American Craft

last night i was reading around american craft and was stunned with the incredible stories they’ve added to the site lately. as i’m not as educated in the history of craft as i am design, i’m constantly soaking up the articles from american craft as a way to understand where the craft movement started and where it’s heading now. in addition to a fantastic piece on a recent show at the victoria and albert museum (where the pictures above and below come from), there’s a great story on how risd students (last image below) may be reflecting a new rise of the arts and crafts movement. it’s definitely a must read. click here to check out american craft online.

Crafting Family Games

Are you planning to host or attend a family get-together this year? I'm sure you probably are. It may consist of a dinner and some gift exchanging. That is an ideal way to end the night, sure! What about earlier that day? Ok, Realistically, this may not happen, but wouldn't it be nice to plan a game or something that could involve everyone?, or maybe just the children while the adults look on?

This is not an easy feat nowadays, especially if you have family who would live far away. If you could though, you would more than likely find this is a joyful way to bring the family closer, while making a few good memories at the same time. It could be a board game, maybe a "treasure hunt", it may even be a competition style event. (Carefully planned not to have any losers!)

Whatever the activity, It seems like it would be more sincere if it was created by you, or everyone helping. Using a little imagination can ensure that this is something that belongs to you and your family. No one else can take it from you, so it brings you closer. This is what it should be exactlly. It's doesn't have be so involved that it would sell on the market. No, actually the simpler it is to craft or come up with, the more fun you will have when it's set in to action!

Remember what the season makes you remember about "the old days", and share it with the "new" gathering. There is a country song that says, "Let's make some good old days tonight". That is what I'm writing about, in a nutshell. -Stephanie

Paper Crafting Materials

Seven Must-Have Paper Crafting Materials

You will find with every crafting project you do there are some basic tools and materials that are always present and it varies between the particular crafts you do. Although, in recent months, we have seen a merge in crafting trends, paper crafting enthusiasts are incorporating sewing and quilting techniques into their projects. For instance, paper crafters are incorporating stitching and trimmings into cards. However, for this particular article we are going to go over seven tools that are absolutely necessary to engage in any paper crafting project.

1) Paper - You can combine many different paper types to maximize the benefits of each. A dazzling selection of papers are now available: marbled, sueded, embossed, metallic, textured, and faux finishes, to name just a few. Papers can also be divided into three basic weights. Common lightweight papers include vellum and tissue papers. Medium-weight papers are the most popular and include most scrapbooking paper. These papers are the most suitable as backgrounds for many projects, as well as for folding projects. Heavyweight papers include corrugated cardboard, card stock and some embossed papers. The thickness of these papers makes it difficult to hold a crease, do choose your paper wisely based on the particular project you are doing.

2) Decorative-edged scissors - Decorative scissors never really go out of style and they add a fun sense of creativity to any paper crafting project.

3) Bone folders - Never heard of these? They are used to smooth and flatten a number of paper surfaces, anywhere from creases to recently glued surfaces.

4) Eyelets & Brads - You can use these as simple embellishments; they come in a plethora of amazing colors and shapes. They are great for attaching photographs, decorative papers, eyelet letters or charms to your pages.

5) Paper punches & Die Cut Machines - These are great for crafters looking for a more economical way to get larger cut-out designs; inexpensive too. You can also make smaller die-cut patterns with the range of press and squeeze punches that are available.

6) Sticker Machines - These eliminate the worry about sticky gooey messes and the wait time for the glue to dry. Sticker/animation machines are available in a small, sticker-sized, 1 1/2 inch wide (4cm) format and also available in the large format capable of applying adhesive to 12-inch squares (30.5 cm). I like to use them with die-cut and punch machines to create a creative masterpiece at little cost. I use it to also make patterned paper for my own projects. The possibilities are endless.

7) Adhesives - The increasing popularity of scrapbooking and paper crafting has brought on a greater need for a more extensive line of adhesives. Here is the line-up: Peel & Stick mounting squares; easy no mess solution, Dimensional Mounting Tabs; ads three-dimensional quality to projects. Basic Craft Glue; which is available in liquid and stick forms, is still a great adhesive choice. Just a quick tip when working with basic craft glue; make sure to choose a clear-drying variety, and look for archival safe glues when working with original photos.

These are the basics of what you would need to create fun and imaginative paper craft projects. You don't need much more than this, you will start to see just how much you can do with these seven tools. Enjoy!

The Perfect Craft

Making The Perfect Craft

Making crafts are a wonderful way to spend a day at home. Leisure activities such as ping pong, board games and making crafts are different activities to do in your home. Painting, coloring, writing, making music, and making crafts are all creative activities. The process of making art and the process of making crafts are related but different.

There are many ideas and for making crafts for the table, wall, or door, plus lots of different tree ornaments you can do when you think about it. Coming up with Christmas craft project ideas can be difficult, to find ideas look at some craft magazines. There are many ways to come up with craft ideas, try using everyday products around the home or use recycled materials to create your crafts. You will also find lots of ideas for making crafts using household items. There are plenty of summer craft ideas for all ages if you think about it. The internet is a great place to get ideas for cards or scrapbooks. Stamping and needlework are easy to learn and there are many ideas for patterns. When on a budget, add accessories to your crafts or bedazzle them. Kids love Halloween crafts, children always have fun making crafts, especially holiday-themed crafts.

Handmade crafts and scrap booking are very enjoyable and popular pastimes for adults and children. There are loads of scrap booking layout ideas for you to try out. Buying discount scrap booking supplies can save you a lot of money. Scrap booking is an activity which is growing in popularity. Scrap booking, cross stitch, patchwork and needlework kits are easy to find the stores or on the internet.

When making crafts learn to have fun with it. Kids have fun drawing, painting, making crafts. This origami craft is fun to play with and educational at the same time. You can make crafts without creating a huge mess. Include your children when creating crafts you could have a lot of fun making crafts with your kids out of the things you throw away every day. Easter is a fun holiday and the Internet has many fun things for families to make crafts with. Children will have fun making crafts and exploring their creative side. Join the fun of making crafts, reading stories, cooking, gym play, and tumbling during these four-week sessions. Join in with the family and enjoy fun activities such as holiday crafts and games, this is one way of brining the family together. There are so many ideas that we cannot mention all of them but one which is easy to do is to create fun items just to spice up a lonely shelf or tabletop. Find fun activities to do together, such as making crafts, writing a story, or acting out a musical. Crafts can be a fun creative outlet for kids and adults.

Holiday Arts and Craft on a Budget

The best time for arts and craft projects comes at the end of the year. The spirit starts to drill into everyone around Halloween, working steadily through Thanksgiving, and climaxes with Christmas. It's this time that we care more for those heart-felt gifts, since we've been pretty busy to ourselves the rest of the year.

However, you do not need to break the bank for a warm gift to give someone, as many of us already know. There are always things in the realm of "cute" and "darling", that can give a wonderful impression to our family and friends.

Halloween can be an easy time to grab a smile from someone with a "Ghost Pop". All you need is a small lollipop with a wrapper, a sheet of tissue paper, and a small rubberband. (see where this is going? :)

Place the tissue paper over and around the lollipop, wrap the rubberband around the base several times, and then draw your "ghostly" face on the pop with a permanent maker. (Careful though, the marker's ink will spread quickly, just a few dots is usually good enough.) This is an easy, fun, very cheap craft for the holiday, and best of all, the receiver of this gift has a nice snack also!

Thanksgiving is a tough time to give due attention to a nice craft, since Christmas season is starting to wind-up in everyone's mind. Give it a little effort though, and you can have something to decorate your home with for many years to come. I think a good one is to take a small scrap sheet of treated wood, (wood that has been treated to withstand the elements of the outdoors. A piece about 2 to 3 feet is nice), draw a cartoon-like turkey on it, and then cut or have it cut around the border of your turkey. Then, "color" your turkey by painting it. With a small stake nailed to the back of it, you have a wonderful yard decoration for all to see! (Putting the date, and artist's name on the back could make it a nice "heirloom" also, if you use a good piece of wood that will last.)

Christmas is the time when stores are packed with shoppers, Stay at home one day and make a few gifts of your own. You may be surprised at what you can come up with! Take an old seasonal dish towel, the kind that have a decoration for the holiday, and an embroidery hoop. (The hoop can be purchased fairly cheap at places like Wal-mart.) Stretch the towel over the hoop and clamp it. Cut the edge of the towel off, and wa-la!, a thought-ful kitchen decoration for someone! (Actually, it would look nice anywhere in the home or even at work for some people.)

Whatever kind of crafts you find yourself doing this year, make sure you are careful, and have FUN making and sharing your "gifts from the heart". Tis the Season! -Stephanie

Production and Pricing of Craft

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

This is where you can really make or break your craft show career. Being able to produce quality crafts as efficiently and affordably as possible is the key to making a tidy profit from craft shows.

How Production Evolves

How you handle production of your craft show items will evolve over time. Initially you may produce all your craft items alone. This will likely be the most cost effective way to start your craft show creations. As your business grows, you may decide it is best to find employees who can recreate your artistic flair – so you can build more products and increase your overall revenue.

Time and experience will help you streamline your production cycle for maximum efficiency. You'll learn as you go how long it takes to produce your craft show items, how long to allow for drying, setting or baking, what quantity of supplies you need for a certain amount of inventory and how much inventory you'll need for a one-day craft show. Basically, you are going to get better and smarter about how to build your craft show items – so you can maximize the profit!

Always have some form of quality control if you're working alone, such as a friend or family member checking your crafts for sturdiness, appearance, etc. If you make jewelry, have someone else try on a necklace to make sure the clasp works, it doesn't fall apart while putting it on and that you are pleased with the appearance. If you have put a frame around a small painting, ensure the frame’s sturdiness, so your craft customer isn’t disappointed when it falls apart. Think about how you will transport your products during the production process, making them sturdy enough to travel or finding strong packing materials through your suppliers.

Over the years, your products will evolve as you make modifications to existing designs and add new products. With feedback from customers and keeping abreast of current trends, as well as developing new skills and interests, you'll probably add new products and remove slower-moving ones. As soon as you see a steady decline in sales, consider dropping the product—don't get attached, this is business. You can always use slower products as bonuses, gift items or for raffle drawings or donations.

Pricing

The crucial question about pricing is: How do I price my craft show products for the best results—good sales and good profit? Can I have both? You may fear that if your prices are too low, you could incur the wrath of your competitors or make less profit. If your prices are too high, your sales will drop. The right price is one of the most significant factors in contributing to your success or failure—and one of the most difficult factors to decide upon.

There are several schools of thought on how to arrive at the best price for your work. Again, time and experience will be your best guides. It is easy enough to raise or lower your price with each craft show you attend and eventually find the best fit. You may even find yourself changing prices at different craft shows as you learn the shopping patterns of your customers. If someone seems interested then walks away, ask them why they didn't buy and if they say price, ask what they would be willing to pay. If you get the same information repeated several times, it's an indication of what customers are willing to pay—at least at that craft show!

Although you need to test your prices, don't make drastic price adjustments in the same weekend, as customers may complain. Make smaller adjustments in different towns based on craft show results and customer feedback. Sometimes the difference in improving your sales can be as small as $1.00, such as lowering a $12.00 item to $10.99. And sometimes selling fewer items at higher prices can be more profitable in the long run.

Take time to consider your price carefully. Consider cost of supplies and labor, craft show fees, transportation and other expenses involved. The efficiency of your production will also have an impact on how much profit you can make from your craft show items, and ultimately both will determine your success on the craft show circuit!

Most Fun and Frugal Craft

The Most Fun and Frugal Craft--Plastic Canvas Needlepoint

The most fun and frugal craft around is Plastic Canvas Needlepoint. The supplies are very inexpensive and easy to find, plus it's easy to learn for anyone of any age. The charts are easy to read and there's no need to get out the magnifying glass in order to see what you're doing! Even the most inexperienced beginner can turn out a project worthy of admiration.

Plastic Canvas Needlepoint is worked by cutting shaped pieces from sheets of plastic canvas; then working stitches on the canvas. Worsted weight yarn is the most common type of yarn used, but specialty plastic canvas yarn is also available. Details are often worked using regular embroidery stitches and embroidery floss. And plastic canvas is a great way to use up the yarn you have left from other projects.

It's a very rewarding kind of needlework. When you work with plastic canvas, projects are not just flat wall hangings or pillows. Probably the item most people think of when they think of plastic canvas is a tissue box cover, but so much more can be done with plastic canvas, from birdhouses to picture frames to purse accessories to baskets to doorstops. The list just goes on and on!

A handmade gift from the heart is always appreciated. Plastic canvas makes up beautifully into nursery items just perfect for those baby showers. Projects work up quickly and they are very portable. Many stitchers like to keep a totebag just to carry along in order to stitch a little when the opportunity arises.

Make accessories for your own home; any pattern can be customized by changing the colors to match your decor. It is these handmade details that make a house a "Home".

The sheets of plastic canvas are very, very inexpensive. They're readily available at discount and craft stores. Worsted-weight yarn can be purchased at bargain prices, also. Plus, garage sales and yard sales are great places to pick up all kinds and colors of yarn. A little goes a long way in plastic canvas!

So if you're looking for a craft that is fun and affordable, look no further...Plastic Canvas Needlepoint is for you!

Fastest Growing Craft Activity

According to several recent polls conducted by industry leaders, scrapbooking is one of the fastest growing craft activities.

The latest demographics show the following trends:

- 98% of scrapbookers are females between 30 and 59 years old. Among the age groups who responded to the surveys, scrapbooking, rubber-stamping and paper crafting attract the various generations fairly equally.

- 85% of the respondents are married, and only about 14% do not have children.

- 95% have at least “some college” or attended a trade school.

- 65% of the respondents have college or post-graduate degrees.

- 53% are working full time (40+ hours per week). Another 38% work part time (between 20 –39 hours per week). About 12% of the respondents are retired.

- 85% have incomes over $50,000, and 62% said their annual incomes are over $75,000.

- An interesting fact is that the majority of the respondents (96%) reported that they had been scrapbooking for more than a year. Of those, nearly one quarter had been scrapbooking for at least three years and nearly one third for at least five years.

- On average, 75% of the respondents reported that they had spent more than $500 over the past 12 months on scrapbooking supplies, and 42% reported spending more than $1000.

Interestingly, 74% of the respondents also are involved in rubber-stamping, 46% enjoy paper crafts and 27% say they are involved in Painting/decorative painting. All three of these crafts can, and are used to enhance many scrapbooking projects. Other crafts that scrapbookers are involved with include: Seasonal Crafts (41%), General Crafts (34%), Sewing (fashion/home decorating), Needlework (26%), Quilting (20%), Knitting/Crocheting (17%) and Jewelry Making (10%).

According to the Hobby Industry Association, retail sales for the scrapbooking industry climbed from $400 million in 1997 to $2.5 billion in 2003. Although the industry is still growing, it’s becoming more difficult for independent dealers to make a profit, and oftentimes, any profits made by the smaller “mom and pop” stores must be put back into the business. As the industry has flourished, competition from large corporations has increased.

One of the biggest competitors in the industry is the craft store giant Michael's, operating about 867 stores in 48 states and Canada. Consumers feel that Michael's has a great inventory of supplies which are easy to find and fun for the whole family to use.

Successful independent scrapbooking retailers insist that it’s possible to compete with the giants by being smart and planning for success. They recommend:

- Offer specialized services.

- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – offer a variety of services and products.

- Become the best at what you do.

In addition to a retail store, craft business owners should build a strong Web presence. The business model should include workshops, craft nights and scrapbooking parties. Look for markets in your area that have not been tapped, such as specific minority groups or new scrapbookers.

Industry insiders insist that the scrapbooking market is still growing and that there is room for anyone who is interested in starting a career. The best advice before starting any business is to conduct careful research and do the necessary preplanning. That way you will know what you are getting into before you start.

Correct Craft

Correct Craft is a U.S.-based builder of powerboats primarily for ski and wakeboard use. It was founded in 1925 by Walt C. Meloon as the Florida Variety Boat Company.^[1]

History

Walt C. Meloon created the Florida Variety Boat Company in 1925. During the early days the company built a variety of craft ranging from sailboats to powerboats to race boats. By 1936, the primary focus of the company was the construction of power boats and the company name was officially changed to Correct Craft. Despite the Great Depression, the company continued to grow, developing a reputation for building boats of superior quality and excellent performance.^[1]

In the early 1940s through 1957, the recreational boat business prospered and Correct Craft operated an additional manufacturing facility in Titusville, Florida, building boats from 18-55 feet. The advent of fiberglass brought new possibilities to the marine industry in the 1960s and Correct Craft worked with an innovative designer named Leo Bentz to bring the fiberglass Ski Nautique to market in 1961.^[1][2]

In the 1970s, Correct Craft produced an array of runabouts, cuddy cabin and center console models including the Southwind, Martinique, Cuddy Nautique and Fish Nautique. During the 1980’s, towed water sports surged and the company’s Ski Nautique 2001 and Barefoot Nautique pulled many tournaments around the world.^[1]

In the 1990’s, the focus on having no wake suddenly shifted to creating mountains of water behind the boat for kneeboarding and wakeboarding. Correct Craft caught the wave and invented an innovative tower to add even more height to these extreme sports. The patented Flight Control Tower, combined with factory installed ballast tanks, led to the creation of the Air Nautique.

Correct Craft Today

In the year 2000, Correct Craft purchased 137 acres (0.55 km²) of land for the development of a new manufacturing facility. Construction began in 2005 on a 217,000- square-foot facility and two lakes: one lake for product testing, the other for tournaments and events. On Thursday, July 13, 2006, the first boat completely built from start to finish in the new facility emerged.^[3]

After more than eight decades of experience and with members of the fourth and fifth generations of the Meloon family active in the business, Correct Craft is the oldest family-owned boat company in the nation.^[4]

Nautiques is on their 49th year of being the title sponsor of the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament.^[5]

Correct Craft Models

Correct Craft has three models of boats.

The Ski Nautique is aimed at water skiers. The Ski Nautique 196 is the official tow boat of many water ski competitions and many world records have been set behind this boat.^[6]

The Crossover Nautique is for skiing, wakeboarding, cruising and tubing and includes the Sportsshift lever that gives the boat the ability to change the wake size and shape to accommodate different rider's needs and skills.

The Super Air Nautique includes the Flight Control Tower and the ability to fill the boat with water through 3 onboard ballasts to allow the boat to create large, rampy wakes.

Model	Length	Capacity
Ski Nautique 196	19’ 5.25”/5.92m	6 people
Ski Nautique 206	20’ 6.55”/6.27m	9 people
Crossover Nautique 211	20 ft 9 in/6.32m	9 people
Crossover Nautique 216	21’ 6.5”/6.57m	10 people
Crossover Nautique 226	22’ 6.5”/6.87m	12 people
Crossover Nautique 236	23’ 1.5”/7.05m	14 people
Super Air Nautique 210	21’ 6.40”/6.40m	10 people
Super Air Nautique 220	22 ft 1 in/6.73m	12 people
Super Air Nautique 230	23’ 1.5”/7.05m	14 people

Color Me a Rainbow

Color Me a Rainbow was a religious children's show that first aired in 1987 on the American Christian Television Station (ACTS), which was a precursor to today's Hallmark Channel. The show was produced by Shepherd & Associates in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The main theme of the show was to teach about Jesus Christ in a child-friendly matter. The main characters included the puppets Froggie (a green male frog), Crow (a blue female crow), and Turtle (a green male turtle), along with their human mother/guardian named Jana Wacker as well as an elementary school-aged girl (name unknown) who hosted the mini-segments involving making crafts. In addition to the crafts, each episode included a Bible verse sing-a-long with children playing simple instruments. Lastly, the subject of each episode is discussed with several children providing their answers to questions provided by Jana and/or the puppets.

Kids were also encouraged to send in fan letters (with Froggie writing the responses) as well as their own drawings of rainbows (some of which were presented on the show). Staring with the 7th episode, Froggie shows some of the letters, rainbow drawings, and even pictures of some of the show's fans. The show also sold many types of Color Me A Rainbow merchandise, such as the videos, T-shirt, coloring book, and other things through the use of commercials hosted by the puppets. These commercials were not included in the videos.

Boat craft

For over 50 years, Clark Craft has been known for it's quality service, outstanding value, and it's courteous customer service, a great combination on which you can always rely.

It all comes down to experience. At Clark Craft we have helped thousands of amateur builders launch their life time dream by offering a huge selection of boat plans and boat kits. We have what you need to fulfill yours.
Clark Craft offers the largest selection of
boat plans and boat kits in the country.
Clark Craft maintains this huge on line store in which you can purchase any number of boat plans, boat kits and boatbuilding supplies.

We offer, in print, the Boat Kits & Boat Plans Catalog and our Boatbuilding Supplies Catalog.

We have hundreds of boat designs for everything from a rowing prams to sailboats to power boats.

Our designs are proven by the thousands of craft built by amateur boatbuilders. If you have never tried such a project before, consider purchasing one of our frame or complete boat kits to make it all go a little easier.

Craft

A craft is a skill, especially involving practical arts. It may refer to a trade or particular art.

The terms is often used as part of a longer word (and also in the plural). For example, a craft-brother is a fellow worker in a particular trade and a craft-guild is, historically, a guild of workers in the same trade. See some further examples below.

The term is often used to describe the family of artistic practices within the decorative arts that traditionally are defined by their relationship to functional or utilitarian products (such as sculptural forms in the vessel tradition) or by their use of such natural media as wood, clay, glass, textiles, and metal. Crafts practiced by independent artists working alone or in small groups are often referred to as studio craft. Studio craft includes studio pottery, metal work, weaving, wood turning and other forms of wood working, glass blowing, and glass art.

A craft fair is an organized event to display crafts by a number of exhibitors.

Folk art follows craft traditions, in contrast to fine art or "high art".

Both Freemasonry and Wicca are known as 'The Craft' by their adherents.

CRAFT 101: Silk-Screening

Print your designs on anything you can hang, wear, or tote. A special 101 from CRAFT vol 1: CRAFT 01 (subscription information).

Silk-screening is a great way to personalize 
your gear. It's a very basic process that has unlimited outcomes. One of the easiest ways to get a design on almost any surface is to use the photo emulsion process. Once you've made the screen, it's ready to print time and time again. Follow along as I walk my colleague Sara Huston through the process of transferring our design to 
a screen, and printing it on a laptop bag.

Work up an idea for your design. On your first attempt, try a one-color design, keep it simple, and have some fun with it. Once you get it figured out, make your design digital. Sara and I created ours in Illustrator, but you can also scan a drawing. If you are really hands-on, you can draw straight onto transparency paper using India ink. You need a solid black positive to burn into the screen. I print on transparencies, using a black and white laser printer. This gives me an easy way to accurately, cheaply, and quickly create a positive.

Gather

» diazo photo emulsion made by

» 8"x10" silk screen
» 8"x10" piece of glass
» squeegee
» task lights (2)
» 150-watt bulbs (2)
» transparency paper for black and white copier/laser printer
» silk-screen inks (createx and speedball have worked well for me)
» lid to ikea bin for stretching shirt over, or other hard flat surface you can slip into a shirt

Optional
» fan (i use a small vornado)
» diazo photo emulsion remover (if you want to clean your screen and start over)

Design

More: Go to craftzine.com/01/101 for more designs to print.

Start

Step 1: Prep the Screen
Mix the photo emulsion as per the directions.

Coat the screen with photo emulsion, working fairly quickly over a sink or surface you can get messy. 
It's OK to have indoor lights on during this process, but keep out of direct sunlight. The emulsion needs to be applied evenly, so keep flipping the screen over and squeegeeing until the emulsion is even on both sides. Any globs will cause uneven exposing and will mess up your end result. The thicker the emulsion is applied, the longer the screen will have 
to be exposed.

The screen needs to be completely dry in order to expose it, and should be dried in a pitch-black room. I dry my screen by resting the wood frame on a couple of shoe boxes in the closet, so that the screen is parallel to and above the floor. This allows the air to flow above and below the screen to help it dry faster. Make sure that only the frame touches the boxes, so as not to mess up the nicely applied emulsion. You can place a fan (I use Vornado because they are compact) next to the screen. Drying it this way takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on humidity.

Step 2: Expose the Screen

Now that it is dry, place the screen on your workspace with the bottom facing down. Put your transparency on the screen in the center and as squarely as you can, then place a piece of glass on top. This holds your transparency down so that it makes direct and even contact with the screen. If it doesn't make direct contact, then your design will appear fuzzy around the edges.

The light source needs to be placed about 12 inches from the screen to get good results, and it needs to shine evenly across your design. I use two $10 task lights. These are great because they allow me to easily adjust my light source, and by having two, one on either side of the screen, we can make sure the entire design gets an even, direct supply of light. Follow the directions that came with the emulsion for exposing your screen. It varies with the bulb and screen size. I'll burn our screen for about 30 minutes. You can tell when the screen is done by looking: the exposed areas turn dark green when they are baked solid by the light.

Tip: For a super-dense positive, make two transparencies with your design on them. Line them up and attach them together with double-sided tape.

Step 3: Wash and Dry Screen

Now that the screen is exposed, wash it off in the sink with hot water. It takes some force to wash the screen effectively. I've attached a special nozzle to my faucet that creates higher pressure. (I got a nozzle at Bed Bath & Beyond for $5. Just screw it on and it'll toggle between high and low. Works great for dishes too; I leave it on all the time.)

Along with spraying, you can gently rub the screen with your fingers. Don't use your fingernails. If you force the emulsion off, you run the risk of tearing 
off the hardened emulsion, putting you back to 
step 1. You want only the unexposed area to wash off. Under hot water, the emulsion will become slightly gummy. Drying the screen isn't such a big deal this time around, now that it isn't sensitive to light. Prop it up against the fan, or place it where it can get some air. Silk dries quickly.

Step 4: Print It

Now that the screen is exposed, washed, and dried, print it and see how it works. Try it out on paper first.

Lay the screen down flat, making sure that your surface is even and flat.

With a spoon, put a glob of paint on the screen and spread it the width of your design. Don't get any on the design itself, just the area above it.

Now the fun part. Hold the screen down firmly 
with one hand (or have a buddy help hold it). Use a squeegee to pull the ink down to the bottom of the screen. Apply a small amount of pressure to the squeegee as you pull the ink. You will be able to see 
the paint evenly distributed across the screen.

Lift the screen and look at your beautiful print! Be very careful when you lift off the screen. Try to peel it slowly and directly up, so you don't smudge the fresh ink. It may want to stick to the paper.

It's as easy as that! Lay the screen down on another piece of paper and do a few more prints for fun.

Volume 01: CRAFT is the first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance happening within the world of crafts. Our premiere issue features 23 projects with a twist! Embroider your skateboard, light up your clothing, felt an iPod cocoon, knit your own boots, stitch a robot, and more!- Subscribe to CRAFT

When you subscribe you get instant access to the CRAFT Digital Edition - it's CRAFT, made out of light! AND you can print, share it and read it from any computer!

Embroidery and Crafts Textile

Christmas Ornaments

Craft Elf is proud to provide you with a variety of free Christmas ornament craft projects ranging from easy to craft kids ornaments to intermediate craft ornaments. We use a variety of techniques to make our ornaments including sewing, painting, gluing and beading along with a variety of craft mediums used such as felt, ribbon, beads, glue and recycled items.

	Cupcake Christmas Ornament Learn to make yummy looking cupcake Christmas ornaments for your holiday tree or to give as a gift. Craft Elf Original
	Gift Ornament This fun felt ornament is quick to stitch up so why not make some today for your tree or as Christmas presents. Simply hand stitch this Gift Package Christmas Ornament from felt and plastic canvas. Craft Elf Original
	Lighted Drum Ornament Make recycling fun by crafting a lighted drum Christmas ornament from a baby food jar.
	Felt Elf Christmas Ornament Sew this elf ornament from felt with our full size pattern. Craft Elf Original
	Elf Craft Foil Christmas Ornament A new elf pattern has been added to our free Christmas ornament craft instructions including a full size elf pattern and purchase source for the foil. Easy kids craft! Craft Elf Original
	Craft Foam Tree Ornament Learn to make ornaments for your holiday tree with a full size pattern and step-by-step instructions.
	Peppermint Ornaments Learn to paint professional looking candy ornaments.
	Lollipop Ornament Turn Paper Mache disks into a delicious looking lollipop ornaments with our free craft instructions. Craft Elf Original
	Angel Ornaments & Pins With some crochet thread and ribbon, you can learn to make beautiful Christmas ornaments.
	Reindeer Light Bulb Ornament Recycle your night light and Christmas bulbs into whimsical reindeer ornaments for your Christmas tree.
	Gumdrop Christmas Ornament Learn to make delicious looking gumdrops to decorate your Christmas tree. Craft Elf Original
	Fabric Ball Christmas Ornament Our easy kids craft instructions will teach you how to make a Christmas ornament from scraps of fabric.
	Craft Paper Gingerbread Man Ornaments Learn to craft scented gingerbread man ornaments from craft paper and glitter glue.
	Rice Ornaments With our unique instructions, you can turn an ordinary fill able ornament into an extraordinary family heirloom to be cherished by generations to come. Craft Elf Original
	Melted Snowman Ornament Learn the secrets to crafting a melted snowman ornament from glue.
	Ribbon Candy Ornament So realistic, friends and family will think you have actual candy on your tree.
	Mice Ornaments No sewing required for these simple felt mice. Easy kids craft.
	Craft Foil Christmas Ornament Our free Christmas ornament craft instructions include full size pattern and purchase source for the foil. Easy kids craft!
	Snowman Ornament These Country Snowman Ornaments can be sewn in a jiffy with the full size pattern included. Craft Elf Original
	Gingerbread Man Ornaments Sew up some Christmas memories with these simple Gingerbread Man Ornaments made from felt. Craft Elf Original
	Penguin Ornament Our original design, this penguin ornament will be a hit with the kids when you sew it up and hang it on your Christmas tree. Includes full size pattern. Craft Elf Original
	Wreath & Candy Cane Beaded Ornaments Instructions for these beaded Christmas ornaments include lacey and simple versions and make a great kids holiday craft.
	Christmas Card Ornament Need a project to use those recycled Christmas cards? Here it is. Three versions of this ornament are included. Easy kids craft.
	Mitten Ornaments Instructions for the blanket stitch along with directions for painting holly leaves and a full size pattern are all included. Craft Elf Original
	Clothespin Reindeer Ornament Easy kids Christmas craft project lets kids have fun painting reindeer ornaments made from clothespins.
	Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Picture frame and bundle of firewood Christmas ornaments are made from cinnamon sticks and add a nice scent to your holiday tree. Craft Elf Original
	Set of Football Ornaments Set #1 Instructions included to craft a Scoreboard Ornament, Football Field Ornament and a Football Santa Ornament complete with full size pattern for Football Santa. Craft Elf Original
	Snowmen Football Ornaments Set #2 Our trio of Snowmen Football Ornaments includes a cheerleader, football player and referee. Sewing is required to complete these Christmas ornaments. Full size pattern included. Craft Elf Original
	Football Christmas Ornament Set #3 Free pattern and instructions to craft pompom, pennant and yardage marker football Christmas Ornaments. Craft Elf Original

Sample Squares - Craft

All people enjoy the craft, and they would love to sample the squares. For squares the people need to learn chain stitch, double crochet, double-triple crochet, Chevron stitch clusters, cross double crochet stitch and many more stitches. This way you can learn how to sample the squares.

How to sample your squares:

The sample squares can be variety of stitches and crochet. You can use hooks, loops. Stitches etc to complete the squares. But here we can learn how to complete the “Evening News” Afghan. The Afghan must reach 7 ½ inches over 54 squares.

How to sample squares:

To start with you need chain stitch 18 ounces of light weight gray wool and 14 ounces of pearl gray. The first row crochets the second chain stitch away from the hook. Chain one stitch and skip one stitch. Crochet, into the following chain stitch. Chain two stitches skip two chains and repeat. Now turn and start the second row. In the second row, start three chain stitches to double crochet, and double crochet into the single crochet. Like this make three doubles into each of the space and across to finish adding a double crochet into the final single crochet. Finish with the turn and close of the area. Next, chain three stitches to start the double crochet, and double crochet into all, following two stitches; chain two stitches, skip one stitch, double crochet into the following two stitches, and across to the finish working a double crochet into the final stitch, turn, and close. Once you are on the row four add light gray and chain 2 stitches to start your half-double crochet. Next, keep each of your loops on the hook, chain stitch, and intersperse your hook into the following stitch, followed by pulling up your loop a few times, and chain stitching through the finished nine loops. Puff stitch into your following space and chain one stitch. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working a half double crochet into the final double, turn, and close tightly. For Row five add dark gray to the color scheme. Chain 3 stitches into the starting double crochet. Finish the double crochet repeating the steps across adding two chain stitches double crochet into the final stitch, turn and close tightly. For row six add another color wool and chain three stitches to start the double crochet. Double crochet the stitches across and finish, turn and close tightly. For Row Seven, add the other color and use the diagonal spike to stitch to start the following stitch skip one stitch and repeat to the finish and add a double crochet to the last double, turn and close. Continue rows 8-18 to finish.

Doll Rosettes

To make the Rosette, the stitching you need to stitch to crisscross the length of ribbon. Pull up till it starts to meet. After the bind the ends so that it turns into sphere, stitch the two ends together. The small rosette will form if you sew the ends closer.

How to Gather your Ribbons

The fabric gathered is known as “Shirr”. If you want to “Shirr” ribbons, you need to use needle and thread and stitch a line along the edges of ribbon and pulling to complete the process. For bunching you need to stitch the center of the ribbon and pull it to complete the Rosette.

How to Shell your edges:

If you want to add design to the hem, sleeve and neck you can use shell. Instead of starting at the right side of the fabric start at the opposite side and fold it in the other side of hem. Stitch around three times pulling the needle so it remains under the fabric. The shell design will complete once the thread is pulled in tight and re-stitched to make a tight fold. Continue stitching until a patter is formed. For designing Doll rosettes, you will need to design the dress first and then make the Rosettes. If you are planning to make a new Doll dress choose some bright colors and mixing color will give it a good effect and a good pattern also can be made. Once you have decided to make a Doll dress, you may want to measure your doll and purchase the fabric. The size will be the most important measurement required. If the doll is large, the small or medium pattern will look good. If you are trying to change the look of the doll you can get the fabric for shoes and you can choose many types of shoes for doll including booties. Once the shoes is chosen pick the socks which will match with the dress and the shoes. You can add cap or hat for a good look. How to choose hats: Hats can be a straw hat, or made with fabric the same as the dress. Of course you know the hat should be in line with the dress, shoes, socks and the general look of the doll. You can add belts for the dress for your doll.

How to choose belts:

Belts can be of the same color as the dress or you can make a sash from the material itself or you can choose contrast material for belts. You can dress up your doll with the additional matching purse, jewellery, bags, shawls, etc. You can also add matching bed spreads and furniture. The ready made clothes and other stuff is available online for you to look and you can copy the pattern or you can choose your own.

Once you have decided to make the scrapbook and collected all the things needed for Scrapbook. You would want to choose the paper. You would like to choose the best paper available. You can check for the CK OK products. These are the papers designed for Journals or albums. It is best paper for Scrapbooks. Paper should have an acid-base; therefore look for the lignin-free products. Paper without dyes, and are colorfast are choice products also. P.A.T. approved paper is the Photo Activity Test products, which is ideal for scrapbooks. The paper is good for photos and you can easily tick your photos without any problem. They are available in decorative designs and patterns. You can find many design and patterns to choose from and you can choose what ever is suitable for your scrap book or your life style. To add to it you can buy stickers that are matching and give your scrapbook a funky look. Creating pattern with the scrapbook will remind you of your past and will bring all in to the present. Try choosing keeping all this in mind as the viewers should not stuck on the first page and will not notice inside. It will not serve its purpose if the paper is very funky or out of character.

How to choose patterns:

The paper has many designs to choose from which include flowers, strips, dots etc which can be termed as “General pattern paper”. General papers are ideal for those who are searching for versatile results as well. If you are designing holiday decors use the general patters with minuscule red dots. The dots will blend well with the holidays design, such as those during Christmas. Once the paper is chose you can add some good photos or some mounts. Remember mounts should be single mounts. You can use die cut layers to shape. How to choose die cuts:- The large or small shapes can be cut from dies for which you can use scraps, patchwork or punch holes in the pattern.

How to pierce:

You can finish the process by piercing the paper or creating layers and you can use patterns to finish the process. Actually Paper piercing is an adventure. The scrap can be used to create alphabets, including numbers like dates, name, place etc. you can try using the patterns to create a title page. You can also enhance the beauty of the scrap by creating letter headings, captions or title pages. You can also use your photo to be seen with a pattern and also enjoy making the background. You can add matching stickers to enhance your new decorative scrapbook pages. Once the paper has been chosen the design can be made. The patterns include the frames of the photo. You can take a subject which you liked the best when you were small, and add the title in the lower box around the frame.

Time Capsule in a scrapbook

Scrapbooks are unique, and they tell a new story on each and every person. They basically refer to the person’s life, their story and the people they like and dislike. The scrapbooks can be filled with letters, journals, photos, certificates, report cards, stories, books, foot and hand prints etc.Depending on the person’s mood every small detail is inserted in the scrap book which helps jog memory of the person reading it and the person who makes it. The time is very essential part of the scrap book as you can them remember that date you posted that photograph and what was going in your mind during that time. This also helps you to design your scrapbook in the manner you like and the same can be designed as per the dates it occurred. The best is that the Time capsules can include photographs, clothes, hand/feet prints, CDs, names, weight, height, and more. For instance, you can make up a scrapbook that records your baby’s first step and up until this very moment.
How to start your time capsule:
Here you can take different containers for a particular year and you can add the items to your scrapbook. You can make a list of the items already collected and decide how you can spread on the scrapbook. Initially you can keep adding all that in a separate container which the date is mentioned and slowly you can start adding it to the scrapbook. The newspaper clippings are good for the time capsule. The newspapers can include all the recorded events. The interest of your family member can also be recorded in the scrapbook with the help of favorite page. The children can start with their favorite cartoon character or their own imprints of their hand and feet. You can add the part of a cloth which help you remember those memories. The photos can also tell a story about each and every person in them. You can arrange a story by using all the materials in such a way that the story can be read by any one taking a look at the scrapbook. The goals set by you will be a reminder to you with the achievements or the target to achieve. This will make it easier for you to get to that goal easily.The bigger achievements like graduation can make a good time capsule. Here you can add the pictures, articles, also the minor things like how you get your graduation gown and their dates, names and location. This will help you remember the graduation for a long time to come. The stories or poems written by you can be added to the time capsule. The success achieved during the early years is always to be remembered and they are pleasant memories. Many people like to add the lock of hair of their favorite person like a grandparent or an aunt. This can represent a special moment. Receiving of a special gift like a flower can be added to the scrapbook by drying them and pressed and glued to the scrapbook.The flower can be added if you are making a page for a loved one who gave the gift of flower to you or if you are writing about the garden.You can make a separate page for every one in the house and dedicate few pages each for all of them. Here you can add their likes and dislikes and their moment of glory. You can use art to represent each and every person in your family.You can use the scrapbook for any small thoughts which come to mind and you can use to go back in time and enjoy those moments. Here you can use common sense when you are making a scrapbook.

Scrap Book Crafting

Crafting a lively scrapbook is a fun task, and can be accomplished with minimal supplies and cash. Scrapbooks are a storybook combined with pictures, embellishments, documents, and more. Each step you take to living up your scrapbook will tell an amazing story to the audience enjoying your creation. The photos say a thousand words alone, yet if you add background, stationary, patterns, lettering, titles, captions, stickers, etc, you can living it up even more to present an outstanding story.

Penmanship is important. If you need help with penmanship, you may want to create your own letters from scraps, such as patterns or stationary. When you create a scrapbook, you want compelling messages, lettering, journals, pictures, and more. You will need a genealogy to start telling the story of your family and their history. Next, you will need pens, paper, letterheads, stickers, etc, to finish your story. You will find archival pens in a variety of styles, colors, etc.
Permanent markers/pens, waterproof, non-toxic, fade-resistance, non-bleeding, quick dry, and pigment ink pens available to create lively scrapbooks include. Black, felt-tip pens are great also, yet you want to be careful not to apply too much pressure when writing. You want to avoid the acid-based pens, markers, etc. Search for the CK OK and P.A.T. approved pens in the craft stores.
If you want to invent a fancy scrapbook check out the line of inscription pens. The pens are designed to handle captions, titles, etc. The pen tips have broad, flat tips and when used at a “45-degree” slant you can create beautiful letters. Practice first before using the pen if you are not use to calligraphy styles.
When creating borders, captions, or titles for your scrapbook you can use the Zig writers also. The pens were designed by expert crafters, or manufacturers that specialize in scrap booking. You will find the “Zig Memory” Systems, etc. “EK Success” is the creators of these pens, which include the Zig Writers, Calligraphy, scroll tips, fine tips, dense markers, brush pens, and the bullet pens. You have a selection of colors to choose from.
Additional pens include the chisel, colored pens, pencils, and the goof-proof rollers, which are gel based. Chisel comes in a variety of sizes, colors, etc, and will offer you versatile lettering. Scroll is designed to the handle sophisticated letters. The pen is called “Scroll and Brush. In addition to pens, you can purchase the craft paint pens. You will find a variety of colors and pen-tip sizes are craft stores, online, stationary stores, and more. The gel-based pens are similar to paint pens. In the line of pens, you will find lightning, milky, and more. The pens are ideal for writing journals.Color pens enable you to color in areas of your scrapbook to produce a nice looking design. You can use the color pens also to draw your own pictures and more. Colored pencils are ideal for designing titles, lettering, captions, etc. The pencils come in a variety of colors. Some of the popular craft brands include Berol Prsima, and the Zig brands.

TIP: When using paint pens make sure that you apply adequate pressure without over doing it. To create letters, i.e. fancy letters large or small use the double “fine n’ chisels.