By Hanan Ben Lulu
Introduction
In this installment of How to Make Fimo Beads we will learn, in few simple stages, the process of creating Fimo beads. The arts and design however, are on you.
Fimo beads are handmade beads that originally came from South Africa. They are generally made of polymer clay, but they can be created from nearly any kind of malleable material that anyone can purchase at a hobby or craft store. Once a set of beads have been created, they can be used to make many different kinds of jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets.
Ingredients
To make Fimo beads, it is important to assemble all of your materials before you begin. You will need polymer clay (or any other type of malleable clay-like material that may be available to you. You will also need some sort of device to help you make shapes other than a sphere (you can make a sphere with just your hands). A knitting or crochet needle will also be needed in order to make the holes in the center of the beads. Finally, a high temperature oven will be required to allow the beads to harden. Varnish and paint will also be necessary in order to customize your creations. If you have a pasta machine at home which has been collecting dust, a perfect sacrifice is the making of your Fimo beads.
Knead and Balls
First take the clay from the package starting with approximately one ounce. Squeeze and gently warm the clay between your hands rolling it into a long thin snake. Repeat this process until the clay stretches out, without breaking, when pulled apart. Try to manipulate the clay long enough to remove obvious air trapped within the clay. Once the clay is easily malleable, you should divide it into small balls of equal or different sizes. You should make sure that the balls are of equal size in order to create more authentic Fimo beads, but they can be any size that you wish for your own jewelry making purposes. If you managed to get a pasta machine use it to roll your clay out into sheets in your chosen thickness. I usually lay down a sheet of wax paper on my work area for easy cleanup. A sharp cutting blade is required and should be kept separately with your other Fimo bead making supplies. Once your beads have been shaped, you can make a hole through the center of them with the needle you set aside earlier. Simply slide the needle through the center of the bead and then leave it in.
The baking
Now it is time for the baking process. After your beads have been sculpted, hang them in an oven and set the temperature to approximately 265 Fahrenheit. The beads should be hardened in about thirty minutes. Proper baking time is essential to allow the polymer to fuse completely. If you do not bake for the correct length of time your finished pieces will be weak. Once the beads have cooled you can remove the needle safely without jeopardizing the shape of the bead. As a final bit of customization, you can paint and varnish the beads to your specifications.
Some Safety
Never breathe in the fumes while baking and be sure to use an exhaust fan. Store your clay away from direct sunlight and heat in plastic bags or plastic containers. The clay will retain its workability indefinitely if you store properly.
In courtesy of:
* http://www.monsterguide.net/how-to-make-fimo-beads.shtml
* http://www.articleaddition.com/Article/How-to-Make-Fimo-Beads/43586
You may find more additional treats at: http://www.treatical.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hanan_Ben_Lulu
Amazing New Quilt Design for You to See
By Jimmy Wilson
Quilt-Kits-Quilting-Patterns.com has discovered a totally new and unique quilting pattern from down under. An Australian by the name of Chris Timmons has copyrighted a quilt pattern that is re-kindling an art form of quilting unlike any other in decades.
Seldom does something this spectacular become available to re-create and possess!
Quilting Patterns come in a variety of designs and patterns but there are those that really stand out and catch your eyes, the Twisted Bargello is one such quilt pattern you simply MUST SEE!
Twisted Bargello quilt pattern has an optical illusion or three-dimensional effect if you will, that causes you to take a second look once your eyes first catch a glimpse of it. There are numerous quilt kits and quilting patterns available and many of us have always had a tendency to favor the traditional quilting patterns like the Wedding Ring quilt pattern, Log Cabin quilt pattern, or the Lone Star, but occasionally, a new and pleasingly different quilting pattern emerges and can become a new standard from which we choose to mimic.
Chris Timmons is an Australian native that has shared this remarkable quilting pattern for all of us to make and enjoy. As time goes on, the ever-popular Nine-Patch-Criss-Cross Quilt, Lone Star or Pineapple piece of Cake quilting patterns may just share equal billing with the Twisted Bargello.
Quilt Kits allow anyone with a sewing knack to take quilting patterns and put their sewing abilities to work and create personal masterpiece quilts to share with friends and family for years to come. Passing on a quilt to future generations is a legacy that has blessed many families literally around the world.
Quilting Patterns and designs date back to the settlers that found our great nation and we commemorate them in their accomplishments by keeping their patterns alive today. Whenever you have a quilt that you’ve started and haven’t found time to finish, think of how many people, family or otherwise, that will treasure your quilting handiwork for years beyond your lifespan. I know some of the greatest gifts my grandmothers gave me, are the quilts, pillows, and other hand sewn articles that I won’t part with until it’s time to pass on to my grandchildren.
To learn more about the Twisted Bargello and the Lightning Strike quilt designs please stop by our site: http://quilt-kits-quilting-patterns.com/
To learn more about quilting, quilt kits and the Twisted Bargello and the Lightning Strike quilt designs please stop by our site: http://quilt-kits-quilting-patterns.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson
Quilt-Kits-Quilting-Patterns.com has discovered a totally new and unique quilting pattern from down under. An Australian by the name of Chris Timmons has copyrighted a quilt pattern that is re-kindling an art form of quilting unlike any other in decades.
Seldom does something this spectacular become available to re-create and possess!
Quilting Patterns come in a variety of designs and patterns but there are those that really stand out and catch your eyes, the Twisted Bargello is one such quilt pattern you simply MUST SEE!
Twisted Bargello quilt pattern has an optical illusion or three-dimensional effect if you will, that causes you to take a second look once your eyes first catch a glimpse of it. There are numerous quilt kits and quilting patterns available and many of us have always had a tendency to favor the traditional quilting patterns like the Wedding Ring quilt pattern, Log Cabin quilt pattern, or the Lone Star, but occasionally, a new and pleasingly different quilting pattern emerges and can become a new standard from which we choose to mimic.
Chris Timmons is an Australian native that has shared this remarkable quilting pattern for all of us to make and enjoy. As time goes on, the ever-popular Nine-Patch-Criss-Cross Quilt, Lone Star or Pineapple piece of Cake quilting patterns may just share equal billing with the Twisted Bargello.
Quilt Kits allow anyone with a sewing knack to take quilting patterns and put their sewing abilities to work and create personal masterpiece quilts to share with friends and family for years to come. Passing on a quilt to future generations is a legacy that has blessed many families literally around the world.
Quilting Patterns and designs date back to the settlers that found our great nation and we commemorate them in their accomplishments by keeping their patterns alive today. Whenever you have a quilt that you’ve started and haven’t found time to finish, think of how many people, family or otherwise, that will treasure your quilting handiwork for years beyond your lifespan. I know some of the greatest gifts my grandmothers gave me, are the quilts, pillows, and other hand sewn articles that I won’t part with until it’s time to pass on to my grandchildren.
To learn more about the Twisted Bargello and the Lightning Strike quilt designs please stop by our site: http://quilt-kits-quilting-patterns.com/
To learn more about quilting, quilt kits and the Twisted Bargello and the Lightning Strike quilt designs please stop by our site: http://quilt-kits-quilting-patterns.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson
Sea Shell Jewelry and Craft Ideas
By Alan Reisch
Anyone that has ever been to the beach has spent a little time checking out all the different sea shells and treasures that have washed ashore. Most of us have even picked up a few "pretty ones" with the thought of doing something creative with them later.
Of course, just like so many other things in our life, we put them away only to forget about our "treasures" until spring cleaning some year. Again we think of all the possibilities we could use the sea shells for, only to repeat the previous cycle. Fortunately, all it takes to break the cycle is a little excitement and motivation.
The potential of sea shells is limited only by your imagination. One common problem of working with shells is how fragile and brittle they can be. The easiest way to alleviate this problem is to attach the shells to a hard surface such as wood. Great examples of this method are frames, jewelry boxes, and mirrors. All it takes is glue that bonds well with wood and organic material, some unfinished wood products, your shells, and some creativity.
To finish your design off, a non-yellowing clear gloss will keep the shells shiny and provide some protection and durability. Most of the products you need for these projects can be purchased at your local craft store.
Another use for your beautiful sea shells is handmade jewelry. I know beading has become a very popular hobby and business venture; sea shells can be used in the same way. You may have to take a jewelry making class or spend some time practicing techniques and designs, but the end results can be amazing and very satisfying. Again, what type of jewelry you make and how you use the sea shells is nearly limitless. So it's time to find that old shoe box of sea shells and start making you own works of art.
Alan Reisch founded and operates HB Shells & Sea. He creates unique, handcrafted, jewelry and other beautiful sea shell products exclusively using sea shells found naturally along the beach. Visit his site at http://www.hbshellsandsea.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Reisch
Anyone that has ever been to the beach has spent a little time checking out all the different sea shells and treasures that have washed ashore. Most of us have even picked up a few "pretty ones" with the thought of doing something creative with them later.
Of course, just like so many other things in our life, we put them away only to forget about our "treasures" until spring cleaning some year. Again we think of all the possibilities we could use the sea shells for, only to repeat the previous cycle. Fortunately, all it takes to break the cycle is a little excitement and motivation.
The potential of sea shells is limited only by your imagination. One common problem of working with shells is how fragile and brittle they can be. The easiest way to alleviate this problem is to attach the shells to a hard surface such as wood. Great examples of this method are frames, jewelry boxes, and mirrors. All it takes is glue that bonds well with wood and organic material, some unfinished wood products, your shells, and some creativity.
To finish your design off, a non-yellowing clear gloss will keep the shells shiny and provide some protection and durability. Most of the products you need for these projects can be purchased at your local craft store.
Another use for your beautiful sea shells is handmade jewelry. I know beading has become a very popular hobby and business venture; sea shells can be used in the same way. You may have to take a jewelry making class or spend some time practicing techniques and designs, but the end results can be amazing and very satisfying. Again, what type of jewelry you make and how you use the sea shells is nearly limitless. So it's time to find that old shoe box of sea shells and start making you own works of art.
Alan Reisch founded and operates HB Shells & Sea. He creates unique, handcrafted, jewelry and other beautiful sea shell products exclusively using sea shells found naturally along the beach. Visit his site at http://www.hbshellsandsea.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Reisch
Silk Quilting Fabric
By Penny Halgren
Silk quilts are relatively unusual although not totally unheard of. Silk tie quilts have been popular for many years, and silk quilts made from kimonos are also relatively popular.
Working with silk sounds very elegant – the fabric drapes really well, and it feels wonderful – yet it presents its challenges.
Silk fibers are very strong. There are some real benefits to its strength – the quilts are durable and the threads will not break easily.
Because of the strength of the fibers, silk fabric does not finger press well. To ensure flat seams, you need to press frequently while you are piecing, or pin the seam allowances in place prior to sewing.
Silk fabric may retain pinholes. Using regular size pins and needles to sew silk may result in pinholes you can’t get rid of. There are special silk pins to use for pinning. And for machine stitching, use a thinner sewing machine needle.
Silk fabric is slippery and doesn’t retain its shape. One of the things that makes silk so nice is that you can drape it, gather it, fluff it, and many other things. The problem is that when you try to sew it, the fabric slides around. Without tons of pins, the resulting piecing can be completely misshapen.
One solution is to iron a lightweight interfacing on each individual piece. One option is to iron the interfacing onto the entire piece of fabric and then cut the individual pieces from that. The interfacing adds some bulk to the seams and makes it a little more difficult to press the seam allowances to one side.
Another option is to cut the interfacing into individual shapes, without the seam allowances. Then iron the interfacing pieces onto the wrong side of the silk fabric, remembering to leave at least ½ “ between the pieces of interfacing to allow for the ¼” seam allowances. This takes extra time, and may be worth it. Your project will be less frustrating to sew and will probably be the shape you want it to be.
Silk fabric is higher priced and not as easy to find as other fabrics. Because of the cost, many fabric stores do not carry silk at all, or may have a limited selection of solid colors. Using kimonos or ties, available at some second-hand clothing stores, is an option.
Using these types of clothing for fabric presents its challenges. In addition to working around the seams and finding expanses of fabric that are large enough for your pieces, it helps to pay attention to the straight grain and cross grain of the fabric. Without selvedges, this is a little more difficult.
Final thoughts. With all of its challenges, silk makes a fabulous quilt or wall hanging. Silk quilts are unusual and highly prized. The colors of silk fabric tend to be more vibrant than cotton or wool. In addition, you can use silk batting in your quilt, and make it 100% silk.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.
This article courtesy of http://www.how-to-quilt.com/. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
©2006, Penny Halgren
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Halgren
Silk quilts are relatively unusual although not totally unheard of. Silk tie quilts have been popular for many years, and silk quilts made from kimonos are also relatively popular.
Working with silk sounds very elegant – the fabric drapes really well, and it feels wonderful – yet it presents its challenges.
Silk fibers are very strong. There are some real benefits to its strength – the quilts are durable and the threads will not break easily.
Because of the strength of the fibers, silk fabric does not finger press well. To ensure flat seams, you need to press frequently while you are piecing, or pin the seam allowances in place prior to sewing.
Silk fabric may retain pinholes. Using regular size pins and needles to sew silk may result in pinholes you can’t get rid of. There are special silk pins to use for pinning. And for machine stitching, use a thinner sewing machine needle.
Silk fabric is slippery and doesn’t retain its shape. One of the things that makes silk so nice is that you can drape it, gather it, fluff it, and many other things. The problem is that when you try to sew it, the fabric slides around. Without tons of pins, the resulting piecing can be completely misshapen.
One solution is to iron a lightweight interfacing on each individual piece. One option is to iron the interfacing onto the entire piece of fabric and then cut the individual pieces from that. The interfacing adds some bulk to the seams and makes it a little more difficult to press the seam allowances to one side.
Another option is to cut the interfacing into individual shapes, without the seam allowances. Then iron the interfacing pieces onto the wrong side of the silk fabric, remembering to leave at least ½ “ between the pieces of interfacing to allow for the ¼” seam allowances. This takes extra time, and may be worth it. Your project will be less frustrating to sew and will probably be the shape you want it to be.
Silk fabric is higher priced and not as easy to find as other fabrics. Because of the cost, many fabric stores do not carry silk at all, or may have a limited selection of solid colors. Using kimonos or ties, available at some second-hand clothing stores, is an option.
Using these types of clothing for fabric presents its challenges. In addition to working around the seams and finding expanses of fabric that are large enough for your pieces, it helps to pay attention to the straight grain and cross grain of the fabric. Without selvedges, this is a little more difficult.
Final thoughts. With all of its challenges, silk makes a fabulous quilt or wall hanging. Silk quilts are unusual and highly prized. The colors of silk fabric tend to be more vibrant than cotton or wool. In addition, you can use silk batting in your quilt, and make it 100% silk.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.
This article courtesy of http://www.how-to-quilt.com/. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
©2006, Penny Halgren
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Halgren
Wool Quilting Fabric
By Penny Halgren
It is relatively common to use wool in quilts. These quilts are outstanding for cold weather.
Wool retains heat extremely well. Wool probably retains heat better than cotton, and has the same wicking properties (they draw moisture away from your body and allows it to evaporate.) Wool quilts were very common during the Civil War, and were credited with saving many lives during the harsh winters.
Wool is a little more difficult to work with than cotton. Because it is generally thicker (each thread of wool is thicker than each thread of cotton), the seam allowances don’t finger press well, and will require pins to keep them in place.
Because of the thickness, the quilt will be bulkier, and it may require a stronger sewing machine needle to sew through all of the layers.
Hand quilting is different because of the thickness of the fabric and also the weave. Some wools have fewer threads per inch than cotton, so your quilting stitches should be longer, and you may want to use a thicker thread.
Until recently, wool was mostly “Dry Clean Only.” Each strand of wool has little barbs on it. When they become wet and agitated (as in a washing machine), the barbs join together, never to be separated. This is called “felting,” and creates a piece of fabric or quilt that is about 1/3 its original size. very disappointing if you have spent hours on the project and were hoping to would remain the same size.
New wool is on the market that they say is washable and will not shrink. Using a new biotech process, wool can be treated so it is washable in your home washing machine and will not shrink. This is a great benefit, and will require quilters to know the difference and which wool they have, so a tragic mistake is not made.
Wools tend to be more expensive than cotton, and the variety of colors and patterns available is somewhat limited. As quilters venture into other types of fabric, the selection is increasing, so look for a wider variety of wool in the future – including hand-dyed wools.
Final thoughts. With all of its challenges, wool makes great quilts. They are cuddly and warm, and drape very nicely. Try wool batting in the quilt for a 100% wool quilt.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.
This article courtesy of http://www.how-to-quilt.com/. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
©2006, Penny Halgren
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Halgren
It is relatively common to use wool in quilts. These quilts are outstanding for cold weather.
Wool retains heat extremely well. Wool probably retains heat better than cotton, and has the same wicking properties (they draw moisture away from your body and allows it to evaporate.) Wool quilts were very common during the Civil War, and were credited with saving many lives during the harsh winters.
Wool is a little more difficult to work with than cotton. Because it is generally thicker (each thread of wool is thicker than each thread of cotton), the seam allowances don’t finger press well, and will require pins to keep them in place.
Because of the thickness, the quilt will be bulkier, and it may require a stronger sewing machine needle to sew through all of the layers.
Hand quilting is different because of the thickness of the fabric and also the weave. Some wools have fewer threads per inch than cotton, so your quilting stitches should be longer, and you may want to use a thicker thread.
Until recently, wool was mostly “Dry Clean Only.” Each strand of wool has little barbs on it. When they become wet and agitated (as in a washing machine), the barbs join together, never to be separated. This is called “felting,” and creates a piece of fabric or quilt that is about 1/3 its original size. very disappointing if you have spent hours on the project and were hoping to would remain the same size.
New wool is on the market that they say is washable and will not shrink. Using a new biotech process, wool can be treated so it is washable in your home washing machine and will not shrink. This is a great benefit, and will require quilters to know the difference and which wool they have, so a tragic mistake is not made.
Wools tend to be more expensive than cotton, and the variety of colors and patterns available is somewhat limited. As quilters venture into other types of fabric, the selection is increasing, so look for a wider variety of wool in the future – including hand-dyed wools.
Final thoughts. With all of its challenges, wool makes great quilts. They are cuddly and warm, and drape very nicely. Try wool batting in the quilt for a 100% wool quilt.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.
This article courtesy of http://www.how-to-quilt.com/. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
©2006, Penny Halgren
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Halgren
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