Bird Watching For Beginners: How To Identify Birds

If you enjoy watching birds, more than likely you are going to want to learn how you can identify them. While it can be exciting to be able to identify birds, it isn’t always a simple task; in fact, it can be downright frustrating much of the time. Of course having a good field guide is an excellent idea. However, you’ll have to have some knowledge of your own even to be able to accurately use the field guide. So, if you are a beginner at bird watching, the following are a few tips that can help you more accurately identify birds.

Tip #1 – The Size of the Bird – One thing that will help you identify birds is to first take a look at the size of the bird you are trying to identify. Is it about the size of a large ostrich, maybe chicken size, about the size of a small sparrow, or perhaps the size of a robin? Also, consider whether the bird is plump, on the skinny side, short, or very long. The entire body should be taken into consideration, including the size of the beak, the size of the tail, and the size and shape of the wings as well.

Tip #2 – Note the Colors – Another tip that will help you to more accurately identify birds is to take note of the colors that are on the bird. As you learn which colors certain birds tend to be you’ll soon learn how to identify some birds by color alone. However, colors can trick you from time to time. The lighting may affect the color that the bird appears. Be sure to check the colors that are on each part of the body as well. Are the legs a certain color, the wings a specific color, or does it have any specific markings anywhere on the body?

Tip #3 – Where are You? – Believe it or not, your location can actually help you identify birds as well. Take a look around and figure out where you are. Are you out on the water, deep inside a large forest, or perhaps in your front yard? There are certain birds that live in specific habitats. Is the bird in the water, is it wading or swimming, does it actually climb the tree, how and where does it fly, and does it move its tail? These are all questions to ask that can help you out when identifying the birds that you are watching.

Tip #4 – Listen – One of the most important tips for beginner bird watchers that want to identify birds is to listen. Every single bird has a unique song that they sing and if you listen you may be able to identify the bird just by what you hear. If you are listening closely you may even see some birds that you would have never seen otherwise, and while this won’t always help you identify a bird, it can definitely help.

So, next time you go out bird watching, keep all of these tips in mind. They’ll help you identify the birds you see and have a more fun and rewarding experience out in the wild.

About the Author: William Scott contributes bird watching advice to BirdWatchingAdvice.com, a site dedicated to helping people find the best birding binoculars .

Beginner Watercolor Painting Tips - Getting Started With Watercolor

Like any new form of art, watercolor painting can be difficult at first. It is only with time and practice that one becomes a better painter. Never become discouraged by your mistakes or lack of progress.

To start watercolor painting you will obviously need to purchase supplies. Purchase the best possible materials that you can afford. We all want to save as much money as possible, but if you work with cheap materials, you are not going to be happy with the end result, especially if you spend days or even months on a particular painting.

This does not mean you should go out and spend hundreds of dollars on top of the line supplies right away. Start off buying a small amount of good quality supplies until you become more experienced.

PAPER:

The quality and texture of the watercolor paper you choose will have a dramatic effect on the final outcome of your painting. Watercolor paper comes in several different categories: cold pressed, hot pressed, and rough. Rough paper has the highest tooth of all watercolor papers, giving you the most texture. Hot pressed paper has the smoothest surface available. Cold pressed paper has a slight texture to it and is more versatile. Cold pressed paper is the most popular paper amongst watercolor artists.

Two other things to be aware of when purchasing your watercolor paper are sizing and weight. Sizing is when the fibers of the paper are treated to make them less absorbent. The weight of the paper is the weight measured in pounds of one ream (approximately 500 Sheets). A heavier paper would have a weight of 300lbs or more, while a lighter paper would have a weight of 90 or 140lbs for example. The lighter the paper, the more likely it will wrinkle when wet. Lighter paper should be stretched to avoid this.

You will have to experiment with the different papers to find the one you like most.

PAINT:

Watercolor paints come in both Student and Artist quality. Artist quality paint has a more intense vibrant color. Student grade paints have more fillers in them rather than pigment, which is why they are less expensive. Many artists recommend only using artist quality paints, but it really is a matter of taste. Experiment on your own with both grades to form your own opinion.

Watercolor paint is available in tubes and pans. With watercolor pans, you have to add water to the dry cake in order for it to be workable. With pans, make sure your brush is clean before picking up a new color; otherwise you will dirty your colors. With a tube, the paint is more workable, but be careful not to squeeze out more paint then you need.

Purchase only a few primary colors and learn how to mix your own colors rather than purchasing premixed colors.

When you become more experienced, you can then start incorporating more colors into your palette.

BRUSHES:

Brushes are probably the most important part of an artist 's supplies. The watercolor brush should be of good quality, with the ability to perform well under most conditions.

Brushes come in an assortment of sizes and shapes. There are both natural hair brushes and synthetic brushes. Natural hair brushes are more expensive, while synthetic brushes may not perform as well as natural brushes. It is therefore recommended that you purchase a blended brush that is made with both natural and synthetic hairs.

You do not need a ton of brushes to get started in watercolor painting. In the beginning, a few good brushes should do the trick.

You should at least purchase a round brush, a flat wash brush, an oval wash or mop brush, and a rigger or liner brush for fine details.

PALETTE:

You will need a palette for mixing your watercolor paint. The best kind of palette for mixing watercolor paints is a white palette. Since watercolor paint is transparent, a white surface seems to be the best color for clearly seeing your mixtures.

GETTING STARTED:

Now that you have a basic of idea of the watercolor supplies you need, it 's time to find a place to setup your studio. You will want a location in your home or elsewhere that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted.

Next you will need a painting table. If you can, invest in a drafting table. If not, you can use a regular table. Whatever kind of table you use to paint on, it is important that your painting surface is inclined to a 15 or so degree angle.

Next you want to make sure you have an organized and clean painting area before you begin. Make certain that you have all the materials you will need within reach for that particular painting session.

Here are some things you should consider having in your watercolor studio:

- A large see through plastic jug to hold water.
- A clean absorbent cotton rag for drying your brushes
- A spray bottle filled with water to keep your paint wet and your palette clean
- Pencils for sketching
- Erasers
- A sketchpad for doing preliminary sketches.
- Container for your brushes

WHAT SHOULD I PAINT?

Many painters often struggle with this question. If you find yourself feeling uninspired or confused about what to paint, simply remember what subject in life that you feel an emotional or deep connection with. When you have this type of connection to a subject, your painting will reflect that passion and you will not lose interest.

You can develop great ideas for subjects in a variety of different ways. If you are a lover of the outdoors and nature, simply taking a trip with a camera can do wonders. If you love animals, you could take a trip to the zoo and snap off some shots or head to an aquarium and do the same. Take your photos back to your studio and find the most desirable subject for your painting.

I wish you the best of luck with your watercolor painting. If you become frustrated or discouraged remember that every artist has been there. The key is to never give up.

For more great watercolor tips, visit http://www.creativespotlite.com/watercolor-lessons.htm today!

Essential Tools for the Model Ship Builder

Before beginning to fashion the model, materials, tools and supplies must be collected. It is good practice to begin with only essential items, because these things have a habit of accumulating. The most useful items in the modeler 's workshop are the Suppliers' Catalogs, lots of them. They reveal a wealth of information that is of untold value to the student.

Modeler 's Tools and Their Uses

The tools listed are sufficient for the student modeler, with the exception of a mechanic 's vice which is useful for holding small parts to be shaped. Some modelers prefer a carpenter 's vice but I have never felt the need for one. The mechanic 's vice provides more even pressure when gluing parts together, and for numerous other operations. Put a piece of cloth between the jaws to prevent injury to the finish of the object to be held.

Item 1. The fret saw is used to shape wood parts. Thick wood requires a coarser tooth blade, while fine tooth blades are more suitable for thin woods.

Item 2. The hand plane is an all purpose tool.

Item 3. The spokeshave is required to smooth down rough surfaces that are too rough for the plane.

Item 4. Snips are used for cutting wire and snipping the heads off pins and brads used for fastening parts to the hull.

Item 5. Two or more rules are needed; a large one for general use and a fine 1/32nd scale for deck houses and other small parts.

Item 6. Dividers, equipped with a marking pencil, have many uses. They can be set in position to gauge the waterline, or used to mark off circular or semi-circular items where required.

Item 7. The Collet Drill. This little tool is one of most useful in the whole kit. It is only four inches long and has a chuck at both ends to take drills from 1/32nd to 1/8th. It is operated with one hand, leaving the other free to hold the object. For reaming out holes in blocks and deadeyes; for drilling through the masts, and for pilot holes for pins and screws, it has no equal.

Item 8. The all purpose knife called a linoleum cutter. For model work in general it serves many purposes. It has spare blades in the handle which can be kept razor sharp with an oil stone. It is excellent for cutting thin woods by scoring on both sides and will leave a clean precision edge when broken off.

Item 9. Self locking tweezers are very useful for stropping blocks and deadeyes; for fishing rope ends in among the rigging and for tying knots in awkward places.

Item 10. Two sizes of screwdrivers are needed; a medium size for rough work like hull assembly, and a small one for such tiny screws as those that fasten the chain plates to the hull.

Item 11. A soldering iron is needed for metal bands on the yards and spars.

Item 12. A set of small files: round, half round, flat and square come in handy for fashioning smallwares.

Item 13. At least four small clamps with about two inch opening will be needed to hold small items together while the glue is drying.

Item 14. Chisels are handy tools about the hull; a one inch size and a one-quarter inch size will be sufficient.

Item 15. A pair of scissors with a fine point is needed to get in among the rigging to cut the ends off close; also for trimming ratlines.

Item 16. The Little Giant plane is a very important item. The subject of carving knives occupies many pages in the suppliers' catalog and elsewhere, but these little planes are more convenient than any of them for smoothing the contours of the hull. One of them has two separate radiuses to get into difficult places; the other is flat. Both use discarded razor blades.

Now you have the tools required, it is time to commence building a model ship!

Who Else Wants The Best Instruction Book On Building Your Own Model Sailing Ships?

Click here for FREE online ebook!

http://www.modelsailingship.net/

Jewelry Design Ideas: How You Can Wow Them With More Color

Imagine injecting your sterling silver with blue, red, or chartreuse. I'm not talking about beads or gemstones (although I looove those too).

Here 's a pop quiz: What materials can you bond, glue, or drip onto metal to add colour?

I can think of a few intriguing but common materials that you can experiment with. Can you guess what they are?

The first is...

If you can mix glue with a stick, you can use this low-tech material in your work. This relatively inexpensive medium can produce maximum results.

Epoxy is a 2 part mixture: a resin, and a hardener. Once they're mixed, it 's only a matter of time it becomes a hard, durable, super glossy clear plastic substance that can be drilled, glued and sanded. It 's the equivalent of 50 coats of varnish and dries to a mirror finish.

Where does the colour come in? Here 's the really fantastic part - colour it with acrylic paint, gouache, jello powder, makeup powder, spices from your kitchen, or anything else you can think of.

Try layering it, drip it into etched or stamped depressions on sterling or copper sheet, and pour it into bezels. You can even try dipping things into it. Just keep in mind that epoxy is a glue, so somehow suspend any dipped work while waiting for it to cure. You don't want to bond it to anything!

You can buy two-part epoxy from the hardware store in little 2-sided syringes, and from craft and hobby suppliers in larger 2 bottle kits. You might find the larger quantity kits in some hardware stores too.

Things to know about epoxy:
- It cures up fast. Hardware store epoxy usually comes in the 5 and 11 minute varieties, and other epoxies are quick too. Make sure you factor in working time, and only mix up as much as you can use in the 5 or 10 minutes.

- Don't mix it with, or on, anything you ever want to use again. I like to mix up mine on a scrap piece of paper with a popsicle stick.

- Don't inhale it or touch it with your bare skin before it cures. It 's nasty for your health. Always take proper precautions when working with chemicals.

The second material is...

What common craft material comes in every colour of the rainbow, translucent and opaque, liquid and solid, is moldable, and can be hardened in a regular oven?
Polymer clay of course! Polymer clay is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and goes under various brandnames, including FIMO, Sculpey, and Friendly Clay. In case you were wondering, polymer clay usually has no actual "clay" in it.

Polymer clay can be used for more than sculting beads and pendants. Try gluing tiny pieces onto cut metal sheet components to make mosaics. Fill slices of sterling tubing with clay. Experiment with the liquid clays and coloured powders on the market.

Things to know about polymer clay:

- Each manufacturer makes its clay differently and each brand has slightly different qualities and baking temperatures so always read the instructions.

- Polymer clay needs to be "conditioned" before you can work with it. You can condition clay by kneading it with your hands, or running it through a dedicated food processor. Some people like to sit on it for awhile (in a baggie of course! )to warm it before kneading.

- Use dedicated tools with your polymer clay. You don't want to use your polymer clay rolling pin to make cookies with later.

Important notes: Do not attempt to use any of these materials without understanding what you need to do to protect your health and your surroundings. Don't inhale fumes, contaminate your household utensils, or accidentally melt, burn, glue, or set yourself or anything else on fire.

Above all else, always have a sense of fun and be open to lucky accidents! If an experiment flops, it 's a learning experience. The best lessons are taught by our "failures".

To read the full version of this article learn about other materials, visit How-To-Make-Jewelry.com 's Jewelry Articles page.

A Beginners Guide To Card Making Terms

Understanding basic terms when card making or scrapbooking is half the battle.Armed with this knowledge you are well on your way to creating wonderful cards and scrapbook page layouts

Acetate - Acetate is a plastic film that has many applications. You can stamp onto it using rubber stamps, use it for making shaker cards, and use it to make an image or embellishment appear to hang independently. You can also paint Acetate with glass paints and glitter glues.

Acid Free - Anything that is acid free is perfect for card making and scrap booking as it will not deteriorate or discolour. Acid free is simply a product that is manufactured free of acid.

Adhesive - Adhesive is something that is used to stick one material to another. Common craft adhesives include glue dots, glue sticks, double sided tape and photo stickers.

Bone Folder - A bone folder is used for scoring and folding paper and card. It is a flat piece of plastic or bone which is pointed at one end and round at the other.

Brads - Brads are available in a wide range of designs, shapes and colours. Brads have two prongs at the back which are pushed through the paper or card and then flattened to hold in place in much the same way as a split pin..

Brayer - A brayer is usually used to create backgrounds or to roll over two pieces of paper to help glue them together. A brayer is a roller that is soft and made of rubber.

Cardstock - Cardstock is a sturdy thick scrapbook paper which is available in many different thicknesses, weights and colors.

Cello Bags - Cello Bags are used to protect your cards and often used when making cards to sell. They are made from thin plastic which is transparent.

Clear Rubber Stamps - Clear rubber stamps are usually used with an acrylic block, clear stamps can be positioned how you like, and can be mixed and matched with other stamps that you add to the acrylic block.

Corner Punch - A corner punch is used for cutting corner shapes, usually to round off the corners of cards.

Craft Knife - A craft knife is an essential item for card making and scrapbooking. It is a very sharp pointed knife that has replaceable blades.

Cutting Mat - A cutting mat is used with the craft knife. It is a mat that protects the surface you are working on.

Decoupage - Decoupage is a technique used to decorate cards. It is a technique where you build up a 3D picture using several pictures as layers.

Die Cut - Is a term that means 'cut out shape'. The shape is usually cut from a metal template called a 'die'.

Distressing - Distressing is a method used to give your project an old and worn look.. This can be achieved in many ways including, stamping, crumpling, inking and tearing.

Double Sided Tape - Double sided tape is sticky on both sides and can either be flat or 3D.

Embellishment - An embellishment is used to decorate a handmade card or scrapbook page layout.

Embossing - A technique used when stamping to create a raised image.

Embossing Powder - Embossing Powder is a fine powder that is available in a variety of colors. Embossing powder is sprinkled over a stamped image and heated to create a raised impression.

Eyelets - Eyelets are metal fasteners with holes in the middle. They are attached to cards and scrapbook pages. Once attached ribbon and fibres can be passed through the holes.

Gel Pens - Gel pens come in many different colors and can be used to colour small areas in a precise color.

Glitter Glue - Glitter glue is glue that is pre mixed with very fine glitter. Glitter glue is usually white and dries clear.

Glue Dots - Glue dots are used to attach embellishments such as buttons or other heavy materials. They are extremely sticky and should not be removed once applied.

Heat Gun - A heat gun is used to heat embossing powder

Iris Folding - A technique where strips of paper are folded and overlapped to create a background in an aperture card.

Light box - A back lit box used with an embossing stencil. The light in the box transmits through the image so that it can be seen through card and paper.

Matting - Matting is also known as mat and layering. It is a technique where a layer of paper is built up to produce a frame around an image or embellishment.

Pigment ink - pigment ink is normally used for embossing because it is like a water based ink that dries slowly enabling the embossing powders to stick to it.

Rub Ons - Rub ons are transfers that are applied by rubbing with a lolly stick. Once applied they are permanent. They are commonly used on scrapbook page layouts and for card making ideas.

Scoring - A way of creating a line that can be used to fold a card.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas also providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking The site also provides information on How To Use Chalks.

Scrapbooking Startup Inspirations? 10 Tips from a Scrapbook Rascal 's Advisor Workshop

Have you wondered how to start scrapbooking on a budget? We have 10 tips that will get you off the starting blocks fast.

I gave a class of Seniors their first scrapbooking lesson a few weeks ago. One of the questions I had to answer is:

"What is the basic 'tool-kit' that a beginning scrap booker needs to get started? It seems that so many of the supplies cost a lot; especially if you are starting from scratch. I just have trouble determining what is essential to get a good start on my scrapbooking experience."

So here 's at least the start of the answer. You can see some of the results of their efforts with minimal tools, at the ScrapbookingGems website.

Tip 1: Start scrapbooking with what you have
You probably already have the basics to enable you to start scrapbooking without shopping for anything apart from perhaps some scrapbook paper.
These are: a cutting tool, pencil, ruler, eraser, and adhesive. (And if you have been into cardmaking you will have the basic tool kit already.)

Tweezers are used for picking up and placing small objects on your layout. You may already have some in your first aid box or toilet kit.

Distressing paper, card, scrapbooking embellishments or the edges of your photos is very popular. An emery board works well for this technique.

Tip 2: Surf the net for ideas
OK, so you're enthusiastic and ready to get some scrapbooking done, so where do you go from here?

You'll find many ideas including layout designs on ScrapbookingGems. See the resources box below.

Tip 3: Don't be afraid to go looking for help.
It'll be much more fun learning with others.

Find a class or a 'crop' in your area. A scrapbooking crop is where enthusiasts gather to work on their scrapbooks. They will have instruction on techniques as well as the opportunity to work on their projects. This may be the cheapest option for a new scrapbooker as you will be able to share tools and get ideas. People are usually very friendly and keen to share their knowledge. You may also be able to buy a single paper or embellishment instead of having to buy the whole package.

There will probably be a club fee - but most clubs try to keep this low.

Tip 4: Look for alternatives to the basic tools
For example, getting a straight edge when cutting paper with scissors can be difficult, so skip the straight edges! Include angles and torn edges that are not meant to be straight. If you really want a straight edge then tear against a firmly-held ruler.

When you can afford it there are a variety of paper cutters; try them out at a crop before spending your hard earned cash.

Tip 5: Use black & white photographs
If you have black & white photos then the color of the papers you use does not matter which makes it easier to shop in the sales.

You can get a black & white copy of your photograph relatively cheaply.

Tip 6: Cutting and tearing paper
Cutting paper with scissors or a cutting tool gives a clean sharp edge. Tearing the paper will reveal the inner white core: pull towards you to reveal the core; away from you and you will not see the white core. This adds a decorative edge as well as being an inexpensive way to cut your papers. You can chalk or ink the white edge to enhance it.

Tip 7: Use what comes your way
Many cards have handmade elements to them. Save them to use on your scrapbook pages. Or cut out decorative accents from them to use, too. Wrapping paper can be useful for backgrounds or accents again - and it doesn't matter if it has been crumpled.

Note: products that are not acid-free may damage your photos in the long term, but if that does not concern you then have fun with what you find.

Tip 8: Share and swap papers
But I hear you say you need every bit you can scrape together and can't afford to be generous! If you are generous, others will be generous, too. Even if it 's just the half page you have left over from your current layout, you may get a whole sheet in return another day.

Tip 9: Make your own embellishments
Cut accents to make embellishments like flowers from papers and greetings cards you receive. A fine pointed pair of scissors will enable you to cut details in images you download from the internet. Use the chipboard from the back of legal pads to make chipboard flowers and shapes. (Bear in mind our comments about how long-lasting you might want your scrap books to be.) Make your own tags from chipboard or light card, and tie them on with ribbon or fabric scraps and fibers from old clothes. And if you have other suggestions let us know.

Tip 10: Try digital scrapbooking
The products are less expensive, instantly available and re-usable. Sounds like a good start! See the ScrapGirls website for a free ScrapGirls newsletter with freebies.

Even if you don't have a digital camera you can make your layout, print it and then add your photographs.

Yes, there 's a huge 3 billion dollar industry grown up around scrapbooking with many, many wonderful products, but you can opt for the simple life and use the expensive items sparing, making your photographs and your memories the focus of each layout.

When you do have money to spend from birthday gifts for example, head to your local scrapbook store and give them all the support you can.

And if having tried the basics, you fall in love with the game and decide you want to scrapbook for posterity - as a legacy for your descendants beyond your children and grandchildren - then there are some important factors to take into account.

We'll not go into all the details here save to say that in these circumstances you will want to make sure you use acid-free, archival products, as using some modern papers and products will damage your photographs over time.

Genie Balfour of ScrapbookingGems.com has enjoyed paper crafting for years, but converted to scrapbooking in 2007.

Where to Find Beautiful Arts and Crafts

What are 'arts & crafts'? Generally, the term 'arts & crafts' refers to handmade products that have been designed individually with the intent of creating a piece of artwork or a decoration. People engage in arts & crafts as artisans and crafters - that is, those who make their living by producing and selling handmade objects - as well as countless hobbyists who do it just for their own enjoyment. Of course, there can also be a hidden benefit if you can make your own gifts rather than having to purchase them. Arts & crafts are deeply rooted in regional and ethnic cultures, so the specifics of what kinds of objects constitute arts & crafts varies greatly across the world.

How long have arts and crafts been around?

The origin of arts & crafts can be found in simple bartering transactions; expert artisans and crafters would trade their skill for sustenance. The artisans and crafters would then pass their knowledge on to the next generation through an apprentice - an assistance who grew up with the artisan for the sole purpose of learning their trade. Artisans who passed their knowledge on in this manner include ironworkers, glass blowers, weavers and blacksmiths.

Of course, this all changed with the industrial revolution. Many of the lovingly handcrafted items that were formerly made by crafters and artisans could now be cheaply produced in large quantities. As a result, arts & crafts as a widespread profession quickly died out; individual artisans and crafters could just not compete with industrial efficiency. Today, those individuals who specialize in the former staples such as glass blowing or weaving are rare, and usually create high-priced items, in contrast to their utilitarian forbearers. In the end arts & crafts is mostly made up by hobbyists and small retailers.

How do you find arts and crafts?

Arts & crafts are generally not difficult to locate. Artisans often participate at arts & crafts fairs in order to have the opportunity to sell their wares, and allow buyers the opportunity to browse and shop from a variety of different types of arts & crafts.

Festivals and fairs are good destinations to look for arts & crafts. Many vendors will rent booths at these events in order to reach a wide audience. In addition to shows and fairs, permanent arts & crafts malls are also easy to find in most metropolitan areas. Frequently, these malls include a collection of semi-permanent booths rented out by multiple artisans and crafters.

Of course, if the buyer knows exactly the kind of item he or she is looking for, the Internet can be a great resource for finding the perfect arts & crafts item. More and more artisans and crafters are now posting their wares online with the ability view photos and read descriptions of their unique products. Nonetheless, while online retail sales have taken off in other industries, arts & crafts buyers typically like the experience of finding and seeing the one-of-a-kind products in person, which has slowed down its adoption in this area.

'Art' and 'Craft'

Art generally refers to fine arts, such as glass creations, paintings and sculptures. The people behind the creation of these objects have usually received formal training at art schools or have studied art through other programs. These art objects are usually expensive.

Crafts, on the other hand, are usually considered to be smaller in scale, or colloquially known as 'grassroots' in their creation. Those who create crafts are generally doing so based on passed down knowledge without any formal education. This of course does not mean that they are any less talented than artists. 'Arts & crafts' then is the merging of these two creative trends; grassroots objects made by highly skilled artisans and crafters.

The most common arts & crafts objects

As stated above, there are literally countless variations and iterations of arts & crafts objects in the world. Nonetheless, most arts & crafts can be fitted into a few basic categories: handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, metalworking, and sculpture are some basic categories into which most arts & crafts can be assembled. Other common types of arts & crafts include cross-stitch, weaving, crochet, knitting, embroidery, patchwork, quilting, macrame, and others. Still more common types include ceramics, wood, metal, needlepoint & textiles, and glass works. Still others are based on paper and paper products, including scrapbooking, calligraphy, collages, paper mache, and origami.

How do you find other arts and crafts collectors?

There are a number of national, regional, and local arts & crafts organizations that can provide both artisans and collectors a place where they can network and gain a sense of community. Some examples of popular organizations include the American Sewing Guild, the Arts & Crafts Society, the Black Crafters Guild, the Home Sewing Association, the National Art Materials Trade Association, the Canadian Craft & Hobby Association, the American Quilter 's Society, the Craft & Hobby Association (United States).

Steve Dolan is an expert on arts and crafts and has been creating exciting gifts and projects for years. Learn where to find amazing arts and crafts at Arts and Crafts, and be sure to visit Crafts for Kids for more fun projects for kids and families!