Unleash Your Artistic Talents Through Craft Workshops

Expressing your creative vision through crafts is a hobby that countless people over the world enjoy. Whether your passion is to sew little fabric masterpieces, knit clothes for loved ones, or create art, paper, and jewellery pieces as decorations or keepsakes, you're sure to find people with similar interests and be inspired by them to explore designs and patterns that make life just a bit more colourful and that much more interesting.

If you've been collecting needles, threads, fabrics, paper products, beads, crystals, and other dainty little items over the years for your personal projects (or even if you've only just begun exploring the world of crafts), you can look for schedules of different craft workshops and join one where you can pick up new skills and learn new tricks. You would be in the company of crafting professionals and amateurs alike who will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you as you work side by side on a wide range of projects. There are workshops for making delicate jewellery, felt creations, holiday ornaments, and all kinds of home decor.

For individuals with sharp eyesight, infinite patience, and a brilliant eye for design and colour, embroidery kits are some of the more popular tools for making lovely stitched art pieces that can be hung on a prominent area of the home or given as a gift to a friend. These kits come with the right patterns and sizing instructions to help you get started on your project.

Embroidery creations can feature a vast array of designs-landscapes, inspirational quotes, animals (kittens playing, horses standing regally amidst a field, or lions in majestic postures are very popular among crafters), angels, fairies, and little children are all well-loved themes.

Of course, craft enthusiasts will be on the lookout for Christmas season cross stitch kits as the season approaches. Adorable snowmen in funny poses and smart accessories are popular design choices. Santa Claus designs are also highly requested; whether he is featured carrying bags of presents, playing with cats and dogs, handing out toys to children, or simply enjoying a hearty laugh, Santa Claus is always a welcome face in many holiday art projects.

With the right materials (which can be easily purchased online or from specialty craft stores), helpful workshops, and tips from fellow crafting experts, you can be sure to make art pieces that you will be happy to display, wear, or even sell. Get started on a project today and watch your daily efforts add up to a wonderful, cherished work of art.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

Unleash Your Artistic Talents Through Craft Workshops

Expressing your creative vision through crafts is a hobby that countless people over the world enjoy. Whether your passion is to sew little fabric masterpieces, knit clothes for loved ones, or create art, paper, and jewellery pieces as decorations or keepsakes, you're sure to find people with similar interests and be inspired by them to explore designs and patterns that make life just a bit more colourful and that much more interesting.

If you've been collecting needles, threads, fabrics, paper products, beads, crystals, and other dainty little items over the years for your personal projects (or even if you've only just begun exploring the world of crafts), you can look for schedules of different craft workshops and join one where you can pick up new skills and learn new tricks. You would be in the company of crafting professionals and amateurs alike who will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you as you work side by side on a wide range of projects. There are workshops for making delicate jewellery, felt creations, holiday ornaments, and all kinds of home decor.

For individuals with sharp eyesight, infinite patience, and a brilliant eye for design and colour, embroidery kits are some of the more popular tools for making lovely stitched art pieces that can be hung on a prominent area of the home or given as a gift to a friend. These kits come with the right patterns and sizing instructions to help you get started on your project.

Embroidery creations can feature a vast array of designs-landscapes, inspirational quotes, animals (kittens playing, horses standing regally amidst a field, or lions in majestic postures are very popular among crafters), angels, fairies, and little children are all well-loved themes.

Of course, craft enthusiasts will be on the lookout for Christmas season cross stitch kits as the season approaches. Adorable snowmen in funny poses and smart accessories are popular design choices. Santa Claus designs are also highly requested; whether he is featured carrying bags of presents, playing with cats and dogs, handing out toys to children, or simply enjoying a hearty laugh, Santa Claus is always a welcome face in many holiday art projects.

With the right materials (which can be easily purchased online or from specialty craft stores), helpful workshops, and tips from fellow crafting experts, you can be sure to make art pieces that you will be happy to display, wear, or even sell. Get started on a project today and watch your daily efforts add up to a wonderful, cherished work of art.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

Unleash Your Artistic Talents Through Craft Workshops

Expressing your creative vision through crafts is a hobby that countless people over the world enjoy. Whether your passion is to sew little fabric masterpieces, knit clothes for loved ones, or create art, paper, and jewellery pieces as decorations or keepsakes, you're sure to find people with similar interests and be inspired by them to explore designs and patterns that make life just a bit more colourful and that much more interesting.

If you've been collecting needles, threads, fabrics, paper products, beads, crystals, and other dainty little items over the years for your personal projects (or even if you've only just begun exploring the world of crafts), you can look for schedules of different craft workshops and join one where you can pick up new skills and learn new tricks. You would be in the company of crafting professionals and amateurs alike who will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you as you work side by side on a wide range of projects. There are workshops for making delicate jewellery, felt creations, holiday ornaments, and all kinds of home decor.

For individuals with sharp eyesight, infinite patience, and a brilliant eye for design and colour, embroidery kits are some of the more popular tools for making lovely stitched art pieces that can be hung on a prominent area of the home or given as a gift to a friend. These kits come with the right patterns and sizing instructions to help you get started on your project.

Embroidery creations can feature a vast array of designs-landscapes, inspirational quotes, animals (kittens playing, horses standing regally amidst a field, or lions in majestic postures are very popular among crafters), angels, fairies, and little children are all well-loved themes.

Of course, craft enthusiasts will be on the lookout for Christmas season cross stitch kits as the season approaches. Adorable snowmen in funny poses and smart accessories are popular design choices. Santa Claus designs are also highly requested; whether he is featured carrying bags of presents, playing with cats and dogs, handing out toys to children, or simply enjoying a hearty laugh, Santa Claus is always a welcome face in many holiday art projects.

With the right materials (which can be easily purchased online or from specialty craft stores), helpful workshops, and tips from fellow crafting experts, you can be sure to make art pieces that you will be happy to display, wear, or even sell. Get started on a project today and watch your daily efforts add up to a wonderful, cherished work of art.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

10 Best Knitting Tips

One of knitting's secrets is to be very familiar with all of the little tips and tricks that you can use for any project. Whenever I go to forums or even visit my favorite LYS (aka my 'local yarn shop') there are knitters there who have been knitting for years and some are still not familiar with little techniques that are not only time savers, but knitting life savers, as well.

So I have comprised a list of Knitting's Best Tips. Some of these may seem rather obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many knitters have never heard of them!

Without further ado, here we go:

1. Before you even make a slip knot, READ the entire pattern through at least once. You will be amazed at how directions / instructions are written. Some very helpful hints or notes will be added near the end of the pattern. Usually these are things you need to know right away. Be sure to read the pattern through completely, so you know what these are.

2. When casting on, always leave yourself enough yarn to make it all the way through the stitches you need to cast on the needle. Don't worry if you have a long strand of yarn left over, simply cut it to size.

3. When joining a second or third ball of yarn, try to join them at the edges rather than in the middle of a row. Then your seams will be hidden in the sides and it just looks so much neater.

4. When knitting off of a chart or directional rows, always use a sticky note to keep your place. Then when you need to walk away, always write down the last row knitted on the sticky note so you'll know just where to pick up when you resume. The sticky little note can be moved down the page as you go.

5. When knitting with a ball of yarn, always pull the yarn from the center and not the outside. If you do this, your yarn will flow nicely and not become a monster tangled mess as you knit. If you do encounter a knotted mess, simply cut the mess out, then attach your yarn again. Some knots are impossible to untangle!

6. If you want to change colors rather than knit all in one color, then do it! Be creative. If you wish to add a stitch pattern to a project, and you know how to do that, then do it! Variations on a theme are always welcome.

7. When you work on a pattern that is written for 2 or 3 sizes, always circle or highlight the size that you are knitting for. Do that all the way through the pattern. It is very easy to start knitting for another size if your size isn't highlighted from start to finish.

8. New to knitting? Then don't knit with specialty yarns or anything fuzzy or ribbon-y, like fun fur or mohair. It's too difficult to see your stitches on the needle, and you'll get lost in the fuzz. Take my word for it!

9. Keep all those knitting accessories to a minimum. They may look all the rage, and be very cute to have, but most often you won't use them anyway. Needles, yarn, scissors and instructions will do the job every time.

10. If you're getting to the end of a ball of yarn and want to know if you can knit another row without running out, then do this: take your remaining yarn and stretch it out across the width of your piece three times, back and forth. If your yarn makes it, you have enough for another row. Whew!

These tips should get you started. As I come across more fun knitting secrets, I'll write additional articles. So be sure to check back often; you never what you'll find!

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

Unleash Your Artistic Talents Through Craft Workshops

Expressing your creative vision through crafts is a hobby that countless people over the world enjoy. Whether your passion is to sew little fabric masterpieces, knit clothes for loved ones, or create art, paper, and jewellery pieces as decorations or keepsakes, you're sure to find people with similar interests and be inspired by them to explore designs and patterns that make life just a bit more colourful and that much more interesting.

If you've been collecting needles, threads, fabrics, paper products, beads, crystals, and other dainty little items over the years for your personal projects (or even if you've only just begun exploring the world of crafts), you can look for schedules of different craft workshops and join one where you can pick up new skills and learn new tricks. You would be in the company of crafting professionals and amateurs alike who will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you as you work side by side on a wide range of projects. There are workshops for making delicate jewellery, felt creations, holiday ornaments, and all kinds of home decor.

For individuals with sharp eyesight, infinite patience, and a brilliant eye for design and colour, embroidery kits are some of the more popular tools for making lovely stitched art pieces that can be hung on a prominent area of the home or given as a gift to a friend. These kits come with the right patterns and sizing instructions to help you get started on your project.

Embroidery creations can feature a vast array of designs-landscapes, inspirational quotes, animals (kittens playing, horses standing regally amidst a field, or lions in majestic postures are very popular among crafters), angels, fairies, and little children are all well-loved themes.

Of course, craft enthusiasts will be on the lookout for Christmas season cross stitch kits as the season approaches. Adorable snowmen in funny poses and smart accessories are popular design choices. Santa Claus designs are also highly requested; whether he is featured carrying bags of presents, playing with cats and dogs, handing out toys to children, or simply enjoying a hearty laugh, Santa Claus is always a welcome face in many holiday art projects.

With the right materials (which can be easily purchased online or from specialty craft stores), helpful workshops, and tips from fellow crafting experts, you can be sure to make art pieces that you will be happy to display, wear, or even sell. Get started on a project today and watch your daily efforts add up to a wonderful, cherished work of art.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

10 Best Knitting Tips

One of knitting's secrets is to be very familiar with all of the little tips and tricks that you can use for any project. Whenever I go to forums or even visit my favorite LYS (aka my 'local yarn shop') there are knitters there who have been knitting for years and some are still not familiar with little techniques that are not only time savers, but knitting life savers, as well.

So I have comprised a list of Knitting's Best Tips. Some of these may seem rather obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many knitters have never heard of them!

Without further ado, here we go:

1. Before you even make a slip knot, READ the entire pattern through at least once. You will be amazed at how directions / instructions are written. Some very helpful hints or notes will be added near the end of the pattern. Usually these are things you need to know right away. Be sure to read the pattern through completely, so you know what these are.

2. When casting on, always leave yourself enough yarn to make it all the way through the stitches you need to cast on the needle. Don't worry if you have a long strand of yarn left over, simply cut it to size.

3. When joining a second or third ball of yarn, try to join them at the edges rather than in the middle of a row. Then your seams will be hidden in the sides and it just looks so much neater.

4. When knitting off of a chart or directional rows, always use a sticky note to keep your place. Then when you need to walk away, always write down the last row knitted on the sticky note so you'll know just where to pick up when you resume. The sticky little note can be moved down the page as you go.

5. When knitting with a ball of yarn, always pull the yarn from the center and not the outside. If you do this, your yarn will flow nicely and not become a monster tangled mess as you knit. If you do encounter a knotted mess, simply cut the mess out, then attach your yarn again. Some knots are impossible to untangle!

6. If you want to change colors rather than knit all in one color, then do it! Be creative. If you wish to add a stitch pattern to a project, and you know how to do that, then do it! Variations on a theme are always welcome.

7. When you work on a pattern that is written for 2 or 3 sizes, always circle or highlight the size that you are knitting for. Do that all the way through the pattern. It is very easy to start knitting for another size if your size isn't highlighted from start to finish.

8. New to knitting? Then don't knit with specialty yarns or anything fuzzy or ribbon-y, like fun fur or mohair. It's too difficult to see your stitches on the needle, and you'll get lost in the fuzz. Take my word for it!

9. Keep all those knitting accessories to a minimum. They may look all the rage, and be very cute to have, but most often you won't use them anyway. Needles, yarn, scissors and instructions will do the job every time.

10. If you're getting to the end of a ball of yarn and want to know if you can knit another row without running out, then do this: take your remaining yarn and stretch it out across the width of your piece three times, back and forth. If your yarn makes it, you have enough for another row. Whew!

These tips should get you started. As I come across more fun knitting secrets, I'll write additional articles. So be sure to check back often; you never what you'll find!

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony

I have attended a few weddings recently involving a Unity Ceremony and Candles. It got me thinking about how this tradition has grown in popularity in recent years. When I married, fifteen years ago, the use of a Unity Candle was extremely rare. I didn't come up with too many explanations except for the growth of the Internet enabling the spread of information, meaning people can search globally for potential traditions to include in their wedding ceremony.

In case you are unfamiliar with the concept, Unity Candles are generally in a set of three. In its most common form there are two taper candles and one central taller pillar candle.

At the beginning of a wedding ceremony the parents of the bride and the groom each light one of the taper candles. The lighting of these candles signifies the separate lives the bride and groom have led. The two families, with different beliefs, ideologies and experiences have molded the two people who are getting married.

After the bride and groom have spoken their vows and exchanged rings the third of the candles is generally lit. The lighting of this larger pillar candle signifies the unifying of two people into a new family structure one that is different from the one they had previously. It symbolises, to all present, a need to respect the new family unit and recognise a loosening of the tie that bound each person to their paternal family unit as they shape their new family. As a result, the taper candles are often blown out by the bride and groom once the central pillar candle is lit.

For a candle maker this growth in popularity is great, as I now have a potential engagement gift ready. A Unity Candle set is easy to make, taper candles and pillar candles are easily poured and molds for these types of candles are readily available. Most Unity Candle sets are white with some decorative aspect on the pillar candle. Often the pillar candles has accents on it which match the wedding stationery. Add these accents by using Water Slide Decal labels, print on your inkjet or laser printer and transfer to your candle. You can also add decorative accents through rub on transfers, just like you would use in paper crafts. You can even use Water Slide Decal labels to add a photo of the couple to the candle.

Here are basic instructions to make a soy pillar candle for a Unity Candle

Melt pillar wax in a double boiler Wick your pillar mold (I would chose a mold that is about 20cm high and 6cm in diameter) and make sure you have covered the wick hole with Fun Tack toeduce leakage Pour wax into pillar mold Leave the wax to set and cool Once cooled, remove the candle from the mold and trim the wick Decorate with suitable accents

Making your own Unity Candles is a real cost saving. A quick Internet search demonstrated to me how costly Unity Candles are. I found decorated pillar candles selling at up to $70 each. Once you have made your own Unity Candles next time a friend announces an engagement why not offer to make them a set of candles as a gift.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

Unleash Your Artistic Talents Through Craft Workshops

Expressing your creative vision through crafts is a hobby that countless people over the world enjoy. Whether your passion is to sew little fabric masterpieces, knit clothes for loved ones, or create art, paper, and jewellery pieces as decorations or keepsakes, you're sure to find people with similar interests and be inspired by them to explore designs and patterns that make life just a bit more colourful and that much more interesting.

If you've been collecting needles, threads, fabrics, paper products, beads, crystals, and other dainty little items over the years for your personal projects (or even if you've only just begun exploring the world of crafts), you can look for schedules of different craft workshops and join one where you can pick up new skills and learn new tricks. You would be in the company of crafting professionals and amateurs alike who will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you as you work side by side on a wide range of projects. There are workshops for making delicate jewellery, felt creations, holiday ornaments, and all kinds of home decor.

For individuals with sharp eyesight, infinite patience, and a brilliant eye for design and colour, embroidery kits are some of the more popular tools for making lovely stitched art pieces that can be hung on a prominent area of the home or given as a gift to a friend. These kits come with the right patterns and sizing instructions to help you get started on your project.

Embroidery creations can feature a vast array of designs-landscapes, inspirational quotes, animals (kittens playing, horses standing regally amidst a field, or lions in majestic postures are very popular among crafters), angels, fairies, and little children are all well-loved themes.

Of course, craft enthusiasts will be on the lookout for Christmas season cross stitch kits as the season approaches. Adorable snowmen in funny poses and smart accessories are popular design choices. Santa Claus designs are also highly requested; whether he is featured carrying bags of presents, playing with cats and dogs, handing out toys to children, or simply enjoying a hearty laugh, Santa Claus is always a welcome face in many holiday art projects.

With the right materials (which can be easily purchased online or from specialty craft stores), helpful workshops, and tips from fellow crafting experts, you can be sure to make art pieces that you will be happy to display, wear, or even sell. Get started on a project today and watch your daily efforts add up to a wonderful, cherished work of art.

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

10 Best Knitting Tips

One of knitting's secrets is to be very familiar with all of the little tips and tricks that you can use for any project. Whenever I go to forums or even visit my favorite LYS (aka my 'local yarn shop') there are knitters there who have been knitting for years and some are still not familiar with little techniques that are not only time savers, but knitting life savers, as well.

So I have comprised a list of Knitting's Best Tips. Some of these may seem rather obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many knitters have never heard of them!

Without further ado, here we go:

1. Before you even make a slip knot, READ the entire pattern through at least once. You will be amazed at how directions / instructions are written. Some very helpful hints or notes will be added near the end of the pattern. Usually these are things you need to know right away. Be sure to read the pattern through completely, so you know what these are.

2. When casting on, always leave yourself enough yarn to make it all the way through the stitches you need to cast on the needle. Don't worry if you have a long strand of yarn left over, simply cut it to size.

3. When joining a second or third ball of yarn, try to join them at the edges rather than in the middle of a row. Then your seams will be hidden in the sides and it just looks so much neater.

4. When knitting off of a chart or directional rows, always use a sticky note to keep your place. Then when you need to walk away, always write down the last row knitted on the sticky note so you'll know just where to pick up when you resume. The sticky little note can be moved down the page as you go.

5. When knitting with a ball of yarn, always pull the yarn from the center and not the outside. If you do this, your yarn will flow nicely and not become a monster tangled mess as you knit. If you do encounter a knotted mess, simply cut the mess out, then attach your yarn again. Some knots are impossible to untangle!

6. If you want to change colors rather than knit all in one color, then do it! Be creative. If you wish to add a stitch pattern to a project, and you know how to do that, then do it! Variations on a theme are always welcome.

7. When you work on a pattern that is written for 2 or 3 sizes, always circle or highlight the size that you are knitting for. Do that all the way through the pattern. It is very easy to start knitting for another size if your size isn't highlighted from start to finish.

8. New to knitting? Then don't knit with specialty yarns or anything fuzzy or ribbon-y, like fun fur or mohair. It's too difficult to see your stitches on the needle, and you'll get lost in the fuzz. Take my word for it!

9. Keep all those knitting accessories to a minimum. They may look all the rage, and be very cute to have, but most often you won't use them anyway. Needles, yarn, scissors and instructions will do the job every time.

10. If you're getting to the end of a ball of yarn and want to know if you can knit another row without running out, then do this: take your remaining yarn and stretch it out across the width of your piece three times, back and forth. If your yarn makes it, you have enough for another row. Whew!

These tips should get you started. As I come across more fun knitting secrets, I'll write additional articles. So be sure to check back often; you never what you'll find!

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony   

10 Best Knitting Tips

One of knitting's secrets is to be very familiar with all of the little tips and tricks that you can use for any project. Whenever I go to forums or even visit my favorite LYS (aka my 'local yarn shop') there are knitters there who have been knitting for years and some are still not familiar with little techniques that are not only time savers, but knitting life savers, as well.

So I have comprised a list of Knitting's Best Tips. Some of these may seem rather obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many knitters have never heard of them!

Without further ado, here we go:

1. Before you even make a slip knot, READ the entire pattern through at least once. You will be amazed at how directions / instructions are written. Some very helpful hints or notes will be added near the end of the pattern. Usually these are things you need to know right away. Be sure to read the pattern through completely, so you know what these are.

2. When casting on, always leave yourself enough yarn to make it all the way through the stitches you need to cast on the needle. Don't worry if you have a long strand of yarn left over, simply cut it to size.

3. When joining a second or third ball of yarn, try to join them at the edges rather than in the middle of a row. Then your seams will be hidden in the sides and it just looks so much neater.

4. When knitting off of a chart or directional rows, always use a sticky note to keep your place. Then when you need to walk away, always write down the last row knitted on the sticky note so you'll know just where to pick up when you resume. The sticky little note can be moved down the page as you go.

5. When knitting with a ball of yarn, always pull the yarn from the center and not the outside. If you do this, your yarn will flow nicely and not become a monster tangled mess as you knit. If you do encounter a knotted mess, simply cut the mess out, then attach your yarn again. Some knots are impossible to untangle!

6. If you want to change colors rather than knit all in one color, then do it! Be creative. If you wish to add a stitch pattern to a project, and you know how to do that, then do it! Variations on a theme are always welcome.

7. When you work on a pattern that is written for 2 or 3 sizes, always circle or highlight the size that you are knitting for. Do that all the way through the pattern. It is very easy to start knitting for another size if your size isn't highlighted from start to finish.

8. New to knitting? Then don't knit with specialty yarns or anything fuzzy or ribbon-y, like fun fur or mohair. It's too difficult to see your stitches on the needle, and you'll get lost in the fuzz. Take my word for it!

9. Keep all those knitting accessories to a minimum. They may look all the rage, and be very cute to have, but most often you won't use them anyway. Needles, yarn, scissors and instructions will do the job every time.

10. If you're getting to the end of a ball of yarn and want to know if you can knit another row without running out, then do this: take your remaining yarn and stretch it out across the width of your piece three times, back and forth. If your yarn makes it, you have enough for another row. Whew!

These tips should get you started. As I come across more fun knitting secrets, I'll write additional articles. So be sure to check back often; you never what you'll find!

Use a Soy Unity Candle in Your Wedding Ceremony