5 Knitting Project Ideas for Beginners

November 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

You don’t need to be 60 to start knitting. In fact there are an increasing number of young people who have taken up knitting with some fantastic results.

The benefits of knitting are much more than the ability to create your own clothes; you can also knit gifts for others! It is also a great way of lowering your stress levels and keeping mentally active; this has been shown to help reduce the risk of age related memory loss.

Virtually any project is possible for the new knitter although you will find it is easier if you look at existing knitting patterns; this will give you a guide as to what you are supposed to do.

Here are some great knitting project ideas for beginners:

 

  • Scarf

 

The scarf is one of the simplest pieces of knitting because you only need to select the width of the scarf and the length. The width will dictate the number of stitches you need and the length will dictate the number of rows.

Keeping it one color will make it very simple to knit. To make it a little more difficult simply add a second color in.

 

  • Hat

 

The hat is also a fairly simple template. Again you’ll need a template. The width of your knitting will dictate the height of the hat, while the length will need to comply roughly with the circumference of the head that you are making the hat for.

Once you’ve completed what is effectively a mini scarf you’ll be able to stitch it together to make a simple beanie style hat.

 

  • The Blanket

 

This is a larger scale project than the scarf or hat but in essence just as simple. Again the width and length of your blanket is dictated by the number of stitches on your needle and how many rows you intend to do.

You can create several scarves in different colors and then stitch them together to make a large blanket. You and your partner will be able to snuggle under it on those long winter nights.

 

  • Leg Warmers

 

If you or your friend feel the chill or simply want to jump back a few years then you can knit some delightful leg warmers.

Again this simple project has a number of similarities to creating a scarf. You’ll simply need to stitch the ends together when you’ve found the right size for your legs.

 

  • Shawl

 

This can be just as simple as knitting a blanket but you can also take this project up to the next level by adding tassels to the edges of your shawl. This will transform it from a simply blanket style shawl to a fashionable piece.

All of these projects have knitting patterns but it is advisable to practice your stitches before you start knitting any of them. The best items are finished with smaller stitches; which means smaller needles and potentially more stitches width.

Taking your time to get your stitches right will ensure that the finished garment looks perfect; every time.

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Interesting Craft Ideas For Families To Do Together

November 7, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Everybody likes to spend time with their families over the holidays. It can be hard to find something that includes everyone and that everybody wants to do as hobbies and activities become age dependant. You’ll probably find it difficult to find something that everybody wants to get involved in but it helps to try.

 

The holidays are approaching and you might find yourself at home with your kids, not knowing what to do with them. If it’s not your own kids, it might be your younger siblings, or nieces and nephews coming over to visit. We all know how hectic it can get when you have to look after the little ones. You have to keep checking up on them to make sure they’re not getting into trouble or hurt and find ways to keep them busy.

 

Finger painting and macaroni necklaces are both good ideas but we all know what happens to those projects after a while. Try something a bit more sophisticated. Something that the whole family will enjoy but can still be useful afterwards. Something everybody can be proud to say that they made.

 

Keeping everyone busy can mean the difference between being happy and being bored, and what better way to keep them busy than to get everybody involved in the same activity. Craft activities are engaging and dont require too much energy or tire you out. This way you can keep a watchful eye on everyone as well as have fun and make some good memories.

 

Decoupage

A great way to prepare for the holidays is by making festive ornaments. Get all the supplies together and make your own personalised festive ornaments for Halloween, Christmas or even Valentine’s day. The possibilities are endless.

 

You can be as creative as you want and it would make the holiday that much more special knowing you created all the decorations yourselves. The upside is it’s not as expensive as the decorations you would buy in stores and it would have so much more value and meaning.

 

Decoupage is a great option for this. It’s inexpensive and quite easy to do. You will need glue, scissors and some paper images or prints that you would like to display or put on your decorations. You paste the paper on the surface using glue then you add a few more coats of glue over the surface of the paper paper and let it dry. Once you’re finished you can keep them for the next year, or throw them away and make some more the next time the occasion rises.

 

Embroidery

If you have older children who are in their teens, they might be a bit reluctant to do the activities you have planned for the little ones. A rewarding hobby such as embroidery might be a good idea. Embroidery is back on trend in the fashion world. It’s a great way to personalise items in your wardrobe and home. Get the younger ones involved by having them pick out fabrics or designs they might like. If you don’t know how to do it, it would be even more fun to start learning together.

 

What you’ll need to start is an embroidery machine, scissors, thread, fabric, stabiliser and a design. Now imagine making scatter cushions with words of affirmation on them or any other design of your choice.

 

In keeping with the holiday theme, you could even make items like placemats and napkins for the dinner table. This adds a personal touch and something you can show off to your guests. These items can last forever and become a keepsake in your home.

 

Soap-making

Once again, the possibilities are endless. You can try looking up recipes on the internet to make the soap you desire or you could take the easy route and get some soap-making blocks. Follow the recipe as closely as possible if you decide to take that route. Keep the soap from sticking by using some parchment paper on cookie sheets.

 

If you decide to use soap blocks you need to melt them down. Once the soap blocks are melted the fun can begin. You can add essential oils for some fragrance and add some colour by using food colouring. You can even add some Borax to make your soap extra sudsy for the kids to enjoy.

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Duck Tape Creativity

October 4, 2018 by 10 Comments
duck tape crafts

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Duck Brand® for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is a substance known to man that has proven one of the most important substances to handy-men and women, crafters, gardeners, mechanics and children.  This substance is Duck® brand duct tapeR).

This wondrous tape will hold things together tightly, is weather poof and is now available in time for back to school.  You may be asking what does Duck Tape(R) have to do with back to school?  Well the answer to that is quite simple.  Lets say your little ones want something truly unique and special that only they have.  Why not make them something?  Maybe a pencil case with a nifty design and color unique to them?

Take a look at creating a Duck Tape(R)  school supply case.

This pencil case is perfect for cleaning up that cluttered backpack or desk and starting the school year off right. You can use any kind of tape, like Color Duck Tape® or Printed Duck Tape® to make your projects more individualized.

The directions below are from the Duck Tape(R) Ducktivities projects.

Approximate Crafting Time

1 Hour & 0 Minute

Supplies and Tools

Duck Tape(R)

1 qt. sandwich bag with zip closure

Scissors

Craft knife

Pen

Ruler

Crafting board

duck tape

Directions

Step 1

Cut the zipper part off your sandwich bag. Leave about 1/2 inch of bag attached to the zipper part. Do not throw away the rest of the bag.

Step 2

Make 2 pieces of Duck Tape(R) fabric that measure as wide as your bag and 4 in. tall.

Step 3

Using a strip of Duck Tape(R), adhere the piece of Duck Tape(R) fabric you made in step 2 to the zipper from step 1. Repeat for the other side with your second piece of Duck Tape® fabric.

Step 4

Fold a single piece of Duck Tape(R) over each of the open edges of the supply case to close them up. Trim any excess tape.

Step 5

For the I.D. holder cut a rectangle out of the remaining plastic bag that measures 2.5 in. tall by 4 in. wide.

Step 6

Cut a piece of  Duck Tape(R) that measures 1 in. tall and 4 in. wide and fold it over the top of the plastic rectangle from step 5. Use 3 more pieces on the sides and bottom to attach it to your case, keeping the top open.

Step 7

If desired, adhere 3 more strips of a different color Duck Tape®, leaving a little of the previous color Duck Tape(R) showing. Trim any excess.

Step 8

Create a tab to add to your supply case by cutting off a 5 in. long piece of Duck Tape®and folding it over on to itself lengthwise.

Step 9

Cut a 1 in. slit in the side of your supply case with a craft knife and insert the tab. Use a small piece of tape on the inside to hold the tab in place.

Also make sure you follow @TheDuckBrand on Twitter for other fun Ducktivities.

Visit Sponsors Site

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Knitting And Crocheting – Is There Really Any Difference?

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Once you have started knitting, crocheting or both you will quickly see that there is a difference in the way these two methods are completed and the finished result. However, this is not always obvious to the untrained eye, hence why this article will help you to understand the difference.

It is worth noting that both techniques use the same type of yarn, you can find a huge array of products if you click here; that should give you the inspiration to get started!

Knitting is believed to originate from before Christian times, making it an ancient art. There are certainly many examples of it through history.

Crocheting, on the other hand, appears to be a much younger practice. It dates from the 19th century and has been referred to as ‘shepherd’s knitting’.

The Differences

There are several clear differences as illustrated below:

Needles

The first thing you need to note is that the procedure for creating items is very different. Knitting uses two needles. Stitches are placed onto these needles and are referred to as live, because they can all be added to.

In contrast crocheting uses one hook and has one live stitch.

The result is a fabric which feels different and generally feels lighter with crocheting.

The Bumps

Crocheting results in sideways stitches, as opposed to knitting where it is more like weaving.

This means that knitting provides a closely woven material which is excellent at keeping you warm. In contrast crocheting will have loose stitches which almost appear to have holes in. This is not great or warmth and can even be an issue for modesty. Of course; in warmer climates this can be seen as preferential!

Speed

Crocheting generally appears to be faster as you deal with just one stitch at a time. However, the length of each row does need to be the same as knitting so this might be more of an appearance issue than an actual fact!

Your speed at either crocheting or knitting will depend upon your experience and confidence.

Dropping Stitches

You work with just one live stitch when crocheting which makes it virtually impossible to miss a stitch. In contrast it is relatively easy to do this when knitting, which can be extremely frustrating when you are several lines along before realizing! You have to literally unpick all your stitches!

Design

Both crocheting and knitting use patterns to assist you in creating your desired design. However, knitting will generally allow you to make a much more detailed and ornate piece that crocheting will. This is simply the nature of the technique and a matter of personal preference regarding which style you prefer.

There are a great number of followers of both techniques and many people learn both, but be assured they are different and do produce a different feel and look when completed.

You can always seek support from one of the many knitting and crocheting forums on the web, this will ensure you are never short of ideas and get your designs right!

 

Filed Under: crafts, lifestyle items Tagged With: ,

Great Gifts For Your Kids

December 6, 2015 by 2 Comments

The cold and eventful festive days are coming up quickly, which means lots of fun events for adults but long stuffy days indoors for kids! Being stuck inside during holidays can be boring, making your little ones cranky.

Let me introduce to you some creative solutions to beat the hard-to-cure holiday cabin fever! Cooper and Kid–creatively curated kits designed especially for kids to have fun while learning. Squirrel King–craft kits that transform a child’s reality into an imaginative world of colorful squirrels and the homes they live in. And last but not least, Zoonicorns–the unique combination of unicorns and zebras into adventurous plush toys, with a creative children’s book to bring the characters to life.

STEM learning kits

Cooper and Kid is all about making dad cool again and doing what matters most–bonding with the kids! Cooper & Kid has everything a dad needs in the winter for educational fun (think STEM) with his kids! Each Cooper Kit is fun-in-a-box with endless hours of amusement…no more mindless TV shows! Each kit contains a huge box of fun, with themed projects, toys, books and ideas that dads and kids will truly enjoy. Together they can build rocket ships, take off with sky lanterns or explore the world of butterflies — there is so much to create and discover!

An activity book guides dads through the theme and the contents of the box for hours of fun. Plus, the shipping box turns into a toy too! Sign up for the Cooper & Kid subscription online and every three months a Cooper kit is delivered to dad at home. The subscription price is $65 per quarter.

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The fun, unique and ingenious Squirrel King kits are a swirl of intellect, engineering and creativity delivered with a hands-on approach that inspires a thirst for knowledge. Designed for ages 8 and up, the Build with Stickers kits combine two things kids love — stickers and building. Each colorful kit includes novel stickering techniques — no glue involved — and all the materials for children to build, create and explore, making awesome toys in the process…and making those rainy days educational and fun! With Build with Stickers kits, STEM (science, technology, education and math) principles are explored in an age-appropriate manner.

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The new Build with Stickers Kits are available on the Squirrel King Craft website and at select retail stores, priced from $5.99 to $7.99. The original Squirrel King Craft kit is also available on the website and in over 200 stores across the country, and in a range of choices for $9.99 to $69.99.
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Zoonicorns are enriching youth with life adventures™ and creating wonderful imaginative worlds.  My son really enjoyed the book and the plush zoonicorn- something to cuddle and a friend to take to bed later and give him good dreams, just like the young animal in the story.  He thought that was fun.  As my child often has bad dreams, this was comforting to him.   The book was cute, with an easy to follow story and adorable illustrations.  I would recommend this to any parents with young children of either gender.

Fairy-tale Zoonicorns are enchanting creatures that pop up in the dreams of young zoo animals. Zoonicorns are unique, plush toys for children that a combine an exotic animal (zebra) and a mythical creature (unicorn). The Zoonicorn herd is ready for adventure in the enchanting world of your youngster’s imagination and keep them occupied for hours on end.

Super-soft Valeo is the leader of the Zoonicorn pack, who likes to pal around with animal friends like African giraffes. Shy and gentle Promithea is a good friend who can be trusted to keep your little one’s secrets. Playful Ene likes to catch forty winks before bouncing to life to rumble and tumble with. Outgoing Aliel loves to speed around and will challenge any kid to keep up with her.

Each Zoonicorn is $9.99 or you can get the entire family plus children’s book for $49.91

Filed Under: book review, crafts, education, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , ,

Great Books for Snoopy and Disney Princess Fans

December 5, 2015 by 2 Comments

This winter, Thunder Bay Press presents three titles perfect for any pop culture fan’s collection: The Snoopy Treasures by Peanuts expert Nat Gertler, Disney Frozen Crochet by Kati Gálusz, and Disney Princess Crochet by Jana Whitley and Jessica Ward. 

Timed to the release of The Peanuts Movie, The Snoopy Treasures (November 2015; $34.95; ISBN: 978-1-62686-440-5) tells the story of everyone’s favorite beagle from the beloved childhood pet who inspired his creation, to his status as a cultural icon and beyond.

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This comprehensive guide is divided into 12 sections covering Snoopy’s origins, his alter egos from Joe Cool to the Flying Ace, his family at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm, his friends in the beloved Peanuts gang, and his prevalence in pop culture – in songs, movies, books, plays, parades, museums, and even NASA, who named a lunar landing module after him as they prepared to put man on the moon in 1969.

Each page features original Peanuts panels, side-by-side comparisons showing the evolution of Snoopy into the universally recognizable style we know today, photographs from the Schulz museum, and ten pieces of pullout memorabilia: an original Schulz drawing, a Snoopy baseball pennant (popular dorm décor in the 60s and 70s), a letter from President Ronald Reagan to Schulz, a bookmark, a bumper sticker, a punch out model of the Red Baron’s plane, the last Peanuts strip ever printed, and more.

Lifelong fans and first-timers alike will discover something new within the pages of this in-depth compendium, making The Snoopy Treasures the perfect holiday gift for Snoopy lovers of all ages.

disney frozen

Disney Frozen Crochet (November 2015; $24.95; ISBN: 978-1-62686-443-6): Do you want to crochet a snowman? How about Elsa and Anna, too? Let it go and create all twelve cuddly characters from the Frozen tundra! All the materials you need to create Elsa and Anna are included, and your creativity is sure to snowball from there. The Queen of Cold and all her friends will make great gifts, or adorable additions to your own collection. Don’t hesitate! For the first time in forever, let these characters melt your heart.

  • 12 adorable crochet characters, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, and more!
  • Step-by-step instructions accompanied by full-color photos in a 76-page book.
  • All the materials you need to make Elsa and Anna are included.
  • Kit includes 8 colors of yarn, crochet hook, stuffing, safety eye beads, 4 colors of embroidery floss, tulle, and a tapestry needle.

disney princesses

Disney Princess Crochet (November 2015; $24.95; ISBN: 978-1-62686-444-3): Create 12 of Disney’s most enchanting characters! A full-color, 76-page instruction book with detailed patterns and colorful photos will guide you from “once upon a time” to “happily ever after” using your yarn and hook. To start you off, the kit includes all the materials needed to create Cinderella and Ariel. Each amigurumi princess is sure to be a treasured part of any crochet collection!

  • Detailed instructions to make 11 Disney princesses— Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Tiana, Rapunzel, Mulan, Snow White, Pocahontas, and Merida—and Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.
  • Full-color photos accompany step-by-step instructions in a 76-page book.
  • Kit includes 9 colors of yarn, crochet hook, stuffing, safety eye beads, red embroidery

floss, and a tapestry needle.

  • Featured projects are Cinderella and Ariel.
Filed Under: book review, crafts, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review Tagged With: , , , ,

Crafty Kids Amazing Totes from Creative Hands

July 21, 2015 by 1 Comment

Disclosure: The Craft totes from Creative from Fibre Craft was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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Being a teacher I love spending my weekends and summers doing crafts and projects with my girls. I absolutely love find new fun projects do with the girls. I was so excited to try out these great new Craft totes from Creative Hands which is part of Fibre Craft.

About Fibre Craft:

 Fibre Craft has been a leader in the creative activities category for over 60 years. It was established in 1953, and has maintained its high standards for quality and creativity, while expanding the boundaries of children’s imaginations through creative toys and arts and crafts. The company’s vision is to make a difference in the lives of children and its employees.

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About Creative Hands:

Creative Hands is a brand of family-oriented, hands-on products in the arts and crafts industry. They know the importance of arts education and the value of being resourceful, inventive, and original at a young age. Besides offering endless hours of fun, arts and crafts provide real benefits to a child’s learning. Creative Hands arts and crafts products include activity kits, seasonal crafts, and basic craft supplies.

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About the Kits:

Zoo 2 Do – All the animals in the zoo are jumping up and down for you! This Zoo 2 Do kit with the tote-able handle, features monkey, giraffe, lion, zebra, and others for a total of 25 zoo-themed projects.

Creative Fun Tote – Rainy Days and Sundays are ideal for this overflowing box of craft pieces that can be transformed into animals, cupcakes, bugs, pencil toppers, and whatever the imagination can conjure. Kids can follow the enclosed project sheet or personalize with their own wacky ideas. Art is in the eye of the beholder!

Paper Pals Bugs & Flowers – Even kids with allergies will adore these pretty flowers and friendly bugs that are tucked inside Paper Pals – a kit that starts with paper plates and paper cups! This tote-able kit makes 12 big projects. A project sheet is included to start kids off. The final results are totally up to the child.

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My Thoughts:

I was incredibly impressed by this great product. All the supplies that you need for a wide variety of projects together in one spot and with instructions to guide you, how could you possibly go wrong? 🙂 We are out and about and on the go a lot and I am always looking for something to take with me for the girls to have to do when we get somewhere. I have had a few vacations this summer and been so happy to have a tote full of art supplies that I can throw in the car as we are pulling out.

The girls have enjoyed all of the wonderful creations that they have already made. When they see me get out one of the craft totes they get excited to pick out what project that they are going to make. A few of the projects they have definitely needed my help for, but I enjoy doing things with them so that definitely isn’t a problem for me.

In addition to all the projects we have made and the convenience of having everything together in one spot, it’s not the only use that I have found for the Craft totes. The Totes make wonderful gifts for birthday parties for kids.

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Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing these great products, click here to find the best place for you to purchase the products you are interested in.

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WIN! Back To School With Alex Toys and Crafts

September 3, 2014 by 66 Comments

With back to school upon us, we want our kids to be as ready as they can be.  We also want them to have as much fun as they can both in and out of school.  Learning can be fun, and is easily incorporated into play.  Having mom and dad around to share learning time and help and encourage children grow will let your children thrive and feel confidant as they had back to school this year.

ALEX toys, favorites of ours, make going back to school fun and easy.  Check out some of the awesome items they have for your little ones!

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ALEX TOYS Ready, Set, Write by ALEX BRANDS

We love this!  We took it with us on a recent road trip to Maine and Canada, and my son used it in the car and in restaurants.  “Learn to write A,B,C’s and numbers with ease! This spiral-bound pad contains 19 pages of numbers and letters that wipe away for lots of practicing.”  It is perfect for practicing your letters and getting to know them, or for older children like my son, getting better with handwriting (which, like his mother, is usually a mess).

Ready, Set, Write costs $13.95 on the ALEX site, and is well worth it.  It can be used over and over again, as well as passed on to younger siblings. It is aimed at kids aged 3 and up, but can be used by younger if they can grip the pen.  The one thing I would watch for is that the pen does stain both hands and clothing if you are not careful.

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ALEX TOYS Ready, Set, Tell Time by ALEX BRANDS

My son is not the best at telling time on any sort of clock or watch- it is a skill we are working on.  This kit is aimed at children 4 and up, but again can be used with younger children as well as older. I would have for sure used it for circle time when I was teaching Pre-K, and my son is getting use out of it as well.  It sells for $18.95 on the ALEX website, and comes with more then just a clock face.
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