What are some good websites to find easy holiday crafts for kids?

Making a warm and waterproof coat for your dog is quite simple, and means that you and your pooch can get more exercise over winter.

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

For the fabric, you want 2 layers. An outer layer of waterproof fabric (or fabric that can be made waterproof), and a warm layer for next to their fur.

Suitable fabrics for the outer layer include Gore-Tex, nylon and waterproof canvas. For the inner layer consider lambswool, synthetic lambswool, or polar fleece. The amount of fabric you require will depend on the size of your dog (see next section to calculate the amount of fabric required).

We’ll also need some Velcro to fasten the coat at the neck and stomach. Try to get some Velcro at least 2″ wide (or 5cm). This coat needs 2 x 4″ pieces (or 2 x 10cm pieces) of Velcro. If you have a tiny dog, 4″ is probably overkill – use your discretion.

The final item we need is heavy duty cotton webbing (this folds over the inner and outer layers and is stitched in place). Again the amount required depends on the size of your dog.

How Much Fabric to Buy

We need 3 measurements from your dog. First measure the LENGTH of your dog from the base of his neck (about where the collar sits) to just past his tail (we want the coat to extend a little past the tail).

Next, measure the WIDTH by measuring from half way between your dog’s knee and hip, up over the rump, to the same spot on the other side.

Now we need to measure the NECK allowance so measure from mid shoulder to mid shoulder, allowing the measuring tape to droop a little as if it were a fastener on a dog coat.

The amount of fabric you need to buy is the LENGTH plus half of the NECK measurement by the WIDTH, so if your dog’s LENGTH is 22.5″ and WIDTH is 23.5″ and NECK is 16″, you need to get inner and outer fabric that measures 30.5″ by 23.5″.

The amount of webbing you need is LENGTH x 2 plus WIDTH x 2 plus NECK x 4 . So for my dog above I will need 45″ plus 47″ plus 64″, a total of 156″ or 13′.

(Special Note: – the extra webbing allowance Neck x 4 is for the strap which goes underneath the coat at your dog’s waist. A double neck allowance will cover most dogs, however if your dog or dog breed is particularly thick around the middle, you may need additional fabric and webbing).

To Make Your Pattern

Now draw out your pattern.

Place both pieces of fabric with right sides together, the waterproof fabric on top (facing you). First, draw a square which is your WIDTH on one side, and LENGTH plus ½ NECK on the other side. (See this diagram here www.sewing4dummies.com/dogcoat.html). You may want to quickly pin inside this line to hold both pieces of fabric together.

Now mark off the spot where your LENGTH measurement is, exactly half way across the WIDTH (see diagram above).

Using tailors chalk, round off each of your edges, and draw out the scoop for your dog’s neck. The width for the two top pieces which go around your dog’s neck should be at least 2.5″ (for the Velcro fasteners), but can be wider if you have a larger dog.

Pin and cut.

Now, using the spare piece left over from the neck scoop, draw another rectangle at least 2.5″ wide (for the Velcro fasteners), but can be wider if you have a larger dog, and the NECK measurement long. This is for the fastener which goes around your dog’s waist.

To Make Up

Before you start sewing, it is a good idea to check the coat on the dog. Just place one of the pieces on your dog to see whether the neck allowance is enough or too much – check the amount of overlap for fastening at the neck. Also check that the waist fastener, when attached, will fit around your dog.

Also, depending on the fabric you use, you may need to swap over your sewing machine needle for a more sturdy one, as these fabrics can be quite hard to penetrate. Test on a scrap piece of fabric first.

Now we’re ready to sew. Turn the dog coat pieces around so that they are right side out. Starting on one of the sides, pin the cotton webbing around the entire outer edge of the dog coat, being sure that it is evenly spaced. Stitch in place.

Do the same with the waist closure piece. Now stitch the waist closure piece onto the dog coat at a point that is comfortable for your dog.

We now need to attach the Velcro pieces on the neck, waist closure and side. Remember that one piece needs to be stitched on the outside, and one on the inside to ensure proper closure. Pop the coat on your dog to check the best place to put your Velcro.

Stitch in place, and that’s it.

India has a vast diversity and abundance of handicraft source. It is one of the worlds biggest producer of handmade products, still India is a labour based country, and still Indian product has signature of its makers.

In the field of jewelry India has its own unique class. Its designs are magnificent and classical. Beads contribute a vital part of jewelry market in India and they are admired through out the world.

India produces variety of beads such as glass beads, wood beads, clay beads, horn beads, metal beads, ceramic beads, lac beads and many more. Crystal beads are very popular due to their transparent and clear nature which makes them shine with any type of accessories. Indian handmade beads are one of the most demanded beads in the world. The majestic handwork of the Indian expert craftsman has made these beads very popular all around. Lac beads are generally handmade and are greatly admired by people all over the world for its exclusive handwork.

Glass beads occupy the biggest bead market in India and are available in variety of colors, designs and shapes. Indian glass beads are exported in all countries as they are cheaper and have great finish. Wood beads are also available in abundance, carved wood beads and painted wood beads are the two main streams under which wood is processed to make beads. Although ceramic beads don’t have as big market as glass or wood beads but it has a great potential. The shiny finish of ceramic beads makes them very attractive.

The main thing which has lead to the extensive spread of the Indian bead market is the fact that every buyer (whether it be a small shopkeeper or a wholesale businessman) can satisfy his needs of beads through the Indian market. Normally people dealing in wholesale beads keep a great variety of beads under a single roof which makes it easy for the buyer.

Editor’s Pick: Beading Video of the Day

Beading Question of the Day

The art of using clay to mold things is very old. Clay sculpting is generally a very simple procedure. Many people do it at home as a form of leisure time hobby. Other people make sculptures like professionals for commercial purposes. If you want to use your arty skills, clay sculpture art is much better, and it is adaptable. On the contrary, drawing and painting is much more difficult, and talent specific than molding. Thus, you should try clay molding to enter the art world. Like every other thing you do, clay modeling needs a plan. The following tips and guidelines will help you as you start.

• Set a goal – Before you can go to the step of buying tools and materials, think about how far you want to go as a sculptor. Perhaps you want to remain a hobbyist or to become a professional. Could it be you want to develop you kids’ sculpting skills? Simply come up with a purpose or a goal for sculpting.

• Look for clay materials – If you are new in this field, chances are that you know that clay is the main material to use. On the other hand, you may not know the best type of clay to use. Polymer clay is the best type, if compared to other types. You can find it both in serious art shops, and in hobby art stores. The key advantage of using polymer is the ease of baking it at home. Normally, you need to heat it in the kiln at about 275 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this will depend on the sculpture size. The other types of natural clay include the stoneware, terra cotta, and earthenware. Natural clays are in other words, the water-based clays. On the other hand, polymer clay is synthetic. It means that you could alter polymer clay to look like a stone or metal. It is the simplest type to use for clay sculpting

• Search for tools – If you use polymer clay, you have to buy special tools. These include a sand paper, acrylic paint and a clear gloss. You need tools such as wires, spoons, scrapers, bowls, a stand and so on. This explains why this clay type is the best because it is easy to use. The clay cutting tools are normally in wire forms. To create beautiful details on the sculptures, you need to buy a couple of detailing tools. You, too, need a good kiln, as you work with most natural clays.

• Get your hands dirty – One of the things you have to be used to would be dirt when working with clay. You will be using your hands often when preparing the clay, and molding things with it. The other thing you should know is the item you want to sculpture using clay.

• Finish your sculpting task – The finishing tips are many. However, you should depend on your personal creativity. In addition, the type of finishing will depend upon the choice of clay, and the sculpture you decide to make with it. Make sure the sculpture surfaces look good, by sanding thoroughly.

Native American pottery is by far one of the most diverse and beautiful crafts made in the world. The production methods from various locations and tribes have enriched this tradition. These traditions are still being used by the Native American descendants along with other new methods for producing amazing pieces of unique pottery.

Pottery is thought to be one of the oldest crafts in time. Pottery is one of the most lasting and prevailing determinants of the civilization’s past as proven through the finding of ancient artifacts. Before the European settlers and colonizers set foot in America, pottery is thought to be in existence. Native American pottery is a diverse mix of traditions. Differing by the various geographic locations, pottery has been produced throughout time. It is still uncertain if the Native American people invented the potter wheel because of the lack of historic proof?s wheel. A variety of distinct styles and methods used to create their pottery is found.

Sculptural methods such as molding, padding and coiling are the most common methods of creating Native American pottery. These methods are used to make both exotic pots and figures. Clay is the main ingredient for pottery combined with other fine materials like ground seashells, plant materials or sand. By adding different materials to the clay, it will offer a distinct consistency to the finished product.

From the northern most parts of the United States to South America, Native American pottery can be found. Across the plains and the various terrains are unique pottery techniques that are distinct per location, available materials, construction methods and other details like the time period in which it was made.

One of the most famous techniques for North American pottery is the Pueblo which is black on black firing. Most pieces of pottery contain details such as Native American symbols in their styles. Many potters still make handmade and traditional Native American pottery, although some still apply modern techniques.

Native American pottery is truly one of the more exciting things to see if you are looking at the artistic heritage of Native Americans. Their workmanship is impeccable and they have delightful shapes and styles that will make a rustic dwelling look exquisitely unique. A great thing in which to invest, handmade pottery can be expensive. Those who seriously collect pottery will purchase only authentic pieces. Its always best to purchase pottery from the craftsmen who make the pottery by hand through their traditional methods.

From contemporary to traditional, authentic Native American pottery with its various tribal influences will amaze those who are serious in collecting or anyone who appreciates the artistic detailing of these unique Native American pieces of art.

If you are planning to take up sewing as a full-time career then you need to set up your very own space to accommodate your sewing needs and privacy. Your special place could be your kitchen or a separate room depending on your need for privacy.

Having all your sewing needs laid out in a quiet corner of your house is not only appealing, but also convenient.

Choosing a quiet corner in your home

When choosing a room for your sewing activity, you need to make sure that it’s big enough to accommodate you and your sewing materials. It must have enough storage space like cabinets and drawers for your fabrics, threads, needles and ribbons. It’s also a necessity to have a long table accessible on all sides for measuring and cutting; a comfortable chair or couch to sit on if you need to relax; a sewing machine, and finally an ironing board.

Considering all these, you definitely will need a bigger room for a fully-operational sewing studio.

Basic sewing studio layout and what’s in it!

When planning for a room to convert into a sewing studio, you need to take note of one aspect: convenience. You need to make sure that all of your sewing gear and materials are all stored in an organized way.

First off, you need to put the long table in the middle of the room. Since you need plenty of space to move around as you stretch out the fabric, measuring and cutting out patterns.

Once that’s settled and done, you need to put in cabinets so that you can store all your fabrics and cloths for your sewing. Drawers with different compartments could be very handy for your ribbons, floss, bobbins, needles, scissors, laces and buttons. You might need multiple drawers for segregation purposes.

Your sewing machine should be placed in an area where you have plenty of light and easy access to all your sewing materials. It was a common practice in olden times to place the sewing machine right under the window, not only would this location give you enough light while you sew, you can readily look out the window when you want to give your eyes a break.

It’s also advisable to have pegs placed on the walls to hang things like cloths, dresses, or clothes that you are working on. Not only does this reduce clutter, you won’t need to iron them if they get wrinkled.

A man-sized mannequin and a large mirror are both a necessity in a sewing studio. A mannequin allows you to design clothes and dresses with the proper curves that a man/woman should have; and the mirror is perfect if you want to test out how your designs would look.

Proper sewing studio flooring

Carpets are a big no when it comes to designing your sewing studio. It’s a general agreement among sewers that thick carpets are a nuisance rather than a comfort. It has been the case that a lot of things tend to end up on the floor as we sew like needles, pins, buttons, clips, etc. Try looking for a needle in a thick carpet.

Most sewers advice a painted floor, especially dark colored ones like black, dark blue or even green which are convenient and not too expensive to clean.

Aside from being a wonderful and rewarding pastime activity, sewing could be a profitable business if you work from home. This is because it can enable you to get customers that have various sewing needs for their clothes, homes, offices, and other areas that need to be addressed.

For beginners, tools and accessories such as sewing machines, sewing materials and resources such as books, magazines, DVD’s, and CD’s, cutting tables, sewing and pinking shears, irons and ironing boards, rotary cutter sets, various sewing kits, and different kinds of sergers would be a great help. This is because these tools and references can give you an idea where to start and how to start your sewing process.

Compared before where people who are into sewing business have difficult time managing their business due to lack of efficient tools, sewers today are lucky because modern technology offers more advanced tools and gadgets to make sewing easier, faster, and more convenient.

Starting a home sewing business

Sewing is indeed one of those industries that can offer almost limitless opportunities. As long as you don’t run out of ideas and creativity, you can find your place in this ever-growing industry. If you are planning to start a sewing business, one of the most important things to consider is the uniqueness of the needlework and services you’ll be offering.

Since there are so many sewing businesses today that specialize in different types of clothing, having a unique concept for your business will increase the chances of its success. To achieve this, explore the different possibilities of the type of sewing you specialize in. You can opt for “custom sewing” if you love making clothes for individuals who have different needs and demands using patterns, “custom designer” if you have mastered skills in designing different styles of clothing, “sewing for weddings” if you have an eye for creating the gowns and accessories needed for the bridal events, “sewing for the home” if you are fond of making decorations for the home like curtains, pillow cases, tablemats and the like, “sewing crafts” if you specialize in creating different crafts such as toys, bags, and the like, “alterations” if you are into clothing repair, and “sewing for pets” if you love creating clothing and other accessories for animals.

After coming up with a great concept, it’s now time to consider the basics of sewing as a start up business such as cost of the materials and tools you’ll need, pricing for the services you’ll offer, calculating your potential earnings or sewing income, and your strategies to get as many paying customers as possible.

Many of you have heard the wood lanyard but you may not be aware of its exact and correct meaning. A lanyard is a cord or strap that is worn on left shoulder to hold ID badge, whistle etc. It may be worn around neck, arm or waist.

When worn around wrist a lanyard is called “wristlet”. Lanyards have become more and more widely known due to their capability to keep things close at hand while keeping your handsfree.

Lanyards are utilized for showing I cards as also for tugging cell phones and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards are of nylon, polyester and beaded lanyards.

Lanyards are utilized nowadays almost everywhere by businesses, schools, hospitals and events etc. Lanyards come in various colors and types with different hardware at the bottom for holding on ID badge whistle etc.

Lanyards are made of cord, cotton, nylon or beads.

There is a large span of lanyards to choose from. Let us consider the popular lanyards. Beaded lanyards are much like jewelry, colorful and of top quality for holding badges, eyeglasses etc.

Beaded lanyards may be simple an inexpensive metallic chain. They feature various hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are available in different lengths and colors.

But there are other beaded lanyards which are almost unique. The price of beaded lanyards is dependant on the quality of beads and wire used in its making.

Some types of beaded lanyards are so exquisite as to look like jewelry. They are mostly designed by skilled craftsmen and can be costly depending on the material used in their making. Beaded lanyards models have colorful designs of seed beads, glass beads, crystals and oven gem stones.

Beaded lanyards made of blue, black or multi colored beads accented with silver and gold are a sight to watch and are quite famous. Exquisite beaded lanyards made of sarovski crystals or semi-precious beads are available for customer with an eye for quality. Whatever you might select, you can be certain to find a beaded lanyard to match and enhance your dress.

You can have artistic beaded lanyards with sparkling crystals or colored plastic or even metallic beaded chains. Two different types of beads on one wire make a colorful combination. Some of the best combinations of this type form a rare type of jewel lanyard.

Many bead craftsmen also give jewelry pieces attached to match the beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard designs are so beautiful that they are often copied in form of bracelet, anklet or earrings. This is an ultimate in coordinated fashion add-ons.

The most popular choices of beaded lanyards are utilized for hanging glasses across the neck. You can let the glasses hang around the neck when you are not using them with the help of these lanyards. These neck lanyards are called eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders.

Beaded lanyards are elegant too look at but before putting your glasses on a beaded lanyard, you should confirm its durability.

Whatever the type of beaded lanyard you select, they are attractive and eye catching and make a fashion statement of a different kind. So choose that beaded lanyard you always desired.

Like any other hobby, a successful sewing project starts with the right tools and a little knowledge of the craft. Yes, you can easily find the basic sewing tools in your home: your old pair of scissors down in your garage; pins from your drawers, or rulers that your kids use in school.

You will have a more convenient sewing experience if you use the right tools intended for the job. They are very easy to find in your home.

A basic sewing kit includes a:

• TAPE MEASURE
• You use a tape measure to take your own measurements, to check the right measurements on patterns, and some other tasks that need to be measured. There are different types of tape measures but the most practical and easy way is the fabric tape measure that is fabric coated. To keep the tape measure handy, try draping it around your neck.
• Dressmakers SHEARS
• Have the eight-inch bent shears. Dressmakers shears are the most efficient tools in cutting fabric. These shears have one bent-angle and one straight blade, a rounded thumbhole, and for precise and comfortable cutting, an oblong finger hole. The bent angle blades provide a spot where your index finger can rest for long-cutting jobs. And to ensure more accurate cuts, the bend on the shears blade stops you from lifting your fabric off the table.
• THE 5-INCH TRIMMING SCISSORS
• These scissors are intended for trimming smaller areas. They blades of these types of scissors are straight, and they have round holes for the thumb and the finger.
• When you shop for shears and scissors, see to it that you properly test them first. Make sure that they cut all the way to the blades tips.
• FABRIC MARKERS
• Remember that in sewing, it is important to match up the right pieces of the project precisely, otherwise, the fit won’t be right. So you match the pieces of the fabric patterns correctly, project patterns today now include match points called the dots and the notches, printed on the pattern tissues. The fabric markers especially designed for sewing provide ease in transferring the notches from the fabric pattern to the fabric itself. Some types of fabric markers include:
• Disappearing dressmakers chalks: These are great for dark fabrics. The chalk markings disappear after five days or after the fabric is washed and ironed.
• Wash-out pencils: These are also suitable for dark fabrics and can be erased with a drop of cold water. It looks similar with a regular pencil and the lead is white, pink or light blue.
• Vanishing Markers: Ideal for marking fabrics that are light colored and disappears in twelve to twenty-four hours.
• Water-Erasable Markers: These are felt-tipped markers used to mark light to medium colored fabrics.
• INVISIBLE TRANSPARENT TAPES
• These tapes are useful but not important marking tapes. These tapes can be easily seen when placed on fabric because of its cloudy appearance. Removable tapes are ideal in some types of fabrics like corduroy, velvet or velour since the tape doesn’t pull of the nap from these types of fabrics.
• PIN CUSION AND GLASS HEAD PINS
• These are essential things you need for your sewing projects. You need them to pin securely the pattern to the fabric. You can also pin fabrics together before you sew them. Glass-head pins are recommended because they can fit securely in your fingers especially when you pin multiple layers of fabrics. And if you accidentally iron the glass heads, they don’ melt like the plastic ones.
• It is also important that you have a safe place where you can keep your pins. Glass-head pins are sold in convenient plastic boxes that serve as the pin holders. However, experts say wearing a wrist pincushion is very practical so that the pins stay wherever the sewer goes. Magnetic pincushions are also handy. Aside from pins, other metal objects like the seam ripper or small scissors can stick to the surface that is magnetized.
• HAND NEEDLES
• When buying hand needles, have the variety pack. This pack provides you most of the needles important for hand-sewing projects. Although variety packs of needles vary from brand to brand, they generally have about ten needles per pack in varied lengths and thickness. Others even have varied sizes of eyes.
• NEEDLES FOR SEWING MACHINE
• The standard size of a sewing machine needle is size #11 based on American sizing, or #12/80 from European sizing. About eighty percent of the fabrics today are good for these needles. However, if you aren’t sure about the size of the needle for a particular fabric, take time to read the Operating Manual of your sewing machine. There are some needles that provide varied types of points, designed to cater to different stitching techniques as well as different fabric types.
• SEAM RIPPER
• A seam ripper is a type of sewing tool that has a point designed to lifts stitched off the fabric.
• “…It is important that you have the right tools for your sewing activities.  Start your sewing activities by obtaining the proper dressmaking tools…”

Further information, resources and reviews of the best sewing machines by clicking: http://www.SewingMachineReviews.me

Do you remember the popularity of love beads in the late 1960s and ’70′s? Everyone wore bead earrings, wrist and ankle bracelets, and naturally, many strands of long bead necklaces that swayed and rattled out their message of peace and love with each movement the wearer made. Well, beads are back! If you’re on the lookout for a pastime that brings out your creative flair, decreases stress and ends in fun creations that you can wear yourself, give to kin and buddies, or maybe to sell for extra cash, stringing beads is the hobby for you.

Not only is basic beading and polymer clay jewelry making simple and fun, but it doesn’t cost much to get started. A wide variety of beading supplies are readily available at crafts and art supplies stores, bargain stores and specialty bead shops that carry both basic beads and the dearer beads that are frequently used by professional beaders. Many beading supply warehoused will mail free color catalogs to you, on request. A search for beading supplies on the web will give you many comprehensive resources for what you need to get started beading.

To get started on beading, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies. Here’s a checklist of what you will need :

• Beads : The lovely fancy beads, made from glass, wood, semi-precious gemstones, hand-painted and cloisonné are so terribly alluring for beaders at any talent level. However, mistakes made while using finer beads like handmade glass beads can be costly. Avoid needless costs by starting with straightforward plastic beads. They come in numerous different shapes, colors, sizes and styles. Kick off with plastic beads in some of your fave colors. Jewelry made from cheap pony beads are a great hit with youngsters and teens. Experimenting with your beads will teach you color coordination and how to apply the finishing touches. After you become more skilled, you will be able to work with those tantalizing fancy beads.
• Clasps : Findings is a second name for jewelry clasps, clamps and closures, and can be acquired at most stores that sell beading supplies, both off and on the web. There’s a wide variety from which to select, and beginners should commence with the cheaper findings. Most findings products have instructions on the package, however again, recommendations can be found in beading catalogues or mags sold online or in crafts stores.
• Crimping Beads : Crimping beads are made from flexible metal that are squeezed shut to help to keep clasps attached to jewelry. An critical item to beaded jewelry projects, crimping beads are silver or gold and are available in various sizes.
• Tools : purchasing the proper tools for your beading is a must! At the most elementary, you’ll need round-nosed pliers that may be used for crimping. If you can afford it, add smooth edged needle-nosed pliers, a bead crimper, light wire cutter, wire straighter and jewelers tweezers. These tools aren’t needed, but they do make stringing beads simpler. Before making a purchase, choose the size and style of tools that best fit your hand, and ensure that your hands are tough enough to easily use the tools.
• Beading Boards : Beading boards make pre-selecting and measuring beads and working with multiple strands much easier. Most beading boards are made of plastic and are equipped with a device that measures in inches, millimeters, or both. Though any split plastic tray can be used, a beading board is highly recommended.
• Stringing Materials : These come in a selection of sizes and types. Beading strings are made from silk, nylon, leather rope and coated wire, solely to cite a couple. Fishing line ( mono-filaments ) is more cost effective than many other kinds of string, but beginners may need to use flexible wire. It is easier to use, and doesn’t shrink, stretch or curl. Working with thread requires special large-eye or curved needles made for beading, and can be found in most stores that sell beading supplies.