By George O'neill
Quilting has many facets; it is artistic, enjoyable, creative and can be a profitable business or pastime. Entering into the world of quilting will introduce you to new techniques and methods that have been passed down through generations of families and communities of quilters worldwide. This historical aspect adds to the attraction which is interlaced with personal, local and national concerns of the time. So quilting can reflect personal feelings, celebration, joy and sorrow. Like artists, quilters have reflected their feelings and interpretation of events in a multitude of colours, designs and materials which have been incorporated into their works of art.
To begin and learn about quilting it would be advisable to learn the basic concepts and terminology. This can be achieved through purchasing books or buying magazines. My advice would be to purchase a few magazines from different organisations, these magazines will usually have a leading article from an expert or knowledgeable practitioner from the field of quilting other sections will cover book reviews, events, displays or even a local exhibition.
There will also be courses on offer and sections on help and advice and tips about quilting from the quilting world. Within the magazine towards the end there is usually a trade section on wants and sales for materials, designs and sewing machines and equipment. I feel the initial approach would be to obtain magazines as this is the least expensive medium and has a wider approach to the world of quilting people, whereas books tend to be more expensive, specific and focussed on one particular area, by all means buy books if they can be constantly be used and referenced such as books on highlighting designs, stitches and techniques.
As with all good things in life, quilting will take time patience learning and developing new skills. You will be more able to cope and enjoy quilting if you take a steady approach, that is keep reading and learning and put into practice what you learn rather then the stop and go approach, which means you have to relearn, recap previous steps.
So build up your knowledge and expertise on a regular basis and remember to seek help from the quilting community by been involved in meetings visiting displays, exhibitions or quilting group or classes. I can assure you that you will be made very welcome by the quilting world as they will see you as means whereby the traditions and skills of generations past will live on through your learning and application and they will want to make your experience enjoyable and rememberable by passing on their knowledge.
George O'Neill is a successful entrepreneur both in the off-line and on-line arenas. To read more articles and download free PDF Reports on Quilting people and machines please visit: http://www.quiltingpeople.com/
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=George_O
Creating the Perfect Halloween Pumpkin Decorations - 7 Easy Tips
By Melania Karel
Are you making a pumpkin lantern or other pumpkin decorations this Halloween? If so, here are seven tips to make this year's Halloween pumpkin your best ever!
1. Plan your design carefully
It's important to decide what type of design you're going to use in advance. The design will determine the size, shape and colour of the pumpkin you select. Also consider if your pumpkin decoration will be a standalone centerpiece, or if you will have several pumpkins sitting together. If you just want the one, it will need to be large enough to make an impact and look good from all angles. If you're planning a display with several pumpkins, select pumpkins which will look good together, perhaps in a variety of shapes and sizes.
2. Make sure the pumpkin is in good condition
To ensure your Halloween pumpkin lasts as long as possible, buy one that is ripe and in excellent condition. Check for bruises, soft spots, mould, mildew etc, and remember that the flesh should be firm, and the stem should not look dried out. Pumpkins with smooth surfaces are easier to work with (although irregularities can add interesting aspects to your design too), and you might prefer to select one that is uniform in colour. After buying, be careful not to drop your pumpkin, and don't carry it around by the stem.
3. Choose a pumpkin that's the right size and shape
It's important to choose the right pumpkin for your planned design. Larger pumpkins are best for more complex designs, and smaller ones for simpler designs. A round pumpkin might work better with a scary face, whereas a tall pumpkin is preferable for an elongated design like a sitting cat or a ghost. If you're using a pre-made template, medium-sized pumpkins are usually best, unless otherwise specified.
4. Consider painting your pumpkin
Painted pumpkins are more unusual than the carved variety, but they last longer, and can be extremely eye-catching and attractive. Don't worry if you think you can't paint - it's really very easy! You can also enhance your carved pumpkin with a bit of paint. Check out my site (url below) for more information about easy pumpkin painting.
5. Use the right tools
Selecting the right tools for the job can make carving your pumpkin a lot easier. If you're really serious about pumpkin carving, you can buy special saws and other specialist tools designed just for carving pumpkins. These can make the carving process quicker, and are especially good if you're doing the more complex designs. But you can also get excellent results with the everyday tools you probably already have around the house, such as thin, long-bladed knives for cutting the flesh, spoons for scooping it out and a pen or pencil for drawing the design onto the pumpkin's surface. Knives should be sharp, and sharper knives are actually safer to use, as less force is needed.
6. Add a few extras
After carving or painting your pumpkin, you can dress it up further by adding extras like glitter, sequins, beads, wigs, hats, false noses etc. Just be careful about using flammable materials if you're adding a candle to your pumpkin to make a lantern.
7. Prolong the life of your pumpkin
Carved pumpkins usually tend to deteriorate within a few days, but you can help to prolong the life of your pumpkin by smearing the exposed surfaces with petroleum jelly. You can also buy special sprays designed for this purpose. Covering your carved pumpkin with cling film and keeping it in the fridge when not on display can also help. Bear in mind that painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones, so you might want to consider adding a painted pumpkin or two to your Halloween decorations for extra longevity and variety.
Bear these points in mind, and you're sure to create a beautiful, long-lasting pumpkin decoration this Halloween!
Melania Karel is entranced by all things supernatural and Halloween-related, and is webmaster of Halloween-o-Pedia, a treasure trove of spooky information and resources, including information about pumpkin painting and other forms of decoration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melania_Karel
Are you making a pumpkin lantern or other pumpkin decorations this Halloween? If so, here are seven tips to make this year's Halloween pumpkin your best ever!
1. Plan your design carefully
It's important to decide what type of design you're going to use in advance. The design will determine the size, shape and colour of the pumpkin you select. Also consider if your pumpkin decoration will be a standalone centerpiece, or if you will have several pumpkins sitting together. If you just want the one, it will need to be large enough to make an impact and look good from all angles. If you're planning a display with several pumpkins, select pumpkins which will look good together, perhaps in a variety of shapes and sizes.
2. Make sure the pumpkin is in good condition
To ensure your Halloween pumpkin lasts as long as possible, buy one that is ripe and in excellent condition. Check for bruises, soft spots, mould, mildew etc, and remember that the flesh should be firm, and the stem should not look dried out. Pumpkins with smooth surfaces are easier to work with (although irregularities can add interesting aspects to your design too), and you might prefer to select one that is uniform in colour. After buying, be careful not to drop your pumpkin, and don't carry it around by the stem.
3. Choose a pumpkin that's the right size and shape
It's important to choose the right pumpkin for your planned design. Larger pumpkins are best for more complex designs, and smaller ones for simpler designs. A round pumpkin might work better with a scary face, whereas a tall pumpkin is preferable for an elongated design like a sitting cat or a ghost. If you're using a pre-made template, medium-sized pumpkins are usually best, unless otherwise specified.
4. Consider painting your pumpkin
Painted pumpkins are more unusual than the carved variety, but they last longer, and can be extremely eye-catching and attractive. Don't worry if you think you can't paint - it's really very easy! You can also enhance your carved pumpkin with a bit of paint. Check out my site (url below) for more information about easy pumpkin painting.
5. Use the right tools
Selecting the right tools for the job can make carving your pumpkin a lot easier. If you're really serious about pumpkin carving, you can buy special saws and other specialist tools designed just for carving pumpkins. These can make the carving process quicker, and are especially good if you're doing the more complex designs. But you can also get excellent results with the everyday tools you probably already have around the house, such as thin, long-bladed knives for cutting the flesh, spoons for scooping it out and a pen or pencil for drawing the design onto the pumpkin's surface. Knives should be sharp, and sharper knives are actually safer to use, as less force is needed.
6. Add a few extras
After carving or painting your pumpkin, you can dress it up further by adding extras like glitter, sequins, beads, wigs, hats, false noses etc. Just be careful about using flammable materials if you're adding a candle to your pumpkin to make a lantern.
7. Prolong the life of your pumpkin
Carved pumpkins usually tend to deteriorate within a few days, but you can help to prolong the life of your pumpkin by smearing the exposed surfaces with petroleum jelly. You can also buy special sprays designed for this purpose. Covering your carved pumpkin with cling film and keeping it in the fridge when not on display can also help. Bear in mind that painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones, so you might want to consider adding a painted pumpkin or two to your Halloween decorations for extra longevity and variety.
Bear these points in mind, and you're sure to create a beautiful, long-lasting pumpkin decoration this Halloween!
Melania Karel is entranced by all things supernatural and Halloween-related, and is webmaster of Halloween-o-Pedia, a treasure trove of spooky information and resources, including information about pumpkin painting and other forms of decoration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melania_Karel
Halloween Secrets And Pumpkin Painting
By Matt Ide
Do you love Halloween? I know many people do and what would Halloween be without pumpkins? It wouldn't be the same. This article explains a little about creating quality memories with the family and painting pumpkins. These Halloween secrets are not the most amazing but it's just the little common sense Halloween pumpkin painting secrets that you just might need.
First, part of the whole enjoyment of carving and painting pumpkins is that you take the whole family out for a good time. This would be a great way to make a new family tradition. Take the entire family out to the pumpkins and let everyone pick out their own. This will add to the enjoyment and help in creating bonds between family members. Like I said, these aren't the most amazing Halloween secrets out there but some people really don't think of these things.
Now while out looking for the pumpkins that you want to carve or paint you will want to try to seek out the pumpkins that have at least one side that is a little more flat than round. These pumpkins are out there, and usually it doesn't take too much to find them. This is the first tip to Halloween pumpkin painting secrets and Halloween secrets.
Okay, so now you're home with your pumpkins and the kids are in their play clothes, it's time to start painting those pumpkins.
The secret to great pumpkin painting is getting the right type of paints. Most craft stores will have a simple paint that will get the job done. Acrylic paint might work well here. Be sure not to try to use watercolor or oil paints when painting your pumpkins as they will not so through and they can get expensive here. Another Halloween secret is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun with the family and paint pumpkins.
Get crazy with the way you paint your pumpkins. There are many ways and designs available for that Halloween secret pumpkin painting that you want to do.
Don't forget that you can dress up your pumpkins as well. Halloween secret rule of thumb- don't be caught up with what's been done before. Get creative and think outside of the box, that's usually when the best ideas come up.
You might want to look online for a few ideas of what to paint your pumpkins and how to dress them up. It would be a great place to start to jumpstart the thought process and the kids might see something they really like! There are many sites with Halloween secrets and pumpkin painting schemes on the internet.
You can receive a free Halloween face painting guide, a Halloween Fun E-book, Free Halloween games and recipes, free holiday cookbook, and a kids friendly recipes cookbook to have even more fun with the family. Go to http://www.amazingsalestechniques.blogspot.com and look for Halloween secrets!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ide
Do you love Halloween? I know many people do and what would Halloween be without pumpkins? It wouldn't be the same. This article explains a little about creating quality memories with the family and painting pumpkins. These Halloween secrets are not the most amazing but it's just the little common sense Halloween pumpkin painting secrets that you just might need.
First, part of the whole enjoyment of carving and painting pumpkins is that you take the whole family out for a good time. This would be a great way to make a new family tradition. Take the entire family out to the pumpkins and let everyone pick out their own. This will add to the enjoyment and help in creating bonds between family members. Like I said, these aren't the most amazing Halloween secrets out there but some people really don't think of these things.
Now while out looking for the pumpkins that you want to carve or paint you will want to try to seek out the pumpkins that have at least one side that is a little more flat than round. These pumpkins are out there, and usually it doesn't take too much to find them. This is the first tip to Halloween pumpkin painting secrets and Halloween secrets.
Okay, so now you're home with your pumpkins and the kids are in their play clothes, it's time to start painting those pumpkins.
The secret to great pumpkin painting is getting the right type of paints. Most craft stores will have a simple paint that will get the job done. Acrylic paint might work well here. Be sure not to try to use watercolor or oil paints when painting your pumpkins as they will not so through and they can get expensive here. Another Halloween secret is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun with the family and paint pumpkins.
Get crazy with the way you paint your pumpkins. There are many ways and designs available for that Halloween secret pumpkin painting that you want to do.
Don't forget that you can dress up your pumpkins as well. Halloween secret rule of thumb- don't be caught up with what's been done before. Get creative and think outside of the box, that's usually when the best ideas come up.
You might want to look online for a few ideas of what to paint your pumpkins and how to dress them up. It would be a great place to start to jumpstart the thought process and the kids might see something they really like! There are many sites with Halloween secrets and pumpkin painting schemes on the internet.
You can receive a free Halloween face painting guide, a Halloween Fun E-book, Free Halloween games and recipes, free holiday cookbook, and a kids friendly recipes cookbook to have even more fun with the family. Go to http://www.amazingsalestechniques.blogspot.com and look for Halloween secrets!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ide
Pumpkin Decorating Ideas for Halloween
Technorati Profile
By Melania Karel
Halloween is nearly here once more, and if you're like many people, you'll be making a Halloween pumpkin lantern. Carved vegetable lanterns, or Jack O'Lanterns as they're often known, are part of an ancient tradition that originated with the Celts.
However the original lanterns made by the Celts in Europe were usually made from turnips, swedes or mangelwurzels. Halloween lanterns made from pumpkins only became popular relatively recently, after the Halloween holiday started to be widely celebrated in the US, where pumpkins are plentiful. They have since gained popularity elsewhere in the world too, thanks to the relative ease with which they can be carved, and the brilliant orange glow they produce when lit up.
Pumpkins are very versatile and can be carved and decorated carved in any number of ways and it's very easy to produce a lantern that will make a beautiful addition to your Halloween decorations.
There are two basic approaches you can take to decorating your pumpkin. The first is to carve a face or other design into the flesh, and the second is to paint the pumpkin's surface. You might then like to embellish it further. Of course, you can always combine these approaches, and produce a more ornate and unusual pumpkin!
Carving Your Pumpkin
Halloween pumpkins are usually carved, so they can be used as lanterns. Carving a pumpkin can be as simple as creating a couple of triangular eyes and a mouth, or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can make a more complex pumpkin lantern intricate features or other patterns, such as cats, spiders, ghosts, etc, or even non-Halloween motifs. To carve your pumpkin, cut off the top (if you're going to illuminate it with a candle) or the bottom (to provide access for an electric light cord), scrape out the flesh, draw your design onto the surface of the pumpkin, and cut around the outlines with a sharp knife or other carving tool. You might find it useful to pare the interior surface of the pumpkin back in the areas you will be cutting. Your pumpkin is then ready to be lit up.
You can either design your own pumpkin carving pattern, or you can use one of the many that are available (very often for for free) online. Pumpkincarving.com is one site that I recommend if you're looking for more ideas and inspiration.
Painting Your Pumpkin
Painted Halloween pumpkins are not as common as the carved variety, but they are becoming very popular. Painting your pumpkin gives you more flexibility than carving it, and you can create stunning painted Halloween designs that are guaranteed to get a reaction. Don't worry if you think you can't paint - you don't need to be an artist to create beautiful painted Halloween pumpkins! See my site (link in the resource box below) for details of an excellent guide to pumpkin painting, called Pumpkin Painting, Anyone Can Do It. Really! With this handy guide, you'll be producing brightly painted pumpkin masterpieces in no time! Painted pumpkins are also very popular with children, as - unlike with carved pumpkins - they can create their own pumpkin designs very safely and with minimal assistance.
Embellishing Your Pumpkin Further
If you really want to go to town, you can jazz up your carved or painted pumpkin even more. Try sticking on some glitter or sequins, or draping it with strings of sparkly beads. Just be sure not to use flammable materials.
Employ any or all of these pumpkin decorating ideas, and you'll soon have a beautifully scary Halloween pumpkin that will make a fantastic centrepiece for your home!
Melania Karel is entranced by all things supernatural and Halloween-related, and is webmaster of Halloween-o-Pedia, a treasure trove of spooky information and resources, including information about pumpkin painting and other forms of decoration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melania_Karel
By Melania Karel
Halloween is nearly here once more, and if you're like many people, you'll be making a Halloween pumpkin lantern. Carved vegetable lanterns, or Jack O'Lanterns as they're often known, are part of an ancient tradition that originated with the Celts.
However the original lanterns made by the Celts in Europe were usually made from turnips, swedes or mangelwurzels. Halloween lanterns made from pumpkins only became popular relatively recently, after the Halloween holiday started to be widely celebrated in the US, where pumpkins are plentiful. They have since gained popularity elsewhere in the world too, thanks to the relative ease with which they can be carved, and the brilliant orange glow they produce when lit up.
Pumpkins are very versatile and can be carved and decorated carved in any number of ways and it's very easy to produce a lantern that will make a beautiful addition to your Halloween decorations.
There are two basic approaches you can take to decorating your pumpkin. The first is to carve a face or other design into the flesh, and the second is to paint the pumpkin's surface. You might then like to embellish it further. Of course, you can always combine these approaches, and produce a more ornate and unusual pumpkin!
Carving Your Pumpkin
Halloween pumpkins are usually carved, so they can be used as lanterns. Carving a pumpkin can be as simple as creating a couple of triangular eyes and a mouth, or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can make a more complex pumpkin lantern intricate features or other patterns, such as cats, spiders, ghosts, etc, or even non-Halloween motifs. To carve your pumpkin, cut off the top (if you're going to illuminate it with a candle) or the bottom (to provide access for an electric light cord), scrape out the flesh, draw your design onto the surface of the pumpkin, and cut around the outlines with a sharp knife or other carving tool. You might find it useful to pare the interior surface of the pumpkin back in the areas you will be cutting. Your pumpkin is then ready to be lit up.
You can either design your own pumpkin carving pattern, or you can use one of the many that are available (very often for for free) online. Pumpkincarving.com is one site that I recommend if you're looking for more ideas and inspiration.
Painting Your Pumpkin
Painted Halloween pumpkins are not as common as the carved variety, but they are becoming very popular. Painting your pumpkin gives you more flexibility than carving it, and you can create stunning painted Halloween designs that are guaranteed to get a reaction. Don't worry if you think you can't paint - you don't need to be an artist to create beautiful painted Halloween pumpkins! See my site (link in the resource box below) for details of an excellent guide to pumpkin painting, called Pumpkin Painting, Anyone Can Do It. Really! With this handy guide, you'll be producing brightly painted pumpkin masterpieces in no time! Painted pumpkins are also very popular with children, as - unlike with carved pumpkins - they can create their own pumpkin designs very safely and with minimal assistance.
Embellishing Your Pumpkin Further
If you really want to go to town, you can jazz up your carved or painted pumpkin even more. Try sticking on some glitter or sequins, or draping it with strings of sparkly beads. Just be sure not to use flammable materials.
Employ any or all of these pumpkin decorating ideas, and you'll soon have a beautifully scary Halloween pumpkin that will make a fantastic centrepiece for your home!
Melania Karel is entranced by all things supernatural and Halloween-related, and is webmaster of Halloween-o-Pedia, a treasure trove of spooky information and resources, including information about pumpkin painting and other forms of decoration.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melania_Karel
Dorothy the Dinosaur Party Craft Idea
Technorati Profile
By Gail Leino
When you have a mixed group of children, it's sometimes difficult to come up with something that will suit both boys and girls. Dinosaurs seem to be one of the animals that fascinate boys and girls alike, at least in small size. That's makes Dorothy a perfect selection for a craft for a party that includes boys and girls, and each can have fun with the idea. If you are crafty, you may find a way to alter the original template so that the boys can make a boy dinosaur.
The materials required to make Dorothy the Dinosaur include an empty toilet paper roll, glue, scissors, crayons or markers, and a piece of paper, preferably construction paper. After you print the template, the children will color the pieces where needed and cut them out.
Before they do anything else, they need to glue to large rectangular piece around the tube. The head and arms are the next pieces to be attached, and next glue the legs onto the bottom of the toilet paper roll. The children can choose how to attach the legs, but in the sample, the creator attached the legs so that Dorothy looked like she was sitting down with her feet in front of her. The final step is to bend the tab of the tail and glue it to the back in order to create a 3D effect.
If you create a variation for the boys, the same basic steps will apply. About all that you need to change is Dorothy's hat and collar, which you can easily vary.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Dinosaur party supplies and fun party games She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Dinosaur Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
By Gail Leino
When you have a mixed group of children, it's sometimes difficult to come up with something that will suit both boys and girls. Dinosaurs seem to be one of the animals that fascinate boys and girls alike, at least in small size. That's makes Dorothy a perfect selection for a craft for a party that includes boys and girls, and each can have fun with the idea. If you are crafty, you may find a way to alter the original template so that the boys can make a boy dinosaur.
The materials required to make Dorothy the Dinosaur include an empty toilet paper roll, glue, scissors, crayons or markers, and a piece of paper, preferably construction paper. After you print the template, the children will color the pieces where needed and cut them out.
Before they do anything else, they need to glue to large rectangular piece around the tube. The head and arms are the next pieces to be attached, and next glue the legs onto the bottom of the toilet paper roll. The children can choose how to attach the legs, but in the sample, the creator attached the legs so that Dorothy looked like she was sitting down with her feet in front of her. The final step is to bend the tab of the tail and glue it to the back in order to create a 3D effect.
If you create a variation for the boys, the same basic steps will apply. About all that you need to change is Dorothy's hat and collar, which you can easily vary.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Dinosaur party supplies and fun party games She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Dinosaur Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
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