How to Make Miniature Cherry Pies for Your Dollhouse

Dollhouses are awesome toys that people of all ages can enjoy. It is fun to play with dollhouses, but it is even more fun to create your own personal dollhouse accessories. Polymer clay is a great medium for creating dollhouse miniatures. This article will teach you how to make a cherry pie using polymer clay.

For this craft project you will need beige clay, red clay, a scissor, paint, and a bottle cap. Start by making the pie crust. Use a bottle to roll out the beige clay, and if you are having problems with the clay sticking use baby powder on the surface that you are rolling the clay out on. Cut a circle slightly bigger than the bottle cap, and press it into the bottle cap.

Fold the crust over around the edges, and pinch them together to create a crust. Use the dull edge of the scissors to create a pattern on the crust by pressing down, skipping a space, and pressing down again. Continue around the crust until it is complete. Save the rest of the rolled out beige clay for the top of the crust.

To create the cherry filling roll a ball of red clay that will fit inside the bottle cap crust. Push the ball into the pie crust and flatten it down so that it s not much higher than the bottle cap. Next create a long strand of red clay and cut it into little pieces. Roll these little pieces into tiny balls to simulate cherries. Cover the top of the pie with the red balls. Press these balls into the top so that they stay, but remember to not let them lose their round shape.

Next using the scissors cut long strips of the rolled out beige clay. The strips must be long enough to cover the pie. Now starting at the one side of the pie lay a strip across and pinch the ends into the crust. Skip a space, and add another strip; continue with this until the pie covered with strips and spaces all the way across. Next you must start crisscrossing the next strips so that the pie is completely covered in a cross hatch pattern.

After this is done, and all the pie crust strips have been firmly attached; you can bake the pie in the oven for about 10 minutes. When the pie is cool you can paint the bottom of the bottle cap to match your dollhouse kitchenware.

How to Develop a Reading List for the Year

If your New Year's resolution is to read more you should learn how to develop a reading list for the year. Creating a reading list will keep you on track with your reading goals. This article will provide you with several tips for developing a reading list that you will enjoy all year.

When developing a reading list for the year you must ask yourself, "what do you want to gain from this year worth of reading?" Is there something you want to learn, or is there a series you want to complete? Consider your interests when deciding your goal. If you read as a means of relaxation then you probably want to stick with fiction. If you have an interest you would like to learn more about choosing informative books is a good idea. These questions are important when developing a reading list because they will make sure you utilize your time reading well.

Once you have determined what your goals you would like to achieve, it is time to start exploring your options. There are so many types of books and authors it may seem intimidating, but if you start with your original topic the process will be simple. If this is your first reading plan, start with 3 or 4 books a month. You do not have to read all of the books, but it will give you options to choose from each month.

If you are interested in fiction you should start by thinking about a fiction book that you have recently enjoyed. Check out other books in the same genre and other books by the same author. This is an excellent starting ground. If there are some series associated with the genre or author, add the first book to your list to see if you like. Remember you can always choose other books on your list because you have given yourself options. It is good to start with a broad genre like fantasy or horror in the beginning. Later on you can work into subgenres to suit your interests such as magic realism or psycho- thriller.

If you are interested in learning something, start with the basics for the first month of your reading list. Then try more detailed guides in the later months. For example, someone who wants to learn about knitting should start with a beginner's knitting guide in the first months, and the following months can focus on other categories such as knitting sweaters, scarves, or socks.

When looking for books to add to your reading list try Google Books. It has a wonderful search feature that will make finding books that interest you easy; so utilize it when completing your list. Remember to start simple and keep your mind open. You can always add or subtract from your list later on. If you find that you are board with instructional books, try adding some fiction. If you find that you have completed your goal early add a new goal.

Creating a reading list for the new year can be fun and easy as long as you keep your mind open.

How to Make Polymer Clay Daisy Pendants

Polymer clay is one of my favorite materials to use for everything. It is cheap, easy to use, and it bakes hard right in your oven in no time. There are so many fun things you can make with polymer clay, and this article will describe how to make a daisy flower pendant using polymer clay and a little imagination.

The simplest flower pendant you can make using polymer clay is a daisy. To make this flower you will need white, yellow, and green clay; you will also need a wooden skewer or knitting needle, a pin, and a knife. This project is easy, and children of many ages can complete it with adult supervision.

Now start by making a small orange ball for the inside of the flower. Now make several small white balls that are about the same size of the orange ball. Now roll those balls into tube like shapes, and press them slightly flat. Pinch one end of these white petals and press them onto the orange base. When all the petals are attached use the pin to poke some small holes into the orange ball; this will give the flower a more realistic look.

Use a small tube of green clay to make a circle around the skewer. Next take one or two small green balls and press them slightly flat. Now pinch both sides of the green shapes so they resemble leaves or a diamond shape. Using the knife cut an indented line down the middle of each leaf, and push them onto the green circle.

Next use the knife to cut some light lines in the green ring where you will be attaching the flower head. If you have some liquid sculpt you should add some to the lines you have made. Press the flower head gently on these lines until it sticks. Bake in the oven at the specified degrees for about 15 minutes. Make sure to check the flower so it does not cook to long.

Remove the flower and let cool for about half an hour before you remove the skewer. Be gentle because you do not want to break the base. Simply string the pendant on some ribbon or a nice chain, and it is ready to wear.

If you would like to add some special details to this pendant you can use acrylic paint after the pendant has been baked and cooled. To add some pretty color to the petals brush a little paint onto the inside of the petals and brush a little pigment powder on the centers after the paint is almost dry. You can also add some glitter to the edges for fun. These pendants are a lot of fun to make, and they can be personalized to suit anyone's tastes.

How to Throw an 80's Style Dinner Party

Dinner parties are a lot of fun if you make them fun, but if you just throw a dinner party there might not be as much to talk about as you think. A themed dinner party is always fun, and this article will teach you how to throw an 80's style dinner party.

First thing to remember when you throw an 80's dinner party is that the invitations must tell guests to some in 80's apparel. As the host you will also have to wear your 80's gear, and make sure your home is flash backed to the 80's. In order to decorate your home appropriately hang posters of popular 80's stars on the walls such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Blondie, Prince, The Cars, and whoever else you loved in the 80's. Also remember to have lots of 80's compilation music playing. Decorate your home with neon color streamers and neon colored balloons. Metallic streamers and any other cheesy decorations you can find will also suit this décor. Don't forget to represent the 80's movies either, and hang posters from your favorite movies like Goonies, ET, and Transformers.

Food from the 80's was not so healthy, but it as popular so for your party you will need some 80's style food. Ranch flavored Doritos were a food that originated in the 80's and it is a perfect snack for the table. Tab cola is another uniquely 80's item, and it should be served in the cans. Many junk foods were popular in the 80's such as fruit snacks and fruit roll ups, charms pops, raisins, tootsie rolls, and pop rocks. For a main course for this dinner party fast food should be your entrée. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut were huge in the 80's so stock up on a bunch of these items for your party. Jello pudding pops are the perfect dessert for an 80's themed diner party, and no one can forget Bill Cosby in the commercial.

Every party needs some fun things to do, and one game that should be played at an 80's dinner party is twister. Another fun game that you can play at your party is Pacman, and many stored sell a Pacman controller that plugs right into your television. You can also have an 80's karaoke contest if your guests are brave enough, or you can have a name that tune contest with only 80's music. You can also have a biggest hair contest, and remember to give out prices like leg warmers and blow up guitars.

This party will be a blast from the past with these fun tips!

How to Make Miniature Household Items for Dollhouses Out of Recycled Items

I love making things, and I love recycling; and I ultimately enjoy being able to combined both of these hobbies. So when I started building my first dollhouse; I realized that there were so many things that get thrown out that are perfect for dolls to play with. Here are some ideas on how to recycle your garbage into miniature treasures.

One of the most versatile and unexpected items that I love to save and create with are empty coffee creamer containers. These little containers can be painted silver and a piece of wire can be attached to them as a handle; this way they can be used as a bucket or pail. You can paint them black or orange and use them as pots for flowers. You can even add a nice little border or trim to make them look pretty. You can also paint then several different colors and make them into lamp shaded. A needle, pin, or piece of wire can be glued to a couple beads in order to make into the base of a lamp. Attach the top of the wire to the bottom of the creamer and you have a lamp.

Empty battery packages make nice televisions as well. The best part of these mini TVs' is that you can change the picture when ever you like. All you need is to cut the plastic edge to the clear box is smooth, and use black electrical tape to tape around the sides. You can also extend a border across the bottom and paint buttons onto it. Next take a picture from a magazine, or draw your own picture, and glue it to the back of the television. Lean your television up against a wall or paint some cardboard black and attach it to the back using tape so you cal lift it and change the picture inside the television.

Another fun miniature recycling project is for the artist in all of us. It is simple and fun to make. You will need a few match sticks or toothpicks. Cut them into smaller pieces and color each one with a different color marker. Next put them all into a little match box that has been painted black. Write crayon on the top in white paint and display half open.

I hope this article has helped you to make many little things for your dollhouse; I also hope that when you are throwing things away you think about what else they could be used for before you trash them.

How to Make a Princess Fairy Crown

Every little girl wants to be a princess at some point, and most little girls love fairies. I have a three-year-old niece, and she loves to play dress up. I am always trying to figure out new fun projects that she will enjoy. For her third birthday she was having a pink flower party, so I made her a pink princess fairy flower crown. This article will teach you how to make one.

First you will need some pipe cleaners; you can use all different colors, but I used pink because it was the party theme. You will also need a hot glue gun, one or two hot glue sticks, and ribbon. To add some fun decorations you can also add fake flowers, glitter, and fake gemstones to this crown.

The first step to making this crown requires that you make a base for it. This can be done by simply using several pipe cleaners. Start by making a loop at the end of one pipe cleaner. Wrap the end of the pipe cleaner tight so the loop stays, and then you can twist another pipe cleaner around the first one to elongate the base. Make a loop at the other end the same way you made the first. This is the perfect base for a crown.

Now you will use some other pipe cleaners to add height to the crown. I like to start by finding the middle of the base. You can figure this out by folding the base in half. Now find the middle of another pipe cleaner and twist the two middles together. Now make loops on either side of the middle using the ends of the pipe cleaners. These loops will make an M shape on the base of the crown.

Next using another pipe cleaner you can add even more height, and this will make the crown even more detailed. Start by twisting the ends of the new pipe cleaner to the far right and left sides of the M shape; next twist the top of the pipe cleaner you have just attached so that it has a loop. Now you can add other pipe cleaners to the base to create more intricate designs, or you can leave the base the way it is.

Now using your ribbon and hot glue gun, glue one end of the ribbon to the far side of the M shape. Wrap the ribbon around the crown until you reach the loop and glue the ribbon to the end before the loop. Now tie some more ribbon through the loop by folding it in half and pushing the ribbon loop through the pipe cleaner loop. Now pull the ribbon ends though the ribbon loop, and pull it tightly. Repeat this on the other side, and you will use these ribbons to tie the crown around your head.

I like to add fake flowers and gem stones to the crown to make it really stand out and sparkle; I will use the glue gun to add these special details. This crown is a beautiful creation for any little girl, and it is a fun project to help inspire their imagination.

How to Create Miniature Dollhouse Cupcakes Using Polymer Clay

If you have ever owned a dollhouse or even seen some miniature dollhouse items I am sure you can agree that these tiny items are amazing and precious. These minuscule items can be very detailed and lifelike, and they can also be fairly simple to make and a lot of fun! Here is a user-friendly guide to making dollhouse size cupcakes that you will enjoy for years to come.

First you need a few simple tools; one tool I find very hand is a putty knife or any solid item that can be used for cutting. Next I find it helpful to have a pin or a small pen, but remember you don't want ink on your art so use the pen that doesn't work. The final necessary item is polymer clay. It may seem challenging to choose which colors you like, but my basic rule of thumb is choose colors that would make a cupcake that you would like to eat. I usually choose an off white, pink, and 2 or 3 colors for sprinkles, but remember sprinkles are optional.

Now that you have your materials you are ready to start the fun part. Take the base color, in my case the white, and roll it into a ball; then shape the ball into a cylinder by flattening 2 opposite sides of the ball. This piece will make the bottom of your cupcake. Next I like to put this piece of clay in the refrigerator or somewhere colder to make the clay a harder consistency.

While this clay is getting hard take the icing color and roll it into a long tube or strand. You cam taper one end if you like, but it is not necessary. Now roll the tube into a spiral until it is the width of the bottom of your cupcake. When the spiral has reached the right width, start to spiral up on top of the original spiral to form a nice peak. At this point you can leave the peak or give it a little pinch and twist to add detail.

By the time you are done with this the cupcake base should be nice and hard. You should now use your cutting tool press lines into your base to give the idea of a crinkle edge. These vertical lines will add detail and depth to your cupcake. Finally connect the base with the top of the cupcake, and you should be delighted with the results.

Remember this project is up to you so make any type of cupcake you want. You can also add sprinkles by taking tiny multicolored pieces of clay and lightly tapping them onto the cupcake. Just bake and you are ready for a dollhouse birthday party!

How to Make a Miniature Clay Fruit Bowl for Dollhouses

I love making miniatures, and I have a lot of fun with it. I make miniatures for my own dollhouse, and I sell some miniatures on my art site to other dollhouse enthusiasts. These little treats are fun and easy to make. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make your own fruit bowl.

First you will need to get your clay together. You will need a medium size ball of yellow clay, a little ball of red clay, a little ball of orange clay, a medium size ball of purple or green clay, a small ball of black clay, and a small ball of white clay. Next you will need a sewing needle; I like to have a pointy needle and a dull needle handy. A kitchen knife is also very useful; it does not have to be very sharp.

Each fruit is very simple to make and can be made with very few steps. Here is a simple walk through on fruit making.

Bananas are a lot of fun , and you can make one or a whole bunch. First roll your yellow out into a tube, and cut equal sections about 3/4ths and inch long. Press the tube lightly on a hard surface to give it 4 edges. Now bend the tube into the crescent shape of a banana and pinch the ends so that the banana tapers. You can now add a little black blob to the end to make a stalk, and you can push several bananas together to create a bunch.

To make an apple you must pinch one end of the red ball of clay. Now set the ball on a hard surface with the narrower end down. You can then press the round end of the needle into the top creating a little hole; also make sure to push down around the hole so it resembles an apple with a dip in the top. Now use a little black to make a stem and push it into the hole. Use the flat part of the needle to give the bottom rounded edges. This can be accomplished by pressing the needle flat across the bottom 2 or 3 times.

The make an orange simply poke several holes into the orange ball of clay. Make sure to poke one hole slightly bigger than the other holes. You can fill that with a little bit of black as well.

Finally my favorite fruit to make is the grapes. Make a small ball out of 1/3rd of the purple or green clay. Next make many smaller balls and attach them to the bigger ball in any playful form you want.

How to Make a Floral Tiara for a Spring Wedding

You can make your own floral tiara for your spring wedding. Floral accessories are a must for spring weddings, and a tiara is perfect for the bride's big day. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating the perfect floral tiara for your special day in spring.

When creating a vine tiara you will need a few thin vines, a bowl of water, string, scissors, and wire. Start by bending and wrapping a few vines together into an appropriate length for the tiara. Then bend the length of vines to make a U shape. Only bend the vines as far as they will go, and tie the string around the other end of the vines. This will keep the bended shape in the tiara.

Soak the vines in the bowl overnight. If the vines need to be bended more to make the correct shape, you can undo one end of the string, bend it more, and reattach the string. After the vines have dried wrap the second side in wire, trim the ends, and remove the string. The crown will keep its shape; you can add combs to the sides of the tiara using hot glue if you would like more stability.

Adding floral accents to your crown is important for spring weddings. Springs leaves for several appropriate flower choices such as daisies, anemones, apple blossoms, and lilies are all perfect spring flowers for a bride, and there are plenty of colorful flowers to add detail and beauty to tiaras. Begonias, cherry blossoms, and dahlias are bright flowers that will stand out in a crown.

Using a hot glue gun to add items is the best option, and there are many other items that look great in a spring wedding tiara. Adding pine cones, leaves, and acorns are a fun idea for these floral tiaras, and curly bits of vines, shells, feathers, and dried berry clusters add accent to these pieces. Adding beads, wire, gems, feathers, and glitter pigment will make your tiara sparkle. Jewelry findings, iridescent marbles, and pearls also add shine to your spring wedding crown.

Making a floral tiara for your spring wedding is inexpensive and easy. The tiara is a focal point of any outfit, and a handmade crown will make you really stand out this spring.

How to Make Fun Summer Sandals Out of Newspaper

Everyone in my home looked at me like I was crazy when I suggested this idea to them, but as I continued to make these sandals they realized that I was not crazy, but simply inspired. Here are the directions so you can make your own summer sandals out of newspaper.

You will need newspaper, foam sheets, rubber cement, and a hot glue gun. I also like to add some ribbon, flowers, or other accessories to make these sandals personal. Okay to start you will need to fold the newspaper into one inch strips. This may seem a little hard at first, but eventually it will become natural to you. Once you have folded many strips you will start by wrapping them around in an oval. Glue the ends and keep wrapping until your oval is about 2 inches long. Now wrap a strip around the center of the oval to keep it tight. Remember to keep gluing everything along the way. Next keep wrapping and gluing until the base is as big as your foot.

Now you will need to cut a strip of foam long enough to attach to the bottom of the base of the shoe, cover your foot, and attach again at the bottom of the base of the other side of the shoe. This piece will be the strap that keeps the sandal on your foot, and the fun part about this is you can choose to use ribbon instead of foam or fabric, or any other fun item you think would look nice and be comfortable.

Now that you have the strap attached you should add some more newspaper to the base. I usually use about one more layer around the bottom. After that is complete you will set the base on top of another piece of foam. Trace the base of the shoe on the foam and cut the shape out. Now attach the foam to the bottom of the shoe. You can add extra layers of foam if you are likely to walk around on cement in these shoes often. This is fun to because you can add an extra color to your shoes if you like. In order to do this simply cut a second piece of foam in the same shape, and use the rubber cement to attach the 2 pieces together.

You will need to do the same for the top, but you will need to cut slits in the foam so they can wrap around the straps. This can be achieved easily by cutting a slit where the strap is and a slit extending from the strap hole to the outside of the foot shape. When you glue this piece down simply push the strap through and you will be good to go.

Now all you need is to let your sandals dry and you will be able to sport your recycled newspaper sandals wherever you want!

How to Eat for Free

Food is one of life's necessities, and many people overlook the cost of food, but it really does add up after a while. I have lived in many situations, and I have not always had much money for food. Here are some simple ways to eat for free; they have worked for me in the past, and I know they will work for you!

A common way to get free food is to join a food bank. Food banks are amazing places that can really help if you are in need. Most areas have one, and they are usually located in churches. When you join a food bank you are usually required to bring an identification card and a bill. These items will help prove who you are, where you live, and that you need assistance. You can find your local food bank by doing a simple Google search. Food banks are great, and the amount of food they give you depends on the amount of people living in your home. Food banks usually have the staples like bread, meat, canned vegetables and pasta, but they also have different luxury items such as cookies and juice. Food banks usually also have toiletries and cleaning items. Food banks are great places, and when you have a little more thank you need you should give back to them.

A less orthodox method of eating for free is by eating food that might be thrown away if you do not get to it first. This method may sound strange or disturbing, but it is not a bad as it seems. Many places throw away fresh food every day. America is one of the most wasteful places in the world. Many bakeries, delis and bagel stores throw away whole garbage bags full of bread and donuts. These delicious and fresh items should not be wasted. Many bagel places and delis will actually just hand these items to you at the end of the night if you speak to the manager earlier in the evening. They do not want to waste food either, but they only sell items that are baked that day. Feel free to ask you local bakery about their waste policy, and I am sure you will end up with bags full of fresh bread

Another method of eating for free is working at a farm on a work exchange program. Many farms will provide room and board for a few hours of work a week, and you can find places like this all over the world. Sustainable farming internships are a great way to live for free. These situations will teach you the basics of growing your own food as well, and this can be beneficial because you can then grow your own garden the next season and have your own supply of free food.

Survival is essential in these times especially with the growing economic crisis. Many people are struggling to eat and to live, and I hope these tips have helped you become better able to take care of yourself.

How to Deal with the Difficulties of Life Through the Teachings of Buddhism

Life is difficult, and there will always be problems that arise. This article will help you learn how to deal with the difficulty of life through Buddhist ideas. It will help you to understand fear and your relationship to it; It will also help you gain a better knowledge of the role of problems and relaxation in your life.

"Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth." (Chodron, 1997, p.1) I used to think that fear came from not understanding, and I believe this is still true, but I now know that it is not only incomprehension. Fear comes from seeing what you do not understand and being afraid of what the answer might be. Many people run when they are afraid, but "if we commit ourselves to staying right where we are they our experience becomes very vivid" (Chodron, 1997, p.2). The Buddhist belief system teaches us to become intimate with fear and to know it. I believe this is a good lesson because seeing fear and standing your ground is courageous, and it will help us grow and become stronger people. Fear is something the wise man welcomes, and even though it causes us to feel in a way we do not like we can teach ourselves to look at it as a gift. Fear just like everything else is not always what we think it is. Looking it in the eye can help us come closer to the truth.

"Things falling apart are a kind of testing and also a kind of healing." (Chodron, 1997, p.10) It is also part of the circle of existence because things are constantly coming together and falling apart over and over again. To realize this is a great relief, but it is also frustrating. In order to learn from our feelings when we feel upset we should stay with that feeling and to get to know it. I find this kind of difficult because my natural inclination is to fix things, but I am practicing remembering that things will come together again with or without my help. This is tough sometimes because when I have a problem I usually rack my brain trying to find a solution, but I am trying to not worry about it so much because I believe my natural inclination to solve problems will be what changes the situation. Buddhist beliefs suggests that problems are never solved, and that is probably true because they continually arise, but I believe that learning to trust myself even when I mess up is the best thing I can do because there are always options. These options may not be what my original plan was, but they will work out as well, and I believe possibly for a better outcome.

Buddhist beliefs can help you to relax. It can teach you to be OK with feelings that you may not usually like. It has taught me to have the "courage to die, the courage to die continually" (Chodran, 1997, p.3). I have found that I and many people fight against death. Practically most of the world would do anything to fight against death, but this is not healthy. It is healthy to "feel fear" when we reach our limit, and it is healthy to take this fear "as a message that it's time to stop struggling and look directly at what's threatening us" (Chodron, 1997, p.16). This means facing problems and seeing them for what they really are; it also means seeing ourselves for who really are. Instead of shrinking away from out limit we should treat it as "a doorway to sanity and the unconditional goodness of humanity" (Chodron, 1997, p.18). This is where meditation can be the most helpful. I always thought of meditation as a way to relax, but I realize it brings relaxation through conflict as well. We meditate so that "we'll be more awake in our lives", and I believe being more awake will help us see things for what they truly are (Chodron, 1997, p.19).
Meditation will help us see what we are doing clearly, and this will help us change what we do. I feel that I am more capable of seeing what I am doing clearly, and I realize that this will not fix my problem, but it will help me change my actions.

The Buddhist belief system may seem frustrating at first. It requires you to accept and deal with a lot of things that seem scary or intimidating, but it is based on honesty. This honesty will help you to stop struggling in your life. It will also allow you to act with compassion which is important to a healthy life and a healthy world.

References:

Chodron, P. (1997). When things fall apart; heart advice for difficult times. Boston, MA: Shamabala Publications, Inc.

How to Make a Rose Pendant Using Polymer Clay

Roses are also fun flower pendants that look lovely when worn. They are also easy and fun to make, and all you will need for this pendant is a large ball of red clay, a medium ball of green clay, a skewer and a knife.

Wrap a small cylinder of green clay around the skewer. Next take two small green balls and press them slightly flat. To create a leaf shape, pinch both sides of the green shapes so they look like a diamond. Use the knife to cut a line down the middle of each leaf, but make sure to not push so hard because you are only adding detail; you are not cutting the leaf in half.

When you are making the leaves for this flower you can add some detail to make it look more like a rose. Use the knife to add a pointy edge to the leaves. This can be achieved by simply pushing the edge of the knife into the edge of the leaf. Skip a spot and repeat all the way around the edge. Attach the leaves to the green ring.

To make the rose you will need to roll the red clay out into a long tube. Next use your knife to cut the tube into sections; when doing this part start by cutting a small section, and slowly increase the size of the section. You should end up with about six petals depending on how big your rose is going to be. Roll these sections into balls, and using your thumb press the ball flat.

Start making your rose by rolling the small its petal into a spiral like shape. Next use your second smallest petal to wrap half way around the spiral; use the third smallest petal to slightly overlap the second petal and slowly move around the base petal. Keep wrapping petals around until you run out of petals. Finally bend some of the petals out from the middle to make the rose look like it is blooming. If you want to make it look like a rose bud leave the petals the way they are.

Flatten the bottom of the rose by holding the sides and pressing it against a table or other flat surface. Now use the knife to make some cross hatched marks in the flat part of the rose. Make similar marks at the part of the green circle that you are going to attach the flower to. Push these two pieces together. If you have some liquid clay you can brush some onto the hatch marks before you push them together.

Bake the pendant in the oven for about 15 minutes, and allow to cool before removing the skewer. When the pendant is done string it on some ribbon, and you will love wearing this polymer clay rose pendant.

How to Achieve a Healthy Self-Esteem and How to Instill Self-Esteem in Others

How to Achieve a Healthy Self-Esteem and How to Instill Self-Esteem in Others A healthy self-esteem is something that is very important in order to lead a healthy life, but many people do not have a healthy self-esteem and this is a problem that affects the world. Self-esteem is directly related to one's idea of self, and it is influenced strongly by the opinions of others, but if you examine the seven different layers of self-esteem and learn how to cope with the challenges that come with change a healthy self-esteem can be reached.

When working with self-esteem it is important to take into consideration that self-esteem stems directly from one's concept of themselves. This self concept includes "appearance, ability, temperament, attitudes, and beliefs" (Plummer, 2005, p.13). We act in a way that reflects our self-concept, but our self-concept is directly influenced by other people's reactions to our behavior. "Healthy self-esteem or positive self regard is about feeling competent and feeling lovable or approved of", and one's self-concept reflects whether they feel they are competent or loved (Plummer, 2005, p.14). I believe that a false self-concept is the reason many people do not have healthy self esteem, and I think that changing one's concept of self is the first place to start when trying to instill healthy self-esteem. It is important to understand what self-esteem actually is before trying to help change it.

Self-esteem is not a simple idea; it in fact has seven different categories that must be addressed in order to achieve a healthy self esteem. The seven areas of self esteem are self knowledge, self and others, self-acceptance, self-reliance, self-expression, self-confidence, and self-awareness (Plummer, 2005). The first step to healthy self-esteem is becoming knowledgeable about oneself; this means understanding who you are, what your beliefs about life are, and understanding what you have in common with others and what your differences are. Being aware of how you can maintain a sense of self while also "recognizing the natural interdependence of relationships" is another important part of gaining self-esteem; it is important to see things from the perspectives of others, co-operate, and expressing emotions in an appropriate way (Plummer, 2005, p.21). I find it hard myself to separate my emotions from the emotions of others, and I think it is important to recognize that my emotions are mine, and I must express them in a positive and productive manner. Another extremely important part of the process is accepting oneself, and this requires feeling okay with yourself, but it also requires knowing what your strong points are and your weakness are. When you know what your strengths and weakness are you can choose to work on the areas that need help, and if you know you are trying your best you will be more capable of accepting yourself. It is also important to realize that people make mistakes. Self-reliance is another extremely important part of attaining a healthy self-esteem; and it is imperative to take care of oneself, be independent and self-motivated, and to realize that you have "mastery over your life" (Plummer, 2005, p.21). Self-expression is another area of self-esteem that must be learned in order to gain a healthy self-esteem because it address how to communicate with others in a way that is productive; it also addresses developing your own style and "celebrating the unique ways in which we each express who we are" (Plummer, 2005, p.22). In order to achieve healthy self-esteem self-confidence is of the highest value; having self-confidence means recognizing that your opinions, actions, and ideas are of value, and knowing that you are capable of dealing with conflicts and challenges. Self-confidence deals with knowing you are capable of making decisions and being confident in your own abilities. Self-awareness is one of the hardest steps to healthy self-esteem for me because it requires one to deal with emotions as they arise, and be focused on now instead of dwelling on the past. Self-awareness is a difficult step, but it is also empowering because it gives you the ability to realize that you can control who you are and what you do. All of these steps are not easy, but they can be achieved, and it is important to realize which of these steps need help in order to improve the self-esteem of oneself and others.

Achieving a healthy self-esteem is not easy, and change can be intimidating to many people for many different reasons, but one can learn to understand their emotions and cope with them, and this will help them build better self-esteem. Change if difficult for people because any changes in our "beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors automatically entails having to give something up", and although we may know that this old habit is unhealthy for us it has become familiar and almost comfortable (Plummer, 2005, p. 26). Change can also be threatening to people because it forces them to change their view of themselves, and some people do not want to see themselves differently whether there perception of self is realistic or not. Anxiety is another emotion that is an obstacle to change that comes from fear of not knowing how to handle a situation. When we avoid a situation instead of dealing with it we cause anxiety; "if we don't experiment with our beliefs and behaviors, we will continue to keep our world small and manageable, avoiding changes and becoming more and more anxious" (Plummer, 2005, p.27). I find a lot of people have anxiety problems because they are reluctant to change, and I believe strongly that people should be encouraged to change instead of given prescription drugs to alter there mind sets. If one can see these emotions for what they are they can choose to change them and move on, and realizing that these emotions are obstacles to a positive change is the first step to making a positive change.

I believe that all people can develop a positive self-esteem, and I know it is hard, but I would like to be able to help people do this, and I would like to be able to become a better person myself. I realize that trying to figure out who you are is not easy, and I understand that dealing with all of the layers of self is a daunting task, but I believe that it can be done, and I would like to help others to do this. I plan on becoming a teacher, and it is very important to help students attain a healthy self-esteem, but even if I wanted to do anything else I would still feel like it is extremely important to know these ideas because helping others be the best they possibly can while also being the best you possibly can is the most important thing anyone can do.

References:
Plummer, D. (2005). Helping adolescents and adults to build self-esteem. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

How to Have a Romantic Evening on a Budget

Sometimes we feel that we can never have a romantic evening with our loved ones because we do not have the money, but this is not true. Here are three ways you can have a romantic night with your love on a budget.

A simple and fun way to spend some time with your sweetheart is a sunset picnic. This idea is simple; just find a nice place that you can see the sunset. There are a lot of places you can find in your local parks as well that have great views for watching the sunset. Simply bring a few blankets with you, and a few simple snacks. If you plan on spending some time bring a nice bottle of wine. Some strawberries and chocolate dip, hummus and pita squares, and cheddar cheese and apples are great treats for the picnic. Sip some wine, and feed each other these delicious snacks and watch the sunset together.

Star gazing as always been romantic, and inexpensive, and it reminds me of being a teenager in love. I spent many nights watching the stars with my love and talking for hours. Simply find a nice spot in a field or park near your home and lay out a blanket. If it is summer time ice cream or frozen fruit is a sweet treat to share. Sipping champagne is a great addition to this evening, but be careful if you have to drive. Watching the stars and making names for constellations is a lot of fun, and it gives you an excuse to cuddle up and be romantic with your honey.

Another fun way to have a romantic evening with your sweetheart is going to the drive in. Many drive-ins have half price nights that only cost about 5 dollars a person. Pick up some fast food and bring your blanket. This evening will bring you back to your child sweetheart days. Just lay out the blanket and sit in front of car. Eat some burgers and milk shakes while watching the movie. Watching a movie the drive in is a romantic way to cuddle up with your sweetheart for an evening of old school romance.

Having a romantic evening with the one you love does not have to cost you too much money. There are plenty of things you can do with your honey to have a romantic evening, and I hope this article inspires you to put a little romance back in your life.

How to Conduct and Apply a Research Strategy for Organization

 

I am the type of person who doesn't like to throw anything away, and although this saves on my garbage bills and my carbon foot print; it definitely makes my home very unorganized. Organization can be stressful or complicated, but with good research strategies I can formulate a solution that will help me become more organized.

When researching how to become more organized I will need to find information that will be helpful to me, and articles and guides will definitely provide me with many ideas, pictures, and tips on how to organize myself more easily. Statistical information can also provide me with ideas on the efficiency of certain methods and tools of organization.

There are many places to find information that will help me become more organized; some good places to look for information on organization are "online catalog of databases, scholarly books, and journals" (Foster, 2007, pp.5). I also believe there are a lot of good articles written about organization in magazines.

In order to utilize credible information and fulfill my goals effectively I will need to evaluate my information. There are several things that should be thought about when evaluating information, and purpose, validity and the author should all be taken into consideration when evaluating information.

The purpose of information has a direct influence on the information. "Advertising, sales, advocacy, education, reference and entertainment" are all different purposes that should be taken into consideration when evaluating information (Foote & Goett, 2000, pp.9).

Validity should also always be checked when considering the validity of information, and facts should be researched and compared in order to check the validity of any information. If multiple reputable sources suggest the same information the likelihood of its validity is stronger.

It is also always important to research the author of any information; this will help you evaluate information because it will provide you with information on the author's background and knowledge in the topic you are researching. It will also provide you with information on the beliefs and values of the author which also affect the purpose and validity of information.

When formulating a solution to my organizational problem I will need to take some things into consideration. Space is something that I will have to consider when trying to become more organized because I will have to figure out how to use the space I have efficiently. I will also have to take my partner into consideration because we share a home, and he needs his space as well. Time is always an important consideration because if I create an elaborate system of organization I will probably not have enough time to keep up with it. Another important idea I will keep in mind when considering solutions is what works best for me in relation to my normal habits. For example if I keep my bill organized near my desk this will be helpful because I pay my bills at my desk.

In order to resolve my organizational problem I will use my information wisely. I will research thoroughly to find valid information. In relation to my problem I will research many ideas on methods and theories of organization. I will also employ guides and how-to articles with tips and ideas.

I will evaluate my research to make sure it is valid to my problem and my life. I will look for authors with purpose and backgrounds similar to mine so that their ideas and methods work better for me. For example I am an artist, and it would be helpful to find articles written by other artists because their methods of organization can relate to organizing artwork and supplies.

I will put the methods I have researched into practice, and I will evaluate my application of them. After some time I will see what information works for me, and I will adjust my methods accordingly. These simple steps will help me resolve my problem of disorganization.

References:

Foote, K. A. & Goett, J. A. (2000). Cultivating student research and study skills in Web-based learning environments. Journal of Geography in Higher Education,24(1), 92-99. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 59614022).

Foster, A. L. (2007, March). Information Navigation 101. The Chronicle of Higher Education,53(27), A38-A40. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1255298491).

How to Access Employee Needs to Tailor Effective Rewards

There are many ways to access employee needs to tailor effective rewards, but the most powerful means is listening. Listening to employees will allow you to get to know employees and understand where they are coming from. To tailor effective rewards for employees you must know what it is they actually want or need, and communication is a tool that will provide you with these answers.

Many employees enjoy expressing their opinions, and it can make employees feel valued and part of a team. Managers must talk to employees regularly if they want to understand their needs. Asking employees what they feel would be an appropriate reward is a good start. This method is also effective because it allows employees to participate in the creation of incentives. This will increase enthusiasm because employees like to be involved, and it will increase the value of the reward.

Allowing employees to contribute their ideas is a reward in itself, because employees will feel a sense of value and satisfaction from providing their input. If you want to tailor effective rewards to the needs of employees you need to talk to them. Employees will tell you what they want if you ask them. This method is direct and consumes less time than other options.

Some managers may feel like they are unable to communicate well with employees, but there are methods of communicating needs and ideas with employees that will make this easy. Surveys, suggestion boxes, meetings, and reviews are all positive ways to communicate with employees. These methods will help you access their needs and tailor effective rewards based on their needs.

Surveys and suggestion boxes are effective because they are anonymous, and employees have no need to answer in a way that is not true to their feelings. This can be effective in matters of criticism against a company because employees can be honest. Surveys and suggestion boxes are inexpensive and helpful when trying to access information about a company from the perspective of its employees.

Meetings and reviews are a good way to discuss improvements, measure progress, and get on the same page as employees. Meetings and reviews are also a positive forum for accessing needs on a whole. This arena will provide employees with a forum for discussing needs with other employees as well.

Accessing the needs of your employees is necessary if you would like to tailor effective rewards. Allowing employees to participate in this process through communication is the only way to be truly effective at this task.

Fun Kids Crafts: How to Make Your Own Ugly Monster Dolls

Ugly dolls are a lot of fun; they are cute, cuddly, and their ugliness makes them adorable. I started making dolls using socks that I couldn't find matches for, but over time I have started using all sorts of scrap materials, and here is an article that will describe how you can make your own ugly monster doll.

Ugly monster dolls can be any shape, size, color, or style, and that is part of the fun part of these making these dolls. You can use anything as a base for them. If you have some old socks that works great, but if not a weirdly cut piece of fabric can work great so feel free to experiment. So pick a shape for the body; if you are unsure of what type of shape start with a rectangle with one rounded edge, and make sure you cut 2 of these pieces so the doll has a front and a back side.. Next cut a slit in the square side opposite of the rounded side; this part will be your legs.

Now pick the side that is going to be the front, and start to make your doll a face. I like to use different colored buttons that are also different sizes. I will then stitch some eyelashes onto the doll or I will use sequins to add details. Finally I will stitch the mouth using embroidery floss. I will also add any other special touches to the doll at this point such as pockets or a bow. If you are going to give your doll a necktie or a necklace you should wait until the doll is stuffed.

Now turn the doll inside out and sow around all of the seams except the inside slit for the legs. Turn the doll right side out, and fill it with stuffing. Continue filling until you have reached the legs, and sewing one at a time continue to fill with stuffing.

Now that your doll is stuffed you can add hair and clothes to it. You can also add necklaces and funny charms. I specifically like to add facial expression to my doll after it is stuffed. You c an also add the nose t this point, and to achieve these affects you simply need to pinch the part of the face between the eyes and sew through the doll. Pulling the string tighter o looser will give the face different expressions. Feel free to experiment.

Some materials that you can use when making these dolls are pipe cleaners, felt, rhinestones, sequins, pom-poms, and foam. Monster dolls are a lot of fun to make, and kids of many different ages will enjoy this project.

The Basic Technique of Tie Dying and Batik

Batik and Tie Dying is "probably the oldest and most primitive methods of printing designs on fabric" (Young, 1872, p.203). These two types of dyeing are related because they both imply methods that cause some of the fabric to not absorb the dye; this is known as resistance dying, and it is a fun and easy project that anyone can do at home with little money required. Here are the basic instructions for both tie dying and batik. Have fun and remember to experiment!

Tie dyeing is a method that requires folding or scrunching the material into a pattern and securing it with rubber bands. The dye is then applied to the fabric. When the rubber bands are removed the areas that are scrunched up will be without color. This method is a lot of fun for people of all ages, and it was very popular in the 60's and 70's. Remember the fabric can be folded in different ways to create different patterns. It can also be twisted in a spiral to create a spiral. Tie dying is a fun way to experiment with negative space, and it can be done cheaply and easily at home.

Batik is a slightly more complicated method of "resistance dyeing" that I am very interested in (Young, 1972, p. 204). Batik requires the use of wax to block dye from reaching the fabric. When using a brush to apply wax the "wax should be applied hot enough so that it will penetrate the cloth fairly evenly and not just spread out over the surface of the fabric in a crust or the dye will seep through it" (Young, 1972, p. 208). Next dye the fabric in a cold water dye and hang to dry. In order to remove the wax, "cover your ironing board with newspaper and, while the piece is still slightly damp, lay it on the ironing board, put a layer of newspaper over it, and begin to iron very carefully" (Young, 1972, p.209). Continue to change newspapers and keep your iron hot enough to melt the wax. When no more wax seems to be coming out on the newspaper submerge the fabric into a pot of boiling water; this will remove the last bits of wax (Young, 1972). The fun part about batik is that you can repeat the process over and over until you have many layers of color.

Both of these methods of resistance are a lot of fun, and they can be done easily in the comfort of your own home so find some old clothes and revamp them with these techniques!

References:

Young, J. (1972). Woodstock craftsman manual. New York, NY: Praeger Publishers.

How to Throw a Casino Night Dinner Party

Dinner parties can be boring, and sometimes it is hard to get people to actually come, but if you have an awesome theme for your party you will have more responses than ever before. This article will show you how to throw a casino night dinner party that I promise will be a hit.

In order to decorate for your casino night you will need bright lights, green table cloths, fake dice, fake money, and playing cards. Decorate your house with many Christmas lights, and hang large dice from the ceiling. You can create your own decorations by attaching playing cards to streamers and hanging them from the ceiling and around the house. You can also cut out hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades from pieces of red or black colored paper and hang them around your house as well for decoration. Money symbols and fake money can also be hung around the house for fun. Remember to have fun no matter how you decorate.

Food is another important part of your casino dinner party, and you want to supply food that can be eaten easily and on the go as people move around the house to play different games. Finger food work best for this type of party. Vegetable platters with spinach dip are a great choice, and I live fruit platters with yogurt as well. Mini egg rolls and chicken fingers are also another good snack. Mini sandwiches are a definite choice for these parties, and I also like to make crackers with cheddar cheese and raisins for my casino parties. Remember to keep the food easily transportable and light, and have it set out in a buffet style so that the guests can bring their food with them to the games.

In order to get the games rolling at your casino party remember to have a few different tables set up. Some table you will need is a poker table, a blackjack table, and a roulette wheel. All of these tables will have green tablecloths and you will need someone to deal out the games or act as the leader. The guests can nominate themselves or you can choose to do it. Just remember to give all the guests fake money at the start of the night. I like to hand them a gift bag as they enter, and this bag will include a set amount of fake money, funny sunglasses and visors. These items set the mood for the party, and it allows the guests to start having fun.

Remember to have some fun prizes that your guests can trade in their play money for at the end of the night, and this party will be a blast!