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<title>Latest Arts and Crafts Articles</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Fundamentals  for Learning to  Sketch  Online</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/fundamentals-for-learning-to-sketch-online.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/fundamentals-for-learning-to-sketch-online.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:03:02 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Getting moving is  always the  most difficult part. That's even  more truthful if you're beginning to learn how to draw - be it online or offline.<br><br> To kickstart your career as a draftsman  requires you to learn two matters:  first, master the key techniques and second:  choose the right subjects for your practicing.<br><br> Discover How to  Draw  with These Techniques<br><br> There is  a number of  basic techniques  you can practice  quite well and  you should study and  exercise  on a regular basis  to better your  drafting  abilities.<br><br>1.  Get used to  making  freehand lines  as straight as possible.  Be sure to  create  these  employing fast and secure  motions.<br><br>2.  Tack together these straight lines to  simple geometrical figures like  stars, triangles, squares and rectangles.  Build  circles and ellipses  employing  smooth circled lines.  Practise  drawing  these shapes  in proportions and  without any distortions.<br><br>3.  Practise  blending and shading  by creating  areas with uniform value or -  harder - smooth value gradients<br><br>Why are these  methods crucial  Study How to  Draw in the Internet?<br><br>These are  cardinal  methods you need to  perfect  for bettering your  drawing skills.  It is the  part of art where craftwork  gets important and  supplements creativity.<br><br> I have seen it  overly ,  when  novices  need to  focus  overly on  getting  these basic principles correctly done so they  can't  concentrate on the  sketch itself.<br><br> You'll be able to  avoid this  by exercising  these basic methods  regularly  so they'll work more and more  mechanically through your  subconscious mind. That  lets you to  concentrate  more on the  artistic and pleasing  side  of art.<br><br>What  subjects to  choose for sketching?<br><br> Once  you've  accomplished  your  opening moves  it is time to  move on to  portraying  more  complicated  real-world  objects.  Start  sketching and depicting  buildings and landscapes.  By and by  you might  choose  more complicated forms like  cars or people to  depict. <br><br> Here are   some  shortcuts  on picking your  first subjects. <br><br> As  drawing from life  leads to superior results,  it might be a  greatidea to  commence your  early drawings  using  photos.  This will give you something to  refer to over and over again.  You'll  learn to  distinguish  shadow, light and tones  in addition to  anatomy and positioning on a  static photograph  very much easier and quicker than by  viewing  an always changing  real-life scene.<br><br> Black and white  photos  will better help you  in identifying features of light and shadow.  Commence  using  simple sketchings.  Do not  overwhelm yourself  with an intricately detailed item  till  you have  mastered  basic techniques  of blending, shading, and perspective. <br><br> Allow you some time - your  sketching  does not  have to be finished  in a single session.  Often,  walking off from your  drawing and  returning later  serves you to  visualize what you  ought to  concentrate on next.<br><br> Sophisticated  Drawing and Shading  Methods<br><br> Lets risk  a  quick look on  a few  advance methods for  making your  picture to be  more interesting:<br><br> Small and black accent lines  are ideal  for darker regions on which you  would like to be  a focal point. They  pull in  the  viewer  to that portion of the  sketching. <br><br> To define and intensify   an area,  filling in is needed.  Shading  can be created  in numerous different ways.  Simple cross hatching,  created  employing short quick strokes  first in one direction and then in another - bisecting the first,  layered for the wanted effect,  is very good.  Scribbling  with more pressure  in darker portions also creates shadows.  You may even cross hatch  with scrawled lines. <br><br> These techniques  are to a lesser extent realistic and  more abstractionist.  To achieve  realistic looking shadings,  use blending.  After drawing the  scene,  use a stump, cotton or even your fingers  to blend the graphite for the desired effect. ]]></description>
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<title>Quilting books for kids offer step-by-step instructions about quilting</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/quilting-books-for-kids-offer-step-by-step-instructions-about-quilting.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/quilting-books-for-kids-offer-step-by-step-instructions-about-quilting.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:58:42 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A great way to keep kids busy is to introduce them to quilting. While there are numerous crafts and fun activities for smaller children in daycare, preschool, or elementary school, finding educational crafts for older girls can be challenging. Quilting crafts for kids can help older children learn sewing techniques, spark creativity, and bust those times of boredom. It's a skill that can be used for a lifetime.<br /><br />Girls love quilting because they're able to pick and choose from hundreds of patterns of all shapes and sizes. For more details www.greateducationonline.com There are patterns containing flowers, squares, circles, characters, animals, nature scenes, and a variety of colors. Crafts and sewing can go hand in hand, so once a child learns quilting, she can easily add other sewing skills if desired.<br /><br />Quilting Books for Beginners<br /><br />Quilting books for kids offer step-by-step instructions about quilting. They also start with the basics such as how to thread a sewing machine and how to stitch in a straight line. The books list what types of fabrics, tools, and supplies are needed to make gorgeous quilts. Some books offer photos, a glossary, tips, actual quilt projects with step-by-step guides, beautiful patchwork ideas, and more. Once your child learns the basics of quilting, she can add to her skills and learn to make pillows, placemats, wall hangings, or lap quilts.<br /><br />A Quilt for Every Occasion<br /><br />Making quilts can be a fun way for your daughter to decorate her room in her favorite colors or themes. Quilts also make great gifts for any occasion: birthdays, Christmas, weddings, baby showers, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even Valentine's Day. Quilt designs might also be geared toward a season, with flower patterns and light colors such as pink, light green, yellow, or baby blue in spring and summer. Darker colors such as red, brown, black, green, or blue will work well for autumn and winter patterns. Quilts as gifts will express love and effort because she made the gift very special with her own hands.<br /><br />For the Career-Minded<br /><br />Teens who want to earn extra money will find quilting to be very rewarding. It does take time and effort to make a quilt, but the returns can be excellent. She can sell her quilts at local flea markets, consignment shops, or even online through a website or auction (with parent's help, of course). For more details www.greatindustrialguide.com Quilts are always in demand, and all styles and colors can be sold for profits. She can make quilts of contemporary styles or lovely patchwork designs like "grandma used to make!" It's her choice. She can even ask her friends and relatives about buying the quilts.<br /><br />If you don't own a sewing machine, you might be able to find an affordable machine used at a garage sale or flea market. Or, check your local newspaper in the classifieds. You can buy one new in a local sewing supply store or on the Web. There are online auctions for sewing machines as well, so make sure to check all these resources to find a great deal.<br /><br />Quilting skills will take some time to learn, but once she becomes confident, she can enjoy quilting as a way to relax and create something of value. If you'd like to start quilting with your daughter or even teach a class of young people how to quilt, search online today to find instructional books and websites about quilting.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>The Art of Paper Cutting and Folding</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/the-art-of-paper-cutting-and-folding.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/the-art-of-paper-cutting-and-folding.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:56:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ PAPER cutting and folding are other forms of handwork which may be used in many delightful ways at home, or in the school-room in connection with other studies. It is closely allied to drawing and cultivates alertness and powers of observation, especially when the cutting is free-hand work.<br />Many forms of symmetry and life may be made with the kindergarten folding papers, and are of deep interest to the children. As the fingers grow in strength, a heavier paper or cardboard may be used for the construction work. Plain cartridge wall-paper is inexpensive and can be used advantageously in large classes. For more details visit o www.greatindustrialguide.com .Bogus paper and even Newspapers may be utilized in a similar way. In lessons in folding, the children must learn to follow the directions given in a quick, accurate way.<br /><br />For the work in cutting or silhouetting plain black or white paper is the best. Kindergarten papers 4x4 inches may be bought in all colors and are best adapted for the conventional designs. These may be mounted on the tops of boxes and other articles as a decoration, or used in stencil work, as explained in the following chapter. With young children<br />It is preferable to use blunt-pointed scissors and inexpensive paper. The following outlines may be suggestive of much that may be worked out in relation to the other class-room work. It may be a foundation for later work in more difficult construction.<br /><br />Paper Accordion<br /><br />The paper accordions afford a great deal of amusement to very young children. They may be made of newspaper or any scraps of colored paper red, white, and blue are especially pleasing. If made of the colors, the strips must be pasted together first, so that the accordion is started with two long pieces one and one-half inches wide. Lap strip<br />An on strip b, so that a square is formed at c. The accordion is built up on this square. Fold b over a on the square c, fold an over b; continue until the strips have all been folded.<br />If made of color, the accordions are a pleasing Christmas-tree decoration. They may be made of strips of any width, and any number of yards may be put in each. For young children do not cut the strips too narrow.<br />  <br /> Paper Dolls<br /><br />Fold the paper so that the two short edges will lie together. This will make the strip half a yard in length, but of two thicknesses. Fold again in a similar way, making four thicknesses. Continue until the strip is folded to about a width of one and one-half inches. With the scissors cut in a free way the outline of the doll; if necessary, sketch it before<br />Cutting. Care must be taken not to cut through the folds at a and b of the sketch, as the dolls will not be joined if the folds are cut. To know more logon to www.dream-revealed.com .The father doll and children may also be made in a similar way. Animals make an interesting variation.<br /><br />Free Cutting or Tearing of Objects<br /><br />Either the glazed or unglazed paper may be used for this purpose. The object to be copied may be placed before the children, or free range given to the imagination if objects are not available. No directions should be given, as they should be allowed to cut or tear in a free way. Astonishing results are often obtained. Single objects or scenes may be portrayed, and profiles of friends and classmates made ensilhouette. This work is interesting to the older children, and the results are very pleasing.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>Freeze-Drying Flowers</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/freeze-drying-flowers.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/freeze-drying-flowers.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:12:24 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <br />Flowers symbolize the most important events in our lives. We receive a dozen red roses that say â€œI Love Youâ€, a stunning bouquet on our wedding, gifts for our anniversaries birthdays, graduations---the list is endless. Of course, we want to preserve happy memories forever, if possible. We can take pictures of the flowers but that isn't as good as the real thing, is it? Some of us resort to the old practice of putting flowers between the pages of thick and heavy books to preserve them. The flowers come out dry and flat. While this is better than nothing, we can't help but wish that flowers don't wilt and decay so that we can keep them forever as mementos of that special time in our lives.<br /> 

<br />Well, wish no more! We live in the 21st century when technology solves almost anything. Now, there's no need to settle for dry, brittle flowers kept between the pages of a book or dried in the sun. A technology called freeze-drying can preserve your flowers exactly the way they look like for very long periods of time. Freeze-drying is said to have first originated from the Indians living in the Andes Mountain is the 1700's. Its modern version, however, was introduced in 1813 by William Hyde Wallaston to the Royal Society in London. Back then, it was a procedure simply known as sublimation, or the conversion of liquid in a frozen state directly to a gaseous one.<br />

<br />The freeze-drying process makes use of a freeze-drying machine for flowers. Using sublimation, the moisture in the flowers is completely removed. The pressure in the chamber is reduced by creating a vacuum wherein the boiling point of water is below its freezing point. Electromagnetic radiation is applied on the flowers so that the water in its tissues will not evaporate. This way, the tissues won't shrink, preserving the exact appearance of the flowers. After the process, a polymer coating is applied on the flowers in order to prevent shattering and to stop moisture from being absorbed in the tissues again. If the colors of the blooms fade, they can be painted back on.<br />

<br />Freeze-drying is the most expensive way to preserve flowers. In tropical countries such as the Philippines, freeze-dried flowers require high maintenance because of the tropical climate when the moisture content can reach up to 99%. However, freeze-drying is the only way to keep your flowers exactly how they look like for a long time. The technology might be expensive, but the results are rewarding. Imagine seeing your wedding bouquet everyday and remembering that heart-stopping moment when you said â€œI Doâ€. It would definitely be worth the price.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>The Art Of Model Boat Building</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/the-art-of-model-boat-building.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/the-art-of-model-boat-building.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ People have many hobbies; they serve as an area of stress relief. It's nice to have something to put your energy into at the end of a long day. Some people collect things, others participate in sports, while others spend their time learning new skills such as cooking. Whatever the hobby it brings people great joy and a certain sense of accomplishment that other aspects of life can't. It's the thing you can look forward to and that is just your own. One such hobby is building model boats, and this activity is making a comeback.

While there is a certain level of intricacy involved in building model boats, it can serve as an excellent stress relief. By getting involved in the assembly of all the pieces and parts, you can easily forget about the outside world. Whether you are building a newer model such as a yacht or a traditional boat, your entire focus in this hobby is on the end result. 

For those that are not familiar, building model boats is something done solely for pleasure. In most instances, these boats will not ever go in the water. However they will sit in your office or on your shelf to show off the talent that you exhibited in building this from scratch. Model boat builders get a kit and then follow through until they end up with a beautiful show piece.

You can get everything from tugboats to elaborate riverboats, there are more varieties than you can imagine. There is a great sense of pride when you see the end product and you will be hooked before you know it. It's not an expensive hobby as you can purchase kits for well under $100. You will however get hooked and be adding to your collection before you know it. You may think that the concentration required for this hobby can be exhausting, but really it's quite exhilarating. There's a growing community of model boat builders and it's a fun group to be a part of. 

This is one hobby that you can really sink your teeth into! If you are looking for an activity that can take your mind off the worries of the world and give you something productive to put your time and attention into, model boat building is for you. Start small, purchase a model kit online that is meant for a beginner and don't get frustrated if it seems complex at first. You will get the hang of it before you know it and will be a part of the model boat building community before you know it. ]]></description>
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<title>Selling at Craft Fairs: How to Price and Profit</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-how-to-price-and-profit.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-how-to-price-and-profit.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Pricing, pricing, pricing! "Where should I price my product?" is the never-ending question. Every small business owner has asked it when getting ready for a craft fair. Is the price too high? Too low? From my experience, I can tell you that the bottom line is that your time is money and that there is value in that. So don't sell yourself short by pricing too low and don't allow inventory to just sit there by pricing items too high. Here are some ideas on how you can do what you love and reap the benefits of selling at the same time. 

I'd like to share three techniques on how I come up with pricing when getting ready to sell.

Price Point

Following are several factors you should consider when setting prices for your hand-made items. 

1. Cost of Materials: Write down the total cost of your materials per item. If you use one yard of material, but make three items from that one yard, then divide the price of the yard by three and apply the cost to the item. Accounting for all costs is very important so you know what your break-even point is. 

2. Related Costs: Account in your expenditures for the cost of the booth, any travel expenses, etc. Divide the total amount of related costs by the number of products you will be selling and you'll have a better idea of the amount to add to each item sold.

3. Pay Yourself: As I mentioned before, your time is of utmost value. Set a reasonable hourly rate and multiply by the time it takes to produce each item sold.

The most important thing is to find a pricing strategy that works for you. But notice I used the word, 'strategy.'I use that term because there really can be a 'science' to it. Make sure you do not guess what a good price might be without taking into account your costs. Make it worth your while by doing the homework beforehand to come up with a price that will be positive for your business.

"Know the Show" and Plan Accordingly

You also need to keep in mind the audience you are selling to and what price the market will bear. If your high-priced items just won't sell, look for ways to reduce your materials/labor costs, which will allow you to lower your price and still sell profitably. If this can't be done, find something different that you can sell for a lower price while still making a profit. Each craft fair is different, and even the market and economy will vary from year to year, so make sure to keep these factors in mind. 

"Knowing the show" will also allow you to understand the groups who will be coming through. Oftentimes juried shows attract an audience who are willing to pay a higher dollar amount. A show at your local elementary school gymnasium may have you rethinking the items you choose to sell. It is hard to tell, but taking the time to evaluate after each show you do will help you the next time. 

Ways to Move Your Products

And finally, a few ideas on how to "move your products" when selling at a craft fair. What works for one might not work for all, so be creative in how you package your prices. That is one of the luxuries of being the one in charge! You decide for yourself some new ways to sell! Here are a few ideas:

1. Offer a wide range of price points. Make sure everything is clearly marked. Potential customers want to know immediately how much something costs. I like to call it the "Car Sales" approach. I don't know about you, but one of the things I don't like when I am looking for a car is not being able to find a price front and center in the window. If I see the price at first, then I immediately know what is within my budget and what is not. If I don't see a price, it is a rarity that I will actually find the sales person to inquire about the price. I want something fast and easy. The easier it is to find a price, then the more likely I am to become more interested. Offering items at different prices that are clearly marked will bring more consumers into your booth. They are less likely to just walk on by because it is obvious if they will be able to find something in there that fits their price range. 

2. Combine items. Pair items together that, if sold separately, would individually be priced a little higher. But be sure to advertise to customers that if the items are sold together, the price is lower. Customers will feel they have received great value for their purchase. And they should, too! You will make more money with a higher transaction value. It's a win-win for both the buyer and the seller. 

3. Get creative with your sales! Here are just a few ideas of what you can do to boost your sales!

- Include a small, free gift with a minimum purchase amount. 

- 'Buy one, get one at 50% off' sales. 

- 'The more you buy, the more you save' kind of sale. For example, if they purchase $50 worth, then they could receive 10% off their entire order, or if they purchase $100 worth, then they may receive 20% off their order. 

- Offer free personalization whenever possible. Many are coming to these shows for that one-of-a-kind, unique gift to give. Personalizing something shows exactly that. They won't be able to find that at a big chain store! So if possible, personalize! You might even think about taking pre-paid orders for items to be personalized at home later for pick-up. 

Pricing can be tricky, but each time you sell, you will learn so much. Ask friends and family for objective and honest opinions. Keep an open mind and don't be defensive. Talking with them can be very helpful. Discussing these things with fellow crafters both online and around your community can also be beneficial. ]]></description>
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<title>Selling at Craft Fairs: Are They For You?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-are-they-for-you.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-are-they-for-you.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 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! ]]></description>
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<title>Selling at Craft Fairs: What to Bring and How to Impress</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-what-to-bring-and-how-to-impress.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/selling-at-craft-fairs-what-to-bring-and-how-to-impress.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Your items are all made. You have done your research on how to price these treasures you have been working on for so long. Now it is time to get packed up and go! There are some essential and not-so-essential items that you should remember to take with you on the big day. 

A Friend: First and foremost, bring help with you! Do not think for a minute that this is something you can do entirely on your own. Running a booth is a constant juggling act, so having a right-hand man is not only your key to success, but everything is more enjoyable when you can share it with others! Having a second person to take payments helps you be fully available to answer questions and show your products. Having a backup is also valuable for transporting items, being able to take a restroom break, or even grab a lunchtime meal.  This person also becomes your cheerleader to help support your efforts throughout the day! I promise, you will be so grateful if you can find that special friend or family member to help you on the big day. 

Your Products: How many you ask? That is a good question. Bring what you can, but make sure you have a sign-up list available for those who would like to special order for later delivery, in case you run out. 

Bags for Customers: Shoppers need bags! There are a number of resources online with ideas on obtaining bags, but one of the best resources may be in your very own area! Before doing a show several years back, I went to our local drugstore, as I knew their bags did not carry the individual store's name. Instead there was a rose and I figured if I could get them at a good price. It really did not matter what was on the bag! So I went in and asked the manager if I could purchase some bags from them and indeed they did let me! The cost was unbelievably cheap and I was ready to take my bags with me to the booth!

A Possible Credit Card Machine: If this is doable, you may want to seriously consider opening up this method of paying to customers. By doing so, you are offering a convenient service to them. If you don't, you may lose some potential buyers. I say this not to scare you, but perhaps intrigue you into looking into this option more seriously. It not only makes your booth look even more professional, but it is also a much safer route to go than accepting personal checks. You must obtain a merchant account in order to offer this, so be sure to check with your bank on how to do this. Taking credit and debit cards can really boost your sales!

Your Money Center : Some craft fair organizers provide these for you and some do not, so be sure to check into your options. The small table is a great place to set up your money center. Some ideas of what to include are your calculator, a receipt book, a sales tax chart, cash box or machine, and the credit card machine if you go that route. And while you're at it, don't forget to bring change! A copy of your sales tax certificate and your business license to hang up in your booth is also a nice touch. 

A Small Cooler: Bring some snacks and bottles of water to keep you at your peak performance all day. You may easily get worn down if you wait too long before taking a break. Sometimes a small snack provides the right energy boost you need!

Office Supplies & Other Misc.: These include: pens, stapler, tape, a garbage bag, sales tax chart for your area, extra price tags, markers, business cards and brochures, tape, your cell phone, a camera so you can document this fun day, and possibly some candy in a bowl. Don't believe for a second that the candy is just for the children! The grown-ups love it just as well!

Any Hang Tags or Care Instructions: If you are offering any item for sale that requires special instructions, be sure to attach those to your products. Your customers will truly appreciate your efforts. 

Tissue or Newspaper: If you have any items that are fragile, you will want to be sure to have these on hand to help package the items in the customers' bags. 

Shelves: If possible, see if you can find some shelves that you can put onto your tables. Keeping items at different levels is more pleasing to the eye. So lift! Keep the booth interesting by doing this. Crates and stacks of blocks also work well with linen cloths draped over. 

Company Name Sign: Make sure it is big and make it something special. If you have a website, be sure to include that on your banner as well. 

Now, let's talk about that first impression! We all know the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression", right? Well, it rings true in selling, as well! First of all, if you follow the checklist items mentioned above, you are already half-way there because you are ORGANIZED. Have your booth set up well in advance before the show begins. That way you are not scrambling at the last minute while customers are beginning to just walk on by. 

Keep your prices clearly marked. Remember my "car sales" approach? Trust me, customers want to see the price immediately and not have to guess.  If they do, some will simply just not inquire. 

If possible, you may want to consider making some of your items right in front of the customers. If you are selling jewelry for example, demonstrate the process you go through to make a particular piece. This method can work in many different areas of crafting and others may truly enjoy watching! And just think, you will be able to get something done at the same time! But be carefully not to ignore the customer while working on your project. Be flexible enough to pause the project to answer questions, visit with the customer and showcase some of your best-sellers. This is also where your helper can come in handy.

Be positive! There is no doubt that you will get some who may come into your booth and you will hear whisperings such as, "Oh, I bet I could make that myself" or "That's nice, but she's asking WAY too much for it. I could get that cheaper somewhere else!" Staying positive and upbeat will create a great feeling in your booth. Both you and the customer win when you can maintain a pleasant and courteous demeanor no matter what. Be a professional.  You will always get the naysayers, but more often than not, you will find customers who are just excited to be a part of this whole experience. They will appreciate the extra effort you go to being genuine in your approach to each of them. And smile!

Cover tables with floor-length tablecloths. This makes great storage space for your extra items and keeps the booth area look nice and neat. A solid color works best so it does not distract from your hand-made items.  

Dress professionally. As mentioned before, you are a professional. Wear comfortable shoes. If you have a company name on a shirt or jacket, wear it! If not, just keeping a modest and higher end casual style in your clothing choices will make you feel even more confident and approachable. ]]></description>
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<title>Qualities Of Soy Candles You Should Use</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/qualities-of-soy-candles-you-should-use.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/qualities-of-soy-candles-you-should-use.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Soy wax candles can be combined with other fragrances and oils and can come in different colors and shapes. If you want to learn how to make candles on your own, there are many benefits to using soy wax. Making soy wax candles can turn out to be a rewarding hobby that the entire family can learn to do together.

Some good advantages in using soy wax to make your own candles are that soy wax candles produce much less soot than paraffin wax candles. If you have any spills with soy wax, it is easier to clean up than if you had spilled paraffin wax. 

Soy candles are known to burn longer than paraffin wax, so you know you are getting a candle that will last longer. The levels of carbon dioxide in the air will not increase when burning soy candles. There are a number of online websites and craft stores that will have everything you need to start making soy candles.

If you want to start out by making soy jar candles, it is a very easy process. You will need one pound of soy wax, and one jar; any jar will work for this. You need one ounce of fragrance oil, if you choose to make scented candles, and one wick that is safe to use with soy wax. 

These items are all you need to make a soy candle. You can find all these supplies easily online or at a craft store. There are more detailed instructions online to tell you everything about making your own soy candles. You can be creative and try different fragrances and oils in your soy candles. There are candle books that can give you creative ideas about making soy candles.

Try using different fragrance oils to make special scents for your soy candles, and create your own unique scents by mixing the oils together. It can be fun experimenting when making your own soy candles. To make sure you mix oils that will smell good for your candles, mix the oils first before adding them to the soy wax. This way you will know if the scent you mixed will smell good in the candle. You can also make soy votive candles. They are small candles that can be placed anywhere in your home to help you relax and create a romantic atmosphere. 

You can take them on trips to freshen up the different places you stay. If you smoke, you can use these votive candles to freshen up your living space. You can use the same jar repeatedly for scented soy candles. When all the wax is gone, just refill the jar again to make a new soy candle. It's as simple as that.

Candlewicks can be used as a light source for many occasions. If your power goes out, or if you just want to have a romantic evening with your partner, then try lighting a soy candle for the occasion. If you want more light in a room, try lighting more than one candle to give the room a warm glow. Soy candles have a wonderful scent and give off a warm light for romantic evenings. 

Soy candles come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. One of the most popular types of candle is a jar candle. Other popular candles are pillar candles and tea light candles. You can buy many types of candle holders for your candles. Soy candles are a very popular choice when buying candles for your home. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Usage Of Rubber Stamping And Their Usage</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/usage-of-rubber-stamping-and-their-usage.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Hobbies/Arts_and_Crafts/usage-of-rubber-stamping-and-their-usage.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The art of rubber-stamping is something that is not new to everyone.  Fact is, it has been around for centuries now and that thousands of people from different areas in the world have already tried the craft.   Many artists have in fact developed their own art works through rubber-stamping, and perhaps one of the best proofs for the continued support and appreciation for the stamping art is the continued production of the rubber-stamping cards.

The rubber stamping cards are available in varying forms.  They constructed following certain designs that are to some degree unique from each other.   With that, expect the cards then to appear different.  Yes, they vary in terms of style, as well as in sizes, shapes, colors, and of course, prices.

Speaking of size, the rubber stamping cards come in three available sizes: small, medium and large.  These sizes are the most standard in the market today; there are also others rubber-stamping that go beyond the standards set.  With this, rubber-stamping cards may also come in giant and smaller sizes.  They designed and created to fit specific conditions and usage.  For instance, the smallest sizes of stamping cards, the ones that measure 2 x 2, are make specifically to serve as tags.  On the other hand, the biggest sizes of these cards are often making for a much surprising effect.

Not only in sizes that the rubber-stamping cards differ.  They come in different shapes, as you may realize.  The most common shapes of these cards are square, rectangle, triangle, and round.  Some of them may occur in the form of star, crescent, octagon, and a lot more.

In terms of color, the rubber stamping cards vary in color according to the designs employed.  These colors is possible by the use of different coloring mediums, such as watercolors, colored pencils, colored pencils, markers, and metallic pens.  Some also vary in shades based on the techniques involved, as the ones designed with the heat embossing powder.  These options appear to be somewhat raised, and for many artists, this effect is one of the most exciting developments ever introduced in the art of stamping.

With all such differences, it is no surprise to know that the rubber-stamping cards now made available for purchase at varying prices.  The prices vary depending on the quality of the material and the designs employed.  Most of the simple designs come affordable, while those intricate features carry a high tag price.  So if you are looking for the right stamping cards, note not just your own preferences, but also your budget. ]]></description>
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