How to Crochet?

March 23, 2018| Art Craftr| 0 Comment|

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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:

Worsted-weight yarn, any color or colors

Size G crochet hook; Yarn needle with big eye
Small scissors

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 make homade soaps?How to make homade soaps?

January 21, 2018| Art Craftr| 0 Comment| 3:46 pm

We all use soap. In the old days, most people made their own. Today, we are much more likely to buy it from the store. There are lots of brands to choose from, and each brand has various formulations and scents.

But making your own soap has some definite advantages. One of the most significant is the price. We can make soap much cheaper than we can buy it. Making it ourselves also gives us complete control over the ingredients, so we can create a soap that’s perfect for our skin type in a scent of our choice.

Making soap is much easier than you might think. It is, however, important to take certain safety precautions. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients
* 12 cups lye crystals
* 5 cups softened water
* 6 pounds lard

Instructions
1. Put water in a glass or plastic bowl. Carefully pour lye into water, stirring constantly with a plastic or wooden spoon. This should be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area because it produces caustic fumes.
2. Mixing lye and water produces heat. When the lye is completely dissolved, set the mixture aside to cool.
3. Place lard in a stainless steel or enamel pan. Melt over low heat.
4. Allow both the lye solution and the lard to cool to room temperature.
5. Slowly pour the lye solution into the lard, stirring slowly and constantly with the plastic or wooden spoon.
6. Continue stirring after all of the lye solutions has been added. Drizzle a small amount of the mixture into the pot periodically. When the soap keeps its shape for a moment before sinking into the mixture, you can add scent, color, and herbs.
7. Pour the soap into a mold greased with Crisco. Wrap in a towel, and let sit for about 18 hours or until completely cooled. Uncover and let sit for 12 more hours.
8. The soap may now be unmolded and cut into bars. Let the bars cure for 3 to 4 weeks before using.
Customizing Your Soap

There are lots of different ways you can customize your soap. To make the best soap for your skin type, you may want to use different oils. Some that are commonly used include olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. The correct amount varies depending on which oil you use, so look for recipes online or in books until you get the hang of it.

Essential oils have therapeutic properties and add fragrance. Oatmeal, cornmeal and other grains can be added as exfoliants. And skin-safe colorants may be used to produce the desired color. These ingredients should be mixed together and added to a cup of the soap mixture, then stirred into the rest of the soap mixture immediately before pouring into the mold.

Making your own soap is easy, and it can be lots of fun. Coming up with the perfect concoction for your skin is rewarding, and sweetly scented homemade soaps make wonderful gifts for any occasion.
Please leave your questions and comments below.

How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.

November 26, 2024| Art Craftr| 0 Comment| 9:06 pm

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has opened up new avenues for artisans and crafters to share their creations with a global audience. Selling crafts online can be both a fulfilling and profitable endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges and intricacies. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting, these professional tips can help you maximize your online business potential.

1. Choose the Right Platform

Selecting the ideal platform for your crafts can make a significant difference in your online sales success. Here are some popular options to consider:

Amazon Handmade: Leveraging Amazon’s massive customer base, this option allows you to reach a wider audience.

Shopify: Perfect for those looking to create a dedicated online store, Shopify offers customization options and an extensive range of apps.

Etsy: This platform is specifically tailored for handmade and vintage items, making it a popular choice for crafters.

Ebay: Depending on the type of craft products you supply you may be able to find ideal customers on Ebay.

ArtCraftr: Find customers and like minded sellers on ArtCraftr. You are able to create a shop and use ArtCraftr checkout system or you can just opt to share your products on Art craftr destasher blog timeline for free. Reaching your ideal customers.

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook not only allow you to showcase your work but also facilitate direct selling through features like Shops.

When selecting a platform, consider your target audience, the fees involved, and the ease of use.

2. Showcase Your Products Professionally

The presentation of your crafts is crucial in attracting customers. Here are key strategies to ensure your products stand out:

High-Quality Images: Use well-lit, high-resolution images that showcase your crafts from multiple angles. Consider including lifestyle images where your products are used.

Compelling Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of your crafts. Include information about materials, sizes, and care instructions.

Branding Consistency: Develop a recognizable brand that reflects your crafts’ aesthetic. This includes your logo, color palette, and overall design of your online shop.

A strong visual and textual representation will enhance customer trust and increase the likelihood of sales.

3. Leverage Social Media Marketing

With millions of users, social media offers a powerful platform for promoting your crafts. Here are some effective practices:

Engagement: Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Share behind-the-scenes content, and polls, and ask for feedback to foster community.

Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can provide exposure to new audiences. Make sure to choose influencers whose followers match your target demographic.

Hashtag Strategy: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Aim for a mix of popular and niche hashtags to broaden your reach.

Developing a robust social media presence can significantly enhance your brand awareness and customer engagement.

4. Optimize for Search Engines

Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help your products rank higher in search results, visibility is key for online sales. Here’s how to optimize your listings:

Keyword Research: Identify keywords that potential customers might use to search for your products. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest.

Title and Description Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords naturally into your product titles and descriptions while ensuring they remain clear and informative.

Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for your images to improve their visibility in image search results.

An effective SEO strategy can drive traffic to your shop and increase potential sales.

5. Focus on Customer Service and Feedback

Providing outstanding customer service is vital for building a loyal customer base. Here are some practices to enhance customer satisfaction:

Timely Responses: Aim to respond to customer inquiries quickly. Prompt communication can often make the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

Personal Touch: Consider including handwritten notes or small freebies with purchases to create a memorable experience for customers.

Encourage Reviews: After a transaction, kindly request customers to leave reviews. Positive feedback not only boosts your credibility but also helps refine your product offerings based on constructive criticism.

Ultimately, outstanding customer service can lead to repeat sales and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Conclusion

Selling crafts online offers a wealth of opportunities for genuine artisans to reach a broader market. By choosing the right platform, presenting your products professionally, leveraging social media, optimizing for search engines, and providing exceptional customer service, you can build a successful online craft business. As you navigate this journey, remember that each challenge presents a learning opportunity, and continuous adaptation will be key to your long-term success. Embrace the exciting world of online selling, and let your creativity shine in the digital marketplace.

How to make a handmade gift box?How to make a handmade gift box?

February 27, 2020| Art Craftr| 0 Comment| 3:57 am

A gift is one of the most significant ways to show your love and affection to others. You can give a feeling of being special to people you love. Obviously, it’s a great idea to go to the market and purchase a gift for someone but imagine the surprising expressions and smiles of your parents, friends, and love ones when you give them a gift packed inside a gift box that you made.

There is a lot of material which you can use to make a handmade gift box. Let’s explore how to make a gift box at home.

Handmade Gift box using Scrap Paper

You will be amazed at how to make a box with the help of scrap paper.

Materials

These are the supplies you require to make a small gift box.

Two pieces of thin scrapbook paper of 12 by 12-inches
Scissor
Paper slicer
Foam paintbrush
Ruler
Glue

Method

Here is how to make a paper gift box step by step.

Firstly draw an ‘X’ on the backside of the paper to achieve fold lines. These should be in the center to get even folds.
Give a diamond shape to the paper and fold every corner to the center of ‘X.’ It is essential that the edges must meet evenly that way your box remains symmetrical.
Now, you have to open the top and bottom flaps while the other two ruffles into the center.
The next step is to fold them into the center is a way that the straight perpendicular line of margins can match to the erect line of the center.
After it, bend upright the sides, and top and bottom flaps are folded down so you can attain a diamond shape having vertical lines after every 1 or 2 inches.
The top and bottom flaps are cut, and you have two triangles now.
In this step, the top and bottom flaps’ tip is folded in, after opening up the paper.
Tuck the side triangles in and fold the small upper triangles upon the large triangles. You got these small triangles from the notch. Here is the crease of your box now.
You make triangle and square by folding the side flaps in the center. Now apply glue on the triangle tip to the center of the earliest X. There is not any special glue for this purpose. A glue stick, Mod Podge, or a standard white glue can be used. You only have to careful and organized when using glue to avoid the mess.
After gluing down the tips, you have to lift the sides, and wow, here are the sides of your box. Now muffle the top and bottom flaps such a way that their tips touch the center. When you do this, it will make the four sides of the box. Just meet them together.
In the last step, you will apply glue to everything that remains at the bottom in the triangle between the original X lines. In this way, you get a square box with four sides. It’s the half side of a gift box.

It is a DIY gift box with lid so this method is to create the top half of your gift box, which will be bigger as compared to the bottom part. What should you do now? You have to take the paper of the exact measurement through which you have made the top part and lowers its length and width by cutting to 1/8-inches.

After cutting the paper, you will get the exact size on which you can work to form the bottom half. Now, the same procedure will be repeated. When this process is completed, a beautiful and elegant box will be in front of your eyes. You can adorn this box with beads, laces, or ribbons according to your choice.

In it, we can use cards of different colors as well as printed cards, and wall papers can also be used. So, be creative and spread the love in the air.