AllCrafts.net Free Crafts Update Blog

Pixifun Photo Key Ring Maker Set

Looking for a memorable gift or party favor? Try this fun computer crafts set. Everything is included to make 6 high quality key rings from your images or photos. They're reasonably priced, and pretty easy to make.

Here's what the set includes:

• 6 clear plastic key ring blanks
• 18 printable sticker inserts
• 2 printer test sheets
• 1 alignment test sheet
• Software on CD
• Instruction manual

I was surprised at how nice my finished key rings looked. They looked store-bought, except they had pictures of my family in them. The photo area is a clear glossy plastic square, and the attached key ring is silver. They seem sturdy and well-made.

This craft kit is very straight-forward and includes step by step instructions. First, you install the software from the CD. This went smoothly for me. The computer requirements are modest and should work on older computers - Windows 95 or higher and 64 MB RAM.

The software is easy to use, for photo software. First, you pick the paper size. The included sticker inserts are on paper size A5, which can print six key rings at once. The paper can be cut in half to make size A6, but I didn't try that.

The software opens to a screen showing 6 blank spots, that can fit 2 photos each. Then you use the import feature to bring in your photos. There are many options to adjust your photos. You can add text and shapes to the images. The software includes 200 backgrounds and clipart images to further enhance your creations.

As with most computer crafts, you must take some time to work out how to do each of these things. The instruction manual covers each option, but you can try them all out to see how they work. There is a multiple-undo feature, so you can remove any changes that you've made.

If you are already comfortable using image software like Adobe Photoshop Elements, I would use that first. Size your photos to 40mm x 40 mm to fill the square with some overlap that will be trimmed off when you print. That worked great for me.

After you're happy with your photos on-screen, you can print a test page. The kit contains 2 printer test sheets. The software automatically sets your printer to the correct paper size. I put the small A5 test sheet in my printer paper tray and printed on their test sheet. The kit comes with a clear overlay to help you verify the alignment. If the boxes on the overlay match the photos underneath, then your printer should print correctly on the sticker inserts.

Everything looked great, so I put in the sticker paper and printed away. Now, the easy part - I peeled the sticker off the sheet and folded it in half. This created a flat double-sided mini-photo that fit inside the key ring. I clicked the cover into place, and, wow, it looked great!

Just like printing address labels, you do not have to print out all 6 sticker inserts at once. The software lets you pick which spots on the stickers to print. For my first try, I made just one key ring. For the next five key rings, I skipped the first box that I'd already printed. I put photos in the remaining five spots and it printed fine.

Like most computer crafts, getting the image just how and where you want it is the only tricky part. The rest was simple and fun. Personalized photo key rings would make memorable holiday gifts, party or wedding favors, and great promotions for your arts and crafts business.

Find out more at their website.

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Categories: Computer Crafts, Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter
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Homemade Halloween Costumes E-Book Review

Homemade Halloween Costumes Ebook
Growing up, I never wore a store-bought costume. Nor did I wear an elaborately-sewn homemade costume. My strongest Halloween memories are my mom brainstorming a creative costume out of next to nothing. Rarely did my sister and go out trick or treating as the latest trendy character. We were more likely to show up as a television set. My mom's inguenity and creativity had a big impact on who I am. I still love Halloween, and I was tickled by this Halloween Costumes ebook that I found recently.

I've seen many Halloween costumes books. Most have color photos and are sold in the big bookstores. This book is a homemade family affair, like I remember Halloween with my family. It is in pdf format to read or print from your computer. You can download it today. I print the pages that I'll need when I need them.

There aren't many color photos with the costumes, though some have simple diagrams. Some have links to websites to show you the idea. Since you'll be making most of the costumes from items you already have or can easily get, your costume will have its own unique flair. Reading these pages of costumes, I felt like I was listening to my mom and her sisters figure out my costume this year.

There are more than 90 different costumes listed in alphabetical order with a table of contents. They range from people to characters to objects, to plays on words and animals and occupations and more. Just read the table of contents to your kids and you'll be on your way to a happy Halloween.

The costumes are very child-friendly and safe. Many are based on a sweatshirt and pants or leggings. They use simple supplies like posterboard, cardboard boxes, and basic craft supplies like paint, pom-poms, and pipe cleaners. One high-tech innovation that I like is how they suggest taking a playing card to the copy center and having it blown up to blueprint size to make a Queen of Hearts costume. This technique is used in a few ideas and costs just a few dollars. If that's not available to you, they do suggest alternatives.

There are a few extra ideas in this book for last minute costumes, sibling costumes, face painting, papier-mache masks and Halloween treats. Plus, this e-book comes with two extra books. One is on face painting. It includes a few popular designs with step-by-step photos and instructions. The second bonus is Halloween Food for Kids, with recipes and party foods.

If you're looking for a great resource for making easy homemade costumes for your kids, you'll enjoy this book. The Halloween memories from making your own costumes are priceless, and this book makes it easy. Happy Halloween!

Find out more at their website.

They've also just released an entire book on face painting.

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Locker Hooking Craft Review

Locker Hooking Craft Review

An easy and relaxing craft that creates attractive, durable items.

Recently, while sitting in a waiting room cross-stitching, I noticed another woman doing a craft that I had not seen before. She was using an odd type of crochet hook, pulling loops of fabric through a rug hooking canvas. Locker hooking, she explained, and pointed me to the website of MCG Textiles, where she bought her hook and books.

Locker hooking is a simple craft that creates durable, attractive items, from rugs to purses and more. The two essentials are a locker hooking tool and rug hooking canvas. The other items can vary. A locker hooking tool has a crochet hook on one end and a large needle eye on the other. The crochet end is used to pull loops of your material through the holes in the canvas mesh. After you've pulled up a few loops onto the hook, then the needle eye, threaded with yarn or cord, is pulled through the loops, locking them in place.

I'm working on two locker hooking projects right now. The first is a hot pad, using fabric strips. It is the beginner project from this book by MCG Textiles. To create the fabric strips, I notched a yard of fabric every inch and tore several strips at once. To lock the loops, I'm using the cord from MCG Textiles. It is precut into handy one yard lengths. The edges of my rug canvas were turned under a few rows, and whip-stitched with a fabric strip, using the needle eye of the tool, to create a finished edge. The first row of locker hooking is the trickiest on this project. The first square in the lower right corner has 3 layers of canvas, because of the edge, and is partially filled with the whip stitching. The next rows were easier, and I became more comfortable with the up and down motion.

I've heard reports that fabric locker-hooked rugs still look beautiful after years of use and machine-washing. Looking at my little hot pad, I can believe it. It is very sturdy, and has a nice country style to it.

My second project in progress is a purse from this book by MCG Textiles and Lion Brand Yarns. This time, I'm using Lion Brand Homespun yarn as both the loops and locker yarn. I'm making the purse pictured on the front cover. The yarn locker hooking is a little easier than fabric, since the yarn is thinner than the fabric strips. It's creating a great nubbly texture, that also looks to be very sturdy. This is one yarn purse that will not stretch out or sag. The two pieces of the purse are made separately, then stitched together to form a simple purse. In the pattern, they embellish the top edges with an eyelash-style yarn, but I may use a ribbon yarn or continue with the Homespun yarn. We'll see when I get there.

I've also read about Australian locker hookers using rovings from their herds of sheep for the loops. I think this is wool fiber that's been washed, but not spun into yarn. Sounds interesting. Rovings are available in colors or natural from sheep farms online.

Locker hooking is an easy, relaxing craft. Patterns are drawn on the canvas, so no counting of rows or stitches. Depending on the size of your project, it's easy to take along, and easy to put down when the need arises. I find myself picking it up in the evenings to relax. MCG Textiles has photos and instructions, plus all the supplies and books on their website.

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Review The Happy Hooker Crochet Book

The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

Humble crochet is due for a resurgence. I know, I've said it before, but this book of modern crochet certainly shows it. The patterns in this book are fresh and different. If you're an experienced crocheting, you will be happy buying this book for the shapely sweaters, cool hats, unique baby items, and other interesting patterns.

If you haven't crocheted, or have just crocheted a little, this book is a comprehensive primer on exactly how to do it, how it differs from knitting, and what you need to get started. Not much is necessary, and there's a great explanation of different yarns and hooks.

Though I grew up with crochet, I enjoyed reading about the history of crochet and what types of item crochet makes best - lacy items and sturdy items, but not stretchy ones.

Crochet, through the years, has been taught from person to person. It's probably easiest to learn from someone else. But, if you can learn from a book, this book may be the one. The instructions are conversational and full of little tips. Different methods of holding the yarn and creating the basic stitches are also explained.

The instructions chapters start with a chain stitch, move into single crochet, then into types of double and triple crochet. Adding yarn, increasing and decreasing are also demonstrated. Fancy stitches like shell, popcorn, ribbing, spike stitch, and even granny squares are explained. Tapestry and filet crochet are shown, along with the afghan stitch. The instructions finish with all the info you need to finish a project - joining pieces, seaming, buttonholes, blocking, and more. It is very comprehensive!

Let's talk patterns. The designs are from a variety of the new breed of pattern designers, and they vary a bit in their styles. There are more than 40 patterns, sorted by category. Each pattern lists the weight of the yarn used, which is nice to see.

The scarves and shawls patterns are nice, and the hats are cool enough for teenagers and boys. The bags and totes are unique and mostly retro-modern.

I really liked the clothing in the Spring & Summer and Fall & Winter sections. The summer tops, halters, tanks and t-shirts, are very cute, and similar to what I've seen in stores. The often-requested crochet bikini is vintage style, and includes a carrying bag. The Fall and Winter sweaters are not boxy, and do not look homemade. Your favorite guy might even wear the jolly roger sweater. The "Unseamly Sweater" is shaped through changing stitch patterns. The only seams are at the underarms and armholes.

Patterns for accessories include a wide corset belt, fluffy bunny slippers, wire jewelry and more. Home, gifts and baby items are rather miscellaneous. The sock monkey baby set is a nice change from traditional baby layettes, while still being very cute.

Crocheters of all levels can find something to enjoy in this book. The instructions and reference are valuable to have on your shelf, and there are probably a few patterns for everyone. I even enjoyed reading it.

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Kathy Ross Crafts

Kathy Ross Crafts
Letter Shapes
Letter Sounds
Numbers
Triangles, Rectangles, Circles and Squares

Here's a delightful series of arts and crafts books to teach or reinforce letters, numbers, and shapes with your children. Kathy Ross is one of my favorite kids crafts authors, because the projects are age-appropriate and use common items. Most of the projects encourage further play and exploration, too. Best of all, they're always a hit with the kids!

Letter Sounds contains 29 different projects. Every letter is represented - from "Activity on an Anthill" to "Zipper-Bag Zoo Book." The last 3 projects use the entire alphabet. The final project uses and Altoids mint tin, a magnetic strip, construction paper and a hole punch to make a take-along letter builder in a box. Great for car trips and waiting rooms. Some of my other favorites inclued "Pear Print Penguins," "High-House Hat," and " Under an Umbrella."

Letter Shapes continues the theme - from Airplane A to Zinnia Z, with a few extra alphabet projects at the end. Each project is based on a pre-cut letter. If you're working with a group, they suggest using a die-cut machine. Most of the projects also include other words and images from that letter, which may give you more ideas to build on and talk about while making the project.

Numbers starts with a project for the numbers 1-10, but has several projects incorporating numbers - calendar markers, playing card counters, clock, cell phone, and more. I liked the "Bathtub Boat and Two of each Crayon Animals," which uses up the old crayons in the bin. "Seven-Day Story" also teaches the days of the week and encourages story-telling. "Gift-Bag House" helps kids learn their house numbers.

In Triangles, Rectangles, Circles, and Squares, each project focuses on one type of shape, and there are a five projects for each shape. Most are paper-crafts, with construction paper and glue. Each then uses one or two unique items from wiggle eyes to buttons. "Hairy Squarey" used an empty small pudding box as a decorated planter that grows grass seed. In triangles, we make a triangle handbell, triangle page markers and more. The square decorated post-it pad is a cute gift, too.

This series is great for those who need an introduction to letters, numbers and shapes, and those who could use a reinforcement. Beginning readers will also take to these creative projects and go far with them.

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Fiskars ScrapBoss Starter Set & Stencil Sets Review

Fiskars ScrapBoss Starter Set & Stencil Sets
Embossing, Stenciling, and Cutting System

Fiskars, well-known for their scissors and paper punches, makes a great system for embossing, stenciling and cutting. It's super for scrapbooking and cardmaking. Everything in these sets works together. I have several of the sets, and thought you might be interested in this versatile system.

The first piece that you need is the Scrapboss. Measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, it's big enough for full-size scrapbook pages. Templates are fastened to it by repositionable pegs. Underneath, there's a storage tray to store templates and paper. It comes with 2 styluses, some stencils, and a project book. The Scrapboss can use any stencils and templates that Fiskars makes.

There's a smaller cousin, the Shapeboss. > It fits stencils and templates that are 9 inches by 11 inches and smaller. It comes with a stylus and some stencils. It does not have the storage tray. For the smallest sizes, try the Cardboss > or Mini ShapeBoss Set > The stencils listed on those pages both work on the Scrapboss and Shapeboss.

Embossing and Stenciling

Embossing and stenciling are very easy with this system. The laser-cut stencils come in two parts. First you lay the bottom piece on the Scrapboss, then the top piece. The top piece has grid lines and is marked, "top." Next I usually put a couple pegs in the corners to hold it securely in place. I position the paper, cardstock, or thin metal in between the two pieces and, start embossing. The styluses comes with different size tips. Smaller tips are better for detailed areas, while large areas can be finished quickly with the bigger tips.

The stencils come in a large variety, from abstract lines and letters, good for lots of pages, to holiday and baby themes. If you click on the small pictures on this page and this page, you can see the details of each one.

Sometimes I emboss right on a 12x12" scrapbook page and create borders and frames. I also make embellishments by embossing smaller pieces or copper pieces. I usually emboss before cutting them out. It's easier.

Another set that I use alot to make photo mats and embellishments for scrapbooking and cards are the Texture Plates >. They're made of hard plastic with holes at the top for the pegs. Each is two-sided, with a different texture on each side. The assortment pack is a great value and contains 6 double sided plates (12 designs) including hearts/ stars, lines/waves, bubbles/dots, squares/fabric, stones/bricks and wood/leaves.

I use the Texture Plates with the Shape Templates that I'll talk about later to create my own textured die-cuts. For example, I put the heart shape template on the Scrapboss with a hearts texture plate beneath it. I slide my paper in-between. I emboss inside the heart shape, creating a hearts texture. Then I cut out the heart shape. It's very cute! I also like to create titles this way, using the letter and number shape templates and the other texture plates.

Cutting

The Fiskars templates for cutting are designed for the ShapeCutter >. It's a very safe and accurate way to cut out clean shapes and letters. The cutting mat and shape templates fit the Scrapboss or Shapeboss and have holes to secure them with the pegs. Using the ShapeCutter is very simple. Hold the base of the ShapeCutter inside the template and follow around the edge. To cut a freehand design, I just look down at the blade and follow my traced line. The blade is adjusted by a knob on top for different paper thicknesses.

The ShapeTemplates are sturdy plastic with grid lines, and can be stored in a binder. They have several shapes on each one, and some have border designs along the sides. They come in many varieties > and letters and numbers. > There's also a set of Super Size ShapeTemplates >. On these, you can use the inside and outside of each shape, That's great for cropping a photo and creating a matching shape mat.

Overall, I use the Scrapboss alot in my paper-crafting. It's very versatile, and I can create many different looks, cards, and layouts.

Categories: Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter, Paper Crafts, Scrapbooking
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking

Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking: The most complete guide to scrapbooking ever published

This could be a very short review because I can sum it up in one sentence - if you buy only one scrapbooking book in your lifetime, buy this book.

However, I suppose I must explain myself. While many crafts books claim to be encyclopedias, few are comprehensive enough to deserve the title. With more than 300 pages, the "Enclycopedia of Scrapbooking" covers all of scrapbooking. Not just definitions and pictures, most entries explain how to use the tool, idea or embellishment. I've found several techniques that I can't wait to try on my pages. Since this book is by Creating Keepsakes magazine, every other page or so contains great layouts using the techniques illustrated.

This comprehensive book starts with the very basics, the history of scrapbooking. Then it illustrates the many tools and materials you might need or want for scrapbooking. The pictures of each item are large and helpful. For more basics, the next section is Page Creation. They cover several essential techniques:
-cropping photos and mats
-using paper trimmers
-adhering photos
-handwriting titles
-using red-eye pens
-cutting templates and shapes

ver been intimidated by the selection of scrapbooking items and doodads in the craft store? The next 3 chapters are for you, and me, too. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Embellishments covers every technique and material that I've seen used in a layout, and more than a few that I have to try. Trust me, it's all there.

From brads, chalks, conchos, eyelets, inks, mounts, mica, vellum, to watch crystals and everything in between, the quantity of information is outstanding. Each item explains how to use it, and shows you several layouts using the items.

his well-rounded book has a gallery of other uses for our scrapbooking toys, additional resources, and an appendix to cover technical stuff like archival quality, technology and organization.

ike scrapbooking? Want to try scrapbooking? Need a motivation to get started on those boxes of photos? The "Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking" belongs on your bookshelf, though I suspect mine will be out and read through again and again for good while.

Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking: The most complete guide to scrapbooking ever published

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Review - Dazzling Bead and Wire Crafts

Dazzling Bead & Wire Crafts>
by Mickey Baskett

Great book for intermediate to advanced beaders and adventurous beginners.

Dazzling Bead & Wire Crafts is a book full of creative and different bead & wire projects. More than 50 projects cover the range from demure jewelry to purses to home accessories and gifts.

Many crafts books begin with a techniques section. There are many technques in this book, but they are part of the projects. Most of the projects contain an unusual idea or application that can be applied to other projects. The introduction is brief. The supplies section discusses and illustrates several non-traditional types of wire - armature wire, solder wire, buss wire, aluminum wire, and more. After a short section on tools, the projects begin. And the projects are exactly why you will like this book. They're fascinating.

Let's dive into some of my favorite projects in this book! A delicate pearl and wire choker uses pink colored wire to tremendous effect. A necklace for grandma uses scrapbooking supplies to frame photos of the grandchildren. Small jump rings are added to the frames to string them.

Polymer clay is used in several projects. In the Beads & Charms necklace, polymer clay is stamped with words inside bead charms and strung onto a necklace with wire wrapped beads. Polymer clay is used on an elegant headband. The clay is stamped and twisted head pins are inserted into each medallion. Polymer clay is also used in a few designs to create pendants.

Another unique element in these jewelry designs is the trendy bottle caps. In the Beaded Palms earrings, the edges of the bottle cap are punched and strung with seed beads.

In wirework, a homemade or store-bought jig can be used. Pegs are arranged so that you can bend and wrap the wire into intricate designs. This is used in one example to make a delicate wire twist bracelet. Between the wirework, pastel beads are wrapped in wire and seed beads. It's subtle but stunning. Another necklace design uses the jig to create delicate filigree.

Polymer clay and beads are used in a few projects to create unique purses. One is stitched from leather and others are made from various boxes.

The second section of the book contains projects for the home. The projects are varied and interesting:

-placemat trim
-glass charms
-hanging vase
-bell pull
-sushi set
-cocktail skewers
-key ring dangle
-ceiling fan pull
-decorated tins and boxes
-fish bowl trim
-bead mosaics
-suncatchers

There are more projects than I've listed, but these are some of the most diverse group of beadwork ideas that I've seen in awhile. With these ideas, you can use your beadwork skills to create gifts beyond necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

All of the projects have full page color photos. Many have patterns and diagrams, too. The table of contents and index are useful in finding projects quickly. Overall, this is an excellent book for those who like beads and wirework and are looking to expand their skills and ideas.

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Review - Creative Computer Crafts

Creative Computer Crafts: 50 Fun and Useful Projects You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer
By Marcelle Costanza

Computer Crafts have really grown up! When AllCrafts.net began 5+ years ago, Computer Crafts was one of our original pages, but the book and project pickings were always a bit slim. Well, we updated that page a few weeks ago and it's full to bursting. This book is another example of how far computer crafting has come!

In the past, I've found that computer crafts books were hard to recommend. They often were outdated or not very useful because they gave directions for just one program and the projects were not so interesting. Well, I'm happy to find a book that I can heartily recommend. The 50 projects in this book will amaze you in their creativity, and the instructions are general enough to use with any good desktop publishing program.

Some of the projects do require special papers, and the appendix lists sources. Besides, how else could you make scratch-off tickets, stemware shrink charms, or decorative mirrors, to name a few? There are many unusual cards and fabric printing projects. They have great directions and lots of uses. Other projects are definite head-turners:

-Revolving Musical Carousel
-Baby Bib Birth Announcement
-Stained Glass Votive Holder
-Rainbow Easter Basket
-Transparent Pyramid Boxes
-Wedding Lights
-Matchbook Mints

There are three introductory sections to this book, covering interesting topics. The author of this book is a pioneer in computer crafting and explains her journey and the maturing of computer crafts in a very readable beginning. Next, she discusses computer crafts supplies. The explanations of different printers, scanners and software is detailed but not too technical. I like how she gives a range of suggestions for hardware - good, better, and best.

Once we've mastered a craft and invested in the tools and supplies, we often wonder if we can sell our crafts. The third chapter gives a thorough overview of where and how to sell your creative output. She speaks with experience, and crafters will enjoy such good info on this topic.

If you've got a hankering to turn out colorful and creative items from your inkjet printer, there isn't a better book out there. I'll have alot of fun with this one!

Creative Computer Crafts: 50 Fun and Useful Projects You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Review - Michael's Book of Needlecrafts

The Michaels Book of Needlecrafts- Knitting, Crochet & Embroidery

Well, this is a big book! More than 300 pages of knitting, crochet and embroidery. Truly, it is three books in one. Each section begins with a comprehensive set of instructions for that craft. Large drawings show the stitches and other details. The knitting section covered one of my pet peeves - what if I can't get the yarn they use in the pattern? An article gives tips and ideas to make good substitutions. Each pattern has a color photo and sometimes a few. The patterns have summary info at the beginning - skill level, sizes, supplies and tools needed. I have one quibble with the book - the table of contents is very short and doesn't provide a list of the patterns. The patterns are listed in an appendix at the back. The knitting patterns are varied. All the standards are included- afghans, hats, mittens, scarves, shawls, socks, sweaters and vests. Other patterns include a dog sweater and collar, Ipod holder, purses, wire jewelry, and purses. I think crochet has become a hot craft, and the authors seem to agree. The crochet patterns are interesting and modern. Even though the arm warmers done in a fuzzy yarn look like hairy arms. And the Santa's stocking is rainbow-striped and has individual toes... I liked all the rest very much. The baby clothes look cute and probably work up quickly. The patterns also include hats, ponchos, purses, sweaters, tops, a backpack, pillow, shawl, and a jacket to name a few. The beach cover-up was stylish, and the crochet trim for a store-bought top was different. The embroidery instructions are comprehensive. Many types of stitches along with bead embroidery, ribbon embroidery and hardanger are illustrated. Most of the projects are embellishments for pre-made items. They range from elegant to quirky and fun. Embroidered jeans and beaded tops are popular now and both are covered here. Many types of items go under the needle - mittens, napkins, pillows, purses, paper, sweaters, towels, and tote bags. A few of the purses are handmade, with the patterns included. The embroidered greeting card and scrapbook embellishments add dimension to your papercrafts. The Michaels Book of Needlecrafts - Knitting, Crochet & Embroidery is a very solid and worthwhile book for your library. If you're already involved in one of the crafts, it's a great way to learn the others, while getting a good set of patterns.

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AllCrafts.net Crafts Review - Freestyle Cordless Glue Gun

FreeStyle Cordless Glue Gun by Cold Heat

I had a great time testing out this cordless glue gun. It has several handy features and works very well. I was skeptical about the cordless feature, as some in the past have not worked as well as my corded version. Let me explain how the cordless action works on this glue gun. It is very similar to our cordless drill. The battery snaps into the bottom of the handle. To charge, it fits into a small charger which can be kept anywhere near an outlet. The charger flashes a green light while charging and then a steady light once charged. The initial charge took just a couple of hours. The instructions say the battery has no "memory effect" - it can be put back on the charger even if it's not fully discharged. With the battery, the glue gun weighs less than 12 ounces. It feels very comfortable to hold and use. The glue gun has a trigger so glue only comes out when you need it, and a work light at the tip that illuminates exactly where you are working. The light can be switched from high to low intensity. There's a clear window on top so you can easily see when to add another glue stick. This gun takes mini-size low temperature or all-purpose glue sticks. Cold Heat also sells glue sticks just for this gun, that they say will maximize battery life. Right by the opening for the glue sticks, there are two small lights. One is a low battery indicator and the other is the PowerSave indicator. If you do not move the glue gun for eight minutes, it switches to this mode and stops heating the glue. As soon as you move it, it heats up again. The glue heating time was very quick. The gun is well-made and easy to use. It does not drip when resting, which keeps your workspace much cleaner. The FreeStyle Cordless Glue Gun is packed with features and works great. The FreeStyle Cordless Glue Gun is available from Cold Heat.

 

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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review Basic Jewelry Making

AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review
Basic Jewelry Making: All the Skills And Tools You Need to Get Started. (Spiral Bound)

Why aren't more jewelry books like this one? "Basic Jewelry Making" has page after page of large, close-up photos of each step in a technique or project. It is spiral bound so it lays flat as I compare my wire wrapping with the one in the photo. Incredible. Each page has about 3-6 photos. The text is in the step by step captions underneath each photo.

There are three main sections to this book:

• Working with Beads

• Beads with Wire

• Bending Silver and Gold Wire

The introductory section explains the tools and materials you will need to get started. There are large photos of each tool and material. The first technique illustrated is essential in creating great-looking beaded jewelry - crimping. The photos give a clear view of how to do it and what the finished results should look like. The project that follows walks you through each step of creating a simple necklace with a clasp. The finished piece looks very professional. The next few projects in this section illustrate more techniques, including an elegant floating crimp. Using elastic cord, crimping on silk cord, and making polymer clay beads, are also helpful and are a nice bonus.

The next section of this book, Beading with Wire, is a comprehensive course in intermediate techniques. Here's where I learned lots of new ideas. This chapter focuses on working with headpins, loops, dangles and wire wrapping. A complex necklace separated by wire-wrapped loops is fantastic and each step is shown with photos. The final project lets you have fun with just wire by making a nice wire-wrapped pendant.

Once you've mastered these techniques, you're ready to play with the big boys. The last section, Bending Silver and Gold Wire, will show you how to make gallery quality pieces. The tools and materials section is full of pictures and explained thoroughly. All of this material was new to me, and quite interesting. From sterling silver and gold wire, you bend and hammer it into earrings, bracelets and more. The finishing techniques add that extra pizazz to your jewelry. From these lessons, you can go in many creative directions.

I was really struck by the quality of the instructions in this book. The photos are large and close-up and the captions are detailed and helpful. I've learned some of the secrets to the beautiful jewelry that I've seen at fine craft shows. "Oh, so that's how they do that," I thought more than once while reading and examining the photos. By far, one of the best jewelry making books on the market today.

Categories: Beading and Jewelry-making, Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review: Twirled Paper

Twirled Paper: Make Almost Anything with Simple Paper Strips by Jacqueline Lee

Quilling, or paper filigree, is back in crafting style. It's showing up on scrapbooking pages and homemade cards. I wanted to try this craft I remember from many years ago. A traditional snowflake kit has sat in my projects bin for a long while, untouched. Then I saw the author of Twirled Paper on the Carol Duvall show. The fantastic underwater scene in bright colors and outrageous shapes was not the same quilling. I was intrigued, and I had a blast with this kit in a book. The designs are unique - animals, bugs, fish, aliens, food and letters. The book is colorful and friendly. Quilling is easy enough to teach children, while there are plenty of designs to keep busy at all skill levels. The designs are so creative and fun that I was inspired to create my own. Here's a freeform design, "Kooky Bird." He began from some of my practice coils. As you can see, we used old record albums covered in waxed paper for our quilling bases. The book comes with everything you need to quill, except for some basic household supplies - waxed paper, straight pins, ruler, toothpicks. The kit includes: the quilling tool, glue, googly eyes, and lots of quilling strips in great colors. The first quilling technique is tight coils. Very easy and explained well in the text. Next, we moved on to loose coils, which are used in most projects and are turned into shapes to form your designs. Many different shapes are shown in a visual glossary, with diagrams. I referred back here as I made the designs. I followed right along with the pictures and directions to make a flamingo. If you would like to try quilling, buy this book. It's a great for learning quilling, with a casual tone and creative designs. I'm ready for my lacy snowflakes kit. Take a gander at our creations!

Categories: Crafts Book Reviews, Paper Crafts
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Shutterfly Review and Tutorial

We've just finished a comprehensive review and tutorial on using Shutterfly.com. Read it online.

Categories: Computer Crafts, Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter, Scrapbooking
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - New Knits on the Block: A Guide to Knitting What Kids Really Want

New Knits on the Block: A Guide to Knitting What Kids Really Want by Vickie Howell

I hesitated to review a knitting pattern book, since I cannot vouch for each pattern and patterns are essentially the book. But this book suprised me and charmed me. There are 25 projects for children. No sweaters and scarves, just costumes and toys and silly things for kids. The projects are mostly beginner to intermediate. They're rated by how much time needed to complete the project. Here's some of the patterns included: Fireman hat Mermaid outfit Unicorn hat King's crown Tool set with pouch Super kid cape Ancient Egyptian outfit Knight costume Pirate bath set Alien tooth fairy pillow Robot jammie bag Hawaiian oufit Viking costume Sleeping bag This book assumes that you can knit. The first chapter shows special techniques like felting (used in a wizard's hat) and how to knit i-cord. You may recognize the author from Knitty Gritty, a knitting show on DIY Network. Ready to knit something unique for the kids in your life? I think you'll be pleased with this wonderful book. New Knits on the Block: A Guide to Knitting What Kids Really Want

Categories: Crafts Book Reviews, Knitting and Crochet, Newsletter
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others

Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others: The Complete guide for Creating the Career of Your Dreams by Sue DiFranco

Wondering if you could work from home, doing the craft you love? Well, if you have a talent for scrapbooking, you may be in luck. This book is a thorough and encouraging guide to every aspect of starting and succeeding as a Custom Scrapbook Artist (CSA).

The 3 main sections of the book are: (1) Starting a CSA business, 2) How to be a CSA, and, 3) Marketing your business.

There are many issues to consider when opening a home-based business. From local zoning laws, to registering a business name and a domain name, a business owner needs to make careful decisions. There is excellent info in these chapters to guide you in starting your business right. The checklist at the end of the chapter is handy for any businessperson.

Once the basics of a business are covered, the book moves to the details of being a Custom Scrapbook Artist, and really begins to excel. This author is not afraid to tackle difficult issues head-on, and she begins with the thorny topics of copyright and supplies. Avoid the pitfalls when you are reselling scrapbook supplies in albums to your clients by reading this chapter. It's good info.

Many business crafts books give little attention to teaching pricing, while it is usually a craftsperson's first and recurring question. The pricing chapter considers the issue from different perspectives, giving you tools to apply to your marketplace.

I enjoyed the detailed example of arranging a client consultation - before the meeting, confirming the meeting, what to bring, and more. Being well prepared for working with your client and their photos will help make the entire album go more smoothly.

Marketing your business is the largest section of this book. No marketing experience is necessary - it begins with the basics. The next chapters provide enough business promotion ideas to last for years. Many of these techniques are applicable to any business. Here are some of the topics - "Almost" Free Marketing, Direct Mail, Publicity, and Paid Advertising.

After you've become a bit established, your business will be ready to try the more advanced techniques. She suggests ways of marketing to niches, and adding items and services. Plenty to keep your business humming along.

This book is up-to-date - websites and pay-per-click search engine marketing are discussed. There is an extensive reference section of vendors and groups to contact. A CD containing documents to help you in your business, including a sample contract, is included.

The tone of the book is encouraging while presenting a great deal of specific practical information. It covers many issues that I had not considered, including the tricky topics of supplies, pricing, and customer contracts. Many of the ideas and tips are helpful for any home-based business.

If you are considering this career choice, I highly recommend this book. You will return to it again and again - as you begin as a CSA, and while running your business.

Categories: Crafting Business, Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter, Scrapbooking
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Patchwork Puzzle Balls Book Review

AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review
Patchwork Puzzle Balls
by Jinny Beyer

Oh - these are too cute! First, there were fabric boxes and bowls - which I love! Now, try your hand at fabric balls.

Let me admit my bias - I like cute, clever projects. Jinny Beyer has done the math and laid it all out in clear steps. Plus, you can use up all those fabric scraps that you just can't throw away!

There are more than a dozen projects in this book and they are a good variety on this one theme. Since this book is by Jinny Beyer, the color schemes are inspiring and some of the projects make good use of border prints.

What will you do with fabric balls? Use them in home decor, for the children in your life, as cute baby gifts and more. The designs start simple and get sophisticated. The temari style balls would make a lovely gift, too.

Patchwork Puzzle Balls at Amazon.com. Categories: Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter, Quilting
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Findings & Finishings Book Review

AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review
Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book
by Sharon Bateman


The opening chapters give a simple but thorough overview of beads, threads, wires, tools you'll need, and the basics of working with beads and wire.

True to the title, the strength of this book is her chapters on findings and finishings. These ending details can take your bead work from homemade to wow!

The photos and instructions are very comprehensive. This book includes at least 100 different techniques using purchased findings and ones you make yourself. All types of findings are covered:

* Head and Eye Pins
* Spacing Bars and Connectors
* Terminals
* Spacers
* Crimps
* Clasps
* Ear Wires
* Pins

Many of these ideas are very innovative. I was even more fascinated by the finishings chapters. They included some great ideas for edges, fringes and original beadwork on findings.

The photo gallery will inspire you to branch out from her ideas even more. Highly recommended to take your beadwork to a new level of expertise.

Findings & Finishings: A Beadwork How-To Book at Amazon.com
Categories: Beading and Jewelry-making, Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Hip Handbags: Creating & Embellishing 40 Great-Looking Bags

Hip Handbags: Creating & Embellishing 40 Great-Looking Bags 

This book gives you the patterns & instructions to create seven basic handbag and shoulderbag types. Then the author shows you creative materials and embellishments that will inspire you to create a truly individual purse. Each variation is explained thoroughly. Several new techniques are shown in these projects.
All of the essential purse shapes are covered - clutch, tote, large purse, messenger bag, envelope and more. The patterns are in the text on graph paper. They're easy to scan into the computer and create any size.
This book begins with a great introduction on designing handbags. Just this section alone made me consider several projects. If you just want to dip your toes into making purses, the first few projects use ready-made purses.
Another chapter discusses fabric choices in depth and illustrates basic techniques like lining and pockets. These construction details help you customize your designs.
My favorite thing about this book is that this approach really teaches you to design your own bags. It is very clear how to follow one of the designs, but they also provide that extra information to help you if you stray away from the pattern, as I usually do…

Finally, if you would like to go totally hip with your bags, there's an outrageous photo gallery of the most modern of handbags.

Categories: Crafts Book Reviews, Newsletter, Sewing
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Craft Show Success E-Book Review

Looking to turn your crafts into a business? Considering the craft shows? I've just read an e-book for you! "Craft Show Success" is full of advice from the trenches of the local craft show up to juried fine art shows. Excellent for the beginner to novice craftsperson.

First, the book covers the basics of going into business with your crafts and many of the issues involved. The author goes into detail about how to design products, as she advises that your inventory should change about 30% per year.

Other chapters cover:

* Setting your business up for success

* Keys to selecting the right crafts shows

* Tips and ideas for a better booth

* Using a marketing plan to expand your business

This book is excellent for those starting to sell at craft shows and great for those wanting to be more successful at shows, too.

This is an e-book that you can buy online and download immediately.

Categories: Crafting Business, Crafts Book Reviews
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