http://icraft.ca/blog/rss-blog-posts.php en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 23:48:04 -0400 http://icraft.ca/blog/mothers-day-poem-by-kathleen-j-shields-359.php Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kathleen J. Shields from Huston TX began writing short stories for fun when she was twelve years old. With much support Kathleen began down the path towards becoming a writer. Kathleen was able to complete her first novel of a series during the summer of 2002.

To keep her creative talents flowing she creates custom and personalized greeting cards for friends and family and with each card writes an original poem...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-359 http://icraft.ca/blog/experience-the-1950s-in-full-technicolor-358.php Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Most of us would probably balk at the idea of booking a night in a trailer park by choice, such is the connotation of "trailer parks" in the United States, but The Shady Dell is different. In this case, it's the cool end of retro that's being highlighted.

This 1950s-inspired trailer park has nine aluminum trailers (all renovated as period pieces) that you can book decor nods include...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-358 http://icraft.ca/blog/one-stamp-card-tutorial-mothers-day-gift-idea-357.php Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 April is a busy time for me, but I needed to produce some cards really quickly. I used a technique on this Special Someone card that is simple, fast and inexpensive, yet yields a very cohesive look. This card is perfect for Mother's Day or any special woman in your life (sister, significant other, best friend, etc.)! Even children can use this technique to make a pretty card for mom. Here's what you...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-357 http://icraft.ca/blog/think-orange-for-creativity-342.php Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 T hink O range! C reate O range!

I n feng shui, orange is a yang (the masculine aspect of the yin-yang theory) color that provides enthusiasm, motivation and inspiration.

The Hindu culture says creativity can be promoted by balancing the sacral chakra, which is located near the body's navel, through surrounding yourself with the color orange.

Orange stimulates the mind...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-342 http://icraft.ca/blog/unique-wedding-favor-ideas-347.php Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Planning a wedding can be a very stressful event but there are some aspects of planning a wedding which can be a great deal of fun. Selecting wedding favors can be one of the aspects which can be fun.

Many brides and grooms may spend a great deal of time, energy and money planning on the location and the food for their wedding but they may not realize the wedding favors they give out can be a very important part...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-347 http://icraft.ca/blog/stop-the-presses-newspaper-nails-in-six-easy-steps-351.php Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Everyone is online these days, it seems. Cursive print.. what's that? At least one modern beauty trend, though, is inspired by old-school communication. Here's a DIY tutorial that you don't want to miss.

Newspaper nails keep popping up on my Pinterest boards, so, always a sucker for cute nail-related ideas, I set out to try this one on for size. Time to take it back to typography!

It was so...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-351 http://icraft.ca/blog/diy-tutorial-beautiful-banners-349.php Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Do It Yourself projects are meant to be creative ways to save money, do something yourself, and enjoy the satisfying feeling of creating something that you, or others, will appreciate.

Not particularly crafty? Not a problem!

This DIY challenge is one that does not involve painting, drawing, or stitching. It does, however, require some patience, at least according to my good friend Kimberlee C. of Bluebird...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-349 http://icraft.ca/blog/beauty-oils-recipes-with-natural-ingredients-345.php Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 N urture Your Skin And Indulge Your Senses With Natural Ingredients

U sing Oils for aromatherapy beauty dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and perhaps even before that. This trend has continued throughout history and continues today. A number of commercial beauty products contain essential oils, but they also contain ingredients that I can’t pronounce and that I definitely...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-345 http://icraft.ca/blog/2012-easter-activities-for-families-its-all-about-the-egg-346.php Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Let's talk about eggs. Easter 2012 is only a few weeks away, the Easter Bunny is setting up shop at the mall, and kids are gearing up for Easter egg hunts in the yard.

Easter 2012 falls on April 8th in 2012, so let's get cracking! Here are a few easy, fun Easter egg crafts and activities for families and kids :
1. Hollow Eggs to hang or display
Creating and decorating hollowed-out Easter...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-346 http://icraft.ca/blog/crafter-interview-bibi-from-red-rock-designs-and-her-little-dog-too-343.php Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 A self-described fashion minimalist, Bibi Ramzan from Red Rock Designs exercises her analytical side by day, with a full time job in insurance. But over the past few years, her creative side has come to life, thanks to her chance decision to try out a jewellery-making kit.

“I’ve always been a bit creative, but I could never find a hobby that satisfied me. [But] after I made my first necklace I had...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-343 http://icraft.ca/blog/treasures-from-the-sea-collecting-seaglass-to-make-one-of-a-kind-jewellery-330.php Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Natural Seaglass is found along the shorelines of salt and fresh waterways in countries all over the world. It is anthropogenic (from human sources) glass that is physically and chemically weathered. Salt water bodies produce seaglass that is frosty and smooth. Glass found on the beaches in inland waterways is called beach glass . It is typically less weathered looking than seaglass because of the lack of...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-330 http://icraft.ca/blog/odd-and-disturbing-yet-so-beautiful-341.php Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Once in a while I come across things that have a surprising effect on me, like the Solipsist , a visually stunning experimental short film by Andrew Thomas Huang.

After watching the video, I felt inspired, amused, and slightly disturbed. Those things crawling over girls faces were pretty awful and I still have guy's odd painted face/canvas stuck in my head.

The movie is incredibly odd and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-341 http://icraft.ca/blog/demystifying-blogging-335.php Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 The Blogging Myth
It's So Easy, Anyone Can Do It
Writing a successful blog isn't a walk in the park. There are different ways to measure success, but if your main purpose is to increase the visibility of your work on iCraft, you want good levels of traffic, readers, followers and fans.

Perhaps you've read somewhere that starting a blog will help your store, and you're thinking all you...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-335 http://icraft.ca/blog/how-to-turn-spring-cleaning-into-spring-cleansing-336.php Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Three easy, alternative ways to help rejuvenate your rooms, create a calm environment, and start your spring out fresh.

Delicate pink petals are beginning to unfurl on tree branches here in Florida – I know, I know, we are lucky. Pollen allergies run rampant. The sun has begun to shine brightly, when it is not interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm.

And what do these symbols of spring tell us? Easter...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-336 http://icraft.ca/blog/making-a-fashion-statement-with-barefoot-sandals-329.php Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Did you know... barefoot sandals used to be called "slave sandals"?? We've come a long way, baby!!

I hope you'll "bare your soles" for a fresh, fun and natural way to show off your pretty summer feet anyway! There are innumerable trends in the world of fashion particularly when it comes to footwear.

In the contemporary days, both men and women have developed and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-329 http://icraft.ca/blog/celebrating-creativity-march-is-national-craft-month-324.php Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Hi everybody!

My blog is going to be about Celebrating Creativity on iCraft.

I thouhgt it would be appropriate to write about the National Craft Month which is March . What a terrific reason to celebrate creativity! It is a wonderful opportunity to unleash our creativity and explore our inner artist. To help kick off the National Craft Month, I am excited to invite all crafters (iCraft members and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-324 http://icraft.ca/blog/diy-bridal-hairstyles-how-to-videos-327.php Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500
This will probably save you a hundred or two dollars! For those who can't even do they hair to go to work, thank God for hair stylists or ask a friend or family member to do your hair for your dream day, you would be...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-327 http://icraft.ca/blog/lets-grow-together-nursery-decorating-101-328.php Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 My columns on iCraft typically center around decorating and DIY, but there is one major component to today’s feature that I knew little about before writing this article: babies, or nurseries to be specific.

I don’t have any children (although I plan to later in life), and I have not spent too much time in nurseries beyond the occasional visit with friends who have small kids. So, since I like to...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-328 http://icraft.ca/blog/icraft-roundup-bridal-hairpieces-or-how-to-wear-bridal-hair-accessories-325.php Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 When Sex and the City's fearless fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw sported big, blue feathers in her bridal hairdo, the outcome was inevitable: bold wedding hair accessories made a big comeback and not just in blue!

The wedding hair accessory craze first began building momentum with big flowers, whether they were pinned behind one ear to evoke an exotic feel, or at the back, crowning a ponytail or up-do....]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-325 http://icraft.ca/blog/jewelry-and-more-by-kat-designer-and-daughter-offer-bounty-of-beautiful-affordable-wares-323.php Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Take a moment to browse the pages at Jewelry and More by Kat on the newly revamped iCraft.ca, and don’t be surprised if your visit lasts a lot longer than you anticipated. With 256 items and a variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, plasterware, and much more to choose from, the hobby shop is more like a full-fledged business. See a screenshot of just a few of the wares on the left.

“Welcome to...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-323 http://icraft.ca/blog/sweet-things-to-do-on-valentine-s-day-part-two-319.php Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 A few fun and easy ideas for making Valentine's Day 2012 the sweetest one yet!

Sweet things to do on Valentine’s Day, Part One , explored some fun and creative options to make Valentine’s Day unique and memorable this year. Read on for more tips on creating a night to remember for the “him” or “her” in your life:

Create a craft. This is iCraft, after all. Even if you...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-319 http://icraft.ca/blog/sweet-things-to-do-on-valentine-s-day-part-one-318.php Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Some sweet and simple ways to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Long before it was a Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day was a celebration reserved for enjoying the love in your life. But what to do during those precious hours after work?

“Date night on a Tuesday? No fun,” you might think. But why not?

If you think outside the box, Valentine’s Day 2012 can be a fun and memorable one to...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-318 http://icraft.ca/blog/inna-plastilina-wrapped-in-lace-311.php Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Part gothic, part old-world glamour, Inna Plastilina’s wraps, shrugs, shoes and boleros are all show-stopping pieces.

"I work in a small, yet beautiful and sophisticated studio in Tel Aviv, Israel. I have a passionate love to create high quality hand made wedding, bridal, gothic, steampunk, shrugs, boleros and wraps. All of my fabrics are only of the best quality. They are not made in China, they...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-311 http://icraft.ca/blog/what-ignites-you-309.php Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Tech-savvy or computer-illiterate, each of us has, at some point, been involved with a project at work or in class that relies on creating a Powerpoint presentation.

We've formatted, configured, checked and double-checked, and then at the big moment when everything is supposed to go right?

Nothing.

Zip nada zilch, and the evening's emcee, if you happen to have one, starts telling stories in a...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-309 http://icraft.ca/blog/top-10-tips-for-sellers-310.php Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500
We're excited to have you as part of our community. Each member is as unique as the products they create. We want to give your items the spotlight they deserve. Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your iCraft.ca experience. Setting up your Store Policies
Before uploading your inventory, please ensure you set up your Shipping Options, Payment Methods and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-310 http://icraft.ca/blog/store-critique-the-look-from-the-outside-306.php Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 The best way to learn how your store looks like to the potential buyers is to ask other people to critique it.

There are different ways to solicit the feedback on your store: You can pass your store URL to your friends and family members, and ask them to provide you with their first impressions. Ask your kids to critique your store. You'd be surprised at things they notice. You can shout out to...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-306 http://icraft.ca/blog/choosing-a-great-store-name-307.php Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Your Store Name is part of your Brand!

It should capture the essence your craft, your uniqueness and creativity.

That's also how people will recognize and remember you online. Great store name will help people find you in search results and will make you stand out from the crowd.

Here is a list of things to consider when choosing your Store Name:
Spelling Is it easy to spell and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-307 http://icraft.ca/blog/changing-your-store-name-308.php Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 You don't need to close your account and open a new one, if you decide to change your Store Name.
Changing your Store Name on iCraft is super easy and instant.

Here are the things you need to consider when Changing your Store Name Your store name is also used as your store URL. if you called your store GalleriaLinda , your store URL will be http://icraft.ca/gallerialinda .
It is important...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-308 http://icraft.ca/blog/chenjewels-creates-charms-for-love-luck-and-hope-282.php Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Like many artisans, Chen got her start by making pieces she loved for herself. She soon began giving her friends her handmade goods as gifts and quickly started receiving requests from her friends, who wanted to give the jewelry to their friends! In 2010, Chen transformed her hobby into a professional occupation and founded ChenJewels , through which she sells her fashion jewelry worldwide to boutiques and...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-282 http://icraft.ca/blog/crafters-and-crawlers-what-google-search-your-world-means-for-your-business-305.php Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 The new Google Social Search affects more than just web results.

Check in on Foursquare, pin or plus one a page, blog, tweet, snap a photo via instagram or share a status update via Facebook. These are just a few of the ways that a person- and a business- can communicate with consumers in 2012.

Of course, the most basic resource for spreading the word about your business has long remained the yellow pages of...]]> icraft.ca-blog-post-305