Gifts & Crafts – halifaxwritersfest.com

When you come to assemble your new reborn doll, you will also need to add some weight to the limbs and body. Part of weighing the reborn doll is knowing the approximate age you are planning for your doll. This will affect how heavy the doll will be.

Typically, a baby will gain about 1-2 lbs. (1/2 to 1 kg) a month for the first six months, and an average of 1 lb. (1/2 kilogram) a month from six months up to one year.
If it is quite a young baby then fibre fill alone will probably be sufficient enough.

For each limb, Maneuver a cable tie into the tie fastening on the other end, pulling it through but leaving enough space so the limb can be attached. Add a small amount of Polyfil into the opening on the body, and add the limb. Make sure it is facing in the right direction, and pull the tie tight. The limb should not be able to turn, and should be completely secure.

You will need to add some weight to the body. Baby fat pellets can have reactions against vinyl so you JUST put them in cloth bags first. If you use poly pellets instead, I would still recommend containing them in bags so nothing can leak out. Fill a bag with the pellets and put it in at the bottom of the body. Next, fill the rest with Polyfil – you don’t want to pack it too tightly but enough to give it some shape.

In the same way as the body, add a bag of pellets inside the head. The amount of weight is up to you, although a cup full is usually adequate. Fill the rest of the head with Polyfil.

Attach the head in the same way as the other limbs – thread the cable tie through the neck piece and place the head in its spot before tightening the cable tie. Be sure to leave a little room so the head can twist a bit.

You can detach a limb by cutting the cable tie if you need too, and then add it in the same way. Once you have completed all of the limbs, cut off the end of the cable tie that has been pulled through so it doesn’t flap about anymore.

Do not use sand in your doll – this can leak quite easily and you will end up with a weightless doll. Also, if you plan on selling it, or sending to a relative abroad, you may find that customs and excise confiscate it. Read the rest of this entry »

The Chalet cuckoo clock has quickly become one of the most welcoming clocks in the western world. From the famous region of Black Forest Germany, the clock became well-known from the middle of the 17th century to subsequent decades. It uses a bellow to make a cuckoo sound and it has been a usual feature in many households over the years.

Metal instead of wooden gears

Primarily, the clock had its origins in south western Germany in a place called Baden-Wurttemberg during 1750 to 1750. We are still not clear about the pioneer of the Chalet cuckoo clock. A German local clock maker or a Bohemia merchant count have been the maker of the clock. Scholars and historians do not know the origins of the clock and they are still in two different sets of thinkings.

In the earlier version, wooden gears were used that have been replaced by metal in modern times. Changes in styling over the decades have lent the clock a new look although the internal mechanics remain the same. The casing is like a quaint little cottage or a house with very artistic and rich ornamentations. There is also a little door in the cuckoo clock from which the cuckoo emerges to announce the time in a cuckoo tone.

But the Chalet cuckoo clock has its origins in Switzerland which is across the border from Germany and the make is similar to the one started in the Black Forest region. Instead of only a cuckoo bird, the Swiss version, known as the Chalet cuckoo clock, has animated figures to announce the time. Instead of only a bird, animated figures also announce the time with the help of a Swiss music box.

More animations in a chalet design

But the traditional cuckoo clock is also designed like a chalet and it has also gained in popularity as the Chalet cuckoo clock. Decorations of trees, leaves and animals inside the wooden case make the clock more authentic. The wooden case is also carved with popular figures to make it more attractive. As soon as the clock strikes, the trap door opens and the cuckoo comes out. Birds also move every day or weekly.
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I’m sure this has happened to you before. You’ve started a new woodworking project, and you soon discover that the plans are incomplete and you don’t have all the necessary supplies. This is extremely annoying. When you’re trying to create a special memory chest for a loved one, this is especially appropriate. The project can be taken from extremely difficult to rather simple if you have the right wood Chest Plans.

There are two lists that every plan should contain, and this is the first thing you should look at when you come across your chest plans. There should be a material list and a required tools list. Both these lists should be thorough and include any hardware you need and which tools you need. Behind every successful project is a person with the proper tools. By substituting tools, your project can become difficult or even almost impossible.

To avoid exasperation, you should have a wide range of chest plans to considering, instead of one plan that you bought at your local hardware store. Scan the list of requirements and find one that you can build with tools you already have. There’s a popular site that contains 82 different sets of chest plans so that each member can choose plans that are appropriate for their skill level and existing tools. The site divides their plans into three categories: beginners, intermediate woodworkers, and skilled craftsmen. All you have to do is choose which level of expertise you fall into, and you find yourself with a list of chest plans that you can easily accomplish.

You can attempt to learn new skills and move outside of your comfort zone with a good set of chest plans. A bad set will leave you with plenty of guesswork, which will only lead to difficulties to complete your project, especially if you’re moving beyond what is comfortable and trying something new.

You can find free plans online, but they often lack a clear explanation of their level of difficulty. You may see something that looks easy at first glance, but upon attempting building, you’ll realize that it’s a difficult project. It’s very frustrating and disappointing when you’re working on a new project and discover you keep adding things to your scrap pile. You need to completely understand the plans and be sure that you are confident in tackling the particular skill level.

Often times, you build a wood chest for someone else besides yourself. It might not be a close family member, but you still want your chest to look good and function properly. You’ll make many mistakes with incomplete plans unless you’re a highly skilled craftsman. That’s why it’s important to have a great set of plans. The job will be easy to follow and greatly reduce chance for error.
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Making handmade soaps is one of the fastest growing hobby’s at the moment you don’t need expensive equipment or a chemist degree to make your own beautiful unique handmade soaps which are great for your own use and makes a wonderful gift for family and friends, or start your own small home based business, and the best thing is that it is a lot of fun.

Once you start making your handmade soap you won’t go back to store bought soap which is full of harsh chemicals, your soap will be gentle and moisturising and will leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean, and it is more healthy for your skin.

Not only will you be able to make your own unique soaps that everyone will love, you will be able to make a range of your own unique spa products to compliment your soap, with the stressful pace of life these days people are looking for ways to relax and unwind with your range of unique handmade spa products people will be able to create a relaxing atmosphere where ever they are and when ever they feel stressed and need to unwind or just feal like pampering themselves.

You can learn how to make a range of spa products that you can change the recipe to suite your own taste and make your own unique spa products, change essential oils, add fragrant herbs or other ingredients to make your own unique exclusive spa products line or use the recipes as they are, it is entirely up to you.

You will find recipes to make, handcrafted soaps- from classic to your own creations that family and friends will adore Bath teas-additives and soaks-great to relax in a hot bath and soak away your worries. Bubble baths and bath bombs- sit back and immerge yourself in bubbles. Butters, balms, lotions and creams- keep your skin soft and moisturised with luxury creams and lotions, scrubs, polishes, salts and masques- refresh your skin and make it glow. Home fragrance products- potpourri and sachets, aromatherapy blends, and more.

That’s right you will be making your own range of aromatherapy blends, soaps, bath teas, bubble baths, butters, lotions and creams, professional quality treatments, and change the ingredients to suit your mood and taste with unlimited possibilities for years to come. The unique products that you will be making will be all natural so they are excellent for your skin plus they are good for the environment.

You will have a lot of fun with this creative hobby, your family and friends will want to buy your unique handcrafted spa products and you will find that everyone will want them. Now you have to think about marketing your unique range. We can show you how to label products, create your brand image, make packaging work for you calculate your cost, and promotional ideas so you can watch your income grow. You will also receive a list of industry suppliers to source raw materials, packaging, labels, everything you need to get your new unique handcrafted spa product business up and running. Read the rest of this entry »

Making handmade soaps is one of the fastest growing hobby’s at the moment you don’t need expensive equipment or a chemist degree to make your own beautiful unique handmade soaps which are great for your own use and makes a wonderful gift for family and friends, or start your own small home based business, and the best thing is that it is a lot of fun.

Once you start making your handmade soap you won’t go back to store bought soap which is full of harsh chemicals, your soap will be gentle and moisturising and will leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean, and it is more healthy for your skin.

Not only will you be able to make your own unique soaps that everyone will love, you will be able to make a range of your own unique spa products to compliment your soap, with the stressful pace of life these days people are looking for ways to relax and unwind with your range of unique handmade spa products people will be able to create a relaxing atmosphere where ever they are and when ever they feel stressed and need to unwind or just feal like pampering themselves.

You can learn how to make a range of spa products that you can change the recipe to suite your own taste and make your own unique spa products, change essential oils, add fragrant herbs or other ingredients to make your own unique exclusive spa products line or use the recipes as they are, it is entirely up to you.

You will find recipes to make, handcrafted soaps- from classic to your own creations that family and friends will adore Bath teas-additives and soaks-great to relax in a hot bath and soak away your worries. Bubble baths and bath bombs- sit back and immerge yourself in bubbles. Butters, balms, lotions and creams- keep your skin soft and moisturised with luxury creams and lotions, scrubs, polishes, salts and masques- refresh your skin and make it glow. Home fragrance products- potpourri and sachets, aromatherapy blends, and more.

That’s right you will be making your own range of aromatherapy blends, soaps, bath teas, bubble baths, butters, lotions and creams, professional quality treatments, and change the ingredients to suit your mood and taste with unlimited possibilities for years to come. The unique products that you will be making will be all natural so they are excellent for your skin plus they are good for the environment.

You will have a lot of fun with this creative hobby, your family and friends will want to buy your unique handcrafted spa products and you will find that everyone will want them. Now you have to think about marketing your unique range. We can show you how to label products, create your brand image, make packaging work for you calculate your cost, and promotional ideas so you can watch your income grow. You will also receive a list of industry suppliers to source raw materials, packaging, labels, everything you need to get your new unique handcrafted spa product business up and running.
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Some people see many personal care professionals throughout their lives. For instance, many people have a personal hair stylist, manicurist, pedicurist, make-up consultant, and more. Some people, also, have a personal goat milk soap maker. Finding this person can be very important and beneficial. How? Experienced and knowledgeable soap makers can provide helpful information regarding skin care issues for people and pets! There are lots of soap makers in the world, but how can you find someone who really cares about the needs of your and your pet(s)? There are many ways.

Word of mouth is, usually, the best way you will learn of a good soap maker. Maybe you do not know a soap maker, personally, but maybe someone you know does happen to know of someone who can help you. Ask questions, listen and learn.

Attend soap making workshops. There are many soap workshops, available, that provide a multitude of beneficial information. These workshops are, usually, inexpensive and you will learn many new products while meeting others with the same desires and interests as you. Get involved. You may even discover you want to make your own soap! Ask family or friends to join you. Have fun!

Take classes. Some soap makers provide classes that teach and provide you one-on-one instructions for making your own soap. Classes are very beneficial, especially for beginners, who need one-on-one personal attention. It is not always easy to make soap, so finding someone that shows patience and kindness will provide a happy environment for you and all. Ask for a class schedule and find out exactly what you will learn for the money you are paying.

Attend community events. Lots of communities have festivals throughout the year offering many product displays. You may find soap makers at these events displaying their products for purchase. Many times, you will discover that experienced soap makers offer much more than soap! They may offer a multitude of handcrafted bath and body products such as natural: shampoo, lotion, face cream, foot scrubs, lip balms, shower gel, bath soaks, and more! These natural bath and body products contain mild, gentle and skin nourishing ingredients. They provide healthful skin care benefits. Some handcrafted bath and body products are available for pets too! These bath and body products can include natural dog and cat soaps that gently cleanse and a natural dog powder that kills and repels fleas. The skin care benefits offered in natural goat milk bath and body products for people and pets are endless!

Talk to customers. Ask for customer references. Talking to others may help you decide if a certain soap maker is right for you. You will learn how the soap maker treats and cares for their customers. Ask questions, listen and learn.

Read customer testimonials. Many times customers want to share their experience(s) with others regarding certain products. You may discover that you are not alone regarding a certain personal care issue and learn how others were helped and benefited.

Search on-line for leads to soap makers in your area or abroad. Just about everything can be searched for on-line. There are many websites to explore.
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These days, there are as many candle companies as there are candle scents to choose from. Some companies have wonderful products, while others are less than desirable in both product and service. With decent candles available at local department stores and online, why would you want to make your own candles? Candle making is a fun and affordable hobby. Candle lovers spend hundreds of dollars annually on ready made candles, so why not learn how to make them yourself and perhaps not only save some money, but learn a new skill and develop a pleasurable past-time?

We are all familiar with the basic paraffin wax candle. There are, however, many different types of candle waxes that can be used to make candles. Beeswax, soy, and other vegetable blend waxes are available on the market that make candle creation easier and healthier for everyone. Natural waxes such as soy are safer not only in the fact that the wax does burn when touched, but also because when burned it does not emit toxic fumes into the air. There are also many decorative and useful containers that you can use to create candles in. Mason jars are a very popular candle container. You can also learn how to make decorative candles that look and smell like food and desserts. Your choices are really limited only to your imagination and ability level.

Some basic information about candle making is to have a safe area in which to make candles. Especially important when you’re first learning, a safe and ventilated area will ensure you learn the process correctly from the beginning and will not cause harm to yourself or your home. If you have a wax spill, just make sure to clean it up fast so you aren’t risking getting hurt from falls or having a big mess afterward. Read the rest of this entry »

I just love gift baskets, don’t you? They are so much fun! They make a very nice presentation and can cost so little. Put them together for any occasion–new baby, new bride, new home, Christmas, birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any special day.

A special package of happiness specially put together for your special person.

First–select a basket or some other container to gather your goodies in! I find many of my baskets and containers at yard sales or thrift shops for under $1.00. If they are a little worn or scratched, they can be spray-painted any color you choose. Think creative when looking for containers!

Next, fill the basket, box, tin, colander, flower pot or hat with shredded paper, a square of fabric hemmed or trimmed with pinking shears, cloth napkins, a towel, colored cellophane “grass” or crumpled tissue paper.

Basket Ideas

For the crafter…use a plastic storage container for a “basket” and fill with a glue gun and glue sticks, craft glue, acrylic paints and assorted brushes, paint, small nails, small hammer, wooden items to paint and other craft supplies such as beads, pom-poms, wood sticks, buttons, stickers, dried flowers, craft patterns or how-to books.

Fill a small “desk basket” with…note cards, note paper, a variety of envelopes, note paper with matching envelopes, letter opener, a special pen, a personalized seal and some sealing wax or personalized return address labels.

Do you have a new neighbor? What about a family who has just moved into a new home? Instead of Mom having to search through boxes for everything she needs to cook a meal, why not fix up a special bag? All you need is a paper grocery sack with a 2-liter drink, paper plates, paper cups, napkins, plastic forks, pizza coupons, home-baked cookies and maybe even $20 for pizza. Maybe some of the other neighbors will help with this.

Bath Time Basket…filled with a neck pillow, a gel eye-pack, scented bath salts or bubble bath, aroma therapy oils, scented candles or relaxing music CD, special soaps, lotion or powder.

Children’s Coloring basket…fill a plastic storage box with crayons, non-toxic markers, stamping markers, assorted paper with a variety of colors and textures, coloring books, assorted stickers, a paint box and brushes, one of dad’s old dress shirts or an apron. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you ever had a wonderful day, returned home, and realized you had no photos of this very special day? Or has something spontaneous occurred and you wished you had photos to add to your scrapbook?

Why not create a layout with journaling, stickers and embellishments? Here is a great personal example I can share. My dog went into my daughter’s bedroom. Her bedroom is on the second floor. The window was open. The dog was able to push the screen out of the window and jump. Thankfully he was ok, but boy were we worried when we couldn’t find the dog and we saw the screen caved in. We never thought about taking photos of the bent screen. We never thought about taking photos showing the distance from the window to the ground. However, several months later, in telling the story to a friend, I thought how neat it would be to scrapbook this event.

This is a great example of a page that can be made with journaling, stickers and embellishments. We once found paper with paw prints on it. Using a sheet of that paper as my base, I can then add stickers, diecuts and journaling of the incident. We buy all types of stickers, some in cartoon format and some in real format. A cartoon format of a dog wearing a cape like superman would make a wonderful addition to this page.

Just yesterday, my parents paid us a visit and we spent the day in a small town about 40 miles away. We had a wonderful day, however we did not bring along a camera. To create a scrapbook page, I can create a title with the name of the town at the top and then stickers of women shopping, a shopping cart, a cash register etc along with journaling of our day together. A wonderful page can be created with out any photos.

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Air-drying flowers is a simple, fun hobby that can save you money by providing free material to make dried flower decorations for your home or to give as gifts.

It’s very simple to air-dry flowers. All you need is a place to hang them out of direct light, rubber bands and either paperclips or florist wire. I have used wooden pegged coffee cup hangers and pieces of lattice attached to the kitchen wall as places to air-dry flowers. You can also insert cup hooks into a wall and use those.

Once you have a place to hang them set up, you can begin to find flowers to dry. Hopefully you have a variety of flowers growing in your yard to experiment with. If not, you can find wildflowers growing alongside roads or in forests. If you are using these flowers, be sure to take care of the plants you take the flowers from. This ensures that there is plenty of plant growth for insects, birds and other wildlife to use.

Some flowers that have air-dried well for me are: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), pompon Dahlias (Dahlia hortensis), Poppy seed heads (Papaver somniferum), Roses (Rosa), Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Delphinium, Larkspur (Consolida ambigua), Lavender (Lavandula Augustifolia), African Marigold (Tagetes erecta), Strawflower(Helichrysum bracteatum), Globe Thistle (echinops ritro), Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), Statice (Limonium sinuatum), Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), and Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena)seed heads.

To find flowers that air-dry well, it’s good practice to experiment. If it doesn’t dry well, you gain the knowledge not to use it next time. Sometimes, an air-dried flower that doesn’t look good to one person may look pleasing to another.

With most flowers, the best stage to dry them is when they are just beginning to open. Depending on the flower, if you hang it too late, the petals will fall off. You will learn this as you experiment. Others, you will want to wait until the seed head is developed because this is the decorative part.

The best time to cut flowers for drying is late morning after the due has dried and on a dry day. I like to take a wicker basket with a handle and my scissors with me and take a walk around the yard snipping what looks appealing.

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