Category: Arts and Crafts

The Airbrush, Are You Good With It? You Can Be!

Posted by Racerboy in Arts and Crafts

     

The use of airbrush began as early as the year 1876. It was first registered by Francis Edgar Stanley of Newton, Massachusetts. It was later developed by Abner Peeler who used a hand controlled air compressor and it was used for creating artworks.

The materials he used for the idea of his airbrush are spare parts in a jewelry shop like old screw drivers and welding torches. It was improved after 4 years and was sold by Liberty Markup. In 1893, the design for the modern type airbrush has been created by Charles Burdick. Burdicks company, the Aerograph, is still producing and selling airbrushes in England.

Creating airbrush art is one of the most famous hobbies for modern day artists. Instead of using the traditional type paint brushes, they use a tool called the airbrush. The airbrush is a modern painting tool, usually a small spray gun that is controlled by air and by the process of nebulization.

The latest type of air brushes uses air compressors to generate air for the spray gun. There also many uses for the airbrush tool. You can use it for making art and illustrations, photo retouching, coating firearms, murals, hobbies, make up application, temporary tattoos, airbrush tanning, finger nail art, clothing and painting automotive.

An airbrush works by passing a stream of compressed air through a venturi that creates a local reduction in air pressure that pulls up the paint from a connected paint reservoir at normal atmospheric pressure. The speed of the air atomizes the paint and changes it into very little paint droplets that spreads out from the airbrush nozzle. The quantity of the paint and air can be controlled by a trigger. There are two classes of airbrush triggers.

There are two major types of airbrush, the single action trigger and dual action trigger. Airbrushes that are using single action triggers are the simplest and cheapest of airbrushes.

When you press a single action trigger, the air and paint flows into the airbrush body and the atomized paint is releases on the target surface. Single action of activating the trigger releases a certain ratio of paint to air.

To change the different line width of the spray output, you may modify the size or style of the tip of the nozzle or you can adjust the spray volume manually between spray width changes. When you use single action trigger, just remember to keep your hand moving before and after you let go the trigger to avoid some bar bell lines.

The second type airbrush trigger is the double action trigger. It separates the air and the paint while doing your job. This kind of trigger uses a different system for both paint and air. The painter could adjust the volume of air and paint for wanted artistic styles.

This kind of trigger is much more complex to use since you need to control two systems. It is much more expensive than the single trigger action. A technique for using this is to begin and end with air only.

Loading paint into the airbrush can be done in two ways. You can supply paint by having a paint container placed on the top of the brush and have gravity load the paint to the airbrush. This system is called gravity feed. Another way is through bottom feed or side feed.

With these methods, the paint container is positioned either on the side or bottom of the airbrush. Gravity feed uses less air pressure for paint suction since it uses gravity for loading paint. The advantages of the side and bottom feed airbrushes is it allows the artist to have a top view of the paintbrush.

It also allows left and right handed artist to suit their preferences. Bottom feed airbrushes can handle a larger volume of paint and is mostly used for large paint jobs like automotive painting and clothing art.

In combining paints, there are two ways, the internal mix and external mix. The Internal mix airbrush is when the paint and air blend inside the airbrush creating a finer atomized mist of paint.

With the external mix airbrushes, the air leaves the airbrush before it reaches the paint which creates a coarser stippled effect. The latter is usually the cheaper type and more suitable for painting larger areas.

Resources: Jim Woodall has 49yrs business exp. He does Internet and Niche marketing. Visit his Airbrush Website At: http://airbrush.jwoodl.com lots of videos and news feeds. Also get your 3 free Ebooks at: http://freegiveaways.jwoodl.com/index.html

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Its That Time For Christmas Greeting Cards

Posted by Jmalone in Arts and Crafts

     

I realized that I’m accustomed to talking to people who shared an interest holiday cards. Many companies will let you write your own message, so you have more choices and options. The more, the merrier. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, most photo card companies can do it for you at no extra charge. With the popularity of photo greeting cards, many different holiday cards strategies have been formulated.

But how do you make this year’s holiday card really fresh and original. This year, include more than just the kids in your photo Christmas cards. Your friends, relatives and neighbors are eagerly looking forward to your annual Christmas photo cards.This is a tip that everyone can learn from. Shop around. I may be obviously right about christmas scrapbooking cards.

I believe that you are now ready to discuss my insightful analysis of photo greeting cards that are a crafty appendix to my mixed up thoughts . If your photo cards is good, this will take care of itself. Check out the scrapbooking aisles in your local craft store for tiny embellishments, such as bows, ribbons, and other holiday dimensional items. My idea is based around my assumption that nobody has a liking suitable for photo greeting cards. You can start from this point.

So, gather the entire family, even the pets. Get in the picture with them. Even if you have already ordered standard photo Christmas cards, you might still be able to jazz them up a bit. For more interesting photo Christmas cards, try taking some candid photos of your kids doing things they enjoy. I’m blown away in that I side with this decent idea. With a little imagination, your holiday photo cards will be truly special. This is a good time to harvesting with photo greeting cards. Whether you’re going to the beach, sightseeing in the city or pumpkin picking in the fall, bring along a holiday prop or two, such as a Christmas stocking or ornament. I use christmas scrapbooking cards extensively. While you might enjoy a posed photo of your children all cleaned up, in nice clothes, with not even a hair out of place, it doesn’t show off their real personalities. Some have questioned why I spend so much time on photo greeting cards. One year my uncle remarked that while he enjoyed receiving a photo of the kids every year, he would like to see a picture of us, too. Many digital cameras have a setting that will enable you to take your photo in black and white. It is standard how the populace can’t follow a clear case like this. Yes, you read that correctly.

There are so many photo Christmas card companies on the internet that are offering unique, original, personalized designs. When you’re taking photos of your family excursion, include a few with everyone holding or wearing the Christmas props for refreshingly different holiday photo. I’m still reeling from photo greeting cards.

Some designs can even contain multiple photos, so you don’t have to worry about getting that one perfect snapshot. Or you can change a color snapshot to grayscale in your photo editing software. Or they will put your photo into the shape of an ornament, tree, or other holiday symbol. I want to be really up front with you here. Photo greeting cards does, of course, require a lot of things.

Photo greeting cards always has an Hey. Opportunity seldom knocks twice. Christmas scrapbooking cards will not disappear quietly into the night. I can’t say for certain if photo greeting cards will make a huge difference but photo cards certainly can’t hurt. That is, in fact, the most sensible response to photo greeting cards. It is important to address christmas scrapbooking cards because we need to have a lot more photo cards. This sounds like a big winner for photo cards. It’s only going to help photo greeting cards out in the short term. I reckon it’ll take getting used to. Photo cards has definitely been a fun journey.

Resources: Jarvis Malone has had experience with many things, and likes to research new things. Everybody loves holiday greeting cards. SimplifiedScrapbooking has ideas forchristmas scrapbooking cards. So check out christmas scrapbook cards right now.

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Knitting, Many Say It Is Very Easy, What Is Your Opinion?

Posted by Racerboy in Arts and Crafts

     

Beginners who are interested in knitting should follow basic knitting instructions like practicing with light weight knitting needles and using light weight yarn.

This will help you with your accuracy and evenness, which comes after practice. Knitting basically consists of interlocking series of loops, which gives the fabric elasticity.

As these stitches are the fundamentals of knitting it is necessary to master them. You can also try circular knitting by using three or more needles, but you can make circular knitting by using circular needles.

There are knit stitches and also purl stitches that form the basics of knitting. Alternate use of the knit and also the purl stitches helps you to form interesting designs on a fabric. The way knit stitch makes the loops is by forming it.

Also making loops that will interweave each other. It looks like V patterns when you look at it from the knitted side of the pattern. Then the purl stitch looks like a brick face.

Knitting techniques use a large variety of stitches which include Fair Isle, tuck stitch, slip stitch, Stockinette stitch, striped stock stitch, stock stitch etc. Depending on what you might choose.

During ancient times all young women had to become familiar with the art of knitting. But then due to the invention of knitting machines, it became more of a sort of recreational activity.

Knitting, means the method by which a thread or a yarn is weaved to prepare a cloth. Thread loops which hold together all the threads is known as stitches. These loops or stitches are pulled through each other. The two stitching needles hold the active loops until a new loop is put through them.

Although knitting by using machines belongs to the contemporary times, the art has its roots, in the ancient Egypt civilization. During an excavation in Egypt a beautifully knitted cotton sock was found, which dates to the later half of the first millennium AD.

The first Commercial application of knitting was done in Paris in the year 1527, when the first knitting trade guild was started.

Immediately after the invention of the knitting machine, hand knitting lost its importance. But recent study shows that at the turn of the 21st century, this art has regained its position and is the rage with the people inn the metro areas. To knit the woolen threads into cloth, two knitting needles are used.

These needles are available in a wide variety, ranging from bamboo needles, glass needles, circular knitting needles and so on. The type of the needles decides the distance between two stitches. Hence by using different types of needles knitters can create variations in their product.

As the needles vary in their size and types so does the type of yarn. The two basic types of yarn are the S-twisted yarn and the Z-twisted yarn. Though many knitters use yarns in not more than single color, variations can be created by using different colored yarns.

To increase the durability of the knitted product, a single thread of synthetic yarn combined with pure wool is used. This not only increases the durability, but produces a product that needs much lower maintenance than a pure woolen product.

Once the knitters are well aquatinted with the different types of stitches like stockinet, purl, garter and so on. He can add some decorations to his knitted product, to improve the wear and look of the fabric. Bobbles, sequins, beads etc compliment the beauty of a knitted object. Embroidery and appliqua work can also be done to give the object a professional touch.

If the embroidery on an object resembles knitting, then it is known as Swiss darning. Colored beans, leaves, flowers etc can be added to the final product to increase its beauty. These objects can be knitted into the garment using appliqus work.

Knitting enthusiasts can work magic using different types of stitches, textures, yarns and decorations, once they are well rehearsed with the basics.

Knitting is an art that requires imagination and creativity. After learning the basics, it is your enthusiasm and creativity that guides your way in the beautiful world of knitting.

Hence the beginners who are learning the art of knitting, should keep their scope for imagination wide, to be able to absorb the beautiful world outside.

Resources: Visit Jimmy Woodall at his Knitting website, at http://jwoodl.com/knitting RSS video and news feeds You can also pick up 3 free mktg ebooks at http://freegiveaways.jwoodl.com/index.html no obligation

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Selling At Craft Fairs: Are They For You?

Posted by YCMT in Arts and Crafts


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You love what you create and you love sharing with others. Has anyone ever approached you and said, “You know, you should really consider making and selling these things!” While the compliment is very flattening, you may think that you enjoy making items yourself but wonder whether selling those items would be a good idea. Is it all worth it? It may or may not be.

If you have considered entering your products into a craft fair, it is important to do your homework first. This is very important; because the work you do ahead of time will make sure you are able to get into the fair in the first place! You have a lot to plan for, but first let’s make sure this is right for you.

First, you will want to find out where the craft shows are happening. When and where will they be taking place? Call your local Chamber of Commerce. Look at local community bulletin boards, including school and church fairs. You may be surprised how many you find once you start looking!

In the craft show market, there are really two different kinds of shows. There are juried and non-juried shows. A juried show is one in which you apply and send in photographs of your items. A selection committee then makes the final decision if you will be accepted to display in that show. Juried shows have a limited number of sellers and the booth costs are likely to be higher. However, the attendance is often greater and there is often more advertising, meaning more prospective customers.

Non-juried shows are those in which all who would like to have a booth are welcome, or are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, the booth fees are less than you will find for juried shows. Non-juried shows can be a great way to get started in this kind of business.

In addition to finding out the dates, times, and booth price, there are some other important questions to ask the organizer, which include:

- Approximately how many attendees do they expect?
- How many vendors are selling the same type of product as yours?
- How will the craft fair be advertised?
- Find out what is included in the booth price. A Chair? Table? Electricity?
- What commissions need to be paid, if any, to the organizer? Are a percentage of sales taken?

If you’re not sure about the kind of show you should attend, then attend as many as you can as a consumer. This will give you a better idea of the shows in which you are interested in participating the next time they are held!

Second, it is important to find out any city or state requirements you have for your area. Because you likely must charge and then pay sales tax on the items you sell, it will be imperative that you register your business with the state and obtain a sales tax certificate. You can find that information by contacting your state agency covering sales tax (often available online). Check with the state and/or the show organizers to find out how the tax is to be collected. At some shows I’ve sold at, the state tax authorities pass around a certificate that needs to be filled out at the end and then turned in that day rather than filing later. Different states and shows vary, so be sure to find this information out before you begin.

Finally, perhaps the biggest question should be, “Do I have the time I need to invest into preparing for this show?” That is a question that only you can answer for yourself. If you choose to pursue this, then you may want to consider taking a look at your calendar and setting goals and deadlines for yourself to ensure you are not up until 3 a.m. the night before the big show! We’ve all been there…trust me! Look at giving yourself “office hours” each day when you can spend time each week making the items you will be selling. Be creative in how you streamline the process of managing your time. Rather than planning a large assortment of different items for your booth, consider finding a “niche” and focusing on just a few items so that you can make items in “assembly-line” fashion. This will help not only with your time, but also with your costs…and your sanity!

Preparing for and participating in a craft fair can be a lot of work, and yet very rewarding at the same time. To do what you love and get paid for it at the same time provides much satisfaction. You can feel good about what you are doing, so enjoy the journey! It is definitely a learning process, so don’t become discouraged. You will learn new things each time you participate in a show. We wish you all the best in your creative endeavors!

Resources: Kim Christopherson is the owner and creator of www.YouCanMakeThis.com. Find hundreds of downloadable patterns and “how-to” eBooks for your home and family. Sign up for the YCMT newsletter and receive a $75 ebook bundle package for FREE!

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How To Make Stained Glass Questions And Answers

Posted by Royemunson in Arts and Crafts


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When beginning to pursue stained glass making there are a number of stained glass questions that tend to arise as one embarks upon the journey of creating their first stained glass piece.

First, let us say that it is an amazing art that many people enjoy, however one that can be frustrating if you don’t have the right guidance.

You can get yourself into a class which is a great way to test your skills, learn how to make a piece of art first-hand, and see if this is the art for you before buying tools and supplies.

However, a class can be a few hundred dollars or more unless you can find a community center or organization that is offering a special introductory course. You can also buy books, DVD’s, or join an online community and learn, ask, and answer as you go. It all depends on your learning style.

With that said, here are a number of questions that come up most frequently.

Q: How do I begin creating stained glass? This is a huge open-ended question and why we have made an entire site and community around the subject. Spend some time with us to learn how to make stained glass the right way.

Q: How much does it cost to make stained glass? This answer again is going to depend on many things, however, here is a list of the necessities you will need: tools, supplies, a work area, education, and so forth. It can range anywhere from under a hundred dollars to somewhere in the thousand range.

Q: Should I take a class and is it worth it? Everyone we have spoken with that took a class did not regret it. It is a bit more expensive when you add in tools and other aspects of making stained glass, but as stated above, if that is the best way for you to learn - in a live setting, then it is probably a good idea. Just remember, it is not the only way to learn though.

Q: How do I… do something specific? We get a lot of questions on how to cut glass without having to go to the hospital. How to solder correctly so it comes out looking right. How do I repair a piece, finish, hang, and so forth. All of these specifics are what’s covered in any course, book, or website you visit, including ours at CreateStainedGlass.

Q: Where do I get patterns? This is a great question as it is one of the initial steps to making a stained glass idea come to life. The beauty is that you can get patterns from all sorts of places both for free or a small cost. Pictures, pattern books, magazines, the web, other people, your kids, and so anywhere that gives you inspiration.

Q: Can I make money selling my art?
This is one of my favorite questions since in this day and age people can’t rely on their companies anymore and really want to find a way to produce an income while getting something out of their work. So, the short answer is a resounding yes.

The details are a whole different story as there are many ways to create your art and sell it. There are trade shows, fairs, local store, consignment, auctions, online auctions, your own website, team up with a website like us, and so many ways just to sell your art let alone market it and more.

These are just a few of the broader questions we receive on a consistent basis. Answering these questions are what our website community is all about and why you could write books upon each technique and subject regarding stained glass making.

The beauty of this art is there isn’t just one way to make stained glass and you can be as creative as you want! Think big and have fun learning both beginner how to stained glass, plus more advanced techniques as you grow and develop your glass making skills.

Resources: CreateStainedGlass.com is a glass art community by artists for artists offering tons of great content and resources for learning to make stained glass. Join us in our discussion forum to discuss the great fun of making stained glass.

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Knitting For Pleasure - Could This Be Your Next Hobbie?

Posted by Datepad in Arts and Crafts


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No one taught me how to knit. There was no one in my family who ever knitted save for my Grandmother who crocheted doilies with the finest yarn and the smallest gauge crochet hook. For whatever reason crochet didn’t interest me but I was fascinated at how quickly my grandmother’s hands worked the yarn effortlessly in her hands.

I can recall my Godmother giving me some knitting needles as a child of about 8 years of age and she trying to teach me. I was hopeless at it and gave it up before long. But then at the age of 16 years I can recall walking into a store and falling in love with a beautifully knit sweater. I had to learn how to knit.

I purchased a book called “Learning How To Knit” which I still see available at yarn stores, read it through and began my assault on the innocent yarn that I subsequently massacred with all my mistakes and knotting together. Eventually I casted on a row and finally began to “knit” my first few stitches together.

It took me a very long time to learn how to do it well. As I look back now I’m surprised and impressed that I had the perseverance to continue to teach myself how to knit. It was no easy feat doing alone.

Before long I was happily knitting in the old “English” method of wrapping around the yarn with your right hand. I knitted scarves, sweaters, vests, and hats; just about anything I could get a pattern for. Some were great success some were miserable failures, but that didn’t ever stop me from trying again.

I knitted this way for over 22 years. Leaving it for several months at a time only to pick it up again. The longing to feel yarn between my fingers and hearing the soothing clicking of the needles made it impossible to abandon knitting for very long.

I began to knit every day for at least an hour or more after my son was born. I loved knitting him sweaters and little knit toys. It was a whole new word knitting for children - the yarns, the patterns and it went so quickly too!

Knitting was something that was just for “me” and my down time. It was and still is a time of reflection for me and helps me to think clearly and just calms me in general. Don’t laugh but I actually dream of knitting if I have not knit during the day. Sounds crazy but it’s true.

I ran into a problem about a year ago while knitting. My right pinky, which holds the yarn to control the tension, began to bother me. At first it was just sore from time to time but eventually it began to get arthritic and had become too uncomfortable to knit for more than a few rows at a time.

I couldn’t give up knitting and I’m not one to take medication, so I decided to do a little research on the internet and came across a knitting video which demonstrated the “Continental” method of knitting which uses the left hand to hold and control the yarn tension.

I gave it a go, as I wanted very badly to knit without difficulty again. It was not easy.. it reminded me of being 16 years old again and frustrated by my miserable attempts to learn how to knit all over again.

It took two weeks of at least 1 hour a day of using the new Continental method. I was sorely tempted several times to just revert back to my right hand and the English method. The most difficult part was getting the dexterity in my left hand as being right handed I had very little in my left.

I finally finished a dishcloth in that time and was reasonably happy with the results. It’s been over a year now and I love the Continental method way of knitting. I’ve since learned to do all knitting stitches with my left hand and am amazed at how much quicker (and eventually) easier Continental knitting really is.

As I sit and knit with my new method, I’m reminded of my Grandmother again and can feel her sitting beside me crocheting her little doilies beside me. I smile - it’s a great feeling to have.

Resources: This article was written by Shawn Wilson, a member of the customer support team at Datepad, where internet dating is always free. Datepad has a massive directory of informative dating articles along with a great list of dating site reviews on their dating blog.

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