Crafting Secrets

Planning a Halloween Wedding?

If you’re anything like me, Halloween is your favourite holiday. Costumes, Spooky decorations, hauntings and – of course – all that candy! So when you begin planning your upcoming nuptials, of course you think a Halloween Wedding would be perfect!

So now you know your theme – Halloween – but what kind of Halloween wedding do you want? With such a broad, fun theme, anything goes! Pick a style that suits your personalities and budget.

What does Halloween mean to you? Maybe you and your partner love being scared together – watching scary movies or visiting haunted houses. Or perhaps you are Gothic at heart – loving the romance of vampires and deserted graveyards. Are you pagans who consider Halloween part of the sacred Samhain festival, or do you love dressing up in costumes the most?

I’ve included a few ideas to get you started.

A Harvest Festival.

A fall-themed harvest wedding hearkens back to ancient pagan festivals – celebrate new life and fertility with your guests. Invade a campground for the weekend, and bring in instruments, fire staff, costumes and cameras galore. Build your own stone circle from riverstones and hold your ceremony within. At a harvest festival, the food should take centre stage. Roast meat on the spit and serve with hearty fare – potatoes, home-made breads and, of course, pumpkins.

A Masquerade Ball

For an elegant Halloween affair, consider masquerade ball. Rent an opulent Victorian hall and serve canapés and Halloween cocktails while a string band leads the dance. Inform all guests they are to come in masked costume and provide masks and props for those who forget. Alternatively, you could designate one table as a craft area, and provide scissors, coloured paper, string, glitter, feathers and fake jewels for guests to make their own masks. If you plan on inviting children to your gothic wedding, a make-your-own-mask table will be a hit!

A Horror Movie Night

For fans of horror and splatter films, a movie-themed Halloween wedding celebrates your “unique” interests. Hold the ceremony on the stage of a theatre. After dinner (corn dogs, pizza and popcorn) assemble on the stage for dancing. Project scenes from your favourite horror films on the backdrop, and scatter Halloween props throughout the tables and chairs.

Cemetery Picnic

Perfect for relaxed, gothic weddings held in the summer months, a small church wedding and cemetery picnic create a charming atmosphere. They’re also inexpensive without scrimping on class and ambience.

Many small local chapels have small cemeteries attached, and the chapel services for larger cemeteries are available for wedding hire. After your service, assemble amongst the graves for photographs, then unfold your picnic blankets and enjoy.

Perhaps one of these ideas appeals to you, or maybe you need to do more thinking about how to create your dream Halloween wedding. But once you have a solid wedding theme and style sorted, you can move onto the fun part of wedding planning – choosing the venue, décor, favours, decorations, flowers, cake and, of course, the beautiful wedding dress!

Stephanie Green
http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/halloween-wedding-theme-ideas-706345.html

My Daughter’s Ballet Watch

I am moving again. Another failed marriage. Don’t feel sad for me – it’s for the best. I mean, of course I am sad about the unfulfilled dreams and the way it’s affecting our son, but I am also excited to be free again. Free to like myself and live my life as I see fit – without anger and mutual disrespect. Free to be the best mother I can be without depleting my energy on things that can’t be changed. Honestly, I am questioning the soundness of our revered institution of marriage. It’s starting to appear pretty oppressive and obsolete in the eyes of independent, self-actualized female professional of the 21st century. Serial monogamy is more my style anyway, it seems.

My train of thought is interrupted as I open yet another box filled with bittersweet memories. I thumb through my older children’s arts and crafts projects carefully preserved from the time they were very young, autographed with the artists’ pledges of love for me. They are now 22 and 15, my son and daughter from previous marital blunders, and they are the reason I have no regrets. All three of my kids are wonderful! I am now making a glamorous new contribution to the family archive – the best works of their five-year old brother from the past three years. This is my retirement nest egg; these will be priceless when he is a famous artist. I’m not kidding.

Loads of family photographs, full of their adorable faces and antics; priceless little relics collected over many Birthdays and Mother’s days. Oh, here’s my daughter’s old little ballet watch! I gave it to her when she was five and ensnared by her all-consuming passion for ballet. It was a present to commemorate that year’s graduation concert: so pretty and delicate, all pink and lavender and sparkly, complete with miniature ballet shoes and her name. She used to want to wear her ballet watch to bed, wouldn’t part with it.

How can I describe the beauty of her graceful tiny body caught up in the whirlwind of movement and deep emotion as she performed her free-style compositions in the middle of the living room?! You had to be there! Oh, and she loved to pop in the video of the Bolshoy performance of Swan Lake from the 60’s I got for her, and dance along, trying to mimic the movements. As was her custom, she wore some improvised outfit inspired by her current mood, always complete with the cherished ballet watch.

I don’t have to convince other mothers reading this that quantitatively most of us love all our children equally. Yet we also know that each child is a different individual, which colors the quality of his/her connection with the parent. I adore my boys; they are remarkable in so many ways. Yet, sometimes it’s only natural that they have more in common with their fathers than with me; regretfully, I am not into gross stuff, mechanical stuff, or rough-n-tumble pastimes. I am more suited for hugs and kisses, flowers they pick for me, and the old songs and stories I share with them.

A mother’s relationship with a daughter can’t help but be different due to the unspoken female bond. Regardless of circumstances, we share a universally visceral connection as women, intuitively understanding and supporting each other. Not to mention the rewards of enjoying all the girly stuff together: clothes and shoes, kitties and bunnies, music and dance, tutus and ballet watches…

My daughter hasn’t lived with me for four years. Then newly remarried, I was determined to move to Seattle with my husband and infant son. As many kids her age, she was really attached to her social life – friends, school – and change scared her. Besides, she appeared to still need to deal with her emotional entanglements with her dad – she felt guilty about leaving him.

I may not be an expert on intimate relationships, but I pride myself on always trying to be the emotional backbone for my children during their periods of struggle. I respect their individuality and don’t try to control, but rather guide them. It’s been tough as hell only seeing my little girl on school breaks but we managed to gradually establish a long-distance relationship that was growing ever-stronger just as her ties with her controlling, temperamental father were weakening.

During the moments of weakness, I would rummage through the sacred box, find her old ballet watch, and hold it close to my heart. As hard as it was, I was steadfast in my knowing that children must be allowed to follow their heart and explore who they are and what they want. Had I insisted on dragging my daughter with me to Seattle against her will, she would have resented me. This way, I gave her an opportunity to learn on her own what I’ve known all along.

My daughter called me today, asking if my offer to move here still stands. Silly girl! Why would I rent an apartment a walking distance from the performing arts-oriented high school, if not because I knew the long-awaited day was nearing?! I realize I am still holding and fingering the old ballet watch, wondering why the symbols of past happy experiences have a tendency to resurface, signaling the exciting new beginnings.

It is time my beautiful gifted girl started dancing again. Maybe I’ll get her a new ballet watch as an encouragement to follow her passions. Or maybe this time the watch should reflect her new interest in punk-rock: all black, with a cool guitar replacing the pointes… She is growing and delving into new areas of self-discovery, and I must march with the times. But nothing can replace the beautiful memories of my joyful little ballerina twirling around, proudly wearing her pretty ballet watch.

10x Marketing
http://www.articlesbase.com/ecommerce-articles/my-daughters-ballet-watch-136583.html

During early development, arts and crafts are extremely important for young children. Research shows that art expression develops brain capacity in early childhood and engages children’s senses in open-ended play, developing cognitive, social-emotional and multi-sensory skills.

Quickly approaching, Valentine’s Day provides an excellent opportunity to express creative and artistic abilities for young children, as well as giving them important lessons on the subjects of love, friendship, and expressing their feelings. The American traditions of exchanging Valentines in the classroom can leave many shy or sensitive children distraught and stressed when they receive less than another classmate or do not have enough to give one of their own to every student.

This stress can be alleviated when parents take the time to help their children create special Valentine’s Day crafts and handmade valentines for their fellow classmates. Not only is the parent able to make sure there is enough for each student, the time the child spends creating has many benefits to his or her cognitive growth. Children who participate in arts and crafts feel positive about their work when they are able to create something they like and enjoy, so encourage children to make valentines that reflect their personal tastes and interests. Participating in the arts also encourages children to be flexible, develops concentration and the ability to interact with other children, including how to wait their turn. But above and foremost, children who are artistically active develop confidence in their abilities and are at ease with their creative nature.

FaveCrafts.com has created a resource center for Parents and Teachers. The resource center has Valentine’s Day Card projects, videos, how-to’s and other ideas. The resource center is focused on recycled and low cost Valentine’s Day cards that are quick, simple and inexpensive to make. The resource center is located at http://www.favecrafts.com/Valentines-Day/Valentines-Day-Crafts-for-Kids-Tips-Videos-and-More.

Kelly Mellott
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/valentines-day-provides-opportunities-for-children-to-learn-with-arts-and-crafts-744871.html

There are many different activities you can do with your kids to improve their fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are an essential component of physical development – especially when it comes to children that are in the preschool age group. These skills involve strengthening the use of the small muscles that are in various areas of the body – specifically the hands – so that several basic functions can be achieved. These functions include that of being able to grasp items that are relatively small, fastening buttons, zipping zippers, and even handwriting! Here, I will share with you different activities that you can do with your kids to improve their fine motor skills.

One of the most effective means of developing fine motor skills, in my opinion, is sitting down with your kids and playing games that include writing and even drawing. You will want to have several different types of art utensils available when you do this. This includes items like colored pencils, pens, thin markers, chunky markers, regular sized crayons, chunky crayons, and even finger paints. You may even elect to use watercolor paints and different size paintbrushes as well. You can play games like “Draw like the Leader”, where each of you draws or writes something, and then the other person copies it. You can practice drawing something in the home, like a ball. All of these activities assist in the overall development of fine motor skills.

The next method that you can use to assist your child in developing fine motor skills is to allow them the opportunity to cut out shapes and designs with scissors. This is a great exercise for strengthening all of those small muscles in the hands, and the wrists. It is also beneficial in developing the overall hand/eye coordination. Allowing children to engage in activities like “Connect the Dots” and tracing different types of pictures is another fun and exciting way to fine tune the skills when it comes to fine motor skills. In order to encourage your child’s success in these areas, it may be beneficial to create a “wall” in the home where their arts and crafts can be hung for display. Not only will they enjoy the work that they have completed, but you will be able to see an improvement in their ability to cut, connect dots, and trace over time.

Many parents enjoy helping their child put together puzzles. There are a great deal of puzzles sold for children that are in the preschool age group. If you are working on fine motor skills, assembling puzzles as a team can be a great way to encourage development. There are also many toys sold that focus on allowing a child learn to tie a shoe, button, zip, wrap, and other types of similar activities. Purchasing these types of products, and then playing with your child while they attempt to face the challenges posed by the various products can prove to be extremely beneficial when it comes to the overall development of fine motor skills in your child. Any type of activity that allows a child to carefully manipulate an item that is relatively small, like a button, zipper, or puzzle piece is typically great when it comes to the development of motor skills. These are just a few great ideas on different activities you can do with your kids to improve their fine motor skills.

Sandy Naidu
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/different-activities-you-can-do-with-your-kids-to-improve-their-fine-motor-skills-697579.html

Things for Fairfield CT kids to do

There are so many wonderful things for Fairfield CT kids to do in their spare time, from library story times and visiting authors to visiting museums and aquariums. Parents in Fairfield CT are very fortunate indeed. This article will highlight just a few of the great options that kids in Fairfield CT have for some fun times.

Fairfield Library Activities

The first of the events listed here is a set of programs sponsored by the Fairfield Library for school aged special needs children there is the Skippers Club that helps build self confidence, fun with other children and learn new skills. On Saturdays the library has Drop in Story Time and at the children’s library there is story time and pajama story time. The website for the Children’s Library is located at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Fun Factor

If your children are about to have a party then why not think about Clark Horse Farm or Safari Rides and Special Events. There is also Fun Factor which is an indoor activity center that offers kids adventure on an ultimate scale. They have party packages, promotional specials and even outdoor rentals. This would be a great place to take the kids on a just because day as well. Visit the Fun Factor Website at funfactorusa.com for more information.

Crystal Theater

Another great event for Fairfield CT kids is the Crystal Theater this summer has a program running called Be a Star! These are camps that give the kids a multi arts experience. This program is located at the Ben Franklin Theater in Norwalk CT.

Lakeside Pottery and Ceramic School

If your child is arts and crafts lover, then the Lakeside Pottery and Ceramic School is the place to take them so they can let their inner artist out. The children’s pottery program is intended to teach the children the art of pottery in a professional studio. The kids will get to work with clay using a real potter’s wheel, as well as being taught hand building techniques. Each class is taught by ceramic artists who give quality learning with lots of fun. Lakeside Potteries website is located at lakesidepottery.com.

New Canaan Dance Academy

If you are a parent of Fairfield CT kids and your child loves to dance then the New Canaan Dance Academy is the place to take them. They offer classes from beginner to the advanced dancer. They teach tap, ballet, Jazz, and even Hip Hop. They teach the children dance form as well as helping them to develop their coordination and rhythmic skills. New Canaan Dance Academy Website is found at ncdacademy.com.

These are just a small listing of the m any fun and exciting programs located in Fairfield CT. Kids w ho live in the Fairfield CT local are always able to explore, do and have fun.

Joanne Castillo
http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/fairfield-ct-kids-activities-958312.html

Down the lane, it was Edison who invented the bulb to light up the dark. But with the advent of new techniques and the influence of modern gadgets, a bulb and tube light sounds antique. The modern bulbs and lightning has be titled as Contemporary lightning.

No construction, no work place, no building concept is complete without the perfect lighting to make it look more elegant and sophisticated. The word is contemporary. Now a day you will find companies which specializes in architectural lighting, using different types of light to unite the feel of a project, enhancing its themes and, less interestingly, making it compatible with building standards.

Lighting Makes It Complete

There are many architectural lighting specialists, who will accommodate whatever project you have taken on. Many design concepts for commercial property, specialize in private homes. And some will even show homeowners how to use architectural lighting to change the look and feel of their own residences!

One can work with glass to create contemporary designs, inspired by the natural world, to complement and enhance living and working spaces. This marks its presence with the contemporary and classic lighting, furniture and interiors for people who appreciate the beauty of nature and the subtleties of good design.

Classification Of Contemporary Lighting
Outdoor lights: They are important not only for decorative reasons, but also to improve safety
and security. Wall sconces flanking your front door and post lights on the walkway will brighten the entrance to your home and create a feeling of comfort.

Expand your outdoor entertaining possibilities by adding outdoor lighting to your deck and patio.
A large selection of outdoor lighting from traditional to contemporary lighting styles will ensure that you will be able to find an outdoor fixture to fit your decor.

Indoor lighting: Form + Function’s wide selection of wall sconces makes it possible for you to find the lighting that will suit your style and enhance the ambience of your home.

Our selection includes quality wall sconces for indoor use as well as outdoor wall lights. A chandelier over your dining table can create a soft, warm atmosphere similar to candlelight.

Form + Function offers chandeliers in a wide variety of styles, from contemporary chandeliers for a sleek, modern look, casual/rustic chandeliers for a relaxed feel to traditional and Mission/Arts & Crafts chandeliers for enduring style.

Conclusion:
Express your personal style with lighting and home accessories that make your home special: whimsical switch cover plates, unusual drawer pulls, candleholders that make you want to light a candle every day, and candles that make doing so more affordable.

Add beauty and function to your kitchen and bath with handcrafted pot and towel holders. To light your world of a small dream house one has to accommodate the lively contemporary lights.

Allan Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/contemporary-home-lighting-makes-it-complete-95760.html