Craftings of The World

Soap is simply fat (an acid) mixed with caustic soda (an alkali); mix them together and you have soap. The old time craft of making lye was very affective. One method of making their own caustic soda (alkali) was to hollow out a log and drill a lot of holes at the bottom. They than put a layer of gravel (for drainage), a layer of straw, a layer of hardwood ashes, and filled the log with rain water. It took a long time for this mixture to seep down and drain through the holes at the bottom. The slimy stuff that came out of the holes was homemade lye. The crude lye was than boiled down until the right consistency for making soap.

Testing the lye strength for soap making was quite creative. The soap maker dissolved salt in water until no more salt could dissolve. A long stick with a weight tied to one end would be dropped into the salted water solution. The stick would bob upright to the top of the water. A mark was than made on the stick at the water line. The stick was than placed in the lye concentrate and at exactly the place marked on the stick would tell the soap maker how much rain water to pour into the lye solution for the proper concentration for soap making. This took the guess work out of the use of using the proper amount of rain water to add to the lye for making soap.

Animal fat was used for soap making; tallow (beef fat), sheep fat, lard (pig fat), was the favorite choices. These fats made a wonderful hard bar of soap. They than heated the fat and dribbled the handmade lye very slowly into the warm fat. When the mixture was all jelled together at just the right time (traced) they would pour the soap into wooden molds. After a few days they would cut the soap into bars. They than let the soap cure for a few months until it would be ready to use.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Crafts will always be a very important teaching tool for anyone teaching little kids. Kids learn best by "doing." Homeschoolers and especially Unschoolers can use this balloon craft as part of a biology lesson. This is a wonderful kids' craft idea, that is fun and easy to do and also a great first lesson about plants. This craft use balloons so watch the little ones, while you are doing this craft, to prevent suffocation!

All you need for this kids' craft idea is a medium or large sized, clear balloon, a little earth and water, some seeds, a small funnel and a piece of string. Radish seeds work well, but you could use almost any seeds that are easy to grow.

Kid's Craft Ideas Step by Step - How to make your first balloon garden

1. Don't blow your balloon up yet! Put the mouth of the balloon over the funnel and hold it firmly in place (this is where an extra pair of adult hands comes in useful!) Tip in around a ½ cup of earth - enough to almost fill the deflated balloon.

2. Now gradually add water, via the funnel again, until the earth is wet through. Don't put too much water in or it will all just turn to mud and start overflowing!

3. Dry your funnel, then add your final ingredients, the seeds, into the balloon, still holding it firmly in its upside down position.

4. Still holding the balloon upside down, so that you don't get a mouthful of dirt, carefully blow it up.

5. Tightly make a knot in the top of the balloon, then tie your string around it and use the string to hook the balloon garden up near a window or other well-lit place.

Making balloon gardens is a fun thing to do at birthday parties, and will keep the kids occupied and happy for ages - as long as you don't mind the mess! On a summer's day, it's best done in the backyard.

Balloon gardens also make lovely gifts, the children can make them for an adult friend or relative and the recipient will be delighted - especially when they hang the balloon garden up and it grows green and lush.

Grandmothers and grandfathers especially love this kid's craft idea - either to do with the kids (especially a granddad who is a gardening enthusiast) or just to receive a balloon garden craft as a gift. They will love that the kids will want to keep coming back to visit them and seeing how their balloon garden is growing.

When the balloon garden slowly dies off, it is a good opportunity to explain to your kids about the cycle of life, and to help them make a new balloon garden! Use this opportunity to teach them a variety of facts about nature, not only the cycle of life. Plants need water, fresh air, good soil etc. to grow. You can also work a lesson about seasons into this craft.

Enjoy your "Balloon Craft."

Source : ezinearticles.com

Balloon Ghost: To make this fun Halloween decoration you will need a white balloon, scissors, white plastic grocery or garbage bags, tape, string and a black marker. Cut the plastic bags into strips leaving an uncut edge to hold the strips together. Blow up the balloon. Tape the cut up bags around the balloon to make the ghost's body. Make sure the balloon is upside down when you tape the bags on so that you have something to hang the ghost from. Draw a face on the balloon to make the ghost's head. Tie a string to the balloon and hang the ghost up.

Egg Carton Spider: For this craft project you will need an egg carton, googly eyes, scissors, pipe cleaners and crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Cut one section out of the egg carton. Poke four holes in each side of the cup with scissors. Put a pipe cleaner into each of the holes and bend them to look like spider legs. Draw a face on the spider with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

Pompom Spider: Supplies needed for this craft are yarn, scissors, pipe cleaners, cardboard, glue and googly eyes. Cut yarn into a 2 foot long piece and a yard long piece. Cut a piece of cardboard into a 3 inch by 2 inch rectangle. Loosely wrap the yard of yarn around the cardboard piece. Take the yarn off the cardboard, being careful to make sure the loops stay together. Put 4 pipe cleaners on the yarn loops. Tie the yarn loops and pipe cleaners together tightly with the 2 foot piece of yarn. Cut the loops in half to make a pompom shape. Bend the pipe cleaners in the shape of spider legs. Glue googly eyes onto the spider.

Pasta and Beans Skeleton: This craft project is made with a piece of black construction paper, glue, dried beans and several types of pasta (small shells, wagon wheels, ziti, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, spaghetti, spirals, etc.). Lay out the pasta and beans in the shape of a skeleton. Elbow macaroni is good for ribs. Spaghetti can be used as toes and fingers. Small shells or small beans make good joints. Lima beans are perfect for hips. After you are satisfied with the layout of your skeleton, glue it down.

Ghost Necklace: For this craft project you will need Elmer's glue, a small paper clip, googly eyes, wax paper and string. On wax paper, make a ghost shape out of your glue. Unbend the paper clip and reform it into a V. Stick the ends of the V into the glue at top of the ghost's head. Put googly eyes on the ghost's head. After a few days, the glue will turn completely clear. Peel it off the wax paper and thread your string through the paper clip to turn it into a necklace.

Jack-o-lantern Pinata: Make a perfect Halloween party item by gathering a balloon, newspaper, flour, water, a bowl, a pot, a wooden spoon, scissors, orange craft paint, a paintbrush and a black marker. Make papier-mâché glue by mixing 1/2 cup of flour into 1/2 cup of water. Then stir the flour and water mix into 2 cups of boiling water. Simmer for a few minutes. Let it cool. Take newspaper and tear into 1 inch wide strips. Dip strips of paper in the glue and wrap around the balloon. Repeat process, covering the entire balloon. Let a layer dry and then add another layer. It dry completely, then pop the balloon, and remove it. Cut a small hole in the top to put in the candy. Decorate with the orange craft paint and black marker, making a jack-o-lantern face. Hang the pinata and have a party!

Source : ezinearticles.com

The children (aged 4 & 6) who live across the road are eager to return to school, or should I say their Mom is eager! Today, she had kept them busy making terrariums out of soda bottles that had been going into their recycling bins.

This evening they paid me a visit to show me their terrarium creations. I have posted instructions below so that if you needed a last minute activity before school starts you have one to use.

The girls obviously thoroughly enjoyed the activity and are eager to see changes in the days ahead as the violets continue to grow.

The dictionary definition of a terrarium is:- a glass container enclosing a garden of small plants.

TO MAKE A TERRARIUM

Obtain TWO 2 liter bottles, the clear bottles will work best as the children will be able to clearly see the water cycle and progress of growth of the plants within.

Soak off the labels and wash out the bottles carefully, then cut them both in half. Keep the bottoms and recycle the remains to the recycle bin.

Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of one of the soda bottle bottoms and then fill half way up with potting soil.

Proceed to plant your small plants within the soil. The girls had planted violets within their terrariums.

Water your new plants until the soil is pretty wet. If you are using bog plants then the water can soggy!

To complete, flip over the other bottom and carefully slide over the half in which you have planted your plants.

Place your terrarium in a sunny area, away from direct sunlight and observe the changes. The direct sunlight could cause the temperature in the terrarium to be too high for your plants, so ensure your children are watchful.

Only add water when necessary. Moisture from the terrarium should condense on the inside of the terrarium top and provide the necessary water.

A terrarium may be simple to make. The result however, of doing this simple activity can be profound, as it provides enrichment to a child's life in ways that are very important. By teaching a child to care for living things, they become more aware of the complexities of nature and the world surrounding them.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Now that the summer months are quickly approaching, many people find themselves wanting to get out on the water to do a little fishing. This is a great thing to do as fishing gives a lot of people the relaxation time that they have been craving for so long. While some people do not mind going out on super fast boats to fish, others tend to crave the peacefulness that comes with the kayaking experience. There is just something about sea or fishing kayaking that people cannot get enough of.

Those who do not have any experience with this type of adventure out on the water may not see what all of the fuss is about. It is important to point out though, that once people take their first fishing trip on a kayak, they suddenly see the light and understand what everyone has been talking about all along. Kayaking in the ocean, river, or lake is just an all around wonderful time. Since you are not able to move at incredible fast speeds, you are forced to take your time and take in all of the scenery around you. With our lives being so hectic in the first place, there is no reason to do anything else other then move slowly and truly relax out on the water.

If you have never been out kayaking on your own then you will want to make sure that you have someone more experienced with you. While it is a fairly calm ride, there are things that you are going to want to watch out for. You also may want to hold off on purchasing your own kayak until you get a hang of riding and paddling in one. This way, you will be able to know for sure that this is a hobby that you want to get more involved in. Also, it will teach you what to look for when shopping for the perfect kayak.

When you head out on the waters the first couple of times you will want to make sure that your experienced friend is walking you through everything that you need to know. If you feel as though you do not have anyone that you can turn to for this matter then it is time to hunt down a professional. There are many places that offer personal coaching on how to kayak. You can rent their boat and then hire an instructor for a couple of hours. By going this route, you will be sure to learn everything that there is to know about this fun and relaxing water and fishing experience.

Once you know everything there is to know you can pass on the knowledge to your friends and family so that they too can have fun. They can get into their very own kayaks or go out and spend some time with you. Either way, this is an adventure that everyone can enjoy sharing with each other. Within no time at all, you will all be professionals at it and will wonder how you ever fished before learning how to use a kayak.

The process begins, of course, with selecting a kayak that fits you and your family's lifestyle. Kayaks are somewhat like cars: There are so many different styles and models to choose from, and these are based upon your intended use. Here are five of the hottest brands that offer a great mix of high-adventure styles. Among the choices, you'll find kayaks that fit every performance need; everything from maneuvering the rapids to a serene glide across the lake to a day of trout fishing.

Old Town Kayaks

What does a business called the 'Old Town Canoe Company' know about kayaks? Just about everything. Old Town is the largest and oldest canoe and kayak manufacturer, dating back to 1898. With a much-deserved reputation for quality, Old Town is renowned for leading the kayak industry in craftsmanship and innovation. Their kayak product line includes safe, stable sea kayaks, exciting recreational kayaks, tandem kayaks, touring kayaks...even fishing kayaks. Old Town is known for combining modern materials and stylish contemporary design forms to their traditional, time-honored paddle craft. No wonder Old Town® is a leading favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Perception Kayaks

When the Great Outdoors calls, Perception answers. Perception has been designing world-class, cutting-edge kayaks since the 70's with their pioneering efforts in introducing the plastic kayak. Today, by applying the latest innovative technologies, Perception has stayed ahead of the pack by addressing the needs, wants and desires of both novice and experienced kayakers alike. Perception kayaks are well-represented in the touring and recreational kayak line, but also have an impressive selection of sporting-rec and sit-on-top kayaks to suit the most discriminating paddlers. Now, nearly 30 years later, the same passion that created the first line of Perception kayaks continues to drive development resulting in the release of new, sleek and innovatively-designed paddle craft.

Dagger Kayaks

Dagger is the classic success story: A few paddling buddies worked tirelessly in a small shop with a dirt room floor to create the ultimate in world-class kayaks. Today, Dagger kayaks are a sportsman's favorite; renowned for producing the highest quality kayaks available for the money. Before their products are released to the consumer, Dagger kayaks are rough-handled and tested by a collective group of kayaking pros known as Team Dagger. Buyers of Dagger kayaks can rest assured that their kayak met stringent standards before Team Dagger was willing to give it their stamp of approval.

Hobie Kayaks

Hobie kayaks originate from a proud heritage of water craft. The company boasts that their mother was a sailboat and their father was a surfboard. Applying this expertise in water craft design, Hobie now creates some of the most innovative, awe-inspiring kayaks available today. Hobie's experience and technology redefines the industry standard. For example, their MirageDrive pedaling system allows the kayaker to paddle via two underwater flippers, not unlike a penguin's fins. And with their seamless, roto-molded, polethylene construction, Hobie kayaks are closer to guided missiles than the typical old-fashioned kayaks of years past.

Pelican Kayaks

Pelican International is going into their 40th year as a leader in affordable, high-quality water craft products. They now offer hundreds of boats-from canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats to durable and affordable kayaks. The company has been a leader in exclusive technologies that have set benchmarked standards of excellence for impact resistance, ability for their products to regain their shapes after violent impacts, and their UV-protected exteriors. Targeting the recreational user, Pelican kayaks are an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a balance between quality and affordability.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Here is some information about how to collect and use recycled objects in your crafts!

You can save a lot of money on arts and crafts supplies by saving things that you might ordinarily throw away! If you are building up a craft supply box for a classroom, daycare, church or school - get the parents involved by sending out list of these items so they can help out too!

Make sure to prepare each item for storage. Wash and dry anything that contained food or liquids. Remove labels from jars, boxes, containers, etc. Be sure to have a place for each type of item. Plastic shoe boxes or empty baby wipe containers are great for storage. If you organize well, the supplies will be ready and easy to find when you need them!

1. plastic milk jug lids
2. plastic milk jugs (1/2 gal. and gallon)
3. soda can tabs
4. paper towel tubes
5. paper grocery bags
6. plastic grocery bags
7. baby wipe containers
8. baby food jars and lids
9. frozen juice can lids
10. plastic containers and their lids(like Cool Whip)
11. empty milk cartons (any size)
12. plastic soda bottles (any size)
13. soda bottle lids
14. junk mail
15. newspaper
16. broken crayons
17. camera film canisters
18. old computer and music cd's
19. plastic produce baskets
20. magazines
21. popsicle sticks
22. old markers
23. mismatched board game pieces
24. cardboard or foam egg crates
25. candy wrappers
26. rubber bands

Now what do you do with all of this stuff?? Create! Here are a couple of ideas:

Wheelbarrow Planter

Need:

1. Laundry detergent scoop
2. 2 plastic milk jug lids
3. 6" length of ribbon
4. potting soil
5. flower seeds (seeds)
6. craft glue
7. water

Clean and dry scoop and lids. Glue a milk jug lid to each side of the scoop to form the wheels. Allow the glue to dry. Tie the ribbon to the handle of the scoop. Fill the scoop with potting soil, and plant the seeds. Sprinkle the soil with a few drops of water. You can have the child make these planters as gifts. Enjoy!

Ocean Treasures in a Bottle

Need:

1. empty small clear plastic soda bottle
2. water
3. cooking oil
4. blue food coloring
5. beads
6. shells
7. glitter
8. coins

Remove the label from the bottle. Pour enough water to fill 3/4 of the bottle. Add a drop of blue food coloring. Add in the shells, beads, coins, and glitter. Fill the remainder with cooking oil. Place the lid on securely - you may want to wrap the secured lid with electrical tape. Now you have an ocean in a bottle - with treasure!!

If you have trouble getting the entire label off - you may want to place a label over it saying "(child's name)'s Ocean in a Bottle".

Have fun and let your children be creative with their recycled treasures!

Source : ezinearticles.com

Do you have hundreds of pictures from your digital camera just sitting on your hard drive? I gotta tell you I had over 1000 pictures which I didn't get developed, I was just planning on doing it "one day" - we all know that excuse. Ok, so one day I started looking through them and realized I have a lot of cool pictures of family, friends, vacation, events, baseball games, and so many more! Why do I want to keep them on my computer or even in an envelope or photo album that I can't always enjoy? So here are a few ideas you can do with your digital pictures so you can enjoy them every day!

1. Create your own custom screen saver for your computer screen. There are several free software programs that are available for free to help you do this.

2. There are several companies that you can email these pictures to and they will make you a custom calendar for a very low price, great for home, office, or maybe a gift to another family member.

3. Print them out and make a custom key chain many craft stores sell these inserts for less than $1.00 each

4. Get crafty! My sister is incredibly creative and she makes these awesome scrapbooking pages that have all kinds of designs frames them and hangs them on the wall.

5. Create an online photo album and keep it updated that way all friends and family have access to it and can enjoy them too!

There are so many ways you can enjoy your pictures on a daily basis, the best part is there almost all free so why doesn't everybody do it? Take a few minutes and see what pictures you have buried on your pc, then take a minute and either use one of the examples above or create your own. Have a fun! Thanks for reading!

Source : ezinearticles.com

If space in your living room is something that you are lacking, it can still be done with style. When you have a small living space usually you want to do what you can to maximize the area you have as well as keep it aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, decorating a small living room to be big on style can be done with some simple steps that will be expressed within this article.

When maximizing a small space, think simple. A room that has a lot of pieces of furniture and artwork can start to get crowded quickly. At this point, you have a living room that feels, looks, and is small. The trick to maximizing the space that you have is to think simple. Include the necessary items in this room such as a couch, maybe a television, maybe at least one coffee table. Do not overdo it. Furniture comes in all different shapes and sizes. For a small living room, do not get the overstuffed pillows to accent the overstuffed couch. Think simple. A standard couch with seating for three and possibly an accent chair are really enough. No room for the accent chair? Then a couch will have to do.

This is not to say that the walls have to be white and there should be no artwork or other knickknacks on display. If you want to paint your living rooms walls, keep to the brighter side of the color palette. Do not choose dark colors because they will only close the living room in and make it seem smaller. When choosing paintings to display, take your time and choose only a few. The artwork that you choose should also have lighter tones to further enhance the illusion of space while adding a decorative touch to the room.

Again, a cluttered wall will make the room seem smaller. When decorating a small living room, it is best to choose a few items that you really like and display those; likewise with knickknacks. Corner shelves are wonderful for small pieces that you'd like to display. They do not take a lot of room and you can display pieces on them with relatively little trouble. Do not, however, overload these shelves. This will still be clutter. Choose a few pieces that match the current decor and display those.

Usable items can be blended with the decor to enhance it as well as serve a practical purpose. Instead of having three or four remote controls placed randomly throughout the living room, buy a remote caddy in the shape of a boat to enhance the outdoor decor throughout the room. This is only one example, but usable items are often incorporated in decor if you shop in the right places. Craft stores or local craft sales are famous for carrying items that you might not find in the chain stores. Use this to your advantage. Remote control caddies are not all. You can find pitchers that are decorated several different ways that can act as vases for flowers that will enhance your decor among several other things.

A small living room is ripe for creative decorative solutions. They can be decorated to add space, enhance aesthetics, and promote usability. More than any of these, they are a cozy, intimate area in which a family can create strong bonds.

Source : ezinearticles.com

In the early 1800s, lace made materials are much expensive than the crochet products. In Europe, some communities use crochet products to identify their social status, which only indicate that they can afford crochet products and other lace made items. The craft of crocheting only requires less expensive supplies and materials, which are commonly threads and yarns that they can purchase in nearby markets.

Many assume that the craft of crocheting and knitting evolved in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. They have come up with this theory because of the cultural tradition of clothing used by the people living in these countries. Many experts also say that the craft of crocheting was more essential to bend the forefinger rather than its necessity for creating crochet and knitted products.

In the early periods of imperialism, where the art was practiced in the western part of Europe recognize crocheting as the main source of livelihood among people living in villages and communities. Most royalties consider wearing a crochet product symbolize wealth and power. During these days, crocheting and knitting is the pleasure of many people. It has developed as an art of creating very good crochet crafts and designs.

A person can acquire a variety of yarns and threads that are used to make a crochet product. There are different textures and colors he may choose depending on the type of pattern or design that he will create. There are basic types of yarns that are in the market nowadays. He may find baby/fingering, worsted weight, chunky, sport/baby, and the bulky types of yarns, which are commonly used in crocheting and knitting.

Yarns are typically labeled by their types to distinguish the yarns' quality. This helps in identifying which specific yarn would be suitable for a particular crochet product. Moreover, a person may also need to know the amount of skein, care instructions, gauge, and the fiber content of the yarns.

Here are some other supplies aside from the yarn that are needed to create a particular crochet product.

1. The knitting needles are very essential in crocheting. They are commonly straight aluminum, wooden and plastic made materials. They can be availed in different sizes from 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters. They are purchased in pairs where they feature a knob and pointed edges. This design was made for preventing the needle to slide when it is left on the unfinished crochet product.

2. The crochet hooks are used in catching the loops of thread used in crocheting. They also draw the stitches made from loosening and sliding from the chain stitches. They also come in aluminum, plastic, and wooden made materials. The wooden made crochet hooks are the commonly used in doing a crochet product because it is easier for the fingers handle and it is also considered as the most affordable.

3. The pattern diagram is very essential in creating a crochet product. This serves as the guide on how he will follow the instructions and outline of the design. Most patterns are usually easy to follow especially if the person is highly skilled n crocheting. For most beginners, there are patterns, which are more basic and simple. They are especially designed for them to practice and understand simple patterns of crochet products.

4. He may also need the use of other resources that will provide him sufficient basic crocheting instructions such as books and magazines. There are instructional diagrams that he may use in cases he would like to choose other designs on how to make a crochet hat, crochet pillow, crochet scarf, crochet bag, and other items that can be possibly made in crochet.

5. There are also special supplies that are needed in making special crochet products. Lace made and doilies are required to be worked on using stainless steel crochet hooks. These special hooks have a different size compared to those regular wooden hooks.

Crochet products are mostly made for the pleasure of creating beautiful patterned designs. They may be displayed in exhibits especially if the tools and supplies that were used are certified crochet materials. The price of the crochet product may also depend on how long it was made by a person. Although others only work on crochet products for their own pleasure and satisfaction for finishing a particular pattern, people still find it helpful in applying their skills to generate income.

Source : ezinearticles.com

What can you craft?

Handicrafters can make bows, staves and jewelry such as necklaces, rings and earrings. Handicrafters rely on woods (such as Belua) and precious metals (such as silver) as well as gemstones (rose quartz, for example) for their products. Unless your a ranger or cleric, the bows and staves will probably not be that useful for you, so the only other reason to pick up Handicrafting would be for making Kinah.

There are two reasons why any item in Aion would carry a premium price, they are

1. The rarity of the item.
2. The number of classes that can use the item.

Rarity

Jewelry is a rare commodity in Aion. it does not drop from mobs that often, if at all, and is only available as a reward on some rare quests. So the only good source of necklaces, rings and earrings is from Handicrafing. In addition the gemstones required to make the jewelry is not that easy to gather. It is fairly difficult to find, and can only be gathered once per node, unlike everything else that can be gathered 3 times.

This increases the amount of time required to gather enough of materials for lots of attempts. Lots of attempts are required due the way the 'proc' system works in Aion, which results in the more useful green and higher quality items. This makes high level jewelry items very difficult to craft, but this rarity means a bigger profit for the handicrafter.

All Classes can Wear Jewelry

Most of the other crafting professions are specialised towards a particular class. For example, armourcrafters can make chain and plate armour, but only priests and warrior types can use them. However, Jewelry can be used by every class, and it's is only the stats on the jewelry item, that will decide if a someone needs that particular item.

This makes the market for jewelry huge. In economics, this is known as supply and demand. Specifically, if an items is in high demand, but in low supply, the price of the item goes up. So when listing handicraft items, it is not wise to always list these at the lowest price, trying to undercut your competitor, as more than likely, you will still sell your item quickly. So not only can jewelry fetch a high price, it will also sell quickly, since the number of potential customers is more or less the user base on the server.

So Handicrafting is very profitable if you concentrate on necklaces, earrings and rings. It does require a lot of patience, due to the difficulty of gathering the materials required in quantity, and the number of attempts needed to proc a good item. However, once you have achieved the maximum level of 450, and obtained some great handicraft recipes from the Abyss, then Handicrafting can become a great source of Kinah.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Crafting is an important process in your gaming career in Aion, in which useful items and equipment are manufactured out of raw materials. Each player in Aion can learn all crafting professions, however only two can be brought to maximum rank of 399.

The crafting professions in Aion include the following, with the corresponding products.

• Cooking produces cooked food, using raw food material.
• Sewing produces clothing and leather armor, using plant fiber and leather.
• Armorsmiths produce chain and plate armor, using metal ingots.
• Weaponsmiths produce weapons, using metal ingots.
• Handicraftsmen produce jewellery, bows and staves, using
• Alchemy produces potions, using herbs and plants.

What makes the process of crafting a little interesting, and a little risky in Aion, is the fact that luck plays its part during the crafting process, as it is initiated with a roll of dice. The crafting window contains two parallel bars, a blue one and a purple one. Both of them progress to their completion, and if the blue bar makes it before the purple one, you are able to produce successfully, but that is not the case if the purple one reaches the maximum level first. This depends largely on your skill level. If your skill level is high, that will make life easier for you, as the blue bar will complete with a flash. If not, it will barely move as the purple bar overtakes it to complete, and your material will go to waste. Once initiated, the crafting process will be irreversible, so even if you can clearly see your fate as the purple bar dominates the race, you cannot bail out and save your material that is about to be wasted.

Speaking of luck, it also appears in the crafting process in an entirely different manner. Sometimes you can be surprised at the output of your crafting, as a related, but much enhanced and special product will be crafted through your ordinary raw material. Say, when you are cooking, you could get a delicious salted trout instead of an ordinary salted trout. You will find the value of such special products while playing the game.

Aion offers ease of leveling and progress in craftsmanship skill as compared to other MMORP games. You could either build your skill through the collection of raw material, or by acquiring a work order from your skill trainer, by the virtue of which, you can offer your services by crafting products out of provided raw material and build on your skill. The first method is more commonly used.

While you craft, you are encountered by the option of either producing through your own material, or to craft, by using other's material, for the government and build on your skills, if you are not short of gold. You could level in crafting either way, but the former method is slower than the latter. However, if you like to fully enjoy every level by exploring all its aspects and features and can afford to spend some time on that, you could go with crafting on your own material. As you advanced to higher crafting levels, the material will become more expensive, and it will be a better strategy to adopt the second way, that is, to craft for the government for skill-building and further leveling.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Make your own greeting cards. This may be the perfect home business opportunity for you. Creating and selling homemade cards is a rewarding and fun way to make money at home. Greeting cards are a growth industry and with the holidays around the corner this is a great time to jump in and start making your own cards.

What skills do I need?

Some creative skills are needed to design and create your own cards but you don't have to be an artist. You should have good ideas and some crafting skills. To sell your cards requires good interpersonal skills and enthusiasm!

What are the start up costs for a homemade greeting card business?

Very little equipment is needed, just different types of paper, pens, pencils, glue, cutting tools, envelopes and some design embellishments. Rubber stamps and decorative punches are always useful. Your start up costs are minimal.

How do I sell my homemade cards?

First develop promotional material such as a flyer. You can create your own document on your computer using photographs of your handmade cards and print it using a high end color printer. Local gift stores are a good starting point to sell your cards. Visit the store with samples and your promotional material. Craft fairs are another good sales opportunity. Simply rent a booth at a local craft show and create an attractive display of your cards. Approach local businesses who send out cards to their customers.

Leave samples of your work and contact details. eBay is another way to sell your cards and earn good income. You could hold a home party to sell your cards. Partner with other home businesses such as candle makers or jewelry makers. Word of mouth is a great marketing tool. Discuss your cards with people you come into contact with. Show your hairdresser, your vet, your friends samples of your work. Everyone loves a beautiful greeting card!

How do I make my homemade greeting cards special?

There are many ideas for making your own cards unique. Include a special token that can be removed and used such as a bookmark, fridge magnet or key chain. Use pressed flowers and the card can be framed as a small picture by the receiver. Scented cards fully engage the memory and emotion of the recipient. Put a couple of drops of essential oil onto a cotton wool ball and place it in a sealed bag with the card for about 48 hours to delicately scent the greeting card. Environmentally friendly cards use recycled paper and natural embellishments like leaves and feathers. Create beautiful envelopes with embellishments and decorative scissors.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Do you want to make one of a kind pieces of jewelry?.. Do you like some of the older pieces?.. then try creating some unique vintage jewelry and get selling!

One of your best sources of advertisement, are your family and friends.. they are your best supporters and are in your corner for sure!

Why not make them some jewelry, that is one of a kind and reusing some older pieces, such as old beads or stones. You can go to yard sales, garage sales, church bazaars, antique stores, 2nd hand stores, even online... just about anywhere, and you will find baskets of broken necklaces, broaches, earrings and more.

Get creative, and don't discard a piece because the clasp is broken or a few beads are missing. You can take apart these pieces and make a new piece by adding some of your own beads or stones. Or keep it simple, especially if you want to show off one vintage stone, try putting it by itself as a pendant on a nice chain.

The personality of your friends and family should be considered as well, your great aunt Nellie at 82 years old is not likely to wear the latest mood stone or ankle bracelets!.. If you want your friends and relatives to advertise for you, make them something they will enjoy wearing, suits their personality, and give it to them as a gift. They are more likely to show it off and pass out your business cards if they love what you made for them.

If you are wanting to make the leap from jewelry hobby to jewelry business, then you have to take the time to take this first step and invest the time in original pieces for your friends and family. This is a way to get yourself known as your friends and family show off their wearable art at work, with friends, traveling... it is a small investment to pay to get your name out there.

You can also check online for great supplies, there are many sources of metals, such as gold and silver as well as beads, chains and more.. You can get everything you need without leaving your home!.. or you can go treasure hunting locally, which ever way you shop for your supplies, have fun, get creating, and get inspired to make some unique vintage jewelry.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Throughout recorded history, the use of gold chains by men has continued in one form or another down to this day. It is now again very fashionable for men to wear a man gold chain. These chains are very easily available both online and in retail stores. Ordering gold chains on the Internet is convenient and safe. PayPal and credit card payments are accepted by almost all jewellers selling a man gold chain.

Gold has always held a special fascination for men who wielded great power. They used to buy and wear gold ornaments in an ostentatious display of their tremendous wealth, and their status in society. The most popular form of adornment was a man gold chain.

Later, when they realised the universal acceptance of gold as a medium of exchange in the form of gold coins, they used it to purchase goods and services from all over the world. These gold coins were engraved with their profiles and names to spread their fame far and wide.

In addition, these men considered themselves as patrons of the arts and employed craftsmen to design and hand craft beautiful gold jewellery inlaid with precious stones. As the art of jewellery making flourished, there was a slow but sure separation of fashions and designs for men and women. Males started to prefer the use of a man gold chain and rings rather than earrings, bangles, bracelets and nose studs which increasingly became the ornaments used by females for their adornment. Men also realised the tremendous power that gold ornaments had over women and started bestowing lavishly designed jewellery to women in exchange for their love and favours.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Crafting with kids doesn't need to cost a lot of money. With a bit of creativity and inspiration, you can make a lot of fun kid craft projects out of pretty much nothing. Many craft supplies you can be found in nature. For example, Instead of buying stamps, you can replicate similar result by using everyday objects in the kitchen or the outdoors. You can create intricate shapes by cutting a potato in half and scooping out some of the center. You can also use rocks and leaves to create patterns and transfer them onto greeting cards, bookmarks, bed sheets and more. To celebrate the end of summer and welcome the fall season, here are three simple kid craft projects using objects found in nature.

Pressed Flower Picture Nature Craft

Gather the flowers. Press them between sheets of hardcover books. When the flowers are ready to be used (after about 2-3 weeks), take a piece of stock paper and gently glue the flower petals onto the paper. You and your kids can create pictures by arranging the flower petals in desired pattern.

Beach Treasure Pendant Nature Craft

Collect some beach glasses or pebbles. Take a beading wire (about 1 foot long). Wind the wire all the way around the beach glass or pebble. Experiment with how you wire to create different results. Create a loop with the wire so you can make a necklace or bracelet by stringing a piece of ribbon or chain.

Leafy Print Nature Craft

Take a leaf and brush the underside with paint. Place the painted leaf over a piece of paper or cloth, paint side down. Cover the whole area with paper tower and press hard against it for a few seconds. Lift the paper tower and gently peel the away. Repeat until you have created a pattern with your leafy print. This method can be used to make greeting cards or to decorate a plain grocery tote.

Source : ezinearticles.com

There are some really easy crafts for kids. All they need are a few supplies like pipe cleaners, construction paper, toothpicks, macaroni and a few craft supplies.

Here is a list of some kids crafts that they will enjoy. Just let them use their creativity.

Pipe cleaner people Use different colored pipe cleaners and bend and twist them into shapes. They can make people, animals, buildings and whatever they can imagine. This is great when you have more than one child and they can make up a whole zoo or whatever they want to make.

You can either save them and put them on a cork board or set on a shelve or just untwist them so that they can be used again. This child's craft can keep them busy and entertained.

Macaroni Necklaces This craft goes back many years but the kids never get tired of making them. Just string colored macaroni onto lengths of yarn. If your macaroni is not colored then let the kids paint them.

Paint with spongesYou can buy sponge figures or else make your own. Get some cheap sponges and cut them into any kind of shape you like. You can make triangles, circles, stars, half moons, or even animal shapes. Let the kids dip them into paint and press them onto paper. The long rolls of paper or construction paper are really nice for this craft.

Make your own puppets You can buy sheets of foam and any craft store. Cut out dogs, butterflies, snakes, fish or anything that the kids like. Glue them onto popsicle sticks or tongue depressors and then they can make their own puppet show.

Toothpick art This has been around for a long time and the schools even use to use it. You can use either miniature marshmallows or gumdrops and toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks into the gumdrops or marshmallows. Just keep adding marshmallows to make any shape they want. They can make buildings or bridges and any kind of shapes, like a star, or hexagon and make then as elaborate as they want.

Paper chains We use to do this one when we were kids. Cut strips of construction paper and either glue or staple them into circles. When you have one circle done, put another strip through and glue it. Just keep adding circles until you have it as long as you want it. A red and white chain looks very nice for Christmas, or you can use red and green. The kids loving doing this chain. They can even decorate the strips with paint or sparkles.

Headbands Cut construction paper into strips and make one to fit the child's head. Then they can glue anything on them like feathers, buttons, ribbons made into bows, or any scraps of material. They could use the sponges from the craft above to decorate their head band.

Source : ezinearticles.com

During the Holiday and Christmas Seasons, we all get an abundance of holiday greeting cards. Once the holiday has passed, what do you do with them?

Don't throw them away!

I have 15 creative ideas to share with you, on how you can recycle and reuse those Greeting Cards.

1. Holiday Place Card Settings. Cut down your greeting card to a 4" high by 3" wide size. Fold and score the card in the center, making a 'tent' shape. You can write the guests name inside the card.

2. Postcards. Cut the back off. Use the front side as a postcard.

3. Beverage Coasters. Cut your card to a 4" square size. You now have disposable beverage coasters for your next party. If you would like permanent coasters, seal the design in clear contact paper.

4. Refrigerator Magnets. Cut out pretty designs from the front. Seal the design with clear contact paper. Glue a small magnet on the back.

5. Coat and Sweater Pins. Cut out some small pretty designs from your cards. Glue a 1" pin closure onto the back.

6. Recipe Cards. Cut down your card to measure 3"x 5" in size. Write your favorite holiday recipes on the blank backside. You can hand them out at your holiday party or at your cookie exchange party.

7. Wall Decorations. You can mat and frame your greeting cards.

8. Scrapbooking and Cardmaking. To make your items archival safe, lightly spray them with Archival Mist.

9. Bookmarks. Cut your card to a 1 1/2" by 7" size. Use a hole punch to punch a hole near the top edge. Attach a ribbon or tassel through the hole.

10. Gift Bag and Package Tags. Cut down to a 1" by 3" size. Hole punch a hole in the left upper corner so that you can attach the tag to the package with ribbon.

11. Tree Ornaments. Cut out 3" and 4" diameter designs. Hole punch a hole near the top center. Use ribbon to make a hanger.

12. Jar Lid Toppers. If you are making gift mixes to give as Holiday gifts, cut out a circle design to fit the top of your jar lid. Glue to the jar lid using all-purpose crafting glue or a scrapbooking glue stick.

13. Holiday Placemats. Cut a sheet of poster board to desired placement length. Glue card fronts onto poster board. Seal both sides of poster board with clear contact paper.

14. Charm Tags. Cut out 2" diameter circles. Hole punch a hole near the to center edge. Using a key chain finding, insert chain through hole. Instant way to dress up your purse, backpack, and key chains for the holidays.

15. CD/DVD Jewel Case Covers. Dress up those holiday self-made DVD's and CD's by making your own jewel case covers. Cut down greeting cards to fit inside the case, using the case as a template.

I hope these 15 crafty ideas have inspired your own creative ideas. Remember, Don't throw them away. It's time to Recycle and Reuse those greeting cards!

Source : ezinearticles.com

Making a paper doll chain is a perfect activity for dads and children on a sleepy afternoon. It is simple and does not require either time or money. Most importantly, it will be an exercise in creativity that the children will surely enjoy.

Things you will need:

o Some cardboard or hard paper
o A pair of scissors
o Pen, crayons, markers, and color pencils
o Glue
o Colorful paper or fabric scraps, buttons, beads, ribbons, sequins, and stickers to decorate the dolls

Steps to make the doll chain:

o Cut out a broad strip of the cardboard or paper. This could be about 10 cm high and as long as you want to make your doll chain.

o Fold about 6 cm of one end of the strip. At the point where the folded end overlaps, fold the strip again, but in the other direction. Go on making similar, alternating folds, so that the entire strip is folded into accordion style panels.

o Hold the folded panels bunched up tightly, with the top panel facing you. Help your children to draw the outline of a doll on this top panel, with the hands and legs spread out so that these extend to the panel borders.

o Carefully cut around the doll, taking care to retain the folds where the hands and legs touch the borders.

o Now unfold the strip to see your chain of dolls, joined by their hands and legs.

o Let your children decorate the dolls using the crayons, markers, color pencils, pieces of fabric, beads, ribbons, etc.

o You can even help your kids cut out little shapes from fabric scraps that they can use to create colorful dresses for the dolls.

You can use this chain to decorate the walls of your living room. You could even stick it around a lampshade, hang it as a mobile, or use it to decorate your child's door.

Hand-made crafts are an instant hit when it comes to gifts-they not only are beautiful but also appreciated more because of the effort put into creating them. Introduce Valentine's Day craft ideas in your family and convert your home into an activity center.

Source : ezinearticles.com

The technique of modeling dough had its beginnings with the Classical Romans, Greeks and Egyptians when they would pay homage to their gods with offerings of figures made from dough. Later in nineteenth century Germany salt was added to stop mice eating the creations.

Today modeling is particularly suitable as a craft idea for kids of any age. It is soft, safe, non-toxic and great fun. Although the children can use polymer clay and self hardening clays salt dough clay is great fun to make.

You will need very little for this craft idea for kids and will probably have most of the items in your home. Items such as paint, varnish, pastry cutters, moulds, bowl and rolling pin will probably be enough. For the actual bread dough recipe you will need plain flour (not self-raising), salt and water.

Recipe:

2 cups plain flour

1 cup salt

1 cup water

Mix together flour, salt and half the water in the mixing bowl. Knead the mixture adding more water gradually until it is smooth and firm. Do not add too much water as it will become sticky and sag. Remove the mixture from the bowl and knead for a further 10 minutes. It is best to leave the dough to rest for 30 minutes in an air tight container.

By adding 1 tablespoon on vegetable oil you will add suppleness to the dough or 1 tablespoon of wallpaper paste for elasticity.

Model the dough into desired shapes and bake at 120 deg C or 250 deg F until completely hard all over. It is important to place the finished craft objects in a dry atmosphere and not in a steamy or damp area as they may deteriorate. The dough crafts can be left natural, painted and varnished or the dough can colored with food coloring before baking. Anything that is heatproof can be used, such as broken china but do keep an eye on the kids near the oven.

Modeling lets kids use their imaginations and have fun.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Anyone who is serious about crafting knows - all the supplies that accumulate take up a lot of space. We tend to throw it all together in boxes, containers, or closets to get it out of the way when we aren't using it. Then when we're at our craft table, in need of a certain something, it is no where to be found! Here are some helpful ways to keep the clutter down and find the craft table that is right for you.

Some are lucky enough to have a craft room with a permanent craft table in it. For those of us that aren't so lucky, the kitchen table usually does the trick. It is not wise to use the kitchen table, however, because of the risk of damage.

When you are using glues, paints, or sharp objects like knives or scissors, your kitchen table can pay the price.

As an alternative, consider using a folding table. You can find sturdy, durable folding tables in a variety of sizes and for a variety of prices. I have even seen a very creative suggestion including sawhorses and a flat-surface door. Use adjustable sawhorses as the legs of your table. Use the door as the top. For added protection, you can seal the door. The advantage to folding tables, or the sawhorse table, is that they can be taken down and stored under beds or in closets when not in use.

When you are purchasing or setting up your craft table keep in mind that certain shapes are easier to work in, a T shape, a U shape, or an L shape. As an example, you could put one long folding table against the wall and put another shorter table or ironing board perpendicular to the end of the table (to make an L shape). Then, you have what you need within close range.

You can also purchase desks or craft tables that are already in an L shape. Another idea for ease of use while working, buy a plastic mat made to go under a desk, and an office chair with rollers. You can glide from one end of your craft table to the other!

You can use empty wall space and extra closet space to store you craft supplies. Take advantage of empty wall space by hanging shelves or peg board. If you hang hooks on the wall in front of your craft table, you can have the tools you need most often within your reach. In the closet, you can install shelves to hold containers, or you can use clothing rods to hang fabrics. When choosing containers, you should always go clear. It will help you find things easily if you can see what is in the container. Permanent or moveable cabinet units can be put under or next to your craft table for added storage.

These are just a few ideas to help you get organized. Whether you have a permanent craft table, or a do-it-yourself craft table, the right organization tactics make all the difference!

Source : ezinearticles.com