Marianne Navarro asked:




Backpacks are made for different purposes for different lifestyles. They can be purchased anywhere, but it is always different when you made something from scrap. Not only you will have a unique handmade bag but also the design will match your personality.

Making a handmade backpack is easy but there lots of considerations one should notice before starting sewing. First, consider the purpose of the handmade bag. The things you will put inside the box will affect the type of fabric you will be using for the backpack. For a bag that will be frequently used, denim, twill or corduroy is the best options for the fabric. Consider also the person who will be using the handmade bag. If it will be a child, use shorter length of the cord, but if it will be older, then measure the cord’s length appropriately.

The materials and equipments to be used in making the handmade backpack are as follows: (2) pieces of 23 5/8″ by 10 5/8″ fabric; (2) pieces of 4 3/8″ length of cord; (2) pieces of 47 ¼” length of cord; scissors; thread; measuring tape or ruler; sewing machine; safety pins;

In starting making of the handmade backpack, lay the fabrics on a flat surface with the wrong side facing each other. Pin the edges with shorter length and sew, leaving a margin of 5/8 inches. Trim the extra edges and leave only a 1/8-inch margin.

Turn the fabric inside out and sew again the shorter edges leaving another 5/8-inch margin. Fold the material in half, flushing the two sewn edges on the top and pin the edges together.

Form a loop with the 4 3/8″ cord and insert it in the handmade bag leaving the loose ends inside and the loop outside. Secure it with a pin.

Sew the top of the handmade bag followed by the sides. Be careful not to sew the top margin as this is where the drawstring will be inserted.

Insert the long pieces of cord (47 ¼”) into the top margin, going through all the way. Be sure that the 2 cords are parallel and align to ensure equal length on each side of the handmade backpack.

Turn the material again inside out and take each cord’s end and run them into the bottom loop on their corresponding side. Tie them in a knot and now you have a handmade backpack.

Tips:

* You can add additional pockets both inside and outside of the handmade backpack.

* Choose the fabric of your handmade bag that is easy to wash and maintain.

* You can use an old pair of jeans or t-shirt for the materials of your handmade backpack.

* Add embellishments to the handmade bag, depending on your taste.

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Gloria Pouch asked:




Inspiration for creative handmade card ideas can be found everywhere. Unique handmade cards should not require a lot of fancy crafting tools and materials – just a lot of imagination and creativity. In fact, just by looking around the house you can probably find lots of fun stuff that can be used to make a one-of-a-kind greeting card. The recipient of a handmade card does not typically scrutinize the craftsmanship of the card because they are usually so overwhelmed with joy in knowing that you took the time to make them a very special homemade card.

Using found objects around the house could definitely be an activity worthy of involving your kids. It can be a scavenger hunt turned craft making party! Let your kids roam free and collect objects and things that they would find suitable for the hand-making card occasion.

Here are a few suggestions for some creative handmade card ideas:

* Postage Stamps
Getting a letter in the mail is always fun, why not keep the postage stamps so that you can add them to a collage card one day? Finding cool postage stamps might also encourage the old time tradition of letter writing in youngsters. Send a letter with a cool postage stamp and receive one back in return! Grandparents would make great pen pals for their grandchildren; so who knows what some card making ideas will lead to?

* Junk Mail & Old Magazines
Sort through your junk mail and old magazines because you could probably find cool fonts for letters and perhaps some background patterns that you can use on a handmade card. You can always cut out individual letters and phrases to use for messages on the cards. Think of those ransom notes that you see in movies for some inspiration. How cool and modern looking would a handmade card could be with glossy letters in different fonts and colors?

* Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is usually designed for a certain occasions, think birthdays and holidays, so the designs on the paper can easily be cut up to make new greeting cards! Keeping scraps of wrapping paper does not take up a lot of space and the pre-designed pictures and messages could work when making a handmade card in a pinch.

* Old Calendars
Old Calenders are great for beautiful images that you can use for the front of your cards – or even for the background of a card. Cut out those majestic mountain peaks for a cool backdrop to a personalized message. Or trim down that lovely picture of a tropical island for a “Bon Voyage!” card for a friend going on vacation.

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Marianne Navarro asked:




Handmade figurines and handmade sculptures make great additional décors to homes. They can enhance other existing decorations like vases and lampshades. They can also make bookshelves, coffee tables, cabinets, fireplaces, and windowsills more elegant. They can come in various shapes and sizes. In addition, depending on the kinds of materials used, they can be painted with assorted and vivid colors. For instance, handmade sculptures made from clay can be painted with acrylic paint. The same goes with wooden figurines. The handmade figurines that are made from paper can also be painted with acrylic paint. Sometimes, they are also painted with watercolor.

On the other hand, handmade sculptures that are made from glass need not be painted anymore. Instead, they can be buffed and polished. Then again, such handmade sculptures that are made from glass are not always green in color. At times, artisans produce white or colored handmade glass sculptures. Also, handmade figurines made from stones can keep their natural colors. If you are going to make and sell stone figurines, you can use marble. Marble is a very good material. It is hard and long-lasting. Then again, you can also make and sell figurines that are made from metal. Handmade figurines like these are often considered abstract art masterpieces. They will surely look great in offices, halls, and homes.

Anyway, in order for you to be successful in your handmade sculptures and handmade figurines business, you need to know the market. You have to research on what your target market wants. Do they prefer figurines made from clay to figurines made from wood? What are their preferred shapes and styles? Do people buy more sculptures of animals compared to sculptures of people? What sizes do they like? Well, these are some of the questions you need to ask and answer yourself. Obviously, you will not be able to sell many handmade sculptures and handmade figurines if your styles do not appeal to customers.

Moreover, you need to determine the prices. Well, handmade figurines can be quite expensive. Some range from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. However, you can attract more customers if you offer your handmade figurines at reasonable prices. Do not worry about not making profits because if your merchandise are high in quality, customers will still do repeat business with you. Some sellers make the mistake of selling their handmade sculptures at very high prices; so, in the end, they get no customers. However, this does not mean that you have to sell your handmade sculptures at very low prices. If you sell really cheap, you will not be able to earn profits. So, you must study the market well and learn how you can outdo your competitors.

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Marianne Navarro asked:




Dolls are probably the most favorite toys of girls. They have been around since the earliest centuries. In fact, ancient dolls dating as early as 2000 BCE were found in Egyptian tombs. Anyway, these old dolls are handmade; and they have been fashioned from various materials. Miniature dolls were made from stone, wood, clay, paper, cloth, plastic, rubber, china, wax, resin, ivory, leather, and porcelain. These days, you will still find handmade dolls in antique shops and several toy stores. In spite of the modern dolls being sold in the market, there are still people who appreciate handmade dolls. After all, nothing can beat the joys that these dolls have brought.

Selling handmade miniature toys can be a lucrative endeavor. You can sell to young children and show them how it feels like to play with handmade miniature toys. In this day and age, dolls are mostly virtual and made of synthetic materials. Children typically play with virtual dolls online. Here, they are only allowed to socialize with virtual playmates. Most young girls also prefer to play with Barbie or Bratz dolls. Hence, their ideas of dolls are limited to fashion. In addition, some of the materials for dolls are not safe. So, it is really better if they will play with handmade miniature dolls instead. These toys can even serve as educational tools since the children may be oriented on life during the old times.

Then again, handmade dolls are not only for little children. These toys can also be sold to collectors. Majority of toy collectors prefer handmade toys due to their authenticity and sentimental values. Ancient handmade toys, especially, are very expensive due to their rarity and antiqueness. You can also sell to people who want to give miniature toys as gifts, as well as to those who just want to display dolls as house décors. Dolls certainly add aesthetic value to homes. They can be displayed in the living room for the guests to admire or in the bedroom to serve as decoration.

Moreover, handmade dolls can be sold to dementia patients. According to a University of Newcastle study, these miniature toys have healing effects on people suffering from dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association also says that doll therapy is effective. The patients with dementia tend to be more focused and more active whenever they carry dolls. They also communicate and act better. Researchers claim that this happens because dolls remind patients of the times when they were caring for their own infants. Dolls help them recall memories of parenthood. So, if you sell dolls to these patients, you will be able to help them deal with their situation. They will also be sure that the dolls they carry around are made from safe and durable materials.

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Marianne Navarro asked:




Selling handmade teddy bears online is a good way to earn money. This makes it more convenient for people who have no time to buy handmade teddy bears in stores. If you are new to online selling, and not fully familiar with the tricks of the trade, here are some tips that could help you start with your handmade stuffed toys business.

1. The first thing you need to consider is the quality of the handmade stuffed toys you make. This is the most important factor in selling your item. So, get first a pen and paper and write a list of what makes your item stand out. There are a lot of people who sell handmade teddy bears online; so by making a list, it gives you a clear picture on how you’ll go around selling your toys. This means you need to specify the type of materials used in making the handmade stuffed toys. You will need to include your target market as well. Take note, people who buy handmade teddy bears online look at the safety notes on the product. You will need to indicate which age group is not allowed to use the toys (for small parts, etc).

2. Another thing you will need to do is to make an interesting write-up about your handmade stuffed toys. Mention what inspired you to come up with such product. If you have a vision that you plan to sell, you can also include that in your write-up as well. You can even say, what makes your toy stand out from the rest.

3. Specify what your customer will expect to receive when they get their orders. You will also have to include the shipping time and return policies if ever. You will also need to include a certificate to ensure your customers that the handmade stuffed toys they are getting are made from high-quality materials, and of course, genuinely handmade.

4. Use a good digital camera to take photos of your product. You will need to take good photos of your product if you want to effectively sell your handmade teddy bears online. Take note, the downside of the internet is that your customers cannot fully “feel” your product. Use the camera to make your customers see the type of fabric, the seams, the details that make your handmade stuffed toys unique and other things.

5. Look for a website that sells different products. Selling in an online store specializing on handmade products like madeitmyself.com works well for people who want to sell their handmade teddy bears online. An online store makes their customers and sellers protected from scammers. Make sure the site’s terms and conditions work well for you. Being present in an online store also helps you expand your network and connect with other people who sell handmade teddy bears online.

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D J Bromley asked:




Handmade Christmas cards send out a very special message to your family and friends. When they receive a handmade Christmas card they know that you have given them two very valuable gifts. You have given both your thoughts and your time.

It is very easy to go into your local store and buy a box of cards and just sign and send them out. But in creating a handmade individual card you are showing in what a high regard you hold the recipient. But it is not all one way traffic, making your own Christmas cards can be a fascinating hobby.

Hand made Christmas cards can range from the very simple to the complex depending upon your skill and the amount of time you have to spend on each card. These days in most towns there are specialist craft shops that will have all the materials you will need. If this is not true in your area you can find a wide range of suppliers on the Internet who mostly offer an excellent mail order service.

If you go to your local magazine store you will also find magazines on card making that will be full of good ideas. If you have any artistic talent you will be able to paint your own designs on the cards. Alternatively if you do not think your drawing and painting skills are good enough you can use the decorative items such as gold or silver papers or tinsel to decorate your handmade Christmas card.

These days it is also possible to use either the Internet or specialist software to create Christmas cards on your computer. One simple idea is to create a card which is a mixture of computer aided design and your own artistic efforts to produce a very personalised card. How I have done this is to download a graphic from the computer to make the centre piece on the front of my card. Then I draw a design around the image All I have to do then is write the message and possibly add another small graphic on the inside page. This is a very simple way of making your own cards but many hobbyists will go on to produce cards that are truly works of art.

I should warn you once you start making your own Christmas cards you could become hooked. It can be an absorbing hobby and before you know it you will be creating cards for all occasions, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings for example.

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Hosea Lim asked:




In the olden times, the mention of the word stylish traveling may have conjured up images of huge Louis Vuitton trunks being load one cruise ship with various porters bringing the luggage to your room. In the modern era, the trunk has been replaced with a micro fiber suitcase that converts to a backpack and the porter who is going to be carrying it is you.

There are various handmade craft ideas projects that offer you a way to travel in style. Even though it means getting stuck in security lines, or being wedged in the airplane seat, and eating food with an expiration date stamped on the package. While working with handmade craft ideas for traveling, one thing that is on the top of the mind is the world map.

You can also create a similar design on a piece of rosin paper by coloring it in blue and green that are the most prominent colors on a world map. One can easily find the rosin paper in any home improvement store that is favorite haunt for people interested in arts and handmade craft ideas. Just like a famous artist once said, a hand painted paper often tells you what it wants to be.

A hand painted paper of world map can be created into the cover of a traveling journal. There is an ample amount of leftover paper that can be used to make an entire set of must have traveling accessories. One can make use of the creative handmade craft ideas and create the cover of the journal that is designed to fit the generic composition books, It is removable and durable enough to travel again with a fresh book inside for the next traveling destination.

One can also create a matching ID tag and the set is ready to start accruing its own frequent flyer miles. The unique handmade craft ideas give you the joy of easily spotting your luggage as it arrives at the airport carousel. But in the sea of hundreds of black bags all that seem to have been created by cloning the same DNA, makes you wonder if it is the same bag you checked in with.

There are many handmade craft ideas with solutions to making your own suitcase and conclude with a colorful, one of a kind luggage tag with made handmade craft ideas, that makes better statement than a duct tape. One can also add matching passport cover and portable artist’s kit to the travel collection and the handmade craft ideas gift set is ready to fly.

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Marianne Navarro asked:




If you want to spice up your usual boring sarong apparel, then go and get a sarong buckle. Make sure to get a really nice buckle. Obviously, the buckle will be the one to draw people’s attention, so it is just proper to get something that looks really good. Well, if you do not have any idea on what will look good on you, you can consider handmade sarong buckles. Handmade sarong buckles are actually among the trendiest types of buckles now. Their strong and unique appearance makes them a favorite of many. You can find these items in stores as well as in online shops.

You just need to type in the words “handmade sarong buckles” and a variety of websites will show up. Here, you will be able to find lots of sellers and artisans. Make sure to only purchase from reliable people. You can read their feedback first, before you buy a buckle. The Internet can be a good place for sellers an buyers, but it is also a place that most scammers use. So, choose wisely and do not let scammers fool you.

Handmade sarong buckles are usually made from coconut shells or mother of pearls. Their usual colors range from brown to beige. They are also often shaped into hearts, dolphins, butterflies, the number eight, and flowers. They may look simple at first glance; but if you will take a closer look, you will realize that they are intricately made and designed. These handmade sarong buckles are carefully crafted by independent artists who mostly live in Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia. The native feel of these buckles adds to their uniqueness. In addition, the quality of these items is good since each piece was meticulously inspected.

So, if you buy handmade sarong buckles, you contribute to the livelihood of these independent artisans. Plus, you get to own a piece of art which is also a part of nature. In this day and age, most products and accessories are made of artificial materials. They are also often made by machines. This means that the factories where they come from contribute in air, land, and water pollution. So, owning and wearing handmade sarong buckles will let your partake in the conservation of nature. It will also make you different from the rest of the crowd. You will get the sense of being one with nature too while showing your uniqueness and personal style. Moreover, you will surely be the center of attention in a beach party if you arrive wearing handmade sarong buckles. Other girls will envy you for wearing such a cool piece of accessory. They will also admire you for your classy taste.

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Marianne Navarro asked:




A handmade purse and a handmade pouch are two of the most popular handmade items today. If you start a business and begin to sell products like these, you will have a good chance to make huge profits. Based on the recent CODA survey, the handmade industry is around $14 billion. This only shows that handmade items are in demand. A lot of people appreciate the uniqueness and quality of these items. A handmade purse as well as a handmade pouch is better compared to something that is mass-produced. It will show a person’s individuality whereas a store-bought purse will just be like the others.

Anyway, if you want to start your handmade purse business soon, you have to create a plan. Keep in mind that a business plan is essential in every business. You must also know the market. Observe the trendy styles and get inspiration from them. Of course, you will need to create an inventory and produce a lot of merchandise to sell too. A handmade pouch and a handmade purse in a variety of colors and sizes are recommended. You might have a customer who wants a handmade pouch that is available in a particular color. In addition, when buying supplies, you have to compare prices. Prices can greatly vary from vendor to vendor. Make sure that you find the most reasonably-priced supplies.

If you want to save more money, you can buy in quantity or at wholesale cost. Buying in bulk is cheaper. Plenty of suppliers also offer discounts. However, you must be a qualified buyer. You have to obtain a retail tax permit and a retail tax ID number. As a handmade purse and handmade pouch seller, you really have to acquire a retail tax permit. Once you have the necessary credentials, you can ask individual suppliers if they can offer you wholesale discounts. Moreover, you can use recycled materials for your merchandise. A handmade pouch that is made from tin cans may become a hit due to its uniqueness. A handmade purse with bits of recycled metal will also be admired for its Earth-friendliness.

Then, you need to find a good place to sell your handmade merchandise. Flea markets, local stores, and fairs are ideal places. Nevertheless, you can also sell from home through the Internet. You can utilize online stores or build your own website. You just have to upload photos of you handmade purse and wait until a customer contacts you. Make sure that each handmade pouch and handmade purse is presented in every angle. You need to include descriptions, as well. Your handmade pouch may look good on pictures, but customers might not buy it if you do not state what materials it is made of and what sizes it is available in.

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Gloria Pouch asked:




It’s that time of year again, when graduates walk down their own red carpet and accept a degree or other honor that they have worked so hard to attain. Whether you have a graduate who is finishing a Master’s Degree in Business or finishing high school – it is always a special event for them and their families. One way to celebrate such a great accomplishment is to present the graduate with a creative handmade graduation card. A graduation from a school or other institution occurs only once in a lifetime, so what better way to express how proud you are than with a special homemade card.

Graduation themed greeting cards don’t have to be strictly about caps and gowns or diplomas and tassels. You can certainly get a little creative and make a card that will stand out from the rest. One way to create a one-of-a-kind graduation card is to brainstorm ideas about your graduate and come up with a unique spin on their achievement. Here are some ideas to think about when brainstorming for ways to make your handmade graduation card extra special.

* Consider where they are graduating – does the school have a cool mascot or theme?
Could you find an image of the mascot online and use it for the front of the handmade graduation card? Or does the institution have an inspiring slogan that you can borrow?

* Consider the Graduate’s plans for after graduation.
Are they traveling or moving to a new state? If they are traveling, consider incorporating a map or other special item from their destination onto the card. Let the graduate know that you are excited for their accomplishment and that you know they have many other great things in store for their future.

* Consider their school colors, can you incorporate that into a card?
Embellishments in burgundy or ribbons in gold could show the graduate that you really took the extra effort to make them a personalized homemade graduation card. It may also become a part of a scrapbook or other memory keeper to help the graduate remember their special day.

* Consider where your graduate is graduating – is it cosmetology school, medical school, or another specialized school?
Can you incorporate cute embellishments with your graduation card that will celebrate that particular specialty? Images of hair brushes or mirrors for a newly licensed cosmetologist. For a medical student, maybe a cool picture of an x-ray or stethoscope image.

* Did your graduate attain an undergraduate degree in an interesting field or major?
Are there ways you could incorporate some themes related to the major into the card? For art majors, could you have an image of their favorite artist or use canvas instead of cardstock for the card? For business majors, consider an image of the stock market going up or stock exchange print outs as a background for the front of the handmade graduation card.

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