your child loves to copy you! So how can you safely include your children in your woodworking activities? It's simple. Before letting your child touch any of your woodworking tools, you must have a safety talk with them. Let them know which tools they are able to touch, such as the hammer, nails and other non sharp and non electrical items. You don't ever want your young child to operate a saw or a drill. They may think they don't need you around to use it, so just avoid giving them that habit all together.

After you have a safety talk with your child about your woodwork shop and its tools, you can begin to show them how each of the tools work. Many like to begin with simple tasks such as sanding wood or holding the drill. But before you begin, you and your child need to decide on what project you will want to work on together. There are many things you could make that will actually come in handy or that will be fun for your child after creating it. Such as a wooden horse that rocks, a doll house, tree house or a car.

Once you choose the project, you can then show your child which tools will be necessary for the job and why. Have them hand you each tool - make sure to call each one by its correct name - so that they can learn while watching. After they thoroughly understand how you are using each of the woodworking tools, you can allow them to help out a little more by letting them make some decisions and do some of the work. Depending on their age, you may not want to give them access to a saw or drill. An appropriate age would be ten, when they are less clumsy and can grasp the aspects of the danger that the tools can cause.

Another option for your younger children is to buy them a child-sized tool kit. This will give them courage and confidence in helping you. Having their very own toolbox is very encouraging for them. You can also let them put the pieces together or fill in the holes that you drill, for instance if you are making a wooden rack to hang keys or coats, you can drill the hole, while your child places the hooks into them.

After finishing the creation of your project, the real fun begins. Bring out the painting tools and enjoy in a family time of fun and creativity. This should be placed in the hands of the child, since most love to decorate with colors. If this is their first time painting, you should show them how to neatly brush the paint onto the wood in straight lines in the same direction. But allow them to choose the colors and where they go.

When your project is fully complete, congratulate them! Make them feel like it was their work that made the wood what it is now. This will open up a door for them to want to create new things. You never know, they may come up with an award winning invention!

About the Author

You can read more woodworking articles Here You can find a great selection of router tables at the depot.

10 Tips on Scrapbooking

In this article you will learn several tips and helpful hints for your scrapbooking. Whether you are a first time scrapbooker or an old pro, these tips should help with your scrapbook budget and ideas.

First, to prepare for your future scrapbooks always carry a camera with you. This way you will never miss that once in a lifetime moment. If you have a digital camera it may be a good idea to also carry a disposable camera too. In case your program is full you will have a backup.

When taking photos of your children it is good idea to get down to their level. This will give them a natural position instead of having the children look up at you. Catching them doing their daily activities and not posing is also a great photograph to capture.

The type of paper your photos are processed on can determine how long your pictures will last. Fuji film will last about 75 years, while Kodak film will only last an average of 20 years. Wal-mart uses Fuji film and offers a great deal for processing pictures.

When you are capturing those special moments take more than one picture and use different angles. This will ensure you to have at least one quality picture. If you want to include the background of a vacation spot or landmark you can use a wide angle lens.

An easy way to remove pictures from an old photo album is to use dental floss. Simply place the dental floss under the top of the picture and slowly slide it down like a saw. The picture should peel away once this is done.

If the photo is glued to an album page you can use a hairdryer to help remove the photo. First, you would place a small towel or light piece of fabric over your photo to protect it from the heat. Next, you would turn the hairdryer on medium heat. After a few minutes the glue should begin to soften and the photo should start to peel away.

Remember to get extra copies made of the pictures you are getting developed. This way you will have them ready for your next scrapbook project. Many photo labs will offer free doubles or at least a discounted price. Another way to save your pictures is on a cd. Check your local newspaper for coupons or special savings.

Before you toss those pictures in a storage container label the back of the pictures with the names, dates, and any important information you want to remember about the occasion. This will come in handy for journaling on the scrapbook pages. Take the time to write the information down while it is fresh in your mind. It will guarantee accuracy of the events and subjects in the picture. Always write the information with an acid-free pen. An ordinary pen can rub and ruin your photos.

Keep your photos organized and stored in proper containers. Being organized now will provide you with a stress free start on your upcoming scrapbook projects. Only use containers that are labeled archival quality. They can be found in photo shops or hobby stores. If your finances do not allow you to purchase photo containers at least purchase an air tight container. Your photos are the only thing you have to remember the past, so take the time and effort to ensure the quality of your pictures.

Storing your pictures in their proper place will guarantee their longevity. Keep them stored in areas away from humidity and sunlight. Preferably a closet on the main level in your home. If you must store them in the basement keep them away from the furnace or laundry area. On a top shelf in a far corner would be ideal for storing. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier to keep the moisture away from your photos.

I hope these Tips on Scrapbooking will provide you with some ideas to help you to get the best from your photographs. Feel free to visit http://tinyurl.com/3xnkxw where there are many more tips, explanations and techniques for you to use.

About the Author

Do you feel unsure about how to lay out your pages, and what would look good with what? Spend hours looking through scrapbooking magazines for ideas, only to find that many of the techniques are beyond you? or you don't have the tools to do them? Click on http://tinyurl.com/3xnkxw and discover the secret formula that literally releases inspiration and starts ideas flowing from the very start.

If you are going to do any job properly then you need the best tools possible. Investing in proper quilting equipment will infinitely enhance the quilts that you produce, regardless of your talents and abilities. A quilting frame and quilting frame plans are just some of the tolls that can ensure that you do a better job of your quilts than otherwise possible. It is an age-old trick that the earliest quilters took part in but they would simply use a wooden panel to hold the quilt in place. However, manufacturers have taken note of the idea and created proper quilting frames for you to use. Quilting frames will help you to keep the material taut so that you get the best possible results from your hobby instead of loose stitching that looks untidy. Quilting frame plans can help you to get the results you require without shelling out for an expensive frame.

The Lowdown On Quilting Frame Plans

Quilting frame plans are generally quite cheap and allow you to make your own quilting frame from scratch at much less expense than it would be to purchase your own. Most quilting frame plans will tell you everything you need to know about building your own. It will act as a comprehensive guide for you so that you do not have to seek help when assembling it. Many contain step-by-step instructions on a sheet of paper but some will actively provide you with a leaflet that acts as the ultimate guide. Quilting frame plans may also contain a list of suppliers and recommended materials. The former will tell you the best places to go for all of the tools that you need to make your own quilting frame, and the latter will outline the differences between all of the woods available for this sort of thing. You are then informed enough to make your own decision as to the wood you should personally use.

Choosing One Of The Quilting Frame Plans

Most quilting frame plans are very simple to follow but you can make them even simpler by choosing the clearest plan out there and following to the letter. The basic steps are all the same but you should read them to make sure that you fully understand them before making your purchase. You should invest in C-clamps, wooden panels and a good, strong material like denim or twill to line the wooden panel. Not only does this protect the wood, it will also prevent the blunting of your needles and allow you to hold the quilting materials in place.

It is that simple. If quilting frame plans make it any more complicated then they are not worth purchasing. Having the plans in front of you can infinitely help you to get it right first time. However, the most important thing is to make a quilting frame that works for you and the first step towards that is choosing a good quilting frame pan to refer to.

About the Author

You can also find more info on Quilting Supplies and Scrap Quilting. IHeartquilting.com is a comprehensive resource to known about quilting.

An unusual novelty tea cosy and egg cosy featuring small stuffed chickens. These cosies would fit right into a country cottage kitchen with the free-range hens roaming around the top. Ideal for keeping the teapot and boiled eggs warm too, children really enjoy them. Taking less than an hour to make they do make a lovely surprise on Good Friday and Easter Sunday when you present someone a hard boiled egg for their breakfast that still has a hen sitting on top of it.

Don't be fooled into thinking this tea cosy and egg cosy with hens must be difficult to make, because they are really very quick and easy with minimal shaping.

To make the three country hens, tea cosy you will need… 5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles, 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 4 knitting needles, 50g White double knitting wool, 50g Lemon double knitting wool, 25g Dark Brown double knitting wool 25g Red double knitting wool Other oddments of hen coloured double knitting wool and scraps of felt for the beak.

Knit the Front and Back of the tea cosy to match Using the white wool and the lemon wool as double thickness yarn and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 28 stitches and work 38 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.

Shaping the top… Using white and lemon wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as follows…

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Knit.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end. Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end. Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end. Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end. Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

Knitting the hens… Using a hen coloured double knitting wool and with size 10 needles, cast on 16 stitches and work 16 rows in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row)

Cast off.

To make up the hen… Fold the square of knitting in half diagonally (with the right sides of the work facing) to form a triangle. Sew along one edge, turn and stuff lightly and neatly over-sew up the opening. With the thread still attached, sew small running stitches half way along the folded side of the triangle. Then insert the needle into the middle of this side and come out at the opposite corner, passing the yarn through on the inside of the hen. Draw up the stitching tightly to the hen's tail and head a bird like shape, and finish off.

The Hen's Comb (The red crest on the top of its head)… With red double knitting wool and sized 10 knitting needles, cast on 7 stitches.

Row 1: Knit Row 2: K1 *Bring the wool round the needle tot he front of the work and K2 tog* repeat to end. Row 3: Purl Cast off.

To make up the Comb… Fold the red knitting in half so that the holes form a little scallop edging. Over-sew the long straight edges together and sew into position on the hen's head.

Finishing off… Finish off the hen by sewing an eye on either side of its head in dark brown wool. Cut a diamond shape from black felt, fold in half to create a triangle and sew into place. With red wool sew a couple of loops just below the beck for the hen's wattles.

Make three hens in this way for the top of the tea cosy.

The Nest… Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 60 stitches and then cast off.

Sew this long length of knitting to the tea cosy to form four loops, a bit like a flower. These loops make the hen's nest.

Sew the three hens into position on the nest at the top of the tea cosy. To Make The Egg Cosy… With lemon and white double knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 27 stitches and work 12 rows in garter stitch.

Shaping the Egg Cosy Top… Row 1: *K1 K2tog* repeat to end. Row 2: Knit Row 3: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew up the seam.

The Egg Cosy Nest… Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 20 stitches and then cast off.

Stitch in a ring at the top of the egg cosy. Finally make a hen to sew at the top of the cosy.

About the Author

More of S. Roberts craft ideas can be found at http://busy-crafting.blogspot.com/. For Christmas crafts visit http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/ where you can also send a free letter to your child from Santa Claus. SantasPostbag is in association with http://www.bigboystoyz.com together keeping Christmas Magical.

Hammocks are a source of great relaxation, as you float and swing from side to side either reading a book or enjoying some time alone. Hammocks can be placed anywhere you choose, from the porch to the garden and balcony in order to have a relaxing view, fresh breeze and quiet.

The Art Of Crochet

Crocheting is known as the practice of creating different types of fabrics from thread with the help of a special crochet hook. The thread is traditionally made of cotton but can be of any other material such as, wire, yarn, silk and nylon depending on what you are trying to achieve. Crocheting was usually used to produce different types of lacey accessories for the house of wardrobe such as, enhancing a dress, curtains, bed shams and hammocks to name a few.

Even though every design and pattern in crocheting is done with one crochet hook, there are several patterns to choose from; depending on the purpose of the item you are about to produce.

Choosing A Crochet Hammock Pattern

When you are looking for a crochet hammock pattern, you must keep in mind the weight that will be placed in the hammock and the amount of weight the pattern is going to allow. The crochet hammock pattern you choose must be enforced and done with a strong thread, such as nylon, which has elasticity with a mixture of cotton for comfort.

There are many crochet hammock patterns to choose from and if you are looking to make one yourself you should consult a crochet book or online sites where they will walk you step by step through the procedure keeping in mind all your needs.

You can also find a ready made crochet hammock both online and in local physical stores where you can actually try the hammock to see how it fits and test the comfort levels. Crocket hammock patterns are usually chosen by the weather in the location you live, the place where you will hang it, who will be using the hammock and how often.

Usually, most hammocks are made for rough use because you will not be able to help yourself from using it once you have it in the house; however, some hammocks are made with material for indoor use and other for both indoors and outdoors.

Make Your Little Place Of Relaxation

Swinging, sleeping or just spending time in your hammock will bring you great pleasure and relaxation whether you do it in the evening over a cup of coffee or in the afternoon with a book and your pet curled next to you; you will find that your hammock will not only be a place of maximum comfort but also your little refuge to absolute bliss.

About the Author

Ann Marier has written articles on many garden issues such as garden design. landscaping and gazebos. Her latest articles look at the different types of hammock such as the banana hammock

There are many different materials available for artisans to make into jewelry. While most people think of the typical items - metals, gemstones, and possibly glass, there are many other things that can be made into excellent jewelry. Some crafters have started to create jewelry out of pottery, or plastics and resin. Others use textiles, or even rubber and leather. While all of these materials are popular, perhaps the most popular new sensation in jewelry is polymer clay.

Polymer clay is a specific type of clay that is quite different from modeling or pottery clay. It is created from PVC plastic and a type of plasticizer chemical that keeps the clay moldable and soft until it is cured (usually by baking). Colors and sparkle can be added to the polymer clay through the use of micas (colored pigments and/or metallic sparkles) and kaolin clay (which makes the polymer opaque) make polymer clay a very diverse and easily workable medium for creation. This type of clay is also perfect for those who make their jewelry at home - the polymer clay does not need a kiln or high temperatures to cure, instead a home oven can do the job.

There are a couple of polymer clay brands that are the most well-known among artisans; these are FIMO (a clay developed in the 1940's in Germany), and Sculpy. Most major craft stores and suppliers carry these brands of clay in many different colors, ranging from fluorescent and day glo hues to metallic shades like silver and gold. The more metallic colors can easily be shaped and used as a replacement for working in the metals themselves, which makes jewelry creation more accessible to crafters.

There are very few types of tools needed in order to sculpt and create jewelry with polymer clay. Most crafters employ a pasta roller machine in order to flatten their clay to desired thicknesses, and also to condition the clay for use. Then, the clay is rolled and shaped into whatever configuration the artist wants to use. Some techniques even mimic the millefiore style of glass work. Most polymer clay jewelry consists of beads made out of the clay, although larger pieces such as bangle bracelets can also be found.

If you want a piece of jewelry that is colorful, less costly and unique - try something made out of polymer clay. Whether you choose to buy it ready made or create your own pieces, this clay jewelry can be a great way to express yourself.

About the Author

Find jewelry stores and information at JewelryStoresforyou.com.

Gel candles, or jelly candles as they are also known, are candles that are made of gel wax rather than the more commonly used paraffin wax. Gel candles burn much longer than wax and they are easy to make, explaining their surge in popularity in recent years. Gel, being a transparent material, can be molded into a variety of gorgeous looking transparent candles, where you can embed an endless array of small, non-flammable objects such as sea shells, crystals, glass beads, figurines and much more.

So how, exactly, are gel candles made? Well, let's start with the materials first. Beginners should consider purchasing a readymade gel candle making kit, which works best for those first learning the process. As your proficiency grows, and you are ready to move beyond your kit, the following materials will be required:

1) A stainless steel pot in which to heat and melt the gel wax.

2) A non-flammable glassware container, which allows you to see the objects you have embedded in the gel wax.

3) Gel wax.

4) Zinc core wicks.

5) Essential oils or fragrances, if you want your candles scented.

6) Liquid color dye, to color your candles.

7) Objects to embed in the gel wax.

Now for the fun part, making the candles:

1) Place small pieces of gel in the stainless steel pot, melting them over medium heat. Try to keep the heat around 200 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning the gel.

2) Add the dye and /or fragrance.

3) Place a little hot glue at the bottom of the glassware container. Place one end of the wick in the glue and let it set.

4) Put the glassware container in the oven and heat it to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

5) Dip your non-flammable objects in hot gel before arranging them in the glassware container, close to the sides.

6) Pour the melted gel along the sides of the container, being careful to avoid bubbles.

7) Pull up the wick and let the candle cool.

Finally, trim the wick. And that's it!

Pretty simple, huh? Not to mention a lot of fun. You can even make money with your beautiful new creations. So, what are you waiting for? Get started!

About the Author

Rob Pitt is a contributing writer to several hobbyist sites.

Did you find these tip on making gel candles useful? You can learn a lot more about how to make gel candles at Gel Candle Recipes 101

This is the third part of a beading series. It explains how to make different types of legs for a bead animal.

There are many ways to make a leg for the animals:

1. Simple straight leg
2. Leg with foot
3. Leg with foot and toes

Unfortunately, I can't put pictures here, so if you want to see illustrated step by step guideline please click here!

An Important Tip:
when you're making a leg: hold the leg as near as you can to the body when you pull it tightly.

Simple straight leg
This is the most simple technique to make legs.

1. String the leg beads on one side of the wire.
2. Loop back with the same wire through the leg leaving out the last bead. Try to avoid kinks on the wire.
3. Hold the leg to the body as near as you can. Pull it very tightly. Do the same on the other side.

Leg with foot
It is also a very simple type of leg.

1. String the beads on either wire. For the foot use a different colour.
2. Loop back with the same wire through the leg leaving out the foot.
3. Pull it very tightly. If the wire begins to kink put it straight. Now, do exactly the same on the other side.

Leg with foot and toes
This type of leg is a bit more complicated than the others. However, after you've understood and made it, it'll be just a routine job.

1. String the leg beads (usually 3) and the beads of one toe on either side of the wire.
2. Loop back through the remaining of the toe beads leaving out the last bead. Hold the toe near to the leg and pull it tightly.
3. Now, you've finished the first toe. String the beads of the second toe on the same wire.
4. Loop back through the toe beads leaving out the first bead as before.
5. Hold the toe near to the leg and pull it tightly.
6. Do exactly the same with all toes. When you've made all of the toes, loop back through the whole leg.
7. Pull it tightly. Do exactly the same on the other side.

About the Author

Marcel Vigh Marcel's Kid Crafts

I remember trying to build my first wood project, using an old hand drawn plan and trying to figure out exactly how I was going to make this thing. The plan itself was ok, not great but ok. Some of the views were hard to follow, some of the details difficult to read. I took my time and would have to admit the project turned out great, I even impressed my self. I still have that entertainment center in my basement.

Today most woodworking plans are created in some sort of 3D CAD system. You'll see these plans in woodworking magazines, plans that you buy from a woodworkers store, online or anywhere else you might buy your plans from. Since the birth of using 3D CAD systems to generate plans the details and views in plans have most certainly gotten better, much better, while I'll even go as far as saying almost perfect! Still there are some plans where the views are a little hard to decipher and some things are left for you to figure out. Sure there usually is step-by-step instructions which do help, but a picture is worth a thousand words.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what do you think the actual 3D model the plan was designed from worth? A 3D model can be rotated and viewed from any angle, you can zoom in to any spot, you can hide any component to get a better look or to take a look inside you can measure anything you want to. It's as close to having the project completely built without actually having the project completed or even started.

Having access to the 3D model is a godsend for any woodworker, no more do you have to just look at hard to follow detail views or one page plans with notes and arrows going every direction, you can simple sit down at your computer look at the finished project any way you want to and determine the best possible way to complete the project.

www.3dfurnitureplans.com is the answer to your prayers guys. You can stop by and download there free plans and try it out. Any plan that you either download for free or purchase comes with a pdf document that you can print on your home printer that serves as a step-by-step how-to build the project with detail views, full scale templates, cut lists, tips and tricks to make the project easier, tons of 3D views and oh yah; you also get the original 3D model and FREE viewer! How can woodworking be any easier? I guess if I built your project that would be easier.

Make sure you stop by and at least download your free plans and see just how easy woodworking can actually be.

About the Author

Sr. Cad desinger and fellow woodworker for over a decade!