Before buying, keep in mind the surface you intend to paint with your fabric paints, whether it be T-shirts, denim, or upholstery. This will help determine the best fabric paint for your particular project. Also, consider the finish you desire: opaque, semi-transparent, glossy, matte, or metallic. Luckily, many brands sell variety packs with some of each. Lifestyle and DIY-writer Katy Cano-Murillo knows the importance of buying the right paint for your fabric....

Finally, demand is the factor that drives value the most. Almost every collector of United States coins began collecting the Lincoln penny. Most of them pulled the coins out of circulation. As a collector, you eventually reach the point where you need to purchase your coins from a coin dealer or at auction to achieve the quality you want. Since pennies hold a special place in almost every coin collector’s heart, demand for high-quality coins can drive the value through the roof....

There are very few hard-fast rules when it comes to selecting the embroidery thread. Use the type of thread or weight that looks best or has the effect you want to achieve in your project. Experimentation is often the best indicator of whether or not a thread will give you the desired look. Always use threads from the same manufacturer in an embroidery project that uses floss, as the finish on the threads can vary from shiny to matte....

Many of these coins were counter-stamped with Oriental characters, known as chop marks. These were placed on the coins by Chinese merchants that already verified the authenticity and fineness of the coin. Therefore, if they saw the coin again, they would not have to test it for its authenticity and precious metal content. It is a discussion amongst researchers and numismatists if a counter stamp, or chop mark, on a Trade Dollar constitutes a damaged coin....

This version is sewn in a neutral theme, but the quilt can be constructed with any fabrics you choose. Don’t hesitate to add extra colors or to make a scrap quilt with the pattern. Quilt Size and Blocks As written, the size of the snail’s trail quilt pattern is 70 inches by 77 inches. One of the components is measured in sixteenths of an inch—not a size that can be rotary cut with absolute accuracy....

Bughouse is a game played by two teams, usually consisting of two players each. On each team, one player will play white, while the other plays black on a board next to them, across from their opponents. Each individual game requires its own clock. Bughouse is traditionally played with blitz time controls, with each player having five minutes or less to make their moves. The game begins when the clocks are started and each team’s white player makes their first move....

In both types of molds, if a non-porous material is used, sheets of newspaper need to be sandwiched in between the clay slab and the mold. Otherwise, the clay may not release from the mold cleanly. Another type of slump mold is the open-center mold. These allow the natural curve of the slab itself to shape the form. Molds, often made of foam or plywood, are fairly tall and fashioned with a large hole through the center....

A sewing machine throat plate has holes or slots for the needle to pass through as it moves up and down to stitch the fabric. It accommodates the different needle positions and fancy stitches available on the machine. A throat plate has a second, larger opening (or two) that allows the sewing machine feed dogs to emerge from below to grip the fabric and help move it forward as you sew....

Mother of Pearl vs. Pearl A pearl is also composed of nacre. When a pearl is formed, a layer of nacre is deposited around a tiny particle that becomes lodged in a mollusk, either naturally or inserted by a human. Eventually, this nacre builds around the small object and becomes a pearl. This outer coating of a pearl, despite being composed of nacre, is not referred to as the mother of pearl....

And that’s as far as a lot of people get when it comes to mini skeins. They love looking at them and might be, in a way, inspired by them, but they’re at a loss as to what to knit with mini skeins. Any stash-busting projects can be used with mini skeins, but here are some more ideas for you to consider. What Are Mini Skeins? Just as it sounds, mini skeins are little lengths of yarn that include much less yardage than a traditional skein....

Minion Bracelet Tutorial from Make It and Love It DIY Unicorn Party Balloons from Make It and Love It Painted Umbrellas from The Spruce Yarn Tassel Keychain from Make and Takes Sequin Heart Pencil Topper from Make and Takes Origami Puppy from The Spruce Fairy Wands from Where Imagination Grows Bead Crown from Where Imagination Grows Powerpuff Girls Stick Puppet from Make and Takes Origami Cooter Catcher from The Spruce

There are DIY sewing tables here that will fit perfectly into a small space including ones that even fold up or are made to fit into a closet. There are others that can take up a large area and replace a standard craft table so you can have one big space to sew and cut fabric. DIY Cutting Table from Carried Away Quilting Chalkboard Fold Down Sewing Table from Petite Modern Life DIY Sewing Cabinet from Cottage Hill Super Easy Sewing Desk from A Beautiful Mess DIY Sewing Table from Pearls & Scissors DIY Sewing Table from How Joyful Foldable Sewing Table from Scrap Wood from Remodelaholic Drop-In Sewing Table from Crazy Old Ladies Sewing Room Cutting Table from Closet Case Patterns IKEA Knockoff Sewing Table from Zaaberry Handmade Custom DIY Sewing and Cutting Table from Noodlehead

To use this bunting template simply print the template onto plain paper. Decorate the pennant shapes using rubber stamps and other embellishments or, for a quick finish, cut the shapes from decorative or scrapbook paper. To finish the bunting punch holes in the top corners and thread the bunting onto string or ribbon or fold the top edge of the bunting over and use tape or glue to adhere the bunting into place....

The Mother’s Day coupon books include coupons that she can redeem for chores, such as vacuuming or doing dishes, as well as coupons so she can indulge and relax, like a back rub or a dinner out. There are even some blank coupons so you can create one that you know she will personally enjoy. Not only will mom appreciate this heartfelt Mother’s Day gift, but all these love coupons also are free and can be printed right from home....

Children can feel safe and protected with this bear at their side—and you may find that they want to take it with them when they grow up and leave for college. Alternatively, military spouses can enjoy it as something to keep the bed warm while their partner is deployed. A sleepy teddy bear is so lovable. In the post with this free crochet teddy bear pattern, you’ll also find images of some of the other crochet bears the designer has made over the years....

There are a few tried-and-true methods for how to make DIY gift bags. We have some of those classics to share and then also some ideas that are a bit more complicated and out of the box. DIY Recycled Cardboard Box Gift Bag from The Centsible Life DIY Scrapbook Paper Gift Bag Tutorial from Lia Griffith Print Your Own Treat Bags from Damask Love Simple Fabric Gift Bags for Bottles from Lia Griffith Faceted Gift Bag from Keren Howell Paper Gift Bag Tutorial from Inspiration Made Simple DIY Wallpaper Gift Bag from Oh Happy Day Make a Buffalo Plaid Stamp Set from A Beautiful Mess DIY Book Page Gift Bag from The ReFab Diaries Easy Gift Bag Crochet Pattern from Falling Spring Crochet Let’s Make Some Cookie Gifts from Spoon Fork Bacon Tea-riffic Gift Box Tutorial from Laura’s Creative Moments How to Upcycle a T-shirt to a Tote Bag from Kenarry 12x12 No Cut No Glue Box from Pootles Drawstring Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial from Positively Splendid