Easy and Fun Handmade Gifts

Welcome!

I love to give personalized gifts. Being a crafter, handmade gifts are especially fun to create and give. Sometimes I don't have the time to make what I would really like to, so I am always on the look out for EASY handmade gifts. Hopefully you'll find some inspiration and ideas here!

Great places for projects and supplies

I Adore Crafts: This is my blog where I have posted crafting projects and informative articles. Enjoy!
Jo Ann's Arts and Crafts: You probably alreay know about Jo Ann's craft store, since they have them across the country. I suggest getting on their email list to get great savings with online coupons. Be sure and bookmark this link!
Delta Crafts: You probably recognize the name Delta Crafts, as they make many craft products. Their site has lots of great projects for paint, stencils and rubber stamps, but you'll have to get their actual products from somewhere like Jo Ann's or another craft site.

Stenciled Asian Candle

A fast and easy handmade gift!

I love to give handmade gifts...when I have the time, that is. So, I especially love a SIMPLE handmade gift because often times I have more love than time available to create a handmade gift. You can probably relate!

Well, here is an idea for crafters. It's so simple, even non-crafters can do this. It's a great kids craft, too. You and your child could make a stenciled candle for a grandparent or a teacher.

All you need is:

-a pre-made candle
-a stencil (I used Simply ® Stencils - Laser - Asian Symbols #28054)
-stencil brush or cosmetic wedges...you know those triangle-type foam things
-paint (I used Delta Ceramcoat acrylic paint)
-Candle and Soap Painting Medium (I used Delta Ceramcoat Candle and Soap Painting Medium.

For the rest of the instructions, go to:
http://iadorecrafts.blogspot.com/2006/05/stenciled-asian-candle-handmade-gift.html

Happy Crafting!

Candle Crafting Books

Here are some books on creating candles.

Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens

by Lena Corwin

Amazon Price: $18.15 (as of 10/07/2008)

Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design

by Chen Design Associates

Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 10/07/2008)

Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickl Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself

by Anne L. Watson

Amazon Price: $11.25 (as of 10/07/2008)

500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series)

by Lark

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts

by Mark Montano

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/07/2008)

Color Bleeding in Melt and Pour Soap Crafting

One of my favorite handmade gifts to make is handmade soap. The EASIEST way to make handmade soap is to buy "Melt and Pour" soap base from a craft store or online. It is easy, fast and you can personalize the soap for your gift recipient in a multitude of creative and fun ways.

One of the things to know about Melt and Pour Soap colorants is that the color bleeds (unless you buy a colorant that specifically says it does not). I had an idea for a gift of handmade soap that had alternating layers of color (see picture). I knew that the color might bleed, but I wasn't sure if a light color like pink would bleed...and if so, how long would it take for the color to bleed. Well, I have the answer!

The answer is yes, it will bleed...and it will do it fast! I was really surprised to see...

For the rest of this article, go to: http://iadorecrafts.blogspot.com/2006/07/color-bleeding-in-melt-and-pour-soap.html

Happy Crafting!