getcrafty :: popular topics :: kids :: kids

View entire thread: AD: The Art of Knitting 4 Kids DVD is here!

Posted by elliela on 2007-04-25 15:57:25      Post Subject: AD: The Art of Knitting 4 Kids DVD is here!



Hi all,

Did you ever want to give your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews, all of the young people in your life, the pleasure of learning to knit?

Here's a great kid-friendly way to do it:
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids DVD
Watch a promo here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cX0fzpbnmno

Knitting for kids has been proven to foster creativity, concentration and this DVD will entertain, teach and inspire kids of all ages.

It's available for order now at: 1-877-KnitDVD
http://www.TheArtOfKnitting.com

We'll soon be offering kits for the project on the DVD and will also have discounted packages of kits/DVD's for schools/churches/synagogues and any community group who is interested. Please call us for more info.

I hope you will all love this DVD as much as we enjoyed making it.

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View entire thread: Making fortune cookies!

Posted by bricore on 2008-11-06 18:56:55      Post Subject: Making fortune cookies!

I just had to share this with you all. The other night my kids and I made fortune cookies together. It was so much fun. I let the kids write whatever they wanted and then put them in the cookies (I didn't even know what they wrote until later..lol.)

Anyway, they tasted like cookies and it was fun to get the little fortune that my kids wrote in them.

I still have never figured out how to post a picture here otherwise I would. I did post pictures on my blog.
http://bricoreandfamily.blogspot.com/2008_11_03_archive.html

Dora Renee' Wilkerson

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View entire thread: isabel Allende

Posted by janaka on 2006-08-30 22:13:42      Post Subject: isabel Allende

anyone read the kids books she has written?

i have all but two of her adult novels and wondered about the kids series she has done.

thanks!

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View entire thread: Celebrate Women's History Sun. March 20th/San Diego LGBT Ctr

Posted by misspenni on 2005-03-20 03:51:08      Post Subject: Celebrate Women's History Sun. March 20th/San Diego LGBT Ctr

Calling all San Diego/Southern California Craftistas!

Come celebrate Women's History Month this Sunday, March 20th at the LGBT Center in San Diego. Here is the blurb from the Center website:

"CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH The Center, Say It Records and Champ Records present, "Celebrate Women's History Month! (CWHM)"On Sunday,from 3pm - 9pm at The Center. Live performances by Danielle LoPresti And The Masses, Alicia Champion, Julie Wolf (of Ani Difranco), Eveoke Dance Theatre, Mary Dolan, Saba, Jane, Drop Joy, Catherine Beeks, spoken-word by Tryce Czyczynska and more. Keynote speakers: World-renowned human rights activist and women's suffragist, Gracia Molina de Pick, and Gina Angelique, founder and choreographer of award-winning, activist dance company Eveoke Dance Theatre.The day's excitement and inspiration will be followed by an all ages Dance, featuring both live music and DJ, from 8:30-10:00 PM. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come party, dance, refuel, and get inspired with us! All around the venue will be bios and photos of amazing women who've made our world a better place, with a candle lit under each one in honor of her accomplishments. Information tables with flyers and educational materials on female owned/ operated businesses and organizations in San Diego. Tickets: $10 - General, $8 - Students and Seniors, $5 - Kids 4-12,Kids 3 and under - free To view the lineup visit:

http://www.thecentersd.org/pdf/cwhm2005lineup.pdf"

The Center is located on Centre Street in Hillcrest:
3909 Centre Street
San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: 619-692-2077

Hope you can make it!

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View entire thread: Celebrate Women's History Sun. March 20th/San Diego LGBT Ctr

Posted by misspenni on 2005-03-20 03:53:15      Post Subject: Celebrate Women's History Sun. March 20th/San Diego LGBT Ctr

x-posted from Craft-up (just in case some So Cal residents are hanging out here!):

Calling all San Diego/Southern California Glitterati!

Come celebrate Women's History Month this Sunday, March 20th at the LGBT Center in San Diego. Here is the blurb from the Center website:

"CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH The Center, Say It Records and Champ Records present, "Celebrate Women's History Month! (CWHM)"On Sunday,from 3pm - 9pm at The Center. Live performances by Danielle LoPresti And The Masses, Alicia Champion, Julie Wolf (of Ani Difranco), Eveoke Dance Theatre, Mary Dolan, Saba, Jane, Drop Joy, Catherine Beeks, spoken-word by Tryce Czyczynska and more. Keynote speakers: World-renowned human rights activist and women's suffragist, Gracia Molina de Pick, and Gina Angelique, founder and choreographer of award-winning, activist dance company Eveoke Dance Theatre.The day's excitement and inspiration will be followed by an all ages Dance, featuring both live music and DJ, from 8:30-10:00 PM. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come party, dance, refuel, and get inspired with us! All around the venue will be bios and photos of amazing women who've made our world a better place, with a candle lit under each one in honor of her accomplishments. Information tables with flyers and educational materials on female owned/ operated businesses and organizations in San Diego. Tickets: $10 - General, $8 - Students and Seniors, $5 - Kids 4-12,Kids 3 and under - free To view the lineup visit:

http://www.thecentersd.org/pdf/cwhm2005lineup.pdf"

The Center is located on Centre Street in Hillcrest:
3909 Centre Street
San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: 619-692-2077

Hope you can make it!

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View entire thread: afghans for afghans needs your knit/crocheted kid's stuff!

Posted by go-fish on 2005-08-20 00:14:29      Post Subject: afghans for afghans needs your knit/crocheted kid's stuff!

http://www.afghansforafghans.org is doing a drive right now that I haven't seen mentioned on these boards. Their goal is to donate knit or crocheted WOOL items to 5,000 kids in afghanistan this winter. They did this drive two years ago and did not meet their goal, but distributed a bunch of warm items to kids in an institution that were living with very little heat in an area with severe winters nevertheless. they are giving it another try and it would be great to see this one go off a big success! BUT...
the newsletter I got yesterday said that they are currently at 20% of the goal, which means they need 4,000 more items by mid september!
What they are asking for are socks, mittens, hats, vest and sweaters (no scarves) that are 100% wool for real warmth. (some alpaca or mohair is okay, I guess, but sheep's wool is preferred.) They have free patterns at the site, lots of them last time I checked.
The deadlines are:
Sept. 16 for the U.S.
Sept. 9 for Canada
These are the dates they want to have the stuff by.
there are several craft groups doing special challenges for this drive. You can read about them at the main website, I imagine. We also have a quilt square drive happening here at Supernaturale.
the more the word gets out about this, the better! so whether or not you can make something for it, please tell the folks at your local S'n'B or yarn store.
Oh, and the address to send stuff to is on the main site as well.
Okay, thanks for reading this pitch!

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View entire thread: Kits for Crafts - all feedback is welcome!

Posted by kitsforcrafts on 2005-10-27 13:07:26      Post Subject: Kits for Crafts - all feedback is welcome!

We recently launched www.KitsForCrafts.com and would love to hear your feedback. Tell me what's good, tell me what's missing - any and all feedback is welcome!

I created Kits for Crafts to focus on promoting the craft of natural handmade skin care to children through exciting and educational kits. I really focused on the educational value of these kits both for young kids as well as older children who are able to do some research.

My primary goal is to instill in children the idea that handmade skin care products are superior to commercial, chemical products and will lead to a healthier lifestyle, and of course, to provide hours of exciting activity. My kids tested all the kits themselves.

So far, I've developed 31 fun kits including Chocolate Chip Bath Cookie (seems to be the favorite so far), Cooling Cucumber Mint Foot Scrub, Bruise Away Balm and Strawberries 'n Cream Milk Bath. Additionally, we offer an entire range of ingredients, bath accessories, equipment and packaging to inspire children to pursue further exploration of this craft for gift giving and personal use.

We got lucky after doing a press release in May. Platunum Television Group picked up our story and invited us to be featured as a "family craft" in their series "Today's Family" which will air during this holiday season on family/women's channels. We're really excited about it - just finished the shooting!

BUT.... I'm having a hard time getting the word out about the site and would love any marketing tips for a TIGHT budget you may have.

Thanks! I look forward to any comments and ideas!

Sincerely,
Kibby Mitra
Kits for Crafts
"Teaching Children the Art of Handmade Skin Care"
www.kitsforcrafts.com

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View entire thread: Friend finder Austin Texas

Posted by TrashyNiki on 2004-09-15 21:43:49      Post Subject: Friend finder Austin Texas

Hey all Austinites! I am going to post here, figured I cant lose anything.

Im looking for a few friends or even one good one that shares the same things I do, values and such. I am in North Austin area, well Leander area actually. I moved back here 6 years ago.

I have had some good friends over the years, but moves, babies, have taken every single friend, best friends I had. And I am getting tired of meeting flakey people, who use you untill something better comes along. I would LOVE to find a good friend, best friend even, who shares the love of getting crafty, trying to juggle a family, make a biz happen, clean house, and go out everyonce in awile.

I have a family, with 2 kids, I am 28, well 29 on Saturday, I love getting crafty, I love and have animals, like going out when $ affords, I love to dance, country dancing is my favorite, and if you cant but want to learn, well I bet I can give a darn good try teaching you. But when $ is short, well getting together doing crafty stuff, watching movies with kids piled on laps, manicures, anything fun is good.

I have a few friends, who live in south Austin, and its just to hard to get together enough to really make a friendship grow. Im a faithful friend, always got your back, a shoulder to cry on, advice when asked for, an ear to listen, but I wear my heart on my sleeve, and most of the greatest friendships ive had have been soul mate types. Id love someone who when everyone is going out, but you or I couldnt, well, wed stay behind so no one feels left out and alone. Get what I am trying to say? All of my best friends have been Virgos, as am I. Im not into jealousy, spitefulness, worlds just too short for that. I am just looking for a fellow square peg in this round world.

SO if this is something that maybe calls to you, or youre just intrested in getting to know me better, let me know. I am not shallow, whats on the outside is no matter to me, I have tattoos and piercings, but go to church...

Send me an email at Intexas2stay@aol.com. You never know!

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View entire thread: Do your part without knitting or sewing

Posted by blondie16969 on 2008-04-02 15:01:38      Post Subject: Do your part without knitting or sewing

If you don''t want to knit things to donate but you still want to do your part you could always bake treats for the dogs at your local animal shelter. There are tons of recipies online and you can get very crafty in the shapes and decorations. You could decorate leashes and collars for the dogs or cats. There are always so many thing that can be done with animals and too often they get forgotten.
If you like to paint many places that are dedicated to keeping kids off the streets (YMCA, Youth clubs, even Day Cares) are willing to let you paint designs on the windows. I don''t know what kinds of paint you would use for this but I am sure with a little research you could figure it out. You can wash the paint off every few weeks to keep the look fresh.
The elderly always enjoy homemade items. Just about anything you make would be loved. Some places will even allow you to come in and show the residents how to make it themselves.
I recently found a diaper cake that looks like it would be a blast to make. Simple too. Just the cost of a package of diapers and some ribbon and whatever you can think of to add. The local womens shelter or low income hospital would love to get this kind of gift. Or maybe a bunch of creative signs that could be placed on the patients door with a place for the babys name sex and weight. Just remember that a lot of these places have women that don''t speak english as patients so you might want to use spanish or whatever the dominate language is on some signs.
You can decorate picture frames or frame some of your art work and donate it to just about anywhere. Hospitals and other places where there is a lot of time spent waiting are great places to donate if your trying to get your name out as an artist.
Write a childrens book. It is as easy as some tag board folded in half, stapled and some basic crayon drawings and a simple story plot. Doesn''t have to be anything too fancy. Leave it in the play areas of hospitals or health and welfare buildings where many children can enjoy it. A scrapbook of a story of a local child that was sick could be your storyline idea. Kids love textures so go wild.
In all of these ideas be sure to check with the business or organization before spending too much time and money to make sure they will be allowed to accept your crafts. Just take whatever you enjoy doing and apply it to some of these places. It is very easy to do your part. I hope this helped those of you that were looking for ideas. I don''t sew but that doesn't keep me from being creative.

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View entire thread: crafty get together in athens, georgia

Posted by sugar cookie on 2006-03-02 13:51:59      Post Subject: crafty get together in athens, georgia

some crafty kids will be getting together saturday, march 4 at common ground athens (http://www.freewebs.com/commonground/news/) to make crafts to sell at fluke (www.flukeathens.com on april 1. come and join in the crafty fun!

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View entire thread: Converting knitting patterns

Posted by Nicole Stanford on 2007-11-27 15:54:53      Post Subject: Converting knitting patterns

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to convert a sweater pattern that is written for straight needles to be used with circular needles - I love knitting sweaters for my kids but hate having to sew them up at the end.

Thanks!

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View entire thread: CanCrafting/Recycling

Posted by howdy dan on 2006-01-31 00:30:12      Post Subject: CanCrafting/Recycling

If you want to talk recycle, start getting those discarded #10 cans from your kids school cafeteria. (#10 Can = like the large 3lb coffee can size). These cans are free and can be cleaned up, crafted, decorated, tole painted, etc. Great and inexpensive project for scout troops, senior groups, etc. Go to kankraft.com for more info.

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View entire thread: i need a new yorker to help me sew!

Posted by kkofibru on 2007-02-27 21:35:30      Post Subject: i need a new yorker to help me sew!

Hi, kids - so I signed on to sew sailboat cushions and i need help actually sewing them up.
they aren't that hard but there's a bunch of them.
Is anyone available on Thursday or Friday to help? We will share in the final compensation, of course, and i have space and sewing machines for us to work in.
You can email me offline at kkofibru@gmail.com.

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View entire thread: Batteries Not Required

Posted by Megrnc on 2005-06-30 17:15:39      Post Subject: Batteries Not Required

My company is called Batteries Not Required and I make toys....No, not those kind of toys, get your mind out of the gutter! I make interactive play quilts for children. They feature matching pictures hidden under flaps of fabric - kids have to lift the flaps and make matches- much like the old game Memory. More info at Megrnc.etsy.com or www.batteriesnotrequired.com. Stop by and take a look!

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View entire thread: I've been a busy Vixen! Crafty Like a Fox NEWS

Posted by craftylikeafox on 2006-04-03 14:23:41      Post Subject: I've been a busy Vixen! Crafty Like a Fox NEWS

Ok kids, come with me on my journey! I've started a blog:
craftyfox.blogspot.com
with the goal of making Craft the ultimate feminist/humanist/political art medium!
Also, craftylikeafox.ca has some news:
New stores in Canada, new websites in the states, new cross stitch patterns, new crafty ideas, oh my god, can you handle it?

And, coming soon:
The Softcore Chick series - cross stitch kits
The Archetypes - PAINT BY NUMBERS! It's true

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View entire thread: AD--- Vida''s Market

Posted by kate on 2008-04-14 12:03:45      Post Subject: AD--- Vida''s Market

Vida''s Market the first children''s market in NYC is having their summer market on Saturday, May 31 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church at 980 Park Ave.

WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR VENDORS!

Vida''s Market is dedicated to working woth designers to ensure that they have the best, most lucrative experience possible. We are getting some terrific press and will be in the May issue of TONY Kids.

Check us out at www.vidasmarket.com

Thanks!

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View entire thread: Lamb Place Name Holder Craft - Tutorial

Posted by karenmc on 2008-03-05 11:45:31      Post Subject: Lamb Place Name Holder Craft - Tutorial

Hi Everyone,

If you happen to be one of the " lucky" ones that does the entertaining at Easter, you may be interested in this craft. These are little place name holders for your Easter table. The lamb is made out of cotton swab tips. Kids will love helping with this craft too. If you are interested, the complete tutorial can be found here: http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/lamb-craft.html.

Thanks for Looking!

http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/image-files/lamb-craft3.jpg

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View entire thread: Granny Panties Craft Bazaar Feb 10 & 11, 2007 PDX, OR

Posted by grannypanties on 2007-01-29 01:25:34      Post Subject: Granny Panties Craft Bazaar Feb 10 & 11, 2007 PDX, OR

Join us for Granny Panties Craft Bazaar at the Aalto Lounge (SE 34th & Belmont, next to Stumptown Coffee) Feb 10 & 11, 2007 from Noon to 4.

Sip on love infused cocktails, shop for handmade gifts, and make your own valentine at the bar! It''s 21 and over only (sorry kids!).

check out: www.grannypantiescraftbazaar.com to see who''s craftin''

(we are booked with vendors for this next show, but send us an email if you are interested in vending in the future) THANKS

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View entire thread: Crafting Out Loud monthly craft fair in Tampa, Florida!

Posted by appleseeds on 2006-05-31 08:55:25      Post Subject: Crafting Out Loud monthly craft fair in Tampa, Florida!

Support your local Tampa Bay area crafters!
http://i2.tinypic.com/11946lc.jpg
There will be a nice variety of quality handcrafted items. . .
jewelry
screened apparel
stuff animals
sculpture
stickers
buttons
books
stencils
patches
bags
kids clothes
toys
pottery
original t-shirts printed on american apparel shirts
purses
wallets
handbags
buttons
collages
pendants
cuffs
hairpins
knitting accessories
emboroidered art
lipgloss
cards
mugs
pickles
check book covers
pouches
postcards
magnets
cosmetic bags
organic lavender sachets
paintings
toaster covers
journals
knitted items

. . .prices range from $1.00 to $60.00

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View entire thread: Detroit's first-ever Handmade Detroit Holiday Market

Posted by lishdorset on 2006-11-29 15:35:22      Post Subject: Detroit's first-ever Handmade Detroit Holiday Market

Get ready, craft lovers! The creative kids behind the Detroit Urban Craft Fair are back with something for the holidays: the Holiday Market! More than 25 different crafters, artisans, record labels, and nifty people will fill Detroit's Magic Stick on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to getting all of your holiday shopping done in one place, you'll be able to enjoy holiday tunes and our very own "make-and-take" tables. Admission is free. To learn more, check out www.myspace.com/handmadedetroit or handmadedetroit.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: GOT CRAFT /May 4th 2008 / Van, BC

Posted by Roxypop on 2008-04-21 23:42:17      Post Subject: GOT CRAFT /May 4th 2008 / Van, BC

Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2008
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
First 30 people through the door receive a FREE swag bag full of goods!
Location: Legion - 2205 Commercial Drive (at E. 6th Avenue)
Admission: $2.00 (kids 10 and under are FREE)

www.gotcraft.ca

GOT CRAFT is a fun and unique event that promises to bring a modern twist on the conventional craft fair. Featuring 40 independent and local crafty vendors, GOT CRAFT is a one stop shop showcasing the best talent Vancouver has to offer while providing the general public with an opportunity to purchase one of a kind items.

... because MALL is a four letter word.

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View entire thread: Seattle/Issaquah: Free Classes for Kids and Adults

Posted by revo recycler on 2004-07-14 15:49:16      Post Subject: Seattle/Issaquah: Free Classes for Kids and Adults

Thanks for the posting, lumberjack lolita! I want everyone to know that you're also teaching a free Relief Printing class for kids at Revolution Gallery in Issaquah, WA on Aug. 7th at 11am.

We also have a Mosaic Basics class (also free) Aug. 15th at 1pm and an Intro. to Mosaics class (alas, we must charge for this one) Sept. 11th at 11am.

I must confess to being the owner (as well as an artist) of said gallery...
However, with our talented local artists and our great recycled art, our aim is to give local artists a forum for sharing their talents.

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View entire thread: Crafting Out Loud's 1st craft fair!! TAMPA

Posted by appleseeds on 2006-05-31 08:59:40      Post Subject: Crafting Out Loud's 1st craft fair!! TAMPA

June 3rd will be COL's first craft fair!!! It's an 7 o'clock evening event at a killer independent coffeehouse, it should be tons of fun!
There will be a nice variety of quality handmade items. . .
http://i2.tinypic.com/11949ic.jpg
jewelry
screened apparel
stuff animals
sculpture
stickers
buttons
books
stencils
patches
bags
kids clothes
toys
pottery
original t-shirts printed on american apparel shirts
purses
wallets
handbags
buttons
collages
pendants
cuffs
hairpins
knitting accessories
emboroidered art
lipgloss
cards
mugs
pickles
check book covers
pouches
postcards
magnets
cosmetic bags
organic lavender sachets
paintings
toaster covers
journals
knitted items

. . .prices range from $1.00 to $60.00

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View entire thread: Vancouver Canada - Got Craft? Come out and play!

Posted by Roxypop on 2007-04-11 17:58:59      Post Subject: Vancouver Canada - Got Craft? Come out and play!

Traditional crafts with a twist.

This is a fun and unique event that brings a modern twist to the conventional craft fair!

Buy local. Buy handmade.

Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th (bring mom!)
10:00am to 4:00pm
Western Front – 303 E. 8th Avenue (at Scotia Street)

Featuring 28 local designers including:

Adhesif Clothing Co.
Bueno Design
Fondapetting Designs
Memory Lane Cards and Scrapbooks
Mizzonk Workshop Ltd.
Track and Field Designs
Olive
Its Your Life
Lauren Elgee
Cleo Baby!
See:Be

Admission is $1 (kids 10 and under are free) – partial proceeds go towards the not for profit organization that provides our venue.

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: GOT CRAFT Holiday Craft Fair - Vancouver, BC

Posted by Roxypop on 2008-11-17 13:42:04      Post Subject: GOT CRAFT Holiday Craft Fair - Vancouver, BC

Event: GOT CRAFT
Web: www.gotcraft.ca

Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2008
Time: 11:00am to 6:00pm
First 30 people through the door receive a FREE swag bag full of goods!
Location: Legion - 2205 Commercial Drive (at E. 6th Avenue)
Admission: $2.00 (kids 10 and under are FREE)
More information: www.gotcraft.ca

GOT CRAFT is a fun and unique event that promises to bring a modern twist on the conventional craft fair. Featuring 50 independent and local crafty vendors, GOT CRAFT is a one stop shop showcasing the best talent Vancouver has to offer while providing the general public with an opportunity to purchase one of a kind items.

... because MALL is a four letter word.

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View entire thread: Raleigh Loves Richmond: A Valentine's Day Craft Affair

Posted by india*romeo on 2007-02-07 16:17:45      Post Subject: Raleigh Loves Richmond: A Valentine's Day Craft Affair

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/381863016_5d61f415b7_o.jpg

This Valentine's Day if you're in the market to shop for something more than boxer shorts with hearts on them or a boring ol' box of candy, then this is the shopping event for you!

Come shop Raleigh Loves Richmond: A Valentine's Day Craft Affair featuring Raleigh's Handmaidens and The Richmond Craft Mafia. Treat yourself to the loveliest handcrafted jewelry, accessories, apparel, baby+kids gear, artwork, stationery and more!

If you can make it out before 3pm, you can get a free fifteen minute chair massage from students of the Medical Arts Massage School.

One day only! This Saturday, February 10th from 12-5pm at Vintage 21 (209 Oberlin Rd) in Raleigh. Click here for directions.

For more information, visit: http://www.thehandmaidens.com or http://www.richmondcraftmafia.com

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: Holiday Gift Guide for Parents- independent designers

Posted by Dutch on 2005-12-07 15:20:25      Post Subject: Holiday Gift Guide for Parents- independent designers

Hi- I am a writer for Blogging Baby, and I am doing a feature on gifts for kids/parents that were made by independent designers/artists/craftspeople. I'm not as crafty as I wish I was, but I thought I'd spread the word about this scene as much as possible because I really respect it. Blogging Baby gets 30,000 hits a day and I'm hoping to help some good people make some money.

I have published a draft of this Shopping Guide on my blog: Sweet Juniper (guide is here).

I would REALLY love anyone's input about other crafty folk who sell their baby/kid/parent related wares online via their own websites, or through etsy if they also have their own websites or blogs with good pictures. I am not trying to be exclusive, but I've exhausted what I could come up with without mor ehelp from the experts!

Thanks,

Dutch

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View entire thread: I need advice regarding crafty kids stuff for sale!

Posted by Dutch on 2005-12-07 15:22:20      Post Subject: I need advice regarding crafty kids stuff for sale!

Hi- I am a writer for Blogging Baby, and I am doing a feature on gifts for kids/parents that were made by independent designers/artists/craftspeople. I'm not as crafty as I wish I was, but I thought I'd spread the word about this scene as much as possible because I really respect it. Blogging Baby gets 30,000 hits a day and I'm hoping to help some good people make some money.

I have published a draft of this Shopping Guide on my blog: Sweet Juniper (guide is here).

I would REALLY love anyone's input about other crafty folk who sell their baby/kid/parent related wares online via their own websites, or through etsy if they also have their own websites or blogs with good pictures. I am not trying to be exclusive, but I've exhausted what I could come up with without mor ehelp from the experts!

Thanks,

Dutch

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View entire thread: students for environmental awareness

Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:17:56      Post Subject: students for environmental awareness

hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu

:) thanks for your help

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View entire thread: students for environmental awareness

Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:19:04      Post Subject: students for environmental awareness

hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu

:) thanks for your help

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View entire thread: students for environmental awareness

Posted by Lauren on 2004-10-02 11:19:43      Post Subject: students for environmental awareness

hi, i am a junior at cook college, rutgers university in new brunswick new jersey. i'm an avid member of students for environmental awareness (sea) and am on the fundraising committee. would anyone be interested in donating crafts, preferably scarves or something cold-weather-like to help us out? we are trying to get a larger population of the student body and people in surrounding areas to be aware of environmental issues, as well as getting the vote out (go kerry!) . . . unbiased of course. we go to elementary schools and hold environmental programs for kids, and are trying to get speakers like robert f. kennedy to come to rutgers to speak on environmental issues. hopefully, as the club exands well be able to give out scholarships or internships in conservation/ecology related fields. we need all the help we can get, and any donation would be great! just pm me or email me at ltheis@eden.rutgers.edu

:) thanks for your help

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View entire thread: paperback swap

Posted by smachel on 2005-06-04 10:46:49      Post Subject: paperback swap

hi kids! i stumbled across a paperback swapping site, much like swappingtons (if you remember that site).

you list paperbacks that you would be willing to get rid of and search for those you'd like to read. when someone requests your title, just print out the label, slap on some stamps, and send it out. unlike swappingtons, all paperback books cost one point. you get 3 points for registering and posting 9 books (although i've only put 5 up so far and i have 1 point). the site is free currently, but may charge later on. anyone who gets in now gets a full free year, no matter when they start charging. although many of my books are hardback (i take a lot of my paperbacks to the book rack to get credit), i still found this site intriguing.

so, if you want to sign up, refer me so i can get more credit. and perhaps we can set up a chain system so others who sign up can get referral credits too.

http://www.paperbackswap.com

cheers,
rachel

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View entire thread: boutique cleaning products on the cheap...

Posted by jasmineT on 2004-10-09 15:00:38      Post Subject: boutique cleaning products on the cheap...

I really like cleaning but Lord knows I don't do it nearly enough. (I like to have the whole day by myself to do it without interuptions... impossible with kids) I've heard nothing but raves for products from Caldrea and the Good Home Co. Alas, I am way to cheap to buy these things so I improvised...

I found a scented oil from thymes of London that I loved and add it to my homemade/natural cleaners. Voila! A chi-chi smelling home with minimal investment.

Here are some of the things I've used it with...

-A drop in a bucket of water with a squirt of ecover dish soap and a splash of vinegar make a great general cleaning solution. (If things are really dirty, skip the scented oil and use orange oil instead)

-use a drop with bon ami for scrubbing the sink/tub/potty

-mix a few drops in a gallon of vinegar to use as a natural fabric softener

Of course, you can do this with almost any essential oil. Just test beforehand to make sure it won't stain or discolor anything. (Patchouli oil has a tendency to do this...)

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View entire thread: patchwork art & craft fair in southern california

Posted by randomnicole on 2007-10-17 11:52:33      Post Subject: patchwork art & craft fair in southern california

come one come all...
TO THE BEST CRAFT FAIR IN THE OC...

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa201/randomnicole/patchworkemailgoodgood.jpg

PATCHWORK SHOW
www.patchworkshow.com
2202 1/2 north main street
santa ana, ca 92706
714.836.8727
november 4th * 10-4pm
hello@patchworkshow.com


*get started on holiday shopping with over 30 local vendors featuring handmade goods for you, your family & your home including...
amazing clothing for men, women & kids, letterpress stationary, jewelry, rock'n'roll belt buckles, edgy dolls, artsy purses, green & sustainable goods, aprons, refashioned vintage clothing, art & so much more... from these designers and tons more....
harveys-the original seatbelt bags
collage philosophy
m.o.m.
spragwerks
rebe
random nicole
whodini handmade
question etc...
cinnamon roll gang
the road less traveled store
kudra
made with luv
fourteensisters
england clothing
retimade
paige wery art

*delicious barbecue, cupcakes & drinks
*music
*harvey's - the original seatbelt bag - will be making purses & buttons on site just for you! get your bag FREE with any purchase from one of our vendors and a $5 donation to the keep a breast organization & get your own button FREE with any purchase from one of our vendors.
*a portion of the proceeds from each vendor will be donated to the keep a breast organization that promotes education & awareness about breast cancer and they'll be there with info.

check out the map...
its right off the 5 and it's a sunday so if you're headed down from los angeles (only 30 miles!) or up from san diego there shouldn't be any traffic!!!! if you're coming in from out of town it'll be a fun all day event and there's lot's to do around the area... including bowers museum, the beach, the discovery science center, the best antique stores in downtown orange, art galleries bars & restaurants in downtown santa ana... so you can make a day of it!

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View entire thread: *Crafting for a Better World!* holiday craft drive

Posted by totinette on 2004-11-19 13:19:28      Post Subject: *Crafting for a Better World!* holiday craft drive

Crafting For A Better World
Portland Super Crafty has set out to save the world, and we need your help! We’re collecting donations of handmade items and craft supplies to give to some amazing organizations around Portland and could use your crafting superpowers. Please help us brighten the holiday and warm up the winter for some less fortunate men, women, and children by giving them the gift of craft!

Types of items to donate:
This is a comprehensive list of what the organizations could really use, but feel free to be creative and send in other items as well!

Handmade:
Dolls
Toys
Baby hats, blankets, etc.
Scarves
Hats
Mittens and gloves
Socks
Pillowcases
Blankets
Bedding
Warm clothing (knit sweaters, etc.)

Craft Supplies:
Non-toxic Paint
Acrylic Paint
Paint Brushes
Canvas
Drawing and watercolor paper
Crayons
Paper
Scissors (kid-friendly especially)
Glue
Glitter
Felt
Craft Foam
Modeling clay
Beads
Fabric
Sewing notions
Yarn
Knitting needles
Duct tape
Tape
Journal/Notebooks
Frames
Ribbons

Donations must be received by Monday, December 15.

Please send your items to:
Torie Nguyen
One Centerpointe Dr., Suite 550
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Questions? Email us at pdxsupercrafty@yahoo.com. If you live in the Portland area and would like to submit your donation in person, please drop us an email to make arrangements.

*If you would like a receipt for your donation, please include a note with your name, address, and the retail value of the item.

About the organizations:

The Goose Hollow Shelter

The Goose Hollow Family Shelter is a temporary emergency shelter for homeless families in the Portland metropolitan area. They take in anyone who has a child under the age of 18, as well as pregnant women. The shelter currently operates from November to May and is hoping to one day have the resources to stay open year round. In the evenings, they have “kid time” where volunteers lead the kids in various activities, one of which is crafting.

p:ear
http://www.pearmentor.org/

p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.


Community Action Organization
http://www.communityaction4u.org/

Community Action exists to ensure that low-income families have a place to turn for help as they strive to get back on their feet and achieve a better life. They offer the following services: A Kid’s Domain: Before and after school care, Early Head Start/Head Start Preschool, Energy and Emergency Services, Homeless and Housing Services, Opening Doors: Maternity outreach and pregnancy support.


Buckman SUN School
http://www.sunschools.org
http://www.buckmansite.teacherhosting.com

Buckman Arts Magnet Elementary School is one of the community schools serviced by the SUN Program (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods). The mission of the SUN program is to improve the lives of children, their families and the community through partnering with local school communities to extend the school day with a variety of classes and develop schools as “community centers” in their neighborhoods. We are specifically asking for donations for their Winter Craft & Gift-making Night on Wednesday December 15th at Buckman Elementary School. Families are invited to return to school in the evening and create unique handmade gifts for the holidays with the help of parent volulteers and local artists (including the girls of Super Crafty!)

One more organization collecting craft supplies and handmade gifts is La Casa de las Madres, a San Francisco-based group that offers emergency services to women and their children escaping domestic violence.

They have women of all ages there, and children from newborn to age 18, so items of all sizes and colors would be welcome. They would take blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves - all the standard handmade stuff. If you do not knit or crochet, you are welcome to sew any donations. Machine washable is good, so is warm wool, but they are not picky and would take anything. You are welcome to wrap stuff if you want, but please put a tag on the outside indicating what is inside, and the size, etc., and attaching a tag indicating the fabric content, care instructions, and maybe a little pick-me-up message would be wonderful.

They are also looking for donations of art and craft supplies - fabric, yarn, needles, paper, crayons, hooks, glue, markers, etc. NO magazines, they already have plenty.

http://www.lacasa.org/index.html
http://www.lacasa.org/wish_list.html

About La Casa: La Casa de las Madres offers emergency residential shelter to battered women and their children while providing counseling, family-based services and referrals. Our Emergency Crisis Shelter has the capacity to shelter and support 35 women and children per night. La Casa's downtown San Francisco office houses our two 24-hour Crisis Phone Lines, a Drop-In Counseling Center, the Teen Intervention & Prevention Program, and the Community Education & Outreach Program. All services are offered free-of-charge in English and Spanish.

Please send donations directly to the shelter by December 17:

La Casa de las Madres
1850 Mission Street, Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94103

PDX Super Crafty won’t be delivering these gifts, we’re just handling donations for the Portland organizations! Thanks for your generosity this holiday season!

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View entire thread: HELP! I'm starting a kid and baby specific craftshow in L.A.

Posted by eenymeanie on 2007-01-05 23:08:56      Post Subject: HELP! I'm starting a kid and baby specific craftshow in L.A.

hey everyone I am pretty new to the crafting community but jumping in with both feet! I make clothes for babies and toddlers (check me out here: www.eenyemanie.com) and I am starting up my own craft show!! The show will be exclusively handmade items for babies, toddlers, kids and new mommies....
it is called the little Monster Market and you can check it out here:
http://www.eenymeanie.com/monstermarket

Our first show is scheduled for Monday March 5 and will be taking place in Studio City CA. I am excited but also terrified!! If you make stuff for babies and kids and you would like to be a vendor please send an email to: monstermarket@eenymeanie.com

and more importantly if you are a mommy or need a gift for a new mommy, PLEASE come check this show out!! It will be full of really great stuff and exactly what you need! oh and please spread the word about it! thanks for your help... wonder twin powers activate!

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View entire thread: Tucson AZ people?

Posted by lu-lu-gee on 2005-10-17 20:41:04      Post Subject:

Oh, me, me, me!!

Wow, someone else from Tucson on the board-yay! As a stay-at-home mama-to-be, I really don't get out much anymore. Plus, all of my friends are non-crafters, so I have to indulge in craftiness on my own (or recruit my kids or the neighbors' kids).

Get in touch w/ me, we'll chat!

Lou

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View entire thread: painting on rigid plastic

Posted by rachelyra on 2006-09-27 14:24:50      Post Subject:

when you are painting anything iffy it is great to sand it lightly ahead of time with a fine grit sandpaper - it really helps the paint to stick. try using a good sealer at the end, too. Be careful when making things to eat off of that what you are using is food-safe, especially if its for kids.

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View entire thread: Creating a family trivia game for the holidays...

Posted by jupitercrash on 2006-12-03 20:13:28      Post Subject: Creating a family trivia game for the holidays...

I'm trying to create a family trivia game to play this Christmas that will include questions about each family member's childhood nicknames, pets, favorite toys/desserts/etc, past jobs/vacations, as well as humorous anecdotes from the past that have become family legends. I'm compiling a list of questions myself, but will also ask each family member to submit several questions about him or herself.

I just decided to do this about an hour ago, so my ideas are pretty jumbled right now. I'd love to hear some ideas and suggestions for this project. If you've done something like this before, what worked (or didn't work) for you?

We would separate the family into teams, with me acting as moderator. I would go around, team to team, asking questions and keeping track of points. I could make it into a Jeopardy-style game with categories, or just take turns drawing questions out of a stack of note cards. If one team gets a right answer, should they get another turn or should I move on to the next team?

I think there will be around 15 people old enough to play. I had several ideas about how to form the teams:

1) Split up immediate families as much as possible. Avoid putting siblings or parents/children on the same teams. The problem with this method is that there would always be someone on each time who could answer a question about any member of that family group... so it wouldn't be as challenging.

2) Divide into groups by immediate family (ex: my dad, mom, and brother together). This way, each team has to answer questions about family members they don't know as well.

3) Form two teams: "Kids" vs. Adults. I put "kids" in parentheses because my 34-year-old sister would fall into the "kid" category.

What do you think would work best? Are there any other ways of forming teams that might work better than any of these?

I really appreciate any advice!!

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View entire thread: painting on rigid plastic

Posted by mchappy on 2006-09-16 17:35:39      Post Subject: painting on rigid plastic

Hi,
I am hoping someone can assist me. I was going to paint some items that are plastic (bed trays, cups etc. ) and personalize them with kids names and designs for a craft fair. I am currently using "Paint for Plastic" by Plaid, but I want to make sure that it will hold out through washing etc. Has anyone done this before or have any suggestions? I also didn't know if anyone knew where I may be able to get the trays etc at wholesale.
Thanks in advance for your help!

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View entire thread: Sea Shell windchime I made

Posted by mommagump1337 on 2006-07-19 16:38:16      Post Subject: Sea Shell windchime I made

I recently took the kids to the beach, and while we were walking along we ran in to some gorgeous sea shells, I picked up a few and came up with a
a not to shabby looking sea shell wind chime. Praise my poor craftsmenship guys. Oh yeah I almost forgot the link to see how I made this. http://www.freefamilycrafts.com/
Post your comments here about what you think my afternoons work is worth! Thanks guys
-Melina

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View entire thread: HELP! I need an online source for bulk craft supplies!

Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2007-03-23 13:42:26      Post Subject: HELP! I need an online source for bulk craft supplies!

I have just submitted a proposal to our local summer school program to teach two classes - crochet and embroidery - this summer to kids ages 9 through 13. I am supposed to purchase the special supplies ahead of time.

When I updated my Netscape, my bookmark list of craft suppliers (along with all my other bookmarks) disappeared. I had at least one that sold 5 or more crochet hooks of one size for a bulk rate. Can anyone here send me a link for suppliers that do this sort of thing? Thank you!

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View entire thread: I NEED HELP

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2006-05-07 09:48:47      Post Subject:

Okay, darlin, by your all caps msg and vague details, I guess subtlety is not the effect you want...

So my first thought won't work for you. Here goes anyway. I'd get a large poster board in the school red, probably crimson? I'd get a matching size acetate or clear mylar overlay. I'd rough out a cougar on some plain white almost translucent tissue paper, doing it wood cut style with only the lightest areas showing as tissue, the rest of it cut free. I'd spray the tissue very lightly with a spray fix and fasten it to the acetate. I'd use as light a weight acetate or even clear vinyl as I could find. The translucent cougar would be the school spirit. Could also used frosted vinyl and clear vinyl.

Whatever you make, someone is going to have to carry it. And in view that they are kids and the banner/poster is largish, I'd have two kids carry it on a pole with tassels off the ends. Staple guns are your friend.

Something more workable? Get felt in the yardage you need. Probably a minimum of 2' by 3'. You don't want it so long the kids drag it or have to hold it much above mid chest. If only one kid is holding it and holding it high, you might want to use a belt with a padded pouch at about navel height to put the butt end of the pole in. This type of poster would have to have a cross piece at minimum sort of like a kite. Use white iron on letters in the largest size you can find, or create stencils and paint your slogan or school name or cutesy expression like

We're the Cougars, and we're rough and ready!

Cougars! Cougars! Cougars!

Smallville Cougars are plenty big!

Use either white felt you've cut in long strips and then fringed to go around the edges with fabritac glue, or buy at least two inch long fringe or large pompom trim. This banner needs to be held at the top, so it will be low. The only way you can make a felt one stand higher is if you build a slim framework for it and give the kids a firm grip on the ends of the pole. Bamboo stakes would work, or flat wood trim, or dowels.

Too much on too small a sign is unattractive. Keep your message simple, keep it large and visible from a distance.

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View entire thread: Teaching question

Posted by danielepea on 2006-09-12 14:43:18      Post Subject:

Is your friend by any chance doing the NYC Teaching Fellows program? One of my roommates when I used to live in NYC did that and had a first grade class in the Bronx. She had similar complaints of not having enough support and was absolutely overwhelmed in the beginning. BUT IT DID GET BETTER. I think she found a lot of support with her fellow new teachers in the program. Maybe your friend can reach out to them (assuming she's in the same program).

My mom is also a teacher and has taught in some rough schools, though she works with middle and high school students. She says she actually prefers teaching the inner-city kids to the suburban kids. I think the key to her success has been to be very firm with the kids as far as discipline and conduct are concerned. However, I think it's easier to be a hard-ass with the older kids since they won't cry everytime you get mad and/or yell at them.

Good luck to your friend, I hope she finds a way to make it work!

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View entire thread: Service Project/pen pals for Preschoolers?

Posted by kissmyknitz on 2005-05-08 16:18:44      Post Subject:

Park clean up, recycle glass/paper, plant a community garden (start with the seed in a cup), find someone in another country to do the pen-pal exchange with, UK, Australia, as far away is interesting but they'd have to speak english, wait.... will tiny kids go for this? Kids like instant gratification....
OH! grow sprouts for snack Friday. A little work to do each day, and done in a week, also gets the kids to think about what is needed to grow healthy kids/plants and each week you could try something different, lentl, alfalfa, radish, etc... and you could transfer some of the sprouts to paper cups for the community garden....

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View entire thread: New Girl On The Block

Posted by SeboMunkee on 2008-01-03 23:00:52      Post Subject: New Girl On The Block

Hi Everyone
Im getting started with my crafty business and would love some feedback on my website. I make bags, purses and wallets from recycled materials, and kids ts.

Thanks
Julia


www.sebomunkee.com

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View entire thread: Looking for a classroom craft project with ''wow''

Posted by kindarana on 2007-09-15 00:22:19      Post Subject:

How about having the kids come up with the ideas - you'll get more buy in if it's something they want to do. Let them make post-its with ideas, cluster them into 5-10 ideas (which could include yours, of course) and have the kids vote on what they want. If you can get in a computer lab, they could webquest craft projects.

Whenever I'm not sure what the kids should do, I try to let them decide :)

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View entire thread: Any Ideas?

Posted by lripes on 2008-03-20 00:29:48      Post Subject: Any Ideas?

Does anyone know any smaller craft stores that may do their own buying? I''m left with around 1800 wood plaques from a craft I used to sell!! Lucky me, huh? I''m going to be moving into a rental home with my husband, 3 kids and a dog and I just don''t have anywhere to store them. So if you have any ideas of maybe a family owned store or whatever, I would appreciate it greatly!!!

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View entire thread: Moderating Girls Gone Crafty

Posted by sarabell on 2006-10-04 22:51:31      Post Subject:

you know, i rarely look at anything there unless it's straight up spam. i think it's fine that people advertise in there since it's all in a central location - not cluttering up other forums. otherwise, most of it would be deletable!

i agree with AD....

and i just wanted to apologize for being 'quiet' for a while - just got my kids back after a good long vacation and it's taking me a while to get back into the swing of things (99.9% of 24/7 with a 2 1/2 and 4 year old on my own now.... so i've been quite scatterbrained!)

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View entire thread: Top Chef

Posted by saint nora on 2006-05-16 21:28:33      Post Subject:

i love harold!!!!

he is my first crush on a boy in years!!
i have a pretty elaborate life planned out for us, running the restarraunt, traveling the world, our adorable kids.......sigh......

ANYway, i tried the lasanga it was amazing.
i recomend it

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View entire thread: Extending the life of kids clothing

Posted by kkusnier on 2007-10-11 07:40:08      Post Subject: Extending the life of kids clothing

I have been working on making some of my kid's clothes last through the year by adjusting the season of the clothes and also reconstructing other pieces for the winter season coming.
I have two pieces now online at http://www.randomblogging.com

One piece is a short sleeve polo that i gave a layered look by adding sleeves
http://www.randomblogging.com/articles/2007/10/09/reconstruct-clothing-extending-kids-clothes

And another one is a pair of fleece pants i used to make a warm vest
http://www.randomblogging.com/articles/2007/10/11/reconstructed-clothing-vest-from-pants

I will have more as the days go on so keep on checking back. also i am open to any ideas for any of my projects and need some more ideas too!!


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View entire thread: New KAL for moms

Posted by rachelatzephyr on 2006-06-14 02:17:39      Post Subject: New KAL for moms

HI. There is a new kal starting up to motivate us mom's to stop being such "selfish" knitters and knit our poor kids something. =)

We'll be sharing funny stories and patterns. You can knit or crochet anything you like the only rule for the KAl is that you start or pick back up and finish a project for your "little bit."

Come on over and check it out! www.littlebitkal.blogspot.com
-Peanut's Mommy

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View entire thread: Redemption throug crafting< The Monster and the Stone Rab

Posted by Selah on 2005-05-29 10:57:11      Post Subject:

I haven't read the book but based on what you've written and the review on amazon I'd say it'd be a better book/discussion for older kids 3rd grade + rather than the pre-K - 2nd grade they recommend. The little kids are so literal, I don't think it would be appropriate. But as I said, I haven't read the book...

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View entire thread: An old favorite....

Posted by DJules on 2005-11-15 19:07:30      Post Subject: An old favorite....

With New Materials!

The kids and I made turkeys for US Thanksgiving, but we used polymer clay instead of paper:

http://www.xanga.com/julieleirvansickle

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View entire thread: One minute and the next (sad)

Posted by cackalackie on 2005-02-18 08:38:09      Post Subject:

Thanks for sharing that. I wish that feeling of not-taking-life/loved ones-for-granted was something that you could cling to everyday - and not just feel when you have a tradegy or a scare, or such as what you experienced. This is something I struggle with. Because I have SO MUCH to be thankful for (namely a loving husband and two great, healthy kids - that were no problem to conceive) and yet so often I let little things get to me.............

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View entire thread: ADD in Canada

Posted by maka10 on 2005-06-20 09:46:17      Post Subject: Re: ADD in Canada

Anyone out there with ADHD kids? I went to a forum on the weekend about an advocacy group that is getting organized so that kids can get the support they need.. It is sad that we have to put people in boxes...but if we don't and you don't fit the boxes that are already made...anyway I would be happy to pass on the website if anyone is interested...It makes me happy that they are recognizing things..because I had undiagnosed Add for 29 years.. Life is much better for me now..that I understand that hard stuff is easy for me...and easy stuff is hard!.

Hi!
I'm not in Canada but I do have AD/HD. For info for kids with AD/HD I'd try CHADD (http://www.chadd.org/). Lots of great info. Also, ADDA (www.add.org) (be careful with the URL-- www.adda.org will get you an architectural society--interesting but not what you're looking for right now!)
There's TONS of information available in books, too. I strongly suggest "Driven to Distratction" by Dr. Ed Hallowell. Excellent book for learning about ADD

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View entire thread: My Shameless Plug

Posted by Chelise on 2006-11-04 16:47:58      Post Subject:

This is an awesome idea! When my kids were small enough to fit into those shoppign carts I was always petrified of the germs they were collecting!!

If you'd like some free promotional support, nominate yourself at Indie-o-Rama!

http://www.indie-o-rama.citymax.com/page/page/3894290.htm

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View entire thread: Service Project/pen pals for Preschoolers?

Posted by knittinator on 2005-05-08 13:27:55      Post Subject: Service Project/pen pals for Preschoolers?

Help!

I teach pre-k 4 and for our summer camp my co teacher and I decided we want our kids to be involved in something like a service project or have another class of similar aged kids to be a pen pal.

Who has ideas? We are drawing blanks!

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View entire thread: Cool book, not just for parents/kids

Posted by bessiemae on 2005-07-10 08:29:37      Post Subject: Cool book, not just for parents/kids

At the library yesterday found lots of great stuff, some for other posts; but in addition to CraftyChica's books, also found "Kids Who Think Outside the Box: Helping Your Unique Child Thrive in a Cookie-Cutter World", Stephanie Lerner.

Neat little book filled with profiles, interviews and anecdotes from Living Legends and Eminent Acheivers to help kids navigate and appreciate their talents. Raising Gifted Kids or Kids Who Think Outside the Box is a challenge, as is getting All Kids to recognize and embrace their unique abilities. Nice inspirational bits applicable to all...even adults without kids!

Especially resonates with my oldest, a Tween with scary Giftedness and an emerging acute sense Not Quite Fitting In. Cool Book to buy.

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View entire thread: Need Help: Stick Pony

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-07-08 13:30:50      Post Subject:

I made one from a sunset for kids book. It was a jean leg cut off and then the cut end was tied off with a rubber band/rope.

Stuff the leg, then bend it and sew it into a horse head shape. Then shove a dowel into the head and secure with glue or staples. I don't recall exactly.

If you put reigns on it, make sure they are super short. Otherwise kids will run around dangling the horse from their neck.

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View entire thread: Special touches for thanksgiving dinner

Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-09 11:57:54      Post Subject:

You've come to the right place.

First, the kids. You might want to put white paper with crayons on their table, and let them draw on it while getting ready for dinner. That will keep them busy. You can also give them brown paper, construction paper, a stapler and safety scissors so that they can make 'hand' turkeys to decorate the table. The grandparents can assist them. Everyone's name can be written on the turkeys, so they can also serves as place holders.

For decorations- you can fill little baskets with candy corn and decorate the basket handles with curling ribbon in brown, orange and yellow. You can also put tiny pumpkins next to each place setting, or use a larger hollowed-out pumpkin with an bowl in it as an impromptu soup tureen.

If you take rounds or squares of construction paper in Thanksgiving colors, turn them into cones (you can even layer the colors and shapes) and decorate the edges with a thin line of glue and some glitter. fill each finished one with candy (candy corn, little chocolate pumpkins, and maybe even a small toy or two). Make one for each guest and put them on the plates as favors to take home.

For the main table, you can buy inexpensive fabric that's about a foot to a foot and a half wide and use it as a runner down the center of the table. If you get two pieces in different widths and colors (or textures) layer them so you get a color contrast. You can drape the chairs too- which is a good idea with children anyway.

And finally, if you want to keep the kids busy, you can hide small pumpkins somewhere in the house or in the backyard and send the kids on a pumpkin hunt. The kids who finds the most pumpkins gets a prize, or gets to be king or queen of the the table and wear a crown during dinner.

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View entire thread: New here

Posted by rosesarered on 2008-01-24 15:10:20      Post Subject: New here

Hi everyone,just want to introduce myself.My name is Linda,currently living in Cincinnati.I am a mom of 5 grown kids and a verrrrry young lol granny of 8 1/2 .Next one due in Sept.I love to do all kinds of art and crafts,but especially altered art/mixed media.Soon as i learn how to post pics on this site i will show some things i have done.Anyway,just am happy to be here and i hope to make some new friends. Cheers! Linda

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View entire thread: wool felt

Posted by annie_r on 2007-06-30 23:47:50      Post Subject: wool felt

Hi all,

I am looking for a good source for all wool felt that is perhaps not outrageously expensive. I just can't seem to get into the synthetic stuff- it doesn't have the same feel and I am using it for kids toys so I really want them to feel great. Any ideas?

Thanks! Annie

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View entire thread: question for craft & DIY instructors

Posted by craftfetish on 2006-09-28 13:08:47      Post Subject:

I would think it would be a per workshop fee as well. How you arrive at that fee might be influenced by the duration of the workshop but would also depend on the skills of the instructor and any materials or equipment they provide.

You might be looking at one fee scale for advanced crafters who teach introductory knitting or scrapbooking or whatever classes.

If you have an intro to family crafting or something class, where the instructor is basically supervising little kids gluing craft foam to picture frames, the fee may be lower. (Maybe not - supervising chaos is a tough job)

If you have an expert artisan with a unique skillset come in, you'd probably have to pay a premium.

Perhaps some of the people on the board who teach these sorts of workshops would be willing to share their fees.

I really like the idea of a craft lounge, so I hope your business is a huge success.

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View entire thread: What to do with decorative brads?

Posted by craftfetish on 2006-09-18 14:28:15      Post Subject:

I would think you could use them on fabric as well as paper crafts. Might be a cuteway to embellish a flap or pocket on a denim bag (or any sturdy-ish fabric). More or less bedazzling things without a Bedazzler.

Attaching cards to ribbons on wrapped packages?

Add a decorative border to a corkboard? They wouldn't work as thumbtacks, but you could still shove them into the board.

Obviously you could use them for papercrafts. If you are burned out on cardmaking or scrapbooking, what about collage or a different type of project? Do you have kids? Could you use them to seal paper lunchbags?

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View entire thread: Recycled Plastic Water Bottle Holder ~ Free Pattern

Posted by Cindy on 2007-08-01 20:35:29      Post Subject: Recycled Plastic Water Bottle Holder ~ Free Pattern

http://www.myrecycledbags.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/waterbottle.JPG

Ok I'm back with another free recycled project for all my crafty friends here. It's a 1 liter water bottle holder crocheted from plastic bags. This is a quick and easy project that would be perfect for kids to do. Here is the link http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/07/28/recycled-plastic-water-bottle-holder/

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View entire thread: At-home loneliness?

Posted by Selah on 2005-06-09 12:19:54      Post Subject:

Where I live there is an online parent's network that posts all events having anything to do with kids, it's helpful and there is probably one for your area. I'm actually also in New England and there is ALWAYS TONS of stuff to do with babies/kids. Check the local library for free sing-a-long and story times. They will have a lap sit story time for little babies. It's great to get out there and make connections with other moms. Jewish Family Services sponsors new mom groups (and new dad groups). You don't have to be Jewish, our group met at a local church. It was a nice way to get out of the house and hear that others were going through some of the same things. There are also working moms playgroups that meet in the afternoon that you could look into. There really is so much out there for moms and kids, you're smart to start thinking about it now.

Something else that helped me through all my time sitting and breastfeeding was books on tape/cd.

Buckle your seat belt, sit back and enjoy!!! :)

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View entire thread: ooo.. the sensitive/artsy grrrls have a poetry slam!

Posted by kissandrun on 2005-03-24 02:08:39      Post Subject: ooo.. the sensitive/artsy grrrls have a poetry slam!

at my high school some of the kids i know wanna put on a poetry/spoken word type thing (since march is nat'l poetry month), but the problem is we live in a teeny town with not many options for places to hold this potentially swell event... we also don't really know how to carry it out... is anyone familiar with planning events or whatnot? not particularly poetry slams, but.. i don't know. a friend and i thought it would be neat to wear all black and drink coffee and such. and of course, snap instead of clap for approval! any suggestions would be great... :)
+hannah+

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View entire thread: WHERE do you meet?

Posted by Amber Nussbaum on 2005-12-28 13:51:14      Post Subject:

Maybe a church, YMCA or rec center would be open to donating space for this? The crafters probably aren't any messier than sunday school kids or summer camp kids, right?

I think a church might be down if you did some sort of trade off... collect a canned good from each crafter to pass on to the church or donate handmade items for an auction to raise $ for them? Just an idea. I don't live in RVA but I'm definitely interested in coming to the meetups.

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View entire thread: ADD in Canada

Posted by louisa on 2005-06-19 22:27:47      Post Subject: ADD in Canada

Anyone out there with ADHD kids? I went to a forum on the weekend about an advocacy group that is getting organized so that kids can get the support they need.. It is sad that we have to put people in boxes...but if we don't and you don't fit the boxes that are already made...anyway I would be happy to pass on the website if anyone is interested...It makes me happy that they are recognizing things..because I had undiagnosed Add for 29 years.. Life is much better for me now..that I understand that hard stuff is easy for me...and easy stuff is hard!.

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View entire thread: Holiday Tradition Crafts....

Posted by Momto2boyz on 2007-11-23 10:24:15      Post Subject: Holiday Tradition Crafts....

I thought it might be fun to share pictures of things that we have crafted over the years for Christmas. Either things that we have crafted that have special meaning to us, or things that we have crafted that are part of a tradition!


Here is mine: I started this several years ago when my kids were little and I wasn't very crafty. So I made it really simple, but the thought behind it is what I love. I made an easy no-sew tree skirt out of red felt, then each year, I have traced my boys hands onto green felt, stitched their name & year on it, then stitched it to the tree skirt. It is finally starting to fill up, and I just love it. It is so much fun for them to see how their hands are growing, and I know it is something I will treasure when my boys are grown up and out of the house!

This isn't the greatest picture, but it gets the point across!!!

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd43/stang_girl_2007/November2007141.jpg

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View entire thread: Who will take my old couch?

Posted by beanie on 2004-11-24 12:12:58      Post Subject:

maybe some college kids? perhaps a note at a college bulletin board and/or dorm?

forty dollars seems ridiculous.

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View entire thread: looking for charities that want crafters - any ideas? :)

Posted by craftfetish on 2006-04-26 09:35:24      Post Subject:

A friend of mine just introduced me to The Victory Junction Gang - it is a sumer camp for kids with chronic diseases and other serious illnesses.

They give each camper a handmade afghan and teddy bear and all of the beds have handmade quilts on them.

www.victoryjunction.org


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View entire thread: Got Craft - New Fair - Vendors Wanted

Posted by Roxypop on 2007-02-12 23:17:42      Post Subject: Got Craft - New Fair - Vendors Wanted

New Fair taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th, 2007
Western Front - 303 E. 8th Avenue (at Scotia St)
10:00am to 4:00pm

and / or

Saturday, July 21st, 2007
Kits House - 2325 W. 7th Avenue (at Vine St)
2:00pm to 8:00pm

Admission is $1 (kids 10 and under are free. First 25, receive a free swag bag!

got craft is an event like no other that promises to bring a new age twist to the conventional craft fair. Please visit www.lotusevents.ca for more information.

We welcome those with unique and dynamic creations that carry the potential to inspire a new era.

If you have the funk and flair to show off your handcrafted products, we invite you to be a part of this growing stream of indie designers and crafters! Visit www.lotusevents.ca or email gotcraft@lotusevents.ca for more details.

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View entire thread: Only 3% of women's businesses reach $1mil- glass ceiling?

Posted by Astrid on 2008-05-06 13:19:21      Post Subject:

I read about this glass ceiling and wasn't surprised, that's from my own experience. I guess we just lack confidence. I have to say it's not my path (and I'm not hampered by kids or family). I went on that road once and could perhaps have taken the position of my manager when he retired, if during the seven years or so I was his assistant I had acted with more confidence and authority. But I just silently backed him up and corrected HIS mistakes and nobody new. But when I made a mistake I thought: you see, I'm not good enough. I'm not a leader. Well, after he retired they reorganised the department and my function became redundant. They gave me a job I hated and so I looked around and I found free lance work as a translator elsewhere and I kept a part time job at my old company, just for security. I'm happy because now I'm doing work that really makes me happy and the part time job is just a two days a week nuisance. The good thing about it is that since about two years the manager is a woman! It feels so much better. We talk about crochet and crafting during breaks!

I read in a Dutch newspaper that in Sweden (I think it's Sweden but Scandinavia for sure) by LAW companies must have at least 40 % women in their boards. If they don't follow up the government closes the company, period! Could someone point that out to Hillary? I'm all for her, though I doubt it if she has a chance to win the elections even if SHE gets to be the candidate.

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View entire thread: RecycleCraftCans

Posted by howdy dan on 2006-01-31 00:35:25      Post Subject: RecycleCraftCans

Thousands of #10 cans are discarded every day and end up in our already overfull landfills. These Coffee Cans and #10 cans can be recycled into beautiful containers. Check out www.kankraft.com This is a great and inexpensive project for kids groups like girl and boy scouts, etc. Teaches a dual lesson of crafting + recycling. Check it out. www.kankraft.com

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View entire thread: Monkey Boys Go to College

Posted by bessiemae on 2005-02-06 15:27:09      Post Subject: Monkey Boys Go to College

Signed the boys up for Sat. art classes at University. Their art teacher believes they are talented. Last Spring one won Best Of Show in school exhibit, and other had a huge display of his work. So, this is our first foray into lessons outside of school.

12 Saturdays for 2hrs. It will be a survey class, with an exhibit on campus, at the end.

Wonder if they'll like it and what they'll create? Anyone else have kids in art lessons?

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View entire thread: Survive a flight with small kids

Posted by lesterclyde on 2006-04-15 10:48:23      Post Subject: Most flight attendants have been fabulous

The thing I *most* appreciated when traveling with my wee twins was the brandy offered to me by a super-sympathetic Air France flight attendant after the babies (then six months) FINALLY fell asleep on a trans-Atlantic flight ...

I've traveled with my kids on 7 or 8 trips, including two international ones, from the time they were 5 months old until this last trip, just before they turned two. Almost every time, the airline and/or flight attendants helped ensure we got workable seats (with twins, you can't all be in the same row because there aren't enough oxygen masks ... aisle seats across from one another are best). When I was still nursing, they cheerfully brought me extra water (you need to drink a ton); once the kids were eating solid food, they cheerfully brought extra napkins for the mess. To me, the most significant thing has been sympathy and compassion -- it can be really stressful to travel with babies or toddlers, including because you feel like you're imposing on everybody else.

I've encountered one or two flight attendants who clearly didn't like kids ... but I can understand that (I can remember being cranky about squalling babies on planes before I had my own). Only one was outright nasty, the overwhelming majority have been fabulous.

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View entire thread: intentional commune

Posted by princesshammerhead on 2006-12-13 21:16:42      Post Subject:

Well,we have 6 kids and were living in the city. With crime, litter, high taxes etc. We moved to a small (around 80 people) town that is an easy commute (40mins) when needed. For us the bonuses were:

-very cheap housing
-very low property taxes
-nearly three times the size of lot we had in the city
-crime does not exist!
-no litter
-cheap utilities
-amazing community support for a happy occasion or a tragety
-small classroom size in the school
-no noise by-laws (we can do our own fireworks on Canada Day!)
-We are far enough away from the city, that our true friends will make the trip out to visit us. (Rather than having people pop in all the time)
-we don't have to lock our doors at night
-we have essential sevices such as snow removal, post office, bank, grocery store, gas station etc.
- It SMELLS so good! Clean air sure makes the kids sleep good!

The down sides:

-no craft store or mall unless you make a day of it.
-no Mickey D's or fast food (but that's not so bad)
-sometimes we get snowed in and the highway can be closed for 2 or 3 days.


For us it has been great. I would never move back to a large city. -PHH

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View entire thread: One More Wedding!

Posted by PamTheQueen on 2004-07-07 15:47:49      Post Subject: One More Wedding!

It's sorta like quittin' a job.....

My last official Sundance Entertainment wedding is this Saturday. Then I am done providing DJ services for weddings, except for helping out friends and relatives (even that is not a good idea!) and maybe a few exceptions for unique weddings.

I originally stopped booking for 2004 weddings last August when it was a strong possibility we would be moving to Miami. When November hit, I was exhausted from doing weddings every single weekend and travelling all over Indiana and Michigan. It's been hard turning away business, as I get calls and emails every day from brides and grooms (Today, I had 5 calls before noon and as many emails!). I could use the money, but I must stick with my plan for moving on....

What am I moving on to? I've been developing an interactive entertainment show for preschool and elementary children and their families. I've been studying Improv for the last year and I want to incorporate that style with music and themes to create a one-of-a-kind show. Oh yeah, and throw in some educational bits so the kids learn something and the schools are willing to pay a little more than your average jukebox sock hop DJ! *wink*

This is totally different for me compared to weddings, because my niche with weddings was that I was that I provided totally elegant (non-cheesy!) DJ services. I attracted brides and grooms who were scared of having a DJ doing interactive "crap" or say stupid stuff on the microphone.

My new direction will also allow me to have most weekends free to do trunk and arts/crafts shows. I cannot tell you how painful it was last year to be draggin' my SUV full of speakers, music and CD players out of town to a wedding and pass signs for a big art show! Now I can go! :) I also thought about offering my entertainment show for the shows that have children's activity tents. Give me a way to perhaps sneak past jury requirements someday. LOL

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View entire thread: kid-friendly snacks

Posted by bessiemae on 2005-03-19 07:56:21      Post Subject:

Having my own 10yo, 7.5yo kids, plus a 15 yo Spare Son, we face this issue nearly every day.
- yogurt
- popcorn
- easy fruit: apples/grapes/bananas,etc.
- cheese and crackers
- peanut/cashew/almond butter on almost anything
- smoothies

I like to sneak some covert nutition in on them with baked goods: HM oatmeal date bars ( high iron and fiber); HM low fat carrot cake( beta carotene and fiber). HM quick breads or muffins made with whole wheat flours. Bake the stuff on the weekend, slice and wrap individual pieces and freeze.

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View entire thread: Make-over shows - Trading Spaces, What Not To Wear - why?

Posted by Becky65301 on 2004-07-16 13:06:34      Post Subject:

I watch alot of these shows, alot of the time, and I'm not even sure why. It's like my own version of watching soaps, I guess. Living vicariously thru other people. I guess it's the same reason the "reality" shows are so popular.

I would totally go on What Not To Wear, although I don't think my wardrobe sucks bad enough to qualify, I am willing to suffer thru the humiliation to get the money (everyone has their price!). But I see your point- there was one episode at least a year ago where the girl went shopping and her first stop was Old Navy, where of course she bought a stuffed-piled-cartfull of clothes for less than $1000. Loved that, that's what I'd do, maybe I'm cheap but it horrifies me to think about spending $500 on one pair of pants! No way! I don't care how "classic" they are! It bothers me that they stick everyone shopping in NYC at the good stores, I would much rather have them drive me to the outlets in Jersey or something like that, please. Of course for $5000, I could outfit myself, DH, and both kids for the next 5 years.

I imagine those two would have a hissy-fit if they ever caught one of their "students" shopping second-hand, although alot of the time I'm not impressed at their own wardrobe choices.

Anyway, back to your question, I am thinking maybe human nature is to want to know if you're "normal", how you compare to other real people. A bit of the sap factor thrown in, watching others transform. The dream of one day having something significant like that happen to you, a gift given. (how many times have you had conversation with other people about what you'd do if you won the lottery? dreaming is fun) And more than once when watching these shows I am reminded of Andy Warhol and "in the future everyone will have 15 minutes of fame" and thinking all these reality shows and makeover shows are proving him right.

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View entire thread: Toddler Tips

Posted by Selah on 2005-06-05 22:22:45      Post Subject: Toddler Tips

I love hearing clever things other moms and dads do with their kids to make life more fun and even easier, imagine that!

It's such a broad topic but I thought I'd get the ball rolling with some arts and crafts tips:

-I cut up the paper bags from the grocery store into big sheets of paper for painting. Free craft paper!!

-I buy up muffin tins at rummage sales and use those to put the paint in. Leaving some empty for color mixing.

-I also use the muffin tins for sorting activities. If I'm busy in the kitchen I might give my son a handful of assorted dried beans or various bottle caps I save to sort.

-Now that the weather is nice we do lots of art outside. I water down paint and put it in spray bottles for my son to squirt on mural paper (paper bags cut into one long strip and taped together) or we do tire track painting using his little metal cars. He "drives" them through the paint and makes tracks across the paper.

-We do a lot of painting with water. On the chalk board or outside. I give my son a huge paint brush for painting walls and let him get to it.

I could keep going because I think I was having a "Martha" moment, pretending I was a presenter of a crafty kids show or something. :)

Looking forward to scooping up your tips!

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View entire thread: April Fool's Day!

Posted by kindarana on 2005-03-31 20:00:25      Post Subject: April Fool's Day!

Anyone have good ideas for pranks that would be kindergarten or fourth-grade appropriate? Something one of your teachers did that you still remember even now?

I refuse to let the kids get the better of me, though I have a feeling the kindergarteners will be oblivious to it just as they thankfully didn't know about St. Patrick's Day pinching...

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View entire thread: magazine looking for bold moms

Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-06-24 14:09:13      Post Subject: magazine looking for bold moms

a dear friend of min e is an editor at a national parenting magazine. she just sent me this today:

"I'm looking for a working mom in her 20s, 30s, or early 40s to profile
who has radically changed her life in some fashion and overcome a major
obstacle of some kind, in order to balance her work and home life. This mom will be the focus of the magazine's Go For It! section, which looks closely at the pivotal moment in the woman's life that gave her cause to try something new, find her passion, follow her true calling, get off the
fast-track and go it alone in small business, or jump into the fray and work
her way back up the ladder. The main idea being that she went for it and
succeeded. All ideas and suggestions are welcome. Please ask any interested moms to send me their day/evening contact info, email address, and a recent photograph of her and her kids in a jpeg file."

Send me a private message if you are interested and I'll send you her email address - i'm scared to post it here for spam reasons!

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View entire thread: Stranded....

Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-08-25 10:45:57      Post Subject: Stranded....

"He triggers memories like you were a jukebox and he was the man with all the quarters."

This quote comes from an amazing book that I have just rediscovered...Stranded: Rock & Roll for a Desert Island by Greil Marcus.

Sometime in the 70's, Marcus decided that it would be really cool to ask music critics and performers what music they would absolutely have to have if they were stranded on a desert island. This book is a compilation of those answers, and it contains some brilliant essays on rock and roll and the people who made it part of the fabric of our lives. Most notable is the astonishing essay by Ariel Swartley, "The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle." She dissects Springsteen and his band at a time when they were at their most raw. This was before The River and Born in the U.S.A., back when Bruce and the boys were still those grungy "boy-prophets" from the streets of New Jersey....before Bruce married and divorced a super-model, before he had kids and moved to Beverly Hills, before he became, well, unimportant.

The whole book is filled with essays like Swartley's, and it is a psychadelic memory romp that includes music as diverse as the Ronettes and the New York Dolls. If you were alive and listening in the 70's, you need to read this book. It will make you remember what it was like to feel the music you listened to.

It's believed that certain smells can trigger strong memories. I believe the same is true for certain songs. There are songs that always take me back to a certain time, place or person. For instance, Carly Simon's You're So Vain takes me back to the parking lot of Grants on Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY oh, maybe 1973. It was the first time I heard a song that made me want to stay in the car and listen instead of heading inside with my mother. Then there's Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill, which transports me to 1983, and the Journey's End bar in Canton, NY with Tom Wanamaker, Jeni Armeson, Mike Collins, and Alan Haberstock. And of course, Genesis' Follow You, Follow Me always puts me in 1985 at the bar of the Holiday Inn at the Airport in Rochester, with Cosmo. Very likely the night we fell in love.

Stranded was published in 1979, so may not be available on the shelves of your bookstore these days, but I bet you can find it in your library. It's a fabulous trip down memory lane....

P

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View entire thread: Explaining disasters or tragedy to your children

Posted by DJules on 2005-08-31 19:42:11      Post Subject:

Well, it is going to happen sometime, and perhaps the best thing you can do is just answer the questions as best you can, according to your belief systems.

My first introduction to death was when I was five years old, and my oldest brother had a car that was improperly jacked up fall on him and break his neck. The next was in Jr. High when my best friend, her mother, and her sister were shot by the father. (Can I tell you that to this day, I am so, so glad my kids's first experiences with death have been pets?) So I very quickly got over the idea that nothing would ever happen to me. I became quite a cautious child, but I don't know if that was a result or just my personality.

I will say that I think I have a great deal of empathy and compassion for other people, partially because of my early experiences.

I've always kind of felt it is more important to be there for my kids - to let them talk about their feelings, questions, worries, etc. when something bad happens, than to completely shield them.

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