Blog Central > By Tag: tips
Gifts on a Budget
Posted by:
Fairy Cardmaker
| Mar 21, 2010
 Gift giving on a budget can be a tricky thing to master. When economic times are tough, big ticket items are the first things cut out: cars, houses, vacations and recreation, etc. However, small ticket items can flourish: rental movies, low-cost toys, fashion accessories, home accents, etc. The reason people buy more of the little things is that people want to feel like they can still spoil themselves, even in a small way.
When gift giving on a budget, a lot of people will scour the sales bins and clip out the weekly coupons and cash in rewards points (one of my favourite things to do!). Instead of shopping cheaper, try shopping smarter. One of the selling points of handmade goods is that you can talk to the creator and tailor your gift giving to the recipient. In addition, many of the budget friendly shopping conveniences can be duplicated online (like rewards points and gift wrapping, to name just a couple). Here are a...
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Shopping
| Tags: shopping tips, great finds, gift giving, handmade gifts,
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Keeping it Simple - A Card Background
Posted by:
Fairy Cardmaker
| Jan 9, 2010
 Simple. Clean. Clear.
That's my motto! I am paper hoarder. I have paper from at least 6 years ago still in my stash. I finally found a good way to use up my pieces and strips of left over paper. All you have to do is sort your paper into co-ordinating colours and - voila! - you can make a stunning card background.
I have a square punch but you could use a paper trimmer for this technique. I like the look of three different patterned papers, but you could use one solid pattern or make every block different if you wanted to! You can use up a lot of scraps on this style of card!
One trick I sometimes use to break up the sterility of so many straight lines is to ink the edges. You can either chalk the edges with a circular motion and a Q-tip or cotton ball, or use ink and an ink dauber.
Once your background is finished, you can dress it up. On some, I used just a ribbon. WIth the right colours of paper, this...
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Tips, Tutorials & DIYs
| Tags: tips, cards, scraps, mosaic, cardmaking,
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It's 10 p.m. - Do You Know Where Your Shipping Package Is?
Posted by:
GalleriaLinda
| Nov 6, 2009
As online sellers, we have a love/hate relationship with our shipping process. On the one hand, we want our packages to happily wing their way in ecstasy to our wonderful customers.
On the other hand, we know that our package has to march through a threatening forest of dangers in order to reach the customer.
Due to volume, over-worked employees, and rush, shipping through the US shipping systems during the holiday selling season can be brutal to packages and frustrating to sellers and buyers,
I had an incident with a package that really enlightened me on this whole process. I had purchased some jewelry supplies from a handmade independent seller and never received the package. The two of us brainstormed but it was not insured (I, as the buyer, did not opt for insurance), and it was sent as first class. Therefore, there was no way to track.
The seller graciously sent the items again. I did receive a package this time that was mangled, torn, taped, dirty, and had a very odd...
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Selling Online
| Tags: shipping tips, marketing, selling online,
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How To Photograph Your Creations: Table Top Photography 101 with Professional Photographer Christopher Gentile
Posted by:
Lyra Pappin
| Mar 3, 2008
 Since we can’t all be professional photographers, we’ve corralled the help of one of Canada’s top commercial photographers, Christopher Gentile. Having worked in the commercial photography industry for the past 30 years, Christopher’s clients have ranged from rock band Blue Rodeo, to shooting the hot selling wedding planner book, "Rich Bride Poor Bride". After acquiring a breadth of experience, iCraft is fortunate to have Christopher share some inside tips and tricks for basic table top photography.
Photography might be the last thing on the mind of a jeweler or designer, but the images that creators take of their work directly impact how appealing the pieces are to viewers. It can also be trickier than you might expect to properly shoot earrings or a necklace, especially to capture it looking its best. So how do you instill some life into inanimate objects?
Lights, Camera, Action
Although Christopher could do a stunning job...
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Art & Photography
| Tags: Christopher Gentile, photographer, toronto, advice, how to, tips, photography tips
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Frame Fun
Posted by:
Michelle Lynne Goodfellow
| Nov 28, 2007
Are your walls bare and boring? One of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up your home’s décor is through the strategic placement of framed artwork.
Can’t afford a great painting – or even a good print? Get a little creative, and watch your walls come alive.
Start with some interesting “art.” It doesn’t have to be made by a professional; why not raid your children’s (or nieces’ and nephews’) stash of childhood masterpieces for a colourful (and conversation-provoking) alternative?
Or try cutting some great illustrations or photographs from coffee table books or high-end magazines. Enlarge favorite snapshots of family and friends. Pressed flowers and plants are another great two-dimensional choice – but don’t limit yourself to two dimensions! Everyday objects such as flea market finds or twigs from your daily walk can make unique visual statements when mounted on an appropriate background....
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Tips, Tutorials & DIYs
| Tags: home decor, decorating tips, decorating, picture frame,
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Top 10 Holiday Crafts Kids Love
Posted by:
Lyra Pappin
| Nov 28, 2007
 Children can get overexcited and eager for Christmas and this can leave parents worn down in an already stressful time. A great way to help kids enjoy the holidays is by taking some time to help them express their creativity and get them feeling involved in the process of Christmas, not just the presents! Here are 10 crafts that you and your child will surely enjoy creating together.
1. Light Bulb Penguins or Snowmen
To make a fun ornament for your Christmas tree, all you need are some craft basics and an old, burnt out light bulb that you will turn into a cute little penguin or snowman. To begin, wipe down the light bulb with rubbing alcohol to help the paint stick to the bulb. If you are making a penguin, paint the bulb black, except for an area in front, which will be the penguin’s belly. Be sure to allow the paint to dry completely, and use a second coat if it is streaky.
While the paint dries, you can prepare the extra...
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Tips, Tutorials & DIYs
| Tags: craft tips, crafts for kids, holiday crafts
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The Winter Vampire
Posted by:
Candice Daquin
| Nov 4, 2007
The craze for all things vampire resurfaces this fall and winter, baring its fangs with a call for romantic, mysterious, layered, passionate clothing that flatters the cold season. New TV series Moonlight, and the vampire book trilogy by Stephenie Meyer or the return in soundtrack popularity of Mazzy Star, the quintessential vampire music, are resonating in the consciousness of the runway with spiked booties, floating trains, corseted gowns, and a continuation of black nail polish and smudged eyes.
Only a few seasons ago we paid homage to the image of vampirism with exquisitely high collared puff-sleeve blouses in chantilly lace, little covered buttons, flowing crepe and taffeta dresses with lace-up granny booties. The combination of urchin, Victorian and vampire hasn’t deserted the fashion world although summer saw a return to the shift dress, in pinafore and mini-tent style, trimmed in fur, harking back to medieval France, reinvented with a new twist and a combination of...
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Fashion & Style
| Tags: vampire, fashion, dress-up, tips,
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Easy Crafts for a Rainy Day
Posted by:
Lyra Pappin
| Nov 4, 2007
 The sun might not be shining but that doesn’t mean your creative spirit can’t be out in full bloom. Whether you want to engage your children in some artistic exercise or simply relax in your home, these easy crafts are sure to brighten even the gloomiest day.
Create-a-Candle
Candles quite literally brighten up your home. Making your own candles is a simple and environmentally friendly activity that can add a welcome personalized touch to any home.
To make your own candles, first remember to save the stubs of candles you already use. After your collection is large enough, melt the pieces together in a double boiler. You can colour the wax by adding bits of crayons to the mixture. After the wax has melted together, carefully pour the warm mixture into a glass jar or metal can. You can use cotton yarn for wicks, or better yet, purchase some wick from a craft store.
There are many options for decorating the candleholder, including...
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Tips, Tutorials & DIYs
| Tags: crafts, DIY, craft tips
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The Three Golden Rules of Smart Shopping
Posted by:
Christina Ponte
| Nov 4, 2007
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… And no, I don’t mean Christmas. For as long as I can remember, autumn has always been my favorite season. It stems back to my childhood, when my mother would announce it was time to go shopping for school clothes for the upcoming academic year. “Hooray!” I would think to myself. The day-long event, which I had waited for all summer, was finally at hand. I was guaranteed to get a number of coordinating ensembles, complete with matching bags and shoes. And since I was an only-child growing up, my parents didn’t have the option of giving me hand-me-downs. Hooray again!
Now as an adult, I still get the same intoxicating rush as I see leaves change their color, and smell the crisp fall air. As nature begins to prepare for another season, so do I. And my desire to update my wardrobe with the hottest looks from the latest fall collections is invigorating!
But let’s admit it - Shopping, at any time of...
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Shopping
| Tags: shopping, shopping tips
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