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Has the machine embroidery bug bitten you yet? Do you want to get into machine embroidery, but just don’t know where to start? Do you wonder if the investment is worth it?

About four years ago, I purchased my first embroidery machine, and I have been hooked to the art ever since. I’ve slowly built a library of designs and I’ve learned how to hoop, stabilize, and choose the right thread!

I started by researching the vast array of embroidery machines available, many of which also do standard sewing. Machines are priced anywhere from $400 up to many thousands. Search the Internet or go to your local Sew Vac or fabric store for a demonstration! Choose a machine based upon how much embroidery you want to do and what your budget will allow.

To tell the truth, I felt weird about using machine embroidery at first. I wanted to be the designer and I didn’t want to depend upon someone else’s creativity to make my work look beautiful. Then, I discovered that I had lots of choices and I couldn’t resist the designs that are available. I found quilt embroideries that you can use to quilt blocks in the hoop and get better results than using free-motion or a long arm machine. I found all sorts of vintage looks in redwork, bluework, and even lace that you embroider right on a dissolvable stabilizer in the thread color that matches your project best. Of course there are many modern detailed designs in every theme from babies and kids to holidays and weddings.

Embroidery designs are “digitized” from artwork. While most sites sell artwork that can be picked up by many digitizers, some sites selling machine embroidery files such as SWAK Embroidery and You Can Make This also have designs from original hand-drawn art. This means that those designs can only be purchased from those sites and therefore, you won’t see them just anywhere.

One great thing about embroidery designs is that they have a color palette selected for you in advance, but you can also adjust the colors to your specifications by choosing from color families and tones. Filled designs are those made up of all embroidered stitches. Appliqué designs allow you to choose fun fabrics to add your own artistic expression to the finished product. If you make some cute cropped pants, but need a matching shirt, find an appliqué design for a tee shirt and use the fabric from the pants in the appliqué to add just the right matching touch.

Some designs are really versatile in that a change of thread color can make the design work for any occasion. Take a balloon design and use thread in your child’s favorite colors. Makes realistic looking oak leaves in any color-palette from spring yellows and greens to fall reds, browns, and oranges. Change the colors in a cute cheerleader design or collegiate alphabet to match your school colors. Even merge two designs or add lettering to a design to make it yours, using your embroidery machine or digitizing software.

Is it worth the investment? Definitely! What could be better than to be able to make a professional looking embroidery design either on ready-to-wear or hand sewn clothing, quilts, or other projects. Even create a business for yourself by creating embroidered items for others!

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Tattoos, Tattoos, Tattoos… Take a look around you and you will observe that nearly every second man and women is sporting at least one tattoo these days. It seems that members of the young generation are, in ever increasing numbers, having tattoos etched on nearly every part of their bodies. The most common areas of the body for large tattoo designs are arms (both upper and lower regions) hands, and legs. Some more adventurous are having their tattoos on chest and upper back regions and some of the more daring are even having their scalp, face and neck tattooed. Since the start of the 1990’s the most popular of all places for tattoos among women (both young and mature alike), is on the lower back region slightly above the hips/waist.

The lower back tattoo design is quite often oblong in shape and is considered to enhance the curves and shapes of the female body. There are an untold number of reasons for this popularity, but probably the most common reason for women having a lower back tattoo is the fact that it is considered very attractive and sensual. In other words, a woman who displays such a tattoo believes that she becomes more attractive in the eyes of other people. Generally most women wish to be appealing to the opposite sex thus the explosion of the lower back tattoo!

The History And Origins of the Lower Back Tattoo

While the lower back tattoo has re-emerged in popularity over the last few years, it is certainly not a new design. In fact lower back tattoos have been around for hundreds of years. The origin of lower back tattoo is actually connected to ancient religions and spiritual rituals. In ancient times, the lower part of the back was considered as the storage place of a person’s spiritual energy. This is quite similar to the notion of the chi force and meridian fields that are common to eastern cultures. Additionally, the concept of lower back energy is also found in certain styles of Yoga. It is therefore not surprising that this concept shares similar traits with other eastern religions as the practice of Yoga played an influential role within many types of eastern religions.

Historically, the lower back area emerged as a popular place to show off tattoos, as it was believed the tattooing in this region of the body would assist in the release and subsequent harnessing of a person’s internal energy. Regrettably much of the history supporting the lower back tattoo has been lost to all but the most knowledgeable scholars of the subject.

Many of the women wearing a lower back tattoo design today are not necessarily familiar with the origins and the unique history and significance of this type of tattoo. It is not imperative to understand the complete history behind the lower back tattoo, however, some knowledge of its origins may well add a unique aspect and significance to the tattoo as well as helping to explain to others why you chose this particular style of tattoo.

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Last month Stanley released a new product range called Fat Max, comprising of a collection of hand tools. Yesterday Stanley sent us a selection of tools for us to review. As usual with any hand tools we received here, it falls to me to review them. I never seem to get the opportunity to review a large pneumatic hammer. Anyways on with the show…

On opening the parcel that had been sent. There was three tools. The Fat Max Fubar, A hammer and a selection of 4 chisels. Setting the tools down in my work area i noticed straight a the Fat Max range had the quality that we’d come to expect from Stanley, weighty and robust!

The Fubar was the first tool i decided to try. I’d been hearing a lot about this interesting little tool from a few people. On the Stanley website there is a great video of a demonstration day, where Stanley give a Fubar to a group of builders and let them go at a shed. Needless to say they tear it apart within seconds.

The fubar is certainly great at tearing down sheds. I think its definitely a evolution of the crowbar. But I very much doubt it is going to catch on in the main stream world. Most people will stick to using a sledge or a crow bar.

According to the spec sheet The Stanley Fat Max Xtreme Fubar Demolition is a 4-in-1 tool and is perfect for prying, splitting, board bending and striking jobs. A fact that did impress me was that the Fat Max Xtreme is forged from high-carbon steel with a trilobe design that can withstand up to 975 foot-pounds of bending momentum. Thats a lot of torque!

On the whole however the Fat Max Fubar is an elegant solution to one of the more inelegant jobs.

Next I took a look at the Stanley’s Fat Max chisel range. They are a very cost-effective alternative for the home wood work shop. They unique design is certainly a clever one. The handles are the most notable part of the Fat Max series with the rubber overlay and ergonomically designed grip. The Fat Max chisel set also comes in a plastic carry case with a clear front cover. This makes it easier to select the chisel you want.

Finally we come to the Stanley Fat Max 22-Ounce Checkered Face Framing Hammer. This hammer features a rim-tempered chamfered edge that prevents chipping, and a unique head design that gives a larger striking surface and better overall balance. However in many people’s opinion a hammer is a hammer is a hammer.

In summary I would suggest if your in the market for a crowbar I’d definitely take a look at the Fubar, its a hell of a lot more versatile than a standard crowbar. The chisels are quite good too, although i wouldn’t be throwing away your old ones just yet. And the hammer? Well its a good one. But i this reviewers eyes, i still don’t think you can beat an Estwing.

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As a general rule, flower tattoos are more popular with women than with men. Perhaps it’s due to their vibrant color, their delicate design or maybe it’s the fact that it’s like a beautiful fashion accessory. Whatever the reason, women with beautiful tattoos are often considered to be more confident, more feminine and more attractive.

One of the best aspects of flower tattoos is the massive choice of designs that are available. And each flower design has a different symbolic meaning, giving you a wide range of beautiful ways to express your individual personality.

For example, you could mix hollyhock (ambition) with heather (dreams come true) to signify your hopes and dreams of future success. Or how about combining narcissus and violet? That provides a contrast of both color and attitude. White and purple, arrogance and humility.

Alternatively, you could add flowers to other tattoo designs. For example, if you want a tattoo that represents someone special in your life you could get the design of a heart surrounded by symbolic flowers, such as roses (love), lavender (devotion), tulip (declaration of love) etc.

And that’s just the start. You can combine any number of different flowers to create virtually any message.

So before you choose the flowers that you want to appear in your tattoo design, it’s best to find out the meanings and symbolism of different varieties of flower. That will allow you to mix and match the flowers in your design until they convey the exact message that you want. So with that in mind here’s a list of the most popular flowers used for tattoo designs and what they mean.

1) Cactus: Endurance

2) Carnation: Fascination, distinction, mother’s love, I’ll never forget you, admiration, broken heart, innocence, sweetness, pure love, faithfulness

3) Chrysanthemum: Truth, optimism, cheerfulness, loyal love, unrequited love

4) Daffodil: New beginnings, chivalry, unrequited love, joy, happiness

5) Daisy: Innocence, loyalty, purity

6) Dandelion: Happiness, faithfulness

7) Forget-me-not: Hope, remembrance, true love

Freesia: Thoughtfulness, innocence

9) Gladiolus: Remembrance, strength of character, infatuation

10) Heather: Dreams come true, protection

11) Holly: Enchantment, foresight, domestic bliss

12) Hollyhock: Ambition, fruitfulness

13) Iris: Wisdom, faith, hope, valor

14) Jasmine: Sensuality, grace, elegance, amiability

15) Lavender: Devotion

16) Lilac: Confidence, humility, youth

17) Lily: Wealth, innocence, purity, modesty, virginity, pride

18) Magnolia: Nobility, dignity, love of nature

19) Mimosa: Sensitivity

20) Mint: Virtue

21) Mistletoe: Affection, overcoming difficulties

22) Moss: Charity, maternal love

23) Narcissus: Self admiration, conceit, egotism

24) Nasturtium: Conquest, victory

25) Olive Branch: Peace

26) Orchid: beauty, Long life, charm, refinement, love

27) Periwinkle: Friendship

28) Poppy: Wealth, success, imagination, pleasure, consolation

29) Rose: Love, passion, courage, beauty, prosperity

30) Rosemary: Purity, rebirth, remembrance

31) Sage: Virtue

32) Sunflower: Adoration, haughtiness

33) Sweet William: finesse, gallantry

34) Thyme: Activity

35) Tulip: Declaration of love, beautiful eyes, perfect lover

36) Violet: Faithfulness, risk taking, youthful innocence, modesty, understated beauty

37) Water Lily: Purity of heart

38) Weeping Willow: Mourning

These are the most popular flowers that appear in tattoo designs, and as far as I’m aware these are the most common meanings attached to them. However, as tattoos should be regarded as permanent, please make sure you research the official meaning of these flowers before you go ahead with your flower tattoo.

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Maybe she likes a good romance novel. Or she might swoon over chocolates. She’ll love a great wine. She will appreciate those fine bath products. Whatever her tastes or interests, there’s a great gift basket waiting.

Create your own private home spa with the fine products in a gift basket filled with bath oils, soaps and scents. Indulge in that long hot soak while using any of many fine ointments, then enjoy a soothing moisturizer at the end. A bath product gift basket is the perfect choice to celebrate that Sunday pampering yourself.

Who doesn’t like flowers? Fresh or faux, you can find a huge bouquet of roses or a mixed basket of daffodils, peonies and begonias. The basket itself can be an important part of the total package, delivering that bounty of color in a traditional wicker or a contemporary porcelain container.

Coffee is a great favorite to fill a woman’s gift basket. A big package of that fine gourmet dark roast can fill the container. Or, an array ranging from delicate Viennese to robust French can festoon a cannister. Sprinkle packets of raw sugar or delicate natural creams among the many beans waiting to be ground and brewed.

Prefer tea to coffee? Find a basket that has a year’s supply of her favorite Chamomile. Or get a selection of British Earl Grey, Asian Ginseng and African Rooibos. Top it off with a special tea spoon or strainer. Pack the tea in tins that will last a lifetime.

Wine will never go to waste. Get a basket that holds that brilliant ruby-colored Bordeaux. Or get a selection that runs the gamut of whites from a dry Chardonnay to a sweet Gewürztraminer. Pick a single standard-sized bottle to form the centerpiece, or arrange a series that can be tried one per month. Surround the wine with fine cheese or gourmet crackers. A winning combination!

Chocolates can well stand alone in a delightful container of straw or wood. But how much better to add a small bottle of champagne or wine to mix in with the sweets? Sometimes a combination makes for a unifying theme itself, as when sewing accessories are combined with beautiful buttons or cloth samples, for example.

Be a hero and give a gift basket full of jewelry. A woman’s gift basket could contain a single diamond ring at the center, surrounded by a hundred tiny scrolls with poems announcing your undying love. Or, you can scatter a dozen pairs of earrings among the straw that reminds you of your first trip to that Bed and Breakfast in the country.

Try some delightfully scented candles. With hints of fresh apricot or gusts of cinnamon, a scented candle can bring back memories. Create new ones by finding that special vanilla from Africa or a citrus from Mandalay. Surround the candles with chunks of wrapped chocolate and all the senses will come alive.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect birthday gift, or want something to celebrate that promotion at work, you’ll find a woman’s gift basket that is just right for the occasion.

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Many places offer a wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry. These brilliant sparkling stones demand attention wherever they go. But what is cubic zirconia (CZ), and how is it made?

A cubic zirconia is a man-made gemstone. They replicate the fire and flash of perfect diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. Placed into fine gold or sterling silver settings, a cubic zirconia is almost indistinguishable from a genuine diamond. Only trained gemologists can tell the difference between the two.

While CZ crystals have been known since 1937, early crystals were too small for jewelry-making. In the 1970’s, scientists discovered how to grow larger crystals in the lab. CZ is formed by heating zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide to very high temperatures (almost 5000 degrees Fahrenheit!). The mixture is then cooled very slowly. This results in beautiful, flawless crystals with amazing fire and brilliance. Other ingredients are also added to produce various colors.

The cooled crystals are quite large - too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. Who says a diamond in a woman’s best friend? Probably some billion dollar company. Well I’m here to say CZ jewelry can be a woman’s new best friend! So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me.
The cooled crystals are quite large - too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. CZ Jewelry can be a woman’s new best friend. So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me!

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If you need to watch your money, go for small, simple gifts, but always do quality! Showing class is always superior to tackiness and they will feel more special and associate you with quality. A cheaply made or cheesy gift is not likely to be favorably remembered by adults, but will soon become their clutter. Better to give one or two special flowers than a whole bouquet of common supermarket flowers. Inexpensive, tasteful, quality gifts might include: homemade preserves, four or more quality cloth napkins, a bottle of wine, a well made scented candle, a living plant, gourmet rice, a local item from a recent trip such as a wheel of cheese or a bar of handmade soap, or a small box or bar of gourmet chocolate.

To score a perfect match, choose items that most people use or that you know they in particular will use, and then just give quality. Avoid giving sweets to dieters and diabetics, wine to tea-totallers, books to non-readers, ties to casual dressers, and so forth. Secretly write down when someone mentions a small need or desire, because this could guide you to an excellent gift in the future. Surprisingly, most people have not gotten the item for themselves even half a year later.

Be careful giving gifts in the nature of the recipient’s expertise unless they have mentioned specifically what they want or you are certain of what will be well received. If they are an excellent gardener, you might wish to avoid giving plants or garden tools. If they are a wine connoisseur, it’s safest not to give wine. Their desires will be specific in these areas and it would be easy to miss the mark. On the other hand a quality, expensive gift in that area might be a great success if they don’t already have it.

If you are giving anything in media, such as a book, dvd, or music, it is safest to give items that have been published this year, unless you know the item is on their wish list.

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Fairy tattoos are fun, colorful and one of the most sensual designs available, and as such are an extremely popular choice for women. But that’s not their only charm. Fairies have a long and interesting history and have become symbolic of many things.

The fair people, or little people as they were known, included banshees (from the Gaelic word for fairies, sidhe, pronounced shee) and were similar to the leprechauns of Ireland.

Many people believe that these magical sprites were driven underground by their enemies who used iron weapons against them. This is supposedly why people who belived in fairies began the tradition of placing a horseshoe above the door for luck.

But before we go any further, it’s important to bear in mind that the original fairies were nothing like the sickeningly sweet version served up by Disney. The traditional fairies were free spirits who were as likely to shower gifts on people they liked as play mischievous tricks on people that they didn’t. They were known to reward beauty and kindness and play nasty tricks on disrespectful people.

Over time people developed various superstitions that they believed would please the fairies and bring them luck. These included, always treating them respectfully, keeping your promises and respecting the Earth (the fairies home).

Due to their beauty, these designs are extremely popular with women. And unlike angel tattoos, which lean more towards religion and pureness, fairies are more sensual, more mischievous and ultimately, more representative of human life

Fairy tattoo designs are usually delicate and often have wings, but beyond that they can depict an almost endless range of mood and emotions such as happiness, sadness, beauty, mischievousness etc.

In terms of design, they’re also extremely flexible. For example, the basic fairy design can be combined with a wide range of design features, such as Celtic patterns, butterflies, flowers, or other mythical creatures such as dragons or unicorns. Not only does this increase the chances of getting a unique tattoo it also adds greater personal meaning and symbolism to the design.

And due to the fact that they make excellent small tattoos they can be placed on virtually any part of the body. The lower back, hips and lower stomach are the most popular places for fairy designs.

However, due to the elaborate nature of these designs and the fact that they take longer to create, fairy tattoos are more expensive than other tattoos of a similar size.

So when you decide to get a fairy tattoo, make sure you have enough money to pay for the whole design regardless of how long it takes. There’s nothing worse than running out of money halfway through a tattoo and having to go about with in incomplete tattoo until you can find enough money to get it finished. If you need to know how much a specific tattoo will cost, get your tattoo artist to give you an estimate.

If necessary it’s possible to cut the cost of your fairy tattoo by reducing the size of your design or getting your artist to remove some of the intricate detail.

And finally, due to the detailed nature of most fairy designs, make sure that your tattoo artist has previous experience of creating this type of tattoo. If possible, take a look at the portfolio of fairy tattoos that they’ve already created.

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A well wrapped gift, doubles it’s appreciation to the recipient.

Go with classy choices in gift wrap patterns and bags, and reserve cute ones for children. Fabric ribbons and wired ribbons immediately dress up a gift over ordinary stick-on bows and plastic ribbon. Take care to cut paper neatly and square, and to fold corners just as neatly. This will greatly improve it’s appearance. If the edges of the paper aren’t straight or look different, fold an edge over to give a neat edge. Using double-stick tape to secure allows you to hide the tape under the paper, giving a nicer appearance. Make ribbon and bows ample. A faint but pleasant scent to your gift will make it appear more luxurious.

Earthy gifts for the nature lover can be wrapped with natural raffia, with or without paper wrapping. A sprig of pine or leaves or other natural item can dress up the bow and make it unique. Left over shopping bags or paper can be hand-stamped or painted in place of commercial gift wrap, so long as it doesn’t look too much like a school craft project. Alternately, fabric can be used and wrapped like paper. Multiple layers of cheesecloth tied with a satin ribbon or raffia can make a lovely appearing gift.

Clothing and irregularly shaped items should be placed in the right sized box with untorn tissue paper around the item. Alternately, you can pack the box around the item with something beautiful or surprising, like small pine cones or silk flower petals, or even fresh jelly beans. For an especially beautiful gift, consider using a special container, like a wooden box.

For the a wrapping or time-challenged individual, gift bags are the answer. Place the gift inside a bag of appropriate size without crowding. Take pieces of tissue paper, bring the corners together, and place the tissue inside the bag on top of the gift with the corners of the paper peeking out the top of the bag.

Always include a small card with your gift, and generally, simple, elegant ones will make your gift appear more special. Get additional ideas for inspired gift wrapping by noting how expensive stores package their gift ideas.

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You have seen them, those sites with the great video and audio and you may have wanted to have some quality movies for your site as well. There is a variety of information that can help you achieve this, but with little cash, you may not want to spend a lot of money or time on products that simply won’t provide you with the latest information, the best guidance or are simply poorly written.

However, if you would like to get started right away, the following tips will help you with shooting great video, according to Videomaker Magazine, a monthly publication and online magazine that provides instruction for novice and professional videomakers:

Twelve Helpful Tips for Shooting Great Video

1. Use manual focus if your camcorder has it.

2. Set white balance at every location.

3. When shooting outdoors, keep the sun behind you.

4. Plan your shoot.

5. Use a tripod or other image stabilization device.

6. For handheld stability, imagine that your camcorder is a very full cup of hot coffee.

7. Use the zoom to compose your shot. Avoid zooming while the tape is rolling.

8. Move the camcorder only when necessary.

9. Shoot to edit.

10. Keep your average shot length between 5 and 10 seconds.

11. Keep the shot steady (no zoom or pan) for at least 10 seconds

12. While shooting, be as inconspicuous as possible to best capture the true behavior of your subject.

Videomaker magazine provides many more simple tips like these. The publication covers the use of camcorders, digital video editing, and desktop video and audio production. Its articles survey and review the latest equipment, teach production techniques, and explain the newest technological advances.

Other tips and articles included on the site are on subjects such as: the Seven Deadly Camcorder Sins, 9 Classic Camera Moves, Controlling the Color of Light, Turnkey Video Editing Systems, Camcorder Reviews, Video Production Planning and more.

Videomaker also offers free video software downloads, holds video contests, and provides shopping for items such as instructional books and videos, accessories and clothes, back issues, and upcoming events.

If you would like to take advantage of more great information on video production and receive the latest promotional offer, just click on the following link.

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