Switch Zoo

Make your own animals as you switch the animals' heads, legs and tailsto make new creatures at this surrealistic virtual zoo.

http://www.switchzoo.com/

Teaching Ideas for Primary Teachers

This site has great links to lesson plans for primary classrooms in all subject areas.


http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/

PrimaryResources.co.uk

Lesson plans, activity ideas andresources for Primary teachers

http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/

JOKE: Direct Object

Bobby's class was having an English lesson, and the teacher called on Bobby to recite a sentence with a direct object.
Bobby stood and thought, then said, "Teacher, everybody thinks you are beautiful."
"Why thank you, Bobby," the teacher said, blushing.
"But what is the direct object?"
"A good report card next month," he replied.

Home Page of Children's Author, Bethany Roberts

http://www.bethanyroberts.com

Hi! I'm Bethany Roberts. I'm a children's book author. Thanks for visiting my web world! Here you'll find writer tips on writing for children, fun activities for kids, classroom ideas for teachers, and more.

POOH'S LINKS TO DISNEYLAND & WALT DISNEY WORLD

http://www.drkimberly.com/disneyland.html

Kids OnLine Resources

http://www.kidsolr.com/

Pineapple Burgers

Ingredients


1 lemon
3 tablespoons margarine
4 slices fresh pineapple
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons ice water
4 hamburger buns
Method


Cut lemon into paper thin slices, discarding end pieces.
Melt margarine in heavy fry pan; add lemon slices and pineapple in a single layer.
Cook over low heat until fruit is soft.
Sprinkle with brown sugar; cover pan and cook until sugar has melted.
Mix meat with salt and ice water. Shape into 4 patties and broil or grill.
Split and toast buns.
Spoon melted margarine from frying pan on bottom of each bun; add meat patties, lemon and pineapple slices, and top half of bun.

Cheese Filled Burgers

Ingredients


1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese or American cheese
1 slice bread, crumbled
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 small onion, grated
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Method


In a medium bowl, combine cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, and milk; form into 4 balls. Set aside on wax paper.
In the same bowl, combine beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; divide into 4 portions.
Shape each beef portion around a cheese ball, then flatten lightly with hand to make hamburger patties.
Brown on both sides in a large frying pan; cover and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, until done.

Chicken Fried Hamburger

Ingredients


1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. oil
salt and pepper to taste
Method


Shape ground beef into flat patties; chill.
Place milk and flour in 2 flat dishes slightly larger than patties.
Place each hamburger patty in milk; turn over.
Dip in flour.
Placepatties in hot skillet with oil; season.
Cook on each side until crispy, flattening as patties cook.

Beef and Bean Burgers

Ingredients


2 pounds lean ground beef
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans or red beans, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Method


Combine ground beef, salt, and pepper; shape into 6 patties.
Place hamburger patties in a skillet; cook on both sides until cooked through.
Remove patties from heat; keep warm.
In a small saucepan combine ketchup, chili powder, beans, onion, and green bell pepper.
Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place burgers on bottom halves of buns; spoon 3 or 4 tablespoons of bean mixture over each burger.
Cover with bun tops.

FamilyCorner.com - your online magazine

http://www.familycorner.com/index.shtml

Danielle's Place of Crafts & Activities

http://www.daniellesplace.com/

Welcome to Danielle's Place! We believe learning should be fun. This site is dedicated to teaching children through crafts and activities. You will find hundreds of inexpensive crafts and activities for children. Most of the crafts and activities on this site are Bible-based and are great to use in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, preschool, and home school. You will find complete Bible curriculum with math, reading, phonics, writing, science, and learning games included.

Legacy Project

http://www.tcpnow.com/legacy/familyfun.html

Homemade Cards, Gifts, and Crafts
Family Trees, History, and Stories
Downloadable Certificates
Activities
Scrapbooking & Photos
Books, Reading, and Storytelling
Food
Science Fun for Young & Old

Welcome to Kids and Crafts...

http://www.kidsandcrafts.com/index.shtml

Each week Kids and Crafts publishes great craft ideas that you and your child will enjoy making together. Each craft has a photo, a list of materials needed and simple directions for guaranteed success. Below you will find our monthly crafts as well as our collection of crafts listed categorically. Simply click and create!

Valentine Coloring Pages

http://www.moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/valentine.html

Color hearts, doves, boxes of Valentine's candy and more. You can print and color one of these pages and give it to your Valentine! Click on a link below. When the printable coloring page has loaded, click on the picture to print it.

CREATIVE PROJECT from www.uchida.com/project

http://www.uchida.com/project/fun_stuff.htm

Easy and fun projects. Have fun being creative!

SCRAP TOTE BAG from patternsthatfityou.com

http://patternsthatfityou.com/FrToteBagCl.htm

The scrap tote bag is very quick and easy to make! Cut scraps of fabric into squares and strips, as shown in the picture, and sew them into two 12” x 16” pieces. The scrap pieces don’t have to be the same length or width – just use assorted pieces to sew together. Cut two 12” x 16” pieces of lining fabric to use as backing for the tote bag.

Make handles out of another piece of scrap fabric, cutting the handle pieces 2” wide and 18” long. With right sides together, sew each handle. Turn the handles right side out with a loop turner and press.

Match the lining pieces to the “tote” pieces having the right sides together. Position the handles into this top section, placing the handles between the tote piece and the lining fabric. Sew the top edge of each of the sets, and turn so the right sides of the tote are on the outside and the handles are in place. Topstitch along the top to keep the handles from pulling, when you use the tote bag.

Put tote bag pieces together with right sides together and sew the side seams and bottom seam. Turn inside out to complete the scrap tote bag.
The tote bag can be used to take to the beach, as a shoe carrier or knitting bag – you name it – this is a very versatile tote bag that can be made for gifts or to sell at flea markets.

Wash Cloth Slippers from patternsthatfityou.com

http://patternsthatfityou.com/FrSlipperCl.htm

Washcloth slippers make a wonderful gift for those who do a lot of traveling, as they take up almost no space in a suitcase. In addition, they make great bazaar or flea market items. Check the stores for "bundles" of washcloths, which would be much cheaper to buy - however, be sure that they come in sets of two per color, if the bundles aren't all one color.

Bear Country Coloring Book

http://www.berenstainbears.com/colormain.html

For source of coloring pages from DLTK.com

pls try,
http://DLTK.com

JOKES for kids, part 10

91.What do you get is you cross a frog with a small dog?
A croaker spaniel

92.What happens when ducks fly upside down?
They quack up

93.Why did the Wally team always lose the tug of war?
They pushed...

94.Did you hear about the Karate guy that joined the army?
The first time he saluted, he nearly killed himself

95.What did the nutty photographer do?
He saved burned out lightbulbs for his darkroom

96.What do Italian monsters eat?
Spookgetti

97.What is a monsters favorite game?
Hide and shriek

98.Why did the monster comedian like playing to skeletons?
Because he knew how to tickle their funny bones

99.What do you call a monster who comes to collect your laundry?
The undie-taker

100. What's another name for a clever duck?
A wise quacker

JOKES for kids, part 9

jokes for kids 9



81. What is the biggest ant in the world?
An eleph-ant
What's even bigger than that?
A gi-ant

82.What happened when the lion ate the comedian?
He felt funny

83.How does a lion say hi! to other animals?
Please to eat you!

84.What did the termite say when she saw that her friends had
completely eaten a chair?
Wooden you know it!

85.What do you call an autobiography of a shark?
A fishy story

86.What sort of music is played in the jungle?
Snake, rattle and roll

87.What bird is always out of breath?
A puffin

88.What do you get when you cross a leopard with a watch dog?
A terrified postman

89.What birds steal the soap from your bath?
Robber ducks

90.What is a parrot's favorite game?
Hide and speak

JOKES for kids, part 8

71. What sort of bird steals from banks?
A robin

72.Where do astronauts leave their spaceships?
At parking meteors

73.How do you get a baby astronaut to sleep?
You rock-et

74.Why did Captain Kirk go into the ladies' toilet?
To boldly go where no man has been before

75.What do you call a crazy spaceman?
An astro-nut

76.What do you call a magician in space?
A flying sorcerer

77.What holds the moon up?
Moonbeams

78.What part of a football ground smells the best?
The scenter spot

79.What job does Dracula have with the Transylvanian baseball team?
He looks after the bats

80.Why didn't the dog want to play baseball?
Because he was a boxer

JOKES for kids, part 7

61. What do you get if you cross a duck with a firework?
A fire-quacker

62.What jam can't you eat?
A traffic jam

63.What's the hottest letter in the alphabet?
It's ´b´, because it makes oil boil

64.Why did the farmer plough his field with a steamroller?
He wanted to grow mashed potatoes

65.What do Hungarian monsters eat?
Ghoulash

66.What should you take if a monster invites you to dinner?
Someone who can't run as fast as you!

67.On which day do monsters eat people?
Chewsday

68.Who was the fastest runner in the whole world?
Adam, because he was the first in the human race

69.Did you hear about the student who said he couldn't write an essay on goldfish for his homework, because he didn't have any waterproof ink?

70.Have you heard about the gym teacher who ran around exam rooms, hoping to jog students' memories
...Or, the craft teacher who had her pupils in stitches?
...Or, the cooking teacher who thought Hamlet was an omelette with bacon?

JOKES for kids, part 6

51. What is a duck's favorite TV show?
The feather forecast

52.Why was the man unhappy to win the prize for best costume at the Halloween party?
Because he just came to pick up his wife

53.A boy who had a broken arm asked his doctor,
´When you take off my cast, will I be able to play the drums?´
´Of course you will´ said the doctor.
´That's great, because I wasn't able to play them before!´

54.Why did the boy take a pencil to bed?
To draw the curtains

55....I'd tell you another joke about a boy and a pencil, but there's no point.

56.Mother, ´Who was that on the phone Billy?´
Billy, ´No one we knew. Just some man who said it was long distance to Australia,
so I told him I already knew that.´

57.Why is your brother always flying off the handle?
Because he's got a screw loose!

58.That planet over there is Mars
Well that other one must be Pa's

59.Neighbour, ´Why does your son jump up and down before taking his medicine?´
Mother, ´Because he read the label and it said "shake well before using".´

60.What's a lion's favorite food?
Baked beings

FUN & GAMES

http://www.cyberkids.com/fg/index2.html

Creating a Custom Tracer Page

http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/

Our custom tracer pages are available in a variety of themes. The images on the bottom of the tracer fit the theme -- you can type any words you like!

SuperKids WordSearch Puzzle Creator

http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/words/search/

Make your own printable hidden word puzzles using the SuperKids Wordsearch Puzzle Creator. Use it for spelling or vocabulary practice - or for parties and roadtrips! Simply enter one word per line, and define the size of the letter grid you desire. Then click on the button beneath the list.

101 Ways To Praise A Child

1. Way-to-go!
2. You're special.
3. You're on your way.
4. How smart!
5. Good Job!
6. Good for you!
7. You're a winner.
8. Terrific!
9. Great discovery.
10. I trust you.
11. You're exciting.
12. You're so sweet.
13. You make my life complete.
14. You're so heavenly.
15. Bravo!
16. Super!
17. Outstanding!
18. Great!
19. Wow!
20. That's amazing!
21. How nice.
22. That's incredible!
23. You're adorable.
24. Dynamite!
25. Beautiful work.
26. Remarkable job.
27. Nothing can stop you now.
28. You're beautiful.
29. You're one-of-a-kind.
30. You're so creative.
31. Great work!
32. Fantastic job!
33. Phenomenal!
34. You are so important.
35. You figured it out.
36. Hip! Hip! Hooray!
37. You did that very well.
38. Good learning!
39. You're a good listener.
40. You're are so much fun.
41. You're caring.
42. You tried very hard.
43. Wonderful sharing.
44. You're a treasure.
45. Awesome!
46. You're wonderful.
47. You're A-OK!
48. You made my day.
49. Say, "Thank you".
50. You have a great sense of humor.
51. Good!
52. You make me happy.
53. You're incredible.
54. You're on target.
55. Looking good.
56. I knew you could do it.
57. I'm proud of you.
58. Well done!
59. Marvelous!
60. Exceptional performance.
61. You're a real trooper.
62. You are so responsible.
63. What a great imagination.
64. You belong.
65. That's right.
66. Now you've got it!
67. You're catching on.
68. You're on top of it.
69. Nice work!
70. Excellent!
71. That's remarkable.
72. Beautiful!
73. You're precious.
74. Magnificent!
75. Super work!
76. You're a good friend.
77. You mean a lot to me.
78. That's the best.
79. Give them a big hug.
80. You've discovered the secret.
81. You're spectacular.
82. You're a darling.
83. I like you.
84. You're fantastic.
85. Neat!
86. That's good manners.
87. Bingo!
88. You're growing up.
89. You're getting better.
90. You brighten my day.
91. That's perfect.
92. You're such a joy.
93. You're so kissable.
94. You have a wonderful smile.
95. You make me feel good.
96. You work hard.
97. Good thinking!
98. Good planning!
99. You're a good helper.
100. I like the way you did that.

101. Say, "I Love You" - often

JOKES for kids, part 5

jokes for kids 5



41. What do you call a crate of ducks?
A box of quackers

42.Why did the farmer feed money to his cow?
Because he wanted to get rich milk

43.Why did the nurse tip-toe past the medicine cabinet?
Because she didn't want to wake the sleeping pills

44.My sister went on a crash diet.
Is that why she looks a wreck?

45.Why was your brother fired from his elevator job?
Because he couldn't remember the route

46.Why did the boy take his bicycle to bed?
Because he didn't want to walk in his sleep

47.I got a gold watch for my girlfriend.
I wish I could make a trade like that

48.What did the monster say to his girlfriend?
Hello, gore-juice

49.Why did the boy take an asprin after hearing the werewolf howl?
Because it gave him an eerie ache

50.A little boy came running into the kitchen.
´Dad, Dad,´ he said, ´there's a monster at the door with a really ugly face.´
´Tell him you've already got one,´ said his father!

JOKES for kids, part 4

jokes for kids 4



31. What do you get if you cross Bambi with a ghost?
Bamboo

32.If you cross a witch's cat and Father Christmas what do you get?
Santa Claws

33.What do lions say before they go out hunting for food?
Let us prey

34.Did you hear about the girl who got engaged and then found out her
fiancé had a wooden leg?
She broke it off, of course...

35.What do you call an amorous insect?
The love bug

36.Did you hear about the vampire who died of a broken heart?
She had loved in vein

37.What happened when the young wizard met the young witch?
It was love at first fright

38.How did the octopus couple walk down the street?
Arm in arm, in arm, in arm, in arm, in arm, in arm, in arm...

39.Why did Dora wear a wet shirt all day?
Because the label said wash and wear

40.What kind of sharks never eat women?
Man-eating sharks

JOKES for kids, part 3

jokes for kids 3



21. What do you call a crazy chicken?
A cuckoo cluck

22.Doctor, Doctor, I can't get to sleep!
Sit on the edge of your bed and you'll soon drop off

23.What happened to the leopard who took four baths every day?
Within a week he was spotless

24.Why did the cat sit on the computer?
To keep an eye on the mouse

25.Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Caesar!
Caesar who?
Caesar quickly, before she gets away

26.What happened when there was a fight in the fish and chip shop?
Two fish got battered

27.What the tomato say to the other one that was behind him?
Ketchup!

28.Duck: ´Do you have any lip gloss?´
Shopkeeper: ´Yes of course, will that be cash or card?´
Duck: ´Just put it on my bill.´

29.What do you get if you cross Frankenstein with a hot dog?
A Frankenfurterstein

30.Do these stairs take you to the third floor?
No, I'm afraid you have to walk

JOKES for kids, part 2

jokes for kids 2



11. What's the best way to catch a monkey?
Climb a tree and act like a banana

12.Why did the little boy keep running around his bed?
Because he was trying to catch up with his sleep

13.Knock Knock
Who's there?
Abbott!
Abbott who?
Abbott time you opened this door!

14.How do you make a potato puff?
Chase it around the garden

15.Danny, why did Sammy run through the screen door?
Because he wanted to strain himself

16.If mounties always get their man, what do postmen always get?
Their mail

17.Why are giraffes good friends to have?
Because they stick their necks out for you

18.What fur do we get from a tiger?
As fur as possible

19.What would you get if you crossed a teacher with a vampire?
Lots of blood tests

20.Be sure to go straight home after playing
I can't, I live around the corner

JOKES for kids, part 1

jokes for kids

1. When do kangaroos celebrate their birthdays?
During leap year!

2. Did you hear about the boy who kept stealing rhubarb?
He was put into custardy

3. Did you hear about the boy who had to do a project on trains?
He had to keep track of everything

4.What do bees do if they want to catch public transport?
Wait at a buzz stop

5.What do you get if you cross a worm with a baby goat?
A dirty kid

6.What's green and short and goes camping?
A boy sprout

7.Why was the glow-worm unhappy?
Her children weren't very bright

8.How does a witch doctor ask a girl to dance?
Voodoo like to dance with me?

9.Why did the girl take a load of hay to bed with her?
She wanted to feed her nightmare

10.Why did the girl give cough syrup to the pony?
Because someone told her it was a little horse.

BillyBear4Kids.Com

http://www.billybear4kids.com/

Hey Kids ... BillyBear4Kids.Com Welcomes YOU!

Lots of Family and Kid Stuff made just for you and your computer!

lots of printable coloring pages

currently there are 2,477 coloring pages to print and color
http://www.cartooncritters.com/categories.htm

Fun Valentine Printables

Here are some quick ideas to print off and use as gifts, games, and puzzles. Ideal for the classroom or homeschool setting, but not at all limited to it.

http://www.thefamilycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/printable.shtml

Frugal Family Fun~Snow Painting

This activity can be very creative and lots of fun. All you'll need are empty spray bottles. Fill them with water and add a few drops of food coloring (or washable tempera powder paint). Put rubber dishwashing gloves over your child's mittens and let your child spray art onto the snow. Play outdoor Pictionary or Tic-tac-toe. Can you figure out the drawings? Can you write letters?


~theFamilyCorner.com

FREE Stuff from your Congress

http://www.yourcongress.com/quickfree.asp

How to make an origami Superfrog

http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/frogs/origami_instr.html

Valentine's Day Themed Coloring Pages

http://www.coloring.ws/valentines.htm

Valentine Coloring Pages

http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/valentine9.html

Valentine Concentration Game

http://www.abcteach.com/valentine/valconcent.htm

Welcome to Story - It

Story Starters and Language Art Resourcesfor Children

http://www.storyit.com/

First-School Preschool Activities and Crafts

http://www.first-school.ws/

First-School features free fun preschool lesson plans, educational early childhood activities, printable crafts, worksheets, calendar of events and other resources for children of preschool age. The preschool crafts, lesson plans and activities are appropriate and adaptable for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten level (ages 2 to 6).

First-School's content is ideal for home schooling, preschool and kindergarten teachers, daycare, child care providers, after-school and babysitters.
How to use and have fun in First-School:

First, look at the suggested list of materials in the Preschool Materials section that will be needed to do the preschool activities and crafts. Most materials are around your home and are recyclables!

Visit the Preschool Themes section and choose themes, lesson plans, printable crafts and activities to tailor your calendar of activities and curriculum.

Visit Holidays and Events Preschool Activities and Crafts to include special holiday activities and celebrations to your monthly activities.

Free Math Worksheets for K-6 Educators

pls visit,
http://www.mathgen.com/free.htm

Map of USA game

Map of USA Game

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

Lots of Printables

Lots of Printables Idea

http://www.bearabledeals.com/Print.htm

LINIT Starch-N-Crafts Idea Site

These creative projects are great to do by yourself, with a friend, or with a group. At home, in the classroom, at the community center or in your studio, you can use these how-to instructions freely. We encourage you to share them with others who enjoy hand-crafting as much as we do!

http://www.linit.com/

Create unique decorations that you can personalize with photos

by Julie Stoyka


http://www.microsoft.com/canada/home/projectsandcrafts/2.5.45_hanghomemadeholidayornamentsthisseason.asp?pf=1

Kids' Turn Central

Visit,
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/

Maze Games

Channel mazes -- Large selection of kid's channel maze games. When the printable maze page has loaded, click on the picture to print it.


http://www.moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/maze.html

Preschool Activity

Letters and Beginning Sounds -- The preschool activities on this page are part of the language arts curriculum and are designed to help preschoolers recognize letters and beginning sounds. Click on a link below. When the printable preschool activity page has loaded, click on the picture to print it.


http://www.moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/preschool-activity.html

Connect the Dots

Large selection of kid's connect the dots games. Click a link below. When the printable page has loaded, click on the picture to print it.


http://www.moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/connect-dots.html

Printables - Valentine Coloring Pages

Color hearts, doves, boxes of Valentine's candy and more. You can print and color one of these pages and give it to your Valentine! Click on a link below. When the printable coloring page has loaded, click on the picture to print it.

http://www.moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/valentine.html

Candle-making

Making candles is so much fun. A real opportunity to do something nice for someone and have a fun learning experience too. Try this metod of making candles. It's easy, makes nice candles and can be adapted to other "recipes" for candles you may find later. Remember that wax can get very hot and burn. Also, a candy thermometer is not necessary, but will help you to have better, longer lasting candles. You will need:

• Paraffin
• Beeswax for a nice fragrance and less drip, if desired, but not necessary.
• Stearin/Stearic Acid- facilitates removal of candle from the mold, if you use a hard mold. Gives a harder finish to the candle, but again is not necessary.
• Wicks-you can use common white string. Braid in two or more strands, soak in a solution of 2 Tablespoons salt, 8 ozs. water and 2 Tablespoons borax. Allow to dry completely. OR buy commercial candle wicks. A Word about Wicks the size of your candle determines the thickness of your wick. If your wick is too small in diameter, it will fall over into the wax while burning. A little bit of trial and error is called for here if you are making your own wicks. Just start out making them at least three widths of string in diamter. Commercially purchased wicks are labeled as to the size of candle they are to be used with.
• Dye- Use crayons!
• Scents- Use perfumes made for candles
• Two old saucepans, one larger than the other
• Candy Thermometer
• Scissors-To cut and trim wicks
• Glue
• Small Sharp knife

Candle Molds-Use almost anything in the house for a mold! I use empty paper milk cartons. Clean them and dry them. Cut them to the height you want our candle plus 2-3 inches. Use any metal or glass container. You may have some failures with some containers. Don't let that deter you! re-melt the failed candle. Try another one! Make sure the top of the container is at least as big as the bottom if you want to remove the candle from the container. Paper containers can be peeled away from the completed candle.

Procedure

• Fill the larger of the two sauce pans about 1/4 full of water, place on a lighted stove burner. Bring the water tothe boiling point.
• Put the required amount of paraffin (guess-timate) in the smaller pan and set in the large one.
• Reduce the heat so that the water barely simmers, melt the paraffin.
• Cut the wicking to desired length, knot one end of each. Dip them in the paraffin and hang til dry.
• Make sure molds are absolutely clean and dry.
• Lower the knotted end of the wick into the mold, glue it in place. Allow to dry. (Remember that these are instructions for molds that have no openings in the bottom)
• Tie or tape the free end of the wick to a pencil, lay the pencil across the opening of the mold.
• Make sure the wick is taut and precisely centered.
• When the paraffin is melted you can add a small amount of beeswax, the exact amount is up to you. Allow it to melt. If using stearin, melt it in a separate pan with the coloring agent. Use stearin in the amount of 10% of the total amount of paraffin and beeswax. Add the stearin and color to the wax. Adding the color to the stearic acid and melting them together will result in a brighter, stronger color.
• Insert the thermometer into the melting wax. When it reaches 180* F, take the container from the stove. If you are not using a thermometer, you will melt the wax completely and leave it on the heat for about 5 minutes after melting. Watch and do not let it get so hot that it burns!
• Spoon, ladle, or pour the wax into the mold.
• Avoid drips on the inside of the mold if you are going to remove the candle from the mold. Tap the outside of the mold as you go to release air bubbles.
• Allow to set-up. This may take as long as 24 hours depending on the size of your candle. As the wax cools, there will form an indentation around the top of the wick. Gently pour more wax in the indentation and allow to cool. This is called "topping off" the candle. You may have to perform this step several times. If you are using a solid mold from which you wil remove the candle, allow the candle to dry completely. Then, covering the opening of the mold with your hand, tap the edge of the mold opening on a solid surface such as a cabinet top. If the candle still does not release from the mold, immerse the mold in boiling water for 5 seconds, wrap a dish towel around the mold for protection, and tap again. If you are using paper cartons, wait til the candle dries and peel off the paper. Another creative way to make milk carton candles is to fill the carton with cracked ice right before pouring the hot wax in. Allow to cool in the sink. The resulting candle will have a "swiss cheese" look that is lovely when lit.
• Another idea. . . . . Adults, whip the hot, non-colored paraffin with an egg beater until white and fluffy. It can be left white or tinted with melted crayon. Spread this "icing" over the outside of your candles with a spatula! So pretty!
• For more decoration, while the "icing" is hot, press in small glass balls, pine cones, sea shells, small rocks or other plastic or glass ornaments.
• Be careful, Have fun!

Courtesy of http://www.bagelhole.org//article.php/Miscellaneous/5/

55 Unique Sewing And Craft Secrets

Courtesy of BWATSON43@aol.com

55 Unique Sewing And Craft Secrets

1. To Open that Stuck Zipper: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
2. An Ideal Pin Cushion: Use a bar of soap. Makes sewing easier and needle just slides through hard material.
3. To unwrinkle Plastic Materials: Heat ironing board with iron, lay material on board, then smooth with hands.
4. Neat and Easy Needle Threading: Dip tip of needle in clear nail polish and let dry.
5. How to Remove Scorches: Wet scorched area and cover with cornstarch, then brush off when dry.
6. Lengthen Life of Wooden Clothes Pins: Boil them in a salt solution.
7. A Neat String Dispenser: Nail a funnel to the wall and pull string out of bottom of funnel.
8. Tips on Storing Plastic Curtains: Sprinkle talcum powder between the layers as you go.
9. Basting Made Easy: Just tape then sew around the pieces of tape.
10. How to Revive Old Clothing: Shave those fluffs off with a safety razor.
11. Make an Emergency Clothes Brush: Wrap a piece of tape around the hand, sticky side out.
12. Stop Clothes Catching on Wooden Hangers: Put a coat of clear nail polish over splinters and rough edges.
13. A Needle Sharpening Pin Cushion: Use steel wool to fill your cushion.
14. Quick Needle Sharpening Trick: Rub needle against an emery board.
15. Make a Good Yarn Preserver: Wrap yarn around a moth ball for storage.
16. Handy Tip for Cutting Fur: Use a razor blade on back of fur when cutting and you will not cut any hair.
17. Tips on Sewing Slippery Material: Stick a piece of waxed paper in seam, pull away when finished.
18. Easy Pickup of Needle Spills: Use a small magnet.
19. Excellent Knitting Tip: Keep ball of yarn in nylon stocking - will flow out free of tangles.
20. How to Get Rid of Shiny Pants: Make a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water. Soak a cloth in solution, wring out, place over pants and press lightly.
21. When You Need Heavy Duty Thread: Use dental floss.
22. Make a Handy Tape Measure Holder: Wind tape around an old adhesive tape spool.
23. Prevent Nylon from Yellowing: Add baking soda to your wash and rinse water.
24. Make a Perfect Sock Darner: Pull socks over a light bulb - makes it easier.
25. Restore Velvet Like New: Brush good, then hang in a steamy bathroom.
26. How to Get Rid of Knots on Sweaters: Rub lightly with a piece of sandpaper.
27. How to Remove Lint from Wool: Use a damp sponge and touch lightly.
28. Caring for Leather: Brush with skim milk every three months.
29. Repair Scuffed Patent Leather: Cover with same color polish, let dry; then cover with clear nail polish.
30. Repair Cracking Patent Leather: Before each wearing, rub briskly with your hand, then a soft cloth.
31. How to Soften Leather Shoes: Sponge with black coffee.
32. Create Rainbow Colors for Bottles and Vases: Use floating art colors available from most paint stores. Take a pail and fill it with water, then put a few drops of several different art colors on top of water. You can now take any article you wish and dip down through the colors slowly back and forth. Great for decorating above items, tye-dye shirts, etc.
33. To Protect Your Sewing Bag: Stick the point of your closed scissors into a cork.
34. Neat Pin and Needle Container: Save those stick deodorant containers. They work great!
35. Renew those Worn Out Blankets: Sew cloth on both sides and you have a new quilt.
36. To Ensure the Sections of Material Cut from a Pattern are Accurate: First press the sections before laying them to be cut.
37. Breath Life into Those Worn Lingerie Items: Machine stitch over small breaks.
38. Keep Needles Rust Free: Stick them straight into a bar of soap.
39. Money Making Craft Business You Can Start Today with Low Overhead: Try making seat cushions. In many cases you will be able to beat the high prices charged in stores. Try selling for 50% less.
40. Eliminate the Old Hemline in Your Wool Clothes: When lowering, sponge with vinegar, then press.
41. Save Repair Bills on Your Sewing Machine: Try oiling and delinting first before sending out for costly repairs.
42. Handy Substitute for Hemline Chalk: A bar of soap works fine.
43. Prevent Your Thread from Knotting when Basting: Tie a knot in the thread before snipping off.
44. Remove Stains from Suede: First rub with a emery board, then leave in a steamy shower or apply light steam from your iron.
45. Remove Grease From Valuable Silks: Rub in baby powder and let stand several days, then brush out. Powder should absorb the grease.
46. Tip on Ironing Ruffles: Always iron these on the wrong side and from the edge in.
47. Handy Tip for Ironing Skirt Hems: Always make sure hems are fully dry. Iron from bottom to top, not side to side. Iron with the grain of the fabric.
48. To Iron Embroidered Items: Lay right side down on a terry cloth and press out.
49. Don't Pop Your Button: Cover them with a spoon while ironing.
50. Ironing Seer Sucker: If you ever have to do so, on the wrong side only.
51. Fast Easy Way to Remove Lint: Put your garment on the fluff cycle in dryer for a few moments.
52. Handy Tip for Filling Steam Irons: Your old squeeze bottles work great!
53. Quickie Iron Tip: Place Reynolds Wrap under the ironing board cover. Heats up faster and cuts your time in half.
54. Patchwork Tip: Before your sew a patch on any washable garment, be sure to wash the patch once to avoid shrinkage.
55. Cool Folding Tip: After ironing, be sure to let the garments cool completely before storing.

http://www.bagelhole.org/drafts/Sewing_And_Craft_Secrets.html

Beautiful coloring pages of animals from National Geographic

Beautiful coloring pages of animals from National Geographic

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coloringbook/archive/

Kidprintables.com

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