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Stay Sharp: Make Time to Make Something

May 6, 2014 by FaveQuilts

When was the last time you picked up a new hobby? It is so easy to fall into the same patterns every day—whether it’s your career, your kids (or grandkids), or even the same crafts and activities that you’ve perfected, it’s human nature to let yourself stay firmly in your comfort zone.

Recent studies have shown, however, that breaking out of those ruts can help us not only break new ground in our own lives, but may actually help prevent memory loss.

Dr. Denise Park from University of Texas at Dallas found that his subjects, all older individuals, made great gains in memory retention after they had learned a new skill, be it photography, computer science, or even quilting! “We found quite an improvement in memory, and we found that when we tested our participants a year later, that was maintained,” Park told NPR earlier this week.

As obvious fans of quilting, we couldn’t agree more with this assessment. Hobbies like crafting and quilting require use of your whole brain—the creative side, envisioning patterns and designs, and the technical, mathematical part of actually putting the craft or quilt together. It’s no wonder this mental workout improves memory!

In fact, Dr. Park went so far as to state that “by maintaining a very active brain, you could defer cognitive aging by a couple of years.”

It’s not often that we here at FaveQuilts encourage our readers not to quilt, but why not branch out a little? The best thing about the world of crafting is that there are always new avenues to explore.

DIY Home Decor Crafts

Hearts and Flowers Tissue Box CoverMake an amazing little tissue box with the plastic canvas Hearts and Flowers Tissue Box or light up a room with the Scrap Ribbon Lamp.

Not thinking big enough? Take up glasswork with the Faux Stained Glass Window! The important thing is to try something new, whatever that may be. Let no hobby or craft be too big or too small. Even something like the Pansy Ball Jar, which is so simple to put together but looks so beautiful wherever you put it, is a great way to exercise your brain and get something totally delightful out of the deal.

Make Your Own Jewelry

Bright and Tassled Bbeginner BraceletIf DIY home decor isn’t your thing, why not try beading and jewelry? This is one of those creative skills that is fun to do, looks wonderful, and lasts forever. How can you resist a statement piece like the Bright and Tassled Beginner Bracelet or these adorable Flirty Spring Rings?

Learn the basics of DIY jewelry making and you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of fun with fashion. Gorgeous, easy necklace tutorials like the Silver Shade Bead Necklace and the Classic Daisy Chain are the perfect way to play around with techniques you already know by building on a built-in knowledge base.

Paper Crafts for Kids … and For You!

Simple Quilled Daisy CardLearning a new hobby can be pricey, but with just a little ingenuity you can sidestep the heavy bill. From paper plate crafts to toilet paper roll crafts, there is no shortage of things to make with inexpensive materials.

This Simple Quilled Daisy Card has a simple process but a beautiful, understated look. For something a little more bold, try the Crepe Paper Tulips, which will turn any room into paradise.

As it turns out, it really doesn’t matter what you make … as long as you’re making something. Challenge yourself to learn something new. And you never know—leaving that quilt project that’s had you stumped for weeks to brighten up your kitchen with easy DIY paper flowers just might shake loose your quilter’s block and allow you to sew forth with ease!

Of course, if you’ve never quilted before… well, now seems like a pretty good time to start. Your brain will thank you!

When was the last time you took up a new hobby?

Filed Under: Advice, Tips, & Tricks Tagged With: crepe paper, easy paper crafts, Favecrafts, FaveQuilts, Howto Make Jewelry, plastic canvas, quilting techniques, quilting tutorials

Beading Basics: How to Start Making Jewelry

March 11, 2012 by AllFreeJewelryMaking

Making DIY jewelry has always been a popular pastime, but it seems to be booming today more than ever! There are countless free jewelry making tutorials out there, and aisles upon aisles of jewelry making supplies at any and every craft store you walk into. With so much inspiration all around, why not get in on the fun yourself? It’s so easy to get started making your own jewelry! But in case you’re feeling a little intimidated, we’ve rounded up some of the basic tips and techniques you’ll want to know, the standard supplies you’ll need to get started, and some simple beginner jewelry making projects and videos to get you well on your way to crafting your own unique jewelry designs!

Basic Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques

Here are some of the fundamentals you’ll want to know before diving into DIY jewelry making!

  • How to Open and Close a Jump Ring
  • How to Make Simple Ear Wires
  • How to Knot a String of Beads
  • How to Crimp Cord
  • How to Make a Beaded Toggle Clasp
  • How to Cut Chain Pieces Evenly
  • How to Attach Cord Ends

Essential Jewelry Making Supplies

These are some of the basic supplies you’ll need to get started making your own handcrafted jewelry!

  • round nose pliers
  • chain nose pliers
  • jump rings
  • metal findings
  • jewelry wire
  • jewelry cord
  • beads

Beginner Jewelry Making Projects

Here are some super cute but oh-so-easy jewelry making projects to get you started. Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll be ready to take on any jewelry tutorial!

  • Basic Crimp Bracelet
  • Basic Ring Dangle Earrings
  • Simple Cluster Earrings
  • Multi-Strand Wooden Bead Necklace
  • Easy Chiffon Cluster Necklace
  • Fabric and Pony Bead Multistrand Necklace

Beginner Jewelry Video Tutorials

Seeing someone else do something is always helpful when learning a new technique. These jewelry making video tutorials should come in handy as you start trying out new beaded jewelry projects!

  • How to Attach Ribbon Crimps
  • Simple Ring Bracelet Tutorial

 

GIVEAWAY
We are giving away a prize a day every day here on our FaveCrafts blog for National Craft Month. It is so easy to enter. Just go to our Project of the Day post and comment to enter! You have 31 chances to win and a new special prize each day.

Filed Under: Jewelry Making Tagged With: Basic Beading Patterns, DIY jewelry, how to make handmade jewelry, Howto Make Jewelry, Jewelry Making, jewelry tutorials, Kelly Spence, National Craft Month

How To Make Simple Earrings Tutorial

October 30, 2011 by TheCrochetCrowd

Howto Make Earrings with Michael Sellick, owner of The Crochet Crowd
Want to learn how to make simple earrings? Whip up a free pair in a snap!

Learn how to make simple earrings in a snap with this free video tutorial. I will show you the tools and materials needed to make your own set.

It’s a great little idea for when you want to match up your outfit with something different. Whip up a fresh pair of earrings in about 10 minutes.

Just follow along.

AllFreeBeadedJewelry.com just got a visual makeover. Check it out. Easy to find patterns and you can beat that everything is virtually free.

Watch Howto Craft Video Now

Play Simple Earring Tutorial Now

Filed Under: Full Project Tutorials Tagged With: Howto Make Jewelry, jewelry, michael sellick, The Crochet Crowd

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Full Project Tutorials

How to: Knitting for Beginners

  Lately it seems like everyone is taking a ride on the knitting bandwagon.  From famous people, like actress Amanda Seyfried, to male and female friends and family members — everyone wants to learn how to knit!  If you’re reading this because you’ve decided that today is the day you’re going to finally learn how […]

Categories

Free eBooks

Make Your Next Picnic a DIY Affair With Crafts & Copycat Recipes

Summer is (almost) officially here! Who wants to be stuck inside all day when the sun is shining and the weather is warm? After a season of cold … [Read More...]

Seasonal Crafts

Mother's Day Crafts: Blogger Edition

Mother’s Day Crafts: Blogger Edition 2010 eBook

We love putting together eBooks with the contributions of talented craft bloggers. In this 2010 Mother's Day eBook, you will find 20 Mother's Day … [Read More...]

Archives

Crochet

Adorable Granny Square Crochet Scarf Pattern

Adorable Granny Square Scarf + 10 More Uses for Granny Squares

Jewelry

22 Beach Wedding Jewelry Ideas

Knitting

Get Cozy with This Free Knitted Shawl Pattern

Paper

13 of the Most Beautiful Free Printables for Your Home

Sewing

Sew In Love Mug Rug Pattern for Valentine’s Day

Thrifty

Home Decor Dollar Store Craft Ideas

27 Home Decor Dollar Store Craft Ideas

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