You love baking and your friends say you make the best cupcakes in the world. 'You should sell this!' they say—and your mind starts whirring. Maybe you can turn your hobby into a business. Maybe you can make loads of money doing something that you love. But this is a major decision. A hobby is fun; a business, however, is inherently risky and will take hours of your time. … [Read more...] about 4 Questions to Ask Before Turning a Hobby into a Business
crafts
7 Easy Steps for Decoupage Projects
Decoupage (French for 'cut') is a simple craft that can create stunning decorate effects. As the name implies, you cut out pictures and then stick them on different surfaces: papier-mache boxes, wooden furniture, ceramics, metal. The art form first emerged in twelfth century China but became very popular in France and the rest of Europe in the 17th century. Marie Antoinette, … [Read more...] about 7 Easy Steps for Decoupage Projects
What is ikebana?
Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art form that involves arranging flowers, and is said to have originated from China. However, more than merely putting nice flowers together, ikebana is guided by a specific set of principles, theories, and technique. Ikebana also has a spiritual aspect, which is emphasized during the act of arranging the flowers. Of course, it is considered … [Read more...] about What is ikebana?
8 Life Skills That Kids Get from Doing Crafts
Art paper and crayons may seem 'boring' and 'outdated' to a child who's used to flashy video games and battery-operated toys. However, many experts urge parents to get kids to do at least one hour of arts and crafts a week. Your child may balk a bit ('But mom, my favorite cartoon is showing!') but he'll eventually enjoy it…and will definitely learn a lot from it. There's … [Read more...] about 8 Life Skills That Kids Get from Doing Crafts
4 Fun Crafts You Can Make with Broken Crayons
You probably have a big box of old, broken crayons that your kids don't want to use. They still work perfectly (and most crayon boxes come with sharpeners, so you can still get a fine tip) but you know how kids are. They want new crayons, just because they're…new. Recycle the broken crayons and use them for fun crafts. Here are some great projects for a boring summer day or … [Read more...] about 4 Fun Crafts You Can Make with Broken Crayons