I’m amazed I managed to stick at it and post my first Squidoo page on my Christmas Crafts Book.

Complete with pictures and a video, I’ve stunned myself. I figured it was about time to get some of my stuff out there. So following all the best advice I’ve watched no end of vids on how to put these things together. Hopefully I will improve, but till then, take a look at all the crafts you could be making while you’ve still time!

Take a look at the video to see what I mean.

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To find the best Greeting Card Course >>click here to continue >>

A greeting card course can be the best, easiest and fastest way for you to learn card making. But, like anything in life, you get what you pay for. If you went to any professional Expert on the street for quality work, you would expect to pay Top Dollar. So why think that buying teaching skills is any different?

There are many ways to catch a fly as they say, so once you know the kind of course that suits you best, it will be easier to decide which to go for. You may want a simple, brief explanation and lots of easy card ideas.

If you love to have loads of information before you start, then find an expert who can give you the whole package. You decide your level and you decide your price range.

There are of course many free card making projects available. They range from mediocre to excellent. Not everyone will have the same opinion of the same information as it depends on what you want. But weigh up your options:

- Would you prefer a freebie to test your Expert?
- Are you after a series of greeting card projects – all set out in the same way?
- Does a more weighty card making course interest you, where you will study craft techniques in depth?

Shorter instruction will be appropriate for more easy card crafts.
Other crafts may require more lengthy explanations.

Another way to get your card craft projects is through a Craft Course. This will mean that Card Craft only features in a small percentage of your program. But if a general variety of projects interests you, then the regular arrival of craft ideas might spur you into action.

When you make the decision on what kind of card craft delivery you would like, take your budget and time availability into account. Do not expect to pay a pittance for quality explanations.

We have become so used to ‘free stuff’ that it is easy to begrudge paying for quality instructions. Spare a thought for your craft expert. More than likely they have studied their craft to a high level, spent time and money training, and honed their writing skills and verbal explanations on hundred of students.

A choice of courses is important, but do not get choice overload. Make a decision. And once you have found someone who instructs in a way you can follow, sign up for more.

Enjoy your card making.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here for a 5 Subject that will help you masterCard Craft .

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To find the quickest and easiest place to Learn Parchment Craft >>click here to continue >>

Parchment paper is used to create a series of embossed white outlines that make up the traditional appearance of ‘Pergamano’.

Pergamano is a trade name that incorporates the use of parchment paper, surface inks and pastels, and other specialist tools.

Generally, the practice of applying known techniques to these materials is know as Parchment Craft.

The ideal weight of parchment paper is between 150gsm and 170gsm. The thicker paper allows you to exert greater pressure with your chosen embossing took and reduces the risk of paper ‘tear’. If you are heavy-handed, go for a heavier weight of paper.

Whilst some people prefer to trace their parchment outlines with a hand-held nib and white ink, others prefer the quicker method of embossing through manufactured stencils.

Though quicker, stencils do not give you the total freedom and individuality of freehand work. You need to select the correct size of embossing tool to fit the stencil ‘channel’.

Too wide and you will not be able to get the pressure you need to create the recognised white embossed outline associated with this ancient craft.

Whilst the purists prefer to stick with the entirely white surface finish, modern-day Parchment Craft uses a selection of soft pastel colours, applied to the back of the work.

These then work like shadow quilting, throwing their colour through the front, where the subtle colours of shading can be appreciated on the front of the parchment paper.

Pastels need to be applied carefully, with sensitivity to the materials, to achieve the right depth of colour for the given project.

For a packed Paper Craft book with 25 projects including Parchment Craft
Go here to Learn a Craft.

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To find the quickest and easiest place to Learn a Craft Fast >>click here to continue >>

The trick on how to learn a craft fast is not rocket science, but it does take a bit of planning and thinking through. There is no point rushing at something half-heartedly. The answer lies in careful preparation. Get these steps right and you will be steaming through any craft you turn your hand to.

1. Choose the right level.
You need to choose a project that is on the right level for you. That might mean something easy, so you feel you can complete it, something you are used to doing, so there is no great challenge, or something more complicated that you have not yet attempted.

Only you will know what is right for you. But once you choose, give it your all.

2. Give it some time
Whatever level you take on, give it the time it deserves. If that means a regular time each day, or week, then build it in. If you find you need more time to complete, then work out how you will do it.
No point begrudging the time it takes, because you, after all, chose it.

3. Get organised
Once you have got the project, and allocated the time, plan your time well. Be as organised as possible so that all your tools and materials are together in once place.

Make a note of where you stopped earlier, organise your space and generally get on top of things. It means making the most of your time and your energy.

4. If there is conflict
If you find yourself needing more time – give it. If you find the instructions less than clear, decide if you will stick with it, or give it or give it up. And give it up without any blame.

If the project is the wrong level, then be gracious in changing your mind next time. Allow yourself the luxury of spending time on crafts, but decide to make the most of each block of time.

5. When it comes together
Congratulate yourself on a job well done but also decide to move onto the next level as soon as possible. You will always learn faster by making another project on the back of the first – because it is fresh in your mind.

And if you find that a set of instructions has been thorough in taking you through all the tasks, then look for others written in the same style.

Learning crafts can be painless when you choose carefully. In my experience there is no-one who cannot learn crafts given the right set of circumstances.

Allow yourself time to select the right project, plan well, focus and be prepared to cut your losses if things are not working . Disappointment will only hold you back. You are as good as your next project.

So to learn a craft fast, apply these tips and the process will be as painless as possible.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to Learn a Craft Fast.

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For great Craft Projects to use with your pins >>click here to continue >>

Most of use get to know craft pins from our school dressmaking projects. Most of us have been on the receiving end of a wayward pin during some sort of pining or sewing session. We take our pins for granted and there is much more to craft pins that the humble nickel pin.

Like most things in life, we get to know what we need to know, so specialist pins may form part of our workbox. Even the basic craft box though should carry a selection of pins. They will all come in handy at some time.

Here are just a few recommended inclusions.

Dressmaker’s pins
The standard craft pin, it is hard-wearing and versatile. Use if for pinning fabric in place before machine or hand stitching and for aligning seams.

Place your pin with the point towards the open edge to aid stitching, and remove it as soon as possible, to avoid marking your fabric. Be especially careful of pins used on delicate fabric such as Organza.

Glass Headed Pins.
These come in a variety if thickness’ and sizes. They are especially useful in crafts such as Patchwork where you need to see your pins quickly to be able to take them out after working.

The large glass headed pins are valuable as marker pins for Pinwork, Sequin Eggs and Temari. Being highly visible and sturdy, they are excellent for marking all areas in Egg Craft.

Sequin pins
As the name suggests, secure beads and sequins to polystyrene shapes. They can also be used for Lampshade Work. Being small, they are perfect for small Egg Craft projects. Push the pin ‘home’ to secure. The head will be above your bead and sequin.

With these 3 types of pins in your craft workbox, you should be set to carry out a range of craft tasks, adding to your specialist range as and when required.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here for some great choice in how to Learn a Craft.

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To find the quickest and easiest place to Make a Patchwork Card >>click here to continue >>

Choosing craft scissors deserves special thought and consideration. You’ll be looking for different qualities depending on what craft you want them for, It is not a case of one pair fits all although you are advised to get one or two pairs that are multi-purpose.

Your first consideration is to choose a pair that will suit your craft. If you are doing embroidery you will need a small pair of thin, long-nosed scissors, perfect for snipping and trimming.

Fabric crafts will need good, heavy fabric scissors and you may need a selection of pairs just for metal work. Metal Craft should have their own designated pairs of scissors such as wire cutters and trimming foil etc.

It is advisable to have a set of paper scissors just for paper cutting. This could be a special purpose or a general purpose pair, depending on your specific paper needs. Obviously detailed Decoupage work or Papercuts for instance will require a different size of pair that other activities.

If you know what you need your scissors for you can be particular on the length of blade, the handle, the weight and the size. Perhaps you need scissors for a number of crafts.

Once you’ve whittled down your requirements, think about what you can afford to pay. You may feel that a quality pair will suit you better, as you could use them for a variety of projects. If your craft is likely to be a long-term love affair, the more expensive pair maybe the best investment. Think about the amount of use your scissors will get and consider their versatility as you make your choice.

It is always advisable to have a back up pair for emergencies, and you can start quite modesty by buying a scissors set. On the other hand, you may choose to ‘go for it’ and buy into a more specialist pair.

Whatever you chose, keep them safely and do not be tempted to use quality pairs for projects for which they were not intended (i.e. using fabric scissors to cut paper, or shears to cut wadding).

I have a large variety of scissors in different shapes p- snips, shears and scissors to cover all manner of crafts that I indulge in.

Look after your craft scissors well and they should give you gears of good service.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to Learn a Craft.

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For all your Crafting Needs >>click here to continue >>
The choice of craft workboxes can be overwhelming. They come in a huge variety of options. Roll, carry, fold, hang – the possibilities are unlimited even before you consider colour, sips, pockets and flaps etc.

These days absolutely any craft will have a number of portable and fixed choices. If you know what you wants – or at least know what you have got to store and carry, then you match up the options.

1. What have you got?
Although I have put this first, it should not necessarily
be your No.1 consideration. However, beginning with
the supplies and materials you know you have will give
you an idea as to the best kind of storage.

How much, what quantity? Do you want to carry it or
is it better to be permanently stored in a fixed,
accessible setting like a storage system, a cupboard,
or the like> Even if you do what permanent
furniture-style storage, you may want an additional
portable workbox to take the essentials from place to
place as you work on projects.

2. Carry Options
These are numerous. Depending on your craft, the
number of materials you need to carry and your
budget, weigh up the following.

- How far do you want to carry your materials? If it is only a short distance, a bag with some sort of handle may be sufficient. Or perhaps you need a trolley that you load and push/pull to take the strain?

3. How much do you need to transport?
Bulky and heavy items will require a wheel based
system. You may decide to carry lighter or small items
in some sort of bag of rucksack.

4. Do you want to separate your items for either safer
Transport or accessibility? If so, you will want to think
about both padding and protection capabilities of your
transport options. Look at the various separate
compartment or pockets of your favourite choice.

5. How much will you use it? The amount you spend and the quality you go for should reflect the use your workbox/storage system will get.

6. Will you supplies grow? It can be difficult to predict your continued passion in a particular craft but any storage system should be adaptable to both growing materials and changing craft interests.

You will often get great deals at Fairs or Exhibitions. Think carefully about your purchase and if your proposed purchase will serve you well. There will be the perfect craft workbox or craft storage system out there, so seek it out.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find projects to use your Craft Pins.

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To get your hands on your 2 Free Craft projects >>click here to continue >>

There’s nothing like a craft freebie – and nothing quite like our way of getting it to you. We’ve made it so easy for you to learn crafts that you can try us out for 2 weeks and see how you get on. I’ve seen too many people bale out of craft projects and I don’t want that to happen to you.

No more wondering what instructions you are missing. No more confusion. Just simple, what, how and when.

Give it a go. 2 free weeks of craft project videos and instructions. It’s just 2 out of 16 weekly craft ideas that you can get your hands on.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you mastering craft projects fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here for your 2 weeks of Free Craft Projects.

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To find the best Craft Videos to help you learn crafts >>click here to continue >>

Craft videos are the very best way to learn any craft skill. Hands down. I’ve tried teaching people by giving them just instructions (when I’m not there) and it only does part of the job. For the best solution you need a moving image and hard text.

Most of us learn by seeing. That is grasping what we both read, and what we watch. Pop a craft video or DVD into the PC and you’ve a sure fire recipe for success.

It’s a winner for everyone.

For the person who created the video, because it catches them hopefully at their very best.

Video for them means being able to reach so many more that those in a standard classroom. And it means they can reproduce themselves as often as they like.

Camcorders these days are easy to operate and as long as the project is recorded in close up you’ll be able to see each and every step of what you need to do.

As a publisher I love craft videos for their learning power. If I’ve done my job right in explaining things, and getting the steps, and instructions right then it’s a no-brainer. The video wins over written instructions every time.

How many times have you been thwarted by something that didn’t pan out on the page. Things missed out. Garbled instructions. Dead ends?

Well there’s no such hiding place for the crafter demonstrating. Chances are they’ve made the project hundreds of time and hopefully using everyday language. There’s something about writing instructions that turns our normal speech into something that hard to fathom.

Explaining things to a flashing camcorder forces you to be honest and clear. Any stuff ups are there for ever. And trust me, they will come back and remind you.

So for my part, every craft video is re-run, replayed, re-shot, saved and rendered to my level of perfection. I’d hate it if one of my craft videos went out with me feeling it did a less than proper job.

I want everyone watching to feel not only that I can do the project (what’s the point in that)? As a craft teacher I want you to be feel that YOU can. My expertise is only important in as much as being able to explain and share it with YOU.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find the best in Craft Videos.

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To find the quickest and easiest place learn Craft Work Skills >>click here to continue >>

Craft work requires efficiency. To enable you to succeed at any aspect of life you need sensible strategies to help you. Making crafts is no different. Follow some tried and tested tips and you’ll soon be steaming through those projects.

1. Get your materials together. I don’t just mean find them. I mean order them from a catalogue, buy then, borrow them, track them down. In short, make sure that you have what you need before you start.

2. Once you have got everything you are going to need, designate an area where you can leave them out, or keep them together. You do not want to waste precious minutes every time in getting things out of separate places. Having things all-together will save you both time and stress. You will know for sure that you will be able to begin your project straight away.

3. If the project is new to you, and the craft instructions written in an unfamiliar layout then decide to read through everything before you begin. Not only will this mean you can gather your materials ready to go, you will spot any instructions that are not clear. Read, and re-read the project, making sure that as much as possible you understand what they are asking you to do. Even if you have never made the project or done the technique, you should feel able to know what you have to do.

4. Practice. If things are new decide if want to create a practice piece, or whether to apply the instructions to the project materials straight away. Practising of a sample will give you more confidence. You may like to use alternative materials for your practice, so saving the best for the real thing. Although practice may seem a time-waster – holding you up, in fact, the more time you spend on practice will mean you do a better of job of the project proper. Save your sample for future reference.

5. Leave everything, as much as you can, ready to being again when you lift off. Ideally, leave things out so that you can start again quickly. If you can not leave things out, then at least finish your work at a spot where you can easily get going again. You do not want to be looking back at what you have done.

6. If you are working from instructions that are not too familiar, make a note of where you are. Put an arrow or a mark, in a highlighter so that you immediately see where you are. Time wasted is frustrating. If you can begin again with ease, you are more likely to want to!

7. If you are having trouble following something, decide to let it go. Frustration in following instructions will soon put a damper on your enthusiasm. It is more than likely a fault of the instructions, rather than your ability to understand them. Far better to stop working a project and come back to it another time with a clear head, than to continue. Would things have been easier if you had taken the time to read things through first, or done some more practice?

8. If you decide to give up on a project, try a different style of instruction. There are any number of ways to learn something. If the writing left you confused, try a craft video. If the video was awful, try a different company’s products or a book. We all like things different ways, so find what works for you, and if it works, get more of the same.

9. Invest in quality tools and materials. Efficiency comes for using the best type of materials. Good scissors, great fabrics, excellent pens etc will give you great results. If tools work well then you will work with them better and be encouraged to continue.

Being efficient is common sense. Experience and expertise in craft work is all a matter or practice and organisation. There are no short cuts to learning new techniques but order and efficiency will have you mastering craft work skills faster.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to learn Craft Work Skills.

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