 We've all heard of scrapbooks, but many of us have never actually ventured into the hobby of scrapbooking. A scrapbook is a creative collection of photos, magazine clippings and many other odds and ends that you can tape, paste, laminate, or otherwise put into the pages of a book.
With so many of us having digital cameras in our cell phones and so much being done online, scrapbooks aren't as in vogue as they were. Still, scrapbooking is still a fairly popular hobby. In fact, scrapbooking is even a growing hobby. It's still a great way to take a “trip down memory lane” as they say. What Do You Need to Make a Scrapbook? All you need to create a scrapbook are some simple supplies and a little bit of creativity. They're a great way to commemorate special days or big events. But they can be created around anything that's dear to you. Scrapbooks make great time capsules. They can also make great gifts. Am I Creative Enough to Create a Scrapbook? If you're not sure where to begin with creating a scrapbook, there are many DIY scrapbooking guides and kits. Many are of these are inexpensive and can give you a headstart depending on what you're trying to do with your scrapbook. It's even possible to hire someone to create a scrapbook for you. But it likely wouldn't have your personal touch, and personality is what makes a scrapbook special. Anyone is creative enough to create one. You just need to have the time. Where Can You Learn Beginner Scrapbooking Techniques? Being a fast-growing hobby, there are many resources available for beginner scrapbookers. There's many different options available depending on the level of commitment you want to give to scrapbooking. Everyone has different goals for scrapbooking. You may just want to preserve family photos in an attractive way. Perhaps, you may want to create elaborate time capsules to enjoy later. Or, you want to save anything you can concerning a particular interest. Then again, you may just want to take on scrapbooking as a hobby and help others create their own scrapbooks. Like any hobby, scrapbooking can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Local craft stores are a great resource for beginner scrapbookers where you can get an idea of where you want to go with the hobby. Some craft stores when specialise in scrapbooking, with staff who can point you in the right direction with tools and supplies. Are There Good Scrapbooking Classes for Beginners? Many craft stores offer scrapbooking classes for all skill levels. These classes feature the latest scrapbooking materials and techniques so you can keep up on the best things in the hobby. It's also a great way to meet with and learn from other scrapbookers. There are also project classes in which you can complete an entire scrapbook from scratch. Scrapbooking classes are usually available for a reasonable cost. Most provide all the necessary tools and materials, so you can try out scrapbooking with minimal financial investment. What Do I Need to Bring to a Scrapbooking Class? Typically for a scrapbooking class, you'll need to bring several photographs for use on your page layouts. Scrapbooking teachers are enthusiastic and experienced, trained to teach all levels of scrapbooking techniques. They can answer any questions you might have about scrapbooking. It's common to see experienced scrapbookers in these classes. Some people take them just for the social aspect of the class. Even the most experienced scrapbookers are looking for new ideas on how to use basic techniques more effectively. To find a class in your area, check with large chain craft stores. Also, check your local scrapbooking stores. Most stores offer classes with convenient schedules. Many classes can be started any time. Can I Learn Scrapbooking At Home? You absolutely can learn beginner scrapbooking in your own home. There are direct sales companies, such as Creative Memories and Close to My Heart, who have consultants that can come to your home. These consultants give a class on basic scrapbooking. These scrapbooking classes are much like a Tupperware party. You invite friends and family to your home for a scrapbooking lesson. The consultant teaches the basic philosophy behind scrapbooking, how to choose tools and supplies, and how to design a simple page. Together, you, your family, and your friends will usually make a two-page layout. It's made with materials supplied by the consultant and photos brought from home. The best part is that consultants may or may not charge for the lesson. The cost depends on the cost of the supplies used for the pages. How can a lesson cost you nothing? Each in-home lesson usually ends with an opportunity to purchase the company’s products. Essentially, it's a sales pitch. Likely, someone will want to buy something, which makes the class worth the consultants time and the company's money. What Are Scrapbooking Album Kits? Album kits are great for beginner scrapbookers because they are complete with all the supplies you need to make a scrapbook. They provide detailed instructions and sometimes even basic color and design layout theory. But, to complete the album, you’ll need to buy your own tools, such as scissors and adhesives. Should I Look Into Scrapbooking Magazines? Scrapbooking magazines are a great resource for beginner scrapbookers. They are often full of information on basic scrapbooking techniques and tips. The most popular scrapbooking magazines are Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers and Scrapbooks, Etc. To get started with scrapbooking magazines, buy or borrow a single issue of each magazine first. Each magazine approaches scrapbooking from a somewhat different angle. For example, Simple Scrapbooks focuses on quick, easy scrapbook pages. Once you find a magazine that seems to match your style, you can buy the annual subscription. This is always more cost effective than buying single newsstand copies. What are Scrapbooking Crop Nights? As you learn about beginner scrapbooking, you may hear about crop nights. They are essentially scrapbooking parties, and many craft stores offer them. Crop nights Bron together scrapbookers of all ages and skill levels to work on scrapbook pages together. Craft stores who offer crop nights usually charge a small fee, mostly to cover the cost of refreshments served during the evening. Many stores even will allow you to use their tools during the crop night, too. It's a great way to try out more expensive tools such as die cut machines and cutters. Crop nights allow everyone to share techniques and offer beginner scrapbookers with many tips and ideas. You don't even need to go to a store for a crop night. You can have a crop night in your own home. After I Master the Basics of Scrapbooking, What Next? After you learn beginner scrapbooking, practice your techniques often. The more pages you make, the better you will become at designing layouts. Then, even as you master the basics, you can use the same resources to find more advanced tips and techniques. Just like with any hobby, you can never stop learning with scrapbooking.
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 Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved When gifting to loved ones, you can also give to homeless pets AND support small businesses! Here's how to make every gift count more than once! Did you know that over 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year? Astounding isn't it? You can help each time you need a unique handcrafted gift. Intent-sive Nature makes very unique jewelry and other handcrafted items and donates a portion of every single purchase to animal shelters. We have rescued sheltered pets, as well as helped prevent some from going to the shelters. But we can't save every animal ourselves. We need your help, since they can't all come live with us! To help, simply visit Intent-sive Nature and pick out a gift or two, or three, or five... and then make your purchase. We will send you a confirmation email with a photograph/snapshot of the receipt showing where we donated to help out shelter pets! Don't see what you like? We even take custom orders. This way, you not only make your loved one smile with a one-of-a-kind gift that is handcrafted with love, but you make shelter animals smile too! We also like to throw in handmade dog and cat toys as often as possible too. The more that is purchased, the more we can help out. We often use profits left over after donations to restock the store, as well as make special toys for the shelter animals to play with. You make that possible! About Intent-sive Nature And Our Mission/Dedication Intent-sive Nature was founded in order to help pets located in animal shelters. Therefore, a portion of proceeds always goes to this cause. The play on words is a combination of intensive (or extreme) intent toward nature. We are a nature and love-focused business who strives to do good in everything. How Much Is Donated? That depends on you! Ten percent of each sale is donated. In addition, for each item sold, a dog or cat toy will be made to donate to the shelter as well. True, this doesn't leave much profit after materials cost and shipping. But the animals are worth it! There's no exact goal, except that the larger, the better because then more homeless pets at local shelters will receive funds and toys. Meet Our Furry Rescued Pets! Not only do we like to help out animal shelters, but we also practice what we preach, helping to adopt, foster, and/or rehome animals in need whenever we can. These are just some of the pets our family has rescued from the shelters or other unfortunate situations. There have been many over the years. But these are three of the ones who became part of the family.
by Barney Whistance, Contributing Writer
DIY crafts are such an easy way to express your personality to other people. These articles are like a painting, which expresses the artist’s point of view on a subject. The items that you create on your own may end up being your most prized possessions. This is because; only you know the time spent on it and the memories’ made through the effort put in those crafts. Not everything that you create has to be a masterpiece, but the work you have put in is going to matter. Mugs are the most mainstream articles that can be customized to your liking. You may put your own pictures or the one that you like the most. You can have a name, a quote or even a wish printed on it. Some even go as far as to have magic mugs which only display their content when they are filled with hot liquid. But it is even better to have a mug that has been personally customized by you. It can be a fun time that you spend with your family or friends as well. You will be making memories as you create the mug you desire. Here are 10 different ideas that you can implement to personalize your mugs yourself. Mug Paintings: Treat a blank mug as your blank canvas and paint something that inspires you or soothes you. So that when you are sipping your hot morning coffee you won’t just be treating your taste buds and your nose with coffee, but also your sight, by the beautiful visuals that you have painted on a mug. Any paint brush will do fine with the mugs. To paint a mug you cannot use water colors or poster colors. You need china paint, which is specifically made to stick to ceramic or porcelain items. It is also crucial to point out that if you are planning to use the mug regularly to drink from and not just as a piece of decoration, then do not use a “mug painting” kit. This kit only provides you with paint which can be erased with a few washes and is only meant for show. Quotations or Wishes or Logos: If you don’t fancy painting then this is the craft for you to do. All you need is a good “paint marker” which will not fade away easily; it works the same way as any marker. It is best that you use these markers instead of permanent ones, as the permanent markers tend to fade away quickly. Try practicing what you want to write on a paper. Select a font that you think is appropriate with the text then finally write on the mug. You must keep rubbing alcohol by your side as to erase any mistakes. These mugs can also be a great gift to someone for their birthday, or the holidays or any other celebrations. You could be writing your favorite inspirational quote on the mug, or wishing someone through this mug, or even promoting a brand through mug branding, this could be the perfect way to do it. Stencil Writing: If you feel like you do not have the proper skills for writing beautifully or painting then this one could do the job for you. All you need for this craft is a stencil, your choice of spray paints and a glass scraper and pick set. The pick set will help you remove any extra color and make your work neater. You may use any color but make sure that are compatible with porcelain and does not fade. Make sure to give the paint at least 2 weeks to rest before you start using the mug. Pattern Drawing: The easiest form of drawing that you can do is make a random pattern. They could be circles within a circle, a starburst pattern, straight lines or triangles placed alongside each other. You may not even need a brush to make a pattern but instead use tube paints to make the look and even give it a 3d effect. You can apply paint by squeezing it out of the tube onto the mug surface. Shape the squeezed paint the way you want and move on to the next point. When you are done, leave the mug to dry in cool air. After 24 hours, bake it in the oven so that it doesn’t wash away after cleaning. The bake instructions can be usually found on the paint container that you have used. Glitter Mug: This one is more for show than for usage, but a glitter is a great way to decorate a mug. You may be able to use it and wash it, but it won’t be long lasting. Here is how you can decorate mug with glitter. All you need is decoupage water glue, glitter and masking tape. Paste the masking tape on the mug as such that it makes an outline of your desired shape or pattern. Fill the empty space of the outline with the glue and then pour glitter over it. Take out the tape and remove any excess glitter by hand which may have stuck here and there in the process. Keep the mug to dry on its own for at least 10 days. Then wash off the surface. Your mug will be a perfect for display. These mug ideas are your perfect time pass. They mix creativity and fun. All these methods are easy and are even safe for kids. So it could be your very own artwork or your kid’s creation that makes your ordinary coffee mug look all the more special. 
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff UPDATED: 5/24/2017   That's right! You can once again help pets with the purchase of pet toys, jewelry, and other arts & crafts handmade by myself and my kids in our family craft shop. We keep our prices low enough for most people to be able to enjoy these beautiful items without breaking the bank. Our shipping is free to the U.S. & Canada and we use only quality materials. Our Mission to Help Homeless Pets Via Crafting Those who know myself and my kids online or off likely know that we often do various things to help homeless pets. From physically saving them, to adopting or fostering, to donating money, to donating toys and more, we've been involved in animal rescue for as long as I can remember. One of those ventures is Crafts For A Purpose, from which we donate a portion of proceeds to animal shelters. We had an Etsy shop (among others), but we since moved it all to our own venue, with more results. Many will be glad to know that the current location has all new crafts and goals! Meet Our Rescued Pets!
Handcrafted Jewelry We like to work with beads and findings to make unique pieces. In addition to our creative stock, we also do custom orders. Glass beads, stone beads, and nickel-free findings are our favorite tools to work with. Dog Toys & Other Pet Accessories
Our dog toys and other pet accessories are made from re-purposed clothing and other fabric in order to be Earth friendly. The other reason is that dogs, cats, and other fur kids tend to enjoy items that have been used by humans. In addition to selling these toys and accessories, we often drop piles of them in the material donation box at a local animal shelter. Since shelter pets are often cared for by mostly material and financial donations, we feel the need to raise money, as well as donate materials they can use. Homemade Cloth Diapers, Diaper Covers, Bibs, & Other Baby Items
How You Can Help The Animals You can help keep our projects to support these animals going by liking and getting notifications for Crafts For A Purpose on Facebook and checking out our shop at LifeSuccessfully.com/CraftsForAPurpose. A portion of all shop purchases goes toward helping homeless pets in shelters local to us. These purchases are greatly appreciated, as are likes and shares.  All Images © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Tired of tossing heaps of paper into the trash throughout the school year? Equally tired of telling your toddler over and over that scribbling in the older kid's workbooks is a no-no? Perhaps you need a greener and more practical way to do things. Enter the green-freak/veteran homeschool supermom. Yeah, that's me - go ahead and laugh until you try my solutions. They really work! Homemade reusable workbooks can save lots of time, paper, money, and frustration throughout the years.
Materials for Homemade Reusable Workbooks To make reusable homeschool workbooks, you'll need a laminating machine and laminating sheets, workbooks and/or loose worksheets, a hole puncher (three-ring works best), and a three-ring binder. For the kids to use them, you'll also need some earth-friendly wipe-off markers. Making Reusable Homeschool Workbooks If you are starting with workbooks, tear the sheets out so that they are loose. For organization, you can create reusable workbooks that are in order by grade level and subject. Use an eco-friendly permanent marker to mark the outside of the binders. Laminate each sheet individually. If you do not have the patience to do this, many office stores actually offer this service for free or at a discount on a certain day each year. It's generally near the start of the school year. Otherwise, they do charge a fee. But if you have a good number of worksheets to laminate, the fee may be worth it. Once all the sheets are laminated, punch holes in them so that they will go neatly into the binders. Then, put them in the appropriate binders. Benefits of Homemade Reusable Homeschool Workbooks Wipe of worksheets are great for going back to correct errors. If a student needs more time with a certain concept, you do not need to keep purchasing workbooks. Just wipe off and practice over and over. Also, if you have more than one homeschool student, you will only need to purchase or print workbooks and worksheets once. They can passed down to each child as they reach those levels. Also, by creating a reusable workbook, you are saving all that paper from going into the landfills. The plastic lamination may not be earth-friendly. But it will create an item that can last years and years, which is better for the environment than throwing piles and piles of paper and workbooks into the trash. What to Do When Kids Outgrow the Workbooks When kids outgrow their workbooks, create more and pass on the other ones to your other kids. If you have no other kids, give them to a friend or relative. It also would be a good idea to sell them and raise money for your homeschool. You may also donate them to a child in need. Homeless shelters and other family centered outreach programs can always use learning materials for the kids. Try contacting your local Covenant House, Red Cross, or Salvation Army to find out where you can donate them. If none of those are in your area, try contacting United Way. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Help Kids Be Green With a Fun Lesson That Helps the Homeless
Looking for a way to use fabric scraps instead of tossing them out? Try making a scrap quilt - even better, donate it to the homeless. This is a project kids and adults alike can participate in. Won't it feel great to be green and help someone at the same time? Quilts can be made for adults and children.
Choosing a Pattern When choosing patterns for your scrap quilt, keep in mind that the kids will be helping with the sewing. If your kids have never made a quilt before, it's best to stick to beginner patterns. This way they don't get frustrated and give up. Plus, if you have a ton of fabric, the less time each quilt takes, the more you can make. One simple pattern I recommend for making quilts for homeless kids is the Child's Rag Quilt. If you're instead making quilts for homeless adults, then I recommend Bev's Country Cottage. Mixing and Matching It's alright if not all of your pieces of fabric are going to match. This project is not about being a perfectionist, but about helping someone. If you can afford to purchase extra fabric to match, then go ahead. But if not, the recipient of the quilt will be just as happy. As long as the quilt is warm and cozy, it will serve the purpose. Besides, with quilts, mixing and matching is the whole point. Be creative with your designs to make the scrap quilt as fun and interesting as possible. Where to Donate Women's and children's shelters are one place that will need scrap quilts. There are also many centers and programs that serve the homeless. Some cater to just children, some to all ages, and some just to adults. Call around and see what you can find out. Your local United Way or social services department will likely be able to point you in the right direction. Many churches also work with the homeless. Sometimes during the winter or near Thanksgiving, there are blanket drives for the homeless. What do the Kids Learn? By making scrap quilts for the homeless, your homeschool students learn many lessons. Being green by not being wasteful is one important lesson. Another is that being green can be beneficial not just to the earth but to people as well. Then, there is compassion for others and the importance of giving. Plus, if they've never made a quilt before, they'll learn how. If they have done it before, practice makes perfect! *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network Fun Green Crafts from Dryer Lint Image by auberirsdische sind gesund via Flickr.com If you use a dryer rather than a clothesline, hopefully it's an eco-friendly one. Either way, you're going to have some dryer lint. Rather than toss it out, save it up as material for kids crafts. Dryer lint can be used to create many fun projects with kids. By reusing the dryer lint, you are fostering eco-friendly habits. Instead of tossing it in a trash heap, have some fun with the kids.
Make Clay From Dryer Lint About.com has a wonderful recipe for making modeling clay from dryer lint. This type of clay can be used to make craft items that need to be hardened. Some ideas include beads, figurines, and ornaments. The limit is only as far as a child's imagination. And admit it, some of you adults reading this want to construct some clay items as well. Bird Nest Material This one works best if you live in a desert climate. Otherwise, the birds will have issues with it when it rains or snows, as it remains damp for a good amount of time. Also, be sure you are using lint from natural fiber clothing, like cotton. To prepare some nesting material for birds, the kids can start with an empty toilet paper tube. They can fill the tube with twigs and a few small pieces of dryer lint, and set it on a tree branch for the birds. If you're lucky, you and the children might be able to actually watch birds gather some of the material. Make Beautiful Recycled Paper When you look at a chunk of dryer lint, you may not exactly be thinking of paper. However, in less than a day, the family can have some beautiful note paper from what would have been wasted in the trash bin. To add to the natural look, kids can put a leaf or two into the poured pulp mixture. Controlling the colors of the clothing you wash and dry will give you desired colors to work with. Trailer Park Dust Bunny Craft Now for something both fun and entertaining. If you're feeling extra crafty, you also might enjoy making the kids some of Jolene Sugarbaker's trailer park lint bunnies. Just remember that these are more for display fun and not for play. *CAUTION: Dryer lint can be flammable, so use care in choosing how to use it, especially around children. Never use dryer lint when making clothing or stuffed toy items. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved With this fun craft, you don't need to worry if the kids eat the paint. You also don't need to be as concerned about harming the environment. Learn how the kids can create leaf prints using homemade milk paint and recycled materials. This eco-friendly craft can be done by even the smallest kids with parental assistance.
Before starting with the craft, have some nature fun with the kids and let them gather fallen leaves from around the yard. Instruct them to find leaves of various shapes, sizes, and textures. That will make the artwork more interesting. Materials
Making the Milk Paint The first part of the craft involves making the milk paint. Kids can easily help with this, depending upon age and ability. Simply mix powdered milk and water until there is a thick pasty texture. It should be about the consistency of yogurt or pudding. In one bowl, add blueberry juice until the color is the tone you desire. Do the same in the other bowl with the beet juice. The beet juice will create a reddish paint color and the blueberry juice will create a bluish-purple paint color. To darken the color, simply add more juice. Painting With the Milk Paint Using Leaves Once the paint is made, kids can each be given their own recycled paper to paint on. The coloring for the paint involves dyes that can stain clothing. Be sure the children have on play clothe or aprons. The kids can use soft leaves as paintbrushes by rolling up the leaf and dipping it into the paint. Leaves can also be dipped into the paint and pressed onto the paper to make leaf print designs. Some kids also may choose to blend the two concepts together. Once the children are done, set the leaf prints and paintings aside to dry. Some also may want to frame their works of art. Eco-friendly frames can be created with sticks adjoined by vines or fallen branches. These are sturdy, but easy enough for kids to make or help with. The frames can be hung by attaching and looping sturdy vine to the top. Even once the vine is dried, it can still make a great frame hanger. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved If you're a parent, like me, you are probably running through glue like water -- maybe even more than water. Thankfully, my mom taught me how to make it myself when I was a kid. I must admit that we sometimes buy it anyway. However, the homemade glue is awesome in a pinch and works better anyway.
Homemade Paste -- For homemade paste, blend 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup cold water, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in a saucepan until smooth and creamy. Then, simmer fora few minutes until thick (but not too thick) and sticky. Cool and use. Extra Tips:
Homemade School Glue -- In a saucepan, mix 3/4 cup of cold water, 2 Tbsp of corn syrup, and 1 tsp white vinegar. Stir and simmer until boiling. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tbsp of corn starch and 3/4 cups of cold water. Once the other mixture is boiling, slowly add the corn starch and water mixture in and blend until smooth and sticky. Pour into a container easy to use for gluing (old, empty glue bottles work well for this). Let is sit in the container to settle and cool for at least 24 hours before use. Extra Tips:
More From Lyn: How to Remove Clown Makeup from the Bathtub, Sink, or Ceramic Tiles Yes, My Son Dresses as a Clown in Public How to Teach Kids Sight or Spelling Words Faster and More Accurately |
Crafting Successfully
Welcome to Crafting Successfully ! Here you will find articles about art, art history, art philosophy, DIY crafts, project ideas, lesson plans, material suggestions, and more. If it's related to art or crafts, you will find it. All ages, stages, and grade levels will be represented from 0-1000!
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!
Lyn is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! While rescuing civilians from boring business practices and energy vampires, this awesomely crazy family conquers evil and creates change. They live among tigers, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fantastic energies, teaching others to claim their own power and do the same. By supporting us, you support a dedicated parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to several causes. Profits from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature support these causes and our beautiful family! HIRE OR SHOP WITH LYN | CONTACT LYN  Archives
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