Floral Arranging as a Hobby

Flower arranging has become increasingly popular as a hobby, for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Have you ever put flowers in a vase and they just don't sit right? By learning a few basic principles you will be able to create attractive floral designs for your own home.

Flowers add the finishing touch. Imagine the pleasure you will get by being able to make a lovely flower arrangement for your entrance hall or a floral centrepiece for the dining room table.

Flower arrangements make the perfect gift for so many different occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, get well wishes, or to simply say "I care".

Unlike many other hobbies, you don't need a lot of expensive equipment. You can often use flowers and foliage from your own garden or you can buy some inexpensive flowers. Once you learn how to position flowers and foliage correctly, you can quickly make eye catching floral designs. You can also create floral designs using silk flowers. There are some very natural looking silk flowers available, and you will be able to make lasting floral designs. Imagine the thrill of being able to say "I made it myself".

The benefits of learning flower arranging are many -

Flower arranging is creative and fun

Relaxing. It's a great stress reducer

Interesting. Flower arranging is never boring

You will have a sense of achievement by learning a new skill

You will save money by making your own floral designs

Discover the exciting world of flower arranging. We teach you set-by-step how to make professional looking flower arrangements. It's easy when we have shown you how. Flower arranging is very interesting.There are so many different varieties of flowers available. In our flower arranging classes you will learn how to use them to their best advantage to create many different types of arrangements.

Home study flower arranging courses are available.

Copyright ©1996-Present Fay Chamoun

Do You Really Know What You're Buying?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a popular gift show in my local area. My purpose in attending this gift show was to scope out my competition and the quality of their soy candles compared to what I offer. I was truly surprised with the results of how many candle exhibitors were present and was more so surprised with the results of how well they didn't know their product.

Now my results are in no way to badger the company in anyway, but to open the eyes of our consumers, the results are:

Candle Exhibitor #1:

This exhibitor stated that they're soy candles were handmade. I was told that their soy candles burned great had no soot or mushroom build up and had an awesome scent throw. Well, fortunately the exhibitor had several candles burning and I notice on their candles that the wick that was chosen had a lot of mushrooming and a little bit of soot build up and no scent throw unless your nose was directly above the flame. Speaking of flame, the flame on these candles was high and had a wild burn, which can be a fire hazard.

Candle Exhibitor #2:

This exhibitor informed us that she handmade her candles as well, but honestly the candles appeared to be machine poured because every candle look the same and had no imperfections. When candles are handmade properly, there are imperfections that actually make the candle perfect because it gives it a unique design. With handmade candles no two are alike. My business associate was asking various questions to see if the soy wax was compatible with essential oils. This vendor kind off "skated" around the question and wasn't too sure. We were offered a sample of the candle where I later tested the candle. This particular votive candle was actually made using palm wax and then burned all the way down in 2 ½ hours. That's the fastest burning candle I have ever seen. When this vendor found out that I was a candle maker, her eyes had gotten wide and at that point wanted to end the conversation. It's interesting how one candle maker can be intimidated by another candle maker.

Candle Exhibitor #3:

Lastly, this exhibitor primarily advertised that their soy candles can also be used as body oil and that you can deep your finger in the candle while the candle is burning. Well, Kandle Indulgence highly suggests that you don't put her finger or anything near and open flame serious injuries can occur. Yet again, my business associate asked the question concerning essential oils and/or what type of essential oils did their company use. She kept saying the fragrances come from flowers, but the question was what type of flowers, are these essential oils? Finally, after the exhibitor couldn't fully explain the company's product and was getting caught up in lies she basically said "I don't know." My question is "if you make the candles why wouldn't the candle maker know where the fragrances come from and what type of fragrances is used?"

In the seven years that I've been making candles I have received positive and negative feedback always concerning the scent throw of my candles and I took those negative comments and turned into positive feedback by constantly studying and researching my product also doing a lot of testing. Although other research was conducted from other exhibitors the three mentioned above sums up the most important part of a business?know your products, business and to be honest to your consumers because you never know who you may meet.

By Jameel Nolan

Rubber Stamps - For Teachers and Students

Once again we are reminded that summer is not long enough. It is the beginning of another back to school shopping season. New clothes, notebooks, pencils, and rubber stamps fill out the shopping list.

Teachers and students all have to prepare for another nine months of education. There is some fun involved every once in a while too. When the class has had their lessons for the day, it's time to develop some crafting skills. Children young and old get that chance to use their creativity in making projects, greeting cards, and seasonal crafts.

Rubber stamps come in handy in the classroom more than just for grading papers. Students alike have access to use rubber stamps on their projects. Stamping is a way to dress things up and to add a little personality.

There are many types of stamps that can be fun for boys and girls:





Animals. Everybody likes a caricature of jungle lions or giraffes.

Cartoon characters. Spongebob, Powerpuff, and Disney round out the top choices.

Sports. Baseball, basketball, and soccer to name a few.

Alphabet stamps. Great for identifying with student's names.

Seasonal rubber stamps. From Halloween ghosts to snowflakes to turkeys.





Limits on rubber stamping really do not exist. There is a style and design for everyone and the project they are doing. Rubber stamping companies are continuously designing new stamps for crafting.

Getting the most out of rubber stamping projects is having a large variety to choose from. Storage containers for all the stamps make them easy to find and clean up. Stackable stamp bins are inexpensive and don't require a lot of space.

Keep an open mind when shopping for the upcoming school year, and don't forget the school supplies that kids can use for life. They'll bring home projects for the refrigerator posting that the whole family will enjoy.

By Robb Ksiazek

An Interesting Look at the Cuban Cigar

Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as the finest and best tasting brands in the world, they have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure. Consequently there exists a very profitable market for importing and distributing Cuban cigars to cigar-lovers worldwide. There are many brands of Cuban cigars available, but some of the most well known include Coronas Especiales (rumored to be one of Fidel Castro's favorites) and Montecristos.

Many people assume that the distribution of Cuban cigars on U.S. soil is illegal. The truth of the matter is, although there are certain restrictions placed on the importing of cigars from Cuba, there is no outright law forbidding their presence. Recently the Department of Justice altered the original embargo on Cuban products, allowing limited amounts of cigars to be brought back from licensed trips to Cuba. That law has since been expanded to include personal quantities, up to two boxes, for personal use.

Although there is actually no law governing the importation of Cuban cigars for personal use, large business have been fined, at times, for the selling or distributing of large volumes of Cuban cigars to the pubic. Fines are a rare occurrence, however. Many private settings that sell Cuban cigars, such as hotels or casinos, have experienced little or no problems over the years.

In recent years there has been a growing black market for fake Cuban cigars. Most of the time, they are easy to spot because of their poor quality and appearance, but occasionally there have been Cuban imitations that are more difficult to regulate. The only way to ensure the quality and authenticity of a purchase is to take proper care to go to a reputable, reliable dealer of Cuban cigar products.

For any concerned individuals who hope to purchase Cuban cigars, but are worried about legal ramifications, there is little cause for concern. Purchasing Cuban cigars for private, non-commercial use has been going on for years among the most high-profile cigar aficionados, including politicians and movie stars.

Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of early cultures. Commonly used as containers and vessels, they were also used for musical instruments. Some cultures used gourds for birdhouses and feeders and this is what most people today think of when they hear the word gourd. Or maybe you can remember a dipper made out of a gourd at Grandma's house years ago.

Now artists and crafts people have discovered a new medium to develop their creativity. I'm not sure when the gourd craze officially started but it worked it's way into my life about eight years ago by way of an article in a gardening magazine. It looked interesting and so that spring I decided to grow a couple gourd plants.

My first creations were, of course, birdhouses. Later, after some research and book purchases, the world of gourds exploded and I have found that the creative possibilities are limitless. Even if you can't come up with your own ideas there are a multitude of books and tutorials written by gourd artists and crafters explaining different techniques that can be done with gourds.

Gourd craft is working its way into the hands of accomplished artists who have found the gourd to be an exciting new way to showcase their art. They are not just for crafters anymore.

So now that you have gotten a little gourd enthusiasm of your own what comes next? Well, the gourd of course. Gourd growers and suppliers, once few and far between, are beginning to pop up everywhere. Many can be found on the internet.

Gourds come in all shapes and sizes, from minis to giants. The name of the gourd can give you a clue about the shape, such as egg, cannonball, canteen, basketball, bottle and so forth. You get the idea.

In order to work with the gourd it must be dry. If you happen to find gourds being sold in the fall at a farmers market they will most likely be freshly harvested. These will have to dry for a few months to a year or more depending on size. I personally don't like to purchase green gourds, as they are called, just in case they haven't fully matured. Some growers new to the world of gourd craft don't understand the needs of the gourd artist. They are only concerned with growing gourds for fall decoration. A poorly grown gourd, instead of drying, may rot or have a shell too thin to work with.

I'm in favor of buying gourds that have already dried. This way surprises and disappointments can be reduced. You still may have a few along the way though. When gourds dry they produce a moldy skin that eventually dries on the gourd. This skin has to be removed before art work can begin. After the skin is removed you may discover some holes or warts on your gourd. Or during cleaning you might discover your hard gourd has turned soft once you got it wet. This is the sign of a thin shell. There are things that can be done with a thin shell but for the most part we look for gourds with thick, sturdy shells.

To avoid these problems, look for cleaned, ready to craft gourds. These gourds have been cleaned for you. Cleaning is a messy job and you may not have the desire or area in which to do it yourself.

So come and join in the fun and find out for yourself the addicting powers of the gourd.

By Martha Bloom

Airbrush for Profit - Sell Your Services to Colleges

Colleges, schools, university and the like are one way you can make money from airbrushing. Why they are a good market is that there are plenty of students to begin with. Therefore, you are starting with a big customer base. Generally, look for any large groups when you want to make money from airbrushing. The cost of advertising will be low, and you will get to concentrate all your energies on one group.

You could arrange to sell your products and services at different school events. You could set up a booth at the school fair, paint at concerts, sell at dances, or any other big event or day they may have. Sell face painting, t-shirts, temporary tattoos, anything really.

One particularly good event that you can sell your product or service is graduation day. Call the organising committee and see if they would like a particular product airbrushed for the Graduating Class. One product that would be a good money earner, that students would love to get their hands on are "Class of 2005" t-shirts. Paint something that will remind them of the school or the year that past. Ask the organisers what they would like to see on them, and give them a few FREE SAMPLES to model for you around the school. You never know, a school with 200 graduates could be a good weekends work, not to mention the extra money you could make.

Talk to the committee and see if you are able to set up a work area at their end of year function. That special night, could also be a special night for you. Most times, students love to remember the night. You could be the right person to give them what they want!


By Roger Vail

Decorative Metal Work Techniques From The Early 1900s

Today's Metal Craft workers should truly appreciate the artistic skills & techniques used exclusively by the highly skilled metal artisans from almost one hundred years ago.

Decorative metalworking is undergoing a new renaissance as more & more people become involved in hobby metal craft. The skilful use of simple metal craft hand tools, allows the worker to create fine metal work items.

The casual onlooker of the magnificent ornamental metalwork's found on many historic public buildings in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada & many other countries, would hardly realize the many painstaking weeks or months of work involved in creating these elaborate metal works.

Every day, thousands of people walk straight past the beautifully crafted iron work, & decorative iron arches in public buildings & gardens, and not give them a second glance.

But the new age metal-craft worker of today would stop and admire & appreciate the design & craftsmanship skills required to create these superb handmade iron & metal-works of yesteryear. It is a learning experience.

Examples of old bent iron design work can also be used as inspiration for ideas to incorporate into new items made for today's lifestyle which any skilled metal worker of today could reproduce, things such as: garden structures, outdoor garden furniture, household utensils, or high quality items could be produced to sell to customers who are willing to pay the price for custom made iron & metalwork items.

But first, the metal craft worker needs to re-learn the special old time metal working skills used create these beautiful metal works

Most of this knowledge has been preserved for anyone who wants to become involved in artistic metal work. An ebook has just been republished which explains in full, the correct way to go about designing genuine reproduction bent ironwork, this ebook will show the novice or advanced metal worker the design concepts, and how to transfer drawings into real life full size objects.

Ironworkers over a century ago did not have arc welders to join their creations together, instead, they used special methods to bind the intricate metal work together, many of which are still in good repair today, even after one hundred years, such was their skill.

Metal work skills also combined the art of chemical etching of intricate designs onto copper and brass, & special methods of colouring or creating patinas on all kinds of metals for different unique effects.

Sheet metal cross strips and borders were also used for outdoor garden tables and chairs, this exacting skill is explained and described in detail so that the home hobby metal worker can reproduce them.

The special skills explained in the ebook will enable the artistic metal worker to recreate ornamental iron works just like the metal craft masters did over a century ago.