Address Stamp Collecting - A Sticky Hobby?

Address Stamp Collecting - A Sticky Hobby

Do you ever notice the picture on the address stamp? It is astounding to see just how many different kinds of address stamp pictures are seen on envelopes throughout the world. From famous presidents to regular members of the Disney World crew, there are many different pictures and icons that are featured on an address stamp.

When we take a minute to reflect on some of the images we see on these stamps, it is easy to see that even these small little sticky pieces of paper mean more than the cents they are worth. In other words, there can be some value of memory or meaning behind an address stamp for some consumers.

A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard

A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard

No, I didn’t misspell the word sweet. Suet is a particular food that birds just can’t resist, to wit, a great way to attract them to your bird house.

A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard

Make no mistake about it, Suet is some nasty stuff. It is the thick, white fat from a side of beef. It is slick and hardly appetizing food stuff. That is, unless you are a bird. For some unknown reason, Suet is the chocolate of the bird habitat. If you want to attract birds to the bird house you have set up in the backyard, this is the stuff guaranteed to do it.

A Special Crystal Animal Figurine – Hand Crafted From Bohemian Crystal

A Special Crystal Animal Figurine

Purchase a crystal animal figurine from the area where the making of crystal and blowing glass first began. The Czech and Slovak Republics have been involved in crafting crystal figurines for more than 500 years. Small workshops in towns and villages were the settings where the first crystal animal figurine came from in cat and dragon designs. Today the dolphin is also popular as a crystal animal figurine.

The art of blowing glass to make a crystal animal figurine has not changed in any significant way throughout the centuries. The process begins with the craftsman making the molten glass in a furnace and then he blows it into various shapes, such as a crystal dragon figurine or a crystal cat figurine. A wooden mold is also used to shape the glass. After the craftsman inspects the crystal dolphin figurine and finds that it is perfect, he then lets it cool for 48 hours.

A Rare Bird Indeed For Bird Watchers – The Atlantic Puffin

For most bird watching enthusiast, keeping an eye out for a rare sighting is of great importance. Sighting an Atlantic Puffin is just such rare sighting

A Rare Bird Indeed For Bird Watchers – The Atlantic Puffin

Observing an Atlantic Puffin is a bird watcher’s golden egg because they are not prevalent in the world. As the name suggests, they can only be found on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and only during certain times of the year. If you are building a life list, this is a bird that will set you apart from others.

A Crystal Animal Figurine Hand Crafted From Turkish Lead Crystal

Purchase a lead crystal animal figurine from the area where the making of lead crystal glass first began. Turkey has been involved in crafting crystal figurines for many centuries. Small workshops in towns and villages are the settings where the crystal animal figurine is created in a variety of designs. Today the dolphin is one of the most popular as a crystal animal figurine.

The art of creating lead crystal glass figurines has not changed significantly throughout the many centuries. The process begins with the craftsman melting the molten glass ingredients in a furnace. A wooden mould is also used to shape the glass. After the craftsman inspects the crystal figurine he is creating and finds that this step is finished, he then lets it cool for 36-48 hours.

After the crystal animal figurine has cooled for the specific period of time, the craftsman uses an emery stone to facet the surface. This gives the lead crystal piece its beautiful reflective qualities. He then adds any specific details he wants to see in the crystal. Many of the crystal animal figurines are left smooth, but there may be details that need to be added to the figurine, such as eyes. This process is how Turkish crystal figurines are made and these workshops are noted for their attention to detail and perfection in the pieces they produce.

Although a Turkish crystal animal figurine can be expensive, it is well worth what you pay for it. They are true works of art that you will certainly want to add to your collection. A lead crystal figurine of any design in your curio cabinet carries with it the centuries of history that developed its creation. You can look at it and know that the work that went into its creation is a time honored tradition from the past that is still used in the present, in spite of all the new technology that has since been developed.

When you have a crystal animal figurine crafted in lead crystal glass you can consider yourself lucky. Today there is a strong demand for crystal animal figurines made in Turkey, from many other parts of the world. The quality of today’s crystal figurines is just as superior as it was hundreds of years ago.

15 Tips For What To Do With Your Sewing Pattern

What to do with a sewing pattern once you take it out of the envelope.

You have searched the pattern books, found the perfect pattern for your material and now you are off home to make it up.

What is the first thing you need to do?

You will have selected a pattern for your size, when you open the envelope, everything is folded neatly.

10 Really Low-Cost Ways to Start Your Stamp Collection

Stamp collecting doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.

1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps on their mail when they write to you. Commemorative stamps are generally larger than regular stamps and are issued to honor famous people, places, or events. Because commemorative stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than common smaller stamps, they are of much more interest to collectors. Tell your friends that you are a stamp collector and ask them to request commemorative stamps at the post office.

2. When you send away for offers that require postage or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use commemorative stamps. You’ll get them back when the envelopes are returned to you.

3. Ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives to save their used stamps for you. You’ll find that most people will be happy to save their stamps for you when they learn that you are a collector.

4. If you know someone who gets letters from other countries, ask them to save those stamps. Always be on the lookout for potentially good stamp contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go through their mail for you before they throw away all the envelopes.

5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of foreign mail and regularly throw away stamps that have interest and value to a collector.

6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with stamps on the envelopes. Don’t peel the stamp off the envelope. This will cause thin spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its value to collectors. Always tear off the envelope corner so that there is paper all around the stamp, and make sure that all of the perforations are undamaged.

7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.

8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp companies. Free stamps are often offered along with “approvals,” an assortment of other stamps that you must either buy or return. This can be a convenient way to buy stamps. Note, however, that you usually have to pay the return postage if you return the approval stamps.

9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or schools.

10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn’t already exist in your area. It only takes four or five other stamp collectors who are interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas.

With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, such as a small album and a package of stamp hinges, even collectors with little money can have a great time.

So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps today!

7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing Model Ship Kits

Whenever you make any purchase it is important to take into account what you are buying. Whether buying for yourself or for someone else as a gift, you should examine your options and think through what you would like to buy. Purchasing model ship kits is no different. Additionally, because model ship kits can be rather expensive, it is sometimes even more important for you to carefully consider your options before committing to one kit or another. Here are some things to consider before you spend your money on a model ship kit.

Budget. This is always the first consideration whenever you buy anything, including model ship kits. Because there are kits that cost tens of thousands of dollars as well as those that cost less than $100, it is important to know how much you are willing to spend.

Skill Level. Different model ship kits are for people of different skill levels. Make sure you know whether you need a beginner, intermediate, or advanced kit before you buy. It is not so bad to give one that is below level, but the results can be devastating when the skill level is too advanced.

Motorized or Not. Some model ship kits come with motors so that they can self-propel through the water. These can be expensive to fuel and maintain, so make sure you understand what is involved before purchasing a motorized ship.

Time Period. There are ships from many different time periods. Model ship kits offer a wide range of time periods in the history of sea travel. If you or someone you are buying for has a preference, you should make sure that the kit you purchase meets that preference.

Specific Ship. Not only is it possible to buy model ship kits that fit a time period, but it is also possible to build replicas of ships that actually existed (or still do). So find out whether you or your friend needs a certain ship for a collection, and then buy that ship.

Quality. If you are concerned about quality, make sure that you purchase your model ship kits from a reputable company. There are plenty of hobby shops and online kit purveyors that can help you find a good quality ship, often at good prices.

Support. The best hobby shops and other sellers of model ship kits offer support and advice. Some even offer warrantees on their products. If you are looking for good service, make sure you purchase your kit from a company that provides support and help from professionals.

6 Simple Steps to Becoming A HOT Guitar Player!

Learning how to play guitar well is not easy. There are so

many methods and so many conflicting opinions, it makes

it difficult to know what to do.

But the simple fact is, if you want to be the best you can,

as soon as you can, then all you need to do is - copy what

the pro's do...

Master the Basics!

Mastering the basics means being able to play in all keys.

Being able to transpose any song to any other key - on

the spot preferably.

Did you know that 95% of guitarists DON'T master the

basics. Oh yes, they mean to get around to it, but they

hardly ever do.

Why is that? Well, it's because they think it's boring,

complicated and too much hard work. And most of all - no

fun! And mostly they were right. Well, it needn't be that

way. Mastering the basics can be a lot of fun if you go

about it in a methodical set-by-step way.

What does mastering the basics entail?

There are 6 basic steps you need to follow:

1. Learn the names of all notes on all strings, one string at

a time.

2. Learn how to construct a C Major scale.

Basic must-know guitar theory. Easy stuff.

3. Learn how the chords of the major scale are made and

what they are... their names etc. C Dm Em F G Am Bdim.

Basic chord construction knowledge.

4. Learn the triad patterns for the C major scale all over

the fret board.

Triads are simple 3-note chords. Easy and fun to learn and

play.

5. Learn to play those triads with common chord

progressions.

Learn to play and apply the triads to the most common

chord progressions that fit thousands and thousands of

songs.

6. Learn to do step 5 in all keys.

Once you can do steps one to five in the key of C, it's real

easy to learn it for the other 11 major keys.

Hint: It's much easier than you think. All the patterns are

exactly the same as what you learn for C major. You don't

have to learn any new patterns. Cookie cutter stuff.

It really is not hard at all. All you need is a methodical

step-by-step method that makes sense and is easy and

fun to use.

3 Things You Must Have In Order To Profit From Your Hobby

With over 70% of people who responded to a recent survey revealing that they were thinking about starting a business of some sort, working from home is becoming more the norm than ever before.

The problem for many people is that they don’t really know where to start and how to turn their dream into something tangible.

3 critical things you'll need in order to turn your hobby into a profitable business are -

#1 – A Positive Attitude

By far your biggest asset in turning your favorite hobby into a thriving business is a positive attitude. I think it was Harry F. Banks who said, “Attitude determines your altitude”.

If you are going to pursue your dream and make it a reality, you must have a positive attitude and the willingness to commit to what it takes to make it happen.

So many people start out on the road to turning their hobby into a business, and then at the first sign of an obstacle, they give up, often just before they start to see results.

A positive attitude will help you to break through the barriers and temporary setbacks and reach your desired goal.

#2 – The Determination To Succeed

Many people who fall in love with the idea of turning their hobby into a business are looking for an easy way out and at the first problem, they give up and let circumstances crush their dreams.

By developing a fierce determination to succeed, your chances of creating a profitable business are infinitely higher and you are virtually setting yourself up for success.

While there are not guarantees that you will eventually make it, having the determination to push on regardless of minor problems and find solutions is the mark of a true winner.

Determination and a positive attitude can work together to help a dedicated person succeed where others have failed

#3 – A Proven System

The final and some would say most important thing you’ll need is a proven system for marketing your products and/or services.

You need a step by step process that you can follow to ensure your success; something that other’s have used successfully to achieve the same goal you have.

It’s no use having an incredibly positive attitude and loads of determination if you choose a system that’s flawed and never had a chance of working in the first place.

Look for proof that other people have followed any system you are considering and become successful.

Unfortunately, many people waste money, and more importantly, valuable time, chasing the latest fad or scheme offered by unscrupulous promoters. Most of these schemes haven't agot hope of succeeding, but people fall for them every day.

Don’t ever take the promoter’s word that it will work for you…demand unquestionable PROOF that many people, from all walks of life, have been able to use what he or she is offering to turn their hobby or passion into a profitable business.

When it comes to the system, results are the only thing that matters…

Knot With My Thread" - Stringing Choices For Beading & Jewelry Making

One very important lesson I learned is that there is no one, all-purpose (Universal) stringing material.

Here are the major stringing materials along with how and when to use each of them.

SILK THREAD: Silk has a wondrous “hand” (a soft, flexible feel). This thread comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, and “carded” with an attached needle. This is a classic stringing material and forms beautiful knots between pearls and beads. But, silk tends to be relatively fragile. It can stretch, be cut by abrasive beads, rot when wet, and pearls strung on silk should be re strung every few years. It is best to use silk when stringing pearls and lightweight, smooth-holed beads, only. A needle is necessary.

NYLON THREAD: (Nymo): This thread also comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, on bobbins, and “carded” with a needle attached. Nylon can be used where-ever silk can and is not as fragile. This material knots beautifully and can be used for pearl stringing, in some strung jewelry, seed beadwork, loom weaving, for Peyote and other specialty stitches, and heishi. Nylon stretches much less than silk, and it won’t rot when wet. Like silk, you shouldn’t use beads with sharp edged holes or that are heavy. When you use nylon thread, I would recommend you coat your thread with bee’s wax or “Thread HeavenTM “ before use to prevent it from fraying. A needle is necessary.

BONDED NYLON: This is a much stronger form of nylon thread. The strands are physically bonded together for extra strength and abrasion protection. Although it knots well, it doesn’t have the “hand” of silk. Bonded nylon comes in a variety of colors and smaller spools. Because of its abrasion resistance, you can use it with “hard”, more abrasive gem beads; in fact this comes close to being a “Universal Thread”. Brand names include: “Stringth” or “Silkon”. A needle is necessary, although you can put “Super Glue” on the end to form a “Self-needle”. This is a favorite beading material of mine.

FISHING LINE: This material is a hard, semi-rigid, single strand of plastic. It doesn’t knot well, and in time sunlight or ultraviolet light can cause it to weaken and fall apart. Fishing line is purchased on small spools and is sold in sporting goods stores. Personally, I use fishing line for two purposes. I use it to do my preliminary stringing while I am designing a necklace (I transfer the beads to a better material for the final product), and to string together “raw” strands of beads. There is no needle necessary. I would never use this material for a final beaded piece.