How to Crochet?

Having a hobby which is a viable skill these days can be fun and profitable. Learning how to Crochet actually benefits you in more ways than one, in fact, it is a great stress reliever. Here is a basic outline of learning how to Crochet.
Firstly you must ensure you have the basic requirements to start your first crochet project.

Basic things needed:


slip knot
Step 1: Hold a crochet hook in the preferred hand and make a slip knot on the hook.

slip knot 2
Step 2: Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with the hook.

one chain stitch
Step 3: Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto the hook. This makes one chain stitch.
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 in sequence 28 more times. You should have 29 chain stitches and one loop will remain on hook.

chain
Step 4: Skip the first chain stitch.

first row
Step 5: Insert hook into the center of the next chain stitch. Draw yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. There are now 2 loops on hook.

one single crochet stitch
Step 6: Bring yarn over hook from back to front, and draw it through both loops on hook. One loop remains on the hook, and you have just made one single crochet stitch.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 in each of the remaining 27 chains — be sure to work in the very last chain. You have now completed one row of single crochet. Measure your work; it should be about 7″ wide. If it is too wide, try again with fewer beginning chains. If it is too narrow, try again with more beginning chains.

end of row
Step 7: At the end of the row, make one chain stitch, then turn the work counter-clockwise, leaving the hook in the chain.
Now you can begin another row, working into the stitches of the previous row.

turn for next row
Step 8: Make one single crochet stitch in the first stitch and in each remaining stitch of the previous row. Be sure to work into the last stitch. Chain 1, turn.
work to the last stitch
Repeat Step 8 until the block measures 9″ long.

Finishing: Cut the yarn from the skein, leaving a 6″ end. Draw the hook straight up, bringing the yarn through the remaining loop on the hook.
leave 6 in. tail

Thread yarn into yarn needle and weave back and forth through stitches to secure.
Hope this guide was helpful.
Your comments and questions are welcomed.

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How to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies

How to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies: A Comprehensive GuideHow to Organize Your Art & Crafting Supplies: A Comprehensive Guide

Crafting is not just a pastime; it’s a passion that allows individuals to express their creativity. However, as anyone who engages in crafting knows, organizing supplies can quickly become overwhelming. A cluttered workspace can hinder your creative process and make it challenging to find the materials you need. In this article, we will explore effective ways to organize your crafting supplies, ensuring both functionality and inspiration as you embark on your next project.

1. Assess Your Supplies

Before diving into organization, take the time to assess what you have. This initial step is crucial for a successful organization system.

Steps to Assess Your Supplies:

1. Gather Everything: Collect all your crafting materials from various locations in your home.

2. Sort By Type: Categorize items into groups—such as paper, fabric, paint, and tools.

3. Review Quantity: Note how many of each type you have. This will help you determine how much space you need for storage.

By evaluating your supplies, you can identify which items are necessities and which can be discarded or donated.

2. Choose Storage Solutions

Once you have a clear understanding of your supplies, the next step is selecting appropriate storage solutions. The right tools can make a significant difference in maintaining an organized space.

Popular Storage Options:

1. Baskets and Bins: Ideal for larger items like yarn or fabric. Clear bins help you see your materials at a glance.

2. Drawer Organizers: Perfect for smaller items such as beads, buttons, or tools. These can easily fit in a workspace drawer.

3. Shelving Units: Utilize vertical space by installing shelves to store larger items or displays of finished crafts.

4. Pegboards: A creative way to hang tools and frequently used supplies within reach.

By carefully selecting appropriate storage options, you create a functional workspace that’s tailored to your unique crafting style.

3. Implement a Labeling System

An effective labeling system is essential for quick access and ensuring everything has a designated place.

Labelling Techniques:

1. Use Clear Labels: Label bins and shelves clearly, indicating the contents inside.

2. Color Coding: Assign colors to different categories, making it visually appealing while aiding in quick identification.

3. Digital Inventory: Consider keeping a digital inventory that outlines what you have and where it’s located. Apps and spreadsheets can help in tracking supplies.

By implementing a labeling system, you will drastically reduce the time spent searching for materials and maintain a clean workspace.

4. Create a Dedicated Crafting Space

Establishing a dedicated crafting space in your home can enhance organization and spark creativity. This doesn’t require a large area; even a small corner can work wonders.

Tips for Creating a Crafting Space:

1. Choose a Well-Lit Area: Good natural or artificial light can significantly improve your crafting experience.

2. Arrange an Easily Accessible Workspace: Ensure your most used tools and supplies are within arm’s reach.

3. Add Inspirational Decor: Personalizing your space with inspirational artwork or quotes can motivate you during creative sessions.

Having a dedicated space not only keeps your materials organized but also fosters a creative environment where you can focus on your projects.

5. Maintain Your Organized Space

Organization is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing maintenance to ensure your crafting supplies remain neatly arranged.

Maintenance Tips:

1. Regular Inventory Checks: Set a monthly reminder to review your supplies and discard or donate what you no longer use.

2. Reassess Storage Needs: As your crafting interests evolve, adapt your storage solutions accordingly.

3. Designate a Clean-Up Time: After each project, allocate time to tidy up your workspace and put away materials.

Regular maintenance will keep your space organized and help you stay inspired for future projects.

Conclusion

Keeping your crafting supplies organized is essential for maintaining your creativity and productivity. By assessing your materials, selecting appropriate storage solutions, labeling effectively, creating a dedicated crafting space, and maintaining organization regularly, you set yourself up for a more enjoyable crafting experience. An organized space not only enhances efficiency but also unleashes your creative potential. So go ahead; revamp your crafting area and let your creativity flow without interruption!

How to deal with a bad review on Etsy shop?How to deal with a bad review on Etsy shop?

Getting a bad review on Etsy can be very disappointing. Here are some steps to take when a situation like this occurs.

1. Stop and think.
It is best to think carefully about the situation before making a sudden response either directly or indirectly, which in some cases may contribute negatively to the situation.

Sometimes, letting the entire situation go and moving on can be the best option then you will no longer need to be scrolling further into this inculcative post.

2. Contact the buyer/reviewer

You can address a bad review by reaching out to the buyer/person who left the review and see if they’d be willing to help you better address the issue they reference in the review. This may lead to a buyer editing their review.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue to your or the buyer’s favor, you can choose to learn from the situation and move on.

Always remember reviews are people’s opinions and people will always have opinions.

Totally out of the seller’s control.
Furthermore, not everyone can be pleased which means its officially not the end of the world.
If that still didn’t work.

3. Publicly respond to the review on the Etsy Website.
As a last resort, you are able to respond publicly to reviews with ratings of three or fewer stars.
Remember you are given one shot at this.

After submitting your response, the entire rating & review of the buyer, and your response will no longer be editable.

Since your response will be public and viewable by other shoppers, here are some tips from Etsy when responding:

  • Be short and simple.
  • Respond in a positively and professionally
  • Be specific in addressing the concerns from the review and any changes you made as a result.
  • Focus on your business, not the reviewer.

Thanks for reading
Please leave your questions and comments below.

How to make a handmade card for father’s day?How to make a handmade card for father’s day?

A greeting card is the most beautiful and amazing way to express your love for others. If you give a card to someone, he or she feels your love and affection, and he considers himself special in your life. Many people have a remarkable and particular place in your life, like your mother, father, siblings, friends, etc.

There are a lot of father’s day cards available in the market. What is the more effective way to show your love to your father other than giving a handmade card? In this way, you can make him feel special that you spend so much time in creating a DIY card to greet him on Father’s day. You can try many father’s day ideas, but the wishing card is at the top.

Making a handmade card is a time-consuming task and not an easy one. As father’s day 2020 is coming soon, so we are here to help you out so that you can make your father happy through giving him a DIY father’s day greeting card.

Method 1:

  1. Take an 8 1/2″ * 11″ paper and cut it in half by a scissor or trimmer.
  2. Now you have to use a side-folded base card of 4.25″ x 5.5″.
  3. Now take a 4.25″ x 5.5″ blue-patterned paper and stick it at the front.
  4. Keep a 2.5″ x 5.5″ stripped-designed paper and paste it on the right side.
  5. Punch a frame-like design with red ink on a Kraft-colored cardstock of 2.5″ x 3.25″.
  6. Joint it at the bottom-right corner.
  7. Now, take black ink and imprint “Number One Dad” in the middle of the red frame.
  8. Punch a sunglasses on an off-white cardstock with black ink. Carefully cut this image and paste it above the red frame.
  9. Now, we add a “Hey Handsome” to the card’s top left side to make this card cooler.
  10. Stamp one star at the joint of blue and striped card and punch two stars at the coordinating line of blue card and red frame.
  11. Now complete your card by binding baker’s twine around the card’s crease.

Here is your DIY card ready.

Method 2:

  1. Take a cardstock and stamp the word “DAD” in a big and symmetrical font on it. “DAD” must be 2.5 inches high and 2 inches wide.
  • Turn over a printed cardstock and paint on the opposite side. It is essential to dry one color before adding others. You will get a fun design while finishing it.
  • Now, spread gesso on your created design.
  • In the next step, stamp words by using contrasting colors, but you have to do it after drying the surface.
  • When ink is dry, you have to cut out each letter with the help of printed letters to make the word “DAD.” Paste every letter on an adhesive cork sheet and keep the painted side above.
  • Now, you can easily cut each letter from the cork sheet.
  • Do some detailing to the punched words by using a metallic marker.
  • Organize the letters on a blank card.
  • The last step is to select and write some wishes among so many father’s day card messages, and there you go.

So, make your own father’s day card to show appreciation to your father.