Unless you know someone with a flower garden or buy fresh flowers to press, you’ll have to grow some flowers to get started. The tricky part is deciding which flowers to buy. Some flowers press better than others, and some are practically impossible to press. When you’re getting started pressing flowers on your own, it can be difficult to decide which flowers are best to plant.

Some flowers have certain characteristics that make them easier to press. Here’s what to look for:

* Flowers that are thin are the easiest to press. They flatten more easily, and they dry much faster than thick flowers. This not only makes drying more convenient, it also allows the flower to maintain more of its color.

* The smaller the flower, the more quickly it will dry when pressed. Large flowers take longer, and the largest ones are difficult to flatten in a way that is attractive.

* The flower should maintain its beauty when flattened. Sometimes the only way to determine this is to see the flowers already pressed. Purchasing a few and pressing them before you plant will let you see the results before you invest a lot of time in a particular flower.

* The more moisture a flower contains, the harder it will be to successfully press. Picking flowers during a dry time of day will help, but some just retain a great deal of moisture anyway. Using heat when pressing them, however, may bring good results.

* Thicker flowers should not usually be pressed as-is, but you may have success with pressing the petals. Once they are dry, try gluing them back together to create the look of the original flower.

* Many plants that consist only of leaves press very nicely. Ferns are a fine example. They look great pressed alone or with flowering plants.

Some good flowers for pressing include geraniums, hydrangeas, buttercups, sweet peas, pansies, daffodils, chrysanthemums and marigolds.

Most flowering herbs also tend to do well. The petals of almost any flower may be pressed.

Pressing your own flowers gives you great flexibility in your crafts. Choosing ones that press well isn’t always easy, but by following a few rules of thumb you can have a garden filled with easily pressable blooms.

==> Get a flower pressing kit here <==

It is easy to set-up, is pre-threaded with the yarn and can be used instantly. It is 17 1/2” long x 10” wide x 5 ½” high. It features a warp of 100% pure virgin wool, 6 ½” wide x 2 ½ yards long, comes with enough yarn to make 2 child sized rainbow scarves and includes 2 stick shuttles and an illustrated instruction booklet.

The instruction booklet includes 8 project ideas including: scarves, coasters, pillows, blankets, poncho and a hooded jacket. There is something exciting for everybody.

The level of difficulty for each project is clearly marked and ranges from easy to difficult. The projects come with clear step-by-step instruction for the novice weaver. Your children will be immensely proud of the finished products.

Weaving is also less common than it once was. This process is used to produce fabrics, rugs and tapestries. We can easily buy these items in stores, but for those with the time and interest, creating them by hand is a rewarding pastime.

To start weaving, you’ll need a loom. There are many kinds of looms, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. What type of loom you will need depends on a number of factors. Here are some things you’ll need to consider.

What will you be weaving? If you’re planning to weave rugs or tapestries, you may need a different loom than you would use to weave fabrics.

What is your skill level? Experienced weavers may be able to use various types of looms with ease, and will choose one based on its features. Novices do well to start out with less complicated looms.

How much space do you have? Some looms are very large, requiring a great deal of floor space. Others are small and portable.
What brand of loom will you buy? Cheaply made looms may break or malfunction with normal use. More experienced weavers and dealers can help you choose a reputable brand.

Types of Looms

Rigid heddle looms – A rigid heddle loom may sit on a table or a stand. They are among the easiest looms to learn on, but weaving on them takes longer. This type of loom is highly portable.

Inkle looms – These looms are quite small. Designed to weave pieces up to 4 ½ inches wide, they can be used to make belts and other small items.

Table looms – A table loom is a bit more complex than a rigid heddle or inkle loom. They are best suited to weaving lightweight fabrics.

Tapestry looms – A tapestry loom is capable of weaving intricate patterns. It may be used to produce detailed images.

Floor looms – This is the largest type of loom, and also the most efficient. It can produce much wider fabrics, and heavier floor looms can be used to make rugs. Unlike the other types of looms, a floor loom allows the weaver to use her hands and feet, making a project go much faster.

If you’re just getting started with weaving, a small, simple loom is usually best for learning. More experienced weavers might choose a larger loom with more features. Carefully evaluating your needs before purchasing a loom will help ensure that you select the right one.

In her book she describes how to grow plants for natural dyes and fibers. She introduces the reader to the history and uses of plant fibers, their properties and how to create a plant fiber garden, growing cotton and flax. She then explains natural dyeing and which dye plants to know and grow, i.e Indigo.

You will be introduced to soap plants for cleaning textiles. Which fragrant and insecticidal plants to grow to scent and protect textiles, and which plant materials can be used to make weaving tools. In the Chapter “Creating a Garden” the author describes the preparation and planning process to grow your own plants for natural dyes and fibers.

The book also features a resource section on public gardens to visit, gives names of suppliers of herbal products, suppliers of seeds and plants as well as suppliers of weaving products.

A Weaver’s Garden: Growing Plants for Natural Dyes and Fibers is an informative and well researched guide for all weavers, gardeners and everybody interested in natural dyes and fibers.

It’s important to remember that every weaver started somewhere. Very few made an elaborate work of art for their first project. In fact, they probably started out making small, simple items.

If you want to start weaving, there are plenty of projects available that can help you learn the proper technique. Here are five projects that are perfect for beginning weavers.

Potholders

A potholder is perhaps one of the easiest things to weave. It’s also great for practising keeping your edges even. Making a potholder is as simple as weaving a square, so it’s a great way to get your feet wet. You can make them out of yarn or heavy fabric.

Placemats

Woven placemats add a nice, handmade touch to any table. And they’re quite easy to make with a small loom. The only difference between a placemat and a potholder is that the placemat is larger and rectangular instead of square. Good materials to use include yarn and fabric, and you can even make the out of paper and laminate them.

Bracelets

Weaving bracelets is a popular pastime among young girls, so it stands to reason that it would be a good beginner’s weaving project. All you need is some yarn or embroidery thread. You can use a small loom, but it’s possible to weave a bracelet without one.

Bookmarks

Weaving a bookmark is similar to weaving a bracelet. The main difference is that a bookmark is wider. You can also use a variety of materials to weave bookmarks, including leather, plastic and paper.

Purses

If you’re ready to take your weaving projects a step further, try making a simple purse. Envelope-style purses are the easiest to make. You can simply weave a long rectangle, fold up about a third of the material, and sew the sides together. Add a button to the flap and a loop for closure, and sew on a strap to finish. These make great gifts for any occasion, and you can make yourself one to match any outfit!

Learning to weave opens the door to creating all sorts of beautiful things, including fabrics, rugs and wall hangings. But there are many simple projects that you can do to improve your skills and decide whether weaving is something you would like to pursue further. If you’re curious, you can get started with just a few inexpensive supplies available at any craft store.

==> Check out Weaving Made Easy: 17 Projects Using a Simple Loom

Liz Gipson guides the beginner weaver step-by-step through 17 fun projects from start to finish. The loom used is a small and portable loom (a rigid heddle loom) which is affordable and perfect for any beginner.

The book features weaving vocabulary 101, explanations of tools and materials, the basics of warp and weft and how to get started. The reader will also be able to take advantage of many tips and techniques for color, construction, design, beaded fringe, needle-felted flowers, crocheted edges and much more. The many photographs and clear instructions help the beginner weaver to make every project successful.

The projects include scarves, bags, belts, tops, pillows, placemats, rugs and lots more.

“Weaving Made Easy” is a wonderful book for every beginner weaver who wants to experience the enjoyment and fun of weaving and producing woven items.

A fun and inexpensive way to get started weaving is to make your own loom out of cardboard. You’ll need a piece that’s sturdy but not corrugated. Shipping envelopes work well for this purpose. All you have to do is make half-inch cuts every ¼ inch on opposite sides of the cardboard. Then you’re ready to get some yarn and start weaving!

If you’ve mastered the home-made cardboard loom, or if you prefer to start out with a more standard piece of equipment, you can buy small looms at most craft stores. These looms are quite portable, and they can be used to make items such as scarves and small purses. You can also make pieces and sew them together to make larger items such as sweaters.

Once you have a loom, there are a few other supplies you’ll need to get started. Here are the basics:

* Thread, yarn or other materials to weave – There are many things you can weave with. The most common are various types of thread and yarn. But you can also use strips of cloth, leather cord, or even strips of plastic bags.

* A tapestry needle – These are necessary when weaving with thread and yarn. You can find them at any craft store. They are long, blunt-tipped needles.

* Reeds – A reed is used to control how many ends there are in an inch. They come in a variety of sizes, called dents. When getting started, a 12 dent is usually the best choice.

* Shuttles – A shuttle is passed back and forth between the warp (vertical threads) to weave in the weft (horizontal threads). Using a shuttle helps keep the finish smooth.

* Warping tools – Warping is required to measure and properly align the warp threads. This can be accomplished with warping pegs, boards or reels depending on what type of loom you are using. Floor looms require the use of a warping board or sectional warp beam.

There are many more supplies and accessories that can be used in weaving. These include threading hooks, raddle and heddles. If you choose to use a floor loom, you’ll need a comfortable bench or stool, as well as some other supplies. But if you’re using a smaller, simpler loom, you won’t need as many items to get started.

Weaving can be a very pricey hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. You can get started for just a few dollars. As you learn more and move on to bigger, more complicated projects, you can buy more supplies.

==> Pick up the Harrisville loom kit pictured above.

A garden is a great place to reuse bottle caps. Think about all the time you’ve spent putting in plants, watering and weeding them. You want the plants to be able to grow and produce flowers or fruit without being destroyed. If there are birds and other animals visiting your garden you want to be rid of them; why not create a deterrent using bottle caps?

It isn’t unusual for people with a garden to place a scarecrow to frighten birds away. You can do something similar with bottle caps. Hammer or drill a hole in the caps in order to string them together. Place a knot between the bottle caps to allow them to shake and make noise. Then hang the new deterrent in the garden or any other area you want to keep birds and other animals from gathering.

Another way to use beer bottle caps is to create a tool to remove fish scales. Cleaning fish isn’t a fun job but making this tool can make the process easier. Simply find a block or wood or old handle which is comfortable to hold. Nail or screw several bottle caps to the wood. For the best results you’ll want to place the caps close together and be sure the edges are pointed up. When it’s time to clean the fish, rub the tool along the scales to remove them. Of course, you’ll want to clean fish outdoors as the whole process can be messy.

You can make a similar tool to remove caked-on mud from your shoes. Better yet, why not make an entire doormat out of bottle tops? Nail several rows of bottle caps to a piece of plywood. If you come home with muddy shoes you can wipe your feet on the bottle caps to help remove mud and dirt.

Do you know someone who loves unusual, one-of-a-kind jewelry? Drill a hole in a couple of bottle caps and create some earrings. You can also string several bottle caps together to create a bracelet or necklace. If you choose any of the jewelry options, however, you’ll want to ensure the edges aren’t sharp so no one gets hurt.

Create an unusual design on an old table top. Spread a heavy layer of epoxy or grout over a table top and then place the bottle tops into it to create a pattern or design. If you limit yourself to one brand of beverage this might be difficult, but it could still turn out to be a great conversation starter. When the epoxy or grout has dried, apply a layer of self-leveling clear resin over the surface to ensure things you place on the table don’t slip off.

Perhaps you enjoy a beer or bottled soft drink from time to time. Recycling bottles is commonplace but tops are typically thrown away. Now you know what to do with beer bottle tops instead of tossing them. You can make something useful out of them.

While door fronts, yards and living rooms may come to mind first when you’re in the Halloween decorating spirit, there is a lot to be done with the kitchen that will add that extra seasonal edge you’ve been looking for. Full of flat surfaces waiting to be covered in cobwebs and candy, the kitchen is a perfect palette for Halloween décor.

Lace covered candles and pumpkins

Whether you’re looking to host a Halloween party, or simply host a dinner once trick-or- treating comes to an end, candles and pumpkins are a great way to set a gothic atmosphere in your kitchen. Candles and pumpkins can both easily be wrapped in black lace with Halloween themes already embroidered into the material. This gives the items a sophisticated and dark appearance. If your kitchen plays host to granite counter tops, you won’t have to worry about your candles making a mess once lit, as these surfaces are extremely heat and stain resistant.

Bring on the black birds

A simple, yet effective way to bring the Halloween spirit into your kitchen is to introduce a few strategically placed faux crows. Available at your local craft store, these birds can be placed on top of sugar jars, or refrigerators to add a whimsical touch to your holiday festivities.

Create your own candy jars

One of the most delicious aspects of the Halloween holiday is the collection of candy children are sure to enjoy after a night of trick-or-treating. Why not get the kids excited before the night arrives by setting up a little kitchen inspiration. Simply fill clear mason jars with candy corn and place on your kitchen countertops. The colors will fit the theme of the season, and will be the official start of the trick-or-treat countdown.

From spoon drawer to cauldron ladle

Those trick-or-treat buckets you bought for your kids this year can serve a dual purpose in your kitchen Halloween décor. Choose black cauldron buckets and use them on your countertops to hold forks, butter knives and spoons. Stir up a little Halloween excitement by serving seasonal meals such as pumpkin soup or even beverages in the cauldron as well at your holiday party!

Put up a paper mache pumpkin lantern

Creating paper mache pumpkin lanterns is not only a fun project to do with the kids in your household; it’s also a great way to decorate your kitchen without having to break the bank. Hang your completed creations above granite kitchen countertops and watch them create creepy shapes that reflect off the stone’s many colors and hues! Your kids will think it’s cool while party guests will marvel at the eerie tone you’ve set in the kitchen.

Author Bio: My name is Julie Smith; I’m a mother of 2 and a successful kitchen designer. Writing has always been my passion and it has been very rewarding to write for unitedgranite.us.