People choose soy candles for many good reasons.  When looking at making candles you will find that soy candles are earth friendly and a renewable resource. What better reasons than these to make this type of candles?  All candles produce some soot but soy candles tend to produce less than most. Soy candles are also known to last longer than most conventional candles.  Soy candle wax is produced in the United States. 

Equipment and Supplies for Making Soy Candles

The type of equipment and supplies you will need to make your soy candles depend on what style you want.  You can make pillar type candles, tarts for burners, or container candles. 

Container candles are the easiest to make and is the one that will be covered here.  The nice thing about using soy wax is that it cleans up well with soap and water. 

What You Will Need

You will need a microwave safe container, preferably a microwave safe glass measuring cup to hold and melt your wax, wicks, and a clean container to put your candle in.  There are fragrances and dyes specifically for soy wax candles. If you desire these, then make sure you have them ready when creating your candle. A word of caution here, be sure to buy high quality oils that are strong and are specifically for soy candles! 

You will also need a wooden spoon, potholders and a clean dry container to put your candle into.  Soy wax comes in soft block or in flakes.  The best way to purchase this type of wax is in flakes, this allows you to measure the amount of wax needed for different projects. 

You are Ready to Create

Now you are ready to go.  You have everything together, but how do you know how much wax you will need to melt?  By using the microwave safe measuring cup, and by knowing the amount of liquid your container holds you will know the amount of soy wax that you need to melt.  If it is a 14 oz. container then you will need approximately 13 oz of melted wax.

Melt the wax in the microwave.  Start with a few minutes and continue to check until all the soy wax is melted.  During the melting process, if you see you are going to need more wax, then add it to what is already melting.  Be sure that all the wax is melted. 

While the wax is melting take the wick and place the metal portion into the bottom of your container with just a bit of hot glue.  This will adhere quickly so you can use a pencil to keep the wick centered by wrapping a small portion of the wick around the pencil.  Secure the pencil to the container. 

Once the right amount of wax is melted add the dye and stir to mix well. You may then add your fragrance according to the manufactures suggestions. Once all is mixed pour slowly into your container.  Be sure that the wick stays to the center for an even burning candle.

You have just created your first earth friendly and beautiful soy candle.  You are ready to make some as gifts so that others may enjoy these wonderful candles. Don’t forget to add a little note about clean up for the container after the candle has been used, and about how soy candles are earth friendly!

WARMACHINE (yes, it’s supposed to be in all caps) is a table top miniatures war game made by Privateer Press. With anywhere from half a dozen to maybe 40 models in a typical game, though you can certainly have more than that if you want to, this is primarily a skirmish-level game. A powerful leader called a Warcaster is at the center of the game. This Warcaster can empower and manipulate the hulking Warjack steam-punk mecha. Helping out the core battlegroup is a hugely diverse group of troops. These include anything from disciplined riflemen to undead pirates and even fire bomb chucking zealots.

The Rules

Game rules are well-written to be very clear and concise. Most of the rules you need are in the main rulebook, called Prime: Remix. Models also come with stat cards that give a rundown on all of their special rules and how they work. That makes it easy to keep tabs on all your (and your opponent’s) cool tricks mid-battle. Privateer Press hasn’t put out one edition after the other. It’s makes the game easy on the wallet since you aren’t forced to buy and re-buy a half-dozen rulebooks every few years. Since new books are released annually and have a little something for every faction, you’ll also never be left in the cold for years waiting and hoping for an army update.

Gameplay

Gameplay itself is very fast-paced and in-your-face, and definitely favors the aggressor. With this in mind, it makes the game much more interesting since you don’t wind up with two sides facing off too scared to make a move all game. The game setup with sequential unit activation also allows you to execute a myriad display of nasty combos to bring ULTIMATE PAIN to your unfortunate foes. But that’s ok, because they can do it right back to you, keeping each battle fresh and exciting. Victory can be, and often is, snatched from the jaws of defeat should the apparent victor leave an opening for the beleaguered underdog.

Also, the focus on the game is a lot less on list-building and more on mid-battle tactics. Since each model’s abilities are set in stone, that leaves list construction to be simply putting the building blocks together. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s simplistic however, as you need to account for each unit’s special abilities and how they’ll work with the rest of the army on the field. Even if the only thing you change is the single warcaster model you have leading the army, that will change its entire dynamics. That makes it a simple matter to liven up your game with something new.

WARMACHINE As A Hobby

Hobby-wise you don’t see as much model conversion as in a lot of other games, mostly because anything you might need a model for either already has one, or will have one released within the year. Painting is big, and there are lots of pro tips in the various source books. Of course, terrain building is also present as it is with any table top miniatures war game.

WARMACHINE In A Nutshell

WARMACHINE is a fast-paced, in-your-face style game with a quirky steam punk / magical setting where you can pull off insanely broken moves of ULTIMATE PAIN on your opponent. But watch out, cause he can do the same to you when you least expect it. That keeps the game fresh and fun to the climactic end.

Did you ever consider creating your own personalised jewellery. Maybe playing with beads when you were younger but have never touched them since. Necklaces particularly are very easy to make and with some
ingenuity can look either funky or elegant and appropriate in both cases to the rest of the outfit you are wearing.

The first thing you need to decide is what to make the necklace from. Semiprecious stones are a good choice such as jade, amber or other semiprecious jewels already polished and with holes in them ready to string. Or you can start from scratch. If you live near the sea, or go on holiday there, you can wander along the shore and look for stones, it is amazing what you can find, although you are unlikely to find anything truly valuable. However, this sort of jewellery is not about value, it’s about looks that complement your outfit.

Next, polish your stones. This will take some time. You start with an abrasive  to get the basic shape and take the roughness off and gradually polish with softer abrasives and cloths until you finally get the finish you want. Do not hurry this process, the more care you take, the better the final jewel will be.

Now you need to drill your beads so that you may string them together.  Many tools are available for this – the most obvious one being the miniature drills used by model makers. Line your beads up before drilling them so that you know exactly where to drill and again take care. Having invested all the time and effort into polishing your stones, it would be foolish to break or scratch them at this stage.

Next to string your beads. Jewellers thread is probably the best for this, although other threads may be used. Be careful, though, sewing cotton and the like will be too soft and will break and fishing line is to hard and may cut its way through your beads – and your neck if you are not careful. Make sure you place the beads exactly as you want them before tying the thread. You can place them a number of times before tying the knot, but once that knot is finished it will be difficult to change without starting over with a new piece of thread.

By taking your time, and being creative it is possible to make some really personalised pieces of jewellery. I know somebody who pierced orange pips to make a necklace – it looks great. Try carving and polishing small pieces of coal, it looks just like jet, with little or no cost. It won’t last long, but this sort of jewellery is not meant to be an heirloom.

I always thought so but had no proof that cross stitching has therapeutic value that far surpasses its seemingly mundane nature. Now, there is solid anecdotal evidence from the most unexpected space. Fresh from the just completed 2008 Beijing Olympic Games!

It may help alleviate some of our Olympic withdrawal symptoms to know that cross stitch is a hobby popular with Chinese women Olympians, many of whom were gold medalists. Interestingly, these Olympians hail from diverse sports like weight-lifting, diving, pistol-shooters, badminton, basketball, canoeing, athletics and even heavy-weight judo!

The seeming disconnect between cross stitch and the stringent demands of their sports discipline initially invited disapproval from the hard-driving Chinese coaches. But as they say, results speak for themselves.

Liu Chunhong, who won the women’s 62-kg weightlifting gold medal, and has broken five world records on her way to gold, was quoted declaring that she feels the best in the world. Not after winning the medal, but after spending 4 to 5 days finishing her cross stitch piece! Fellow weightlifting gold medalists, Chen Xiexia (48-kg category) and Chen Yanqing (58-kg category) are also avid cross stitch hobbyists. Coach Chen Wenbin now ungrudgingly accepts that cross stitch is not a waste of time but an integral part of the weighting team’s activities.

25m-pistol gold medalist Chen Ying declares that an athlete’s life is very boring. Cross stitch gives her something to look forward to after training hard on the range. After 3 or 4 days, she simply loves her cute piece of handiwork.

Tong Wen, the Chinese judoka who defeated reigning champion Maki Tsukada in the women’s heavyweight judo finals at the Beijing Olympic Games on August 15 to win the gold metal, is needless to say “giant” in build. Yet she feels real feminine whenever she cross stitches!

There you have it, cross stitch is simply good therapy, even for incredibly tough-minded Olympians. Perhaps it is also one of their secret weapons?

Get the idea? Start your baby young!

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/15/content_6938074.htm

http://www.womenofchina.cn/Profiles/Sportswomen/205990.jsp

Memories are obviously priceless. They cannot be bought from you. You cannot likewise sell them. But if you want to keep them in a manner that they will be lasting and can be cherished by you at any moment, you should exert some financial capital to do so. Mind you, scrapbooking can also be costly. But if only you know how to work out with your money, you can get discount scrapbooking supplies no matter what! Simply check online for Scrapbooking Information.

Organize your scrapbooking supplies. When your supplies are carefully arranged, it will be easy for you to find them. In this manner, your things do not end up messed up, crumpled, or soiled that you will need to buy new ones as replacement. Keep them in large boxes so they stay together.

Try joining the direct sales of scrapbooking supplies. In this manner, you will be able to get discount scrapbooking supplies! But then make sure that you will meet their requirements too.

Make use of your scanner.

Scan out uniquely designed pattern papers which can be really good for your layouts. You may make use of clothing and other embellishments in order to create personalized layouts.

Join other scrapbooking enthusiasts to get discount scrapbooking supplies.

Logically, the larger the volume of your purchase, the closer you get to a discount. You can have with you your scrapbook-lover friends when buying your supplies so that you may avail the supplies at low costs.

Save money and work within your budget for a worthy experience.

Take note of these tips and you are on your way to creating the greatest Scrapbooking Treasure in your life!

Memories can last a lifetime if you allow them to. Nonetheless, if you want to bury them in the past, your discretion will dictate.

Even so, for those who opt to bring the memories in the present, they can choose from a wide variety of equipments, gadgets and techniques to aid them do so. One of the many ways to bridge the gap between the past and the present is by making a scrapbook.

Dave Lucas owns the successful Arts and Crafts website at http://www.golden-books.com and would love you to pay a visit and get some complimentary gifts and goodies because documenting family history and other important occasions and events is a way of preserving the legacy. This is the main purpose of scrapbooking. With a scrapbook around, it will be easy for you to tell stories to your children, grandchildren and the next kin in line.

If you plan on doing any sewing, you need some scissors. In fact, even if you aren’t doing any sewing, every household needs some scissors! Scissors and shears are such useful tools, it’s important to have at least one pair.

Scissors vs. Shears

To start off, though people often use the names interchangeably, scissors and shears aren’t really the same thing and are meant to perform different tasks. Shears are best for heavier cutting jobs, while scissors handle the lighter work.

Shears Are Made Strong For Heavy Use.

Shears generally measure 6 inches or more in length. The shears are held by putting your thumb through the smaller ring handle, and inserting two or three fingers through the larger ring handle. Holding the shears by placing your fingers through these rings gives better leverage to perform the heavier tasks for which shears excel

Scissors Are Smaller.

Scissors range in length from 6 inches on down to 3 inches or even less. Scissors are not only smaller than shears, they also differ because the handle rings are of equal size.

Making Quality Scissors and Shears.

Most scissors are made of steel. Scissors and shears are made mainly of two types of steel, carbon or stainless. Used to make scissors with the handle and blade formed in one continuous piece, carbon steel is the first type. Carbon steel keeps sharp and is also very strong. To keep them from rusting, carbon steel scissors and shears are usually plated with nickel or chromium.

Shears and scissors are also made from stainless steel. Each metal blade is fitted with a plastic handle. Stainless steel scissors aren’t as sturdy and don’t retain a sharp edge as long. Once dulled, these scissors are also harder to re-sharpen. Stainless steel scissors, however, are generally cheaper than carbon steel scissors.

Kinds of Shears And Scissors.

There are many types of shears and scissors available. Here’s a small sampling:

• Applique Scissors: Offset for level cutting
• Bent Handle Dressmaker Shears: Allow the cutting blades to rest flat on the table
• Easy Grip Scissors: With larger handles for those having difficulty holding scissors
• Embroidery Scissors: Used for cutting embroider threads
• Finishing Shears: Either as pinking or scalloping shears, used to cut ravel-resistant seams
• Heavy-duty Shears: For cutting leather, upholstery, drapery, etc.
• Thread Snipping Scissors: For cutting loose threads off sewing

There are also shears made for left-handed people, household scissors (all-purpose, poultry shears, etc.), paper scissors for children, scrapbooking scissors, electric scissors and more.

Whatever you need to cut, there’s probably some kind of shears or scissors that can do the job.

Care of Shears and Scissors.

The first and foremost rule of scissors: Scissors should ONLY be used to cut the materials for which they were designed.

Don’t use shears meant for cutting material to cut anything else, even paper. It dulls the blades if you use shears or scissors for something other than the materials they were intended to cut.

Keep shears and scissors dry and dust free, and occasionally oil them at the hinge screw. Keeping scissors and shears in a safe place like a sewing basket, or with higher quality cutting instruments, the box they came in, will help protect the points. Also, scissors and shears should be stored in a closed position. Laying down a pair of scissors in the open position is the most common cause of dull blades.

High quality shears and scissors can be re-conditioned by the manufacturers or other companies providing that service.Your shears and scissors will be sharp as new.

A Final Word On Shears And Scissors.

Cheap scissors would be fine for everyday use around the house. It’s not a problem to replace them if they become broken oe dull. A good set of shears is a wise investment for cutting material and other sewing jobs.

Well cared for shears and scissors will reward you with a lifetime of easy cutting.  That will make your sewing a shear pleasure.

Sewing was once upon a time a very popular practice with most households. This was because ready-made clothes were not easily available as they are today. Mostly women enjoyed sewing clothes for the family, toys and even earn money working from home by sewing for friends and neighbors.

The sewing hobby disappeared today mainly because we don’t have the time to indulge any more. However, if you have recently stumbled over your grandmother’s sewing machine or just want to pamper your kids and their toys by being creative, here are the basic sewing supplies you will require in order to get started right away.

Sewing As a Hobby or Business

If you are sewing as a hobby or business you will require the same sewing supplies, which are: tape, scissors (usually titanium are best), needles, thread, tracing paper, seam ripper, marking pens for clothes, which are different then those used on paper, cutter glide and pin point tweezers.

There are a few other sewing supplies, which are usually only needed by those who are in business and sew on a daily basis such as, the little stick, which is a great tool to get into tight places like in the seam of a dress or coat to remove lint; radial rule and special tape for creating curves.

Other Sewing Supplies You May Need

While the above sewing supplies will get you started right away there will always be other things that you will need and find handy in due course such as, sewing baskets to organize the sewing supplies and always have it handy when needed; sewing books from where you can create different designs and draw ideas, finger tip cushion for the professionals, low shank walking foot for quilting and sewing table with a caddy to place those items that need to be handy but still out of the way.

Shopping for Sewing Supplies

You’ll be able to buy pretty much all the sewing supplies you need at your local store or department store. However, if you don’t have a department store near you, you will be able to also find a large variety of stores and many bargains online. Sewing is a fantastic hobby and a creative home business for mums that want to work from home. The whole family can be involved in projects such as making a quilt together and learning a trade that will never die as we will always need clothes and new fashion styles.

Have you ever thought about earning a full time living from your hobbies? It doesn’t matter if it’s sports, crafts, or even trading merchandise – it’s more than possible to earn a living with your hobbies – it’s the major source of income for millions of people all over the world!

Sometimes what seems like a career actually begins as a hobby for someone. Many couples that are adept at home repairs have a hobby of investing property, fixing it up, and flipping it into a profit.

The key to making mounds of money from your hobby is to pick something that makes you happy. You may not enjoy home repairs like your neighbor. Maybe you have a passion for taking everyday things and making an extraordinary piece of art from them.

The best thing about profiting from your hobbies is that you’re doing something that relaxes you and gives you joy in life. Not many people can say that about their jobs. In fact, most people in surveys would love to trade in their 9-5 corporate gigs for something more rewarding.

You don’t have to be a degreed expert in a particular field to take advantage of what your hobbies have to offer. Your expertise is simply the time you’ve invested learning your craft.

If you’d love to turn your hobby into a money-maker, then you have to treat it like a business of sorts. You can’t rely on people to just come up to you and hand over their money.

One way you can make money from your hobby is to simply sell the work that you do, if it’s applicable to what your hobby is. If you make jewelry, then you can create a website where you sell it on the ‘net. If you write as a hobby, then you can launch a business ghostwriting for others.

But there’s another way you can cash in on your hobbies – by teaching others what you know about it. You see, if you’re interested in something as a relaxing, enjoyable pastime, then chances are there are thousands, if not millions, of other people who have the exact same interests as you do – and are willing to pay for more information!

Think back to when you first started dabbling in your hobby. Did you read books about it or visit websites to learn from others? From knitting to golfing, people pay for information that helps them enjoy their hobbies even more – and you can be the resource they need to make their dreams happen!

Robert Brealey is an internet addict and avid follower of making money online. He has a website that provides valuable information, uncovers the best places to set up a website and gives away a free new ultimate supertip digital download. To take advantage of this cool stuff and more make sure you check out Robert’s site at www.AnyoneCanProfit.com

All kinds of posters make great collectibles. Do you have a couple of posters from memorable rock concerts? Maybe you prefer movie posters. Are there a few Star Wars works of art stashed around the house? Those cute, funny animal posters sell pretty well.

Whether you prefer circus posters, comic book posters or travel posters, remember that many of your treasures are collectible and growing in value. Posters are also very fragile. You need to take steps to protect your investments. A good way to accomplish that is by purchasing a plastic poster frame.

Protection

Some posters are made of flimsy material while others are made of more sturdy paper. Most posters, remember, were intended to advertise a specific product such as one concert, a certain travel package, or the release of a specific music album. These posters were never meant to survive the tests of time. Even sturdy paper is still paper and when exposed to air it dries out and discolors. It should also be mentioned that paper doesn’t travel well either.

Creases, exposure to moisture and dust, and just plain age all decrease the value of a poster. Collectors have found it easy to laminate their posters, and that is fine if the posters are meant to give pleasure to the owner only. However, lamination decreases the value of the poster, too. A simple, plastic poster frame can protect the poster from air, moisture, and accidents while maintaining their value.

Beauty

These days they can do amazing things with plastic. A plastic poster frame is not just protection, it is display as well. You can choose a frame style, simple or elaborate, that will enhance the beauty of your posters and look attractive in your home as well. A sturdy, lightweight frame makes it easier to hang a poster safely. It provides the same kind of display that a poster has at a movie theater or travel agency.

Finding just the right plastic poster frame for your needs is quite simple. They are easy to find on the internet as well as available at stores that sell posters. Many sites that will sell you a poster will be happy to sell a plastic poster frame along with it. A plastic poster frame is an amazing find for the lover of posters. It combines the ability to display the treasures at the same time that it protects them from harm.

Posters are very fragile. You need to take precautions to guard your investments. A plastic poster frame is a good way to accomplish that…View more free atricles at www.posters.jsgenterprises.com.

A great many of my friends have been asking me to share the secret of making a scented candle at home, though I tell them repeatedly that it is no great secret. Any web site or online manual can teach you the basics of making scented candles at home, and once you have mastered those, the rest is up to your imagination and creativity. Both these qualities, I have found, increase with experience, and never mind what they say about inborn creativity and genius.

However, since it does appear that plenty of people want to know just what it is that causes my candles to smell so good, I will begin by saying that the process of making a candle with the aroma of your choice is a simple one. As I have said before, the increasing demand for scented candles has caused a lot of enterprising folks to come up with books, magazines and web sites dedicated to the art of candle making.

To begin with, you need the right equipment, though that may seem obvious. I always stress this point because, despite its simplicity, candle making is easy only when you follow instructions correctly. Otherwise, you will find that it can be darned tricky as well!

So, depending on whether you are making a wax or gel candle, you will need enough of it, plus the ‘cooking equipment’, or the equipment needed to melt the wax and mould it. And obviously, you will need the essential oils that will give you the aroma of your choice. In my experience, I have always found it best to combine at least a couple of aromas, though beginners might find it easier to stick to one fragrance initially.

What a beginner definitely should not do is pack the candle with as much fragrance as possible. Most ordinary scented candles contain about 0.5 oz of essential oil, though if you want to intensify the fragrance, you may increase it to one whole ounce. However, any more and the scent that your candle gives will be unbearable, probably making you sick!

A lot of people confess to being intrigued by the scents that I use for my candles. ‘I just can’t place it, but it smells so good,’ is something that I hear all the time. Shall I tell you why? Well, I tend to experiment with the most unlikely combinations, most often based purely on instinct, and end up with a fragrance that is marvelous yet unidentifiable! For instance, the first time I used rose and cinnamon together, I was convinced I was headed for disaster. As it turned out, it became my most popular aroma! Similarly, I combined clove and iris to produce another well-appreciated fragrance. The point is, dear reader, it is largely up to you what fragrance you produce.

Finally, though I stuck to wax candles for a long time, I do believe that soy candles hold the scent much better than wax, and they also burn longer. The process of melting the soy wax is similar to that of ordinary wax, though you will probably need a double boiler. You add the color and scent as usual, and pour it into the mold of your choice. As you probably know, a staggering variety of molds are available in the market today. Once your candle is complete, do send me a sample!