Easy and Inexpensive Hostess Gifts

In days gone by,it was considered impolite to go to someone's house for dinner or a party and not take a small gift for the hostess (or the host!). The gift didn't have to be anything special or very expensive, just something that said Thank you to your hostess.

It can be very easy, and not at all expensive, to renew that happy custom. And speaking from personal experience, it is so much fun to watch her face when you hand her a little gift!

Keep Gift Items on Hand

It is relatively simple to keep a few things on hand that make nice little gifts. You don't need to spend a fortune either---and here's how you do it:

Buy trial-sized items! You can find hand lotions, small bottles of spray perfume, bars of moisturizing soap, etc. I've even found very small bottles and tubes of bath gel, body lotion, and after-bath spray all in the same scent---these make a perfect hostess gift set!

Look for 2-for, 3-for, and 4-for sales! I watch for sales and coupons, especially BOGO (Buy One, Get One) or sales that offer a one-price-for-several items. Look for anything in the Health and Beauty category: nail files, bathtub puffs, fancy soaps, scented sprays, and lotions. Another idea would be looking for sales of scented candles and other small decorative or universally useful items. Walgreens, Eckerd's, and CVS drug stores are great for their sales and coupons, especially right before and after a holiday.

Shop in dollar stores! Bargain stores or dollar stores are great places to find things like small wicker baskets, votive candle holders, and really inexpensive wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows and ribbons.

Keep your eyes open! Anytime I'm in a store like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, or even the local grocery market, I watch for sales of hings---anything that would make a nice little something to wrap up as a gift.

Keep Wrapping Paper and Ribbons on Hand

Think issue paper and curl ribbon! I keep plenty of tissue paper, in a variety or colors and patterns, on hand. It is very inexpensive and makes for an easy way to wrap just a tube of lotion or a bottle of scented spray because you can wist the ends together and then tie with a ribbon. It is also a good idea to have at least one type of Birthday wrapping paper, as well---for those impromptu Birthday parties, or if you suddenly remember that it's your next-door neighbor's (or your boss's!) birthday.

I have just about every color of curl ribbon on hand, as well (you know, the kind that you can curl by pulling it across the flat edge of a scissor blade). Any gift can be made to look very festive, especially if you use several colors of curl ribbon that compliment the color of the tissue paper, or match the color of the gift item! I recently put together a small gift set of lavender scented bath items, all of which were purple-colored, and wrapped in silver tissue paper tied with purple and silver curl ribbon. It was very attractive and no one would have known that it probably cost me less than $5.

Put the gift in a basket or bag! Any gift, no matter how small (even a single votive candle in a 50-cent plain glass votive holder) can look like a million dollars---if you present it nicely. I like to put small items in a little wicker basket or a plain-colored gift bag that is stuffed with tissue paper that I've put through a shredder (you can buy really inexpensive paper shredders, I've seen them for less than $10). Remember to color-coordinate the wrapping paper and the gift item!

Be Creative! Think Fun!

A hostess gift can be anything, put in anything, wrapped in anything! Think outside the box---or rather think INSIDE the...bucket, shoebox, plastic container, empty oatmeal container, etc. Don't limit yourself---or the gift!

We recently spent a weekend at the beach with friends. For a hostess gift, I bought a small tube of Aloe gel, a tube of Aloe bath gel, and a little pump bottle of After Tan body lotion. I went to a dollar store and bought a plastic bucket and a shovel (the kind that kids use to play in the sand). I tissue-wrapped the few little times, shredded beige tissue paper to make sand to put in the bucket, nestled the wrapped items in the shredded paper, stuck in the shovel, ran several streamers of curl ribbon that matched the color of the bucket through the handle of the bucket---and I had a perfect Weekend at the Beach hostess gift! I spent less than $8 and my girlfriend laughed and thoroughly enjoyed digging into her bucket and searching for the little presents in the tissue paper sand!

For a friend who is very culinary-minded, I found a package of different-sized wooden spoons on sale for $1 and added to that a small spice jar of cinnamon and a bag of brown sugar, and I plopped everything in an empty Quaker's Oatmeal container (after emptying and wiping out with a damp paper towel). I printed out a recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on an index card and punched a hole in one side. After looping several turns of blue and red curl ribbons around the container, I strung the recipe card through one end of ribbon, tied it off, and then curled all the ends of the ribbons. She was delighted with her special hostess gift. Cost? About $6.

If you need a gift for your host, you can apply all these same ideas---just with a man in mind! Surprisingly, men can be appreciative of nail files, clippers, fold-up comb, a lint brush, etc. For a host who is sports-minded, get a tube of BENGAY and wrap it in an ACE bandage!

Remember: It's Not the Gift, It's the Thought That Counts!

Giving a gift that comes from the heart---and not from the wallet---is what your hostess will appreciate the most. Take the time to select individual items, instead of buying pre-packaged sets. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, it doesn't have to be anything expensive---all you need are a few little items, put them together with a little bit of thought, and you have a delightful hostess gift!

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information. Visit Jan K., the Proofers sister sites: Moms Break at http://www.MomsBreak.com for free printable projects and crafts. Jans Dough at http://www.jansdough.com for free printable recipes for Sourdough Bread and more. For free content articles, visit http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com.

Article © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

jkproof@bellsouth.net

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How to Make Key Rings from Your Favorite Photos Great Gift Idea

Looking for a memorable gift or party favor? Try this fun computer crafts set. Everything is included to make 6 high quality key rings from your images or photos. They're reasonably priced, and pretty easy to make.

Here's what the set includes:

• 6 clear plastic key ring blanks
• 18 printable sticker inserts
• 2 printer test sheets
• 1 alignment test sheet
• Software on CD
• Instruction manual

I was surprised at how nice my finished key rings looked. They looked store-bought, except they had pictures of my family in them. The photo area is a clear glossy plastic square, and the attached key ring is silver. They seem sturdy and well-made.

This craft kit is very straight-forward and includes step by step instructions. First, you install the software from the CD. This went smoothly for me. The computer requirements are modest and should work on older computers - Windows 95 or higher and 64 MB RAM.

The software is easy to use, for photo software. First, you pick the paper size. The included sticker inserts are on paper size A5, which can print six key rings at once. The paper can be cut in half to make size A6, but I didn't try that.

The software opens to a screen showing 6 blank spots, that can fit 2 photos each. Then you use the import feature to bring in your photos. There are many options to adjust your photos. You can add text and shapes to the images. The software includes 200 backgrounds and clipart images to further enhance your creations.

As with most computer crafts, you must take some time to work out how to do each of these things. The instruction manual covers each option, but you can try them all out to see how they work. There is a multiple-undo feature, so you can remove any changes that you've made.

If you are already comfortable using image software like Adobe Photoshop Elements, I would use that first. Size your photos to 40mm x 40 mm to fill the square with some overlap that will be trimmed off when you print. That worked great for me.

After you're happy with your photos on-screen, you can print a test page. The kit contains 2 printer test sheets. The software automatically sets your printer to the correct paper size. I put the small A5 test sheet in my printer paper tray and printed on their test sheet. The kit comes with a clear overlay to help you verify the alignment. If the boxes on the overlay match the photos underneath, then your printer should print correctly on the sticker inserts.

Everything looked great, so I put in the sticker paper and printed away. Now, the easy part - I peeled the sticker off the sheet and folded it in half. This created a flat double-sided mini-photo that fit inside the key ring. I clicked the cover into place, and, wow, it looked great!

Just like printing address labels, you do not have to print out all 6 sticker inserts at once. The software lets you pick which spots on the stickers to print. For my first try, I made just one key ring. For the next five key rings, I skipped the first box that I'd already printed. I put photos in the remaining five spots and it printed fine.

Like most computer crafts, getting the image just how and where you want it is the only tricky part. The rest was simple and fun. Personalized photo key rings would make memorable holiday gifts, party or wedding favors, and great promotions for your arts and crafts business.

www.pixifun.com Find out more at their website.

Wendy Litten is the editor of AllCrafts.net, the Crafts Network.. Find crafts projects in holiday crafts, kids crafts, crochet, knitting, dolls, rubber stamps and much more! 25+ craft categories. New free projects added weekly!

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Listen Up: How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing

The good news is that you don't have to lose your hearing as you age. The bad news is, you will - unless you limit your exposure to high noise levels. The most preventable cause of hearing loss is the cumulative effect of noise. The following suggestions and decibel (dB) chart will help you gauge your exposure to noise and reduce your risk of hearing loss:

• Wear ear plugs when operating noisy equipment (i.e. lawn mower, motorboat or power tools).
• Set car, home and portable stereos to below half volume. Beware of music levels in exercise classes, concerts and bars.
• Look for a product recommended for quiet operation when shopping for a fan, air conditioner or other household appliance.
• Don't buy noisy toys. Some toy musical instruments emit dangerous sound levels, while cap guns and firecrackers, exploding near the ear, can damage hearing even if you only hear them once.
• Any noise which makes your ears ring, a condition called tinnitus, is too loud.
• Protect your ears if you hunt or shoot guns. Acoustic trauma - immediate, severe and persistent hearing loss - is directly linked to gunfire.
• If your workplace is noisy, ensure that ear protectors are provided, and wear them.
• Make sure printers, copiers and other noisy office machines aren't grouped together.
• Wear ear plugs at rock concerts.
• Avoid places where you cannot talk comfortably with another person who is three feet away.
• Wear ear protectors for loud hobbies like snowmobiling or woodworking.

How Loud is Too Loud? Use this Decibel Chart to Gauge Noise Level Effects

• Normal breathing, 10 dB - Just audible
• Quiet office, refrigerator, 50 dB - Comfortable
• Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, inside a car, 70 dB - Intrusive, interferes with telephone conversation
• Average city traffic, alarm clock, 80 dB - Annoying, intrusive, interferes with conversation
• Electric razor, many industrial work places, 85 dB - Level at which hearing damage (8 hours) begins
• Subway, motorcycle, lawn mower, 90 dB - Very annoying
• Average portable cd player set above half volume, 95 dB -
• Repeated exposure risks permanent hearing loss
• Chain saw, subway train, garbage truck, 100 dB - Damage after 15 minutes exposure
• Inboard motorboat, power saw, highly amplified rock music, pneumatic drill, 110 dB - Regular exposure of 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss
• Thunderclap (nearby), jet engine (at take off), very loud nightclub, 120 dB - Threshold of pain
• Shotgun firing, air-raid siren, 130 dB - May cause acoustic trauma

Chart Source: Canadian Hearing Society Foundation

Noise pollution is increasing, with city noise doubling every decade. However, by limiting the noise that you and your children are exposed to, you can help protect yourself, and them, from future hearing loss.

Copyright 2005 Jane Lake

About The Author

Jane Lake is a professional feature writer whose articles has appeared in Canadian Living, Exchange Business Magazine, Highlights, Modern Woman, and You. She is the editor and publisher of the popular craft site, http://www.allfreecrafts.com, and http://www.allfreeprintables.com which offers printable recipe cards, shopping lists and more.

editor@allfreecrafts.com

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Paper Craft Profits

Alot of people may not realize just how much society utilizes printable products. I think printable items can be one of those products we take for granted at times. There have been many times I myself have been in need of a chart or record keeping template and have been hard pressed to find a good one among the free ones that are offered online. So I found myself creating my own. I also become interested in designing printable products for crafting.

In the crafting industry printable products can take on many forms. With the computer crafting industry booming printable items are in sought out by crafters. Products such as:

? Altered Art
? Decoupage
? Tags
? Collage
? Gift Tags
? Greeting Cards
? Book Marks
? Printable items for fabric printing
? Scrapbook templates and elements
? Templates for gift boxes, envelopes, and various paper crafts.

Just to name a few. Besides the crafting industry there is also a market for other types of printable items like business related products such as:

? Charts
? Templates
? Calendars
? Stationery
? Thank you notes
? Organizational printable items
? Supply list templates
? Contact list templates

There is also a growing need for home schooling printable products as well as those geared towards children in general in the form of color pages, skill building products and many more. With a market only limited by ones imagination it's easy to see that profits could be achieved from designing and offering printable products.

Some of the benefits of offering printable items are:

1. The ideas can be limitless and the only limit is your own imagination.
2. Once created they can be sold over and over, thus creating a product that has endless resell value.
3. There is a growing need for a variety of printable products.
4. Printable product sales can be automated on the internet through various sites that offer this service.
5. Automated sales of printable products create less work for the designer.

The price of printable products can vary depending on the printable itself. If it?s a simple business template or single printable image, the price may be between $2-$3 dollars. More complex products such as a premade scrapbook page may cost anywhere from $10-$15 dollars. The great thing about designing printable product though is once you have a product designed and ready for sale, the work is done and the product can be resold repeatedly.

So if you have always wanted to expand your current business by designing printable items or start a new business now is the time!

Kelle Arvay is the founder and developed http://www.InstantPrintables.com a website where customers can purchase and download printable paper craft templates, patterns and free printables. In addition she is the co-publisher of Creative Times magazine, http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com. She has developed a multiple effective ways of marketing her business with great success.

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Listen Up: How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing

Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to reproduce
this article electronically, provided you leave the byline
intact, don't change the content, and make the links to
AllFreeCrafts and AllFreePrintables into clickable links.
Please email me (editor@allfreecrafts.com) with a link to
the published article. For print publications, please
contact me for terms.

Listen Up: How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing
by Jane Lake

The good news is that you don't have to lose your hearing as
you age. The bad news is, you will - unless you limit your
exposure to high noise levels. The most preventable cause of
hearing loss is the cumulative effect of noise. The following
suggestions and decibel (dB) chart will help you gauge your
exposure to noise and reduce your risk of hearing loss:

* Wear ear plugs when operating noisy equipment (i.e. lawn
mower, motorboat or power tools).
* Set car, home and portable stereos to below half volume.
Beware of music levels in exercise classes, concerts and
bars.
* Look for a product recommended for quiet operation when
shopping for a fan, air conditioner or other household
appliance.
* Don't buy noisy toys. Some toy musical instruments emit
dangerous sound levels, while cap guns and firecrackers,
exploding near the ear, can damage hearing even if you only
hear them once.
* Any noise which makes your ears ring, a condition called
tinnitus, is too loud.
* Protect your ears if you hunt or shoot guns. Acoustic
trauma - immediate, severe and persistent hearing loss - is
directly linked to gunfire.
* If your workplace is noisy, ensure that ear protectors are
provided, and wear them.
* Make sure printers, copiers and other noisy office
machines aren't grouped together.
* Wear ear plugs at rock concerts.
* Avoid places where you cannot talk comfortably with
another person who is three feet away.
* Wear ear protectors for loud hobbies like snowmobiling or
woodworking.

How Loud is Too Loud? Use this Decibel Chart to Gauge Noise
Level Effects

Normal breathing, 10 dB - Just audible
Quiet office, refrigerator, 50 dB - Comfortable
Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, inside a car, 70 dB - Intrusive,
interferes with telephone conversation
Average city traffic, alarm clock, 80 dB - Annoying,
intrusive, interferes with conversation
Electric razor, many industrial work places, 85 dB - Level
at which hearing damage (8 hours) begins
Subway, motorcycle, lawn mower, 90 dB - Very annoying
Average portable cd player set above half volume, 95 dB -
Repeated exposure risks permanent hearing loss
Chain saw, subway train, garbage truck, 100 dB - Damage
after 15 minutes exposure
Inboard motorboat, power saw, highly amplified rock music,
pneumatic drill, 110 dB - Regular exposure of 1 minute risks
permanent hearing loss
Thunderclap (nearby), jet engine (at take off), very loud
nightclub, 120 dB - Threshold of pain
Shotgun firing, air-raid siren, 130 dB - May cause acoustic
trauma
Chart Source: Canadian Hearing Society Foundation

Noise pollution is increasing, with city noise doubling
every decade. However, by limiting the noise that you and
your children are exposed to, you can help protect yourself,
and them, from future hearing loss.
Copyright 2005 Jane Lake
this article electronically, provided you leave the byline
intact, don't change the content, and make the links to
AllFreeCrafts and AllFreePrintables into clickable links.
Please email me (editor@allfreecrafts.com) with a link to
the published article. For print publications, please
contact me for terms.

Listen Up: How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing
by Jane Lake

The good news is that you don't have to lose your hearing as
you age. The bad news is, you will - unless you limit your
exposure to high noise levels. The most preventable cause of
hearing loss is the cumulative effect of noise. The following
suggestions and decibel (dB) chart will help you gauge your
exposure to noise and reduce your risk of hearing loss:

* Wear ear plugs when operating noisy equipment (i.e. lawn
mower, motorboat or power tools).
* Set car, home and portable stereos to below half volume.
Beware of music levels in exercise classes, concerts and
bars.
* Look for a product recommended for quiet operation when
shopping for a fan, air conditioner or other household
appliance.
* Don't buy noisy toys. Some toy musical instruments emit
dangerous sound levels, while cap guns and firecrackers,
exploding near the ear, can damage hearing even if you only
hear them once.
* Any noise which makes your ears ring, a condition called
tinnitus, is too loud.
* Protect your ears if you hunt or shoot guns. Acoustic
trauma - immediate, severe and persistent hearing loss - is
directly linked to gunfire.
* If your workplace is noisy, ensure that ear protectors are
provided, and wear them.
* Make sure printers, copiers and other noisy office
machines aren't grouped together.
* Wear ear plugs at rock concerts.
* Avoid places where you cannot talk comfortably with
another person who is three feet away.
* Wear ear protectors for loud hobbies like snowmobiling or
woodworking.

How Loud is Too Loud? Use this Decibel Chart to Gauge Noise
Level Effects

Normal breathing, 10 dB - Just audible
Quiet office, refrigerator, 50 dB - Comfortable
Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, inside a car, 70 dB - Intrusive,
interferes with telephone conversation
Average city traffic, alarm clock, 80 dB - Annoying,
intrusive, interferes with conversation
Electric razor, many industrial work places, 85 dB - Level
at which hearing damage (8 hours) begins
Subway, motorcycle, lawn mower, 90 dB - Very annoying
Average portable cd player set above half volume, 95 dB -
Repeated exposure risks permanent hearing loss
Chain saw, subway train, garbage truck, 100 dB - Damage
after 15 minutes exposure
Inboard motorboat, power saw, highly amplified rock music,
pneumatic drill, 110 dB - Regular exposure of 1 minute risks
permanent hearing loss
Thunderclap (nearby), jet engine (at take off), very loud
nightclub, 120 dB - Threshold of pain
Shotgun firing, air-raid siren, 130 dB - May cause acoustic
trauma
Chart Source: Canadian Hearing Society Foundation

Noise pollution is increasing, with city noise doubling
every decade. However, by limiting the noise that you and
your children are exposed to, you can help protect yourself,
and them, from future hearing loss.
Copyright 2005 Jane Lake

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jane Lake is a professional feature writer whose articles has appeared in Canadian Living, Exchange Business Magazine, Highlights, Modern Woman, and You. She is the editor and publisher of the popular craft site, http://www.allfreecrafts.com, and http://www.allfreeprintables.com which offers printable recipe cards, shopping lists and more.

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10 Wise Ways To Make Money With Adobe PDF

1. Write an ebook and sell it

Obviously this is the ultimate method of making money - your own book in digital downloadable format.

There are many excellent courses on the Internet showing you how to write your own ebook.

The major advantage is you can have an army of affiliates promoting it for you.

The downside is writing it.

2. Create an OPC ebook

OPC means Other People's Content, and it's about the fastest way to get an ebook on the market. Instead of taking months to write a book, you can have one ready in a few hours.

The strategy is simple: Create a book from a collection of existing articles where the authors have granted reprint permission.

(You can get tens of thousands of these articles from 'article banks' - just type article bank or article directory into Google and take your choice.

Give the ebook a snappy title, market it to the right target group, and hey presto you're in business.

You make your money either by selling the ebook, or from commissions via affiliate links within the ebook, or both.

TIP - It may be worthwhile sending an email to the author of each article, letting them know what you're doing and getting their agreement. This avoids any misunderstandings later.

3. Write a downloadable tips guide

Short, practical easy-to-follow information will always be in demand.

Write a series of quick tips related to your business. Then compile them into Adobe PDF format so the reader can have a handy reference guide on her desktop.

Include a link to your website or an affiliate link to someone else's.

4. Offer a transcript from an interview

This is a great strategy for promoting affiliate programs.

Why not interview one of your merchant partners? Interview them over the phone, record it and get it transcribed into a PDF ebook.

If the merchant doesn't agree to a phone interview, then ask if they'll do an email interview instead.

Use the interview ebook to build credibility for both you and the merchant, and to pre-sell the product to your prospects.

5. Create an online business card

Who says business cards have to be printed on stiff card? Why not have a downloadable one.

HINT - Give it a bit of a creative twist. Something that will get people talking and passing on to other targeted people.

6. Create a downloadable newsletter

Start a newsletter.

This idea is old hat to anyone who's been marketing online for more than a week, but it's worth considering anyway.

Unlike an email newsletter, PDF files have a much longer shelf life on the average customer's computer.

If you haven't got a newsletter then consider starting one. Weekly, monthly, quarterly. Whatever. Just give visitors something to remember you.

7. Make your company brochure downloadable.

Time is everything nowadays.

Don't let your prospect have to wait for a brochure in the mail.

Don't let them leave your website empty-handed either.

Let them download your brochure.

Make it printable, too. (Who knows, they might pass it around. Or take it to meetings.)

8. Create success stories related to your business

Think outside the sell, sell, sell box. Take a more journalistic approach to promoting your business. Give readers what they want. Good stories.

Everyone loves to hear happy stories, especially inspirational ones.

This could even become a regular newsletter. (Do the words sponsored by trigger any ideas...?)

9. Create a viral ebook for your affiliates

If you're a merchant who runs an affiliate program, you can almost always create some kind of information product targeted towards your customers' needs.

Anyone selling golf clubs, for example, could write a op 10 putting tips mini-guide in Adobe PDF format.

Then let your affiliates brand it with their affiliate link and promote it to their lists.

10. Create a downloadable free resource

Heard about the mega-popular crafts website?

The company offer free downloadable crafts patterns in PDF format.

Of course the site also sells the materials needed to make the thing.

(Pretty 'crafty', huh?)

About the Author

Find more information about how to make money with Adobe PDF (and get a very cool FREE download script too) at: http://www.easypdfdownload.com

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Planning A Baby Shower Is As Easy As 123

Get everything you need to help you plan the baby shower that you are going to have for Mommy-to-Be and get everything for free!

This Baby Shower Party Planning Package includes:

Pre-printed baby shower invitations that you can personalize, or the instructions and templates you can use for making your own, including matching mailing and return address labels

Pre-printed baby shower guest book pages, and options for putting together a baby shower guest book that can also be used by Mommy-to-Be for doing her thank-you cards

A baby shower table decoration idea that is easy to make following the illustrated instructions provided and matches the motif of the invitations and guest book

Pre-printed thank-you cards that Mommy-to-Be can use that also match the baby shower invitations and guest book

Baby shower games

More free printable baby shower clipart that you can use to make your own invitations, guest book pages, table decoration, banners, and thank you cards following the instructions that accompany the pre-printed versions!

You don't need anything special, and everything can be made using plain computer paper (although there are options for using card stock or postcard stock).

Each individual piece of the Baby Shower Party Planning Package comes with the links you need to download either the pre-printed items or the templates you can use to make your own. Each includes links to the other pieces of the package. However, all the links you will need for everything in the package are provided in the accompanying illustrated examples page, so you can simply bookmark that page and use it to guide you to everything you'll need.

The illustrated examples of the entire Baby Shower Party Planning Package can be found at: http://babyshower.janktheproofer.com/babyshowerpackage.htm.

Each article provides easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions for personalizing the pre-printed invitations and cards, how to complete the mailing labels, and how to make the table decoration. You can easily use these instructions to make your own, using the other clipart that is available at Mom's Break Baby Shower. You can also use the provided templates as guides to help you design your own cards and labels---even if you don't have card-making software!

The motif used for the Baby Shower Party Planning Package uses free downloadable clipart, available exclusively on the Mom's Break Baby Shower website (http://babyshower.momsbreak.com). The colorful baby rattle clipart comes in either numbers or letters (0-9 or A-Z). The Baby Shower Party Planning Package uses the 1, 2, and 3 number baby rattles. An example of how to make your own invitations, etc., are shown using the A-B-C motif.

Whether you use the package as is, or modify the pieces to suit your own tastes, planning a baby shower can be as easy as 1-2-3!

About the Author: Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's free information and resource sites, as well as Jan?s business services. Be sure to visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. ? Copyright 2005 to present. All rights reserved.

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Mother's Day Gift Basket Ideas

Mother's Day baskets are a great way to show off your creative talents while also showing your mom, mother-in-law, grandma, or another special mom how much you care.
Mother's Day baskets are a great way to show off your creative talents while also showing your mom, mother-in-law, grandma, or another special mom how much you care.

I've put together some theme ideas to get you started. I've included several easy recipes, and also some links to give you some more ideas and to help you put it all together.

Most of these ideas you can make yourself from the following recipes. I've never made biscotti before, but there's a great hazelnut biscotti recipe included that I think I'm going to try when I make my Mother's Day baskets this year. Have fun! Your mom will be so impressed.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Garden Basket:

Garden seeds, gardening tools, gardening gloves, peat pots, kneeling pad, iced tea mix.

Coffee Basket:

Chocolate-covered coffee spoons, coffee syrups, chocolate-dipped pretzels, biscotti, flavored coffees, instant cappuccinos.

Tea Basket:

Herbal and fruit teas, flavored honeys, tea bread, tea infuser, tea cups, inspirational book.

Bath Basket:

Bath salts, massage oil, natural soaps, bath powder, bath sponge, hand towel, massage roller, fragrant candle.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Chocolate Covered Pretzels:

Pretzel rings Wax paper 1 (16-oz.) bag semisweet chocolate chips

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, stopping every 15 seconds to stir the chocolate. Dip each pretzel, one at a time, into the melted chocolate. Lay the pretzels on wax paper and let cool.

Chocolate Covered Spoons:

20-24 plastic spoons 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Wax paper

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, stopping every 15 seconds to stir the chocolate. Dip spoons into chocolate. Place spoons on wax paper and refrigerate until chocolate hardens. Wrap each spoon separately and store in a cool dry place.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Tea Bread Recipes: http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/teabreads.html

20+ Biscotti Recipes: http://www.allrecipes.com/directory/2641.asp

Flavored Coffee Mixes: http://members.tripod.com/~MaryMae/jarlinks.htm

Flavored Honey: http://www.honey.com/recipes/flavhont.html

Make Massage Oil, Bath Salts: http://www.dewcosmetics.com/recipes.html

Putting the Basket Together: http://www.hercraftideas.com/crafts/baskets/a-basket01gift-basket.shtml

Printable Gift Tags: http://www.soapdelicatessen.com/handmadetag.html

About the Author

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of the What's for Dinner? cookbook, a cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, and frugal living, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

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Quick Ways to Boost Sales in a Slow Economy

How to save costs and increase sales fast when the economy is slow.
Quick Ways to Boost Sales in a Slow Economy

By Kevin Nunley http://www.drnunley.com

These days everyone has the same problem. With war updates broadcast 24/7, people are too focused on death, violence, political upheaval, and an uncertain future to worry about shopping. And that's what puts the economy in its current state.

Pam, a former customer of mine, had a thriving business selling vitamin supplements online. Through the events that followed 9/11, her business continued to do well. But this spring everything changed. As the economy tightened and the news focused on war, her customers disappeared.

Of course, her M.I.A. customers had nothing to do with how she was running her business. She offered a broad range of products and used various successful marketing techniques to get the word out about her business. The drop in sales was due to external factors. More specifically, her customers were glued to 24-hour war coverage that made them feel like the world was about to end. Not much there to make people want to buy.

The laws of physics say that what goes up must come down. But when things go down, there is no comforting law that says they have to come back up. However, keep in mind that they usually do anyway. As a business owner, you must accept certain facts, one of which is that a recession makes the strong stronger and the weak weaker. The only way to survive a recession is to get creative with your marketing, and your budget.

Here are a few ideas to help you boost your sales quickly, regardless of economic conditions, and get back in the game as a strong contender:

1. Do Something Extra - No matter what state the economy is in, people love to feel like they are getting great value at a low price. Try putting together a package of popular products or services for an especially low price, then send out an enthusiastic email to your list of subscribers and previous customers. If you don't have a list, arrange a solo send through someone else's newsletter.

2. Exploit Market Vulnerabilities - This is the best time to take your competitors to the mattresses. Forge partnerships and co- marketing opportunities. Find ways to steal business from competitors who are hesitating in the market or withdrawing their marketing until the economy shifts.

3. Take Advantage of New Opportunities - When one door closes, another one opens. Maybe it's harder to get people to buy during an economic downturn, but as the economy dips, so do the prices of ad space. Try buying up a lot of commercial airtime on one radio station for a Sunday. The prices are cheapest on this day, and even cheaper since the recession. You can dominate the airwaves for a day and make a strong impact on an audience you may have overlooked.

New doors in your market may have opened during this economic downturn. Find out what problems businesses similar to yours are facing. What do these changes and challenges mean for your prospects? New problems for your competitors and customers mean new opportunities for you.

4. Reinvent Your Business - There is an important lesson to be learned from Madonna. She keeps selling albums because she reinvents herself constantly to keep people's interest. Consider changing the products or services you offer. I knew a guy who switched his site selling old records to a site that sells only John Denver memorabilia. His business picked up immediately. Is there an enthusiastic segment of your customer base or audience who really want a certain kind of product or service? Maybe your business should be geared more to suit them.

You could also try giving your business or website a makeover. Get a new logo for your website or sign. You can get great logos form gotlogos.com for just $25. Try redesigning your website or using a new color palette for the whole site. A new look boosts excitement for old customers.

5. Spend Less, but Spend Wisely - Don't cut your marketing efforts. Resist the driving temptation to do so. Businesses who try to save money by eliminating marketing are weak, and as I said before, during an economic downturn, the weak get weaker. The strong eliminate wasteful marketing dollars, but not marketing efforts. Track your marketing results and simply cut the unproductive efforts. Find new ways to market on the cheap and keep your name out there. This is the time to establish market dominance.

To save money on goods and services you need, try bartering. Remember, the barter must be win-win for both parties, so offer something as valuable as what you'll be getting.

Make sure you know where every dollar you spend goes. When you make a purchase, always ask yourself how it will improve the company's bottom line. Will it help to improve sales, bring new leads, or improve customer retention? Think before you open your wallet.

6. Cultivate Efficiency - The more efficiently you run your business, the more money you can save and the faster you can bring money in. If you are a service provider, ask for a deposit before starting a job. This gives you operating money to survive on until the job gets done. Pay close attention to your accounts receivable and get invoices out right away. Deposit checks and cash immediately. No more procrastinating.

Review expenses from time to time. Are there things you are spending on that you once thought would turn a nice profit, but now they are no longer making you much money? Cut them!

A down economy closes a lot of doors for all business owners, but if you know where to look, and you have the right key, you can find and open a whole new world of doors. You never know-- recession may be the best thing that ever happened to your business.

Promote BIG with Kevin's All-Out Marketing Package. For one affordable price you get a press release with national media distribution, your own article sent to 2,200 ezines, ezine ads, and a page of expert sales copy for email or your web site. We write it all fresh from scratch! http://drnunley.com/marketingplan.htm Reach Kevin at mailto:kevin@drnunley.com or 801-328-9006.

About the Author

Kevin Nunley helps with marketing advice and copy writing. See his 10,000 free marketing tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach him at kevin@drnunley.com.

How to use printer as creative tool?ajay pats

This article briefly summerizes creative use of printer.
What can you print on besides regular paper?

Take a field trip to your local office supply store and check out all the great media made for laser and ink jet printers. You can buy bordered paper, metallic paper, labels in all sizes, several different kinds of photo paper, T-shirt iron-ons, canvas, watercolor and linen finish paper. Want to print on something other than paper? Ive seen window clings (great for making your own holiday decorations) and shrink plastic that will go through the color printer (remember Shrinky Dinks?). Some papers are pretty expensive and youll only want to use it sparingly, but think small. For instance, I made a dozen invitations for a party and printed the text 6-up on some pretty paper. Then I cut them apart and layered them on the cards with other paper. I got a nice effect and only used 2 sheets of the expensive paper. Try office supply stores and discount stores for reasonably priced papers.

Think out of the paper box when it comes to using your printer! Ive had success with non-traditional paper like construction paper, paper bags cut to size (great for treasure hunts if you crumple them up) and road maps. Just be sure that your paper isnt too thick for the printer and test using manual feed first. Also, experiment with putting paper other than 8.5 x 11 size in the printer. The manual has instructions read them!

What can you do with this stuff?

Besides cards or elements for cards, I create my own stickers using special papers and a Xyron sticker maker (http://www.xyron.com). For under $10.00 you can buy a Xyron Create-A-Sticker that will take paper that is one-and-a-half inches wide big enough for labels and small stickers.You can buy Xyron machines that laminate and make stickers that are big enough to take a full sheet of paper that one is a favorite among scrapbookers. The Xyron products are also nice because they work without heat and dont require electricity or batteries.

Glossy photo paper comes in different weights. The lighter weights are great for projects besides photos. Ive used lighter weight paper for brochures, signs, calendars and greeting cards. If you havent printed on glossy paper, try it. You will be amazed at the difference in the color.

At the office supply store you can buy perforated card stock for business cards and postcards. The business cards are great for making games and gift tags. If you can find them, foldover business cards are wonderful to use as placecards. Be sure to check the clearance racks for holiday themes to put away for next year.

Sources and Resources

If youd like to check out some online sources for fun printer paper, your first stop should be http://www.paperdirect.com. This company sells everything from brochure paper to printable pillow-shaped boxes (think wedding favors). Their products are first quality and they have excellent customer service.

For some more unusual printer supplies, surf to http://www.specialty-printer-paper.com. Here you can find printable tattoo paper (what a great birthday party favor), ink jet puzzle paper and magnet paper. How about making photo magnets for the grandparents?

Hewlett-Packards creative website, http://www.printsville.com is loaded with great ideas (no doubt to make sure you run out of ink!) for you to use with any printer. There are always printable invitations and cards, crafts, photo ideas and more and its updated regularly.

About the Author

Ajay Patole is a qualified management professional working as sales manager and runs a site 'Venturemall',a cool hangout to play money games,buy and sell in auctions,date and photochat.It is available at URL http://venturemall.tripod.com and newsletter to rediscover true colors of life at http://www.topica.com/lists/venturemall.Also he runs a community 'Venturecon', for entrepreneurs which is available at URL http://groups.msn.com/venturecon.

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If You Have a Printer You'll Love Free Printables

Maybe you haven’t heard about free printables. They are a great resource for free stuff that you can print from your own computer. There are free printables available for everything from birthday party invitations and greeting cards to cute crafts and other fun stuff that will help you keep the kids busy!

Free printables also make Mom’s life easier. Need a last minute birthday card? No problem. Would you like to make up your own party favors or shower games? Start printing. You can even find cute scrapbooking ideas, party sets, and holiday items.

There’s no limit to what you can do and how much fun you and your kids can have, and the best part is that it’s all free. You are not going to find a better deal than free printables, so go ahead, start printing right away!

Here are some great ways to use free printables:

*Create an entire birthday part from invitations to treat bags.

*Throw a shower and print your own invitations, games, and thank you notes.

*Find festive free printables to make every holiday gathering more special.

*Dress up an anniversary party with personalized party favors.

*Add interest to your scrapbook pages or keepsake albums that hold school certificates, class pictures, report cards, and award ribbons.

What could be better than having fun and saving money all at the same time?

Some great free printable sites are Moms Break, http://www.momsbreak.com, The Craft Cafe http://thecraftcafe.com and Best Baby Shower Cards http://bestbabyshowercards.com. Find printables on search engines by using keywords “free printables” or free printables combine with the keywords describing the type of free printables you are looking for.

Kimberly Hargis is the President of Moms Break, Inc. who has been bringing you free printables since 1999. Moms Break at http://www.MomsBreak.com free printables can helps you throw a party on a budget with free cards, free invitations and free party supplies. Also find free coloring pages and crafts for kids!

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How To Find Free Printables On The Internet

First you might be wondering what a free printable is? A free printable is a card, invitation, iron on transfer, party set, craft, activate, pre-school, school worksheet, coloring page or other paper crafts you can print right from your own computer free of charge. You can find free printables in many categories such as baby showers, birthdays, pre-school, school, holidays, military families, scrapbooking, crafts for kids, business and about any other item you can print from your computer.

Free printables such as Moms Break, The Craft Cafe, ABC Teach and Print N Learn offer many free printables that don?t require a trip to the crafts store. All you need is standard computer paper and a printer. While other free printable sites will require other supplies beyond computer printer paper. But either way you decide to go, free printable is a great way to save money.

Next you may ask, how do I find free printables? Your best bet is to go to search engines Google or Ask. Basic terms to use is free printables because using the search term printables does not guarantee the printables you find will be free.

Now you have learned how to find free printables we need to cover how to find precise free printables to fit your needs.

Keywords combinations to help you best find what you need.

• Baby shower free printables use keywords: free baby shower printables

• Birthday free printables use keywords: birthday free printables

• General paper crafts free printables use keywords: craft free printables

• School and Pre-school free printables use keywords: free printables school

• Scrapbook free printables use keywords: free printables scrapbooking

• Pregnancy free printables use keywords: free pregnancy printables

• Crafts for kids free printables use keywords: free printables crafts for kids

Often using a combination of what you are looking for along with free printables will drive you to correct free printables web site to fill your needs.

Kimberly Hargis is the President of Moms Break, Inc. who has been bringing you free printables since 1999. Moms Break at http://www.MomsBreak.com free printables can helps you throw a party on a budget with free cards, free invitations and free party supplies. Also find free arts and crafts for kids! So be a frugal shopper and use Moms Break Free printables!

At http://www.MomsBreak.com

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Planning A Baby Shower Can Be As Easy As 123

Get everything you need to help you plan the baby shower that you are going to have for Mommy-to-Be and get everything for free! Everything is available as a free printable that you can download and use again and again (no membership or registration of any type is required).

This Baby Shower Party Planning Package includes:

Pre-printed baby shower invitations that you can personalize, or the instructions and templates you can use for making your own, including matching mailing and return address labels

Pre-printed baby shower guest book pages, and options for putting together a baby shower guest book that can also be used by Mommy-to-Be for doing her thank-you cards

A baby shower table decoration idea that is easy to make following the illustrated instructions provided and matches the motif of the invitations and guest book

Pre-printed thank-you cards that Mommy-to-Be can use that also match the baby shower invitations and guest book

Baby shower games

More free printable baby shower clipart that you can use to make your own invitations, guest book pages, table decoration, banners, and thank you cards following the instructions that accompany the pre-printed versions!

You don't need anything special, and everything can be made using plain computer paper (although there are options for using card stock or postcard stock).

Each individual piece of the Baby Shower Party Planning Package comes with the links you need to download either the pre-printed items or the templates you can use to make your own. Each includes links to the other pieces of the package. However, all the links you will need for everything in the package are provided in the accompanying illustrated examples page, so you can simply bookmark that page and use it to guide you to everything you'll need.

The illustrated examples of the entire Baby Shower Party Planning Package can be found at: http://babyshower.janktheproofer.com/babyshowerpackage.htm.

Each article provides easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions for personalizing the pre-printed invitations and cards, how to complete the mailing labels, and how to make the table decoration. You can easily use these instructions to make your own, using the other clipart that is available at Mom's Break Baby Shower. You can also use the provided templates as guides to help you design your own cards and labels---even if you don't have card-making software!

The motif used for the Baby Shower Party Planning Package uses free downloadable clipart, available exclusively on the Mom's Break Baby Shower website (http://babyshower.momsbreak.com). The colorful baby rattle clipart comes in either numbers or letters (0-9 or A-Z). The Baby Shower Party Planning Package uses the 1, 2, and 3 number baby rattles. An example of how to make your own invitations, etc., are shown using the A-B-C motif.

Whether you use the package as is, or modify the pieces to suit your own tastes, planning a baby shower can be as easy as 1-2-3!

About the Author

Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's free information and resource sites, as well as Jan's business services. Be sure to visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. ? Copyright 2005 to present. All rights reserved.

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Printable Paper Crafts

Looking for new craft ideas? Without even leaving the comfort of your own home, you can find printable paper crafts right online! All you need is a computer and a printer and you will be on your way in no time making great crafts all day long. There are so many exciting and different ideas when it comes to printable paper crafts.The first step in finding printable paper crafts, is typing in certain keywords online in your search engine. Just type in "Printable Paper Crafts" and you will be given several different sites showing you a large display of printable paper crafts. Crafts made out of paper are so much fun, children of all ages will be engaged in the activities for hours.The next step, is finding the best site for you. Each site will have a different approach in making each paper craft. Some will be easier than others to follow, so be aware of the instructions they give you and read them carefully. Once you choose the site you like the best, then it is time to start printing out the layouts.After you have all your layouts printed out, then you can cut out what pieces are needed to make your paper craft. Some paper crafts do not require you to cut at all. These paper crafts can be recommended for a younger age group.

If your having any trouble in the directions given for making your paper craft, try browsing other sites for easier and clearer instructions. There may be some paper crafts that are more complicated to make than others.Once you have finished the assembly of your printable paper craft, then you can go on to decorate and color it. Making your craft unique aside from everyone else's can be the best part of the whole project.If there are any specific holidays approaching, printable paper crafts can be a great way to celebrate. In creating these crafts, the option is available to also decorate your home or even a classroom with them. There are even a few printable paper crafts that are made so durable that you can actually use them as toys. For example, the paper airplane is an all time favorite for kids and adults. In addition, paper airplanes can be designed in so many different ways.The best part about paper crafts is the fact that they are so cost efficient to make. Paper is the only item that needs to be purchased and we all know how cheap paper is. For some paper craft projects, you can even save more money by using recycled or scrap paper.The last step in creating printable paper crafts is to have as much fun as possible! Remember, there really is no end as to what you can make when creating paper crafts. With a little bit of imagination and a small amount of time, you can have all the best of entertainment just by printing out a paper craft from online. By Robert Grazian

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Kid's Crafts Free Printable Paper Dolls and Interactive Online Paper Dolls

These paper doll sites have everything from My Little Pony, and children, to many celebrities including Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Bratz, Barbie and old fashioned Betsey McCall paper dolls to historical reproductions of dolls through history.. Whether online or printable, paper dolls are a simple way to entertain children and encourage creativity in an inexpensive way. Printable paper dolls are easy to put in a small container and carry around. They make a fun and inexpensive art project. They are great for travel. You can mail them with a card or letter. To make any of the printable paper dolls more sturdy, you can easily print one out on paper, then glue and mount it on thin cardboard, or stiffer paper. * Bratz There are five of the popular Bratz dolls featured on this printable page. Each printable Bratz paper doll comes with outfits and Bratz dolls, already in full colour. Website address: http://100megsfree4.com/gogators4/Bratz.html * My Little Pony These are two black and white printable My Little Pony paper dolls. There is also one My Little Pony Seahorse paper doll. Each pony comes with an outfit to cut out and print. They encourage the artist to give their own printable My Little Pony paper doll its own little symbol, like the real My Little Pony dolls and cartoons have. Website address: http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/4364/pd.html * Barbie or Barbie styleThis is a Barbie look alike paper doll, which comes with printable outfits in full colour.

There are six printable pages of Barbie clothes. Website address: http://www.angelfire.com/games2/icypole/ * Betsey McCall Betsey McCall is probably the most famous magazine paper doll. McCall's magazine printed a page of Betsey McCall paper dolls in their magazine for years. There was even a regular Betsey McCall doll made after the paper doll became popular In McCall's magazine. This site has 10 years of Betsey McCall printable paper dolls from 1951 to 1961. They represent the first ten years Betsey McCall paper dolls were published in McCall's magazine. Just click on each numbered year on the home page. Website address: http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/betsy_mccall/index.html * Celebrity The front page has a whole list of celebrity names from which to chose. Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus, Johnny Depp, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Ashley Tisdale, Sienna Miller, Alicia Keys and a forest fairy. There are actors, athletes, celebrities and singers on this interactive paper doll site, plus more. You take the clothes, costumes, shoes, and hair off the hanging rack and dress the interactive paper dolls. You can even make your own "me" doll, or set any of the interactive paper dolls up with background scenery. There are bits of trivia on each person listed on the site on their paper doll page. Website address: http://www.stardoll.com/en/ *Hannah MontanaThere is another site for the popular Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus interactive paper doll. There are three numbered pages with items to choose from to dress Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. You can print out your creation. Website address: http://www.funcorder.com/html/1269.html *Historical Doll Collector's DollsThis site has four printable paper doll versions of different collectible historical dolls. Each one comes with two outfits that can be printed out. There is a rag doll, porcelain doll, wooden doll and corn husk doll. This is a good history lesson too. Website address: http://www.scholastic.com/dearamerica/myamerica/paperdolls.htm * Making Friends: Printable paper dolls in different races, friends on wheels in wheelchairs, female and male, careers, sports, fantasy, cultures, and different holidays. They also have a cat, dog or bunny paper doll to print and dress up. The making friends paper dolls are a favourite with many children. The paper dolls are called friends. They have a large variety in printable clothes and paper dolls. They are great for teachers, parents and children. Making Friends gives you a number of options to print out. The paper dolls can be printed in colour or in black and white outlines. That way you have the option to allow children to colour in their own clothing and people. There is also a printable stand. If you choose to, you can order cardstock from the site already cut into the shapes to glue your own making friends paper doll. There are pages of outfits for many holidays and occasions that are printable. They include different hair styles, clothing and items that fit each theme. Website address: http://www.makingfriends.com/friends/f_other.htm Keep in mind, even with the full colour printable paper dolls, you can still print them out in black and white, if you don't have colour cartridges in your printer. Then the children can colour them in themselves. Printable and online paper dolls are a lot of fun, to make. Paper dolls may be simple, but they encourage imagination and creativity. By Dreamweaverr

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Free, Printable Preschool Learning Crafts

When older siblings go back to school all day, preschoolers get bored. When the weather is too wet or cold to play for outside play, preschoolers need activities. Preschool teachers need supplemental practice pages for letters, numbers, shapes and other concepts. Preschoolers in day care need variety in their activities, especially preschoolers who spend all day in day care. If your homeschool your children, your preschoolers want lessons too. Preschoolers love to color, cut and paste. Free printable crafts and games meet all your preschoolers needs! First-school.ws offers hundreds of free printable activities. Print games, puzzles, word searches, cut and paste crafts, lessons, mazes, crossword, coloring pages and more. Each activity is simple to print. You don't need a reader program like Adobe to print. You will need to enable pop-ups so that coloring pages open properly. Printable open full-size in a new browser window. First school charges no site fee. First school has dozens of themes:AlphabetAnimalsArt appreciationBibleBooksColorsCommunity HelpersFablesFairy Tales/ lengendsHealthHolidaysMini-themesmulti-culturalMusicNumbersNursery RhymesPlantsSafety ScienceSeasonsShapesTeddy BearsTransportationWeatherEach theme and activity is cross-referenced. If you search for a 'printable halloween puzzles', you will puzzles under 'holiday' and 'animals' (cats, bats).

Each theme has letter pages and number pages related to the theme. Under 'Christmas' you will find letter C pages. Number page activities are based on Christmas presents, Christmas trees and other holiday themes. Each theme is cross-curricular. Math, writing, reading, literature, science, Bible and social studies all connect to the theme. Music, active games, recipes and food lessons are listed as well. I really like the free printable color, cut and paste games on First School. Preschoolers can make flashcards, sequencing cards, dominos, bingo or lotto games, matching games, card games and more. Each theme has printable games to reinforce lessons. There are so many educational crafts, activities, games and puzzles to print at First School. As a teacher and former homeschooler, it's exciting to see all the web resources available. Explore First School. ws today with your preschoolers. By Mar

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Free Printable Mother's Day Cards

Children love to make gifts for moms and grandmas on Mother's Day; with Mother's Day approaching, let them express their creativity with some design-your-own free printable cards and stationery. You can adjust the card making to the age of your child also. For your pre-readers, print coloring pages and cards. For children of reading and writing age, select the blank verse or poetry cards to encourage and practice creative writing skills. Here are sites with free cards and tutorials to print. Adults enjoy making these cards as well. You can create Mother's Day cards with school groups, day care, scout troops, Sunday School or Religious Education, library groups and more. Teen babysitters: this is a great craft to keep your young charges occupied when you babysit also!Vintage Holiday Cards This is a site you cannot miss if you like the sentimental art, verses and cards of yesteryear. Vintage Holiday Cards has all the lovely nostalgic images of Victorian decor in glowing colors. You can select any of the lovely cards to print and share also! The women in your life will be delighted with these gorgeous cards from a bygone day! Use these cards as invitations for my Mother's Day Tea Party. Brainy Betty: Here's a site with about 15 free cards to choose from. It has a nice variety of graphics, from cartoons to artwork, to real pictures. Mom's Break This site features poetry cards, blank cards and coupons for printing and creating Mother's Day cards; Mom's Break features a make-your-own tutorial poem card. You can print and color or add your own images and verse.

All Free Printables has really beautiful artwork and lovely floral images. This is a one-click-to-print site which requires no password, user ID or subscription. The graphics are nostalgic and romantic. Some are reproductions of works of art. There are bookmarks and coupon books to print also. The image I've used with this article is a card option from this site. It has a beautiful verse of classical poetry included also. close window123 Print Cards has a card creator feature which allows you to select a design, insert your greeting and several personalized lines. You can also choose one of the standard greetings if you are feeling at a loss for words. I made a few of these cards and it went really smoothly. I typed in my message, added my name and chose my design. When I clicked the 'Make it' button, a window opened up with a two-fold card that looked very personal. There was nothing to download, subscribe to or purchase. I didn't even need to use Adobe Acrobat reader. I didn't like the graphics quite as well, but when the card was assembled it looked cute.Lee Hansen I really like these graphics. They are more whimsical and sentimental. I liked the pastel colors also. Lee Hansen has several very attractive print and color cards for young ones to enjoy. Lee Hansen offers free coupons books, Grandmother cards, printable coloring books, award certificates and bookmarks devoted to Mother's Day. you can also edit pictures with the free Google pack which you can download from Lee Hansen. Lee Hansen has free clip art also.American Greetings and Hallmark offer free one-month trial memberships which allow you to print freely from their greeting cards. You will have a larger assortment, but you will be limited on your choices and you will need to register also. Happy Mother's Day to all our moms, aunts, grandmas, great-grandmas, mothers-in-law, godmothers, step-moms and all women who've nurtured us!By Mar,

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Free Printable Halloween Coloring Cut and Paste Crafts

Halloween will soon be here; ghosts and goblins will appear! Teachers, parents, day care providers, 4H and scout leaders know that kids begin their Halloween preparations well in advance. Be ready for Trick or Treat fun. Count down the days to Halloween with dozens of free printable activities and crafts from Making Friends.com.Each time I explore new free printables crafts site, I think, 'Now this is really the cutest collection of crafts ever! This website is the best craft website!'. Fortunately, free printables websites are increasingly more popular. That means I can share more free printable activity fun with you. Making Friends.com is my newest find in free printable cut and paste crafts. Making Friends.com offers dozens of free printable craft projects for all sorts themes. Making Friends has a really impressive list of holiday themes and activities. The printables are clear, professional looking images. You can print ad-free, banner-free images from Internet Explorer. Right select 'print images'. On Mozilla Firefox, right select 'view image'. This link will take you to banner-free images. Print from this page.

I'll bet you're wondering, 'Just what kind of free printable activities and crafts did you have in mind?' The Halloween free printable pages have color, cut, assemble and paste paper dolls with hair choices, clothing, costume and accessory choicescolor, cut , paste trick or treat wrapperscoloring page Halloween puzzles and mazescoloring page word searches, crossword puzzles, word gamescolor, cut, paste pumpkin decorationscolor, cut, paste maskscolor, cut and paste, assemble Halloween dioramasmake your own Halloween card gamescolor, cut, paste ghost mobileThe images are child-like Halloween cartoon pictures. They are not scary. The images are clear and detailed. The coloring activities are suitable for older children as well. There are free printable ghosts, witches, cats, pumpkins, goblins, spooks and animals. Remember to print green using the fast, economical printer preference. Print from recycled paper. Use less paper and enjoy free printable crafts to cut and paste. Keep your little ghosts active and busy until October 31! By Mar

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Free Printable Father's Day Cards

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Father's Day is a great opportunity to remember and honor a grand-father, father-in-law, godfather and step-father as well. In our Catholic faith, many of us remember our priest on Father's Day as well. If you are of another faith, you may choose to remember your minister, rabbi or spiritual leaders as the father figure that he is in your religious community. You may want to honor other men that have been a father figure or mentor in their life; a teacher, Big Brother, uncle or friend.With any celebration, we think of gift-giving. For some folks that can become a burdensome expense. If you want to remember a father figure in your life, you can easily create a nice greeting card for any man in your life. Check out these websites with free printable greeting cards. Some have tutorial -e-card creators also. for children, I've added some links with coloring pages and color-your -own greeting cards. As much as possible, these printables are free and require no user ID, password or personal data to use. You will want an Adobe Acrobat reader which you can download free. These sites add no sypware or adware to you computer neither, nor will you need to install any toolbar that will slow or stall your browser.

Vintage Holiday Crafts I reviewed this site for Mother's Day cards and was delighted to find such awesome Father's Day greeting cards. The vintage art includes nostalgic sports memorabilia, collectible baseball trading card style greetings, war and military memorabiliia, vintage airplanes and advertising logos. Print Free Look here for all your Father's Day greeting cards and gift wrap. There are half-fold and quarter fold greeting cards. Card themes include hunting, fishing, cars, motorcycles, boating, sailing, nature, trucks, airplanes and funny animal cards. There are some religious cards also. This site has several printable coloring pages that can be folded into greeting cards for Father's Day.Less Hansen From Lee Hansen, we can always expect high quality free printables, educational materials and fun parenting stuff. For Father's Day, Lee Hansen links us to free cards to print, coloring pages, IOU coupons for dads, grandfather cards, create-a-card links, Father's Day crafts like genealogy projects, family scrapbook tutorial and printable material. There are printable poems, awards, bookmarks, calendars and family tree makers for dad on Father's Day as well. There are other websites to check, but you can be sure that I have culled out the best in Father's Day cards that are not only free to print, but require no membership. Many sites that claim to have free cards ultimately require you to register and some even try to lure you into submitting credit card information at the final stage of your card creator. These sites are the safest and best that I can find for truly free printable Father's Day cards. By Mar

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Free Printable Easter Cards for Children

February is the longest month of the year, with the fewest days in many winter bound areas. Now that March is here, we have several special occasions to celebrate, with St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, the first day of Spring on the 20th and Easter on the 23rd of March. Are your students or children at home getting restless? Do you need some new, fresh activities to get them through until spring? Here are some color-your-own Easter cards to make and share. I've listed websites to print free Easter cards for children to color; these are non-secular cards so that you can use them in any public or educational setting. Look for my upcoming article on free printable religious Easter cards for your church activities and celebrations also. Fisher-Price I was surprised to see such cute cards in such a nice variety, all free to print from Fisher-Price. The cards print in a four way fold on your Adobe reader, which can be downloaded free from Adobe or from most any printing site. You can save the card to your files if necessary also. This link currently shows St. Patrick's Day cards but will feature Easter cards as the holiday gets closer. You'll find thank you, get well and friendship cards to color and print also.Jan's Reading Room has some nice free printables for Easter cards also. The graphics aren't quite as elaborate as some of the other sites' graphics, but Jan's are nice for very young children.

The site has a clean user-friendly layout and utilizes Adobe to print. No signup, email or personal info required. Just click and print. Basket Makers offers a nice selection of coloring pages to click and print for free. Basket Makers is a .org site which I like to feature on Associated Content as much as possible. Of course, being devoted to basket making, this site offers many cute cards and coloring pages with an Easter basket theme. Appropriate, I think. Crayola offers a great online activity site for children that is really kid-friendly and fun to use. Our daughter has subscribed to this site for several years; she is sent updates, free printables, free crafts, coupons and all sorts of fun stuff. You can easily print with Adobe if you don't want to sign-up. Crayola has a particularly attractive layout with clear readable menu options. Crayola has taken coloring pages to a whole new level with glow board, crafting, cut and paste, giant coloring printables and more. The Easter cards are available to print or to color online with an online paint function. Your child can send this as an email card. Crayola also offers a Create-a-card generator to personalize your Easter greetings.Some of the sites will require you to enable pop-ups so that you can print; you can completely disable pop-ups or enable them individually for each site. These websites will provide hours of printing, coloring, creating, crafting and designing fun for Easter. By Mar

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Free Printable Craft Projects for School Age Kids

Craft activity websites are great; the ideas are cute and look like fun. But let's face it; we live in a busy, hectic world. Many of us are juggling school, work, families and more. We wear lots of hats. You don't have time to collect supplies, go out and buy certain supplies or even make a sample project first. When you look for an activity for your children, classroom, scout troop, day care, etc. you want something that is ready to go now. And budgets are always an issue. Packaged crafts are great but they cost money. Here is a solution for you. Free printable crafts that you can click and print from your computer and have ready for the kids in two minutes. Here are several websites with free printable crafts that you may print in the quantity you need (or photocopy the original). You have full rights to the printables so long as you don't sell the crafts. Kids can practice coloring, cutting, pasting, assembling, folding and other fine motor skills. These crafts are available in all sorts of themes: holidays, animals, origami, fantasy, literature-based projects, toy based activities, nature, vehicles and much more. You'll find paper dolls, cut and paste and assemble dioramas, paper airplanes, model castles, puppets, hats, board games, card games, pop up cards, maps and lots more. All you need are scissors, glue sticks and crayons. Use these crafts for day care, entertaining bored or ill children, rainy days, long car rides, camping trips, picnic table crafts, scout, church, VBS, office waiting room activities, get-togethers, parties, birthday activities, holiday festivals and more.


freeprintableactivities.blogspot.com is my blog which features links for other safe, user-friendly free printable craft projects, games, puzzles, paper dolls, dioramas, lessons, lift the flap books and activities and more. I feature lots of character related themes, like Barbie, Bratz, Disney, Veggie Tales, Nick Toons, PBS and more. Check back as I add new things daily. I don't use flash advertising on this blog, so it is very easy to navigate without the slowdowns of animations. There is a YouTube video craft channel but it's not autoplay enacted, so you can choose to browse my site with the video off or on. Free Kid's Crafts has a daily interactive calendar, featuring a new craft each day. Most crafts are based around a free printable that requires only simple supplies to finish. If you need a free printable craft and the craft of the day doesn't feature free printables, just print a craft from another day. The calendar follows the holidays and seasonal themes. There are paper jewelry, musical instruments, costumes, Bible crafts, paper airplanes, vehicles, animals and much more. On my short visit, I found a great printable paper airplane and Castle that older children would really enjoy. Sign up with a name and email address for updates; you can also submit a craft and possible win free craft supplies. With these resources, you have hundreds of instant print activities on any subject and for any occasion imaginable. By Mar

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