This includes supplies such as tape, glue, and pens, photos and memorabilia you intend to use, and an idea of how you want your pages to flow from one to the next.

Effectively organizing your scrapbooking projects includes keeping a written record of what worked for you in the past and what did not.

Notes of materials and fabrics that worked and those that were difficult to maneuver, the types of paper and decorations that were the easiest to attach, and which particular supplies were the most effective will save you a lot of time when starting a new scrapbooking project.

Basic supplies such as scissors, paper, and page protectors should be kept in a special box or container so they will be within easy reach when you are ready to begin your next project.

Keeping your family photos and mementos in a central location will make it much easier to locate the ones you wish to include in your newest scrapbook. Your calendars and journals should be kept up to date. This will save you many hours if you don’t have to take time to remember dates and places.

Make a special effort to keep your information current. Digital photos can be placed into directories according to the special event, the person, and the places in which the photos were taken.

Advance planning and making an effort to keep your scrapbooking items in a central location are the best ways to keep yourself organized and make scrapbooking a joy rather than a stressful experience.

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas for your new baby in her newsletter http://www.baby-scrapbooking.com

More articles at articles database

Mix CDs can be put together with relative ease assuming you have access to a PC w/ CD-RW drive, the internet/iTunes, and a printer.

Here is what you will need and how much it will cost (for a party of 25 kids):

1) Music, of course! See below for some suggestions. Assuming you do not own any of the music for this CD (which would be odd, since presumably your child has already been enjoying his or her favorite songs) expect to pay .99 cents each on iTunes (but you only have to buy each song once!)

2) CD-Rs.

3) Jewel Cases. We would recommend the slim cases for this project. You could be even more creative by making paper sleeves and stamp and/or stencil the album details on the cover.

4) Labels. Most packs include easy to use software for designing and printing your own labels for the CD, Jewel Case front, back, and spine.

Costs

1) The Music - 12 songs (a decent length for a mix CD): $12

2) CD-Rs: $15 (for a 50 pack - so you will have enough for next year’s party!)

3) Slim Jewel Cases: $18 (for a pack of 25)

4) Labels and Software: $15 (for 40 complete sets of CD labels)

Total: $60. Or a little more than $2 each for a party of 25 kids.

Here are some suggestions for adult music that can be downloaded from iTunes (or most other digital download services) and shared with your kids of any age, organized as Louder and Softer selections. Don’t worry, the loud is not ear shattering and the soft will not put you to sleep.

Louder: Bright Eyes True Blue from Motion Sickness - Live Recordings (a studio version of True Blue is available on their Lua EP. Motion Sickness, a more recent release, was only made available through independent record stores. Both versions are quite good, but our daughter prefers the more raucous live version)

Josh Ritter Snow is Gone from Hello Starling (a terrific song about the magical period between end of Winter and the dawn of Springtime)

Wilco/Billy Bragg Hoodoo Voodoo from Mermaid Avenue (a Woody Guthrie song written for his kids. A ton of fun to listen to as Woody uses several hilarious made-up words and phrases in his lyrics. Wilco and Bragg’s performance is a blast)

Dr. Dog The World May Never Know from Easy Beat (our daughter’s favorite song at one point. it has a beat so infectious that it is almost impossible not to start dancing, or a the very least swaying back and forth, with the first note)

The Band Ain’t Got No Home from Moondog Matinee (The Band covered Clarence Frogman Henry’s classic 1956 song and made it their own. Your kids will love Levon Helm singing like a Frog on one of the early verses. Check out Clarence Henry’s original version as well)

The Beach Boys Surfin’ USA (a summertime classic. what kid or parent can resist singing along with this super-catchy tune. if your child is like mine he or she will soon be turning the knees-bent and arms-out surfing motion into their own new dance, creating an instant classic moment. have your video-camera charged and ready!)

Softer:

M. Ward Here Comes the Sun Again from Transistor Radio (a lovely homage to that big ball of heat in the sky from this terrific old-soul singer/songwriter)

Red House Painters Wop-A-Din-Din from Old Ramon (a touching song about a cat. if you and your family have a cat in the house, this song will became a favorite and if you don’t you may want to rush out and get one!)

Archer Prewitt I’ll Be Waiting from White Sky (lyrically could easily be a love song from parent to child. Archer has one of the finest singing voices of the past decade)

The Gilroys Martin Candy from their self-titled CD (kid’s should love the instrumentation and parents with a love of older comedy films should get the funny movie reference in the refrain’s lyrics and song title. full disclosure: my old record label released this song. )

Nick Drake Northern Sky from Bryter Layter (simply one of the prettiest love songs ever written)

Be sure to include a nice blend of the adult songs that your child enjoys as well as their favorite kids tunes. This suggested playlist has been compiled as an iMix on iTunes, titled OWTK Volume 1, for quick and easy downloading.

Enjoy the music and your child’s birthday party!

Copyright 2006 www.outwiththekids.com

Out With The Kids is a web blog dedicated to providing unique tips, trips, events, and ideas to families striving to raise healthy, happy, and interesting kids. Visit us at http://www.outwiththekids.com.

More articles at database for articles

1. Choosing the wrong pattern

With the extensive range of charts on offer it is often tempting to start with something too complicated. For your first cross stitch project choose a chart with a relatively small design area and no more than 3 or 4 worked colours. You will have the satisfaction of completing it relatively quickly and can soon progress to something more challenging.

2. Tangling your threads

Theres nothing more stressful than tangled threads so always keep them organised. When starting a project, punch a line of holes in a piece of card and loosely tie each coloured skein through a separate hole. Label each hole with the appropriate thread reference number and chart symbol.

3. Not finishing your edges

Some even weave fabrics and linens fray easily. Before you start stitching, prepare your fabric properly by loosely back stitching around the edges with cotton.

4. Loosing your place on the chart

For a large piece of work it is sometimes hard to keep your place on the chart. Before you start work, divide your chart into a grid of workable areas and mark with a coloured pencil. Stitch a corresponding grid onto your fabric using brightly coloured cotton. Sew loosely so that the cotton can be removed easily on completion of the project.

5. Stitching too tightly

Keep your stitches evenly tensioned or your fabric will buckle or stretch out of shape. Many cross-stitchers find that a hoop helps to keep the fabric taut as they work.

6. Not starting in the middle

The centre of a chart is clearly marked. You should always start stitching from this point and work outwards to the edges of your design otherwise your fabric will pull out of shape.

7. Leaving the needle in your work

Always remove the needle when you finish sewing to avoid rust marks staining your fabric.

8. Getting your work dirty

Grubby work looks unattractive. Wash your hands before you stitch and store ongoing work in a sealed bag or container. Finished pieces can be washed by hand with a gentle detergent. Dry by rolling in a towel - never wring fabric.

9. Starting with a knot

Knots should never be used to start off a new thread. Instead, leave a 10mm length of thread at the back of your work. Hold it against the fabric as you work your next stitches and it will eventually be kept in place by the new stitches. Trim off any excess thread.

10. Straining your eyes

It is very important to avoid eye strain by working in a well lit room. During daylight hours, work by a window where possible. Consider buying a halogen lamp for stitching in the evenings. If your eyesight is really poor, you might need to invest in a magnifier to place in front of your work.

More articles at article database

This includes supplies such as tape, glue, and pens, photos and memorabilia you intend to use, and an idea of how you want your pages to flow from one to the next.

Effectively organizing your scrapbooking projects includes keeping a written record of what worked for you in the past and what did not.

Notes of materials and fabrics that worked and those that were difficult to maneuver, the types of paper and decorations that were the easiest to attach, and which particular supplies were the most effective will save you a lot of time when starting a new scrapbooking project.

Basic supplies such as scissors, paper, and page protectors should be kept in a special box or container so they will be within easy reach when you are ready to begin your next project.

Keeping your family photos and mementos in a central location will make it much easier to locate the ones you wish to include in your newest scrapbook. Your calendars and journals should be kept up to date. This will save you many hours if you don’t have to take time to remember dates and places.

Make a special effort to keep your information current. Digital photos can be placed into directories according to the special event, the person, and the places in which the photos were taken.

Advance planning and making an effort to keep your scrapbooking items in a central location are the best ways to keep yourself organized and make scrapbooking a joy rather than a stressful experience.

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas for your new baby in her newsletter http://www.baby-scrapbooking.com

More articles at articles database

This includes supplies such as tape, glue, and pens, photos and memorabilia you intend to use, and an idea of how you want your pages to flow from one to the next.

Effectively organizing your scrapbooking projects includes keeping a written record of what worked for you in the past and what did not.

Notes of materials and fabrics that worked and those that were difficult to maneuver, the types of paper and decorations that were the easiest to attach, and which particular supplies were the most effective will save you a lot of time when starting a new scrapbooking project.

Basic supplies such as scissors, paper, and page protectors should be kept in a special box or container so they will be within easy reach when you are ready to begin your next project.

Keeping your family photos and mementos in a central location will make it much easier to locate the ones you wish to include in your newest scrapbook. Your calendars and journals should be kept up to date. This will save you many hours if you don’t have to take time to remember dates and places.

Make a special effort to keep your information current. Digital photos can be placed into directories according to the special event, the person, and the places in which the photos were taken.

Advance planning and making an effort to keep your scrapbooking items in a central location are the best ways to keep yourself organized and make scrapbooking a joy rather than a stressful experience.

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas for your new baby in her newsletter http://www.baby-scrapbooking.com

More articles at database for articles

1. Choosing the wrong pattern

With the extensive range of charts on offer it is often tempting to start with something too complicated. For your first cross stitch project choose a chart with a relatively small design area and no more than 3 or 4 worked colours. You will have the satisfaction of completing it relatively quickly and can soon progress to something more challenging.

2. Tangling your threads

Theres nothing more stressful than tangled threads so always keep them organised. When starting a project, punch a line of holes in a piece of card and loosely tie each coloured skein through a separate hole. Label each hole with the appropriate thread reference number and chart symbol.

3. Not finishing your edges

Some even weave fabrics and linens fray easily. Before you start stitching, prepare your fabric properly by loosely back stitching around the edges with cotton.

4. Loosing your place on the chart

For a large piece of work it is sometimes hard to keep your place on the chart. Before you start work, divide your chart into a grid of workable areas and mark with a coloured pencil. Stitch a corresponding grid onto your fabric using brightly coloured cotton. Sew loosely so that the cotton can be removed easily on completion of the project.

5. Stitching too tightly

Keep your stitches evenly tensioned or your fabric will buckle or stretch out of shape. Many cross-stitchers find that a hoop helps to keep the fabric taut as they work.

6. Not starting in the middle

The centre of a chart is clearly marked. You should always start stitching from this point and work outwards to the edges of your design otherwise your fabric will pull out of shape.

7. Leaving the needle in your work

Always remove the needle when you finish sewing to avoid rust marks staining your fabric.

8. Getting your work dirty

Grubby work looks unattractive. Wash your hands before you stitch and store ongoing work in a sealed bag or container. Finished pieces can be washed by hand with a gentle detergent. Dry by rolling in a towel - never wring fabric.

9. Starting with a knot

Knots should never be used to start off a new thread. Instead, leave a 10mm length of thread at the back of your work. Hold it against the fabric as you work your next stitches and it will eventually be kept in place by the new stitches. Trim off any excess thread.

10. Straining your eyes

It is very important to avoid eye strain by working in a well lit room. During daylight hours, work by a window where possible. Consider buying a halogen lamp for stitching in the evenings. If your eyesight is really poor, you might need to invest in a magnifier to place in front of your work.

More articles at articles database

Mix CDs can be put together with relative ease assuming you have access to a PC w/ CD-RW drive, the internet/iTunes, and a printer.

Here is what you will need and how much it will cost (for a party of 25 kids):

1) Music, of course! See below for some suggestions. Assuming you do not own any of the music for this CD (which would be odd, since presumably your child has already been enjoying his or her favorite songs) expect to pay .99 cents each on iTunes (but you only have to buy each song once!)

2) CD-Rs.

3) Jewel Cases. We would recommend the slim cases for this project. You could be even more creative by making paper sleeves and stamp and/or stencil the album details on the cover.

4) Labels. Most packs include easy to use software for designing and printing your own labels for the CD, Jewel Case front, back, and spine.

Costs

1) The Music - 12 songs (a decent length for a mix CD): $12

2) CD-Rs: $15 (for a 50 pack - so you will have enough for next year’s party!)

3) Slim Jewel Cases: $18 (for a pack of 25)

4) Labels and Software: $15 (for 40 complete sets of CD labels)

Total: $60. Or a little more than $2 each for a party of 25 kids.

Here are some suggestions for adult music that can be downloaded from iTunes (or most other digital download services) and shared with your kids of any age, organized as Louder and Softer selections. Don’t worry, the loud is not ear shattering and the soft will not put you to sleep.

Louder: Bright Eyes True Blue from Motion Sickness - Live Recordings (a studio version of True Blue is available on their Lua EP. Motion Sickness, a more recent release, was only made available through independent record stores. Both versions are quite good, but our daughter prefers the more raucous live version)

Josh Ritter Snow is Gone from Hello Starling (a terrific song about the magical period between end of Winter and the dawn of Springtime)

Wilco/Billy Bragg Hoodoo Voodoo from Mermaid Avenue (a Woody Guthrie song written for his kids. A ton of fun to listen to as Woody uses several hilarious made-up words and phrases in his lyrics. Wilco and Bragg’s performance is a blast)

Dr. Dog The World May Never Know from Easy Beat (our daughter’s favorite song at one point. it has a beat so infectious that it is almost impossible not to start dancing, or a the very least swaying back and forth, with the first note)

The Band Ain’t Got No Home from Moondog Matinee (The Band covered Clarence Frogman Henry’s classic 1956 song and made it their own. Your kids will love Levon Helm singing like a Frog on one of the early verses. Check out Clarence Henry’s original version as well)

The Beach Boys Surfin’ USA (a summertime classic. what kid or parent can resist singing along with this super-catchy tune. if your child is like mine he or she will soon be turning the knees-bent and arms-out surfing motion into their own new dance, creating an instant classic moment. have your video-camera charged and ready!)

Softer:

M. Ward Here Comes the Sun Again from Transistor Radio (a lovely homage to that big ball of heat in the sky from this terrific old-soul singer/songwriter)

Red House Painters Wop-A-Din-Din from Old Ramon (a touching song about a cat. if you and your family have a cat in the house, this song will became a favorite and if you don’t you may want to rush out and get one!)

Archer Prewitt I’ll Be Waiting from White Sky (lyrically could easily be a love song from parent to child. Archer has one of the finest singing voices of the past decade)

The Gilroys Martin Candy from their self-titled CD (kid’s should love the instrumentation and parents with a love of older comedy films should get the funny movie reference in the refrain’s lyrics and song title. full disclosure: my old record label released this song. )

Nick Drake Northern Sky from Bryter Layter (simply one of the prettiest love songs ever written)

Be sure to include a nice blend of the adult songs that your child enjoys as well as their favorite kids tunes. This suggested playlist has been compiled as an iMix on iTunes, titled OWTK Volume 1, for quick and easy downloading.

Enjoy the music and your child’s birthday party!

Copyright 2006 www.outwiththekids.com

Out With The Kids is a web blog dedicated to providing unique tips, trips, events, and ideas to families striving to raise healthy, happy, and interesting kids. Visit us at http://www.outwiththekids.com.

More articles at articles on database

Mix CDs can be put together with relative ease assuming you have access to a PC w/ CD-RW drive, the internet/iTunes, and a printer.

Here is what you will need and how much it will cost (for a party of 25 kids):

1) Music, of course! See below for some suggestions. Assuming you do not own any of the music for this CD (which would be odd, since presumably your child has already been enjoying his or her favorite songs) expect to pay .99 cents each on iTunes (but you only have to buy each song once!)

2) CD-Rs.

3) Jewel Cases. We would recommend the slim cases for this project. You could be even more creative by making paper sleeves and stamp and/or stencil the album details on the cover.

4) Labels. Most packs include easy to use software for designing and printing your own labels for the CD, Jewel Case front, back, and spine.

Costs

1) The Music - 12 songs (a decent length for a mix CD): $12

2) CD-Rs: $15 (for a 50 pack - so you will have enough for next year’s party!)

3) Slim Jewel Cases: $18 (for a pack of 25)

4) Labels and Software: $15 (for 40 complete sets of CD labels)

Total: $60. Or a little more than $2 each for a party of 25 kids.

Here are some suggestions for adult music that can be downloaded from iTunes (or most other digital download services) and shared with your kids of any age, organized as Louder and Softer selections. Don’t worry, the loud is not ear shattering and the soft will not put you to sleep.

Louder: Bright Eyes True Blue from Motion Sickness - Live Recordings (a studio version of True Blue is available on their Lua EP. Motion Sickness, a more recent release, was only made available through independent record stores. Both versions are quite good, but our daughter prefers the more raucous live version)

Josh Ritter Snow is Gone from Hello Starling (a terrific song about the magical period between end of Winter and the dawn of Springtime)

Wilco/Billy Bragg Hoodoo Voodoo from Mermaid Avenue (a Woody Guthrie song written for his kids. A ton of fun to listen to as Woody uses several hilarious made-up words and phrases in his lyrics. Wilco and Bragg’s performance is a blast)

Dr. Dog The World May Never Know from Easy Beat (our daughter’s favorite song at one point. it has a beat so infectious that it is almost impossible not to start dancing, or a the very least swaying back and forth, with the first note)

The Band Ain’t Got No Home from Moondog Matinee (The Band covered Clarence Frogman Henry’s classic 1956 song and made it their own. Your kids will love Levon Helm singing like a Frog on one of the early verses. Check out Clarence Henry’s original version as well)

The Beach Boys Surfin’ USA (a summertime classic. what kid or parent can resist singing along with this super-catchy tune. if your child is like mine he or she will soon be turning the knees-bent and arms-out surfing motion into their own new dance, creating an instant classic moment. have your video-camera charged and ready!)

Softer:

M. Ward Here Comes the Sun Again from Transistor Radio (a lovely homage to that big ball of heat in the sky from this terrific old-soul singer/songwriter)

Red House Painters Wop-A-Din-Din from Old Ramon (a touching song about a cat. if you and your family have a cat in the house, this song will became a favorite and if you don’t you may want to rush out and get one!)

Archer Prewitt I’ll Be Waiting from White Sky (lyrically could easily be a love song from parent to child. Archer has one of the finest singing voices of the past decade)

The Gilroys Martin Candy from their self-titled CD (kid’s should love the instrumentation and parents with a love of older comedy films should get the funny movie reference in the refrain’s lyrics and song title. full disclosure: my old record label released this song. )

Nick Drake Northern Sky from Bryter Layter (simply one of the prettiest love songs ever written)

Be sure to include a nice blend of the adult songs that your child enjoys as well as their favorite kids tunes. This suggested playlist has been compiled as an iMix on iTunes, titled OWTK Volume 1, for quick and easy downloading.

Enjoy the music and your child’s birthday party!

Copyright 2006 www.outwiththekids.com

Out With The Kids is a web blog dedicated to providing unique tips, trips, events, and ideas to families striving to raise healthy, happy, and interesting kids. Visit us at http://www.outwiththekids.com.

More articles at database for articles

1. Choosing the wrong pattern

With the extensive range of charts on offer it is often tempting to start with something too complicated. For your first cross stitch project choose a chart with a relatively small design area and no more than 3 or 4 worked colours. You will have the satisfaction of completing it relatively quickly and can soon progress to something more challenging.

2. Tangling your threads

Theres nothing more stressful than tangled threads so always keep them organised. When starting a project, punch a line of holes in a piece of card and loosely tie each coloured skein through a separate hole. Label each hole with the appropriate thread reference number and chart symbol.

3. Not finishing your edges

Some even weave fabrics and linens fray easily. Before you start stitching, prepare your fabric properly by loosely back stitching around the edges with cotton.

4. Loosing your place on the chart

For a large piece of work it is sometimes hard to keep your place on the chart. Before you start work, divide your chart into a grid of workable areas and mark with a coloured pencil. Stitch a corresponding grid onto your fabric using brightly coloured cotton. Sew loosely so that the cotton can be removed easily on completion of the project.

5. Stitching too tightly

Keep your stitches evenly tensioned or your fabric will buckle or stretch out of shape. Many cross-stitchers find that a hoop helps to keep the fabric taut as they work.

6. Not starting in the middle

The centre of a chart is clearly marked. You should always start stitching from this point and work outwards to the edges of your design otherwise your fabric will pull out of shape.

7. Leaving the needle in your work

Always remove the needle when you finish sewing to avoid rust marks staining your fabric.

8. Getting your work dirty

Grubby work looks unattractive. Wash your hands before you stitch and store ongoing work in a sealed bag or container. Finished pieces can be washed by hand with a gentle detergent. Dry by rolling in a towel - never wring fabric.

9. Starting with a knot

Knots should never be used to start off a new thread. Instead, leave a 10mm length of thread at the back of your work. Hold it against the fabric as you work your next stitches and it will eventually be kept in place by the new stitches. Trim off any excess thread.

10. Straining your eyes

It is very important to avoid eye strain by working in a well lit room. During daylight hours, work by a window where possible. Consider buying a halogen lamp for stitching in the evenings. If your eyesight is really poor, you might need to invest in a magnifier to place in front of your work.

More articles at article database

This includes supplies such as tape, glue, and pens, photos and memorabilia you intend to use, and an idea of how you want your pages to flow from one to the next.

Effectively organizing your scrapbooking projects includes keeping a written record of what worked for you in the past and what did not.

Notes of materials and fabrics that worked and those that were difficult to maneuver, the types of paper and decorations that were the easiest to attach, and which particular supplies were the most effective will save you a lot of time when starting a new scrapbooking project.

Basic supplies such as scissors, paper, and page protectors should be kept in a special box or container so they will be within easy reach when you are ready to begin your next project.

Keeping your family photos and mementos in a central location will make it much easier to locate the ones you wish to include in your newest scrapbook. Your calendars and journals should be kept up to date. This will save you many hours if you don’t have to take time to remember dates and places.

Make a special effort to keep your information current. Digital photos can be placed into directories according to the special event, the person, and the places in which the photos were taken.

Advance planning and making an effort to keep your scrapbooking items in a central location are the best ways to keep yourself organized and make scrapbooking a joy rather than a stressful experience.

Vera Raposo has been scrapbooking since her oldest child was 5. With tons of scrapbooking tips and ideas, Vera is now sharing some of her best scrapbooking ideas for your new baby in her newsletter http://www.baby-scrapbooking.com

More articles at articles database