American ’s Handmade Store

Creating Christmas gifts by hand is always a winning gift idea for anyone you may be close to. These are especially loved by parents and grandparents, because they appreciate and understand the time, attention, and love that went in to making the gift.

Here are a couple of easy things you can hand make and give to loved ones as Christmas gifts this year…

1. Your picture. But not just any old picture.

Find a nice block of wood that’s a little larger than the picture you want to use. Sand that piece of wood down smoothly, then coat it with a nice stain color. You can leave the wood natural too if you’d prefer.

Next cover it with a few coats of clear sealant. When the last coat has started to dry, it will become tacky, or sticky, so it will act like glue. Place your picture centered on the wood and press it down firmly. Make sure there are no air pockets underneath.

Let this dry completely for several hours, then cover the entire thing - picture and all - with another few coats of clear sealant or finish.

You can use a family picture for this project as well, and you can even use a much larger piece of wood and create a whole collage using multiple pictures.

Once the project is fully finished, you can attach a small wire or cord to the back for use in hanging, or you can buy an inexpensive hanging hook from a craft or hardware store.

2. Ornament pictures. This idea is done almost the exact same way, but the main difference is you’ll make Christmas tree ornaments out of your pictures. Just buy some flat, light weight wood pieces at a craft store, or by some plywood and cut it into the shapes and sizes you want.

Then put small wallet sized pictures on them using glue or the finish mentioned above. You might even paint these in different colors first, then apply the pictures over the painted wood. This gives them a “frame” of their own within the shape of the ornament.

Dril or punch a small hole in the top of the wood piece, then thread some pretty matching ribbon through for hanging.

Tags: Christmas, crafts, family, gift ideas, hand made, handmade, home made, homemade, picturesChristmas, crafts, family, gift ideas, hand made, handmade, home made, homemade, pictures

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Soybean is a plant that is found annually in climates with hot summers and is used primarily for vegetable oil and animal feed. It’s natural origin is believed to be China, but soybeans are now grown worldwide by soybean farmers and researchers. Through the years, many new uses have been discovered, including handmade soap, hair care products, candles, cleaning products and even furniture. Just as soybeans are plentiful, so are it’s uses. Researchers continue to strive to find new ways to incorporate soybeans into everyday products. The most recent uses discovered include adhesives, ink, plastics, etc.

Soybean products, including their use in handmade soap, are gaining in popularity worldwide. Researchers believe that the rise in popularity is due to the many benefits believed to originate from soy. In fact, soybeans and soy foods are believed to be healthy because they are high in protein. In addition, researchers have found that food containing soy protein may reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.

While perhaps every benefit of soybeans may remain unknown to this day, enough promising traits are being recognized to substantiate the addition of soybeans into many products. Handmade soap is among the products that now feature soybeans. Individuals with sensitive skin would especially benefit from the presence of soy in their handmade soap. Soybeans are non-allergenic and may replace other ingredients that could cause problematic occurrences in some soaps. If you have ever used a soap that is too harsh and leaves your skin feeling dry and itchy or uncomfortable, you may be having a slight reaction. Handmade soap featuring soy, however, will eliminate that problem. Leaving the skin feeling soft, smelling fresh and appearing silky are among the many benefits of handmade soap.

Soybeans are grown on farms and in various controlled environments before being sold to manufacturers or exported throughout the world. The next time you visit the store, take a look at the ingredients on the back of vegetable oil, shampoo or cleaning products and see if you don’t notice soy being an ingredient on at least one of these products. Look especially for products that are natural or feature natural ingredients. And, the next time you are at a craft fair or happen to find someone who offers handmade soap, ask if they offer soybean soap and inquire about the benefits. The same is true if you enjoy browsing the internet and shopping with the talented handmade soap creators. You may be surprised at just how many products you will find.

The article on soybeans and handmade soap is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning a diet program or attempting to ward off certain illnesses, a licensed medical doctor should be consulted in order to determine the best plan of action for your personal needs.

Jeffrey Dorrian is the soap guy. Really, that is his website http://www.thesoapguy.com He has been making premium olive oil soap for the past five years.

“Handmade soap is a true inexpensive luxury anyone can enjoy.”

handmade soap

Tags: handmade, soap, soybeanhandmade, soap, soybean

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