Tuesday 20 December 2011

Christmas Craft Materials

Christmas crafts are a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit with loved ones. They are a perfect way to involve children, parents, grandparents, siblings and even friends in making special gifts for the holiday season. After all, I think the best gifts are homemade ones! Also, making these crafts can be a lot fun. I like to gather friends and family, serve apple cider and cocoa, play Christmas movies and make crafts. It is a wonderful holiday tradition my friends and family have been doing for now.

A popular Christmas craft material would be felt. Felt is a basic necessity in several different kinds of crafts. It can be used in everything from ornaments to making stockings. Another great thing about felt is it is very inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors! There is not a shortage of Christmas craft fun that can be achieved through the use of felt. It is perfect for making crafts with kids too, as they can cut the fabric with the utmost ease.

Another great vessel for making fun yuletide crafts would be beads. Beads and other pretty and sparkly embellishments are wonderful for decorating ornaments, stockings, door hangings and more. I love to make simple Christmas balls using pretty beads to decorate them. Also, if using felt to make a stocking I love to use beads for extra embellishment. Every year I like to make a felt stocking for a local child or pet in the neighborhood. I then pack the stocking with candy for kids, or bones for dogs, and take it to the family.

Glitter is also a great item for making Christmas crafts. Again, this is perfect for making Christmas ball ornaments. You can buy simple glass balls and roll them in various shades of glitter. This is perfect for entertaining the children. If glass is an issue craft stores will also sell a variety of plastic and other kid-friendly ornaments for decorating.

However, I have to say my favorite Christmas craft materials are the edible kind! I love to make gingerbread houses first and foremost. After purchasing a house you can pick up frosting, sprinkles and edible garnish that children will love to make! Another great idea for some edible crafts is to make edible Christmas trees. All you need is a foam cone, and some individually wrapped candies. You simply pin the candies on the trees and you have a wonderful edible Christmas craft!

Christine is a professional writer who provides information on Christmas craft materials for All Christmas Crafts - your premiere online resource for Christmas craft ideas!

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Thursday 24 November 2011

How to Learn Any Handicraft ?!

Perhaps you've noticed a revival of the classic home arts like knitting, crocheting and quilting that has taken place over the past ten or twenty years. Many people are looking to reconnect with their past and enjoy the satisfaction and stress reducing benefits of handicraft, but aren't sure where to start.

In days gone by, needlecraft skills were passed down from grandmother, to mother to daughter, but today, most of us must look outside of our homes for instruction.

Craft Shops

Quilting, knitting, craft and fabric stores are picking up the slack, offering in-expensive classes in all types of crafting. Experienced teachers give hands on training as students complete projects under their helpful supervision.

Search the term 'quilting store' 'craft classes' or 'fabric shop' in one of the online search engines to find locations in your area. Most shops will have an online presence where they list the various classes they offer and when they are taught.

Even if you don't take a class, feel free to drop in to your nearest store and ask for help getting started. The staff at most crafting shops can demonstrate everything from threading a sewing machine to how to a cluster stitch in crochet, and they are happy to do it.

Online Tutorials

If you want to learn how to do just about anything these days, you can probably learn it on the internet. Tutorials both free and at a minimal cost abound for almost any craft you can think of. Search 'how to...' and you'll be amazed at the many options available. Are you a visual learner? Then search Google under the heading of 'video', and watch a skilled artisan demonstrate anything from making a rag rug to how to knit a sweater.

Clubs and Socials

Church groups and specialty clubs routinely hold meetings to sew, quilt or stitch together. Some of these are sponsored by private individuals, and others are associated with fabric or yarn stores. Generally they are free and open to the public.

Many churches still hold quilting bee's that donate their finished quilts to new moms who are part of the congregation or local charities. Joining is a great way to learn from seasoned experts, help out a worthy cause and enjoy some fun conversation at the same time.

If you have an interest in learning the domestic arts practiced by your great-great grandmother, don't delay. There are so many ways to get started, and who knows, you may be the one to pass these skills down to your own children and grandchildren.

Deanne Blackhurst is a freelance writer for Creative U Studios. We are a unique creative arts studio and craft shop, featuring dozens of designer yarns and the widest variety of classes in the Santa Clarita, California area. Come browse our yarn selection at http://www.creativeu.net/

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Saturday 24 September 2011

Thai Silk and Umbrellas - Unique Chiang Mai Handicraft

On average we tend to think of umbrellas as mundane things churned out from a factory, made of stainless steel and a bit of plastic, usually cheap flimsy things you buy in a hurry when it's starting to rain and dispose of with quickly. Or maybe you have a favorite one inherited from your grandfather. But for the most part umbrellas are just, well... umbrellas! You don't think about that stuff anymore than you would a fork, a knife, or the office chair you are sitting in reading this article, browsing the Internet, chatting with friends on Facebook.

What if I told you that in Chiang Mai making umbrellas is an art form, and that each and every one has been crafted with loving care so that no two of them are quite alike?

In places like Baan Bor Saang in the San Kam Paeng area in Chiang Mai, there is a vast cottage industry built around mulberry paper products, one of which is the belle of the ball: parasols made of bamboo wood and mulberry paper. Commonly called jong in the regional Lanna dialect of the north (the dialect itself is named kham mueng, literally "city language" in relation to the old Lanna Kingdom as the center of the north). The parasol itself is considered a symbol of prestige, having been the province of aristocrats, nobility and monkhood in feudal times: the more elaborate one is, the higher one's status.

Parasols were often used during ceremonies for blessing, engagement, and state occasions presided over by the reigning monarch: the parasol-bearer was considered to have the same honor as a standard-bearer during wartime. Common patterns used to decorate each parasols were auspicious Buddhist symbols, colorful flora, and fortune-bringing animals such as birds and turtles. Flowers and leaves were also a common theme.

Today the artists of Baan Bor Saang continue to craft these highly exceptional works of art. While the common tourist souvenir tends to look cheap, some of the best works done in this village turn out truly memorable patterns done on silk and mulberry paper: both of which are materials that have also been handmade in the cottage industry ecosystem of Chiang Mai. Silk of high quality is dyed and woven with beautiful threads to create astonishing, shimmering effects to catch the eye and hold the attention. The mulberry paper itself, far from being common factory products, is individually dyed sheet by sheet into batik patterns or elaborate scripts in the Lanna alphabet telling local folklores, stories, and legends.

This entire process helps support the highly creative concentration of artists in Chiang Mai, maintaining a self-sufficient system where there is little to no need to import materials from outside the country or even the province, as both bamboo, mulberry paper and silk are grown in Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces such as Lamphun and Lampang. The history of parasol-making in Baan Bor Saang can be traced a hundred years previous thanks to the cultural and intellectual exchange of a Thai monk and a Burmese craftsman that made the village one of the most productive and prestigious when it comes to the making of Thai umbrellas.

Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand? Find more information about the city in our tours and sightseeing guide and our Chiang Mai accommodation choices.

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Sunday 21 August 2011

Fun and Unique Kids Craft Kits for Your Little Artists



Craft kits and activities are great for rainy days and safe, creative fun indoors. Let your kids explore the wild and woolly landscape of their imaginations with premium art supplies and crafting sets. They'll be as busy as bees for hours, creating one-of-a-kind crafts from safe, non-toxic materials. With everything from beads to balsa, there's bound to be something for everyone.

You can even take advantage of seasonal and holiday themed kits for terrific, affordable party activities and fun decorating ideas. And clean up is as easy as rolling up a newspaper. Each set has everything your child needs to indulge his or her creative spirit. Get your kids crafting today with these fantastic crafting supplies.

Halloween Wood Bead Craft Sets

This cheerful bead set includes a pumpkin bead, candy corn shaped beads and round wooden beads in seasonal hues. Make up to twelve bracelets with this Halloween-themed crafting kit. Great for parties, favors, even trick or treat handouts. Instructions are included.

Twelve Thanksgiving Foamie Turkey Pins Group Project Kit

A Thanksgiving craft project for a cozy fall afternoon. The Foamie Turkey Pins kit comes loaded with fun foamie cutouts and feathers suitable for building a friendly turkey. Kids will love choosing just the right feathers for their turkey pin. Everything you need to make twelve adorable turkey pins is included - just add glue and creativity.

One Pound Assorted Rhinestones

There's no end to what your kids can make with this glittering bounty of multicolored rhinestones. Inside, flatback rhinestones range in size fro 18mm to 35mm. Two different cuts of stone - faceted and cabachon - are included to bring your kids' craft projects to nightclub-friendly levels of glitz. This generous variety of colorful stones is perfect for camp crafts, jewelry-making, t-shirt decorating and whatever else your junior fashion designers wish to bedazzle.

Bright Multi-Color Pom Pom and Chenille Stem Kit

A variety of brightly colored crafting materials to catch the eye and zap any project with cool neon flair. This all purpose craft pack includes googly eyes, pom poms and feathers as well as bundled 12 inch pipe cleaners in a variety of high-voltage colors. Build a creature, decorate a t-shirt, or simply apply googly eyes to practically anything for hilarious results. Enjoy this generous package loaded with craft items near and dear to the heart of every experienced crafter.

Color Your Own Puzzle- Two Sheets

Everything you need to create a fun, interactive masterpiece. Blank puzzle sheets at 5 ½ inches wide and 8 inches high let you turn any drawing, painting or collage into a puzzle. Your kids will love creating this great craft and, afterward, putting it together. This fantastic kit can also yield a great gift for grandma or a friend.

Create-a-Tiara Craft Kit- Makes Twelve

Turn any slumber party or birthday into a princess-themed tiara party! Kids will love creating dazzling tiaras from this fully loaded craft kit. It includes adjustable cardboard tiaras, perfect for little heads. Glitter glue pens make clean up time as quick and easy as snapping on a pen cap. A variety of sparkling craft jewels and stickers will keep your kids happy for hours.

Cross Photo Frame Magnet Kids' Craft Set

Your kids can turn this fun and functional Photo Frame Magnet set into a beautiful frame ideal for keepsake photos from communions, baptism, weddings, even festive Christmas shots! Protect and display photos in this high quality wooden frame measuring 6 ½ inches wide and 5 inches high.

Plaid Faster Plaster Hand Print Mold Keepsake Kit

Help your child create a plaster memento you'll both treasure for years to come. Simple, fun and easy to clean up, this plaster Hand Print kit comes with all the supplies you need to create one hand print: one bag of Faster Plaster, one reusable heart shaped mold, six paint pots, one paint brush and simple instructions. To make your print project, simple add water, shake it up and pour. There's no need to worry about firing, because Faster Plaster only needs time to dry. Plus, it's self-sealing and chip-resistant, so you and your family can enjoy this hand print plaster keepsake for years to come.

Unfinished Wood Antique Limo Model Kit

A great activity for crafters, hobbyists and scouts of any age. Assembling this high-quality model antique-styled limo set is wonderful activity to save for a rainy day, and ideal for group crafting events. This set includes all pre-cut wooden pieces, so there's no need to use a saw or blade of any kind - a safety feature parents can appreciate. Simply add glue, paint and sandpaper to create a charming, authentically antique collector's car for display or racing.

Consider any of these fun and creativity-inspiring kids' craft kits to keep your little ones occupied and happy on a rainy day.

Zack Spence is a freelance writer who writes about hobbies and interests including products such as kids craft kits

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6474974

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Handicraft Shopping in Ayacucho

Ayacucho is one of the best places in Peru to shop for handmade crafts such as wooden figures and ceramics. The best place in the city to find these things is the Mercado Artesanal Shosaku Nagase, five blocks north of the main plaza. This large facility is two buildings housing a variety of stalls where the government operates training sessions for local artists who want to become expert craftsmen. Their works are displayed for sale in the numerous stalls.

Another good place in this are for shopping is the Barrio Santa Ana, located 10 blocks southwest of the main plaza. This Barrios has a very strong Quechua culture. The main square is called Plazuela de Santa Ana and has several family run galleries surrounding it. Like in the Mercado, you can watch at the goods are made by hand by craft experts. This area is particularly famous for its rugs. One of the most famous rug makers in the world lives here. Gregorio Sulca is known around the world for his rug work based on Quechua culture. His work is beautiful, but also very expensive.

The absolute best place, however, to buy artisan pieces in slightly outside of the city. The little town of Quinua is 23 miles northeast of Ayacucho and known as the handicraft capital of Peru. The houses and plazas of this town are beautiful and picturesque. Artisans from this town export their work around the world, but very few visitors come to the town itself. You can shop at the touristy stall near the may road, or you can venture future back in to the heart of the village and the streets behind Plazuela de Armas. Here you'll find other art galleries, pottery firing stations, and houses where people are hand painting their ceramics. One place to check for good shopping deals is Galeria Familia Sanchez on San Martin. This studio is owned by Waler Sanchez and he makes some of the best ceramics and tiny church figurines in town.

To get to Quinua from Ayacucho, you should take a small bus or van, called a colectivos, from the corner of Jiron Salvador Cavero and Jr. Ciro Alegria. This corner is in the eastern portion of the town. Expect the trip to take about an hour and will cost around a dollar. Colectivos tend to depart about once an hour. This is also a good way to see more Andean countryside.

This article about shopping in Ayacucho was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, specializing in Peru packages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Arnault

Friday 17 June 2011

Try Your Hand At The Craft of Woodworking

Woodworking can be a profession or a great hobby. If you are talented and can produce quality pieces, you can make a good living or just pick up some extra income. To be able to sell your woodworking products, in addition to high quality, they should appeal to many people including useful items such as chairs, tables, beds and other household furniture. It commonly takes considerable time to become really skilled in woodworking, but everyone has to start somewhere in order to become successful. You're never too old to start learning woodworking projects. It's a fun hobby to practice that can be done any time of year, so there's no reason to put off that new project.

Begin by researching information about woodworking - there are thousands of sources on the internet, in books and on videos. You can easily access information about woodworking plans, projects, and tools. The internet is increasingly becoming the main choice for information because of easy access. The next step is to acquire some of the basic tools and begin putting into practice what you are learning. Start with an easy project and a good set of plans. The best set of plans I've found are available for immediate download on the internet. This site has over 16,000 woodworking plans, tips and guides for any imaginable project. As you work on increasingly more difficult projects you will find that you will need some additional tools, but I suggest you add to your tool box only as you need the specific tools for a project as some tools may be relatively expensive.

If you run into a snag while working on a project, don't give up. There are a number of forums on the net where you can get answers to almost any question at almost any time. Once you get your question answered, don't delay getting back to finishing your project. You know the old saying, "any job worth doing is worth finishing".

The woodworking craft is a hobby that can be very satisfying. It feels great to know that you've built some of the nice things that you have in your home and your family will be proud of it as well. This is a great hobby to have and it can become your profession one day if you spend enough time on it and hone your craft. For additional information and resources go to: www.completewoodworkingplans.net.

Greg Jackson

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Friday 20 May 2011

South India Handicrafts

Handicrafts are the artistic products made by the skill of the hand without the help of modern machinery. It is a type of work especially used as decorative items. Crafts are integral part of Indian society which represents its cultural diversity. Each region of India has its own uniqueness in terms of arts and crafts. South Indian handicraft has its own charm and glory which have attracted the attention of large number of tourists from across the globe. The popular South India Handicrafts are:

Woodcrafts

Woodwork is a popular craft in South India because this region is endowed with abundant forests which are rich in different varieties of wood. Wooden handicrafts includes items like carved figurines, decorative pieces, furniture and accessories, utensils, beads, panels and many more. Woodcraft of South India has distinct styles which are known across the world. Channapatna in Karnataka and Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh are known across the world for its wooden toys. Karnataka is famous for carvings and exquisitely beautiful decorative pieces made from sandalwood.

Stone Carving

Stone carving is another major handicraft of South India. During South India Tour tourist can see varieties of stoneware made up of yellow lime stone and colored white marble. Some of them are in filigreed, fretted marble or sandstone. One can see the best of stone carvings in South Indian temples whose intricate carvings are known across the globe. Some of the places where one can see the best of stone carvings are Meenakshi and Rameshwaram Temple of Tamil Nadu, Tirupati and Gundala Mallikarjuna Swami Temple of Andhra Pradesh and Cave and Vithala Temple of Karnataka.

South India is the area encompassing states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. These four states are famous across the globe for its natural and cultural diversities. These states are also famous across the globe for its arts and crafts. The popular handicrafts of these states are:

Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known across the globe for its wide range of South Indian silk saris which are famous for its fabrics, design and colorful compositions. Among all the silk garments Kanchipuram silk is the most popular one. The other popular handicrafts of this state are objects made from palm leaves and Palmyra fibers, metal ware, brass and bronze statues, hand woven clothes and beautiful jewellery.

Handicrafts of Kerala

Kerala popularly known as God's Own Country is renowned for its speckled charm of nature. Along with the natural beauty this state is also known for its handicrafts which are popular across the globe. Some of the popular handicrafts of Kerala are ivory, gold and silver jewellery, bamboo mat paintings, different types of lamps, Kathakali masks and dolls.

South India Handicrafts are known across the globe for its delicate design. These are especially used as decorative items which are purchased by tourists during their South India Tour.

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Thursday 28 April 2011

Shopping in Chiang Mai: Furniture and Handicrafts at Baan Tawai Village

Chiang Mai is a city of artists: no traveler can doubt this after having stepped into one of the many handicraft centers located throughout the provinces, where there are flowing abundances of paintings, exquisite fabrics, umbrellas, furniture and silverware. It is no surprise, therefore, that in January 2011 the governing body of Chiang Mai initiated a procedure to apply for a Creative City Status with UNESCO for the province as a joint effort between the municipal authorities, the communities of Chiang Mai, and the Chiang Mai University. Toward this, efforts have been made to coordinate different sectors of the city's economy, from cottage industrialists to hospitality to independent artists to develop human resources, increase jobs, and encourage the development of the arts.

While most travelers will be more readily familiar with the Night Market and the Walking Streets, both of which are within the city center and therefore more conveniently accessible, you might want to consider going a little off the beaten track and trying the Baan Tawai, an OTOP (One Tambon One Product, a program to encourage and sponsor Thai artisans) village. Located on Route 108 in Amphur Hang Dong, about fifteen kilometers south of the city center, it has in recent years streamlined into convenient "zones" of shops, eateries and cafes while the main street itself is home to furniture shops that sell some of the most creative furniture and home décor items found anywhere in the world: there you will find chairs and couches in flowing abstract wood, delicate forest nymphs, and beautiful bamboo lanterns. Prices are also ridiculously cheap for such workmanship, material and artistry; the only possible concern you might have would be shipping logistics, but you can be assured that if you're buying furniture or decorating a new house then you can certainly do worse-and do more expensively-than browsing through several Baan Tawai shops.

Your next stop should be some of the inner zones. Zones 2 and 4 are particularly popular, flourishing with little art galleries full of oils and acrylics in styles both modernistic and traditional Thai, unique pieces that can be had for as little as $20. Zone 4 also features a corner with upscale shops selling fantastic glassware, celadon ceramics, and a little café that offers free WiFi, decent bakery, and killer frappe coffee made to order as well as a small menu of traditional Northern Thai fare. The style of goods in general are very particular to Chiang Mai, quite distinct from that found in other regions of Thailand (or any other parts of Asia) and the quality is consistently high: did you know that some ceramics from Whittard of Chelsea are, in fact, made in Thailand and indeed right in Baan Tawai itself?

While the area is somewhat remote from city conveniences, there is a smattering of eateries throughout the village that will more than serve the need for light lunches and breakfasts. Pharmacies and convenience stores, such as 7-11 and others, are also scattered about the zones should you feel the need for a quick drink or need to top up your pay-as-you-go phone cards. The shopkeepers price their goods fairly, and often the salesperson and the artist (or sculptor, or weaver) are one and the same. Incenses, novelty candles, papier-mache dolls, Thai silks and more can likewise be found in the village. It's the perfect alternative to shopping therapy in air-conditioned malls, and sure to offer everyone something to like.

Joanne Chong works in Business Development as an expert at the Empress Hotels Group, a family of Chiang Mai luxury hotels providing the best value for three/four-star Chiang Mai accommodation suited for Chiang Mai holidays and long-stays, convention facilities and fine dining in the city center.

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Monday 18 April 2011

Craft Products

Craft products are generally defined as handmade artistic products. While the craft industry is growing in products and ideas all the time, one of the best things about crafts is that they are generally a traditional item.

Today there are many millions of crafters that are happily doing crafts all across the world, and they are doing this individually, in clubs and in classes. One of the nicest things about crafts is that they are generally a social pastime, as it is almost impossible for a crafter to not share their handiwork.

Home and hobby crafter

This type of crafter practices their crafts purely as a hobby and derives a great amount of peace and fulfilment from starting new craft projects and taking them through to their completion. Generally a crafter of this sort does not need to sell their finished item, and does crafting for the love of it.

Small home crafter business

Small home crafting businesses are very numerous across the world. What normally happens is that a crafter makes a conscious decision to develop the volume of the craft produced to sell on local craft markets and through friends. Very often this financial decision is reached to try to get extra money as a second income to a household. Occasionally these small home enterprises go on to become large craft retail outlets. However the truth is that most fail through lack of funds and lack of business planning and business skills.

I have found that a very large percentage of these small home businesses could have been a roaring success if they had followed a few simple craft market marketing principles.

Crafter store

This crafter store business model is one that not a lot of crafters start out trying to do as an initial business plan. Generally a craft store is conceived as a store from the very beginning, and in my experience, tends to be started by a person who is more business orientated than craft orientated. Nothing wrong with this approach and a business person who loves crafting is great because they are the stable ones that allow all the rest of us to have access to a store in the neighbourhood.

Craft products online

There are some fantastic craft websites online and many of them have thousands of members selling their crafts very successfully. If you are looking to buy crafts online there is a number of high-quality shopping based websites. I would suggest that you simple put "buy crafts" or "craft shopping websites" into your search engine box and you will get some great options.

Another very popular website that has thousands of individual crafters registered is blogger, and the good news is that you could search internally there and will be well rewarded with a lot of craft websites.

If you are looking to take your own craft products online, I very highly suggest that you take the whole idea to the highest level and do it properly from the beginning. This really just means correct keyword research, your own domain and then a long list of marketing methods that if properly done will catapult your personal website to the top of the search engine results pages.

Getting the best advice possible

I have 20 years of craft market experience, and now 26 months of internet marketing, and the combination of these two skills can be a massive advantage to your craft business.
If you would like more information or any help at all, I suggest that you visit my website and either contact me, get my free report or simply buy my training course on Flea markets and craft markets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_B_Anderson

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Sunday 20 March 2011

Essential Paper Craft Tools For Every Home Craft Set

Paper crafted creations are great, they allow you to create something that is completely unique to personalise your home or as a gift. Paper craft is a hobby that needs a great deal of creativity, buy there are some essential tools that can be a great hand in helping make your creation just how you want it.

As paper craft requires a large amount of cutting the first essential items are all for use when carving and cutting your paper. Firstly we recommend both a pair of high quality paper scissors and a multi paper craft cutting tool. There are tools available that incorporate a selection of blades, scoring tools and piercing tips that are ideal for cutting, embossment and parchment creation. When working with sharp cutting tools then it is important not to damage the table or working surface that you plan to use. Specialist cutting mats provide good protection and have special cut resistant surface so they last for a long time.

A good ruler is a must, and it is essential that you get a long metal with millimetre and centimetre markings. This is apposed to a wooden one as it can become damaged during use, they are especially important important for both drawing out correct measurements and as a guide for cutting and scoring the paper accurately.
When measuring and cutting paper its imperative that you mark and cut correctly, however working with small materials this can be difficult and its important that you have sufficient lighting in your place of work. An adjustable table lap with a powerful bulb is great for helping you work better, especially if you do not have a great deal of natural light.

By employing ink pads and a selection of different stamps you can create a range of embossed surfaces that look brilliant and provide a great effective to your paper craft. They can also be used on a range of different projects to add unique designs to your paper.

However the most important paper craft tool is the material you work on, the paper. There are a range of different high quality papers available and the one you are best suited to using will be purely down to your paper craft project. If you are unsure you can buy paper packs that have a range of different paper colours and thicknesses, and practicing with these is usually the best way to gaining experience of what paper is best for the project you have in mind.

Scott King is a consumer specialist who reviews the latest Craft Supplies and other Craft Tools on the market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_K_King

Wednesday 16 February 2011

How to Make an Innovative Online Handicraft Store

Handicraft can be defined as an art or trade formed as a result of human skills and artistic ability. It is a sort of unique and talent accompanied with a creative and synchronized effort of human hands and human minds. Handicrafts are purely handmade; they do not use any kind of machines or equipments. You will be astonished to see the enticing masterpieces created by these skillful craftsmen that contain intricacy and great techniques. An artisan tries including the essence of their culture, tradition and heritage in their art works. Because of their marvelous works even today handicrafts are a trend. Handicrafts can be purchased from any local store or directly from craftsmen or you can find them in any remote areas. But it is not always necessary that these handicrafts are available to you in your local area. Moreover, always it is not convenient to go to a local store for shopping and here comes the application of online handicraft store.

The evolution of Internet has made shopping lot more exciting and easier activity. Some people really enjoy shopping and certain others try keeping it simple. Since there is no time limit for online shopping, they are more comfortable as you can shop any time at your convenience. Also you can make a comparative study on each product which is not all that easy when it comes to a local store where you will have to run around different stores. You can save a lot of time while shopping online when compared to local stores, as you will just have to browse online for a few minutes. Also the products displayed in an online store may not be from one region alone, it can be from any part of the globe.

A number of sites are offering handicrafts online, so when you go in for an online store you should be unique from the others in some or the other way. Initially you should plan the architectural structure, design and layout of the online store thoroughly. You should offer the best quality products so that customers stick to you. Also display the best collections in the online handicraft store which will draw the attention of the customers. Each product should be explained in detail, so that customers get an overall idea of the product. There should be additional feature like review section where they can share their experience of shopping online and feedback on how the product is. Easy back navigation is an important feature that you should include, as this can annoy the user. Provide some discount offers or coupons or gifts to drag visitors to your site. Money transactions are done by online banking facility. To make online transactions easier, register with more than one payment processors. However, these days identity theft is a very common in online shopping. So provide more security to your website with the help of powerful encryption procedures, to make your craft stores online a successful one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jithin_Dev

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Indian Handicraft: The Best Way to Decorate Your Home

India has a rich heritage, and its culture is one of the oldest in the world. Since the time of Mohenjo-Daro, handicrafts of India are famous the world over. The Indian handicrafts can be rightfully described as the best in the world and can add to the style and taste to even the most elegantly designed house and room.

Probably, there is no country in the world with such high concentration of handicrafts and craftsmen as in India. You will be able to discover it all here: - Paintings, Wood Sculptures, Woodcarving, Silver and Gold Jewellery, Stone carving, Puppets, Terracotta - the list goes on and on. Here are some Indian handicrafts that you can use as home decorations.

Wooden Handicrafts: Traditional Indian woodcarving has been of Gods, flowers, jewellery boxes, nameplates, key chains, room screens, and much more. Famous areas for wood carving are Saharanpur in UP, Kashmir and Tamil Nadu. The most significant part is that you can always find something you like for an amount you can pay for.

Pottery and Stone Sculptures: Rajasthan is famous for items like pottery and marble item, which are always in huge demand. You can use these to decorate your home and to add to that look of luxury. There are many types of stone carvings, for example, traditional idols, sculpture, hyper-realist animals, etc. The favoured material for stone carving is marble.

Silver and Gold Jewellery: Jaipur, Lucknow and Delhi are main centres for buying ethnic Indian jewellery. Indian jewellery is available in a wide range that suits the budget and taste of the people. You can choose from silver, gold, carved jewellery, etc. Every state is famous for its own special style of jewellery. The east is famous for beaded jewellery, the west for stones and mirror jewellery, the south for refined temple jewellery and the north for its carvings and designing.

Other handicrafts of India: These include textile and costumes such as saris, kurtas, paintings, terracotta figurines, ceramics, musical instruments, furniture, leather works, brass bowls, bronze statues and other ornamental items.

If you want to find something beautiful and attractive for yourself or somebody that you love, then should always go for some Indian handicraft item.

Kingdom of Dreams offers a complete entertainment package including musicals, live shows, Indian Handicrafts and whirlwind of Indian dances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Ashok_Kumar

Tuesday 11 January 2011

India Handicraft Supplier - A Treasure Trove

India Handicraft industry is flourishing in every respect. Be it clothes, antique jewelry, handicraft fashion accessories, wares, beads, candle holders, cane and bamboo, carpets and rugs, furniture, glassware and handloom. It showcases the ethnic designs and innovative styles has many buyers. Internationally art connoisseurs and craft mavens are eager to buy Indian handicrafts.

India has a wide-variety of handicrafts. Artisans from each state showcases their skills. Be it the north-eastern states like Tripura and Manipur, Assam, the northern states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kashmir, or southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. Each single piece of art in India uncovers the individual style of handicrafts and uniqueness. The handicrafts coming from every state are par excellence as well. In India various trade shows, trade fairs and events are organized to unveil and promote art and craft of India

Handicraft product suppliers in India bring the most wonderful and exquisite handicraft products ranging from ethnic bags, decorative pieces to photo frames, sculptures and lots more. Suppliers of Handicraft in India offer a wide-collection at appropriate prices. The artistic products include handmade and fabricated work. These traditional crafts are made with the soul aim to fulfill consumer's decorative needs and purposes.

Suppliers art and craft products are made from a variety of metals such as aluminum, copper and brass and various woods materials including bamboo, cane, shesham, teakwood, rosewood, sandalwood and a lot more. Handicrafts re made form marble, granite and sandstone These simple materials are transformed into unique pieces of handicrafts by the gifted artisans.

Handicrafts manufactures and suppliers aim is to bring forth, artisan's intricate artwork, master craftsmanship, hard work and fine detailing. India handicrafts supplier bring the vast range of wholesale crafts in India. It showcases the rare artistry skills and innovations comprises of wholesale crafts, handicraft jewelry, furnishing items, wholesale decorative items, table accessories, antique armory, paintings, garden accessories, toys, embroidery garment work etc.

The beauty, elegance and exquisite designs of handicraft products in India have made a niche for themselves in the heart of the art lovers in India and worldwide.

Isha Negi is an handicraft supplier. For more information, please visit: http://www.indiahandicraftstore.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isha_Negi