Tricia Deed - Blog Posts

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Doll Clothing

7/14/2018

This photo provided by https://www.pixabay.com. These are beautiful dolls dressed in a variety of period dress. Many of these dresses are hand stitched with some machine stitching.

Dolls have been around for many centuries and are found in every country around the globe. They are made with a variety of materials and are dressed and decorated according to its country's culture.

As a hobby there is no end in sight if you challenge yourself to dress every doll in our country and international countries.

Most of us start locally and the first place is usually in the home making doll clothes for our children's dolls. Very simple doll clothing can be fastened with glue or bonding strips. Hand stitching, machine stitching or a combination of both is a permanent solution for longevity and can handle the playing and washing which these garments will be subjected to.

This photo provided by https://www.pixabay.com. Much research and fabric knowledge is needed for dressing historical and antique dolls.

Do you love to sew and list this craft as your finest talent?

You may wish to make clothing for historical, celebrity, collectible, restored, and antique dolls.

Knowledge of fabrics and other materials which existed when these dolls were manufactured will require research. There are patterns available for time period fashions, but you may also have to design your own templates.

Accessories complete an ensemble and it will take creativity and skill to also make these items.

Photo courtesy of David Lopez. Rag dolls are the oldest of all the dolls. The apparel on these dolls reflect its culture or fashion interest.

Rag dolls, knitted, crocheted, and other fabric or thread dolls also need clothing.

The rag doll is the oldest of all the dolls. It is usually the child's first doll because it is soft and harmless.

Knitting and crocheting garments for these dolls offers its share of needlework challenges.

Needle work fashions include:

Hats, bonnets, veils, scarves
Dresses, shorts, pants, skirts
Blouses, vests, jackets
Every imaginable fashion for day wear and formal wear
Costumes
Outfits for special ocassions such as a wedding
Booties, socks, shoes
Accessories

Photo courtesy of Ivan Chacol. Bridal, celebrity, display, and theatrical dolls offer challenges working with fine fabrics, glamour trims, appliques, and accessories.

This has been a short introduction to making doll clothes, but hopefully I have sparked your curiosity and have you considering this interesting sewing art and craft as a hobby or possibly as a new career or business opportunity.

Click https://hubpages.com/art/Doll-Clothing-for-Mommy-and-Me for more information about making doll clothing.

Coloring Books and Projects for Adults

7/7/2018

Do you like to color?

Adults are enjoying coloring for therapy, hobby, or learning colors to better their art and craft projects.

The books and papers for coloring help you to understand the value of color, how to make other tints, and blending colors for various highlights, contrasts, and shading.

If you haven’t done so, you may wish to try your coloring techniques on a new hobby called coloring for adults. Its popularity started out as an activity for occupying idle time while traveling or waiting your turn for an appointment at a doctor’s or dentist’s office.

This new craze has gone beyond its use for doodling or a form of activity for relaxation. Hobbyists are finding this to be a fun activity and are using their finished art pieces in an assortment of art and craft projects.

The first book we purchased had 39 pictures of mandala drawings. A small box of basic colored pencils started our adventure. We worked with the primary colors of red, orange, blue, green, violet. black, white, and a few other tints which were in the small box. The initial starting stage began with the techniques of our elementary school years. The instructions included the color wheel which we started paying attention to after getting bored with the basic colors.

The simple act of coloring is the beginning of gaining tinting knowledge with personal experiences from your elementary school day memories, color therapy from art class, and experimenting with trial and error. As you follow suggestions for cool and warm colors which is included in the purchased coloring book, you'll begins to understand how colors offer contrast or compliment each other. The emotional side benefits of tranquility and immediate rewards encourage learning.

The mandala drawings, which are circles filled with geometric patterns, change their appearance with selected colors. There may be three of you coloring and each of you will have a different kaleidoscopic view because of the color choices made by each individual.

If you are anything like me, I started downloading free examples offered by artists located Online. Selecting landscaping, animals, people, and objects allowed me to experiment and gain a better understanding of how to use colors.

There are different sizes of boxed colored pencils available. We started with a small box and learned how to mix colors to increase tint variety. Later we purchased larger boxes for more variety, but still found that we like mixing colors to get the hue that is just right for the project.

Craft Ideas With Colored Pictures

This is a small list of some of the projects which can be done with these pages:

Decoupage projects
Book markets
Page dividers in a personal notebook
Wrapping paper for small gift boxes
Laminate between plastic sleeves for various projects
Transfer as patterns to scarves, apparel, embroidery, crewel, and quilt projects
Ornaments for various holidays
Decorate home projects of glass or clear plastic

This list is for personal use. Do not forget that these drawings and sketches completed by artists are copyrighted material.

You may wish to do your own drawings or sketches to avoid infringing on these artists' works of art.

For more information visit: https://hubpages.com/art/Colors-For-Adult-Coloring-Books-or-Pages

Building Models as a Hobby or Art and Craft Interest

6/5/2018

Grandfather's model was the an airplane made from balsa wood. Today's model makers enjoy plastic replicas of modern air machines.

Childhood memories inspire our favorite pastimes to become our future hobbies or interests. These memories give us pleasure or reward us with relaxation, therapy, or income opportunities. A popular hobby from our childhood which may continue into our adulthood is model building.

As adults our models reflect an interest which we enjoy or satisfy our wishful thinking. We may not be able to afford a space ship, but we can afford to assemble a factory made plastic model of our favorite star ship. Building models can be done by anyone at any age. Men, women, and children enjoy this activity.. .

Robots are very popular models and toys to be constructed and enjoyed.

Types of Models:

Animals
Accessories which support the main project
Residential and commercial buildings
Communities – model train platforms are popular
Entertainment characters from books, comics, movies, and television
Flora and landscaping
Machinery and mechanical devices
Natural wonders – volcanoes, mountains, canyons
People
Robots
Toys
Vehicles – cars, trucks, boats, ships, rockets, space ships, military vehicles

Constructing paper models of homes, commercial buildings, and dream castles are available for any age group.

What is model building?

would define model building as constructing a replica of a real item but in a smaller form. There are many different types of materials which may be used. *Models are made with wood, plastics, metal, clay, paper products, foam, and other articles which become a part of or support the project.

Examples:

Balsa wood for building airplanes
Melted plastic solutions poured into rubber molds
Metals can be cut and welded or melted into molds
Clay and paper mache are used for molding figurines, animals, plants and flowers, and décor items
Paper products and foam may be cut and glued to create buildings and other objects

The object which you are duplicating may be made with one or several types of materials from assorted resources. This hobby can be done in a stationary setting or it can be portable. It does not require a lot of room. These models are miniatures of the real item. You will probably experiment with different types of mediums before deciding on your favorite

Many women and girls are enjoying the hobby of model building. Women have their personal interests as well as helping children with their hobby or school assignment projects.

Skills:

You may be wondering what types of skills may be required. Assembly may be as simple as gluing the pieces, or fastening interlocking pieces.

Knowledge and familiarity with the craft
Research
Creativity and imagination
Patience
Time
Detail oriented
Photos and drawings of projects
Engineering abilities
Knowing how to work required tools
Finishing applications

Building models become more complicated or difficult if you choose to design your own line of products or you select a more precise type of medium. Examples of this would be melting plastics or metals and pouring them into rubber molds. This advancement level would require particular skills of artisans and craftsmen.

Click here for more information

The Value of Wooden Sheds

5/21/2018

This combination shed is excellent for both indoor and outdoor activities. This style has many uses.

A shed is usually designed for function. The interior and the exterior will be built to suit personal needs for storage and accommodations which makes it easier to do hobbies, and interests. The shed may be designed to be attached to an existing wall or stand alone. It may have one or more closed rooms, open areas, or a combination of both.

Examples:

Garden shed – one room shed
Lean-to – open construction anchored to a stable wall
Combination - a garden shed may also include a lean-to which allows a combination of closed and open construction

Sheds may be built of plastic, metal, and wood. The purpose of the shed determines the style and size of the shed. It may be a temporary structure or permanent. Sheds may be purchased and require a minimum of effort to erect. A permanent structure may be assembled by the owner or a contractor.

The primary value of a wooden shed is its longevity as well as the financial value it adds to a property location.

Sheds are available in every imaginable style. There are thousands of plans available online or at your local hardware store.

Shed Solutions:

Hobbies and interests determine the type of shed which needs to be installed or constructed. Review and take an inventory of the storage items and determine the best shed type.

Types of Sheds:

Gardening
Tools
Vehicles – cars, motorcycles
Sports equipment
Arts and crafts workshop
Animal shelter
Playhouse

Storage appears to be the most critical reason for building a shed.

What are the requirements for your hobby or interest?

Storage – shelving, containers, hooks
Working convenience – work bench, table, chairs
Electrical hookups – air-conditioning, heating, electrical tools
Plumbing – watering essentials

Both the interior and the exterior of the shed may be designed with elements of shelving, containers, hooks, furniture, windows and doors, vents, electricity and plumbing.

A shed is worth its financial investment .Planning is a key requirement before building the dream structure. When working with wood it helps to allow room for future expansion. Often times our hobbies or interests bring about a lifestyle we did not anticipate. It is not uncommon for the shed to undergo a variety of uses during its lifetime. If you or your family are very active in any type of art, craft, or sports activity the shed is extremely valuable.

Today’s playhouse may become a workshop for an adult arts and crafts project, then at a later date it may become a garden and tool shed. It is not uncommon for the use of the shed to change its purposes as hobbies and interests change.

If you are a property owner a shed can be a great selling point. The most popular shed other than the garage is the garden shed. This is very attractive to buyers who enjoy gardening or have a hobby or interest that requires an outside storage or working area. The sheds which create the greatest resale value to your home are those made of wood.
Planning is a key requirement before building the dream structure. When working with wood it helps to allow room for future expansion. Often times our hobbies or interests bring about a lifestyle we did not anticipate.

For more information about wood-constructed sheds click https://hubpages.com/art/Types-of-Wooden-Storage-Sheds

Wooden Garden Shed - An Essential Garden Tool

5/4/2018

A typical example of a wooden garden shed. These sheds built with lumber will last for many decades.

The wooden garden shed is an important tool for serious gardeners to have in their garden location.

It can be a very elaborate building or a simple structure. The location of the home and property often times dictates the style of the structure.

In my opinion the photo to the right is the typical garden shed. It is usually located nearby or in the garden to store tools, fertilizers, pottery, lawn mowers and other manual and electrical lawn and garden essentials.

It is normally a simple square or rectangular shaped building with or without windows. If no windows, vents are utilized. Water and electrical utilities are optional.

These garden sheds can be erected in a short amount of time; a few hours or constructed over a weekend.

The interior of a garden shed keeps items neat and tidy. It saves garden tools and appliances safe from inclement weather conditions.

The interior of the shed may be lined with hooks, shelves, or a work bench. The hooks will hold hand-held and larger garden tools. The shelves will store pottery, vegetables, and other miscellaneous items.

A work bench may be needed for cutting, planting, transplanting, and repairing tools.

It is very handy to have a work bench with a sink for easy cleanup. Electricity is an option, as there may be times when there is a need for light in order to work or to use an electrical tool.

If the shed is a small model an outdoor sink can be installed on the outside area of the shed. Electrical wiring may be installed from the house or a nearby utility pole.

For more detailed information read https://hubpages.com/living/The-Wooden-Garden-Shed

Indoor Gardening

4/24/2018

This is a commercial greenhouse which affords some ideas for a smaller unit. It also gives some ideas for hanging plants and shelving.

Greenhouses Are Popular

The invention of various plastics has brought about a revolution in the designing and construction of functional greenhouses. The traditional buildings made of wood, aluminum, and steel are still available. The invention of PVC pipes and assorted plastics has presented new material for framing, flooring, plumbing, electrical installation, walls and more.

These buildings may be erected by professional contractors or by your own hands. There are blueprints for the ambitious wood workers, purchase kits which may be erected in a day, or do it yourself individuals may be creative and assemble materials which can be recycled. In other words; it's affordable and will fit any budget. .

Traditional Gardening or Greenhouse Gardening?

Great space idea by placing a smaller greenhouse frame within the main greenhouse. This smaller unit could also serve as a quarantine area for plants which need additional care.

Bad weather and other physical limitations initiated by Mother Nature or our physical assets may make traditional gardening a hardship. Have you considered working within a greenhouse?

Are you passionate about gardening? Do you love watching seeds, bulbs, or young plants grow and mature into beautiful flowers, fruits, or vegetables?

The four seasons of the year offer an array of flora which we pursue with enthusiasm. It is because of this passion that a green house is given much consideration. This type of building is an asset for growing our favorite plants under controlled conditions. The less our plants need to battle Mother Nature the easier it is for them to grow healthy and beautiful.

3 Types of Greenhouses

A guonset style of greenhouse which stands alone.

Regardless of these newly invented materials and new designs there are still three basic types of green houses and they are:

Cold Frame Boxes: Portable framed boxes which service seedling or plants to become stronger or acclimated to withstand an environmental change before being transplanted into the traditional garden.
Lean-To Greenhouse: The lean-to green house is a three-sided structure which is attached to the side of a stable building, a wall, or a fence. Its design presents the appearance of a half-house with a slanted roof and three sides covered with plastic, shade cloth, or glass.
Free standing building: A permanently constructed building for the serious horticulturist.

The plants are grown at table height or hanging. No more aching back, arms, legs, or knees from heavy bulky tools which are needed to shovel, hoe, and rake in traditional gardens. One can also sit on a stool for more comfort when working with the plants.

Greenhouse Plants

Do not erect a greenhouse because you are in competition with your next door neighbor or the greenhouse looked great in a magazine photo.

The greenhouse must fit your needs as well as meet rules and regulations of your local community. The decision to construct a portable or a permanent structure is dependent upon how this building will be utilized.

What types of plants or seedlings will be grown.
Will you be accommodating tropical plants, trees, greenhouse plants or other favored crops?
Are you planning to grow a variety of annual or perennial plants?
Are you growing vegetables?
Is it to be used as a plant hospital?
Do you specialize in the germinating seeds for transfer at a later date?

The seedlings or plants that you nurture will have a great deal of influence on the type of structure needed. The greenhouse will contain shelving, hanging rods, manual or automatic water and temperature controls, windows, vents, storage, work bench, counter space and other necessities or convenience accessories.

Click for more information about greenhouse planting.

Portable or Permanent Lean-To Green Houses

4/12/2018

This is a large permanent style lean-to and it rests against the stone wall of a building facing the rays of the sun to the South.

The Purpose of a Green House

The purpose of a greenhouse is to house plants and seedlings in an insect free environment which provides the right amount of humidity and warmth for their growth or propagation. It can also be used as a hospital for sick plants that need to be separated and reestablished.

Lean-To green houses are meant to be temporary quarters for plants until it is time to transplant them into vegetable or flower gardens. A storage bin for tools and supplies are usually located in a shed at a nearby location.

Hobby and gardening enthusiasts are always using some form of greenhouse environment for their seeds or seedlings. The amount of gardening or types of plants grown determines the consideration for a portable or permanent structure. The greenhouse is an essential tool for any type of vegetation.

Modern green houses are now made of light weight materials of aluminum and plastic which is economical until a more permanent green house is assembled.

Light Weight Construction

Light weight portable lean-to green houses are made with aluminum or PVC piping and covered with your choice of poly carbonate, shade cloth, or polyethylene film. This structure is attached to the side of a stable supporting wall which may be a house, garage, shed, barn or other types of structures.

The green house is placed on the south side of a building taking advantage of the warm sun. The portable unit can be easily removed or dismantled to be placed elsewhere when the seasons change in order to follow the sun.

An example of a permanent lean to which has lasted for many years. This brick and glass structure is attached to a very secure brick wall. I would guess the age of this building to be about 40 or 50 years old. With a few cosmetic changes and minor repairs it will be ready for another long life.

Constructing Permanent Green Houses

These green houses may also be constructed to be permanent. The construction materials include wood, steel, aluminum or plastic. The type of slanted roof and the three sides will determine if it will be covered with glass, poly carbonate, shade cloth, or polyethylene film.

Basic Decisions Before Building

Location
Land area
Size and design
Type of slant roof
Building plans
Personal construction skills
Aesthetic value
Construction materials
Utility outlets
Access path for hauling heavy supplies

A lean-to is often called a half-house because it is only a one-half building. Your costs will be much greater than a portable unit. But this lean-to is meant to be a lifetime investment. Part of the costs will be minimized as you are using a wall which is attached to a house, barn, shed, or other permanent structures.

Read more . .

Dance At Your Wedding

3/25/2018

The bride and groom dancing at the first dance at their wedding is a time honored tradition in America as well as other International countries. This custom was started centuries ago when kings and queens ruled and it was their tradition to open the ball with a dance. With the passage of time this idea crossed over to brides and grooms. In either situation after the couple has danced as host and hostess at the celebration it is then the guests who are welcomed to enter the dance floor.

International dancing is a lot of fun.

International Weddings

Every culture which features the first dance performed by the bride and groom have traditional rules of dance. When attending another culture’s wedding it is best to observe and not participate unless asked to do so. Occasionally it may be necessary to familiarize your self with their etiquette to avoid any social embarrassments.

A man and woman dancing their first romantic dance as a wedded couple.

A Romantic Dance

Are you considering dancing at your wedding? Are you dancing to the opening romantic song or are you intending to dance to a medley of songs?

The bride and groom may stay with their cultural tradition or become creative and design an original choreography to be danced with each other or to their guests as entertainment. The choreography may be restricted to the bride and groom or may include the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Many days and possibly weeks of dance lessons and rehearsals will be required.

Some couples choose to have a theme at their wedding. For example, I attended a wedding which had a country western theme. The bride and groom and the wedding attendants were dressed in country wedding attire.

A sequence of western melodies were played indicative of the couple’s courtship. After the ceremony was completed the bride and groom danced to their favorite music selection. After which there was a dance performance of line dancing by the wedding participants and then the floor opened to country western music for about ten minutes for those familiar with this style of dancing. The music then changed to suit the guests in attendance.

The bride and groom may choose to do a simple or an elaborate display of dancing as a couple. They may wish to add dances performed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Not everyone knows how to dance, lessons may be required. Or the bride or the groom may dance solo for each other.

Dance for health, fitness, and happiness.

Dancing Benefits:

Fun activities
It is an exercise outlet
Encourages mental discipline
Music appreciation
Socializing
Festivities
Travel opportunities.

Couples who do wonderful or spectacular dance performances at their weddings are those personalities who share in a dance hobby. YouTube has some excellent videos.

Other couples who consider hiring a professional for instructions just for this occasion will learn more about each other as they learn and practice their steps alone and together. It takes effort, time, patience, and time to learn how to dance together. After their performance they may decide to continue this activity as a hobby.
If only one of you likes dancing as a hobby; do a solo. The groom can take it upon himself to perform for his new bride or vice versa. This is a pleasant surprise for the receiver.
Do the traditional first dance and let the hired professional performers entertain the reception guests.

It is not uncommon for the couple to continue dancing as a hobby. It adds a common interest for two people to share the same interest. Read more about dancing and other types of hobbies and interests which are inspired by weddings at https://hubpages.com/games-hobbies/Wedding-Hobbies-and-Interests.

Starting A Jewelry Business At Home

3/8/2018

Are you thinking about starting a jewelry business, but not quite sure if it is the right time to do so?

The right time for starting a business is when you are ready to take a stand and make a commitment to your self. The commitment is important because it is a promise to your self that you will complete what you started.

A second priority is motivation as it is the engine which propels strong desires to become an entrepreneur. These deep desires to build a business is within the individual. One does not open a business on a whim. It is doomed to fail.

Follow your heart’s desires, but back it up with finances. Usually finances are a problem. Three things may be necessary before starting.

A personal savings account for financial start up costs and more.
Arrangements for part-time or full time employment.
Selling a secondary product in conjunction with your jewelry to help offset expenses.
A working plan with realistic goals and how the plans will be accomplished.

A business owner is a parent to its company:

The company is conceived and nurtured from birth through the toddler stage. Constant attention and guidance will need to be given.
The elementary school years require studying and designing new products as the company needs to meet growing challenges.
The pre-teen years bring on awkwardness and likewise the business may have a fault or two which will need immediate correction.
During the teenage years of the business it may run smoothly or mayhem may disrupt business.
The college years seemingly are the maintaining years and strong consideration is given to selling the business.

Self Questionaire

Do you have a product which will sell and earn you a profit?
Are you specializing in a particular jewelry niche or will you be a generalist and offer a variety of choices for your customers?
Do you have an awareness of your competition?
Are you able to maintain a well stocked inventory?
Are you a salesman?

Start Jewelry Business in Home - Why?

It is very exciting and yet scary to start a jewelry business of your own design. There will be mixed emotions when you actually are ready and able to become self-employed.

One of the best methods to experience business is to work from your home. This will be an awakening reality to help acknowledge your readiness for the business world.

There are many business basics which apply to starting a new company. The starting list for the home will be brief when compared to opening a large business.

The home setting allows for the lowest overhead and increased profits.
It will also allow time to gain experience, knowledge, customer lists, business contacts, savings, and an understanding of techniques which will build a successful business with your product line..
Should you fail, closing your business will be easier than closing a major location.

Click here for more information.

Professional Belly Dancing - Is It For You?

2/8/2018

A professional belly dancer at work.

It's a new year and this is the year that you are considering becoming a professional belly dancer. Is it for you?

First and foremost have you decided if you wish to become a professional entertainer, a teacher or both?

Do you wish to work part-tie or full time? From experience I can tell you that you will need to supplement your income in either choice unless you have a large financial cushion which allows you to not worry about an income.

I am assuming that you have taken belly dancing lessons from several instructors, attended seminars and workshops, and have experiences in teaching and performing. The following guide will introduce teacher responsibilities.

Mobile or rental location of a dance studio
Business knowledge or staff to maintain advertising, marketing, show bookings, and other office requirements and maintenance
Communication abilities
Setting up a teaching program and class schedules
Research
Organization skills
Creating choreography
Setting-up public workshops and shows
Training or hiring other instructors

As a performer these tools will need to be considered:

Ongoing practicing and rehearsing to develop skills in order to offer exciting performances.
Have thorough savvy public relations, advertising, and marketing skills
Theater and acting skills
Psychology of entertaining
Ongoing list of performing environments
Costuming, music, and props

Stage performances are available, but not as numerous as working in restaurants and private parties.

The outlets for making money with your dancing will include:

Working in restaurants
Private parties e.g. weddings
Corporate events
Product Promotions
Some stage performances - workshops and seminars
Paid community events
A few non-profit organizations

Non-profit organizations usually request free entertainment. These outlets offer advertising as payment as their funds are low, Choose non-profit organizations wisely.

Show business is just that...a business and money must follow your performances.

Record anticipated expenses, competitive pricing, and personal income in order to determine performing rates.

It is important that instructors let their students perform in order to show off what has been taught to them.

Whether you choose to be an instructor, performer, or both it will be necessary that you are able to attract many potential clients.

In addition to knowledge and experiences communication skills, charisma, and an enthusiastic personality supported with common sense are necessary ingredients to add to the success mix.

Click for more information.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Chris_Parfitt, dustpuppy, Arya Ziai, infomatique, Base Camp Baker, Yutaka Seki, Maurits Verbiest, eastmidtown, mattbuck4950, rumpleteaser, TipsTimesAdmin, GabboT, David Cifuentes ( FotOh! ), Natja K., SupportPDX

Tricia Deed - Freelance Writer Published eBook Belly Dancing - Sensual Essentials Email: Tricia_deed@yahoo.com Pin it code for images on weebly