Craft Therapy

According to the British journal of occupational therapy, 81% of respondents with depression reported feeling happy after knitting.

The age-old craft of pottery, dating back to 3500 BCE, has gained popularity once again. Products of pottery and clay-making are now found in every nook and cranny of the world.

Utensils, vases, lamps, etc., are things we use in our everyday lives and are products of mastery of clay making. As advanced as clay making is, pottery classes and pottery instructors have made it easier for people to learn and perfect this skill.

However, certain things require close attention when it comes to using clay for pottery. Here’s a guide that’ll help you perfect the art of clay making.

Use a Flat Wooden or Plastic Surface

While looking at the final pieces might not indicate it, clay is dust. Dust is tough to clean out of things that have holes, such as fabrics and canvases. Therefore, always try to work with clay on a wooden or plastic surface that you can clean easily.

Another reason why this is important is that clay dust isn’t like ordinary dust. It contains crystalline silica, which is a mineral found in rocks, soil, sand, etc. If not cleaned properly, over time, the tiny particles can become airborne. Prolonged exposure can result in a disease called silicosis- which reduces the ability of the lungs to take in oxygen.

Wedge Your Clay Properly

By wedging clay, you’re preparing it for ideal use. You can wedge clay by kneading it. Through wedging, the clay becomes more uniform in terms of consistency, smoother, and most importantly, it removes air pockets which can cause disasters for your clay later on.

The smoother the clay becomes, the more polished the final product looks. Not many people enjoy this process since it require force and is time-consuming. However, it’s the most critical step for making pottery.

Use The Perfect Amount of Water

Another primary concern when it comes to clay-making is using too little or too much water. Even experts sometimes tend to make this mistake. If you use too little water, your clay will be dry and hard. As a result, it’ll be extremely hard to mold it according to your desired shape.

On the other hand, too much water will make your clay runny, and it’ll be hard for the clay to maintain its shape. You’ll know you have the optimal amount of water when it’s easy to use and soft enough to mold the way you want. You can perfect it over time with practice.

Want to start practicing your clay-making skills today? Order high-quality clay from Art Cove. We’re an online craft store that offers various art and craft supplies to its customers. We specialize in jewelry-making supplies, knitting supplies, crochet supplies, and much more.

Jewelry is an essential piece of accessories for most people. Not only does it complete an incomplete outfit, but it has the power to turn it into one that people will never forget.

Whether you're one to like sophisticated and simple pieces or chunky ones, jewelry making is a game-changer. With the million options of beads available, you can create jewelry that aligns with your fashion goals.

However, the more the options, the more you’re likely to get confused. Here's a detailed guide on the different types of to help you make your decision.

What Differentiates Beads?

Beads differ based on shape, material, surface pattern or texture, treatment, and origin. The beads you choose for your jewelry are entirely based on your individual preference and the end product you're hoping to achieve.

There might be specific practical issues that require consideration before making your decision, such as the strength of the thread of wire, accessibility, the flexibility of the beads, etc.

Different Bead Types

While there are various types of beads, here's a list of some of the most common ones.

Acrylic Beads

Acrylic beads are made from a synthetic substance derived from acrylonitrile. Acrylic beads come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. While they're made from a plastic-like substance, they mimic glass beads really well. Therefore, you're able to achieve a luxurious look at a lower price.

Due to their affordability and lightweight, people use them for jewelry-making purposes as well as other craft designs.

Pony Beads

Pony beads offer a wide range of variety in terms of colors. They're incredibly lightweight and affordable and provide the perfect opportunity to create jewelry for everyday looks.

Pearl Beads

Nothing screams elegance like pearl beads. Since authentic pearls don't come within the budget of many, pearl beads provide a replica at incredibly affordable prices. Whether you use on pearl bead for the entire article or make a string of pearls, you'll have created a subtle yet powerful piece of jewelry.

Faceted Beads

Find these beads, including several different kinds of beads, at Art Cove. We run an online craft store that provides a range of affordable jewelry-making supplies, beads, pom poms, and much more. Visit our bead collection to find your favorite shapes today.

The coronavirus pandemic has been a stressful time for us all of us. Being locked inside the houses was a nightmare for those with a blazing social life. Due to the lack of other options available, people started taking on new hobbies and activities.

Knitting was the activity that topped this list. Along with having functional benefits, it can help keep people busy for hours. However, that’s not the only reason why knitting gained so much prominence in recent times. Knitting provides people with several mental health benefits that help them cope during troubling times.

Here’s a list of mental health benefits that knitters can take advantage of, in addition to making personalized winter clothing.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Knitting employs a very rhythmic motion. This motion triggers the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical nerve cell that helps reduce anxiety and depression and generates happiness among individuals.

Additionally, it also helps in sleeping, eating, and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Reduces Chronic Pain

Research has pointed out that knitting is quite effective for relieving chronic pain. Chronic pain results from an interaction of biological, social, and psychological factors. The production of serotonin in the body, along with repetitive movements, distracts people; hence, providing relief from chronic pain.

Slows the Progress of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Mental exercises that require concentration and dedication, such as reading, playing board games, or knitting, strengthen cognitive abilities and memory. This is especially true for the older generations. Therefore, stronger cognition and improved memory slow down the progress of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Promotes Social Connections

Whether it’s in person or virtually, knitting communities have always thrived . It allows knitters to meet new people, bond with them, and create new connections.

Moreover, it also reduces feelings of loneliness and depression by enriching your social life.

Provides a Break from Digital Distractions

There has been a significant increase in the use of phones and social media during the coronavirus lockdown. Prolonged digital media usage adversely impacts a person’s physical, psychological, and mental well-being. The added strain on eyes, diminished self-esteem, and reduced physical activity are just a few examples of the hazards of excessive phone usage.

Knitting provides a healthy distraction from the digital world, which not only negates its adverse effects but provides additional benefits to your overall health.

Your life can benefit from the advantages offered by knitting. It’s time to stock up on your knitting supplies. Art Cove is an online craft store where we provide a wide range of knitting supplies at cheap rates. Yarns, needles, additional decorative articles, we have it all. So, without further ado, place your online orders today.

Easy Shapes

Start with simple circular, square, and oval shapes

The more easily they can be made freehand, the better.

Depending on the nature of the art project and the materials being used, there are various adhesives available on the market. Craft glue is a must-have in your art supply kit. It’s important to know what kind of glue you’re choosing for your project.

Some may not have a strong hold while some are likely to dry out too quickly or turn yellow. An adhesive should, at least, be easy to apply.

Streamline your project and other creative ideas with the best suitable craft glue. Here's your guide to best-crafting adhesives.

Hot Glue Gun

Every craft owner has a glue gun as it perfectly fits your hand and saves your time. The trigger is easy to pull and release which makes it a convenient option for crafting. Buying a cordless gun is optional but if you have one with a cord, it should be long enough to suit the needs.

You can use a hot glue gun on porous and non-porous surfaces but it fails to provide a strong bond in high temperatures. For an average craft project, use a hot glue gun for quick service. Use a metal stand to rest your glue gun and to protect your fingers.

Aleene’s Tacky Glue

Aleene’s tacky glue is the most popular adhesive in the world of crafters. People have been using this product for a long time because of its superior quality. You can either buy the original formulation or the quick-dry version of this glue.

It is a sticky and high-viscosity glue that can be used on fabric, plastic, paper, and felt. Once dried, it turns transparent and remains flexible.

The smart bottle design lets you keep it inverted for smooth flow. In case of mess, you can wash it with soap and water and it will come off easily.

E6000 Craft Adhesive

Crafters often favor E6000 craft adhesive, especially because of the strong bond it creates with heavy materials such as metal, glass, and ceramic. It does not dry away too quickly and gives you a hassle-free service.

Before securing a permanent bond, you have almost five minutes to reposition the material. The glue is waterproof, dries white, and remains flexible. You can fulfill your industrial requirements with E6000 for a long-lasting bond.

If you’re looking for an adhesive that permanently bonds your materials visit ArtCove for adhesive supplies. Artcove is a craft store where you will find bulk art and craft material online.

Contact them via e-mail at hello@artcove.com for more info.

Individuals of all ages can make cool sculptures from polymer clay as it doesn’t require a professional baking kiln.

Whether large or small, simple or elaborate, the possibilities of making polymer objects are endless. Follow easy ideas, to begin with, that don't require much effort but look compelling when displayed.

Make unique decorative household pieces and jewelry from polymer clay to gift your loved ones.Fill up those empty corners of your living room with clay pots and flower vases. Buy craft supplies online to create unique clay objects.

Jewelry

In recent years, jewelry trends have changed drastically. Women like wearing all kinds of jewelry as long as it’s unique and attractive. If made with trendy designs, polymer jewelry is fun to make.

You can customize the colors and designs of the jewelry according to different themes. Botanical and marble designs and abstract art are a few of the most commonly chosen themes.

Christmas Ornaments

Step up your decorative ornaments this Christmas. Shiny golden leaves, for example, will surely enhance the look of your Christmas tree. Use a cookie cutter for the desired shape and color it as you will.

Clay stays soft for a long period which is why you can create as many things from it as you want without the fear of it drying out. Shape it into small beads and candies. Before baking, finish it off with a polish or paint.

Snowflakes, stars, and hearts are other common ornaments that you can make from polymer clay and put on your Christmas tree.

Polymer Clay Box

Want a creative idea to give small gifts to your loved ones? Customize a gift box of your own using polymer clay. You can also use this box to clear away small pieces of jewelry and keys from your dresser.

Making a clay box is tricky but it looks trendy once completed. You must focus on pressing the edges to prevent them from loosening up and falling apart. Use high-quality polymer clay glue to secure the piece.

You can manage to create a long-lasting polymer clay product if you use premium-quality supplies. Buy discount craft supplies online from our website for a pocket-friendly experience. We offer a range of art and craft materials to fulfill the needs of your polymer clay project.

For more info, get in touch with us or send an e-mail at hello@artcove.com.

You can see resin popping up everywhere as it’s one of the most trending DIY project materials nowadays. Resin may seem a bit complicated to work with but with the right tactics, you can make items with it like a pro.

Since hand-made pieces for personal use and household always look attractive, make your personalized jewelry, arts and crafts in a fun way.

If you’re going to experiment with resin for the first time, here are some fun ideas to try.

Safety Comes First

As resin kits consist of chemicals, you should handle them with care. When sanding the partially-cured resin, its particles are suspended in the air. Resin dust can be damaging to your health so its advisable to wear a respirator.

Use protective gear, such as gloves and a long apron to avoid direct contact. Touching the chemical with bare hands can lead to an allergic reaction. If you accidentally ingest resin, seek immediate medical assistance.

Moreover, if it gets in your eyes or contact with your skin, rinse thoroughly and visit a doctor.

Purchase the Useful Supplies

Once you begin your venture with resin, all molds you have seem insufficient to fulfill your needs. You always want more supplies to create new designs and shapes. There are endless possibilities to use resin supplies.

The need for resin-making supplies depends on the kind of project you are working on. For example, a clear resin project typically doesn’t require a diverse variety of equipment. For a basic resin project, you generally need the following:

• Heat gun
• Silicone molds of different shapes
• Baking pan
• Measuring cup
• Mixing spatula
• Popsicle sticks
• Toothpicks
• Plastic spoons
• Dye
• Confetti
• Glitter
• Flower petals and flakes

Mix and Pour

There are time constraints with resin as it begins to harden after a while. You must give time to planning your project because once you start working with resin, you only have around 30 minutes to complete it.

Now’s the chance to illustrate your skills. Carefully measure the amount of resin required for your project and thoroughly mix it to use immediately. Before it starts to gel, pour it into the mold or the surface you intend to coat. Sprinkle it with glitter or add beads to decorate it.

Children are naturally curious, they explore, observe and figure out how things work.

Art is an activity that helps them do this freely.

Crochet has long been one of the most popular needle-arts.

While its exact origins remain unknown, it dates back to the 1700s. The delicacy and intricacy of this art form make for a calming hobby.

62% of crochet knitters gift their creations to their loved ones. Coupled with the idea that crochet makes for snug winter clothes, the activity is associated with comfort, coziness and togetherness.

Whether you're getting started with crochet to make the perfect gift for a dear one or are searching for a new hobby to keep you busy, you've landed at the right place.

Order your crochet supplies online from us now! At Art Cove, we offer the finest quality art and craft supplies. Choose yarn shades and types that you like and hop onto your crochet journey with these tips and tricks:

Tip #1 - Invest in Crochet Supplies

Crochet supplies are as basic as it gets. Here's all you need to get started with crochet:

· A steel or aluminum crochet hook (size 7 or 8)

· Excellent quality crochet thread (Aunt Lydia's)

· A pair of scissors

Investing in good quality crochet supplies ensures a smooth experience where you don't have to worry about the thread cutting off on its own or hooks breaking over time. Get the right tools from a trusted online supplies store like ours.

Tip #2 - Ball Your Yarn

Balls of yarn are way easier to work with as opposed to skeins of yarn. However, that's not how yarns usually come.

A pro tip for beginners is to unravel the whole thread once you buy it and roll it into a ball. Crocheting from a yarn distributes the tension evenly and prevents the thread from getting intertwined into itself, creating unwanted knots.

Tip #3 - Crochet Comfortably

Crochet is the king of slow activities amongst others in the crafting community. Therefore, it requires utmost patience and concentration.

Often, the pattern of interlocking when not done right leads to frustration and giving up.

Hence, crochet comfortably!

Pick a comfortable spot where you can sit undisturbed by people or pets. Pin up your hair, take off the rings and sit in a cool place so your hands don't sweat.

Tip #4 - Undo and Redo

This is a bonus tip for when you notice you've made a wrong loop. Don't discard the project; discard the loop.

Open the knots all the way back to the wrong hoop, redo it, and move on.

What began as a small mom & pops store in Queens, New York, has now transformed into the ulimate online solution for crafters’ needs. With over 50 years worth of experience, we offer excellent customer service to all our valued customers.

Shop our online store now!