Shring a few of my crafts I have tried to squeeze in.Sharing a few new crafting tools

My vlog where I tell about my time at the Anniversary-Birthday Party. All participants was sent a plain brown bag and we were to decorate them with anything we could come up with. Then the bags were filled with small gifts thus the grab bag was born. This would be a great recession-proof idea for those on a very tight budget. Some of my ideas for low budget gifts 1. Favorite childhood books at www.bibliofind.com 2. Have a winter picnic at your favorite place bring a thermos of hot cocoa and …

► XmasFLIX.com What To Get The Hacker On Your Christmas Shopping List! “If you’re trying to figure out what to get the Hacker on your Christmas shopping list” then this is the video for you! Let’s start with “the ultimate high tech Christmas present for the Hacker on your list”, a Christmas Card on a floppy disc for 10 bucks! With stunning animations and graphics, and stereo quality music. Hot! We go to the mail and hear nerds from Radio Shack and Computer Craft stores talk about how …

www.twomblypublishing.com ( where you can find the book “HORSES and PEOPLE MATCHING” followed it’s favorite pony ride company “Ponies for Parties” of Middleboro Massachusetts to East Bridgewater to celebrate “Christmas on the Common” sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Bridgewater….. lots of fundraising benefits…homespun Christmas fun..the ponies arrived AFTER the lovely Christmas parade ( sorry) and the craft tables were set up inside there were performances from local dance troupes …

17th Annual FIESTA-WORLD CRAFT BAZAAR Saturday – November 21st (10 to 4 pm) Florence Filberg Centre (Upstairs and Down) Courtenays FIESTA-WORLD CRAFT BAZAAR is now the largest fair trade global craft fair in Canada. Organizations and businesses from eastern Canada, lower mainland, Gibsons, and across Vancouver Island will be coming together to sell unique and exquisite clothing and crafts from around the world! There will be something for every price range and person on your list. Theres …

If one surveys today in the corporate gifting market it is clearly seen that the traditional Indian mithais have been ruled out by the delicious mouthwatering chocolates whose demand is said to grow more in the coming years.
Gifting is a simple concept, associated with giving warmth and relationship building. However it gets a few categories attached to it once the word ‘corporate’ is added to it. Corporate gifting can take place within the company, between clients and suppliers, amongst business associates, between manufacturers and dealers etc. Usually the person gifting picks up a common gift for all and so has to carefully decide on what gift to choose which is appreciated by all. Chocolates and gifts are the part of everyone’s life and are appreciated by all, so why not combine the two? It might just turn out to be the perfect gift for the festive season.
Once upon a time every giant corporation sent traditional Indian Mithai for festivals like Diwali. Now they are likely to be giving out chocolates, especially to top-level customers and others. People are now increasingly choosing chocolates over traditional Indian sweets as gifts due to the longer shelf life of the former. Scrumptious chocolates wrapped neatly in colorful foil and paper are indeed a delight to receive. Chocolates tantalize the taste buds, look gorgeous and smell heavenly. They are great mood elevators. They are known to mesmerize and it is said that nobody can escape from chocolate temptation.
Select the right kind for the right mood
The word ‘chocolate’ comes from the Aztec word ‘xocolatl’ which means ‘bitter water’. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical tree, Theobroma cacao. Theobroma is the Greek term for ‘food of the gods’. It is everyone’s favorite. A large part of chocolate’s fascination lies in its taste. Delicious chocolate full of rich concoction satisfies the most intense craving. Chocolates today are offered in variety of types like the Bitter chocolate, which are made from finely ground and roasted beans made with chocolate liquor. Professionals for gifting purpose, other popular one seen is Coverture chocolate, which are cocoa butter rich chocolates of the highest quality, mainly use it. Another mouth watering delight used commonly for gifting is Dark chocolates, these are chocolates containing atleast 15% chocolate liquor and less than 12% milk solids. The second types of it is the darkest of eating chocolate with the highest percentage of chocolate liquor that contains extra cocoa butter to make it melt easily. Dark chocolate with flavors like rum-raisin, cashew, butterscotch and cinnamon are being supplied to corporate and individuals in bulk orders. Then there are milk chocolates, which contains at least 12% milk solids and not less than 10% liquor. Last but not the least White chocolate, which is a blend of cocoa butter, milk, sugar and flavor, there are no chocolate solids other than cocoa butter present in it.
For those who are health conscious there is also a special range of sugar-free and diet chocolates. Also for the section that eats only home made chocolate, the classic chocolates are available for approximately Rs.1500/- per kg, while the deluxe range is for Rs.2,500/- per kg. Similarly delicious decorative chocolates can also go upto a range of Rs.3500/- per kg. There is no standard rate for it and depends upon individual choice. These expensive ranges are usually bought by corporate or individuals who want to make a special statement.
Pack it with the Indian taste
With chocolates gaining increasing popularity as gift options in India, chocolate boutiques are finding an increasing number of curious customers who are pampering their taste-buds to apricot and peach chocolate, strawberry chocolate or better still wild berry in cognac flavored chocolate. New flavors seen in the market as per Indian preference and taste are Wild Berry and Date & Honey Truffles apart from the Pan Supari and Nalin Gur chocolates. Decorated chocolates are hand-crafted and trimmed and available in a wide variety of milk, dark or white chocolates with flavors like hazelnut, cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts and rice crispy amongst several others. Moreover the truffles and chocolates are handcrafted to create authentic tastes and interesting shapes and sizes.
As festive time is to celebrate and make merry and no celebrations can be complete without chocolates, with the festive season like Christmas and New year approaching there are 1,000 varieties of designs & shapes in chocolates manufactured to help buyer choose the best among the best. The range exceeds from good luck charms, Xmas figurines & animals to nearly 50-1000 kinds of other shapes and size. These are also available in attractive gift packaging to suit any particular occasion.
These packing are mostly seen of specially designed wrappings and assortments in festive colors like shimmering gold, pure whites, glistening reds and olive greens. The wrappings are embellished with special Christmas motifs like Santa, stars, bells, stockings and Xmas trees and tied with beautiful satin ribbons to give it a festive touch. Then these chocolates are also arranged and presented in a variety of exquisite gift boxes, trays, designer porcelain or crystal items to add a touch of elegance.
During prime festive period most of the chocolate boutiques offer attractive discounts to their regular clients, In fact, a few international brands have set base in India to cater to the Indian clientele especially for a festival like Diwali, Christmas, New Year etc. Patchi, the premium chocolate brand from Lebanon that set base in India has introduced their new range of chocolates specially made for the festive season. The chocolates are beautifully wrapped in various shades of festive colors like shimmering gold, metallic silver, purple, greens & reds. The wrappings are then embellished with festive decorations like Ganeshas, Om’s, Diyas and Swastiks to add a traditional Indian touch. Also Brins Candy Foods Pvt.Ltd. under their brand Pure Sin Chocolates have come out with attractive chocolate boxes in liquor and without liquor drowned in different flavors specially designed for corporate which fit right in their budget and are bound to leave a good impression. Mars Restaurants Pvt.Ltd. too under it’s famous brand Birdy’s with a very upgraded clientele list this time during the festive seasons plans to come out with it’s most astounding chocolate collection in different shapes, flavors and sizes. Some of the other popular Indian brands that make and supply these delicious devils are Fantasia, Choco Swiss, and the chocolate boutique to name a few.
Along with these specialized chocolate manufacturers the regular popular brands such as Cadbury India, Amul India, Kwality Foods etc also continue with their share of business in the blooming market, even they are known to make customized packaged with attractive packaging during these celebrating times.
A treat for all
These sinful treats have definitely gained popularity over years and one can always pamper their loved ones, clients or business associates on their birthdays, festive seasons, during weddings etc by sending across tantalizing and irresistible chocolates to symbolize your embedded affection and respect. These are now affordable by one and all and with the rise in disposable incomes, people do not mind spending on designer chocolates. Also with the import duties on ingredients like chocolate slabs, cocoa butter and hazelnuts slashing down from nearly 120 per cent to 30 per cent, the chocolate market has been on a growth path. This growth is also helping homemade chocolate brands proliferate. Now these chocolate bars can also be inscribed with the name of the recipient or with your company logo or can be made itself in the shape of a logo, which is ideal for promotions during exhibitions or important events. These tasty bites are indeed a person’s ecstasy and with it’s growing popularity it is sure to stand out with flying colors which is adored by one and all i.e. from small school going children to big corporate decision makers.

Simplify your holiday shopping with these ten easy gift ideas.

1. A Gift of Time – Print a certificate redeemable for a chore your friend hates—for example, two hours of housecleaning, four hours of personal shopping, or fixing a homemade meal.

2. A Gift to the Individual’s Favorite Charity – Gifts given in honor of a person  are a great way to recognize your friends. Include an inexpensive, funny gift to wrap to go with the gift recognition card.

3. A Gift of a Favorite Photo – For your family, you can enlarge a picture from a recent vacation, a family reunion, or any special occasion. Put it in a nice frame or a magnetic frame.

4. A Gift of Food – Perhaps your friend has always bragged about your homemade pumpkin bread, strawberry jam, or cheese ball. Give your gift of homemade food (with the recipe) in time for the person to share it at the holidays.

5. Give a CD or Book – Look for something just a little different than what the person would normally buy, or give a Christmas CD that will be enjoyed immediately.

6. A Gift for Staying in Touch – It is often hard to find appropriate gifts for the elderly, but Aunt Martha probably doesn’t need any more socks or slippers. Give a box of all occasion greeting cards, two books of first class stamps, and return address labels. This saves her a trip to the post office and the card shop.

7. Give Tickets to a Concert or Special Event – Even regular movie tickets will encourage the person to do something fun after the hectic season.

8. Give a Manicure, Massage, or Pedicure Appointment – Isn’t it great to have a self indulgent gift to look forward to in January?

9. Give a Weekend Getaway – If you really want to splurge, purchase a weekend for two at a cozy mountain cabin.

10. Give Restaurant Gift Certificates—This is a great treat for the post-holiday, leftover blues.

As a final thought, resolve to shop throughout the year while on vacation, at craft fairs, or even at the mall. When you see something that reminds you of a friend or family member, buy it then! Keep a list of the gifts you have purchased and stash them in an easy-to-remember place.

Enjoy the holidays with a little less stress.

Preview of the New Scrollsaw Mini-Clock and Christmas Ornaments Pattern e-Book available on eBay from the StoXXchange. Get it here: search.ebay.com or visit www.bobbystocks.com This PDF downloadable e-Book contains 26 unique, top quality scroll saw patterns that are easily resizable to suit your needs. These are great patterns to cut as a hobby, for gifts, or to make money at a craft fair… Get it today on Ebay (Just search for “scrollsaw patterns” and you are sure to find it!) or you can …

Anyone who has ever tried giving a ‘different’ gift for Christmas will know the difficulties in finding such a thing. There are always plenty of options when looking for gifts for women due to the kind of variety and range available in the market. But how about avoiding those over crowded, over scented perfume halls, and choose something that you know she would never have thought of buying for herself.

A sculpture, an original painting, or jewellery that won’t be found in every single high street shop!

Brazilian jeweller Patricia Segrillo weaves pure 999 Brazilian Silver into the most amazing design of jewellery, with Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom amongst her collectors. Her truly unique and highly stylish jewellery is exclusive to Scotland through Artery Gallery.

Lora Leedham has taken part in a series of events and her jewellery has featured in UK and international magazines, as well as making TV appearances – one of which was worn by Camilla Parker Bowles, on live television; she has worked with fashion designers, created jewellery for charity events, exhibited at London Fashion Week, created jewellery for catwalks and has created jewellery for a number of celebrities.

The jewellery has a very feminine, fresh, organic and romantic style to it and the designs portray an emphasis on texture. Lora uses her hobby of photographing nature as a source for her inspiration. She particularly looks at the organic forms and textures of nature.

Quality and design are the two key features in Lora Leedham’s work and by incorporating an artistic element with high end materials, such as metals and Venetian glass; each piece is a luxurious accessory to compliment any outfit and make the wearer feel truly special.

Angel Neal’s jewellery collection first launched in the US with great success, before she moved back to her roots in Scotland. Her work is now sold across the world. Angel also undertakes commission work for special occasions and bridal jewellery. Notable commissions include jewellery designed for Mary Kay in the US, and celebrities in the UK, as well as featuring in many high society magazines.

Scottish figurative sculptor Ronna Elliott creates beautifully crafted female figures incorporate her own take on ladies of leisure. The titles say it all, with ‘Ladies in Waiting’, ‘Pandora’s Box’, ‘Retail Therapy’ and ‘Ladies Who Lunch’. Each figure is embellished with their own marks and patterns which are not only decorative but also symbolise metaphorical fingerprints of people who have touched us in some way, often unknowingly.

Ronna graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2000 and shortly after set up her own studio in Hamilton. She has sold out on numerous occasions whilst exhibiting through Artery Gallery.

For men, the choices are a bit more limited out there. Do men honestly appreciate the novelty socks, Homer Simpson beer holders, and remote control toys that break before New Years day!? And how many times can you gift someone golf clubs, aftershave, a watch or a leather wallet?

Men love alternative gifts, things that no one else will have and that they can proudly show off. Handmade steel mantle clocks by Yorkshire artist Tim Fowler, molten steel figurative sculptures by Scotland’s John McPhail, intriguing ceramic face wall plaques from Crete, amazing ‘Fantasy Boat’ sculptures by Mark Smith and so much more.

Make a statement with original, affordable artworks that can be treasured for years and years. A gift that will go down an absolute treat! Artery Gallery, based in St Andrews and Crieff, Scotland, have an eclectic mix to suit all tastes in art.

Your girlfriend knows her way around the kitchen. She can go in there, pull out some pots and pans and in about 30 minutes you smell a tantalizing aroma wafting through the air. Count yourself lucky that you’ve got a woman who enjoys cooking and eating as much as you enjoy eating good food.

Now, finding girlfriend gift ideas for her shouldn’t be too hard, because there are countless kitchen gadgets around that do all kinds of things like, chopping, mixing, frying, grilling and baking. Your real challenge is to narrow your choices down to a few good items that you know she’ll really like. You can either get her a gift that helps her fix food in the kitchen, or, you can get her something delicious to eat.

If you want to focus on getting her a helpful kitchen item, then go into her kitchen and take a look around to see what items she already has. A quick chopper would be a nice gift, but maybe she already has one or more. If she has a nice mixer or blender, then you can scratch that off your list. If she drinks coffee, see if she has a coffee maker – if so, check to see if it looks old and tired. Check the condition of her mixing bowls and cooking utensils. These could be replaced with brand shiny new ones. Maybe she would appreciate a new casserole dish set.

If you want to focus on a food gift, then you probably already have an idea of what she likes to eat. If she enjoys eating seafood, steak, chicken, soul food, Italian, French, Asian or any style American food, you can arrange to take her out for an evening of fine dining. Or, you can order specialty food items from an online vendor and both of you can enjoy eating it at home.

If she loves sweets, there are delicious items like: chocolate assortments, specialty cakes, cookies and even a box of nostalgia candy. You could order a food gift basket online, or be adventurous and make your own food gift basket. Go to a department store, or craft store, and purchase a basket or nice looking box, get some colorful ribbon, then go grocery shopping for lots of treats you know she loves.

Here are a few more gift suggestions:

Ice Cream Maker – it used to be so much hassle making homemade ice cream, but today’s electric ice cream makers are so easy to use that all you need to do is add the ingredients and push a button.

Sandwich Press – she can make all kinds of hot, grilled sandwiches using ingredients like cheese, turkey, beef, tuna, onions and peppers with an electric sandwich maker. It’s fast and easy to use.

Bread Maker – many home cooks can now easily enjoy the taste of freshly made bread with a home bread making machine. You simply add the ingredients and turn on the machine. It does all the work of kneading and baking.

Electric Grill – she can enjoy healthier meals in minutes with a top quality electric grill. Plug it in and grill up chicken, fish, burgers and lots of other favorites. Make sure you get a brand that is easy to clean.