By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren’t taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories.

You might be thinking that I’m really organized to be already working on scrapbooking my daughter’s high school memories. To be honest, I have a shoe box full of pictures of my daughter waiting for me to get to someday.

But if I wait until “someday” to continue taking pictures because I already have so many pictures I haven’t done anything with, then my daughter’s teenage years will come and go while I try to catch up.

I don’t want to chronicle every detail of my daughter’s life (nor would she want me to!), but I was trying to think of some memories that she might want to laugh about and maybe even treasure someday. So how do you do that without ending up with pages and pages of memories?

I decided to do two large (12×12) pages (facing each other in the album) for each year of high school. I will challenge myself to use this space creatively to tell the story of each year. When I started thinking of all the the possibilities, it really inspired me to start getting organized and collecting some great memories. And don’t limit yourself to just photographs, your scrapbook pages can really be accentuated by other types of memories. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Photograph Ideas:

• High School Dances

• First Date/Boyfriend

• School Building

• Church Events/Retreats

• Braces (the day they’re removed)

• Hair Styles

• Clothing Fads

• Learning to Drive

• First Job

• First Car

• Best Friends

• School Plays/Concerts

• Family Vacations

• Favorite Family Pets

• Babysitting

• Sports/Band/Cheerleading

• Musical Instrument Practice

Other:

• CD Covers (scanned)

• Favorite Song Lyrics

• Drivers’ Permit

• First Pay Stub

• Programs from Play/Concerts

• College Brochures

• School Newspapers

• ASB Card

• Awards/Certificates

• Ticket Stubs (concert, movie, sporting events)

• Report Cards

You can be creative when you’re arranging your layouts. Don’t be afraid to cut pictures down or cut out portions of play programs or school newspapers. Just cut out enough to accentuate the other items on the page. You will create the overall effect from the entire page, not necessarily from an individual item.

Have fun and don’t worry if you don’t get it done all at one time. I figure if I can do one every summer for the previous school year, by the time she finishes high school (she’s a freshman this year), all of her high school memories will be recorded in the family archives.

About The Author

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more
inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her
web sites at http://www.creativehomemaking.com and
http://www.crafty-moms.com

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If you’re familiar with creating scrapbooks then you have a work at home business waiting to be opened in your lap. Scrapbooks are a wonderful way to treasure wedding memories or the memories of a lost loved one.

To create a wedding scrapbook for a client you will need to attend the wedding or reception in order to gather photographs and quotes from family and friends of the happy couple. For this you will need a digital camera and a small tape recorder or notepad.

If the scrapbook is meant to be a memorial for someone you will need to gather photographs of the person from his or her relatives. Try to get photos from all phases of the person’s life. Ask the friends and family of the person to recall their memories of their loved one.

It would be best to use a tape recorder for this for accuracy. You don’t want entire chapters about the person, just words he or she said or funny events that occurred in their life.

Use the wedding’s theme for the wedding scrapbook. Use items from the wedding in the scrapbook, pressed flowers, ribbons, and lace from the veil, the couple’s vows, and even the groom’s tie. This scrapbook will become a family treasure. You want the scrapbook to bring the wedding to life each time someone opens it.

For the memorial scrapbook try to base the theme on the person being honored. What is the one personality trait or hobby or quirk of his or hers that the person’s relatives remember best? Was the person a comedian, an avid fisher, or the scholarly type? Was the person a proud veteran? Maybe he or she was a community activist.

Try to use small objects from the person’s life in the scrapbook to personalize it, a bit of cloth from a favorite dress, favorite flowers, awards, the ugly tie a child bought for a dad’s birthday or for Father’s Day, school drawings made by the person’s children.

While performing either scrapbook service you must remember that discretion is of utmost importance. For example, leave out the embarrassing remark the bride’s aunt made no matter how funny you may think it. Don’t include an ugly quote or memory in the memorial scrapbook. Your clients won’t appreciate it.

To advertise your wedding scrapbook service create eye-catching business cards and brochures on your computer and leave them at bridal shops, at stores with wedding registries, and place ads in your local newspaper. You might try church bulletins boards as well, as long as the powers that be don’t mind.

For your memorial scrapbook service leave brochures at funeral homes, place newspaper ads, and leave your card with the ministers and priests in your town. Act with respect and discretion. In other words, don’t hand out brochures at the funeral.

When a client asks about your service it would be wise to have a scrapbook you’ve already made on hand that you can show the client to demonstrate your skill. Your client wants to know what he or she is getting in exchange for their hard-earned money.

But how much should you charge?

People are willing to pay well for a truly beautiful scrapbook of their memories. $50 to $100 isn’t unreasonable for the work and time you put into the scrapbook. You could charge more for a really detailed wedding scrapbook.

Charging more for a detailed memorial album would be up to you. But it might be wise to set a fixed price for memorial albums, for example $50 for a small album and $75 for a large album.

You don’t want to seem as if you’re trying to gouge the mourning family as doing so could harm your business reputation. Treat the family with respect and do the finest job possible on their scrapbook. Soon word of your skill will spread to other people interested in having a memorial album created.

Put your love for creating scrapbooks to work, and one day you can create a scrapbook about your successful business that you created one memory at a time.

Jenny Harker is on the hunt for fun new work at home ideas. Visit: jennyharker.blogspot.com today to read her other free money making ideas.

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Why do people kill?

Is it for the thrill?

Or is just the zeal?

Let’s get real!

Are they really that ill?

Why does it appeal?

Can’t they feel?

For the lives they steal?

Are they’re hearts that sealed?

The question still…is

WHY DO PEOPLE KILL?

A LITTLE PISS ANT!
He drove around the neighborhood
Like an enraged bumblebee,
Intimidating neighbors like
A grizzly rampaging through a campsite

He wanted everybody’s attention
On him like men starring at a naked lady
At a girlie show

He wanted everyone to snap to attention
When they saw him coming as if he was
A general reviewing his troops

He wanted to be a big molehill
Among the little molehills,
A big dog among the little dogs,
A big frog among the little frogs

He wanted to be superman
When he was just A LITTLE PISS ANT
About to be crushed by the heels of time!
BUT NOT IN HIS MIND!

THE CLOWN
He fought like a wild animal about to be caged
When they tried to integrate his street!

He was enraged like a kid whose candy had been taken from him
When they moved next door!

He threw bricks, broke windows, and flatten tires like a vandal
Trying to make them leave!

Now looking back through the mirror of time,
That all seems so far away!

And his youthful rage has evaporated like
A vampire caught in the morning sun!

He shakes his graying head in amazement at how
Things once so big now seem so small.

He smiles where he once frowned!
gaziing in the mirror, at the buffoon, THE CLOWN!

Copyright 2001 El-Veasey Publishing

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Sometimes trying to decide on a craft idea can be extremely frustrating. It seems as though every craft idea has already been thought about and made, and for the most part it has. But sometimes it’s fun to make a really simple craft project but just put your own spin to it.

Easter is a fun time to make crafts. Easter craft ideas can be full of color and whimsy, not to mention that fun Easter Rabbit. Of course, an Easter craft idea usually consists of making an Easter Basket. Well, this is no exception. But once again, add your own spin to the idea and make it your own.

Something unique to make an Easter Basket from is a metal bucket. Small metal buckets can be found at most craft stores. Of course, you can decide on the size of the bucket. Take your metal bucket and paint it with your choice of colors. Create your own design and have fun with it. Then you will need embellishments. Various color ribbons are fun to place around the bucket or you may just want one strand of ribbon. Then continue embellishing with flowers, buttons, beads, or even a belt buckle.

As for the “grass” to place in the bucket, one suggestion is to use shredded paper. If you have paper that is straw colored then that may be even better. This would be something a bit different from the “Easter grass” at the store.

Now your Easter Basket could be used for hunting eggs or maybe as a centerpiece for your table.

As stated before, sometimes it is rather hard to come up with crafting ideas. I’ve been crafting for several years and absolutely love it but there are times that I get what I call “crafter’s block.” Yes, it’s similar to “writer’s block” but with crafts. Keep in mind that just because it’s someone else’s craft idea doesn’t mean it’s not your own creation. It’s up to you to design it how you wish.

Brandi Clark is the owner of Floral Creations where she offers one of a kind gifts. Through April 16, 2006 sign up to receive her free newsletter, Crafty Corner, and receive a coupon code worth 20% off your total purchase at Floral Creations. Crafty Corner is full of craft ideas relating to any craft, craft tips, and special offers for subscribers! Sign up today at http://www.craftycorner.makes.it

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1. Put your spool of thread on the spindle on top of the machine.

1a. A vertical spindle or post - position the spool so that the thread runs clockwise as you sew.

1b. A horizontal spindle - the spool is held in place by an end cap. If your spool has a small cut in it, be sure to have the cut to the right.

NEWBIE TIP: If your spool is brand new and there are labels covering the holes, uncover yhour holes completely to allow the spool to turn easily.

2. Pull thread to the left of the spindle and thru your first thread guide.

3. Draw thread down thru your tension guide. (It is extremely important to have your presser foot UP when threading your machine.)

4. Draw thread thru the next thread guide.

5. Insert thread thru the take up lever.

6. Bring thread thru next thread guide.

7. Finally! - thread your needle. Most needles are threaded from front to back, some from left to right.

Practise threading your machine. It is no small chore if you are a beginner, but after a while you will be able to do this with your eyes closed.

WINDING YOUR BOBBIN - THE NEXT STEP

Follow the instructions from your manual carefully when winding your bobbin.

If your bobbin case is built in, the bobbin will be wound in place with the machine fully threaded.

Removable bobbins are wound on the top or side of the machine. Your machine must be threaded before bobbin filling.

Your bobbin thread must be drawn thru the tension spring. For wind in place bobbins, this is already taken care of. You MUST make sure this is done if you are using a bobbin that already has thread in it.

BALANCING THE TENSION:

Balancing your tension is a huge issue when you first start to learn about your sewing machine. There is nothing that will cause you more grief than your tension.

Your stitch is formed by interlocking the bobbin and needle thread. Every time the needle goes down, a hook catches the needle thread and wraps the bobbin thread around it. It is a tug of war that must be synchronized for a good stitch result.

If your needle thread tension is stronger, your bobbin thread will be pulled to the top of your fabric. If your bobbin thread tension is stronger, the needle thread will be visible on the underside of your fabric. When the tension is just right and evenly balanced, the stitch will lock in the middle, halfway between the top and bottom of your fabric. This is what you want and have to find. It might take some playing around with your tension guide, but worth the extra bit of time it takes.

TEST - TEST- TEST

The easiest way to test your tension is to thread your machine and put one colour thread in your machine with a totally different colour in your bobbin. Neither one should match your fabric. You need to examine your stitches.

If your tension is too tight, you will see your bobbin thread on top.

If your tension is too loose, you will see your top thread on the bottom of the fabric.

If your tension is correct, you will see machine thread only on the top of the fabric and bobbin thread only on the underside of the fabric.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS:

BEFORE you start adjusting your tension, make these three checks. This is very important.

1. Be certain your machine is threaded properly. Even long time sew-ers can miss a thread guide.

2. Be sure your bobbin is properly installed.

3. Make sure your needle is inserted properly.

After going thru the three checks, you may have to adjust the tension in order to sew a good stitch. Check your manual to see how this is done. Each time you have adjusted, sew a line of stitching. You should only have to make small, slight adjustments to correct your stitch.

If after what seems like an eternity of changes, you still don’t have a balanced stitch, leave your machine. Don’t even look at it for a few hours, maybe a day or so. Then go back and try again. It could be you are tired, frustrated or distracted. It happens to all of us.

Or, it could be that your bobbin needs adjusting. Most sewing machine manufacturers don’t want you to adjust your bobbin tension. If your manual doesn’t cover this area, then it is best to take your sewing machine in to a dealer or reputable repair man.

Happy Sewing!

Mary Wilkins has three grown children and six perfect grandchildren. Completely self taught, she has been sewing, and crafting for over 30 years. Her website http://www.sew-whats-new.com has been recognized in many sewing magazines and newsletters alike.

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Since Mohamed Ali–then Cassius Clay–announced that he had written “The world’s shortest poem,” I have known that I would be a poet. “ME? WHEE!” His triumphant proclamation evoking shivers within my troubled teenaged identity, for I reasoned in rhyme.

Everyday, hundreds-of-thousands of seemingly sane souls satisfy some innate need to bare their concealed character via atrocious alliteration or in delusional doggerel. As in Kris Kristofferson’s early works, the marvelous magic masquerades within sweet musical lyrics, providing us with eternal material transcending generational barriers.

Even if none but we are ever allowed to examine our hidden essence, an inner longing is unleashed–only to be squished–should we presume to be published.

In1978, I self-published my first poetry book, Beacon©, to an enthusiastic reception of some uninformed who didn’t realize, fearing rejection, I had never submitted my musings to somber publishers. After all, Rod McKuen, suffering countless rejections, had self-published. And he was said–at that time–to be, “The world’s most widely read poet.”

To the accolade of local yokel fans, the following year, I followed up with Imperfections©, Verse by Russ Miles, songs and thoughts reflecting who, where, and what I was–at that time in my life. Even more well received, I was enjoying the affirmative attention of a metropolitan newspaper poetry editor insisting that I co-chair a college invitational symposium for wantabe poets with the State Poet LaTourette. My books selling well, a youthful, insatiable ego was being satisfactorily stroked.

Then, a strange thing happened. I caught a case of conscience. What if an unforgiving God held me accountable for my wanton actions or the impact of foisting my unholy understandings upon innocents?

Frightening purgatorial–or worse–reprisal prospects triggered instantaneous actions. Removing all remaining copies from the marketplaces which I had developed for distribution, I stopped penning poetry for the next twenty-five years.

Disabled at age fifty-three by Multiple Sclerosis, I found myself writing another book, For Sale By Owners:FSBO©. A mystery thriller novel evolved offering some insights that only a self-absorbed, worldly man of three messed-upped marriages could possibly convey.

I continue learning that God is so forgiving. How He can inspire good to come of all things. Even some of my old songs are once more awaiting discovery thanks to the song-writing, truck-driving character appearing between the FSBO covers.

By today’s standards, Red Haring’s vivid verse words and wayward rhyme renderings are no longer abysmal. Rather they reflect the subtle “It’s all about me” immoral fiber of a masculine male–wrestling with post 9-11 internal issues–choosing to make changes in his so self-consumed life. Red’s songs emerge to stimulate reflections within Brooklyn Best, the no-saint heroine, real estate agent with whom he becomes romantically involved–while being knitted together to unravel some horrific homicides–in this reality based novel. Through its use in a sub-plot, my poetry is being reborn.

As for Beacon© and Imperfections©, perhaps I’ll offer my few remaining hand signed & numbered “First Edition” & “Limited Edition” poetry books on e-Bay®. After all, John Grisham’s originally published novels are now collector’s items aren’t they?

Free-Reprint Article Written by: Russ Miles
See Terms of Reprint Below.

Article Copyright: 2005

Author Contact Email: mailto:MilesRuss@Gmail.com

—————————————————————–

TERMS OF REPRINT - Publication Rules

This is a Free-Reprint article. The only requirements for
publishing this article are:

* You must leave the article and resource box unedited. You are not allowed to change the content of the article. Reformatting is permitted as necessary.

* You may not use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email). Email distribution of this article MUST be opt-in email only.

* We ask that you forward a copy of the ezine or newsletter that contains the article inside to the author at: MilesRuss@Gmail.com

* If you post this article on a website, you MUST set any URL’s or Mailto addresses in the body of the article and most especially in the Author’s Resource Box as hyperlinks. We request that you also send us a copy of the URL where you have posted this article.

If you utilize this article in a printed magazine, or on paper publication, please snail mail a copy in full to Russ Miles 410 W 13th Street #807 Vancouver, WA 98660.

If you find any of the rules to be unsavory or unacceptable, please
do not publish this article. While we are happy to make the content
available to you for your own use, we must insist on having our rules
and *Terms of Reprint* honored in full.

—————————————————————–

Russ Miles is the author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO.
Seasoned Real Estate NAR® Broker Disabled by Multiple Sclerosis,
FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback,
is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct!
Very HOT–LINK Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available
FSBO at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers.

Comments: MilesRuss@Gmail.com.

Personal referrals to his publisher

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If you are like me, you’d much rather type than write. I have never really liked my handwriting and I’m not fond of my printing either.

However our handwriting is a part of us. And if we are creating a scrapbook either for ourselves or for someone else, it’s nice to include something written by us, sharing that part of ourselves with the recipient of our scrapbook.

I have discovered a few ways to write and/or journal without pages of writing we don’t care for.

The first technique is called “hidden journaling”. This involves writing but then “hiding” what you write. Most craft stores sell small inserts for scrapbooks. These inserts resemble a page protector, but are usually half the size. You can write to your hearts content and then tuck it away inside the insert. This way, the journaling/writing is included, but it’s not what our eyes focus on when looking at a page.

The next technique for including your writing is to write in the front of the book either the theme for the book, or who the book is to, or even the date/year the book was created. This again, shows your writing style for that time in your life without having your writing all over the scrapbook pages.

The final technique for including your bad handwriting” is to be very selective and only add a letter or number here or there. For example, if you are making an album in chronological order, consider writing the year on some of the pages. Or if your album is of various people, consider writing just one letter, the first letter of the persons name on that page.

Try these techniques to incorporate your handwriting into your scrapbook albums.

Audrey Okaneko has been scrapbooking for several years now. You can reach her at audreyoka@cox.net or www.scrapping-made-simple.com

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A large group of stamp collectors resides in the US and many
of them are enthusiastic when it comes to United States postage stamps.

Each collector will have his or her favorite stamp types - some go for
the old and faded while others appreciate stamp blocks or new and rare
models.

United States postage stamps offer collectors a huge variety of models and design types, which makes stamp collecting an interesting and engaging hobby.

If you do not want to spend a lot of money on United States postage stamps you can look for older or canceled ones. Blocks of stamps that are only barely canceled can be of real value to any collection.

Compared to mint condition stamps of the same issue, canceled stamps
are inexpensive and still pertain the same visual qualities.

Plate blocks are another interesting option, and many traditionalist
stamp collectors see these as the ultimate goal for their collections.

United States postage stamps that do come in pairs or groups are harder to gather, a fact that makes them even more valuable.

If you do not want to spend a lot of money on plate blocks you can go
for the singles.

They are considerably cheaper and you can find all the stamps from one
collection if you look hard enough. Other appreciated United States postage stamps come in coils.

These are also a bonus to any collector’s acquisitions. Plate number
coils are even harder to find and you should be looking for some that
come in symmetrical strips.

Used plate singles may be available if you look in the right places,
as they are quite common among other United States postage stamps.

Lloyd Lewis
http://www.pc-postage.com

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Tags are a little added touch of professionalism that adds to the overall well thought out look to your scrapbook. Tags can be used for accents, captions, and thought bubbles as well as dedications. The design of your tags will depend entirely on your personal needs and desires.

Thus, tags can be big or small, square or specially shaped, white or colored, plain or textured.

Furthermore, tags need not be made of paper. Some of the most interesting tags are made from fabric, wood, and furniture odds and ends found around the house. Be creative.

Pre-made tags are available at most craft or office supply stores.

Your own unique embellishments add a special personal touch to your scrapbook pages. Embellishments can be used as the main focus of your page, to highlight items, or as borders. Embellishments can range from simple items such as stickers and ribbon to more complex techniques such as adding faux beads and silver accenting. Use your imagination and creativity.

Embellishments need not be expensive. Odds and ends that you have from other craft projects work just fine. Be on the lookout for sales on fabric, plastic flowers, lace, beads, and whatever else takes your fancy. These items will no doubt come in handy on your next scrapbook project. Also keep a sharp eye out for deals in second hand stores and garage sales. Often used items can be ripped apart and the pieces reused literally for only pennies.

Mia LaCron is the founder of 101-scrapbooking-tidbits.info - http://www.101-scrapbooking-tidbits.info - devoted to helping individuals record, store, and preserve their most cherished memories via the art of scrapbooking.

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If you like to do wood carving or making sculpture as your hobby, you surely need tools to make your creation. If you just starting this hobby, knowing your tools and how to treat your carving tools probably the best way to make everything easier for you, thus make efficient time when doing your work.

Let’s start by knowing more about these carving tools. The easiest part is the handle which mostly made of wood or plastic. It has two primary configuration blades in different shape which are very sharp. There are flat chisel types, or curved in cross-section for use as gouges. A flat chisel for carving has two bevels and each side looks the same. A gouge has a concave surface and a convex one. The concave side is known as the inside or channel of the gouge. The convex surface is the outside or back. The tang is a smaller portion of the steel that is fixed inside the handle. Some pull apart easily, others don’t.

Among all those part of carving tools, the most important is the blade. Because this part is mostly used when you do your work. So, it is better you take care of your carving tools blade before and after working. Even though, not only this part need to be taken care of, but all these parts need equal care. All deserve reasonable care.

Here are some tips you need when taking care of your carving tools:

* Get the tools sharp and keep them that way with maintenance strokes during and after a carving session. This way will save your energy and you will be in a better mood when you going to use it in the next work.

* Keep the tool sharp during your session, and give it a stroke or two, or three, as you put it away.

* Start by putting a really great edge on all tools when you first get them. You may wish to store your carving tools in a box.

* If a handle or blade problem unrelated to sharpening occurs during a session, deal with it then, rather than letting a lot of small concerns build up.

* Return tools to the box or roll as soon as you finish using that particular tool, not when the session is ended.

* Carving tools that are used nearly daily will not normally rust. The longer your tools are unused, the more protection they need from dampness

Working as above will help you keep your carving tools in shape and ready to go at a moment’s notice, while also making your work area safer and more pleasurable.

About the Author:
Tony Gevano interest in observing people’s way in choosing things. He wrote almost anything he likes. You find his writing in different Websites. Visit http://www.craftsman-tool.info; http://www.wood-working-tool.info to find more information.

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