Have you ever actually sat and pondered retirement? What will you do on a day-to-day basis once you're finally finished with your career? Will you go sailing on that dream yacht it took you twenty years to pay off? Will you venture all over the United States in search of quaint towns and antique shops? Or maybe you're more interested in just kicking back at the old homestead and reading the paper. This routine certainly varies from person to person. It's difficult to tell what we're going to be satisfied with after our days of work have finished. Fortunately if we can't seem to come up with any wonderful ideas, there are always crafts for the elderly available. Do you have a home computer available?
Have you ever come across crafts for the elderly? Now, keep in mind that these can range from any variety of things. It all truly depends on what you're interested in. Do you like building bird houses or possible sketching and painting? These are fascinating crafts for the elderly. I often wondered why my grandfather had retired in his sixties. Oh, don't get me wrong; I know that most individuals tend to retire around age sixty two or so, but he just seemed too rambunctious. He was always so full of energy. I couldn't really see him just hanging around the house all day. I knew that he would need some entertaining crafts for the elderly to keep him busy. In no time at all, he was painting like a mad man. I was amazed at how divine his technique became over the next few months. Anything with wildlife or outdoor settings was his forte. Now, this is definitely more healthy that those retired folks who mow their lawns on a daily basis. I often wonder about their level of sanity.
Are you searching high and low for decent crafts for the elderly? Hey, it's time to get in the know, people. All that you can imagine regarding crafts for the elderly can be spotted in cyberspace. Not only can you find out what all is available online, but you can actually learn how to do several crafts for the elderly just by sitting at your computer. Sort through a number of web pages that specialize in crafts for the elderly. Find that ideal hobby for your grandparents, parents, or even yourself. The World-Wide-Web makes it a synch.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Crafts And Hobbies
For me, crafts and hobbies are more than just a way of spending time – they are a way of life. Everyone believes that you need to have a hobby, but in my family the philosophy has always been a little bit more specific. In my family, it was seen as important to find something to do with your hands. You see, we are all very intellectual folks. We loved to read, to write, to study math, and to learn about history. Sometimes, however, we really needed to cut loose and do something that involved more physical labor than thought. Finding hobbies and crafts to do was a way of keeping in balance, not allowing the mental to completely replace the physical.
My parents had many fantastic craft ideas growing up, and we would all get a chance to try all of them. Sometimes, we would even get to go to craft shows to see what other people were doing. Although we never started our own craft business, we would sometimes go to art fairs and sell some of the things that we no longer needed. It was a strange hodgepodge of stuff. You see, we made so many things with our various crafts and hobbies that we would run out of room if we did not give some of them away or sell them.
Some people like to take just one craft or hobby and perfect it. Perhaps they make candles, or perhaps they make bookshelves. Perhaps they like to paint, or perhaps they like to sculpt. Whatever it is, they dedicate all of their spare time to it and perfect their craft. I have always thought that this is a mistake. There are too many great crafts and hobbies to have to choose just one. Whether you are working with crafts for kids or hobbies for adults, the key is variety.
The more crafts and hobbies you get to try out, after all, the more different skills you get to develop. If you can develop some painting skills, carpentry skills, electrical wiring skills, and sculpting skills, you will end up very well rounded indeed. crafts and hobbies activate parts of your brain that you don't normally use. Throw in the mastery of a musical instrument or two, and you are all set to go. The more things you try, the more passion you will feel for all of them. Whenever I meet someone who says that there are not enough hours in the day for crafts and hobbies, I tell them that they have to seriously rethink their priorities!
My parents had many fantastic craft ideas growing up, and we would all get a chance to try all of them. Sometimes, we would even get to go to craft shows to see what other people were doing. Although we never started our own craft business, we would sometimes go to art fairs and sell some of the things that we no longer needed. It was a strange hodgepodge of stuff. You see, we made so many things with our various crafts and hobbies that we would run out of room if we did not give some of them away or sell them.
Some people like to take just one craft or hobby and perfect it. Perhaps they make candles, or perhaps they make bookshelves. Perhaps they like to paint, or perhaps they like to sculpt. Whatever it is, they dedicate all of their spare time to it and perfect their craft. I have always thought that this is a mistake. There are too many great crafts and hobbies to have to choose just one. Whether you are working with crafts for kids or hobbies for adults, the key is variety.
The more crafts and hobbies you get to try out, after all, the more different skills you get to develop. If you can develop some painting skills, carpentry skills, electrical wiring skills, and sculpting skills, you will end up very well rounded indeed. crafts and hobbies activate parts of your brain that you don't normally use. Throw in the mastery of a musical instrument or two, and you are all set to go. The more things you try, the more passion you will feel for all of them. Whenever I meet someone who says that there are not enough hours in the day for crafts and hobbies, I tell them that they have to seriously rethink their priorities!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Craft shows
For years, I have been going to Michigan craft shows. In many ways, the Midwest is a cultural wasteland, but if there is one thing it has going for it, it is the prevalence of art and craft fairs. If you are a lover of handmade crafts or someone who wants to sell them yourself, there is no better place to go. Between fine craft shows, art shows, civic festivals, and seasonal affairs, there is always some place to sell your work – or at least to try to.
If you are starting your own craft business working the festivals, you don't really need to be good. Don't get me wrong – a certain standard of workmanship is required, but the most important thing is to have unconventional craft ideas. When people go to craft shows, it is because they want something handmade and quirky. They don't go to a craft show to get something meticulously built. If they want that, they usually will buy it made at a factory.
Although there are some musical instrument makers and other highly specialized folks at craft shows, the majority of people there sell simple little trinkets. I have seen people who make all of their work out of cut up scraps of tin, people who print out shirts with cute smiley face people on them, and folks who make nothing but incense holders shaped like whimsical wizards. All of them do exceptionally well at the craft shows.
You wouldn't think it, but the craft show business can actually be a rather cutthroat affair. Some of these craft show vendors are so fiercely competitive that it is unpleasant to be near them. Sometimes, because of this, I like to go to the craft shows as a spectator. Usually, I will go to a craft show where I am pretty sure that no one I know will be working. That way, I can pick up new craft ideas, listen to what people are saying about the different handmade works, and even talk to some of the artisans as if I were a customer. It definitely provides a refreshing change from my routine of selling arts and crafts, but beyond that, it allows me to appreciate the art again. When you spend too much time thinking about what will sell, sometimes you forget the beauty of it all. Out of town craft shows are a perfect place to remember it again.
If you are starting your own craft business working the festivals, you don't really need to be good. Don't get me wrong – a certain standard of workmanship is required, but the most important thing is to have unconventional craft ideas. When people go to craft shows, it is because they want something handmade and quirky. They don't go to a craft show to get something meticulously built. If they want that, they usually will buy it made at a factory.
Although there are some musical instrument makers and other highly specialized folks at craft shows, the majority of people there sell simple little trinkets. I have seen people who make all of their work out of cut up scraps of tin, people who print out shirts with cute smiley face people on them, and folks who make nothing but incense holders shaped like whimsical wizards. All of them do exceptionally well at the craft shows.
You wouldn't think it, but the craft show business can actually be a rather cutthroat affair. Some of these craft show vendors are so fiercely competitive that it is unpleasant to be near them. Sometimes, because of this, I like to go to the craft shows as a spectator. Usually, I will go to a craft show where I am pretty sure that no one I know will be working. That way, I can pick up new craft ideas, listen to what people are saying about the different handmade works, and even talk to some of the artisans as if I were a customer. It definitely provides a refreshing change from my routine of selling arts and crafts, but beyond that, it allows me to appreciate the art again. When you spend too much time thinking about what will sell, sometimes you forget the beauty of it all. Out of town craft shows are a perfect place to remember it again.
Home based business
Starting a home based business is a dream come true for many people. Imagine being your own boss, getting up for work whenever you want to, and being able to work in your pajamas every day! For thousands of people all over the country, this is the daily reality. Although starting your own business is difficult, nonetheless it is possible if you are willing to make certain sacrifices. I did it, and so can you.
I have wanted to start a craft business since I was about 14. I read about the idea in a crafts magazine. It told the story about a woman in the Midwest who had started her own bead business at home. She actually got to spend all day making ceramic beads while watching her favorite movies on the TV! When I told my mom about it, she told me that it was a scam. She said that craft businesses almost never worked out. We went to a few craft shows, and this seemed to be the pattern. Most of the crafts business people seemed to work very hard for almost nothing. I talked to a few of them, however, and found out some things about the business. Apparently, you can't support yourself on the craft business alone until you become very successful. When you first start out, you have to have a side project as well. Most people who own craft businesses work a day job.
Nonetheless, instead of discouraging me from starting a business, talking to these people encouraged me. Owning a craft business seemed like a good way to integrate my hobby and my livelihood. I would be willing to make a little bit less money if it meant that I got to spend my life doing what I love to!
When I got to college, I started a craft business in earnest. Although I was unable to dedicate all of my time to it – having to take classes – I was able to make a little bit of spending money off of it. A lot of the visiting tourists in the college town loved to buy locally made crafts, which suited me just fine. During the annual art fair, I made especially good sales – enough to pay for all of my Christmas presents that year. Although I have yet to become a full-time a craft business professional, I can definitely say that I have made a lot of progress since starting.
I have wanted to start a craft business since I was about 14. I read about the idea in a crafts magazine. It told the story about a woman in the Midwest who had started her own bead business at home. She actually got to spend all day making ceramic beads while watching her favorite movies on the TV! When I told my mom about it, she told me that it was a scam. She said that craft businesses almost never worked out. We went to a few craft shows, and this seemed to be the pattern. Most of the crafts business people seemed to work very hard for almost nothing. I talked to a few of them, however, and found out some things about the business. Apparently, you can't support yourself on the craft business alone until you become very successful. When you first start out, you have to have a side project as well. Most people who own craft businesses work a day job.
Nonetheless, instead of discouraging me from starting a business, talking to these people encouraged me. Owning a craft business seemed like a good way to integrate my hobby and my livelihood. I would be willing to make a little bit less money if it meant that I got to spend my life doing what I love to!
When I got to college, I started a craft business in earnest. Although I was unable to dedicate all of my time to it – having to take classes – I was able to make a little bit of spending money off of it. A lot of the visiting tourists in the college town loved to buy locally made crafts, which suited me just fine. During the annual art fair, I made especially good sales – enough to pay for all of my Christmas presents that year. Although I have yet to become a full-time a craft business professional, I can definitely say that I have made a lot of progress since starting.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Arts And Crafts To Form Good Designs
Pioneers of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th to early 20th century called for a return of fine and decorative art. These painters and craftsmen were highly critical of the machine generated products that defined the Industrial Era. The Arts and Crafts movement saw the return of tasteful, quality designs, all of which can be applied in today's bathroom. Even though the Arts and Crafts era reached a peak in 1920, today's Arts and Crafts style is nothing less than stylish and contemporary.
Many of the patterns and designs conceived during the Arts and Crafts movement were well-preserved. Therefore, hundreds of original Arts and Crafts patterns are still in circulation. An easy way to apply one of these original, intricate patterns is on your bathroom wallpaper.
Stylized Arts and Crafts designs frequently highlight recognizable Arts and Crafts symbols and images. Some of these include upside-down hearts, Celtic motifs, and ornamental flower designs. Many of these designs were brought back from the medieval period by artisans and craftsmen who were influenced by the handiwork of that era. In your bathroom, try experimenting with stained glass, copper, and pewter pieces. For instance, hang a shower curtain with a richly colored brass pole.
If you'd rather not use brass, try rustic wood instead. Oak is a good choice in this genre, and floors made with wood should have a dark stain. Arts and Crafts style uses a lot of natural materials like wood because they are typically those crafted by hand. The idea is to get creative and become inspired by high-quality, original handiwork, or even secondhand pieces that imitate them. Try hanging a woven textile on the wall, propping a simple wooden screen on one corner, or including a handmade wooden chair in the room, then contrasting the wood with crafted metalwork accents.
Many of the patterns and designs conceived during the Arts and Crafts movement were well-preserved. Therefore, hundreds of original Arts and Crafts patterns are still in circulation. An easy way to apply one of these original, intricate patterns is on your bathroom wallpaper.
Stylized Arts and Crafts designs frequently highlight recognizable Arts and Crafts symbols and images. Some of these include upside-down hearts, Celtic motifs, and ornamental flower designs. Many of these designs were brought back from the medieval period by artisans and craftsmen who were influenced by the handiwork of that era. In your bathroom, try experimenting with stained glass, copper, and pewter pieces. For instance, hang a shower curtain with a richly colored brass pole.
If you'd rather not use brass, try rustic wood instead. Oak is a good choice in this genre, and floors made with wood should have a dark stain. Arts and Crafts style uses a lot of natural materials like wood because they are typically those crafted by hand. The idea is to get creative and become inspired by high-quality, original handiwork, or even secondhand pieces that imitate them. Try hanging a woven textile on the wall, propping a simple wooden screen on one corner, or including a handmade wooden chair in the room, then contrasting the wood with crafted metalwork accents.
Embroidery Designs By Craft Threads
The craft of designing embroidery is ages old. It is now full of many people who are taken in with the beautiful artistry that this particular craft brings. The new changes in technology have reached tot he crafts that are done at home with embroidery being one of those crafts. In the past, a design in embroidery would take hours of hard work and many hours of concentration and time. There are some put there that do not have the gift for the patience and love that is necessary for even the easier designs in embroidery. You can now find digital machines for embroidery that can make even the most detailed designs and they can be finished in a few minutes. These products for embroidery are perfected to bring you the best design quality with the smallest details taken care of and it is due to the new technology available.
It does not matter if you pick the free hand embroidery or the machine embroidery; the threads that are used are the most important ingredient for quality pieces. When you are trying to choose the best thread you will need to consider the fact that the content of the thread should be as close to the type of fabric you are using so that it will give you a better result and will be durable in washing it. There are two different types of threads for embroidery that are in stores. These two are rayon and acrylic threads.
Rayon is the mostly used type of thread for in the machines for embroidery because it is very strong and the colors are very bright. You will need to remember that you will need to be careful when washing this piece. This rayon thread will cost more and will also need to be only sewn on the lower tension settings for a smooth look.
Acrylic is the final type of thread that is much stronger than the rayon thread but the feel of the thread is rougher than the rayon thread. The coarseness of the thread is the reason that some will choose this thread. The color will stay better and the cost is lower than it is for the rayon. You will need a larger needle to make the sewing go smoother with this thread.
Some of the more widely purchased threads are the Isacord polyester thread. It is preferred because it is very strong and has a beautiful shine to it. It also boasts being many times stronger than the rayon and it can be purchase in a larger bundle. Each of the cones that hold this polyester thread are equipped with a bottom that has a snap lock on the bottom of the cone that will hold any loose ends to stop it from fraying and coming loose when you are not using it.
It does not matter if you pick the free hand embroidery or the machine embroidery; the threads that are used are the most important ingredient for quality pieces. When you are trying to choose the best thread you will need to consider the fact that the content of the thread should be as close to the type of fabric you are using so that it will give you a better result and will be durable in washing it. There are two different types of threads for embroidery that are in stores. These two are rayon and acrylic threads.
Rayon is the mostly used type of thread for in the machines for embroidery because it is very strong and the colors are very bright. You will need to remember that you will need to be careful when washing this piece. This rayon thread will cost more and will also need to be only sewn on the lower tension settings for a smooth look.
Acrylic is the final type of thread that is much stronger than the rayon thread but the feel of the thread is rougher than the rayon thread. The coarseness of the thread is the reason that some will choose this thread. The color will stay better and the cost is lower than it is for the rayon. You will need a larger needle to make the sewing go smoother with this thread.
Some of the more widely purchased threads are the Isacord polyester thread. It is preferred because it is very strong and has a beautiful shine to it. It also boasts being many times stronger than the rayon and it can be purchase in a larger bundle. Each of the cones that hold this polyester thread are equipped with a bottom that has a snap lock on the bottom of the cone that will hold any loose ends to stop it from fraying and coming loose when you are not using it.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Crafts for elderly - Advanced And Antiquated
The picture used to be locked in to an antiquated version of crafts for the elderly: they were relegated to cutting out construction paper Christmas tree chains and Valentines, making doilies, and fussing with clay or paints. Maybe crafts for the elderly were thought of as siblings to crafts for the mentally challenged, or maybe crafts for the elderly meant—since the elderly were completing the circle of life and returning to regressed stages—that only that which children were allowed to handle was acceptable for the patients in an elder care facility.
Guess what? Times have changed along with people, and crafts for the elderly are much more “advanced”…they are, too, as varied in medium and message and skill level as the individuals are. Yes, our elders are still offered the options of pipe cleaners and papier-mâché, but they are also invited to continue what they did when they were younger. Some elders still work as jewelers, making jewelry, for instance, while others still quilt, knit, and crochet. Many enjoy finely detailed needlepoint. Others sew. Elders make clocks, build birdhouses, craft workshop items such as dolls and toys.
And why can’t crafts for the elderly also include arts for the elderly? My mother paints in oils and watercolors; my friend who is retired restores antiques. Other elders I have worked with in memoir-writing workshops have continued to write and make their own books (the hand sewn kind) but have also published their own memoirs with small presses. In addition, some have made planters and plant terrariums, while others have done decoupage and wood-burning projects that have yielded family trees, poems, and images as gifts and honors for their loved ones.
Other possibilities as crafts for the elderly include (but are not limited to) hand-made greeting cards, pictures, and posters; arts and crafts kits; ceramics; weaving; cooking and non-cooking activities; gardening; gift ideas and baskets (from dream catchers to edible bouquets); miniature models and kits (airplanes, cars, trucks); etchings (in brass or on tiles); scrapbooking; science crafts; sand painting; paper dolls; botanical and other 3-d sculpting.
Granted, those with debilitating conditions or mental deterioration will not be able to nor have interest in gold-flaking the ceiling. But many of our so-called elders are still as active and engaged as they ever were, so they need not be limited to our idea of crafts hour in the rec room. The idea is that the elderly should continue to do what they did, what they love to do, and whatever they can do to keep their minds and souls healthy and happy. If that means rejecting a popsicle stick for a paintbrush, all the better!
Guess what? Times have changed along with people, and crafts for the elderly are much more “advanced”…they are, too, as varied in medium and message and skill level as the individuals are. Yes, our elders are still offered the options of pipe cleaners and papier-mâché, but they are also invited to continue what they did when they were younger. Some elders still work as jewelers, making jewelry, for instance, while others still quilt, knit, and crochet. Many enjoy finely detailed needlepoint. Others sew. Elders make clocks, build birdhouses, craft workshop items such as dolls and toys.
And why can’t crafts for the elderly also include arts for the elderly? My mother paints in oils and watercolors; my friend who is retired restores antiques. Other elders I have worked with in memoir-writing workshops have continued to write and make their own books (the hand sewn kind) but have also published their own memoirs with small presses. In addition, some have made planters and plant terrariums, while others have done decoupage and wood-burning projects that have yielded family trees, poems, and images as gifts and honors for their loved ones.
Other possibilities as crafts for the elderly include (but are not limited to) hand-made greeting cards, pictures, and posters; arts and crafts kits; ceramics; weaving; cooking and non-cooking activities; gardening; gift ideas and baskets (from dream catchers to edible bouquets); miniature models and kits (airplanes, cars, trucks); etchings (in brass or on tiles); scrapbooking; science crafts; sand painting; paper dolls; botanical and other 3-d sculpting.
Granted, those with debilitating conditions or mental deterioration will not be able to nor have interest in gold-flaking the ceiling. But many of our so-called elders are still as active and engaged as they ever were, so they need not be limited to our idea of crafts hour in the rec room. The idea is that the elderly should continue to do what they did, what they love to do, and whatever they can do to keep their minds and souls healthy and happy. If that means rejecting a popsicle stick for a paintbrush, all the better!
Way Of Spending Time With Crafts And Hobbies
For me, crafts and hobbies are more than just a way of spending time – they are a way of life. Everyone believes that you need to have a hobby, but in my family the philosophy has always been a little bit more specific. In my family, it was seen as important to find something to do with your hands. You see, we are all very intellectual folks. We loved to read, to write, to study math, and to learn about history. Sometimes, however, we really needed to cut loose and do something that involved more physical labor than thought. Finding hobbies and crafts to do was a way of keeping in balance, not allowing the mental to completely replace the physical.
My parents had many fantastic craft ideas growing up, and we would all get a chance to try all of them. Sometimes, we would even get to go to craft shows to see what other people were doing. Although we never started our own craft business, we would sometimes go to art fairs and sell some of the things that we no longer needed. It was a strange hodgepodge of stuff. You see, we made so many things with our various crafts and hobbies that we would run out of room if we did not give some of them away or sell them.
Some people like to take just one craft or hobby and perfect it. Perhaps they make candles, or perhaps they make bookshelves. Perhaps they like to paint, or perhaps they like to sculpt. Whatever it is, they dedicate all of their spare time to it and perfect their craft. I have always thought that this is a mistake. There are too many great crafts and hobbies to have to choose just one. Whether you are working with crafts for kids or hobbies for adults, the key is variety.
The more crafts and hobbies you get to try out, after all, the more different skills you get to develop. If you can develop some painting skills, carpentry skills, electrical wiring skills, and sculpting skills, you will end up very well rounded indeed. crafts and hobbies activate parts of your brain that you don't normally use. Throw in the mastery of a musical instrument or two, and you are all set to go. The more things you try, the more passion you will feel for all of them. Whenever I meet someone who says that there are not enough hours in the day for crafts and hobbies, I tell them that they have to seriously rethink their priorities!
My parents had many fantastic craft ideas growing up, and we would all get a chance to try all of them. Sometimes, we would even get to go to craft shows to see what other people were doing. Although we never started our own craft business, we would sometimes go to art fairs and sell some of the things that we no longer needed. It was a strange hodgepodge of stuff. You see, we made so many things with our various crafts and hobbies that we would run out of room if we did not give some of them away or sell them.
Some people like to take just one craft or hobby and perfect it. Perhaps they make candles, or perhaps they make bookshelves. Perhaps they like to paint, or perhaps they like to sculpt. Whatever it is, they dedicate all of their spare time to it and perfect their craft. I have always thought that this is a mistake. There are too many great crafts and hobbies to have to choose just one. Whether you are working with crafts for kids or hobbies for adults, the key is variety.
The more crafts and hobbies you get to try out, after all, the more different skills you get to develop. If you can develop some painting skills, carpentry skills, electrical wiring skills, and sculpting skills, you will end up very well rounded indeed. crafts and hobbies activate parts of your brain that you don't normally use. Throw in the mastery of a musical instrument or two, and you are all set to go. The more things you try, the more passion you will feel for all of them. Whenever I meet someone who says that there are not enough hours in the day for crafts and hobbies, I tell them that they have to seriously rethink their priorities!
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