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Joanne Jones - EzineArticles.com Expert Author   RSS

Joanne Jones is the owner of Beautiful Creations, an online store featuring original cross stitch patterns designed by Joanne. Joanne started Beautiful Creations as a way to incorporate her different interests and passions. Joanne enjoys going on nature walks, which are often her inspiration for her cross stitch designs. Joanne also enjoys gardening and started a gardening website in order to share information on gardening with others.

[View Joanne Jones's Extended Author Bio]

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  • Different Types of Weather Gauges
    [Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating] Weather has a large influence on our lives. It can dictate whether we go outside or stay indoors. Stop guessing what the weather will do and start living life the way you were meant to. Here's a brief discussion of the different weather gauges that will help you do just that!


  • 5 Basic Stitches For Cross Stitch
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Cross stitching is a relaxing and rewarding hobby to do. It involves placing stitches of different colours on fabric to form a picture. Cross stitching is very easy to learn, as most patterns use only a few different types of stitches. Here is a list of the five most common stitches that are used in cross stitching, with a brief description of how to do each one.


  • Inspiring Creativity in Adults
    [Self-Improvement:Creativity] Kids can be so creative. As adults, we used to be these creative kids, but somewhere along the way we stopped using our imagination and started following the rules. And in the process, we lost something of ourselves - our imagination and creativity. So, how can we get it back? Here are just a few things that we can do to find that inner creative child we used to be.


  • Growing Vegetables in Self-Watering Containers
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Most people think that vegetables must be grown in a garden bed. But there is in fact another option - containers. Vegetables don't care where they are grown, as long as they have enough room for their roots and they receive enough sunshine and water to allow them to grow strong and healthy. Plus, it's so easy to grow vegetables in self-watering containers. Here's how, along with a brief discussion of the advantages.


  • Ideas For Making Your Own Christmas Ornaments
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Homemade Christmas ornaments are special for many reasons. They're unique, they are great to give away as gifts, they're fun to make and even the kids can get involved. Best of all, there are so many different ways to make ornaments that anyone can make them. Here are some ideas for ornaments that you can make by sewing or cross stitching.


  • How to Choose a Birdhouse
    [Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating] So, you want to hang up a birdhouse? That's great. Whether you will be making your own or buying one, there are many things to consider before choosing what birdhouse to buy. You will need to think about things such as location, what it's made from and maintenance. Here's a brief discussion of these factors.


  • How to Customize Your Next Cross Stitch Project
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] It's wonderful to complete a cross stitch pattern or kit that you bought from a store, but sometimes you may want something that is unique and customized just for you. So, what can you do? Keep reading to find out tips on how to customize any project, whether it's a pattern you bought in the store or something you made yourself.


  • Making Your Own Dolls and Stuffed Animals
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] People have been making dolls for thousands of years. In fact, archeologists have found dolls in Egypt dating back to 2000 BC. Thousands of years later and dolls are still very popular. So, why is doll making so popular and more importantly, how do you make a doll or a stuffed animal? Keep reading to find out the answers.


  • Tips to Know Before Taking a Sewing Class
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Have you recently signed for a sewing class or thinking about taking one? Sewing classes are a great way to learn how to sew and to learn new techniques. But before you sign up for any class, there are some things that you should know.


  • Tips For Growing a Successful Perennial Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] The best thing about perennials is that they come back year after year, with no effort on your part. All you have to do is plant them once, do a little maintenance every season and that's it! To get you started, here are some tips to ensure that your perennial flower garden thrives year after year.


  • Choosing Which Cross Stitch Fabric to Use
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] There are many different cross stitch fabrics available to choose from and with all the choices available, it can be hard to decide which one to use. Here's a brief description of each type and the advantages of each one, so that you can decide what fabric is ideal for your next cross stitch project.


  • Identifying and Controlling Whiteflies in Your Garden
    [Home-Improvement:Pest-Control] One problem you are likely to encounter when growing your own vegetables is pests, including whiteflies. Whiteflies can cause a lot of damage to your plants. To ensure that your plants survive an attack from whiteflies, it is best to attend to the situation as soon as you spot whiteflies or see any signs of damage. Learn how to identify if you have whiteflies in your garden and how to control them.


  • 5 Recycling Projects You Can Sew
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Take a quick look around your house. Chances are, you'll find some old clothes, bed sheets and fabric scraps just taking up room. So, what will you do with those old things? Throw them out or give them away? Don't do that! Those old clothes are perfect for creating new items. It's recycling at its best and it's quickly becoming the trendy thing to do. Here are five quick and easy project ideas to show you what you can make from old clothes, bed sheets and fabric scraps.


  • 6 Easy Garden Projects
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] There are lots of ways to make a garden more inviting. You can add character, transform it to a magical dreamland, add structure and much more. To help get you started, here are 6 quick and easy projects that you can do to liven up any garden.


  • Weekend Craft Projects For Kids
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Now that the weekend is here, the kids need something to do. So, why not create your own weekend camp for your kids? The best part of camp is doing great craft projects that get the imagination going. Therefore, step number one in starting your own weekend camp is to set up projects that they can do on their own or with just a little bit of supervision from you. Here are some crafty projects that you can set up quickly and easily.


  • 5 Steps to Raising Creative Kids
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Kids can be very creative - if we let them. However, some toys and activities are better than others at increasing a child's level of creativity. Crafts are one example of toys that allow children to do just this. However, it's not enough to simply give your children some crafts to do. You might find that they need a little more help. So, here are 5 things that you can do to get your kids to be more creative.


  • 5 Different Types of Flower Supports
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Have you ever noticed that some gardens look better than others? Why is that? One important factor that determines how beautiful a garden looks is how the plants themselves look. Plants that are standing straight up look better than plants that have fallen over or are covering up other plants. One way to ensure that your plants stand straight up is to provide them with a proper support system. Here's a discussion of the various types of support systems available.


  • The Top 8 Most Common Perennials
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. The plants will grow during the warm season, appear to die during the winter and amazingly, will start to grow again from the plants roots or base the next season. Some perennials are better known than others. Here is a list of the most popular perennials, and their characteristics, that you will find in gardens everywhere.


  • How to Make Seat Cushions For Patio Furniture
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] You have the patio furniture, the plants, the BBQ - but something seems to be missing. Perhaps a splash of colour and comfort is just what you need! And it's easy to add by making your own seat cushions for the patio furniture. Here's how - the quick and easy way!


  • Learn How to Divide Perennials the Easy Way
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Growing perennials in your garden is wonderful because they keep coming back every year. However, after a few years, you may notice that the plant is not producing as many flowers as it use to or it has grown too large for the space it is in. At this point, you need to divide the perennial and replant it. Read more to find out the what, why, how and when of dividing perennials in your garden.


  • How to Make Your Own Fabric Coffee Cup Holder
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Have you ever bought a coffee from a coffee shop and the cup was too hot? What did you do? Well, here's a simple solution - make your very own fabric coffee cup holder. Use it instead of using napkins or another coffee cup. You'll reduce waste, help save the environment and keep your fingers cool all at the same time!


  • How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Raised garden beds are an excellent way to add beauty, interest and practicality to your yard. They look wonderful, but only if they are done properly. The main key to remember is to build a stable, solid foundation that is always level. It's a lot of work, but not difficult if you know what to do. Here are the steps you need to follow to create your very own raised garden bed.


  • Common Sewing Definitions
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Have you ever talked to someone about sewing and came across a term that you didn't understand? Much like other crafts, sewing has its own terms and meanings for certain words. These words tell you how or what to do without having to give a long explanation. To help you out, here are five common sewing terms and their definitions that you will encounter during your sewing adventures.


  • Fun Facts About Vegetables
    [Food-and-Drink] How much do you think about vegetables beyond which ones are your favourite? How much do you really know about them? You may be surprised about the facts behind your favourite vegetables. Like why you cry when you cut onions or why people plant large patches of thyme in their garden. Keep reading to learn these facts and more.


  • Helpful Sewing Tips For Beginners
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Experienced sewers make it look so easy - the fabric they are sewing just seems to flow through their machine with little guidance from them. But even experienced sewers had to start somewhere. They either taught themselves or had someone show them how to sew. Everyone has their own little tips that helped them along the way and I'm no exception. Here are some of the tips I learned that I would like to pass along to you.


  • The Most Important Gardening Tips Ever
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] If you are noticing that your garden could use a little help this summer, don't worry. Here are some helpful tips that will get your garden looking beautiful again all season long.


  • Top 10 Crochet Tips and Tricks
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Do you ever wonder how other people get their crochet projects to turn out so lovely? While part of having a project turn out well has to do with practice, there are other tips that you can use to improve your crochet skills. Whether you are just starting to learn how to crochet or you have been at it for years, here are ten tips that you can start using today! Learn things like what yarns to use, how to wind yarn, creating new stitches and more.


  • Interesting Facts About Raspberries
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] How much do you really know about raspberries? Facts like they have no fat, they come in four different colours and what states and provinces grow the majority of raspberries in Canada and the United States. Learn these facts, plus read about interesting trivia, nutritional facts, what recipes raspberries can be used in and three myths that talk about raspberries.


  • Top 10 Sewing Storage Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] A good storage system is much more than just putting all your sewing supplies away. It will make it easier and quicker to find your supplies and allow you to use all the space in your room effectively. There are a lot of options to choose from, shelves, baskets, bins and more to help you store your supplies, so it can be hard to choose which ones will work for you. Here are some tips on how to create an effective storage system that works for you.


  • Interesting Facts About Tomatoes
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] The tomato is a popular food item around the world. But where did it come from? Did people actually think it was poisonous at one point in time? And is it a vegetable or a fruit? Read more to learn the answers to these questions and more.


  • Postage Stamp Quilt Project Instructions
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] A postage stamp quilt is made up of blocks that are all the same size, usually about the size of a postage stamp, hence the name "postage stamp quilt". Dozens of colours are used in the quilt, which gives it a mosaic look. Best of all, it is very easy to make your own postage stamp quilt. Here's how.


  • How to Start Plants From Seed
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] If you have ever considered planting seeds, then this beginner's guide is for you. It will answer your questions about why you should plant seeds and how to get started. It will also show you how to choose the right container, soil mix and how to plant the seeds. Read more to learn how to get started today!


  • Crochet Storage Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Having the proper storage for your crochet supplies is very important. Not only will it protect your supplies from becoming damaged, but it will also make your crocheting projects easier. When it comes to finding the right storage solutions that work for you, take some time to examine all your options. Look at options that are easy to use and easy to find. Here are some storage ideas that work for me and that will work for you as well.


  • The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Private Tour
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Take a tour of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Our tour today will take us to just some of the indoor greenhouses that you can see on your visit to Phipps. It will also include a few of the historical facts about the buildings you will see. Along the way, I will be pointing out a few little gems, including sculptures created by the American artist Dale Chihuly.


  • Money Saving Tips For Scrapbooking
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby but it can also be expensive. There are so many nice embellishments, wonderful fabrics and other great supplies. So, how do you keep your spending in control and keep your scrapbooks looking great? Here are some helpful tips that will help you save lots of money on your next scrapbooking project.


  • Three Basic Stitches For Hand Sewing
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Sewing machines help to make sewing faster, but sometimes you need to sew an item by hand, for example, when you are repairing an item. Here are three basic stitches that you will need to know when sewing by hand.


  • Using Grow Lights For Indoor Gardens
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Grow lights are very useful for indoor gardens, where plants don't receive enough sunlight to grow on their own. Grow lights work by giving off light in the same light spectrum as the sun does. Here's a brief description of why you should use grow lights, which bulbs give off what colour of light and the light requirements for different plants.


  • Knitting Basics to Get You Started
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Knitting is a fun experience where you can be creative and practical at the same time. Knitting takes practice, so before starting any project always gather all the supplies you need and read the pattern over carefully. Here are some other things to keep in mind when you are first starting out.


  • Top 10 Tips For Healthier Lawns
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] We've all heard the saying "The grass is always greener on the other side", but sometimes it really does look like your neighbour's grass is greener than yours. Don't give up; here are the top 10 tips to help you have the greenest and healthiest lawn on the block.


  • Different Types of Quilting Kits
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Supplies] Quilting offers a lot of variety in terms of what you can make and the size of the piece. But in today's busy world, people are always looking for ways to save time. Kits are the perfect way to do this because they have all the supplies you need (saving you time from having to gather them together yourself) and sometimes you can get a kit where all the cutting is done for you already.


  • Different Types of Grow Lights
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Grow lights are used to help indoor plants grow stronger and healthier. They can even be used for indoor gardens, to produce herbs and vegetables, or to help flowering plants produce beautiful blossoms all year long. There are many different kinds of lights that can be used: incandescent, fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. Here is a brief review of each type of grow light.


  • Creating a Scrapbooking Organizational System
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] The most important thing when creating an organization system is to know how you like to work. There are many different systems out there and no one system is better than another. Everybody thinks and works differently and your organization system should reflect that. Figure out what makes sense to you. Here's how to do just that.


  • Tips For Using Grow Lights
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Lighting is essential for plants to grow strong and healthy, but sometimes indoor plants don't receive enough light. That's where grow lights come in. Here are some tips to help you get the best results when using grow lights.


  • Money Saving Tips For Sewing
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Many people think that the fabric needed for sewing is really expensive. But, you can find fabric at very reasonable prices and it's easier than you think. Here are six tips to help you start saving now!


  • How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Ask people what type of bird is their favourite and a common response will be the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are so pretty that one of the most common questions concerning them is how to attract more of them to your garden. The best way to attract them is to offer them food and shelter.


  • Different Types of Knitting Needles
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] You have many options to choose from when buying knitting needles. Not only do you have to decide on what type you need, but you also have to choose what type of material the needles are made from. To help you out, here is a brief description of these two factors.


  • How to Apply Mulch to Your Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] There are many benefits of using mulch in your garden. It adds curb appeal by giving your yard a finished look, it retains moisture and helps to control weeds. However, like most products, you need to make sure that it is applied properly in order to get the full benefits. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your mulch.


  • Spring Gardening Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Spring is a busy time for gardeners. It's a time to prepare for the summer by pruning, cleaning and planting. It can be a lot of hard work, so make sure that you are only doing the those tasks that will give you the most benefits in your garden and your yard.


  • How to Stiffen Crochet Projects
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Have you ever seen a crocheted Christmas ornament and wondered how it kept its shape? It's done through a liquid stiffener. The stiffener can be used on lace, ribbon, dollies and other similar items. Here are some easy to follow instructions on how to apply the liquid and shape your project.


  • How to Grow Tomatoes
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Tomatoes are the number one choice of vegetables to grow in a garden. That's because they are relatively easy to grow, don't require that much space and one plant can yield dozens of tomatoes in a season. To grow tomatoes, you can either start them by seed or by buying young plants at your local garden center. Here are some simple instructions for both methods.


  • Why You Should Do Crafts When Money is Tight
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Do you feel a little guilty about spending money on your crafts when you don't have a lot to spare? If that sounds like you, then here are just a few reasons why you should spend time making crafts, especially if you are trying to save money.


  • The History of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    [Reference-and-Education] The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has a long and interesting history, starting in 1893. Many changes and additions have taken place since then. It will continue to change in the future and to be a leader of gardens open to the public in the United States.


  • Start Cross Stitching With a Kit
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Has this ever happened to you? You have a friend who is into a craft, like cross stitching, and then they show you how to do it. The craft appeals to you, so you decide to start a cross stitch project to see how well you like doing it yourself.


  • Organic Gardening Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Between rising food prices and the overuse of toxic pesticides, organic gardening is here to stay. When you grow your food yourself, you know exactly what has been put in the soil and what has been sprayed, or not sprayed, on the plants. Here are some tips to make organic gardening very easy and to get the best out of your garden.


  • Scrapbook Layout Ideas Involving Children
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] If you are passionate about scrapbooking and have children, why not share that passion with them? Get them involved and have them create their own scrapbooks. Plus, it's a perfect way to spend some quality time together. It's easy, here's how.


  • Your Personal Guided Tour of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Take a virtual tour of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Your guide will take you through each greenhouse, pointing out the beautiful architecture and unique features of each room.


  • How to Make a Crazy Quilt
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] A crazy quilt is a quilt that is made from scraps of fabric. Usually there is no pattern or design to the quilt, giving it a very abstract look. A wide variety of stitches are used, which also contributes to the abstract look. The scraps are sewn onto a larger single piece of fabric, which will form the backing of the quilt. Read more to learn how to make your very own crazy quilt.


  • The Benefits of Mulch For Gardens
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] In gardening, a lot of attention is given to improving soil conditions because this will result in healthier plants. One way to improve your soil is to use mulch. It helps to keep your garden healthy for many reasons, such as keeping soil cool and moist, controlling weeds, adding nutrients, reducing soil temperature fluctuations and preventing soil erosion. Who knew that mulch could do so much?


  • How to Choose Your Knitting Needles
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Supplies] The success of any knitting project starts by choosing the proper knitting needle. That's because the needle determines what the stitches look like and how much you actually enjoy knitting. Given how much influence knitting needles have on a project, here are a few things to consider when buying them.


  • VanDusen Botanical Garden Travel Review
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] The VanDusen Botanical Garden is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. One of the first things that you will notice about this park is their sign "Please walk on the grass!" With something different to see each season, this really is a truly friendly and inspiring garden! Read more about the history and unique sights of the VanDusen Botanical Garden.


  • Different Types of Jewelry Pliers
    [Shopping-and-Product-Reviews:Jewelry-Diamonds] There is an old saying, "Use the right tools for the right job" because it really does matter. Not only do the right tools make the job easier and less time consuming, but they make the end result look more professional. Here is a brief description of each type of plier and the jobs that they are suited for when it comes to making jewelry.


  • Top 8 Gifts For Gardeners
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Whether it's for a birthday, mother's day, father's day or another special occasion, gardeners are very easy to buy gifts for. Even if you don't know what they need or what is on their wish list, you can still easily find something for them. To help you out, here is a list of gifts that are perfect for any gardener.


  • Top 8 Gifts For Artists
    [Shopping-and-Product-Reviews:Gifts] Do you know someone who loves to draw or paint? Is his or her birthday coming up and you aren't sure of what to get? Here are some great gift ideas that are guaranteed to please.


  • Planning Your Garden Design
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Whether you already have an existing garden or not, it can seem like a daunting task to come up with a design for your garden. You want to have a design that will suit your needs for years to come and will give you lots of enjoyment over the years. To help you out, here is a brief guide that will show you the steps in planning a design for your garden.


  • How to Frame Cross Stitch Projects
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] It can be expensive to go to a store and have them frame your cross stitch artwork for you. Plus, it can take a few weeks before you get it back, since most stores will send it somewhere else to be framed. It can be frustrating to wait that long, especially if you are giving your cross stitch piece away as a gift. A simple solution is to do it yourself. It doesn't take long and will save you a lot of money.


  • Different Types of Mulch - Advantages and Disadvantages
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Mulch is aesthetically pleasing because it looks clean and neat. However, the benefits of mulch don't stop there. Mulch also helps to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and it adds nutrients to the soil. When it comes to choosing which type of mulch to use, you will find many different options. Here's a brief look at the different types and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.


  • Photograph Tricks To Use In Scrapbooks
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] There are many tricks you can use to make your photos more interesting. The most common method is to cut and crop pictures so that they are different sizes. But there are several other things that you can to add interest, including placement of pictures and using low-tech and high-tech solutions to manipulate the picture itself.


  • Travel Review of Allan Gardens
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Allan Gardens can easily be called the Secret Garden of Toronto. It is comprised of 6 greenhouses covering 16,000 square feet located on over 5 acres of park grounds. It features tropical plants, both permanent and seasonal plants. Read more for a review of Allan Gardens, including its history and special features.


  • How To Make A Scarecrow For Your Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] There are many benefits to making your own scarecrow. One benefit is that it is a good way to reuse old items that you have around the house. As well, it is a great way to spend quality time with your family and create memories that you will talk about for years to come. Best of all, it is really easy to make your own scarecrow. Read more to find out how!


  • Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Yarns That Look Great
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Supplies] It's sexy to be environmentally friendly and with lots of great options out there it is easier than ever! The easiest way to be environmentally conscious is to look at the products you buy. Look for products that are made from renewable resources, are produced without using chemicals or that divert items from landfills. Here's a list of 10 yarns that do just that.


  • Top 8 Tips For Buying The Perfect Garden Furniture
    [Home-Improvement:Furniture] It can be overwhelming when trying to figure out what furniture to buy for your garden. With the arrival of spring, garden centres are packed with furniture of all types - patio sets, benches, statues, fountains, barbecues, etc. The process may seem daunting at first, but it doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming. Here are eight simple tips to help you buy the right furniture and have fun at the same time.


  • Different Types Of Beads
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] There are many types of beads and they all come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, semi-precious gemstones, plastics, metals and ceramics. Here's a description of the most popular kinds of beads and the characteristics of each one.


  • Top 10 Scrapbooking Supplies
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] Enter any craft store and it seems like the scrapbooking supplies are taking over. With aisles and aisles of colourful bits and bobs, it's easy to get distracted. When starting out, stick to the basics and add from there. Here is a short list of the 10 basic supplies you will need when scrapbooking.


  • The Importance of Using Rainwater In Gardening
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Consider this: one inch of rain will yield half a gallon of water for every square foot. That means that 100 square feet can capture 50 gallons of water. That's a lot of water and in the city most of it will go down the sewer drains. Let's take a closer look at the different types of water and the benefits of using rainwater in your garden.


  • Different Types Of Wool For Knitting
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] There are many different types of wool, but all wool shares certain characteristics. Wool easily absorbs moisture and will keep you warmer than other fibres. Wool is also very elastic and can easily be stretched when wet; yet it is still able to return to its normal shape once it is dry. The following is an explanation of the different types of wool that can be used for knitting.


  • The Joy of Winter Gardens
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Winter gardens bring a special joy to the heart of any gardener. A true gardener can transform a cold, bleak landscape into something with colour, interesting shapes and movement. With a little bit of planning, you too can add interest and beauty to your garden during those long winter months. Here are a few simple things that you can do.


  • Scrapbooking Storage Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Scrapbooking] When you look around your house, does it seem like the scrapbooking supplies are taking over? With all the different tools, colourful bits and bobs, it can be hard to keep track of them all. Here are some simple tips to help you select the right storage for all your scrapbooking supplies.


  • Considerations When Using A Photo To Cross Stitch Pattern Service
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] When you are paying someone to convert a personal photo to a cross stitch pattern, you want to get the best results as possible for your money. To ensure you get what you want, take a look at these key considerations before you buy.


  • Sewing Machines - A How-To-Guide When Buying
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] So, you have decided to purchase a sewing machine. Congratulations! Before buying a sewing machine, you should consider such things as brand name, ease of use, features offered and the warranty coverage. Let's take a look at each item and how it will influence your buying decision.


  • Funny Gardening Stories
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] You might not think it, but gardening can be an exciting adventure. No, it's true. Really, it is. I can tell you the funniest stories about things that have happened to me in my garden.


  • Photo To Cross Stitch Pattern Service
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Do you have a favourite pet and wish that you could find a cross stitch pattern that looked just like your pet? Do you have a picture of your grandchildren and wish you could cross stitch it? Well, the search is over. There are now companies that offer a service to convert your favourite photo into a cross stitch pattern.


  • I Love And Hate Gardening
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] I have this problem with gardening - I love it, but I also hate it. I don't know what is wrong with me. How can I love something so much, but hate it as well? Let me give you some examples, so you can see just how bizarre my thinking can be.


  • Different Types of Embroidery and Cross Stitch Needles
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] There are many different types of needles to use in embroidery and cross stitching. This includes embroidery, tapestry, beading, chenille, quilting, and milliners needles. Learn the characteristics and uses of each type of needle.


  • True Gardeners - Learn How To Spot Them
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Chances are you know someone who has a garden. It might be small or big, used to grow vegetables or flowers, a simple patch of dirt or an elaborate garden with retaining walls and statues. But how do you know if a person really loves to garden? Here are some clues that a person truly loves gardening.


  • Top 10 Cross Stitch Tip and Tricks
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Have you ever admired someone's needlework and wondered why it looks so beautiful? Do the colours seem vibrant and the stitches look neat and tidy? If you want to get the most out of your cross stitching projects, just follow these ten simple tips and tricks.


  • Create Your Own Custom Matting For Framing
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Do you have an unusual sized picture to frame? Can't find matting in a colour or shape you like? Then it might just be time to make your own. Here are several ideas on how to make your own matting to use when framing pictures or hand crafted pieces.


  • Thread For Cross Stitching
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Cross stitching is fine, detailed work and you need to use the proper thread or floss to produce the best results. Even then, the choices can be overwhelming. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best thread for your next cross stitching project.


  • Top 10 Cross Stitcher's Tools
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Do you enjoy cross stitching? Or do you want to start and you're not too sure what supplies and tools you need? With all the selection of products out there, it can be confusing to choose. To help you out, I've made a list of the top 10 most important tools that every cross stitcher should have.


  • Top 10 Gardening Tools
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Go to any gardening store and you will see a wide variety of gardening tools. Whether the tools are small, large, basic or complicated, it can be hard to figure out which ones you really need to buy. Here's a guide to the top 10 gardening tools that are a must have in any garden.


  • Adding Interest With Cross Stitch
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Contrary to popular belief, cross stitching can be interesting and can also be used to add interest to a room. Here are three quick and easy ideas to show you how to add interest to any room.


  • Food For Birds
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] With all the choices these days, it can be confusing to know what type of bird food to buy. Do you buy bird seed, suet, nectar or all three? It depends on the time of the year and what types of birds you want to attract. Here's a break down of the different types of food available for birds.


  • Cross Stitching With Waste Canvas
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Ever see a t-shirt, quilt or even a baby's bid with a cute design cross stitched on it and wonder how it was done? Sometimes the design is pre-printed or stamped on the material. If not, there is a wonderful product called "waste canvas" that is used as a guide material for stitching on non evenweave type fabrics (like a t-shirt).


  • Cross Stitch Storage Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Anyone who has cross stitched for years can tell you how quickly all the little bits, threads, fabrics and patterns can accumulate. But the most important thing to know is how to carefully store everything so that it is well organized and you are able to see what supplies you have at a glance. Here are some handy tips on how to store floss, cross stitch patterns, needles and your most current cross stitch project.


  • Butterfly Gardens - 7 Essential Elements For Attracting Butterflies
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Butterflies hold a sense of delight and wonder for all ages. By including these seven essential elements you can build a truly magnificent butterfly garden that will attract butterflies all summer long.


  • Common Compost Problems and Solutions
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Is your compost pile smelly? Not producing compost fast enough or at all? Damp and cool? These are common problems faced when building a compost pile, but the good news is that they are easy to fix. Listed below are some of the most common problems in a compost pile and their solutions.


  • Top 8 Composting Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Do you want to start a compost pile but feel it's too much work? Or do you already have one and think that it is taking too long to produce a rich and healthy compost soil? Here are some tips that will help you to create richer compost faster!


  • Cross Stitch Kits - What's The Difference?
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Think that all cross stitch kits are the same? Then you might be surprised to find out that they're not! Read this article for a quick description of each kind of kit and the main advantage and disadvantage for each one.


  • Building Your Garden On A Budget
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Have you always imagined what your dream garden will look like? If you're like me, it's going to cost a pretty penny. But you can have that gorgeous garden that you have always dreamed of and do it on a budget. You just have to be creative and patient. I'll show you how.


  • 10 Planting Tips For Your Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Do you want to develop a green thumb? Or maybe just learn how to stop killing the plants you bring home from the garden centre? Here are some quick gardening tips and tricks (in no particular order) to help your plants grow and flourish.


  • Create A Focal Point And Accent Pieces By Using Cross Stitching
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] There are many elements to consider when decorating a room, such as focal points and accent pieces. Both are very important. They help to express your personality and tie different elements in a room together. Cross stitching can be used in both of these decorating elements.


  • Creating Wood Planters
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Are you having trouble finding that perfect planter to hang beneath a window on your house? One that is the perfect size, shape and colour? A quick solution is to make your own wood planter. Wood planters are simple to make and require only a few basic materials.


  • Helping The Environment
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] The environment is an issue that is on everyone's minds these days. We talk about environmental issues such as global warming, climate change, the Kyoto agreement, renewable energy and so on. The issues just seem so big- it's too much for one little person. Yet, if each person made just one small change, it would add up quickly. Here's a list of five simple changes to help you get started.


  • Framing Ideas for Cross Stitch
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] These days the choices for framing your beautiful cross stitch artwork are limitless. Take a peak at these quick and beautiful framing ideas!


  • Composting - An Introduction To The Basics
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Do you want to know what food scraps you can put in your compost recycling bin? Or do you want to know how to start your own compost pile? Find your how-to answers here, along with some handy tips on composting.


  • Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your House
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Energy costs are soaring and it seems that everything in your house uses energy. We like our conveniences, but complain when we have to pay the energy costs. How can we keep our conveniences and conserve energy at the same time?


  • Learn How To Cross Stitch – Fast!
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Speak to most people who cross stitch and they will be the first to tell you that they love cross stitching because it is so relaxing. It also gives you a great sense of accomplishment and pride to show off your finished pieces. Best of all – it is so easy to learn.





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