Giving Arts and Decor Gifts For the Holidays

With holiday season quickly approaching, many people are facing the problem of what to get for those remaining on their shopping list. Whether you are just getting started on your holiday shopping or trying to finish it up, we have some great gift ideas for you. Have you always wanted to give a gift that was different and unique? Are you tired of the same old thing, year after year? If you want to get your gift-receivers something new and something special, you should try giving handmade artisan gifts and home decor.

You will find that unique gifts online are appropriate for everyone regardless of their taste in home decor. Help to brighten up someone's day by presenting them with one or more of these unique gifts.

o Night lights

o Shower curtains

o Wastebaskets

o Wall decor

o Birdhouses

o Picture frames

o Outdoor decor

Why give a handmade gift? There are many reasons for giving a handmade gift. For one, it allows you to express how you truly feel about the person and get them a unique gift that shows you really put time and thought into their present. Another reason is because you are sure to get them something they don't already have. You can also feel good about yourself and promote the arts by giving handcrafted artisan gifts and home decor items.

Home decor is a great gift-giving idea because you are giving something they can use time and time again. Whether it serves an actual function or just as a decoration piece in the home, your home decor item will be a gift they treasure for many years to come.

You might choose to give these gifts for birthdays or even at Christmas time. Handmade Christmas gifts make some of the most personalized and treasured items you can give or receive during the holidays.

Art is composed of many expressive disciplines. It refers to various human activities and artifacts, used to cover all aspects of skill or mastery. Art is an expression or communication of emotions and ideas, a means of exploring and appreciating formal elements. www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.

Children's Art Projects

Doing arts and crafts is a fun way to teach children the basics of painting, drawing and creating. All five senses are utilized during craft-like activities no matter the age group. Here are just a few ideas for anyone who has the desire to work with children. The following crafts projects can be used at home or in school settings. The crafts included here are meant for pre-school age children.

1) Fun Frames

Materials needed: scissors, glue, craft foam, googly eyes, stick on Velcro, puffy paint and sunglasses

Instructions: draw small animals onto craft foam and cut the shapes out with scissors. Shapes like turtles, seahorses, and fish are good. Glue on googly eyes and use puffy paint to add decoration. Once the paint dries, use stick on Velcro to fasten the animal shapes on the sunglasses. The children can pick their own frames to wear. This craft project teaches creativity and fine motor skills. Learning to use scissors at the pre-school age takes time. Also, the children learn how to work together and respect one another in choosing their own theme for the sunglasses. Drawing is also required for this project.

2) Flower Fairies.

Another craft project that is good for age 3 and up. Children at this age will need extra help gathering materials. They will need nature objects, card stock, crayons and glue. Objects found in nature could be leaves and flowers and small twigs.

First the children can be taken on a nature walk, lasting about 20 minutes. Help them put their collectibles into a small brown bag or plastic baggie. When everyone is back inside, make sure the children have a bathroom break. Then let each child draw pictures of themselves or just figures on the card stock. Using the glue they can place the nature objects onto the figures for dresses, hair, magic wands or fairy wings. The importance of this activity is to let the children be creative and choose the way they want their picture to look. This project teaches children about nature, art and drawing. Critical thinking skills also come into play. The child decides how to place the objects onto the figure and this requires analysis.

3) Diggin' Up Treasure

Materials needed: 20 or so small rocks, wax paper, 1 teaspoon of silver and gold acrylic paint. Other acrylic collared paints are also okay. One large sandbox.

Instructions: Divide rocks. Place some rocks into a sealable container. Add one teaspoon of silver acrylic paint. Shake until the rocks are coated. Place the coated rocks on wax paper. Rinse container and repeat this process with the gold paint. Make sure each batch is completely coloured. Use as many rocks as you want and as many colours too. After the rocks have dried completely, bury them in the sandbox. Send the children with plastic shovels and sifters to hunt for the buried treasure. This project teaches children their colours, counting and creativity. Almost all kids love to pretend at anything. Pretending to be pirates looking for buried treasure could keep a group of children busy all day.

Arts and crafts help pre-school children learn basic skills like drawing, painting, counting and learning colours. Craft projects also teach children fine motor skills, science and critical thinking. Important lessons learned from doing arts and crafts are team work and getting along with peers. Teaching arts and crafts to young children is very valuable.

Sell Arts And Crafts

As an arts and crafts person, you know your way around a jigsaw or a sewing machine, but the Internet may escape you. This is why many arts and craft vendors turn to eBay. However, in many cases, they meet with little or no success. The next step may be a website, but this may just turn out to be something that you just tell your friends to go look at, but never really get any traffic other than that.

This is because even though you have tried to set up a website before, you have had very little success because you have no experience with developing them or managing to the point where it would net you some sales. There are different routes to go, but the costs of hiring a webmaster can be expensive and the free templates that you can get from a hosting company look amateurish. These kinds of templates really don't have the features that you need to sell your handmade items, anyway. So what do you do next if you want to create a successful regional arts and crafts ecommerce site on the Internet?

Free website templates will allow you to design a professional looking flash website where people can buy your arts and crafts year round. These are flash templates that are designed by some of the Internets best web developers and they are available for free or for a low cost. With these flash templates, you can create slide shows of your arts and crafts, and entire catalogs that can be updated as often as you like.

You can add text and customize these flash templates to exactly the way you need them. You can even add short video and audio clips of your work methods, local scenery or music. This creates an entire feel for the region where you live and can generate an interest from people who have never been there.

There are many web development and web hosting companies that have these flash website templates for free or at an affordable rate. There are many templates that are specifically geared towards different types of arts sales. This means that there are hundreds of templates to choose from so that you can find the one that most closely resembles that theme that suits your products. They are also set up so that it is simple to organize your products and easily navigable for your customers.

To use the templates to build a website is really simple. The first step is to download the template and then insert your pictures, video, audio, and text. There is no software to buy and the building process is drag and drop. One click of the publish button and your website will be sent to the search engines after you pick out your domain name. The domain name will cost about $15, but many times the hosting is free. As you can see, website templates have come a long way from the original static ones that were produced for people who wanted an E commerce site, but had no experience with the coding or linking involved with developing one.

It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalogue, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

Homemade Art and Craft

Whenever any special occasion comes, it also came with the celebration at that time. No celebration is considered complete with party and no party is complete without gift. Gift doesn't mean buying expansive thing and deliver it to the host. A gift indicates the love and care that you have in your heart. If a homemade or self made gift is presented to the person, it seems more valuable.

Gifts that are homemade not only reveal your ability it also indicates your love and affection. Homemade gifts are inexpensive but they are fun to make, also, it is priceless for love and creativity that goes into them. To make homemade crafts you need not any special and expansive things. You can make your gift even with the waste things and with vegetables. Some of the effective methods with the list of items are mentioned below.

Vegetable craft

Vegetable art is a simple and less time consuming. Even children can make different and beautiful items with the help of vegetables. For making crafts you need some vegetables, a piece of cloth and fabric colors. It is your option you can make length or breathe wise slices of capsicum or any vegetable that is chosen by you. You can make beautiful patterns with the help of vegetable.

Take a capsicum and cut in two pieces. Take fabric color and apply the paint on cut edge of capsicum. You can take any color of your choice. Now, make the petals of flower with this by pressing it on the cloth. Take lady finger and cut in length wise apply green color to it for making leaves of petals of flower. You can punch this flower design any side of cloth either in center, middle or side of the cloth.

Arts and Crafts - A Divine Gift to Humanity

Everything around you are created as art forms. The plants, the soil, the clouds hovering above you in the sky - all resemble art and craft works. Arts and crafts are part and parcel of our own existence.

Any material, waste or otherwise, can be converted into works or art. Wood, wick, cane, leaves, sticks and stones can be converted into artworks if you have an artistic bend of mind. Our forefathers also used these materials in a crude way, but remnants of the artifacts of those periods still enamor most of us. However, we, who lives in this industrialized age, have better choices.

The only pre-requisite for creating arts and crafts is a creative mind. There is no dearth of materials. You should know how to utilize the available things to make artifacts.

Large scale industries manufacturing arts and crafts on a big level have come up. The decorative pieces manufactured by them are comparatively cheaper, but there is a belief that hand crafted items are more valuable and intricate. They even command a huge margin over the prices of machine made articles.

Human beings have developed their own arts and crafts after learning from the Nature. Every man made thing, be it our cloths, our bags, our furnishings, the pieces adorning our houses - all are arts and crafts work. Recently, arts and crafts have become synonymous to stylish living. Most of us love to collect arts and crafts, but many go overboard with their collections, giving their houses the cluttered look of a garage.

Gift Sets: Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts are means for other people to distress themselves. Most of these crafts require a lot of patience, skill and an eye for art. However there are several crafts that can be learned by just anyone. My mom used to have a friend who's so stressed out with how her son is doing at school that she yaks about him every time they meet.

Then my mom after learning cross-stitching gave the lady gift sets for her to start stitching. That made her busy, but that didn't completely shut her up. The important thing is, she no longer talks about her son that much but rather of things related to her new found craft. Gift sets that didn't even cost that much made a difference. Now, she already has her own small business for cross-stitching. She does framing of finished works.

Card making won't really cost you a thing if you have a keen sense of art, you can find the things around you to recycle. Not only that, it can also be a way for you to unload your stress. Card making is another craft that you could venture in. Not only will it cut boredom, there is also money in this craft. I mean, look at Hallmark? They started small and look at the company now. It's like an enormous empire of card making.

Maybe the next time you give out gift sets, you can get the recipient a card making set. Not only will it enhance the creativity of the person, it might also just give the person a light bulb moment and who knows, he could start earning from it and make his own Hallmark Company. Card making can even be started from indigenous materials. It's just up to the person to patch odds and ends to come up with something beautiful.

Gift sets need not be expensive. It's a challenge also for the giver to get something that would be of liking to the recipient. At the same, he should be smart enough not to overspend. It's striking a balance between quality and the hole in his pocket.

If the gift in mind is in any way related to arts and crafts, just make sure that by the time you purchase the item and have it wrapped you are not that worn out from your gift hunting. Also, consider the fact that when you look at the receipt, it's not you who'll end up stressed out.

www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brass ware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalogue, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

Gift Sets: Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts are means for other people to distress themselves. Most of these crafts require a lot of patience, skill and an eye for art. However there are several crafts that can be learned by just anyone. My mom used to have a friend who's so stressed out with how her son is doing at school that she yaks about him every time they meet.

Then my mom after learning cross-stitching gave the lady gift sets for her to start stitching. That made her busy, but that didn't completely shut her up. The important thing is, she no longer talks about her son that much but rather of things related to her new found craft. Gift sets that didn't even cost that much made a difference. Now, she already has her own small business for cross-stitching. She does framing of finished works.

Card making won't really cost you a thing if you have a keen sense of art, you can find the things around you to recycle. Not only that, it can also be a way for you to unload your stress. Card making is another craft that you could venture in. Not only will it cut boredom, there is also money in this craft. I mean, look at Hallmark? They started small and look at the company now. It's like an enormous empire of card making.

Maybe the next time you give out gift sets, you can get the recipient a card making set. Not only will it enhance the creativity of the person, it might also just give the person a light bulb moment and who knows, he could start earning from it and make his own Hallmark Company. Card making can even be started from indigenous materials. It's just up to the person to patch odds and ends to come up with something beautiful.

Gift sets need not be expensive. It's a challenge also for the giver to get something that would be of liking to the recipient. At the same, he should be smart enough not to overspend. It's striking a balance between quality and the hole in his pocket.

If the gift in mind is in any way related to arts and crafts, just make sure that by the time you purchase the item and have it wrapped you are not that worn out from your gift hunting. Also, consider the fact that when you look at the receipt, it's not you who'll end up stressed out.

Baby Shower Crafts - Baby Diaper Ca

Planning a baby shower may include arts and crafts. Today, many people enjoy having a fun time organizing a baby shower with a bit of twist which could also be enjoyed by the guest of honor and her friends. Arts and crafts are great options to make the planning more exciting. There are lots of creative crafty ideas that can strengthen the bond between family and friends. Many women and even men, enjoy spending a quality time with family and friends while making homemade baby shower ideas, such invites, favors, decorations and baby diaper cakes.

Speaking of baby diaper cakes, they doesn't always come edible. Probably the most common and easy baby shower craft is a diaper cake. This can be enjoyed by a group of friends and family members at for the baby shower. Diaper cakes can actually make a great decoration in the party. To make a baby diaper cake, you will need around fifty diapers, ribbons, and cute toys (optional).

When making a baby diaper cake, roll up each diaper and tie in place using a thin ribbon. Choose colored ribbons that are suitable for the baby's gender, like blue or baby blue if it is a boy or palettes of pink if it is a girl. If you opt to go neutral, choose ribbons in soft green or light yellow colors.

To start the base of the cake, use twenty-five diapers and make them stand in a circle. For the second level, you can use fifteen diapers, and then eight for the top level of the cake. To make it easy for you to come up with a layered cake, make each layer separately and once they are all done, tie each of them using a wide strand ribbon. Next, stack the layers of in largest to smallest order. Finally, you insert cute items like teddies, baby bottles, rattles or baby towels in between the diapers to add more cuteness to the entire appeal of the diaper cake. After you followed all the steps, you should have an excellent baby diaper cake for the shower!

When it comes to arts and crafts, there are lots of creative ideas to choose from. For a baby shower, there are other more choices aside from making diaper cakes, like baby bottle sand art, scrap-booking, making handmade centerpieces, baby gift baskets, and handmade jewelry as party favors.

DIY party crafts are not just exciting and enjoyable ideas for a baby shower, they also make a practical option if your budget is a bit limited. Most of them are actually pretty easy to make, it's just a matter of following the steps and instructions on how to. Even newbies may never imagine that they could also come up with a masterpiece that looks like made by a professional.

For more interesting ideas, you can search online which will give you immeasurable options to choose from. There are lots of websites that can give you tips, ideas and instructions on how to make homemade baby shower favors, baby diaper cakes, party centerpieces, baby shower invitations, baby gift baskets and so on.

Arts And Crafts, A Distinct Interior Design For Home Improvement

One of several interior design styles to gain much ground amongst consumers is a distinct style called arts and crafts. Within the home, cabinetry, hardware pieces, counter tops, flooring, wall coverings and even appliances can boast an arts and crafts feel.

These design elements pay homage to the early 1900s when quality craftsmanship overtook the once popular, ornate pieces of furniture that filled the home. Simple, straight lines characterize this style, with rich, dark wood tones and soft painted surfaces dominating its palette.

Arts and crafts cabinetry, also called mission or craftsman cabinetry, is distinguished by several key fundamentals. First of all, many of these door styles will have flat, recessed panels, framed with straight, shaker rails. Mortise and tenon joints will frequently be utilized to construct the solid-wood doors. What will separate these door styles from many of their contemporary counterparts is the dark, rich wood tones that are commonly used. In many arts and crafts kitchens, a deep cherry or alder or lyptus wood will comprise the backdrop of the design while a painted island will represent an old-world furniture pieces at the room's center.

Inset cabinetry has also taken its fair share of arts and crafts kitchen projects. The straight lines that accompany the thin, square rails required for inset construction fit very well within the style.

To compliment the kitchen cabinetry in arts and crafts, designers can add a variety of hardware to complete the look. Hanging latches with square or rectangle back plates are typically used in burnished finishes with heavy etching or distressed surfaces. Most arts and crafts handles and knobs will be square, which gives the design an old-world feel.

As counter top availability continues to grow and grow, trends will continue to dictate which materials and colors will help to round out an arts and crafts kitchen project. Deep, rich granite colors can compliment stained wood tones very well. On a painted kitchen island, using a stained concrete top can also work very well. Although these tops can be accompanied by a hefty price tag, the end product is stunning. Concrete tops are produced from a mold, built around the existing island shape, and poured and set into place. Once the material has dried, it can be stained virtually any color to promote the antique furniture look.

Natural tone paint colors often go very well with these projects. Designers can rely on beige, browns and other pastels that will offset the deeper stained finishes on the cabinetry and flooring. When used properly, these simple suggestions can produce a beautiful, elegant kitchen or bath projects.

www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brass ware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc. It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalog, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

Best Art and Craft Gift Items

Handicraft is an art form which is acquainted for the livelihood and support for human beings. Bamboo crafts has always been played a vital role in Indian culture. At present scenario, handicraft products are highly acclaimed for the decorative purposes which is quite popular amongst the generation of present scenario. Bamboo crafts manufacturers render a huge variety of furniture and other decorative items which are made out of bamboo sticks. As per the ever-changing market trends, various B2B portal have been included a huge variety of bamboo made products. You will find an immense variety of different kind of bamboo made products in numerous styles and design patterns in the form of furniture, decorative items, mats, basket, lamp shades, table top item and many more. Bamboo crafting is the oldest traditional art work which is mostly practiced by the rural people. In ancient time, It has been used for multiple domestic utility purposes for keeping goods.

There is a broad marketplace of handicraft products in the global marketplace. Bamboo crafts manufacturers introduce you an enticing range of Eco-friendly products which are extremely used for its unique yet stylish appearance. These are usually known as a clean and pure product so that highly used for religious purposes mostly at holy places. It has its own significance which is available in the market at most affordable prices. Bamboo crafts manufacturers are offering a huge variety of versatile handcrafted products that exhibit the true craftsmanship of artisans.

Market leading manufacturers have been found the marketplace for displaying their products, at B2B portal where they cannot just display their products but also introduce the special features of their products. The visitors can also get the informative knowledge of all listed products which has been displayed on any portal. The organizations also get the business profit through these B2B marketplace. Visitors can also get the complete detailed information of any company and their products along with the contact number so that one can directly deals with them. These products are extensively used for various purposes and also appreciated for its unique yet aesthetic look as well as light weight.

You will be privileged by availing these products from the largest B2B portal at eworldtradefair.com, who has been encompassed a huge variety of handcrafted products.

Art and Craft Activities For You and Your Toddler

Art and Crafts with toddlers is a lot of fun - let your toddler try and work on her/his project her/him self, even if it means you have to clean up a big mess afterwards. Glue in a big pile with a piece of paper in it - that is craft for your toddler!

Here are some fun art and Craft activities for your Toddler.

Post Cards Hand Made - You need: Thick piece of paper. Paint or markers.

Have your toddler paint or draw on a thicker piece of paper. If she is not using scissors yet help her cut it out in a fun shape, the size of a postcard. When she is done turn the painted card around and write grandma, dad, a friend or somebody else a cute message. Guaranteed success for grandparents!

Sponge Art - You need: Kitchen sponge, scissor, paint and a piece of paper.

Cut a new kitchen sponge in to a shape you like. Dip it in her favorite color and have her stamp it on a paper. One idea is to cut the sponge in half and dip it in a color, stamp it on paper this is your first part of your house. Make a triangle out of the other half and stamp the roof. Cut out a small rectangular for the windows.

Pasta Necklace - You need: Noodles with holes in them, paint that will work on the pasta for example tempera paint, string.

Let your toddler paint the pasta in any colors she/he wants. Mix different kind of pasta wheels, long ones, short ones... When the pasta is dry start putting them on the string. Help her/him tie it and there you have a beautiful necklace.

Shaving Cream Art - You need: Shaving Cream.

Instead of using regular color finger paint, we use shaving cream. From own experience my son prefer that instead of regular finger painting. Spray some shaving cream on the table top and let her/him draw pictures in it. If you would like to add some color to it, add a few drops of food coloring. Let her/him make a mess it is not too hard to clean up. To avoid skin irritation rinse her hands off afterwards.

3 Ways to Market Your Arts & Crafts Locally

No matter what your craft or art medium, you can market your business on a more global level online, but this doesn't mean you should neglect your local market. Online marketing can be done from the convenience of your home, but getting out in your local community to share your talents can boost your business too.

1. Network with other crafters. Meeting and getting to know other crafters and artists in your community can be beneficial to your business. The hard part may be meeting these individuals. Check out local websites for crafting or artist groups. made-from-india.com is a resource to help match you with local groups that fit your needs. Also, visit local craft stores and art galleries. Many of these places offer classes you can attend, hold networking events or events where you can mix and mingle. Bring samples or pictures of your work and plenty of business cards.

2. Attend and participate in local craft shows. Before you decide to participate in a local arts and crafts show, attend it as a shopper first. Visiting the show first allows you to evaluate the crowd. Talk with the participating vendors to find out how sales are going and if it is worth the cost for a booth space. This is also an opportunity to introduce yourself to other crafters and artists. There may be an opportunity for you to partner with one of them to sell your items in their store or another marketing opportunity may present itself.

3. Consignment. Art stores, craft stores and gift shops are but a few of the local places you may be able to sell your items on consignment. If you're not familiar with the concept, you make a deal with store owners to display and sell your items for you and then you pay them a percentage of the sale. This is a great way to get your items on store shelves without the expense of opening and running your own shop. When you find a shop where your items would fit, contact the owner and inquire about a consignment opportunity. It allows them to freshen and vary their product offering and an opportunity for you to boost sales.

Ideally, a combination of online and offline marketing methods is the most effective way to market your business and sell your arts and crafts. Use one or all three of these offline methods in combination with what you're already doing online and you will see a difference in your business sales.

Our Finest Gifts We Bring - Canvas Printing

It's no secret that the best gifts are meaningful gifts.

We spend lots of money near the holidays, yet our gifts often end up in a closet, exchanged, or thrown away. The gifts that people still have year after year are the thoughtful ones with significant meaning.

Quality online companies understand this dilemma better than anyone else. Vivid and striking art is a fine gift that the recipient will be sure to love year after year. With the option of using your photos or our professional art, the opportunities to make a lasting memory are endless.

What is a Canvas Print?
Canvas printing, which improves the image dramatically, is a method of printing digital artwork onto canvas. Make sure the canvas used is made of acid free products which guarantee a longer life span for your artwork. The canvas should be hand stretched over a pine frame which are normally available in multiple depths. After the artwork has been assembled, it is coated with lacquer, which gives it that perfect sheen.

Designer Canvas Prints
Photo to canvas wall art is a very unique and special gift that will last a lifetime. Graphic artists can create stunning masterpieces using your photo or a family portrait. Look for companies which enhance your artwork on the canvas prints by using special photo to canvas techniques. Let them know your design taste, and they should create a work of art from your photo.

Gallery Prints
Online canvas website artists and photographers will often create a collection of breathtaking artwork. If you are looking for unique art, you should take time to browse the vast array of artwork and photography available with online canvas printing companies. The options are endless, because you can customize any piece. The art should be available in a variety of sizes and depths, and they can even alter the colors and styles for a beautiful, high quality presentation.

www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brass ware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc. It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalog, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

Arts and Craft Toys For Kids

Children love to create things. The imagination and creativity should be encouraged in children, and the way to do that is to give them the tools that they need. A time for arts and crafts is essential for a child's development, and can do wonders for the mind of a child. Drawing, painting, coloring, cutting and pasting can bring hours of enjoyment for a young mind, and it can encourage creativity. Here are some supply ideas, and some tips for conducting an arts and craft time for your child.

Drawing time

You can supply your child with color pencils, crayons, and washable markers to draw with. There are plenty of options as far as paper goes as well. Give them construction paper, a doodle or scribble pad, white paper from the printer, or stuffing paper from a bag purchase.

Drawing time can be themed. For example, have your child draw family or friends. You can encourage them to draw their favorite animals, or make a picture of what they want to be when they grow up. They can draw a picture of their favorite memory, or try to make an image of an item you place in front of them, like a chair or a fruit basket.

Painting time

There are two options with the kind of paint. You can buy finger paint, so they can use their hands only, or you can get paint that they need a brush for. Getting different sized brushes is a good idea. Thick paper is best for this activity. A large canvas can be exciting for a little one, if you have the space. It is also a good idea for your child to wear old clothes, or a smock so that they don't ruin their nice things.

Let the children use the imagination. They can paint an abstract artistic piece that may not represent anything particular. They will enjoy playing with the colors and just expressing themselves. This can also be a color lesson. You can show them how to mix colors to make new ones; for example, mixing blue and yellow creates green.

Other options

You might want to try and help your child make a collage. This is a group of cut-outs that are related to each other. You can use pictures or words from magazines. There are also images on the internet that you can print out, cut out, and paste on one big poster board.

Another option for arts and craft time is cutting out different shapes in construction paper, and pasting them into an image, like the shape of a person.

How to Make Beautiful Religious Arts and Crafts

Religious arts & crafts

Religious arts & crafts allow artisans and crafters the opportunity to showcase the symbols of their faith, and the opportunity to craft an expression of their faith into tangible form. In this manner, religious arts & crafts provide a way for the faithful to proudly acknowledge their beliefs, and profess their love for their god or gods. Religious arts & crafts usually do this by referring to their religion's main textual tenants or predominant symbols.

Which religions use arts & crafts to express belief?

Religious arts & crafts, as commonly thought of in western society, is concerned primarily with Christianity. For this reason, the common symbols of Christianity - the cross, fish and loaves, angels, Jesus Christ, etc. - are commonly incorporated into American arts & crafts. Another popular theme is to incorporate scripture quotations. Of course, Christianity does not have a monopoly on religious arts & crafts; arts & crafts are well known within the Jewish tradition, for instance. Jewish arts & crafts typically focus on the most widespread symbols of Judaism, and include the Star of David, menorahs, and other icons of the belief. Jewish sayings are also frequently featured on Jewish arts & crafts.

Ideas for religious arts & crafts

Religious arts & crafts are designed to serve as decoration for one's home, office, vehicle, or church. Although religious features could be showcased in virtually any type of arts & crafts, these are some popular ideas for religious arts & crafts used for decoration:

1. Beaded Crafts: With a set of beads and string, pipe cleaners or safety pins, the devotee can create cute, creative religious arts & crafts. The possibilities for these crafts are almost endless, and are great for the whole family. These beaded crafts can be designed as jewelry, decorations, and other adornments. Virtually any religious symbol is possible with this versatile craft idea, from the Star of David to the Shroud of Turin.

2. Paint Your Own: Try to let your creative side out and paint your religious items for decoration and display or even for use in a religious service. Special ceramic paints are great to use for painting, decorating, and personalizing ceramic crosses, angels, and even scenes from the Bible. Personalize these paintings with names, birthdays, and scripture to make wonderful personalized gifts.

3. Cross Stitch & Embroidery: While it may take more skill and expertise, with a bit of practice most devotees can become experts and creating needlework arts & crafts. Religious needlework is especially noteworthy as it can combine both graphical images of crosses, angels, doves, and Bible scenes, as well as scripture, Bible verses, and other words of inspiration. Some more popular options for religious arts & crafts using cross stitch and embroidery include religious pillows and Bible covers.

4. Stained Glass Arts & Suncatchers: Stained glass art is popular for religious arts & crafts since stained glass is usually associated with churches and places of worship. This does not mean that you need to be a church to afford stained glass art. Far from it, inexpensive stained glass kits are readily available in most hobby and craft stores, and can be used by those without any previous experience.

5. Ornaments & Window Hangers: Ornaments and window hangers are often quite simple to create - in the absence of specialized skills, all you need is some imagination and a dash of creativity. Ornaments may be designed specifically for the Christmas season, or may be year-round crafts that can be hung anywhere, even from your rearview mirror. Look on the Internet for some fun ideas for religious ornaments, hangers, and other crafts.

6. Handmade Jewelry: Most religious people will happily wear the symbols of their faith as a personal reminder of their faith and devotion. Handmade religious jewelry is very popular, and can include anything from resin angel earrings to homemade metal crucifixes. Brooches, necklaces, and bracelets are also very popular, and while they are generally designed for women, men are becoming increasingly comfortable wearing fine handmade crucifix necklaces.

Looking for resources for making religious arts & crafts

Many arts & crafts shows will feature quite a bit of religious crafts and artwork. While there are rarely shows designed specifically for this niche market, a very high percentage of artisans & crafters feature work that includes a religious focus. If you are not able to attend any shows, do not give up hope. When looking for other ideas for religious arts & crafts, head to your local Christian bookstore or specialty shop. These stores will almost always maintain special sections dedicated to arts & crafts supplies of a religious nature. These stores also typically have arts & crafts ready for purchase and gift giving. If you are more adventurous, go to a hobby and arts & crafts store and convert a secular hobby kit into a testament of your faith.

Homemade Art and Craft

Art is composed of many expressive disciplines. It refers to various human activities and artifacts, used to cover all aspects of skill or mastery. Art is an expression or communication of emotions and ideas, a means of exploring and appreciating formal elements. www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc

Whenever any special occasion comes, it also came with the celebration at that time. No celebration is considered complete with party and no party is complete without gift. Gift doesn't mean buying expansive thing and deliver it to the host. A gift indicates the love and care that you have in your heart. If a homemade or self made gift is presented to the person, it seems more valuable.

Gifts that are homemade not only reveal your ability it also indicates your love and affection. Homemade gifts are inexpensive but they are fun to make, also, it is priceless for love and creativity that goes into them. To make homemade crafts you need not any special and expansive things. You can make your gift even with the waste things and with vegetables. Some of the effective methods with the list of items are mentioned below.

Vegetable craft

Vegetable art is a simple and less time consuming. Even children can make different and beautiful items with the help of vegetables. For making crafts you need some vegetables, a piece of cloth and fabric colors. It is your option you can make length or breathe wise slices of capsicum or any vegetable that is chosen by you. You can make beautiful patterns with the help of vegetable.

Take a capsicum and cut in two pieces. Take fabric color and apply the paint on cut edge of capsicum. You can take any color of your choice. Now, make the petals of flower with this by pressing it on the cloth. Take lady finger and cut in length wise apply green color to it for making leaves of petals of flower. You can punch this flower design any side of cloth either in center, middle or side of the cloth.

Western Art - Stippling - Dotting Away to Colors

Stippling - The Concept
Stippling is an art of painting, distinguished by its technique, rather than style. It involves the application of paints in the form of dots, rather than being spread over the base. These works are often used to replicate the shading or the effects of a grayscale-digitized image. A grayscale, also known as black & white image, depicts designs or patterns by using the varying shades of gray pixels. Stippling is a close relative of the art of Pointillism, which also employs dots for execution. The key difference between the two techniques lies in the use of colors. While the specks of various colors are used to create color blends in Pointillism, same color pigment is used in Stippling.

The technique was the manual predecessor of Ben-Day Dots printing of the pulp fiction era and Halftone printing. Both of these automated processes are used to produce printed imagery constituted of dots. These dots can be quite small or visibly large in texture. In Stippling, dense clouds of dots are used to create dark shades and the sparsely scattered dots give the effects of lighter shades. The requisite knowledge about the spatial positioning of dots helps the artists create a remarkable outcome of this painstaking work. Optical illusion is the phenomenon behind the perception of eyes that helps them visualize the contrast and design of such works.

The Details
Stippling can be done on various bases, such as canvas, glass, or even a wall surface, among others. For printmaking, printing blocks with dot carvings are used. A selective application of ink is made on these dots to produce a desired design. The technique, when applied on walls, is a multi-stage process. First, a base coat of desired paint is applied on the wall. After the paint dries, a coat of glaze paint is used. Usually, glaze is prepared by diluting the paint in medium to such an extent that a translucent paint is prepared. A film of the thinned paint is applied on the wall. A specialized brush is used to touch on the wet glaze. The result is a shiny wall with small engravings on the surface, which is used for decorative purposes. On similar lines, Stippling on glass or other surfaces is done. However, it is more of a sculpting technique here, which is executed without any paints. The resulting engravings on the surface make it appear brighter and shinier than the untouched area.

Art is composed of many expressive disciplines. It refers to various human activities and artifacts, used to cover all aspects of skill or mastery. Art is an expression or communication of emotions and ideas, a means of exploring and appreciating formal elements. www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.

The Art Gallery and Gift Shop Business

A business that includes a picture framing business, an art gallery and a gift shop is a business that has an excellent chance of succeeding. If the location is high traffic this will get potential customers to stop and go through the gallery. If your shop is located in a tourist area you may get an entirely different group to visit your store depending on the time of year.

The gift and framing business should give the store a constant cash flow and the gallery will help the bottom line each quarter. Pictures and art works are an individual like or dislike. What one person would find a must have item another could pass on without a second thought. This means in the gallery you will need to have some variety of art and pictures.

Two attributes are needed to be a successful gallery owner. You must be passionate about art and you must be a good businessman with really good people skills. Negotiating the sale of an expensive piece of art is not a take it or leave it type of sale. It takes some skill and a willingness to deal to make the sale happen.

Start a store, Buy a store, Buy into a Franchise

These are three of the ways to get started in this business. Starting from scratch is the least expensive in start up cost, but also the most difficult to make successful. Buying an existing store is wise for some people as there is already some cash flow and a customer base. Buying into a franchise may offer some advantages, but the buyer should really study the franchise offer and make sure they can live with any restrictions that are part of buying into the franchise.

All of these options have merits and a plus and minus check off system will let you understand better the difference between the ideas. The amount of money you have available for the startup or purchase will also be a determining factor on which way you go. Buying a successful shop that has a clientele is not a bad way to go and may offer the greatest chance of success. Also the current owner may be willing to finance part of the sale price.

A business broker could be of help in finding businesses that are for sale. They would probably be of help in locating potential properties that are up for purchase. They also may be able to give you some solid advice on how much to pay.

Where to find items to sell

Estate sales, eBay and the Internet offer items that could be purchased by a knowledgeable buyer. If you know what the market is looking for or are good at seeing a fad develop, you could find some bargains in these venues. There are many Internet companies that will offer you smaller items for the gift shop and for impulse type purchases. Unusual and visual are two of the prerequisites for items for your shop. People are attracted to the unusual and the more visual the item is the more likely the sale.

Another way to find items for sale is to build up a list of artists that are willing to let you represent their work. Meeting local art teachers and art groups may also let you find an artist before they become famous. Art and craft fairs and shows are another way to find items that could be sold in your shop.

Join any mailing list you can find for people in this business. The more information you have, the better you are able to stay up with what is happening.

Location is important

Location is always important in any retail business. If you wish to sell at the higher end of the art world you better plan on having a prestigious address. Tourist type shops can be on a retail street or in a shopping strip. Good traffic is the key to being successful. You need the walk-by traffic to get people in your shop. The casual shoppers can turn into a customer that spends some real money if your items catch their fancy. You never know who will pull out a credit card and buy the most expensive item in the shop.

Advertising the business

This unusual business lends itself to mail campaigns and e-mail notices. Local radio and TV may work, but you will need to try it on a small level first to see what kind of a response you get from your ads.

A current Internet site is a great way to push the new items in your store. You must have the capability to change your web pages yourself, as you need to make the changes. A stale website is never a good idea. It must be kept fresh.You may want to see what other shops do to gain business if you have some contacts in the business.

Conclusions

This business is different and can be a very interesting way to make money. Inventory turnover will keep people coming back to see what you are currently displaying. One-man shows and special types of art can also bring in the old and new customers. Finding a constant source of new items is the art of running a successful business. New ideas, art pieces and gift items are necessary to stay current in the business. This is the only way to get old customers to stop in and see you again. If your items are stale, the old customers will grow bored with seeing the same thing each time they stop.

New artist and new art pieces will always be a new experience for customers. If you are lucky enough to find an up and coming artist, your shop could become very busy if you are representing the artist. Unknowns can be valuable too, as customers always want to be the first to recognize a new talent.

The range of possibilities in this business is only contained by your imagination. This is the great part of this kind of a business. It is always changing and keeping your interest in what is going on in the creative world.

It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalogue, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

Holiday Gifts From the Heart: 15 Gift Ideas for You and Your Kids

We give gifts to family and friends to make them happy. Nothing will make them happier than a gift from the heart. These gift ideas are inexpensive and thoughtful. Get your kids involved because they like making people happy, too.

RAVE RECIPES. Write your best recipes - the ones relatives rave about - on recipe cards or type them on a computer. Put the cards in an inexpensive recipe box and typed recipes in a notebook. Tie measuring spoons, a miniature whisk, or rubber scraper to your gift with ribbon.

CHAFFEUR SERVICE. Loves ones and friends who don't have a car or no longer drive will appreciate your chaffeur service. Type or write a gift certificate for this service: Ask your kids to glue magazine pictures of cars to the certificate or draw car pictures with markers.

MIX IT UP. Busy family members and friends will appreciate cooking shortcuts: baking mixes, soup mixes, gravy and sauce packets, and so-called helper meals. Put these products in a large gift bag or basket purchased at a discount store.

FAMILY STORIES TAPE. Every family has funny and touching stories. Record some of these stories and give them to family members. Label the outside of the tape with the date and names of people who shared the stories. Add a pocket-sized tape recorder/player if you wish.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKMARK. Ask your kids or grandkids to draw pictures on heavy paper that has been pre-cut to bookmark size. You may decorate your own bookmarks with quotes that would have special meaning to your loved one or friend. Punch a hole in the top of each bookmark and tie on a ribbon or small tassel. This simple gift will be used again and again.

SPRING FEVER. Plant four bulbs in a clay pot. These bulbs can be narcissus, tulip, iris, etc. Have kids decorate the outside of the pot with permanent markers. (Make sure the room is well ventilated.) Put a clay saucer under the pot and stick a fabric bow (on a pick) into the soil. Include growing instructions with your gift.

JAR OF JOKES. This is a perfect gift for your children's friends. Wash a plastic peanut butter jar and lid in hot, soapy water and dry well. Type jokes from a joke book or jokes your kids have created on the computer. Print out one set of jokes for each gift you're giving. Cut the jokes apart, put them in a jar, and screw on the lid. Tie a bow onto the jar and instructions: Take one joke from this jar each day. This idea may be adapted to a Jar of Friendship or a Jar of Hope.

PHOTO MONTAGE. Gather photos that your family member would appreciate, such as photos of their pet, candid shots of kids and grandkids, photos of his or her favorite place, photos of flowers and trees. Insert these photos into a montage frame, available at discount stores.

MAGAZINE EXPRESS. Do you subscribe to an unusual magazine, such as a magazine about knitting, or building boats, or trips on freighter ships? Gather back issues of the magazine, tie them with a big red bow, and give them to your local library or nursing home.

A POSTCARD A DAY, DEAR. Do you know someone who is recovering from surgery, is home bound, or struggling with chronic illness? If so, this is the perfect gift for them. Buy a batch of postcards and send one to your friend each day. Your messages may be humorous, hopeful, personal news, or quotes.

COFFEE BREAK. Bake a batch of biscotti and put them in a wide-mouth jar. Put the jar in a gift bag and add ground or instant coffee, a measuring spoon, an inexpensive frother from Ikea, and chocolate covered coffee beans. You may also make a tea break gift.

WEEKLY PHONE CALL. Got a kid in college, a loved one across the country, or friends you see only once a year? Type or print a gift certificate for weekly phone calls from you. Decide on a convenient time for the calls when you give them your gift.

HOMEMADE FOOD OF THE MONTH. Give relatives and/or friends gift certificate for monthly food from your kitchen: bread, cookies, soup, casseroles - whatever you're good at and love to make. This gift from the heart will make them happy all year long.

www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc.It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalogue, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.

The Art of Making Gift Baskets - 5 Ideas & Tips

To receive a gift basket is exciting because it connotes a sense of abundance. A gift basket that is overflowing with wonderful goodies can be consumed or used as the recipient pleases. Receiving one as a gift from someone we know and care about makes us feel a bit like a king or queen - or at least a pampered royal house guest!

If you have ever given a basket as a gift in the past you have likely noticed the profound effect that doing so can have on the recipients. Now, you may be considering making your own while in the comfort of your home and using your own materials.

To get your started on this exciting journey, here are 5 ideas and tips on the art of making gift baskets:

1. Keep on hand the right materials for any occasion:

Once you have made your first basket, you may very well get hooked. Soon, this could become your gift of choice for any occasion. In order to make the entire experience as economical as possible, it is wise to gather together the appropriate materials and tools to have on hand for whenever the basket-making urge arises.

At bare minimum, of course you will need baskets themselves (or basket-like items such as trays or attractive gift boxes). You will also want to have shredded paper, excelsior (i.e., shredded natural wood) or other attractive filler materials. Bonus items include small decorative ribbons and cellophane bags or cellophane wrapping material. Of course, make sure you have a good pair of scissors, as well as both single and double-sided clear tape.

2. To (add) food or not to (add) food - that is the question:

When preparing a particular new creation for a friend, loved one, or acquaintance, a key decision you need to make is whether the basket will be food-themed. The reason this is an important consideration is that depending upon how they are packaged, food items can be perishable. In addition, since people's food preferences and diets can be so particular, by giving food you may be risking that they will not be able to enjoy your gift as you would hope. On the other hand, a great food basket can be a masterful gift choice. So, choose wisely!

3. Picking the right theme is more than half the battle:

Each basket you create should have a particular theme. Of course, how you choose the theme will depend in part upon the likes and interests of the recipient. But, it will also be determined by your own creativity. Buy small gifts, goodies, toys, etc. for your basket that are in accordance with a theme.

4. Your basket should give the impression of abundance:

As you assemble your basket and start filling it with goodies, be sure to take care to use your filler materials in an expert way. The goal is that, no matter how many gifts and goodies your container has in it, the container should look like it is practically overflowing. This is the secret to creating that coveted sense of abundance that well-designed baskets exude.

5. The little touches are what make these gifts so great:

A final tip: make sure to focus on the little things. Of course, the theme and actual gifts themselves need to please and delight the senses. But, take care to add little touches like ribbons, accents, and other inexpensive goodies around the entire arrangement. These little details make good basket into a great one.

www.made-from-india.com is a one-stop online information center on antiques & collectibles, brassware & brass handicrafts, diaries & calendars, handicrafts, incense & incensory, sculptures & paintings etc. It posses an authentic directory of arts & crafts product catalogue, art & crafts product buyers, & sellers, Indian manufacturers & exporters of beautiful range of gifts & crafts deals in different types of assortments like key chains, handicrafts, crystals, paper crafts etc.