Unless your house is home to a bunch of kittens, your pet must get lazy and lonely because of lack of playmates. It’s unfair to deprive your kitty of some healthy playtime activities. Although adopting another cat is a bigger commitment; if you can’t do that, all you need to do is craft some toys for your kitty.

Here are some creative ideas to make toys for your cat.

Toy Mouse

If all those episodes of Tom & Jerry have stuck with you, you’d know that a kitten loves nothing more than a rat to play with. While it’s a myth that cats love to prey on rats for just meals, they like to play with their prey as it’s a primary predatory instinct.

This is why you should try creating a toy mouse for your cat. All you need is a softy cloth or felt paper. Stitch it into a small pillow with our sewing materials. Fill it up with stuffing and give it the shape of a small round body of a rat. Knit a long, thin tail with wool or thread and attach it at the end. Add details like googly eyes to give the toy a more realistic appeal and let your cat enjoy!

Pom Pom Delight

Cats will lurch at anything and everything that’s small, moving and peeking in the corners. You would’ve noticed how they jump at tassels hanging from clothes and entangle their claw nails with them. That’s all you need to make the perfect toy for your kitty.

Take a few colorful pom poms from our art supplies and sew them together in any arrangement. Add a few beads so that they dangle from them. Leave a long trail behind so that you can control and move the toy and play with your pet!

You’ll see how excited your furry friends get to see those fur balls. They’ll keep playing with them for hours until it’s time for you to make a new toy.

Muslin Dolls

As long as it’s soft enough for your cat to dig their nails into, it’s perfect for their purr-y playtime. This is why our muslin dolls are perfect as cat toys. You can go as creative as you want with them and you’ll see how wild your kitty goes with them. Cover them with sequins, pom poms, or wool. The fluffier, the better.

The best way to get your cat sprinting across the floor to reach out for the dolls is to hang them at a teasingly low height. This will motivate your cat to show some somersaults while trying to grasp the toy, and you to capture them in boomerangs!

We’re an art and craft supplies online that provides a wide range of art accessories for all your creative endeavors. And we’re sure that you’ll find the right tools and materials for making toys for your cat! Check out right here.

Keep your Tiny Artist Safe

Tips for avoiding toxic chemicals in Arts & Crafts.

Coloring, Crafting & Painting are the building blocks of creativity.

Art supplies can emit toxic fumes & leave chemical residues.

Here are some tips for you to follow & keep the curious little artists safe & healthy:

You know what adds a bit of sparkle to your gifts? Well, of course it’s all the love that you’re sending with it but it’s also the printed ribbons you’re using to pack them!

Ribbons are a highly underrated craft accessory that hasn’t been used to its truest potential. You can not only wrap and fold them in various unique formations but also personalize them according to your taste. Add a name or a wish, hang charms by them, or create entirely handmade ones—the sky is the limit to the creativity you can put into this!

However, if you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of options available for using ribbons creatively, here are a few tips that you’ll love.

The Basic Wrap

While you might’ve seen this style of using ribbons on wrapped gifts, it’s not as easy to do it if you don’t know the trick. Many people struggle with getting the basic wrap right. The ribbon either doesn’t stay in its place or turns over somewhere along the way. Here are a few tips to get it right.

1. Drape the ribbon along the horizontal length of the packet and stick it in place with transparent tape. (Make sure there are equal lengths hanging off from both sides)

2. Take the two ends of the ribbon all the way down to the bottom and cross them over in a single tie.

3. Bring the ends up along the height of the box and tie them at the top in a bow.

4. If you’re worried about the ribbons staying in place, use tape to your aid.

Themed Gifts for Parties

When it comes to customizing gifts according to the theme of the event or the occasion, using ribbons can work like a charm. All you need to do is get creative with the ways in which you can personalize the ribbon and go all out! Wrapping gifts is the least of all you can do with ribbons.

• Use colors according to the occasion. For instance, nothing works better on Valentine’s gifts than a red ribbon. Similarly, go with pastel pinks and powder blues with baby announcements.
• Why use a plain ribbon when you can use something handmade? You can also use yarn to weave a ribbon and use it creatively to suit the occasion. Nothing would please your granny more than woven ribbons on her 70^th birthday, if she’s loved her knitting needles all her life!
• Mix and match different colors to create something new!

Home Décor

You’ll be surprised to know the many uses of ribbon around the house. From tying a bow around the knife before cutting the birthday cake to fashioning cutlery covers, there’s no end to the ways in which ribbons can be brought to good use.

If you’re really into arts and crafts, you can take your ribbon game a step further and decorate your bedding with it. Drape it around your scented candles or weave them into table runners, it’s all up to you!

But if you’re looking for places to buy these accessories from, check out our page. We’re an online store that sells art supplies and craft material at affordable rates. We’ll be happy to bring out that creative genius in you! Fill your shopping cart right away.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner struggling with knitting needles or a seasoned knitter with years of experience, these hacks will make your life easier!

There’s an endless resource of tips and tricks that can help you get better at this craft.
It’s all about learning them and giving them a shot. Here are some simple knitting tips that’ll make knitting even more fun.

Choose the right thread

If you’re working on knitting apparel, it’s important to pick the thread according to the fabric you’re working on. Make sure your thread is appropriate for a fabric that’s stretchable. Knitting with a thread that doesn’t have any stretch can put all your hours of effort to waste. The thread will snap if the cloth stretches beyond a limit. Make sure you avoid this disaster.

DIY yarn container

How often have you chased a ball of wool rolling on the floor? It can be a nuisance to wrap all that loose wool around. Here‘s a tip to avoid all that hassle.

Pick a small-sized bowl and attach a paper clip to one side of the rim. Place your ball of wool in the bowl and strew the yarn through the gap in the paper clip holders. This will make sure the material stays safe and you don’t waste time running after it.

Safe knitting

It can be a nightmare for you if all those hours of knitting to go down the drain if the wool weaves slip off the needles. This can happen if you keep the knitting aside for a while to stretch your back or if the needles slip from your hand.

This can be a horrible setback if you’re nearing the end of the project! If you don’t want that to happen, attach corkscrews at the ends of the needles and there’ll be nothing to worry about.

Straighten needles

Have your knitting needles curved, or bent over all those years of knitting beanies? This can make any task at hand more difficult than it needs to be. Replacing them can cost you money that you’d much rather save.

All you need to do is to soak your needles in lukewarm water for a while. The heat will fix the unshapely needles and you can work with them easily.

How many of these knitting hacks did you already know about? Not more than one, we bet!

If you want to learn about more interesting information on similar topics, keep following us.

We’re an online store that sells art supplies and craft material online at cheap rates. We’ll be happy to bring out that crafty genius in you! Happy Shopping!

Have you steered clear of art and craft supplies because you just didn’t have the creativity in you? Among other art supplies, super glue is one that’s more versatile than others. In fact, this is an indispensable resource to own because you never know how useful it can get

Debunk all your preconceived notions about glue and how it’s only used to put together handmade crafts; it’s equally useful for other life hacks! Here are some everyday examples of how super glue can be put to use other than creative projects.

Broken lenses

Did one of the lenses come off of your favorite sunglasses? We’ve all had that one pair that trumps every other fashion accessory and that you can’t risk losing. It becomes even more valuable if they’re prescription glasses and you’re quite literally blind in the sunlight without them

But don’t lose heart if the lens falls out. Superglue can give your pair of sunglasses a quick fix so you can wear them for as long as you like. The same applies to other fashion accessories like fancy hair clips, bows, or bag straps.

Shoe Soles

Regardless of how expensive your shoes are, they’ll show signs of wear with time. If your favorite pair has seen many moons, be ready for the tread or sole to come off anytime. We know how much show owners come to rely on one pair that’s most comfortable. This is why we suggest using super glue to stick the sole back. You’ll be surprised at how firmly it holds the shoe in place without any professional cobbling service.

Auto Maintenance

Let’s count the essentials you keep in your glove box:

• Scissors
• Tape
• Bandage
• Extra gloves
• Super glue?

You might want to keep this crafting essential in your car for unforeseen mishaps. If you’re planning to make a long journey through a foggy night or driving alone, make sure you’re prepared to handle emergencies on your own

Your rear view mirror might come off or your headlights may crack and you’ll have to fix them temporarily to be able to drive back. Super glue comes in handy in times like these.

Fix a tool

If you’re handy with screwdrivers, a pair of shears, or even loppers, you probably can’t take it if they become useless. However, there’s a solution if only the handle has come off. A bit of super glue can help affix any minor damages and help make your tools useful again.

If you’re convinced that super glue is super useful, buy it from our online store. We offer a wide range of cheap art supplies and craft material on discount. Check them out and fill your shopping cart right here!

Ever get tired of not finding jewelry pieces that speak to you and are too generic? Making your own jewelry by hand is one of the simplest crafts to express your creative side and keep you busy at the same time.

It’s a hobby which simply has no age restrictions and can help you set out to become an entrepreneur! Even if you don’t want to get into the business end of things, you can still add things to your personal collection.

Always had trouble finding the perfect piece to complement your favorite dress? Or earrings to match most of your outfits? With this skill you can pick and choose your favorite colors and designs.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your new found hobby.

Bracelets

These make the perfect gift for just about everyone and also happen to be gender neutral. You can sell them to all kinds of fashion forward individuals and they’re super simple and cheap to make.

You can also customize them with colors and personalize them with special stones. Stacked layers are totally trending right now and these are bound to sell super fast. Here are a few popular designs to stick to.

Jump ring and cord leather bracelet: All you need for this edgy bracelet are jump rings, metal beads and a leather cord.

Polymer clay bracelet: You can take a blank piece of any shape and stamp it with whatever design you prefer. If you enjoy working with clay, maybe it’s time to try out making memorable jewelry pieces with it.

Wire tube bead bracelet: This metal piece of jewelry looks flashy and works with formals and casual wear as well. Its versatility is only part of the charm. All you need is memory wire, tube beads, accent beads, pliers and wire shears.

Necklace

You can use all kinds of materials to make statement pieces or delicate jewelry for everyday wear. Here are a few of our favorite design ideas.

Braided bead chain necklace: Take a bead thread, small gold chain, and gold or silver connectors to connect lots of beads in a braid style. Here’s a simple tutorial to help you out.

Chunky statement necklace: Perfect for high neck tops and off-shoulder sweaters, and even cocktail dresses, they can be the central point of your outfit. You can play around with rhinestones if you want more bling or even use thread or paracord to create unique and funky designs.

Beaded leather necklace: It’s funky and a fusion of different designs, perfect for punk, alternative styles.

Tips to keep in mind:

1. Try out one type first before you branch out to other designs. This will help you to avoid getting overwhelmed.

2. Learn to open and close a jump ring. This will help make the rest of the process much smoother.

3. Familiarize yourself with different materials and tools so it’s easier to follow instructions.

4. Assign a work space for yourself.

5. Always keep an eye out for things that inspire you and sketch them out quickly when you can. A pattern, painting or even your mother’s favorite piece you grew up admiring.

6. Have fun throughout the process!

7. Invest in the right jewelry making tools!

Looking for cheap and reliable bead and jewelry making supplies? We’ve got you covered! Contact us for more information about arts and craft supplies and much more!

The Japanese invented this medium of art thousands of years ago and it still manages to capture the amusement of millions of origami enthusiasts all over the world. It comes from two Japanese words oru and kami which mean folding and paper, respectively.

Since paper was a sacred object, given that it used to be made by hand, when brought to Japan by monks in the sixth century, it was folded strictly for religious ceremonies.

When paper was produced for the masses eventually around the 17^th century, origami became a new form of art used recreationally by all, as exhibited originally by grandmaster Akira Yoshizawa. It also took form as a popular activity for children but recent studies have shown that it can help promote mindfulness in people of all ages.

Benefits of origami

1. All you need to practice this art is attention to be able to follow simple instructions and a piece of paper. You don’t need excess equipment or tools and you can use paper to make anything.

2. It helps you be aware of the present moment and allows you to focus.

3. It helps children develop perceptive and spatial skills, develop hand-eye coordination, be more dexterous and improve their concentration skills.

4. It also impacts children’s ability to study mathematics.

5. Origami teaches you to dismiss the idea of achieving perfectionism. The idea is to let go of false ideas which lead to criticizing and judging yourself.

Are you interested in delving into the world of origami? We’ve got you covered with a few simple basic folds that can help you make anything you want with paper.

Valley fold

This is simple to make and helps you make a sink in your paper and longitudinal lines on it. All you have to do is make creases along the paper after you fold it towards you.

Sometimes the instructions will ask you to fold and open, this is called pre-creasing. Valley folds are used to make various box style origami objects.

Squash fold

A squash fold does exactly what the name implies. It helps you compress the paper to assume the position you want it to.

You have to perform multiple creases one after the other and then squash the paper. Most folds of this nature are symmetrical in nature.

This is most helpful to make all kinds of flowers and animals of your preference.

Mountain fold

This is similar to a valley fold but in reverse! It is so called because it allows the paper to become more heightened like a mountain.

To make this design, fold and crease the paper away from you. Much like the first fold, there is a lot of folding and unfolding involved.

Make all your origami fantasies come true with our origami box kit. You can also find a range of affordable arts and craft supplies on our online store. Contact us for more information!

If you’re just starting out as a painter or even if you want to explore other mediums of painting to get your creative juices flowing, it can be difficult to know which medium is “right” for you.

The right medium is essentially one which you enjoy and one which turns out well for you. Sometimes it’s not just about which is the easiest to learn but more about which is truer to the way you want to express yourself.

To find out what works for you and what doesn’t, it’s okay to try them out yourself first.

Finding the right medium is more than just getting a grip on the the technical know how of paints. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you choose the right medium for yourself.

Who are you?

The kind of personality you have plays a big role in the medium you enjoy the most. Are you patient and detail-oriented with the kind of work you do and your hobbies? If yes, then you probably will have an easier time learning watercolor painting.

If you’re more free-spirited and like to do things in the whim, you should try out acrylic paints first. Not only do they dry faster, it’s easier to make “corrections” when you need to.

What is your living space like?

You need to assign a specific place to paint because this makes it easier to organize your art supplies in one place.

You can access them all at once when you need to. Oil paints can create a lot of fumes and are not ideal for use in small spaces.

They also take longer to dry and need to be kept in a separate room to prevent damage.

What seems easier to you?

Let’s take a look at all your options.

Watercolor

Watercolor paintings look vibrant, are easy to set-up and don’t need the help of additives.

However, it’s more challenging to fix mistakes in this kind of work. But with all mediums, you have to start somewhere!

Try your hand at water color and train yourself to practice restraint.

Pen and ink

Black ink and pointers can create some stark black and white imagery which looks beautiful. If you’re not drawn to colors and like sepia tones, then you can start out with charcoal and transition to pen and ink.

Color pencils

Along with graphite pencils, color pencils are the most basic medium you can start with. They help you create almost realistic work and are easy to erase as well. You can also make all kinds of images with them such as animals, anatomy, still life, landscape etc.

What kind of art do you like?

This plays a big role in deciding the kind of art you want to recreate.

Some people are attracted to anatomy sketches or like to doodle when they’re bored.

Some like to paint horses or make landscapes.

The journey has just begun. You can find the medium most suitable for you and buy the necessary art supplies from us when you’re ready. Contact us for more information.

Get crafting this Christmas with your children for the ultimate way to spend the holiday season.

A lot of us have fun memories of spending Christmas with our family and enjoying quality time in different ways. Some of us have our own little Christmas traditions which we cherish, and which invoke all kinds of nostalgia in us.

When it’s too cold outside and you want to snuggle in and enjoy your favorite family recipe of delicious eggnog, there are only so many activities that can entertain children. Christmas crafts are a fun way to engage children, help them be creative and make personalized décor with your kids.

It’s time to break out your glue gun and other crafting supplies to make some fun things and lots of happy memories. Host a Christmas party for your children and their friends to try them out or make them together at home.

Here are some of the easiest Christmas crafts that you will simply love making with your kids!

Pinecone craft

Ask your children to collect pinecones form your backyard, in the neighborhood or even at your nearest park. There are endless possibilities of decorating them. You can ask children to make trees out of them or even paint the edges with bright colors as a wonderful decoration you can place inside a clear vase. Let your children decide how creative they want to be.

Handprint Santa and Rudolph

Handprint crafts are perfect for children of all ages because of their simplicity and their ability to develop motor skills for younger children. All you need for them is construction paper, a pair of scissors, a marker and a glue stick.

Cut out your children’s hand prints to make Santa’s beard and antlers for his best friend Rudolph. Use oval shapes for their faces and cut out little add-ons such as noses, eyes, ears and cheeks.

Don’t forget to make Santa’s hat!

Wreaths

Christmas wreaths make the best crafts for kids and when you hang them on the door your children will feel super proud and accomplished.

You can try many different ideas, but a paper wreath is the simplest way to go about it. You can also reuse paper in your house for this and have your children paint over it.

Here’s how to make one:

• Fold a 9 by 18 inch paper in half and draw a line length wise on the side that’s open, not the folded side, at least two inches from the edge.
• Then mark every half inch horizontally and draw a straight line across the rest of the paper till the folded edge.
• Start cutting the lines from the folded side when you’re done and then roll it.
• Staple several of these tube-like shapes together till it’s big enough to form a wreath of your choice.

Crafting can be fun especially when you have all the supplies at your disposal. Buy cheap craft supplies on our online store as well as all kinds of art supplies. Contact us for more information.

Effective September 1, 2016 our newly re-designed website was launched.

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Thank you and enjoy the website.