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May 2008

May 31, 2008

Has Your Model Ship Sunk?


Perhaps you thought of getting a new tall ship model lately, if so, you might have given some consideration to building one. The choice of whether to build or buy does not even take into concern the type of ship you are looking to get and that will be left to your preference.

In any case, there are several issues to dwell on when making such a choice. Factors that must be accounted for include such things as the quality of the materials being used, the cost of materials and supplies, the amount of time needed to build a ship and the quality of workmanship that you wish the ship to be. All of these concerns should be addressed before making your decision to get started.

Things you will need

Patience will be your primary tool. Most model ships will have a considerably large number of exceptionally small pieces. This fact will become quite glaringly obvious with a tall ship model. There will be a ton of tiny cannons, rigging material, a dozen sails, and literally thousands of small pieces of wooden planks.

Because you have decided to build your model tall ship, you might at well get started buying some of the other items that will be needed. You will need several types of tools to build your new model ship. The list will generally include a generous amount of various woods, such as teak, oak, or poplar, a few hobby saws, a large supply of hobby knives, sandpaper, small files, glue, any paints that will be needed, and do not forget the ship kit or detailed plans, in case your building the ship from scratch.

Now that you have the basic tools, you would want to look into several good books on model building, assuming you have not already bought those as well. Most books can be found at your local hobby shop, if you have access to one. If not, the internet is your friend and these can be ordered through an online bookstore, such as Amazon. Luckily there is also an extensive amount of information that is freely obtainable on the web as well.

If you are building your new tall ship model from a kit, then you may get off easy on building a ton of small parts. The ability to build your own parts will come in handy should you lose any parts, or if you simply make a decision to alter the ship in some way. If you are not building the ship from a kit, then building those small parts will be a fundamental component of your construction effort.

If by some chance you are a beginning model builder, then you may perhaps wish to practice your new skills on some other models before delving into a tall ship model. Building a model ship from scratch will be a very rewarding experience and a great way to better your modeling skills; however, it might not be the best way to develop these abilities for the novice modeler.

Once you have all of your materials, plans and tools, you are ready to get started. Make sure you have lots of room to work, a place to keep it from getting disturbed, and plenty of light. Now you can get to work. Take your time, and do not rush or get overly frazzled at any point. It is now up to you. In the end, this will simply mean that the quality of your model ship will be solely limited by the skills you possess and the amount of time that you are willing to put in to it.

Derek Wood scale model enthusiast that has been building models for 24 years. Specializing in models such as planes, tanks, dioramas, model ships and model trains, he now spends his time helping others enjoy the modeling hobbies. Learn more about model ships at: Model Ships Online Website.


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How To Use Stickers To Enhance Your Scrapbook


Ask any scrapbooking fanatic to define scrapbooking and you will find the answers vary. In general, scrapbooking is a personal hobby with different meanings and brilliant forms. Scrapbooking typically involves hours upon hours of devotion, yet people love spending hours organizing items, trimming papers, coming up with color schemes, and eventually placing items into the scrapbook.

Scrapbooks can be keepsakes to document the birth of a new baby, first homes, family history, or mementos for a first marriage. They can also be a loving tribute to someone who has passed on. Scrapbooks come in all shapes and sizes. For this reason, the items that are used in a scrapbook also vary.

A scrapbook normally contains collections of photographs, newspaper articles, items, journal pages, or other papers that are gathered together in an acid-free keepsake book that can be handed down from generation to generation. Scrapbooks can be simple, but often they grow and expand until they are elaborate displays into an event, person, or area.

Stickers are common, inexpensive items that find their way into scrapbooks. Scrapbooking stickers should be acid-free to prevent yellowing with age. Craft stores will have a wide selection of them. There literally are stickers for everything: holiday themes, baby items, letters, words, flowers, animals, sports, and more.

Scrapbooking stickers can be used to hold articles or photographs in place. They can be used for decorations or to emphasize a point. Scrapbooking stickers are always used to add a whimsical feel to any page in your scrapbook.

Take a photograph of your new bundle of joy. By using stickers, you can take words to form ideas of exactly what your infant was thinking at that moment. A scrunched up face can become a comical tribute to tart foods by adding a few words or images of lemons. Scrapbooking stickers of angels can decorate the edges of a page dedicated to your perfect angel. The options are endless.

Your little leaguer can have a sports page dedication that is decorated with soccer balls, baseballs, or footballs. Often sticker pages sold at scrapbooking stores come in large sheets with numerous images on each sheet. For under $5, you can glamorize any page.

All it takes is a unique idea and a few supplies. Use glittery stickers for your daughter's first prom. Decorate the page edges in girly images of high heels, prom dresses, tuxedos, and flowers. An incredible event that happens once in a girl's life then becomes an unforgettable night that can be viewed for years to come.

Create your ideal scrapbook by using stickers. Big or small, fancy or plain, the choice is yours. You can turn an okay scrapbook page into one that truly jumps out of the book and screams, "Wow!"

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a scrapbook stickers at http://www.shop4stickers.com


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Some Of The Best Places To Find Great Giftbaskets This Holiday Season


A fruit basket is a great gift idea. You can get that wow expression for something so little. You can get ready made ones or your can easily make one yourself if you have some time and a little talent for such and I'll show you how to make one easily. If you are not so inclined I will suggest a few places where you can pick one.

Now for those of us who've chosen to enjoy the pleasure of saying, "I made this specially for you", here's how:

You need a basket, bow, fruit, and a good material for lining the basket. All you have to do is line the basket with the material you bought for that. The next step is to arrange the fruit in the basket and place the bow on the handle. You are through. It's as simple as that.

However, you can take it to another level depending on how imaginative you are. You can try something no one else has done before. It will certainly add to the uniqueness of the gift. You can consider giving the basket a special color that will make folks ask "What kind of fruit basket is that?" Remember, someone always does something first. so don't be afraid to give reins to your imagination. Here's a personal idea:

I write out my deepest feelings for the person an then do an embroidery of those words on the lining. Deep words packaged in a unique way will turn an almost insignificant object into a priceless possession. The thought is usually that if anyone took out so much time to make something special, they think I am very special. I guess that's the feeling we all hope to evoke by our gifts.

Don't be disturbed if you don't have the time, you can get one made to your specifications easily. Check around you. We often think we know all we have in our neighborhood. You might be surprised you'll not have to search for long as gift fruit baskets are becoming more popular as the day goes by.

If you can't find one around you, check online. There are many sites that make these. They can also send your gift basket to your loved one. This certainly saves you some time. Stand apart from the crowd. Send a surprise. Don't send flowers the next time, send a fruit basket.

Sending a fruit basket is a great way to show someone close to you that you care about them and are willing to go the extra mile for them. Getting started on making your own gift baskets is now easier than ever before.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as the unique gift baskets at http://www.uniquegiftbasketsgalore.com


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How To Choose The Best Basket To Make Your Own Custom Giftbasket


Choosing a gift for a loved one is very difficult. You always want to give something they will love and appreciate and something special. The best gift you can give to your near and dear ones, is something made by you, that adds a special touch to the gift, making it exceptional and very personal. One can spend loads of money, to buy a wonderful and expensive gift, but making the gift on your own shows your. It is very difficult to decide what to make.

Making a fruit basket is an excellent option, but most of us do not know how to make a fruit basket. Making a fruit basket isn't all that difficult to make as we think it is. Once you have decided which fruits you want to decorate the basket with, half your battle is won. Selecting the fruits can be a bit tricky. You should always carefully pick the fruits, according to their shapes, sizes and colours, in order to make your basket look uniform, colourful and stylish. You should choose a very classy yet colourful basket, to make your gift look grand.

You can either get a cane, straw, wooden, glass or a thick well crafted paper basket. A carefully selected basket will bring out the beauty of the gift. You can arrange the fruits neatly in the basket. You can also use the fruits to make a design or a shape inside the basket. You can then decorate the basket with similar coloured ribbons or streamers. Ribbon can be used on the handle of the basket as well, to make it look very stylish.

If you like you can put a small special gift in between the fruit basket, which will be a surprise for your loved one when they find it. You can also put small notes with every fruit or add a special touch to every item in the basket. Make your gift as innovative and unique as possible. Always stick to a colour scheme, which brings out the beauty of the gift. For instance, red ribbons used on red fruit, like apple, plum, cherries, pomegranate and so on, in a stylish cane basket is a fantastic present. Or you could make an assortment of their favourite fruits, which you know they will definitely love.

After having decorated the basket, you have the choice of wrapping your basket or leaving it open. You can use colourful paper to decorate it. Transparent paper, cellophane paper, handmade paper, butter paper, or thin colourful paper can be used to make it look even more stunning. As a final touch, you can put a bow or a paper made flower or a star on top of the fruit basket. A card can also be attached to the basket, which adds a personal touch. Your friend or your family will definitely appreciate the effort you have put in making the gift.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as the custom giftbaskets at http://www.giftbasketsplusmore.com


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Making A Fruit Gift Basket Doesn't Have To Be Difficult If You Follow These Steps


Gifting your loved one something special made by you is the perfect gift. They will appreciate personal, handmade gifts rather than enormous expensive gifts. Always remember it is the personal touch that makes the gift special and unique. A fruit basket is a perfect gift for your near and dear ones. But most of us drop the idea, because we don't know where to start or how to make a fruit basket.

Making a fruit basket isn't all the difficult as it may appear to be. To begin with, you should select the perfect basket. There are many different shapes, sizes and colours of baskets available in the market. Always try to get a big, fancy colourful, basket, which will make the gift look very stylish. The basket can be either made of cane, wood, glass, ceramic glass, thick paper or straw. Make sure the basket is sturdy enough to carry the weight of the fruits.

Once you have decided on the size, colour and shape of the basket, you can buy different colours of cloth or fabric to decorate the basket. You can either stitch it to the basket or stick the fabric with glue on the basket. Using a good fabric can bring out the effect of the basket. You also have the choice of sticking ribbons, streamers, bows, stars, or flowers, on the basket, giving it a yet another personal touch. If you like you can stick to a colour scheme. Colours like either red or green can be used according to your choice. You can buy fruits according to your colour scheme too. If you don't want any colour scheme you should always try to make the basket as bright and colourful as possible.

Now that you have your ribbon, fabric or cloth, you can stitch or glue it to the basket in whichever way you like. You can also decorate the handle by stitching the fabric and ribbons on it. Sticking streamers can make the basket look very bright and colourful. Once you have your basket ready, you can arrange the fruits in any order you like. Either one kind of fruit or an assortment of fruits can be used in the entire basket. You can decorate the fruits making a design or a pattern. You can put nuts or dry fruits if you like. A special gift or small notes in between the fruits also adds an element of surprise to the receiver.

As a final touch you can cover the basket with either transparent, cellophane, handmade paper. Using colourful paper can make the gift look fantastic. You even have the choice of leaving your basket open. You can tie a small bow, flower or star on the top of the gift. After all making a fruit basket isn't all the difficult.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as the custom giftbaskets at http://www.giftbasketsplusmore.com


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Why The Intricate Native American Beadwork Is Still Popular Today


American Indian beadwork is an art that has been handed down for generations among the different Indian cultures. Their beads were used on moccasins, pipebags, belt bags, used on toy cradles, dolls, and other toys, knife sheaths, and different pieces of clothing. The beadwork varied greatly among the different tribes and individuals but each one was unique in its own way. Each tribe had different colors depending on the dyes available from different plants in the areas in which they lived.

Much of the beadwork and other Indian Pottery and artwork had a meaning behind it and represented something in their lives. Since the American Indians were on the move a lot they could not have breakables of any kind so they would decorate their utensils, blankets, or anything else they could paint, attach beads, carve or decorate in any other way.

They had a gift of imagination and handiwork second to none and there are still many beautiful pieces of artwork made years ago. Some of these can be found on the market for purchase and there are many pieces in museums around the country. To us today, the beadwork is just beautiful pieces of jewelry, etc., but to them they meant much more. it was a way of life for them. It was a way for each one to express themselves. The history of each tribe is a story in itself and it is very interesting to study them.

There is still many people doing beadwork today and many of them are decedents of the American Indians of days gone by but their spirit lives on in their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Beadwork and other works of art that the American Indians did should never die. Hopefully the offspring of the pioneers will continue on with the traditions and artwork.

Back then it was a necessity for survival but today it is just a hobby but it is at least still being utilized. Before beadwork was introduced into the Indians way of life, they used mainly paints made of dyes from different plants and flowers, shell, and porcupine quills. Quillwork was a sacred art of the Native American Plains tribes.

Clothing, utensils and other devices were decorated. It was not until the mid eighteen hundreds that designs began to change. Some of the tribes today who still do beadwork are Pueblo, Five Civilized Tribes, Shoshone, Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and many more. Surprisingly enough there is still a lot of beadwork being produced by hand by these tribe's people. These people are proud and they want their offspring to remember their elders and their traditions from long ago. Beadwork is one way to remind the American Indians of today of who they are and where they came from. It is so thrilling that they have such beautiful art to live on through their heirs.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as unusual glass beads at http://www.unusualglassbeads.com


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Baby Safe Ink Pad For Scapbooking


When creating scrapbook pages of your baby one of the most endearing things you can add to the page is a print of your childs hands or feet. To do this you will need to find a suitable baby safe ink pad to ensure that the ink is safe and will not irritate or harm your little ones delicate skin.

When adding your babies hand or footprint to your scrapbook page it is important to use an acid free ink and make sure the baby safe ink pad is smudge free to avoid ruining your scrapbook pages.

Unlike most craft ink pads a baby safe ink pad will not usually be found in craft stores in a huge variety of colors. Generally you will be limited to basic black and the traditional colours associated with a girl and a boy which are pink and blue

A baby safe ink pad will be 100% non toxic and acid free so it is perfect to use with your scrapbook ideas. It can also be easily removed from your childs hands and feet with just a baby wipe.

When creating scrapbook page layouts of children there is nothing more captivating than a photo of a child decorated by lots of embellishments, especially if the embellishments are created by the child in question. A baby safe ink pad will last a long time so there is no reason why you can not add more and more footprints in your scrapbook ideas as your child grows.

When creating a scrapbook page layout it is important not to overload the page with pictures. It is recommended you only use one or two pictures and accessories the page to suit the theme taking care not to over embellish so the picture becomes lost.

When adding your childs stamped images make sure the ink from the baby safe ink pad is totally dry. The last thing you want is a smudged image and having to re do the whole thing again.

Because a baby safe ink pad is suitable for children it is a great addition to a childs craft box because you will be know that even older children can use the ink safely and most importantly it can easily be removed from your childs skin.

Using the hands and footprints of your child will undoubtedly give your scrapbook pages a real personal touch over and above the normal decorations as quite simply your are adding a record of your child and a reminder of them for years to come.

Making sure you use safe products to avoid skin complaints when using this type of technique is obviously a must and a baby safe ink pad is an essential part of your scrapbook supplies.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Scrapbook Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for creating stunning Scrapbook Layouts.And how to manage Scrapbook Organisation


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May 30, 2008

Scrapbook Ideas - Tips & Tricks To Save You Money


When you are considering scrapbook tools, scrapbook layouts, scrapbook supplies and scrapbook ideas any keen craft enthusiast will welcome any tips, tricks and general suggestions to help them create beautiful scrapbook page layouts especially if they save you money.

With this in mind I have put together some of my favourite tips that I have picked up whilst realizing my own scrapbook ideas.

- Everyone knows that scrapbook supplies can be expensive, quite often the items we purchase are not even used. More often that not, you will be able to find household items that do the same job and do not cost the earth. For example, instead of spending money on specialist sponges to apply ink to paper, try using a crumpled piece of kitchen roll.

- Do not throw away the sheet that your peel off stickers are attached to. Instead use the left over sticky boarder as an adhesive to attach embellishments to your scrapbook pages.

- Use empty jars to store your brads, ribbon, embellishments and other scrapbook supplies, not only are they free, you will be able to see the contents through the glass.

- Instead of using your best card stock when cutting shapes with your die cut machines use card that you would normally throw away such as empty cardboard boxes or cereal packets.

- Use baby wipes to clean stamps instead of paying for expensive cleaners.

- Remove any 3-D embellishments from old Christmas and birthday cards and use them in your scrapbook page layouts. You can also cut out scrapbook quotes from newspapers, magazines or old cards.

- Do not buy large quantities of scrapbook ribbon, fibres and fabrics, from craft stores as you will not want to use the same colors time and time again.

- Use a plastic letter opener instead of an expensive bone tool to score your card stock. You can pick them up at a fraction on the cost!

- Use the bits of left over punch remnants that build up in your punches for free embellishments on your scrapbook pages.

- Instead of cutting a new piece of paper to cover a small tag, use your scraps.

- Remove any buttons, ribbon or even a section of material from unwanted clothes before throwing them away as you never know when they can be used to add that something extra to your scrapbook page layouts.

- Always ask if there are any deals such as buy one get one free when visiting craft stores.

- Use a Philips head screwdriver and normal hammer to set your eyelets.

- Make your own glitter glue by adding normal glitter to clear drying acid free glue.

It is very easy to be tempted when browsing craft stores, the important thing to keep in mind is, do you really need it and is there a cheaper alternative.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Scrapbook Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for creating stunning Scrapbook Page Layouts.And How To Use Stamps.


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Scrapbooking Ideas - How to Use Deep Embossing


Deep embossing is a great way to give dimension to your scrapbooking ideas, it gives the opposite effect that embossing powder gives so the image or wording you stamp is indented rather than raised.

You can purchase specialist deep or 'thick' embossing power from most scrapbook stores and also online scrapbook stores however I find normal embossing powder works just as well if not better and really makes your scrapbooking ideas come to life.

To affect this technique begin by inking a piece of card. I would recommend thicker card than your standard card stock. Use a versamark inkpad and dab the ink all over the card. It is also a good idea to cut the card to size before you begin.

Once the card is inked sprinkle a layer of embossing powder over the card. Tap any excess powder off (this can be put back into the pot). Next use a heat gun to heat the powder on the card then repeat the process over and over again until you build up a thick layer. Specialist powder may take one or two coats where as normally embossing powder will need five or six layers applied.

While the embossing powder is still hot and looking almost runny from the heat of the heat gun start inking the stamp you have chosen to use with a staz on ink pad. Press the stamp firmly into the heated embossing powder. Leave the stamp in place for a few seconds then gently lift off to reveal your indented stamped image.

This method is great for adding wording and images to your scrapbooking ideas and really makes any scrapbook page layout come alive.

Always think about your scrapbooking ideas before you start so you know what stamps you are going to use. If you do leave the hot embossing powder to long and it sets reheat it and try again

The reason it is best to use a staz on ink pad is because the ink dries quickly and you may find a normal pigment based ink pad smudges or at the very least takes ages to dry.

Using deep embossing or ultra think embossing powder is a great way of creating embellishments and 3d words to add to your scrapbooking ideas and layouts. It may be worth investing in a set of letter stamps so you can create any word or phrase you need to adhere to the page you are working on.

The technique of deep embossing works very well with simple stamp patterns however you may find you will have difficulty obtaining a clear pattern or image when using complex and very detailed stamp images as the fine lines in the stamp pattern may become smudged or blurred using this process. Therefore it is far better to use simple stamp patterns and images when deep embossing.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Scrapbook Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for creating stunning Scrapbook Page Layouts.And How To Use Stamps.


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May 28, 2008

Candles Can Create A Magical Atmosphere - Why Not Make Your Own?


There is nothing better than the right atmosphere to create the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous. People use many accessories to capture the essence of romance and relaxation. The younger generation prefers soft toys and balloons and mature people seem to appreciate flowers and candlelight to set the mood.

The dim, flickering orange light of candles is mesmerizing and immediately relaxes the senses. A way to enhance the effect of these candles is to use fragrant ones with various colors that appeal to the senses. Thought these candles are extremely luring, the hole that they leave in the pocket is something no one looks forward to. And the best way to get around this difficulty is to make some fragrant, colorful candles on your own.

The task ahead is extremely easy and can be accomplished by simply following some basic steps. Take some old candles and place them in a container. Place this container in another larger container that has water in it and put this apparatus on fire. The boiling water will melt the wax. Be sure never to pace the container with the wax directly on the fire since it can be dangerous. If you do not have enough old candles, buying candles in bulk quantities will keep the total cost down and will definitely be cheaper than the exorbitant price charge by showrooms for these aromatic beauties.

While the wax is melting prepare the moulds. You could choose any kind of a container that suits your fancy. Though aluminum containers may get hot when you pour hot wax in them, they are the best choice. You could also use old glasses for designs or disposable paper cups for a simple tumbler type of look.

You would also need to prepare the wick of the candle. This could be obtained easily from an older candle if possible or be prepared using white cotton straw. Make sure that you rub enough wax on the straw to make it taut. This will make it easy fro you to insert in the melted wax once you have placed the wax in the mould.

Add the desired oil color into the melted wax and be sure to add the color slowly and mix thoroughly so that you know when to stop. Pour the liquid wax in the container and add the wick slowly, ensuring that it goes right in the middle and straight down.

If you wish to make candle with layers of different colors, then you must melt wax in different containers and add appropriate colors to each lot. Make sure that the mould you choose for a multicolored candle is tall which allows for the layers to show. Of utmost importance is the manner in which you pour the different colors. Each color wax should be poured after the color prior to that has cooled off. If you do not take care of this then the colors will mix and all that you may be left with is a murky colored lump.

For fragrance candles add the oil-based fragrance of your choice to the melted wax. This should be done right at the end after the color has been added and stirred since the heat may cause the fragrance to escape. These fragrances are easily available in the market and range from floral ones like jasmine and rose to others like tea tree, lemon grass and musk.

After the color, fragrance and wick have been added, place the mould in the freezer to allow the candle to come out easily. Now all you need to do is to light the fire!

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Top 5 Tips on Finding the Most Effective Card Ideas


Many businesses have come and gone yet there are equally as many businesses that stay behind and flourish. There could be many factors as to why others fail and some succeed. Aspects such as having sufficient capital, effective advertising, and even just liking what you are selling could spell success for some businesses.

Perhaps another reason is the constant and unending need for the products that are being sold. Such is the case with card-making businesses.

Cards have never gone out of fashion. Even, today, in a world where almost everything is dependent on the Internet, the card-making businesses have found ways to survive and even to thrive. Card-making can be a great business or it can be a hobby for any enthusiast. If you are one of those who are looking for simple yet effective card ideas, try these five uncomplicated steps:

1. First, find out the level you are in as a card maker. There are basically three levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Once you get to categorize your card-making skills, there is so much information online which would be able to help you. For instance, there are downloadable software programs that would teach the first-timers on their venture. There are also a lot of Web sites that could help those who have concerns on making cards. Those who would like to improve their skills further could also benefit from most of these Web sites on card-making. Also, you should be able to point out whether you are doing it as a business or you are just doing it for fun.

2. Consider the occasions when the cards are going to be sent out. There are different designs for each occasion for example, Christmas cards are often adorned with glitters and all relevant objects such as the Eastern star, a Christmas tree, bells, hollies, mistletoe, reindeers, and Santa Claus. Birthday cards are designed differently according to the age of the recipient (younger children would love cards with animal origamis sticking out of the front page or cartoon characters saying the greetings while adults prefer more serious cards).. Graduation cards often have pockets for that extra money or check for the recipient, and many more card ideas.

3. Ideas for card designs can also be formulated once the character of the recipient is seriously considered. This means that the theme of the card should fit the overall description of the one who is going to receive it. For example, a lawyer would appreciate a card with quips or jokes on law. Also, the more artistic types would appreciate cards that have artworks as the front page. Religious people, of course, would be thankful to receive cards that express faith It is all about knowing the person and how he would react to the card that is going to be given.

4. Recycled materials are now highly appreciated by many individuals. First, being able to recycle materials helps the environment. Second, there are talented people who can turn what was once scrap into something more useful. Such is the case with cards which use recycled materials. Once the recycled paper is ready to use, think of the exact same ideas that you have come up with when using new materials. The basic thought here is, you get to greet someone even while saving the environment, now isn't that neat?

Aside from just the look of the card, it is also important to plan for the message that you are going to write within. Consider thinking of the pen that you are going to use (you would not want to be caught with ink blots), the writing style (consider using fountain pens and experiment with writing on different angles), and most important of all, the thought of the message. The card would be deemed useless if it is pretty and neat yet the message was not even carefully thought of.

These could be the five simplest ideas when it comes to making cards but they are also the most important. Card-making has always been thought to be difficult but once you know exactly what to do, it could be one of the most rewarding experiences once could go through.

Cathy Kennedy is an expert in Card Making. If you would like to know how you can turn your card making hobby into a business visit http://www.cardmakingbusiness.com


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Relax With Aromatherapy Candles


The humble candle has been around for thousands of years. Interestingly the candle has been developed independently in many different countries over the world and have had a number of different uses in different cultures.

Because of the variety of different countries that have developed candles there are a number of different techniques that are used to make candles and finding the root of different designs and styles of candles is part of what makes the candle such an interesting topic. Early candles date back to Egyptian times where people made candles out of beeswax. There is evidence of these types of candles that dates back to 3000 BC.

The Chinese also have a long history of making candles and they used to use wax created from whale fat. This took place first in the Qin Dynasty around the time of 221 BC. Around these times they also began producing candles from wax that was taken from insects and seeds. These candles were wrapped in paper and produced light for inside people's homes. In India temple candles were created using a wax created from boiling cinnamon. And in the Pacific Northwest candles were made with wax fused with oil from the eulachon fish. This was taking place in the first century AD.

It is reported that long lasting candles were developed by the times of Anglo Saxons in the UK. It is said that Alfred the Great used a candle as a clock. The candle burnt for four hours and was used as a device to keep time. It was this theory that was adapted to create 24 hour candles that were used to measure a full day. The use of candles as clocks also took place in the Sung Dynasty in China.

Candles have always been extremely popular methods of delivering light and they have also been used in religious festivals and more recently in festivities. In the middle ages many festive occasions utilised candles. Some of the best known of these were Candlemas and the saint Lucy festival. Candles have a mystical appeal and have become extremely popular in a vast range of religious ceremonies. Candles are also often used as a symbol of life and in many religions candles are lit to commemorate the life of a person that has passed away. The candle can be a very poignant item in this context as can have an association with bereavement.

Aromatherapy candles on the other hand are used as both decorative items and also as items that encourage relaxation. As well as offering a source of light these candles also emit a scent which can add a pleasant and relaxing aroma to the environment in which it is lit. These candles are often used to enhance the atmosphere of a location and create a warm and tranquil space in which one can achieve a sense of peace. Aromatherapy candles play a large role in a number of different types of alternative therapy including massage therapy and Reiki.

These types of candles have been developed with a wick which is short enough to mean that the candle does not emit a smoke as well as a pleasant smell. These candles are also developed with additional safety features which are designed to prevent the risk of spreading fire.

Shaun Parker is an expert on all types of candles including Aromatherapy candles, Church Candles and Scented candles. He shares his expertise to help you.


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Manipulating Clay the Right Way


Pottery is a wonderful hobby, and below are details to construct two objects: a hand sculpture and a pinch bowl.

1. Hand sculpture Material - gray stoneware, gray or terra cotta sculpture clay, one handful, Tools - use your hands only.

This exercise will help you get the feel of the clay, but you also will produce a piece of ceramic sculpture. Take a mass of clay as large as you can conveniently hold in one hand, wedge it thoroughly and shape it into a ball or egg shape. Each time clay is used - before beginning any project, or when resuming work if a piece is put away before completion - it must be wedged.

The purpose of wedging is to remove all air pockets and holes which would cause a piece to explode in the firing; to eliminate foreign matter such as nails, cloth, and leaves; and to secure an even consistency. Never use unwedged clay.

The clay is patted or rolled into a flat rectangular mass, cut in two with a wire or knife, and the two pieces slammed together on the table with the cut edges facing in opposite directions. It is then rolled and kneaded like dough, patted into a rectangular mass, cut in two, and slammed together with the cut ends facing in opposite directions. This operation is repeated about twenty times. If you have a wedging table, the clay is cut in two by pushing it against the wire.

With both hands, squeeze and press the wedged clay into a simple form which results from the use of the hands only. Don't lay it down or work on it while it rests on the table. Slowly organize it into a simple rhythmic shape, stressing those lines or contours which seem most pleasing. Use only your fingers and hands for tools. The result will be an abstract sculpture. This is an excellent way to learn how to begin sculpture.

If you don't like abstract sculpture, you can convert the original hand sculpture described in the above paragraph into a recognizable form, such as a human or animal shape.

2. Pinch bowl Material - a ball off gray or terra cotta pottery clay, about 1 1/2" in diameter. Tools - use your fingers only; plaster bat about 4" x 4".

This is about the simplest way to make pottery. You need no tools, just use your hands and fingers. It will help you acquire the necessary feeling for the clay and develop finger dexterity. Take a small ball of soft, moist clay about 1 1/2" in diameter.

Wedge the clay thoroughly. If the clay is not soft, wet the hands and work the clay until it feels as pliable as dough. After shaping it into a ball place it in your left palm and slowly push your right thumb, then the left thumb, into the center to a good thickness at the bottom .

With both thumbs in the center and the remaining fingers on the outside, the bottom side up, press out slowly, revolving the piece constantly. Keep the base small - 1" across. When sides are thick, place the piece on the plaster bat. Next work around the edge in a pinching motion with thumb and fingers until the entire wall is about 1/4" thick. The danger point is where the base merges with the side wall. Take care not to strain the pot by forcing or pinching this area to much. Be sure to work from the bottom, keeping the top thick until the very last. The bowl should be even in shape and thickness, and approximately round. After this has been achieved, the shape can be varied by pushing the edges inward or outward according to the design you wish. A bowl or vase about 2 1/2" to 3" will result. The pinch bowl can be made into an ash tray, a small vase, a demitasse, or liquor jigger.

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Creating a Masterpiece


One of the advantages of watercolor painting is that it calls for but little in the way of equipment. We shall consider briefly the materials needed before you can start to work.

Brushes

Brushes are of great importance. Cheap ones on the whole are of doubtful value. As one needs but few brushes, he should buy the best. Those of red sable hair are generally so considered. The round, sharply pointed type is probably the most popular, but flat square ones can also be useful at times. A rectangular space such as a door or window shutter, for instance, can often be painted using a stroke of a flat, sable brush about three-fourths of an inch wide.

One generally needs about three round red sable brushes - small, medium and large. For any given piece of work, it is best to use the largest size brush practical. Small brushes require too frequent dipping and can lead one into finicky ways. For bold sketching (such as outdoor work) and for laying large washes (as on skies and backgrounds), so big a brush is needed that one sometimes feels forced to use a cheaper substitute for sable, such as imitation sable, camel hair or squirrel.

The Number 17 camel hair "dabber," for instance, costs a fraction of the price of a red sable brush the same size. However, since camel hairbrushes lack spring and seldom hold their points well, they are not recommended except in the large sizes for bold work.

For certain types of work, particularly for scrubbing out high lights, stiff bristle brushes are sometimes used.

Care of Brushes

With proper care, good brushes will give years of service. Rinse them frequently, as you use them, and wash them thoroughly when you put them away. Don't leave them standing for long periods in paint or water - and don't allow them to dry in cramped positions.

Watercolor Paper

The most desirable papers for watercolor painting are usually handmade and imported, the best known perhaps being Whatman from England, Arches from France, and Fabriano from Italy. These papers are handmade
of the very best rag stock, following traditional methods handed down through the years from father to son (not at all practical here in the United States); their properties are toughness, long life, surface texture, which cannot be matched by the very best machine-made papers, whether American or imported. A good handmade paper will withstand a considerable amount of soaking, scrubbing and erasing and will age with little deterioration.

The weight (thickness) of watercolor paper is important. Thin papers should generally be avoided, especially for large work, since they buckle when wet and are inclined to split if stretched. Weights vary from a light "72 lb." to the extremely heavy "300 lb." and, occasionally, even "400 lb."

Some papers are smooth; these are identified by the phrase, "hot pressed," or "HP." The more popular surfaces, however, have a grain or "tooth." "Cold pressed" or "CP" indicates a slight grain; "rough" or "R," a heavier tooth. These last two have an indescribably sympathetic texture, excellent to work on and pleasing to look at.

Watercolor papers come in several sizes, but the most popular is the "imperial," approximately 22" x 30". This is a convenient size for the averagee painting and it can be halved or quartered for sketches. Papers are also available in spiral-bound pads and in blocks that are convenient for sketching.

Now when you have purchased the paints you need, you have everything required for your painting. Good luck!

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May 27, 2008

Form and Features in Portrait Painting Explained


In portrait painting there is the matter of representing the human features: notably the eye, ear, nose and mouth. Of these, the easiest to do are usually the ear and the nose. The ear is a complicated thing in appearance to be sure, but excepting for its size and general set and shape there is nothing very individual about it; normally we pay little attention to the ears of even our closest friends unless there is something radically distinctive about them.

For that matter, the ear is often wholly or partially hidden by the hair, or viewed in shadow or in a greatly foreshortened position. So the usual rule is to suppress the ear's complexity of parts, merging them in the simplest possible indication so that the spectator's eye will scarcely be aware that the sitter even has an ear.

While the nose is a more distinctive and distinguishing feature, prominently located as it is at the front center of the face, it is relatively easy to do, for, though capable of some movement, it is quite immobile when compared with the ever-shifting eyes or the changeable and highly expressive mouth. An important point in doing the nose is to avoid the all-too-common effect (in work of the beginner) that it is plastered on to the face and has little relationship to it. Make it look like part of the head, for it is.

Artists differ in their feeling toward the eye. Many - perhaps a majority - speak of it as the most expressive of all the features.

Some, however, point out that although the eyeball itself has a quality of mobility and animation which the painter should strive to catch, the individuality and expressiveness of the eye come less from the eyeball - for eyeballs look much alike - than from the flexible muscles of the forehead and eyebrows, the type and position of the lid, and the surrounding network of wrinkles, in particular those at the outer eye corner and across the bridge of the nose.

But don't overdo these details - one can paint a perfect likeness with the eyes almost lost in the general tone of the eye socket.

It is the mouth which is the truly sensitive thing. It is seldom twice alike, for under normal conditions it records instantly every change of inward thought or feeling. There are times when the shifting of the lines of the mouth by scarcely more than a hairbreadth will alter one's entire appearance. Therefore, the painter must observe his sitter's mouth keenly, recording with fidelity what he thinks to be its most significant expression.

But it is pointless to write much of such features. The main thing is to paint them all with restraint, remembering that they are but parts of a whole. Yet they are not separate parts, each complete in itself, but they form, together with the cheeks, the chin - the whole head, in fact - a homogeneous mass which must be painted as a unit. Only in this way can all the features be of consistent shape, size, light and shade and coloring.

The best way to get these features right is by practice, so begin now!

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How to Understand Color in Painting


Unlike some teachers of watercolor, I advise students to start painting as soon as a satisfactory drawing is completed. So let's start right in with a simple explanation of value and color. Value, according to Webster, is "the relation of one part or detail in a picture to another with respect to lightness and darkness." The primary colors of the painter's palette are red, yellow, and blue. When these three are mixed in pairs, we get orange, green, and purple.

To learn as much as possible about color, take each color in turn and play with it. See how alizarin becomes pink when water is added and how it becomes dusty rose when you add various shades of gray. Then experiment with various mixtures. You'll want to make copious notes as you go along with these experiments. They will be invaluable references later on, and unless the notes are on paper they may be forgotten.

Perhaps the easiest way to think of color is to divide your pigments into two general classifications - warm and cool. The intermediate, borderline group between warm and cool can be slanted either way by the addition of a warm or cool color; this group is useful for such elusive color effects as weather-beaten barns, dirt roads, etc. However, do not concern yourself with these until you have assimilated the essentials, the elementary principles of color.

To fix the warm and cool divisions in your mind, think of the hot, sultry colors of the tropics - the dazzling reds, magentas, yellows, oranges, purples - and compare them with the austere, cool, almost bleak colors of such northern regions as New England; think of the brooding grays, glacial blues, icy greens, and of the effect that these colors have even upon the personalities and temperaments of the inhabitants of those climes.

Think also of the emotional impact of color: how color determines the mood of a picture, how color can denote joyousness, gayety, and laughter, or how it can be stark, ominous, and foreboding. A wide, almost limitless range of effects can be achieved with the colors I use.

Once you have grasped the fundamentals, strike out on your own because every individual can develop his own sense of color. For example, a group of well-known painters worked simultaneously from the same model. When the paintings were finished, each artist showed a different color concept in his work, but each painting, viewed individually, was a true portrayal of the sitter. Despite the variations in each artist's color, all of the values in the paintings were properly related.

Another matter I would like to impress on your mind is that there can be happy, almost providential, accidents of color. If you make an unintentional brush stroke or drop some color where it doesn't belong, the effect may be well worth while keeping in the picture. Don't be in a hurry to delete such a mistake unless it actually harms the work.

There are really no set formulas to restrict or inhibit your creative urge. So let yourself go!

Fog and Rain

In painting fog, you will note that objects very near you - because of the softness of the fog and mist - have a tendency to appear quite sharp. Remember, too, that because you are painting fog, you will have, at times, a strong, penetrating light which will give the picture intensity totally unlike that of sunlight.

To paint the fuzzy background, keep the paper wet. Keep working down, leaving un-painted only really white areas. Work from light to dark and keep the paper wet while at the same time establishing your values. The reflections should not be added until the paper is almost dry. In translating this tonal sketch into color, always remember that fog leans toward the cool side.

Above all have fun with your painting!

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May 26, 2008

Essential Tools for the Model Ship Builder


Before beginning to fashion the model, materials, tools and supplies must be collected. It is good practice to begin with only essential items, because these things have a habit of accumulating. The most useful items in the modeler's workshop are the Suppliers' Catalogs, lots of them. They reveal a wealth of information that is of untold value to the student.

Modeler's Tools and Their Uses

The tools listed are sufficient for the student modeler, with the exception of a mechanic's vice which is useful for holding small parts to be shaped. Some modelers prefer a carpenter's vice but I have never felt the need for one. The mechanic's vice provides more even pressure when gluing parts together, and for numerous other operations. Put a piece of cloth between the jaws to prevent injury to the finish of the object to be held.

Item 1. The fret saw is used to shape wood parts. Thick wood requires a coarser tooth blade, while fine tooth blades are more suitable for thin woods.

Item 2. The hand plane is an all purpose tool.

Item 3. The spokeshave is required to smooth down rough surfaces that are too rough for the plane.

Item 4. Snips are used for cutting wire and snipping the heads off pins and brads used for fastening parts to the hull.

Item 5. Two or more rules are needed; a large one for general use and a fine 1/32nd scale for deck houses and other small parts.

Item 6. Dividers, equipped with a marking pencil, have many uses. They can be set in position to gauge the waterline, or used to mark off circular or semi-circular items where required.

Item 7. The Collet Drill. This little tool is one of most useful in the whole kit. It is only four inches long and has a chuck at both ends to take drills from 1/32nd to 1/8th. It is operated with one hand, leaving the other free to hold the object. For reaming out holes in blocks and deadeyes; for drilling through the masts, and for pilot holes for pins and screws, it has no equal.

Item 8. The all purpose knife called a linoleum cutter. For model work in general it serves many purposes. It has spare blades in the handle which can be kept razor sharp with an oil stone. It is excellent for cutting thin woods by scoring on both sides and will leave a clean precision edge when broken off.

Item 9. Self locking tweezers are very useful for stropping blocks and deadeyes; for fishing rope ends in among the rigging and for tying knots in awkward places.

Item 10. Two sizes of screwdrivers are needed; a medium size for rough work like hull assembly, and a small one for such tiny screws as those that fasten the chain plates to the hull.

Item 11. A soldering iron is needed for metal bands on the yards and spars.

Item 12. A set of small files: round, half round, flat and square come in handy for fashioning smallwares.

Item 13. At least four small clamps with about two inch opening will be needed to hold small items together while the glue is drying.

Item 14. Chisels are handy tools about the hull; a one inch size and a one-quarter inch size will be sufficient.

Item 15. A pair of scissors with a fine point is needed to get in among the rigging to cut the ends off close; also for trimming ratlines.

Item 16. The Little Giant plane is a very important item. The subject of carving knives occupies many pages in the suppliers' catalog and elsewhere, but these little planes are more convenient than any of them for smoothing the contours of the hull. One of them has two separate radiuses to get into difficult places; the other is flat. Both use discarded razor blades.

Now you have the tools required, it is time to commence building a model ship!

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Materials Needed to Build Old-Time Ship Models


The building of old-time ship models is one of the most fascinating of hobbies, the work is clean and simple, can be carried out practically anywhere by either sex, without fuss, bother or mess; the result is a picturesque reminder of the spacious days of romance and high endeavor. What stirring tales of derring do, what stupendous feats of human endurance are called forth when we recollect the names of Cabot, Columbus, Diaz, Raleigh, Drake, Frobisher, Sir Richard Grenville and the epic fight of the little Revenge against tremendous odds.

Models of such ships should therefore catch something of this spirit of high endeavor, should reproduce the charm, the beauty, the rugged masculinity of those old ships that played so high a part in the development of the world as we know it today.

Nor is it necessary to have a very expensive set of elaborate tools, the chief items being generally found in every home, certainly in every handyman's outfit.

The chief items are a small tenon saw, an ordinary hammer and pliers, a very small hammer for driving pins, a hand vice, small bench vice, hand drill and a few small twist drills, a small plane, a few chisels and gouges, a spokes have, some sandpaper of various grades, tweezers, small pliers, several tubes of Seccotine or Tenasitine, a packet of assorted pins, a box of water color paints and brushes, or for the larger models a supply of "flat" oil colors.

A few drills, files and punches as well as a hack saw for metal work are helpful, while if a simple turning lathe is available it can be used when making gun barrels, and doing other circular work. The whole cost of such an outfit, without the lathe, should not exceed a sovereign.

As regards materials, much can be done with good grade cardboard of different thicknesses; "Bristol board" is highly desirable, it costs a little more than other kinds but is well worth the extra outlay. For masts and spars, the round-sectioned wood ranging from 1 in. diameter upwards and known variously as "dowel rod," "ash sticks," or curtain rod is most useful; it can generally be had from ironmongers and from dealers in fretwork supplies.

For many small pieces a prepared timber sold as "strip wood" is invaluable, being made in various sizes from about 1/8 by 1/4 in. to 1 by 1/4 in. and in square sections up to in. square.

Good yellow pine is the best for laminated hulls and for decks, although some makers prefer white holly or sycamore for decks as the color is rather better. Mahogany is extensively serviceable for deck erections, but is not in such good style as oak which was the material chiefly used on old ships. Oak, ash and cedar are the best materials for a rib and plank hull, that being one which is made up of separate parts in the same way as the original.

Of the metals, brass sheet strip and wire are indispensable for the smaller fittings, while zinc can often be used with good effect as its natural color somewhat resembles that of iron.

Plaster-of-Paris, gesso, and plastic wood are other materials that are very useful on some of the elaborately modeled parts, while for figure-heads ivory or bone is quite a useful material, supplies being derived at small cost from the handles of disused tooth brushes.

Sewing cotton, thread, silk, human hair, horsehair and finely plaited lines of all kinds are necessary for the rigging; white silk, voile and papers are employed for the sails. On small models, little brown beads can often be used in a very effective way to represent the blocks used on real ships. In short, any convenient and homely material can be pressed into service if it is suitable.

With these materials assembled, you are ready to commence building a ship model.

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How to Understand the Qualities of Color


Let us consider color as an artist sees and uses it. Color has three main qualities: hue, value and intensity.

Qualities of Color

If we look at any given color analytically - the red of an apple, for instance - we discover that it possesses three outstanding characteristics or qualities. First, there is that quality by which we recognize one color from another, and which we suggest by its name. This we call "hue." The apple is red; red is the hue (name) of the color. Remember the equation: "Hue equals Name."

We can alter the hue of a color by mixing another color with it. If we mix red pigment with yellow pigment, we produce orange pigment; this is a change of hue.

Next comes the quality by which we discern lightness or darkness in a color. This we call "value." It is by value that we are able to discriminate between light red and dark red.

By mixing a color with something lighter or darker than itself, we change its value. If we mix black or white (or water, in the case of watercolor pigments) with a color, we change its value but not its hue.

A color in its full, natural strength may be called a "normal" color or a color of "normal" value. If lighter, we call it a "tint"; if darker, a "shade." These latter terms are so often abused that some authorities prefer the substitution of the word "value," as a "light value of blue" rather than a "tint of blue," or a "dark value of green" rather than a "shade of green."

Thirdly, some colors are strong and some weak. The quality by which we distinguish strength or weakness in a color is called "intensity." If we remark that an object is colorful or strong in color, we refer to its intensity.

We can change the intensity of a normal color by mixing it with other hues; this tends to dull or gray it. We can change intensity without changing value or hue by the addition of neutral gray of equal value. This quality which we call "intensity" is also called "chroma" or "saturation" and the value of a color is sometimes termed "brightness" or "lightness." Though these particular differences in terminology are of slight consequence to the average artist, they emphasize the unfortunate confusion of terms which exists in the entire field of color.

"Tone" is a word of ambiguous meaning which is often employed in a general way to include all normal colors, tints and shades. Some authorities, however, use it to refer specifically to grayed values of any hue. Thus, color mixed with white would be described as a tint; color mixed with black, a shade; and color mixed with both black and white, a tone. If these words were always used in just this way, it would doubtless be easier to communicate color distinctions more accurately than we now do, but in common usage all three words are used almost interchangeably.

Texture, though not truly a quality of color, as are hue, value and intensity, is so closely related to these qualities that it must be considered along with them. If one paints an object, he must keep in mind its shape and character as revealed by its color (hue, value and intensity) and texture. The light and shade on objects can be thought of as agents for the expression of shape and texture, as modifiers of color.

Even in non-objective paintings texture is a very important factor; since there is no subject interest, texture is often one of the painting's chief attributes. In fact, some non-objective painters are noted primarily for the textures they achieve with unusual materials such as sand or mud, or the fact that they apply their pigments in some unorthodox way, such as dribbling, which creates a particular textural effect.

For the beginning artist, the above discussion will give the basic outline of terms that are used to describe color. A grasp of these basics will pave the way to greater understanding in his own use of color in his work.

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Photos On Canvas: The New Way To Display


The advancements in digital photography are constantly changing the techniques and standards of photographers. The luxury of digital photography has become more available over recent years, giving people the power to capture special moments and edit them to their personal satisfaction. From the amateurs to the professionals, this ever-evolving technology has had a beautiful influence on the way photos are taken, developed, and presented.

Photographs are no longer limited to the standard, glossy finish. By printing digital photos on canvas, people can give their photographs a natural, artistic quality that traditional printing often lacks. Canvas prints combine the detail and vibrant colors that digital photography allows with the unique look of oil paintings. The quality of the camera itself obviously affects the quality of photo produced, but the medium on which it is printed can determine the artist’s ultimate feel of expression. Unlike ordinary photo paper, canvas has a texture that gives the advantage of minimizing lower-quality resolution.

Another advantage of the canvas is its durability. With the protection of the water-resistant sealer, photos on canvas can survive conditions that regular photographs cannot. Not only are they protected from water damage, but they are less likely to fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Under the proper care, the canvas prints can last up to 100 years! Investing in canvas printing is a great way to display pictures that can be enjoyed by generations.

While it might be assumed to be an expensive process, printing digital photos on canvas is actually quite affordable, with prices starting as low as $30 (depending on customer specifications). Why pay the high price for decorative oil paintings when you can get the same look with your own personal photos?

Canvas prints make great gifts and home accents for both personal and professional settings. The canvas gives a creative touch and will attract attention that a small, framed picture will not. Customers have the option of a gallery wrapped canvas, which wraps the photograph around the edges of the canvas or a standard print that centers the picture on the front. Also, digital technology gives the added options of photo cropping and color enrichment.

With the help of photo editing and enhancement, the quality of pictures can be improved. However there are some guidelines that will allow for a superior canvas product. The clearer the picture and the higher the contrast between colors, the better it will look on canvas. Dark colors on a dark background will be much harder to print clearly than bright, distinguished colors. If a picture is blurry to begin with, it could look even more so when enlarged and stretched to fit the canvas. Pictures that are taken from a distance can be cropped to focus on the subject (whether it be a person or an object), allowing for more detail and better color on the canvas print. Changing the camera’s settings to the highest resolution possible will help the photographer to achieve the best picture.

All in all, printing digital photos on canvas is a unique, high-quality, affordable way to turn everyday photography into displayable artwork for all to appreciate.

ZaZaGallery - Put your photos on canvas and be the buss in your community. Our fine art prints are gallery wrapped using the finest canvas and inks to create a museum grade art piece.Our product is unique so join the buss and visit us by clicking pictures on canvas Thank you, Hugh Parker.


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Gallery Wrapped Photo On Canvas Easy As 1,2,3


Everyone loves visiting a museum and appreciating the fine art of a picture gallery. The beautiful paintings seem to have a magical feel, as being almost larger than life. Every detail of paint strokes on the canvas seems to have its own story, all intertwined to create a masterpiece. This is what people mean when they say that a painting speaks to them, as if the art work itself is sending them a personal message. This is possible because of the surface of the painting itself. Only with canvas can paint and ink truly reach its full potential to create a piece of art. For many years it was impossible to convey this same effect with photography. With special paper, the process of getting pictures developed and printed was a long and arduous procedure. The outcome was a photo on paper that usually didn’t capture the full effect of the moment it was intending to immortalize.

Now that has changed. The technology to create a gallery wrapped photo on canvas make it possible for people to have the same feelings about digital photos as they do about those paintings hanging up in museums. Now you don’t have to be an artist to be able to move people, just be ready with a camera to capture that perfect image or moment and transform it into a gallery wrapped photo on canvas, and create works of art that will be suitable for any occasion and appreciated by many.

Creating a gallery wrapped photo on canvas is a reasonably simple process that has become readily available through online shopping and printing technologies. All a customer must do is upload their photo with a website and order their desired frame size. The printers then go through the process of printing your picture onto the canvas using the best canvas and ink the industry has to offer. A gallery wrapped photo on canvas is then stretched large enough to wrap around the sides of a stretched frame that the canvas is mounted on. This gives your picture a nice three-dimensional feel as opposed to two-dimensional photographs. By stretching the canvas around a frame to which it is mounted on, a gallery wrapped photo on canvas is ready to hang on the wall as soon as you receive your order. It is so nice, that in many instances they can be hung or put on display without another outside frame being needed. A great look for any environment!

A gallery wrapped photo on canvas is a perfect way to celebrate past memories, and create great gifts. Some of the most popular photos that are transferred onto canvas are ones with babies, pets, wedding pictures, family pictures, reunion pictures, graduation pictures, vacation pictures, and many other special photos that may either hold a special place in a person’s heart, or be visually pleasing to look at. For these reasons, a gallery wrapped photo on canvas is a great way to liven up any room, and represent cutting edge technology in the art of photography.

ZaZaGallery - Put your photos on canvas and be the buss in your community. Our fine art prints are gallery wrapped using the finest canvas and inks to create a museum grade art piece.Our product is unique so join the buss and visit us by clicking pictures on canvas Thank you, Hugh Parker.


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Scrapbooking Your Handwriting: The Personal Touch


Scrapbooking has joined the digital age. We can now make complete scrapbooking pages on our computers. Even those of us who prefer traditional scrapbooking tend to use the computer for our journaling to print clean, neat captions and narratives on our layouts. Handwriting on pages may not be as pretty as a computer font, but it is so much more personal and meaningful to our families.

Why do we hesitate to use our own handwriting in our albums? There are a few reasons. The most common one is concern that our handwriting is too messy or won’t be able to be read by others. We should all try to get beyond this and realize how important it is