Tutorial: How to Make QR Codes for Your Craft Business

Have you ever seen this before? This is a QR or Quick Response Code and they are popping up everywhere. They can be pretty useful for someone who has a craft business. You are wondering how useful? Well, according to Totally Tutorials used in the right way, QR codes are very useful. They help promote whatever it is that's dear to you by distributing it efficiently without pen or paper and immediately engaging your target audience. Take business cards for example. Craft show visitors often pick up one but would they actually keep it or transfer your site details? Most won't. So make it convenient for them to email you or email themselves your shop URL using just a few clicks on their smartphones."

If you would like to learn more on how to use QR in your craft business, Totally Tutorials has posted an article on How to Make QR Codes for Your Craft Business which originally appears on the site The Beading Gems Journal. Now I do not have a smartphone so I do have the opportunity to use this function but it seems like it would be a great idea to set up QR for your craft business. If I had a craft business I would definately set one of these gizmos up because it sounds like a great marketing tool.

Beeswax Lanterns Project

Do you have leftover beeswax pastilles and looking for something unique to make with it? Why, not create these beautiful beeswax lanterns? These lanterns can make a unique flameless tealight candle or indoor/outdoor decoration. You can decorate the exterior with leaves, herbs like star anise or they can be painted with mica or other pigments to create holiday-specific designs.

Interested in learning how? Check out this Beeswax Lanterns Project from Allison B. Kontur of BathbodySupply and kindly shares her project on her blog - DIY Skincare. If you did not know that there are two kinds of beeswax pastilles - Natural and White/Unrefined. You will need the white/unrefined verision to make this project. The difference between the two is that the Natural will have the golden yellow hue to it while the white will have it taken out.

This project looks really easy and fun to make. I will have to go to the party store to get some balloons so I can get started.

Soapylove Technique Post: Using Silicone Molds with M&P, Part 1

If you are a melt and pour soapmaker and you are having troubles with your 3 D silcone molds, you may want to check out this article written by Debbie Chiltas (aka SoapyLove) on Using Silicone Molds with M&P Part 1 which appears on The Soap Queen's blog Soap and the Finer Things in Life. It shows you step by step on how to create a bar of soap with a 3D mold. I really like the purse shaped soap that comes out of the mold. If you are interested Part 2 Tricks and Tips goes into coloring, using different soap bases and putting surprises in your creations.

"Swirling with the Best" Supplemental Tutorial from Saponifier Magazine

At the 7th Anniversary of The Nova Studio on September 11th 2010, I was lucky enough to win the raffle and had the opportunity to select the "Swirling with the Best" Supplemental Tutorial from Saponifier Magazine . "Swirling with the Best" is a supplemental tutorial that was inspired by the "Best Swirl" contest held in January 2009 by the leading soap making industry magazine. The contest had 49 entries from all over the world and received over 1,000 votes.

The contributors to this tutorial were Nicole Benitex, Joan Broughton, Debbie Chialtas, Lovena Harwood, Jinaaiaka Jakuszeilt, Lori Nova, Christy Rose, Misty Sprouce, and Ana Bryna Tracy. These contributors wrote and submitted articles on their way they create their own special swirl bars of the soaps. Included in this supplemental are the following articles:

Swirls in the Pot Section: 1-6 Color Swirl in the Pot Method with Log Mold (Cold Process), 6 Color In the Pot Swirl with in the Mold Top Swirls (Cold Process) and 1 Color Oven Hot Process Swirl (Hot Process)

Swirls Done in the Mold Section: 4 Layer Strawberry Fields Forever (Cold Process), Mantra Swirl (Cold Process), Controlled Swirling: Two Easy Techniques (Cold Process), Two Color Contrast Swirl (Cold Process), Coloring Swirled Cold Process Soap, and Marbling Melt and Pour Soap Sugar Plum Hanging Ornament Soap.

Each article is written and layout like very simple step by step recipe card which makes each process of making each recipe to be made with ease. In addition each article is supplemented with colorful photographs which corresponds with each step.

If you would like to order your own copy, to the "Swirling with the Best" Supplemental Tutorial Link for more information on how to order. The supplement come in a different variety of formats: PDF File Download, CD Mailed, and a printed booklet. Each is priced differently. PDF File is $17.95, CD Mailed is $19.95 and a printed booklet is $24.95. To order any of these options can be placed through Saponifier Magazine's secure order form.

D.I.Y. Paper Wrapped Soaps Tutorial

Here is a really cute idea to package your soaps from Creature Comforts which appears on Magolines Handmade Soaps and Candles site.  For the free download, as well as written and photo directions...

Project Time:  Around 15 minutes or less.

SUPPLIES:
-Rectangular bar of soap
-Decorative paper
-Ruler
-Cutting tool
-Double sided tape - permanent strength.
-Ribbon (optional)
-Labels Download free-oval-round-labels.pdf

DIRECTIONS:

1. Purchase a bar (or more if you'd like) of your favorite soap. A bar of French milled soap,(such as the one I used) cost less than $4 at Trader Joe's (the packaging wasn't very cute, but it smells amazing). Select the decorative paper that you'd like. For this project I used papers from Martha Stewart's crafting paper... but you can use any piece that you like as long as it is big enough, and not too thick (or flimsy).

2. Measure your soap bar: Length, width, and height. The length of your paper needs to equal 2 x width + 2 x height + an extra two inches or more of excess (you can trim or tuck it later if needed). The width of your paper will equal 1 x width + 2 x height.

3. Cut your paper to the correct size. You can use scissors, a craft knife, paper cutter... whichever is easiest for you.

4. Place your bar in the center of your prepared paper and begin creasing around it where each measurement falls (it's easiest to start with the two longest sides (as shown). This process will create nice sharp lines for you to work with and will give your finished package a really clean professional look. Feel free to move the bar if it gets in your way.

5. Once you have all your edges creased, place your bar back in the center (now you have a little grid to follow, courtesy of your crease work). Note how the excess paper folds over one side of your bar (see image), and also to the under side of the end flap (this will give a nice seamless edge when closed). Seal your package closed with double sided tape.

6. Fold in your end flaps as shown in the photo (just like wrapping a present) and seal closed with double sided tape. Be sure that your flaps close towards the bottom side (the side you just closed in the previous step).

7. Once all sides are secured, print out the free labels I created for this project (there are 9 labels in three colors - grey, aqua, and peach)...I left them blank so that you can write your own message. Wrap a band of complimentary ribbon around your bar and affix with double sided tape and then do the same with your label.

8. All done! You did it!

Source: http://www.magdoline.com/2010/01/hohw-to-wrap-your-soap-with-paper.html and http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/diy-paper-wrapp.html#more

Tutorial: How to Line a Soap Mold with Freezer Paper

Having problems lining your wooden soap mold with freezer paper?  Here is a great tutorial by Ruth Esteves on the Nova Studio Blog.  It has great step by step pictures to help you line your soap mold perfectly.

http://thenovastudio.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-line-soap-mold-with-freezer.html

Valentine Embedded Candle Tutorial (Variation) from Bonnie Bath

Are you bored with the way you are making your candles? If you are looking making your candles look different from any other then take a look at this cute variation of making an embedded candle from Bonnie Bath Company.

http://bonniebathblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-embedded-candle-tutorial.html

Tutorial: A Simple Recycled Paper Greeting Card

If you would like to learn how to make a simple recycled paper creating card, then check out this tutorial by Julie Finn.

http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/12/10/tutorial-a-simple-recycled-paper-greeting-card/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+craftingagreenworld%2Fcom+%28Crafting+a+Green+World%29

Purchasing a Tutorial on Swirling

One of the blogs (http://www.smellychicksonline.com/) I follow had an entry about a tutorial about ordering a tutorial about swirling colors in soap making. I had to read more. I am planning to purchase a copy in the future. If anyone has a copy of this tutorial and would like to critic it, please leave your comments and I will post them. I am sure alot of readers would like to hear your opinion about this publication.

Swirling with the Best!
28 page Tutorial on Swirling

Contents:
Swirls Done In The Pot (Cold Process & Hot Process)
Swirls Done In The Mold (Cold Process & Melt and Pour)

Available in several formats:
PDF File Download
CD Mailed
Printed Booklet

To order Swirling with the Best! Click here to order! Or visit http://www.smellychicksonline.com/ for more information.

Bath Products Tutorials

If you are looking for some help on making several different bath products, here is a link from Herbal Soap and Toiletries that can help you. The tutorials included on this link are Bath Melts, Hot Process Soap, Liquid Soap, Lip Balm, Body Butter, Lotions and more.

Click here to go directly to tutorial site: http://recipes.herbalsoapsbyrj.com/tutorials/index.php.

If you are not finding what you are looking for, please check out the links in the side bar for more recipes on the recipes you are looking for.


Have with your new hobby!