Whether it’s for fashion or for a museum display, Native American collectibles only grow in popularity over time. And, the most collectible of all is any antique Indian beadwork. Before Native Americans used beads on their clothing, they painted them. Then, as time went on, they began to make beads out of bone, dried berries and eventually beads, which were introduced by European traders ultimately.
How Antique Indian Beadwork Is Born
In 1675 or thereabouts, settlers from Europe came to the Americas with brightly colored beads made of glass to trade with the Native Americans. Since the traders actually carried these beads to Indian villages on ponies, these beads found in antique Indian beadwork are often called pony beads. For the most part, these beads were blue, but others were white and even a brownish red. That is why much of the antique Indian beadwork from this period is so predominantly blue. And, this type of beadwork remained popular until the middle of the 19th century, when smaller beads began to become more plentiful and fashionable. Indeed, over time, Native American collectibles, from moccasins to shirts, leggings to headbands, all seem to have some sort of beadwork worked into them. For a good number of years, Native Americans used sinew as a needle and thread to make their beaded Native American collectibles. Sinew is dried tendon from large game like an elk or deer.
The Varieties Of Antique Indian Beadwork
There are three main kinds of Indian beadwork found in Native American collectibles. These include:
The Overlay or Spot Stitching Variety
This particular type of antique Indian beadwork has many curves and flowers.
Lazy Stitch
Western Native Americans used this geometric style more commonly than other tribes.
The Loom Style
The Ojibway Native American tribe is credited with originating this style of beading. As time went on, more tribes adopted it as well. The loom used in this beadwork was also made to be portable and easy to migrate with. Made with just a few pieces of flat wood and a sinew, this loom looked a lot like a bow.
Still Popular Today
Since the styles are so coveted, modern hobbyists and entrepreneurs and even Indians themselves are still creating items in the antique Indian beadwork styles as a way to make a living. Native American collectibles are intrinsically linked with antique Indian beadwork and no collection is complete without some.
When people constantly tell you that you have a knack of creating beautiful crafts, you may want to stretch your imagination more by using hot fix crystals for your projects. Few people are cut out to be designers, and if you have an active imagination, you might just be one of those people. But what if you’re currently in a trench and you don’t know what kind of projects you should work on? Here’s a cure-all for your slump: hot fix swarovski!
From t-shirt accents to decorative bling, there are so many uses for hot fix crystals. These crystals are used for various accenting purposes, but it’s probably best to use these on Lycra or cotton.
Here is an example of a project you can begin doing now…
Hot fix rhinestones used as accents for baby tee shirts!
Baby tee-shirts are not just for babies, they’re also for pre-teen and teenage girls. If you understand fashion, you probably know that young girls love to dress up in baby tee shirts with their names on them. Adolescent girls like to bond, and so they like dressing up in similar (but not “exactly” similar) clothes.
For your next project, why not create a set of baby tee shirts with similar hot fix rhinestone motifs in different colors?. Consistency in theme starts with selecting the motifs to use. For example, if your theme is “flowers”, look for different variants to put on the baby tees (e.g. daisy, rose and orchid).
What about the materials?
There are so many applicators and patterns available in some popular websites like Etsy, Amazon and eBay. Look for package offers that give you an applicator and several varied motifs. Take the time and do some research before buying a lot. Some designs require you to use a strong iron with a variable heat range.
As for tee shirts, you can buy an assorted bulk with different colors. Baby tees are usually available in one size so you don’t have to worry too much about size. Baby tee shirts are also available in two forms: polo-shirt style and round neck.. If the crystals you bought are in rainbow colors, you should get pastel colored shirts. The tee shirts should be dark in color if you only have white crystals.
If you enjoy creating exquisite crafts and everyone says you have the knack for it, you may want to use your imagination more by starting craft projects involving hot fix crystals. Being gifted with the power to create beautiful things, you should spread the blessing by creating more. However, sometimes, you run into a creativity plateau as they call it and you need to find inspiration somehow. Here’s something that might interest you: hot fix swarovski!
When you start using hot fix crystals, you will realize that these are so versatile you can use them for almost all types of projects. Lycra and cotton are the usual materials that are used for hot fix projects that involve crystals.
You want to try creating something out of these materials now? Here is my recommendation…
Hot fix rhinestones used as accents for baby tee shirts!
Baby tees are not just clothes for babies, but for pre-teen and teenage girls, too. If you understand fashion, you probably know that young girls love to dress up in baby tee shirts with their names on them. Pre-adolescence is the time for bonding between young women, and that’s why groups of friends often wear similarly designed shirts to show the world that they’re a team.
You can create baby tee shirts with similar hot fix rhinestone motifs in different colors. Consistency in theme starts with selecting the motifs to use. For example, if your theme is “flowers”, look for different variants to put on the baby tees (e.g. daisy, rose and orchid).
What about the materials?
Swarovski crystal buyers from all over the world go to online shops to purchase their applicators and patterns. Before taking the plunge and buying applicators and motifs separately, check out each source for package deals. Make sure you look at all the places online to get the best patterns, applicators and motifs. For iron-on designs, you are going to need a good ironing board and of course, a functional iron.
Tee shirts are easier to find and you can buy these in bulk. As for size, baby tee shirts are available in one size, so it’s nothing to worry about. Baby tee shirts are also available in two forms: polo-shirt style and round neck.. If the crystals you bought are in rainbow colors, you should get pastel colored shirts. If your motifs only have white sparkling crystals, the shirts must be dark.
You should be having fun crafting with your children. Crafting is supposed to be a fun, messy time when your kids make something out of nothing and you get to be creative. Allowing your kids to use their imagination is very important to their development. Most adults find craft time too difficult to handle. Craft time is stressful because you worry about whether or not everyone will get along and how much mess there will be. Of course, their main worry is whether or not they’ve chosen a craft the kids will enjoy.
They wonder if they will be able to find the left handed scissors for little joey who can’t use the normal scissors. This article will discuss how to make craft time less stressful.
You know very well that if your kids have an interest in the type of craft they’re doing, there’s a much higher likelihood they’ll have more fun. If you have a son who is fascinated with dinosaurs, look for crafts that involve dinosaurs. It’s not necessary for your project to be overly complex or fancy; but they do need to have something that will keep them focused and interested. If you try too hard to push a particular craft idea, however, you are more likely to run into resistance. Kids won’t care at all about scissors, right handed or left handed or whatever, because if they’re really interested it just won’t matter. They’ll be too interested in what the final project will look like when it is done! One thing you can do is also get your children to help out with the garbage and scraps after they are done. Of course you can do it, and the mess isn’t horrible (hopefully), and it’s a good lesson for the kids, too. Try making them feel like it’s a friendly and fun game. They will race each other to put things away including the left-handed scissors, of course. Who can put crayons back where they belong the fastest. Who can find the most amount of trash? You can make up songs about cleaning up or even dance around as you do it. The key is fun and enthusiasm on your part that is infectious to your kids.
Hey – spills are part of crafting with kids. You know with children, anything can happen; for example your left-handed daughter can be using her left-handed scissors and spills something. Stuff happens, so just stay even and relaxed, and your kids will continue to have a good time. You want this time to be fun and relaxing for all, and that’s really more important than anything else. Clean it up and keep on having some fun.
Kids love doing crafts because they are simply fun to do. Kids are natural born creators and are thrilled with making anything. Adults, on the other hand… we adults are just to engrossed in our concerns and stresses of our lives. These tips should give you some help to have a better crafting time with your kids. Even if you don’t have any lefties in your family; be sure to get some left-handed scissors anyway just in case… you never know.
A rocking horse is popular among children who squeal in delight as the wooden horse rocks the kid back and forth. In fact this popular toy continues to give pleasure to an individual at any age. Its popularity demands that sooner or later every wood working practitioner will find himself in need of rocking horse plans.
Rocking horse plans are much sought after and are also available just as easily. You can find many book stores carrying wood working project designs and almost all of them will have the popular rocking horse plans. It seems to be one of the most important basic projects that a skillful wood practitioner will definitely need to master. The internet is another source where you can avail a large plethora of rocking horse plans and designs.
Rocking horse plans are available in all varieties beginning from the basic simple model to more complicated design. Depending on your skill level you can either attempt a simple pony or a grand stallion. Plans are also available for a team of rocking horses that rocks in pairs. You should select the one that matches your skill set. Also keep in mind the age of the intended rider as rocking horses should accommodate the size of the player. Some conversions in measurements will definitely be required if your plan’s measurements vary greatly to the child’s appropriate size.
Once you have narrowed in on your plan, you can get to work on the tools and materials needed. Pine is the most cost effective one and is more popular than maple or oak wood. Finally color your horse bright to make him appealing and attractive to the kids.
There is no need to get disheartened if your labor did not produce the enchanting pony you hoped for. All you need to do is purchase a rocking horse kit from the market. These kits include all the frames and pieces in a ready to fix stage and come with detailed instructions in assembling them. The kit includes all the pieces needed to complete your little pony whereas the rocking horse plans will contain detailed instructions in assembling these pieces to turn them into the perfect rocking horse.
A rocking horse is popular among children who squeal in delight as the wooden horse rocks the kid back and forth. Though it is common knowledge that children of all ages enjoy a gallop in a rocking horse, adults are also known to be great fans of them. Whether as a hobby or for a project or even if you are thinking of building one as a gift for someone, your success on this project will depend on great rocking horse plans and designs.
Today rocking horse plans are available in plenty all over. You can find many book stores carrying wood working project designs and almost all of them will have the popular rocking horse plans. Its inclusion in such books indicates its level of popularity and demand. The internet is another source where you can avail a large plethora of rocking horse plans and designs.
Rocking horse plans are available in all varieties beginning from the basic simple model to more complicated design. So you can either choose to work on a knight’s stallion or on a simple circus horse. Plans are also available for a team of rocking horses that rocks in pairs. You should select the one that matches your skill set. Also keep in mind the age of the intended rider as rocking horses should accommodate the size of the player. Some conversions in measurements will definitely be required if your plan’s measurements vary greatly to the child’s appropriate size.
After selecting your perfect rocking horse plan start collecting the material needed. Pine is the most cost effective one and is more popular than maple or oak wood. Paint and varnishes are the final touches that will be needed to complete your rocking horse.
There is no need to get disheartened if your labor did not produce the enchanting pony you hoped for. In such cases there is no need to worry as when all else fails, rocking horse kits come to the rescue. These kits include all the frames and pieces in a ready to fix stage and come with detailed instructions in assembling them. Just follow the instructions verbatim and you will see rocking horse emerge from the pieces of wood and frames enabling you to take credit for the perfect rocking horse built by your very own hands.
When we think of pumpkins, we think of Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns, pumpkin pie, and perhaps Thanksgiving.
But, the fact of the matter is, there’s more than one way to use a pumpkin!
During October, pumpkins are abundant. Sometimes, they seem to be too abundant. And it’s not uncommon to see excess pumpkins cast aside or left to rot after Halloween. But, with a little bit of innovation, there’s really no need to let the extras go to waste.
The following are just a few of the great uses for pumpkins:
Pumpkins in Crafts – If you’re an experienced craftsman or a devout hobbyist, you might try some more creative and advanced uses of pumpkins. You can make pumpkin leather like the American Indians did, or just settle with a simple pumpkin bird house.
Pumpkins for the Skin – Pumpkins contain anti-oxidants and alpha-hydroxy, which are said to be good for the skin. You can use pumpkin peels as a facial, to combat aging or other skin problems.
Pumpkin for Pets – Mashed pumpkin is a well-known remedy for digestive trouble in dogs. It can be used to combat weight gain or diarrhea, and for resistance to infections. It is also said to be good for a dog
When we think pumpkins, we think Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns, pumpkin pie, and Thanksgiving.
But, factually, there are many ways to use a pumpkin!
During October, pumpkins . Sometimes, they are too abundant. And it’s not uncommon to see excess pumpkins cast aside or left to rot after Halloween, but there’s really no need to let the extras go to waste.
The following are just a few of the great uses for pumpkins:
1. Pumpkins in Recipes
As food, pumpkins are low in calories, yet high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, and potassium. your favorite cookbook and search for recipes containing pumpkin.
Pumpkin breads, pies, and are favorites, but you can probably find plenty of others. As an impromptu house guest in Paris, I was once served an incredible pumpkin soup (though I never completed my search for ). There are more exotic recipes to try as well – pumpkin juice, pumpkin ice cream, and even fried pumpkin.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Also called “pepitas,” pumpkin seeds are known to be highly nutritious, and are used in weight-loss diets. They provide fiber, healthy fats, and protein, as well as minerals such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper. They are also known to strengthen the immune system, and to be good for people with high cholesterol.
Roasted pumpkin seeds make excellent between-meals snacks, can be sprinkled over a holiday squash soup, and are a favorite in Mexican cooking. Candied pumpkin seeds are for parties as well – and even children might accept them among their Halloween candy.
3. Pumpkins for Pets
Mashed pumpkin is a great remedy for digestive trouble in dogs. It can be used to combat weight gain or diarrhea, and for resistance to infections. It’s also said to be good for a dog’s night vision and general health.
Simply add a few of cooked, mashed pumpkin to dog’s food. (Important: it must be pure mashed pumpkin, not a mix!) For instructions on how to create your own mashed pumpkin, see point #4 below.
Cats might like pumpkin as well, and it can be used to help cats with similar digestive troubles, as well as hairballs.
Remember, if your pet is sick, take him to the vet! ask your vet about using pumpkin for a home remedy.
4. Pumpkins for Later
more pumpkins than you know what to do with, you can save them for later use in recipes and for winter holidays.
There are several ways to create pumpkin puree which can be frozen for later. The following are three preparation methods:
1. Baking – Cut the pumpkin into two halves, place it on a baking sheet with the flat side down{}, and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for about an hour, or until it is tender when tested with a fork.
2. Microwave – Follow the same procedure as above, but instead of placing the pumpkin in an oven, microwave it on high for about 15 minutes, or until it is tender.
3. Boiling – Cut the pumpkin into large chunks and then rinse. Then, place the chunks cover with water (fully immersing the pumpkins, plus one inch of water on top), and boil until tender.
After you’ve one of the methods above to soften the pumpkin, cool it off, peel it, and mash it in a food processor. You can also use a potato masher .
Then, simply seal the puree into zip lock bags, or whatever is convenient, and freeze it for for the winter. The puree can be used as a substitute for canned pumpkin, in any recipe.
5. Pumpkins as Dishes
You can clean a pumpkin well, cut it in half, and dry it for use as a serving bowl or a flower vase. You can also use a halved pumpkin to cook or bake other foods in.
6. Pumpkins for the Skin
Pumpkins contain anti-oxidants and alpha-hydroxy, which are said to be good for the skin. You can use pumpkin peels as facials, to combat aging or other skin problems.
7. Pumpkins for Children and Games
You can use pumpkins in children’s contests. If your kids are too little to start carving yet, they can also decorate pumpkins with markers or paint – or even make a pumpkin collage. Another use of pumpkins is as targets for archery practice.
But we definitely don’t recommend any games that involve throwing pumpkins, nor using them as substitutes for soccer balls.
Possibly even better, how about a cross between a Jack-O-Lantern, a Snow Man, and a Scare Crow? Your kids might have a great time making a Pumpkin Man – and it’s much better for them than watching TV.
8. Pumpkins as Ornaments
Pumpkins, gourds, and squash can be used to create candle holders, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and other ornaments.
9. Musical Pumpkins
Yes, that’s right, pumpkins make musical instruments as well. Or, at least they can if you know how to make (and play) them. You can find a variety of ideas for instruments that can be made from gourds, squashes, and pumpkins. Although many musical instruments are made from gourds, one can easily imagine how a large or small pumpkin would do just as well in cases.
10. Pumpkins in Crafts
If you’re an experienced craftsman or a devout hobbyist, you might try some more advanced and creative uses of pumpkins. You can make pumpkin leather like the American Indians did, or with a simple pumpkin bird house.
As you can see, there’s really no need for pumpkins to go to waste, either before Halloween or afterwards.
During economic recessions, it’s not uncommon more time on their hands than they have money. Instead of letting extra pumpkins go to waste, the above are a few ways to stretch your grocery budget a bit further, invest some time in your health, get your kids away from the screen, and have some fun .
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others understand how to utilize existing resources in their lives, reduce waste, and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. Find out more at her blogs, Source and Resource and Build and Rebuild.
When we think pumpkins, we think Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns, pumpkin pie, and perhaps Thanksgiving.
But, , there are plenty of ways to use a pumpkin!
During October, pumpkins . Sometimes, they are too abundant. And it’s not uncommon to see excess pumpkins cast aside or left to rot after Halloween, but there’s really no need to let the extras go to waste.
The following are just a few of the great uses for pumpkins:
1. Pumpkins in Recipes
As food, pumpkins are low in calories, yet high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, and potassium. Dig out your favorite cookbook and search for recipes containing pumpkin.
Pumpkin breads, pumpkin pies, and muffins are favorites, but you can probably find plenty of others. As an impromptu house guest in Paris, I was once served an amazing pumpkin soup (though I never completed my search for ). There are more exotic recipes to try as well – pumpkin juice, pumpkin ice cream, and even fried pumpkin.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds (also called “pepitas”) are also known to be highly nutritious, and are used in weight-loss diets. They provide fiber, healthy fats, and protein, as well as minerals such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper. They are also known to strengthen the immune system, and to be good for people with high cholesterol.
Roasted pumpkin seeds make excellent , can be sprinkled over a holiday squash soup, and are a favorite in Mexican cooking. Candied pumpkin seeds are good for parties as well – and even the children might accept them among their Halloween candy.
3. for Pets
Mashed pumpkin is a remedy for digestive trouble in dogs. It can be used to combat weight gain or diarrhea, and for resistance to infections. also said to be good for a dog’s night vision and general health.
Simply add a few spoonfuls of pumpkin to the dog’s food. (Important: it must be pure mashed pumpkin, not a mix!) create your own mashed pumpkin, see #4 below.
Cats may like pumpkin as well, and it can be given to help cats with similar digestive troubles, as well as hairballs.
Remember, if your pet is sick, take him to the vet! Also, ask your vet about using pumpkin for a home remedy.
4. Pumpkins for Later
more pumpkins than you know what to do with, you can save them for later use in recipes and for winter holidays.
There are several ways to create pumpkin puree which can be frozen . The following are three preparation methods:
1. Baking – Cut the pumpkin , place it on a baking sheet with the flat side downwith the flat side down, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for about an hour, or until it is tender when tested with a fork.
2. Microwave – , but instead of placing the pumpkin in an oven, microwave it on high for about 15 minutes, or until it is tender.
3. Boiling – Cut the pumpkin into large chunks and then rinse. Then, place the chunks cover with water (fully immersing the pumpkins, plus one inch of water on top), and boil until tender.
utilized one of the above methods to soften the pumpkin, cool it off, peel it, and mash it in a food processor. You can also use a potato masher .
Then, simply close the puree in zip lock bags, or whatever is convenient, and freeze it for for the winter. The puree can be used as a substitute for canned pumpkin, in any recipe.
5. Pumpkins as Dishes
You can clean a pumpkin well, cut it in half, and dry it for use as a serving bowl or a flower vase. You can also use a halved pumpkin to cook or bake other foods in.
6. Pumpkins for the Skin
Pumpkins contain anti-oxidants and alpha-hydroxy, which are said to be good for the skin. You can use pumpkin peels as , to combat aging or other skin problems.
7. Pumpkins for Children and Games
children’s drawing and carving contests. If your kids are too little to start carving yet, they can also decorate pumpkins with markers or paint – or even create a pumpkin collage. Another use of pumpkins is as targets for archery practice.
definitely don’t recommend any games that involve throwing pumpkins, nor using them as substitutes for soccer balls.
Possibly even better, how about a cross between a Jack-O-Lantern, a Snow Man, and a Scare Crow? Your kids might have a great time making a Pumpkin Man – and it’s much better for them than watching TV.
8. Pumpkins as Ornaments
Pumpkins, gourds, and squash can be used to create candle holders, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and other ornaments.
9. Musical Pumpkins
Yes, that’s right, pumpkins make good musical instruments as well. Or, at least they can if you know how to make (and play) them. You can find a variety of ideas for instruments that can be made from gourds, squashes, and pumpkins. Although many musical instruments are made from gourds, one can easily imagine how a large or small pumpkin would do just as well in many cases.
10. Pumpkins for Crafts
If you are an experienced craftsman or a devout hobbyist, you might try some more advanced and creative uses of pumpkins. You can make pumpkin leather like the American Indians did, or just settle with a simple pumpkin bird house.
As you can see, there’s really no need for pumpkins to go to waste, either before Halloween or afterwards.
During economic recessions, it’s not uncommon that people have more time on their hands than they have money. Instead of letting extra pumpkins go to waste, are a few ways you can stretch your grocery budget a bit further, invest some time in your health, get your kids away from the screen, and have some fun at the same time.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others understand how to utilize existing resources in their lives, reduce waste, and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. Find out more at her blogs, Source and Resource and Build and Rebuild.