musiclover - 1:06 PM on Mar. 14, 2008 reply | message Some people find cross stitch a very therapeutic and relaxing hobby. Yes, it does require a long term commitment to the project but some of the patterns are so beautiful. I used to cross stitch all the time when I was a teenager.

nevaeh - 3:37 AM on Mar. 14, 2008 reply | message I´ve just been looking at the comments by Tomoko about crocheting, a lady taught me how to do this when I was a little girl, I was never any good at it, but I do love the end results of other peoples! Baby blankets look especially nice. It´s also not as slow to finish as with some other hobbies.

nevaeh - 3:33 AM on Mar. 14, 2008 reply | message Going back a few years ago, I tried cross stich, how laborious is that? I must admit if you finally end up finishing it, it feels great, I found Jo Verso´s cross stich books very helpful, she gave many ideas and easy patterns to inspire me. Haven´t crossed stiched for years now though, it takes too long

nevaeh - 3:30 AM on Mar. 14, 2008 reply | message I love all sorts of arts and crafts and enjoy trying to make things when I have time. My favourite is drawing pictures with pastels, they look very much like a painting, I´ve tried other mediums but I just can´t seem to work with them.

musiclover - 10:39 AM on Feb. 11, 2008 reply | message Crocheting seems like such an intricate, time-consuming hobby. How long did you have to practice to get good at it? I am interested in learning how to quilt. I have seen some really beautiful quilts lately and think it would be fun to learn how.

ybpublishing - 9:25 AM on Jan. 22, 2008 reply | message Fruity Candles Tomoko had mentioned that she likes fruit fragrances. Waxed fruits can be added to your candle to give your candle texture, class, and more fragrance. I have come across a delicious recipe for cherry pie candles. It looks good enough to eat, but don't eat it. It is made of wax. Here is a step by step tutorial to get you started. It even contains pictures so even a beginner can do this. Here is the url: http://www.candlekitchen.com/project_9incherrypie. htm This should suprise your company while filling your house with the wonderful aroma of cherry pie. I came across a site that has a clearance sale for some of the items you might need for making candles. This site also has starter kits for candle making for under $2 each. I try to purchase my craft supplies at a discounted price whenever I can. Here is the url: http://www.silverenergies.com/index.php?main_page= index&cPath=128

ybpublishing - 8:59 AM on Jan. 22, 2008 reply | message Crocheting Are you interested in learning to crochet? Here is a wonderful ebook you can download to learn how to crochet quickly and easily. http://craftsebooks.com/free/index.htm I will try to put some various links on this site in the upcoming weeks to help those of you who are interested in learning a new craft. The internet has many ideas for those who are looking to learn or improve their skills. You can always take other people's ideas and change them to make them your own to fit your needs and likes.

cirereyes - 4:35 PM on Jan. 20, 2008 reply | message I’m amazed with all your knowledge about candles, is it one of your hobbies? I’m not really that good in arts; I wanted to do something artistic that’s why I really do admire them. Where do you find these types on candles anyway?

ybpublishing - 10:38 PM on Jan. 17, 2008 reply | message Pillar Candles Pillar candles come in all colors and scents. They are called pillars because they are round and tall like a pillar. There is no standard size though, as pillar candles come in many widths and heights. Pillar candles are very simple to make. This type of candle is one of the most common for candle makers to indulge in. To make pillar candles, you will need molds. You can find them in all sizes at most craft stores. These molds can be found make of silicon, aluminum, or plastic. For best results, choose pillar candle molds that are made of aluminum. They allow the wax to cooler better, resulting in a smooth finish on the candles. They are also very durable. To get started, decide on the size of candles you want to make and how many. There are charts in candle making books and on the internet that can help you determine how many pounds of candle wax you will need to complete your project. You will also need dye to color the candles and fragrances if you wish to add that to your candles. You will need quality wick to make pillar candles. The wider the candle you will be making, the wider wick you want. To make this easier, simply purchase a standard type of wick. You can braid three pieces together to make a thicker wick for wider candles. Many of the pillar candle molds have a wick holder built. In simply slide a wick the diameter of the whole into it and eliminate the guess work. Make sure you dip the wick into the melted wax before attaching it to the candle mold. Keeping the wick in place can be tricky. A good trip is to cut the wick several inches longer than you need. Then tie it to a pencil or skewer sitting across the top of the candle mold. This will ensure the wick is centered as the candle begins the cooling process. Once your candle wax is at the proper temperature, add in anything you want to be including in your candle including dye, scents, and additives. Immediately after, pour the hot wax into the pillar candle molds. Do not pour wax all the way to the top of the mold. You want to leave about four or five inches unfilled. Pillar candles need some further assistance during the cooling process. Once the top of the wax has started to become solid, you will need to add small relief holes to help with shrinkage. If you don’t create the relief holes your candles will get air pockets that keep them from hardening properly. Once the candles have completely cooled, pour melted wax into the holes you created on the candle. Make sure the wax is about fifteen degrees hotter than what you had the wax at the first time you poured it. Allow the candle to completely cool down again. Your candles should slide out of the molds easily. If they do not put them in the refrigerator for half an hour. Your candles should be smooth and beautiful. Make sure to trim the wick and you are ready to burn your pillar candles.

ybpublishing - 10:33 PM on Jan. 17, 2008 reply | message Taper Candles You can make your own taper candles without much experience in candle making. The process of making taper candles involves and dipping rather than using molds or jars. Hand dipping takes some practice to get the hang of, but you will be a pro in no time. While you are practicing, you can melt that wax down again and again until you known the right way to form your taper candles. During practice, don’t add any color or fragrance. You will need to purchase a dipping can from a craft store or online to make taper candles correctly. A double boiler is to narrow to make this long candles. In addition, you will need a thermometer, wax, wick, dye for color, and fragrances to add scent if you desire. It is important you buy wick specially designed for taper candles. If you use pillar wick, your taper candles won’t burn properly. To make the best quality taper candles you will want to use paraffin wax instead of beeswax. To melt the wax properly, use a large pot with a few inches of water for the dipping can to sit in. Never place the dipping can directly on the stove top as this is a safety issue. You may also expose your home to toxic fumes. While your wax is melting, work on your wicks. It is important you buy wick specially designed for taper candles. If you use pillar wick, your taper candles won’t burn properly. Cut the wick at least four inches longer than you want your candles to be. If you are making sets of taper candles, make sure each wick is cut the same exact length. This is easy to do by cutting one, then folding other pieces over and making a few more cuts. Once you wax has melted and at a temperature of between 150 and 165 degrees, you can start the dipping process. If you are going to add color or scent you will want to do it now. Move the dipping can to a flat, dry surface. If you are using a counter top, place a towel or cookie sheet under the dipping can. Take a wick and dip it into the hot wax. You will only be getting the wick covered the first few dips. The process of dipping taper candles is easy, yet time consuming. You will get the best looking candles if you don’t try to rush the process. Each dip should be a quick in and out process. Don’t allow the candle to linger in the wax hoping it will absorb more. Instead, it will cause your taper candles to have a chunky texture rather than a smooth finish. As the wax starts to cool off take the time to stop dipping and heat it again. Some candle makers dip while they have another dipping can of wax melting on the stove. This way, once the wax they are working with cools they can switch. This keeps the process going if you are able to take advantage of it. The number of times you will dip each candle depends on the width you want them. If you are making pairs, keep track of how many times you dip each one so they will match. As the wax begins to cool after each dip, you can dip it again. As the candle gets wider you will need to allow it to cool longer after each dip. You can also try dipping two at the same time – allowing one to cool while you dip the other of the set. Once the candle is the desired size and cools completely, cut the wick to ¼ inch of the top of the candle. The process is not difficult once you get the process of the dipping down.