http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/license-plate-frames-affordable-christmas-gifts.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/license-plate-frames-affordable-christmas-gifts.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:26:44 -0600
License plate frames make such fun gifts. Pricing ranges from about $15 to $80. You can get a license plate frame personalized with whatevery you'd like for just $15. That's a great deal. Everyone loves getting gifts that fit their personality. A car accessory is a gift idea that works for everyone since most everyone has their own car.

Some of my absolute favorite phrases of all time for license plate frames are as follows:

1. Not all dumbs are blonde
2. I think therefore I'm confused
3. In this jungle a girl needs her jeep
4. I'm a beautician not a magician
5. God loves you and I'm trying
6. My grandkids are cuter than yours
7. My dogs are cuter than your grandkids
8. 0 to bitch in 3.5 seconds
9. My other ride is a broom
10. When in need dial 1-800-DAD-CASH
11. She who dies with the most shoes wins
12. My parents think I'm still in college
13. If a cop didn't see it, I didn't do it
14. Sometimes I go topless
15. He bought it, I got it
16. His and hers. Her car, his payment
17. Happiness is yelling bingo
18. Everyone is entitled to my opinion
19. Back off. I'm a postal worker
20. Wrangler butts drive me nuts

Anyhow, you get the idea. Come up with your own funny saying or idea and put it on a license plate frame. Great for gag gifts too. License plate frames usually take about a week to personalize and then they ship. So, don't procrastinate if you want a personalized license plate frame under that Christmas tree.

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Gunther Gifts has been online since 1999. License plate frames and personalized gifts are offered at discount pricing. 100,000's of customers served. Trust the experts for your engraved gift needs.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/how-to-get-custom-handmade-jewelry-bracelets.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/how-to-get-custom-handmade-jewelry-bracelets.html Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:31:47 -0500
First of all, it is a great idea to get a consultation of an expert in the field of precious metals and stones. He will not only share some general information with you but will help in the evaluation of the stones and metals cost and authenticity. You shouldn't forget that now there are lots of imitation articles on the marketplace. If an expert is your friend he will easily create the best design of the jewelry item. Otherwise it's sensible to explain your preferences to him, and to describe your character. All this info will help the expert to select a suitable design.
Make certain that the precious stone for your piece of jewelry matches the metal you have chosen and the design you are planning. It is also possible to incorporate a photograph of your partner in jewelry instead of the gem stone. In the majority of cases photographs are framed in pendants and brooches.

Making a custom piece of jewelry offers rich possibilities in the selection of gemstones that are the most suitable for you. To get a really non-typical adornment you would better select the rarest gem stone available on the market. So do not be in a hurry while choosing the stone. The time spent on looking for the best gem will bring you a perfect piece of jewelry created especially for you. While planning custom jewelry as a present for the person you love make sure you have at least 1 month at your disposal.
One of the most widespread custom pieces of jewelry production is a bracelet. A custom bracelet is as a rule a special one as it has the name of its owner printed on it. If you desire to make your custom bracelet a true piece of art, mount various gems between the letters of your name. Custom bracelets are also popular amid philanthropic organizations as a tool to increase the popularity of their activities.
When planning the design of your jewelry item pay attention to basic ideas of various cultures and epochs. As far as you know, Antiquity and Renaissance are famed for their fine pieces of art, so you may find a source of inspiration in their culture.
Take the creation of your jewelry item serious and you will get an individual and very beautiful adornment in the end.

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Do you dream to be distinguished amongst other people? It's not a problem nowadays! Order custom silver jewelry necklaces and they will help you to become notable in the crowd.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/making-charms-using-swarovski-crystal-beads.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/making-charms-using-swarovski-crystal-beads.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:41:58 -0500
In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum, Swarovski crystal beads are coated with special metallic chemical coatings. Aurora Borealis is one of the most popular coatings and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. This makes Swarovski crystal beads a perfect accompaniment to any type of finding as the beads catch the light and really do sparkle with an iridescent shimmer. They are particularly popular used as charms and are incredibly easy to incorporate into even the most simple of designs.

To make your own charms using Swarovski crystal beads, you only need the most basic of jewellery making equipment. And you don't necessarily have to use them to make jewellery either - they can also be used to add a special sparkle to clothes or even mobile phone covers. All you need to make simple charms are a pair of round nose pliers, flush cutting pliers, a selection of crystal beads and perhaps some accent beads to add a flourish to the design, silver or gold jump rings and silver or gold eye or head pins. Decide on the design you'd like to create using a combination of Swarovski crystals and accent beads. String the beads onto a silver or gold head or eye pin, depending on your design. Leave enough length at the end of the pin so that you can make a loop for hanging and use the flush cutters to trim any excess wire from the end of the pin.

Use the round nose pliers to bend the remaining wire into a loop to finish off the charm. The smoother the loop, the better and stronger the charm will be. If you're able to solder skilfully you can give a more professional finish by soldering the join in the loop to secure your charm properly. Once you have several charms you can then string them together to make a ‘cluster effect' necklace or sew them onto a jumper or cardigan to give it a new lease of life and added sparkle. Swarovski crystals are incredibly easy to use and look stunning for very little cost.

Good suppliers of crystals will carry a wide selection of colours and effects and the crystals have become so popular that there are even artists creating large sculptures incorporating the iridescence and shimmer of these simple but beautiful beads into their work. They are particularly good for children's jewellery projects as the bright colours and tactile nature of the crystals appeals to younger jewellery enthusiasts. The best way to discover the nature of these crystal beads is to buy a bag and just sit down and create your own designs with them. The only thing that limits you is your own imagination, so let it run wild and see what happens!

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Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewellery making supplies from over 10,000 products including Swarovski crystal beads, jewellery tools, precious metal clay, gemstones and gold and silver sheet - gold, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.

Contacts
Adam Hunter
E-commerce Marketing Manager
Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491
E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/places-to-walk-the-cheviot-hills-and-the-cheviots-challenge.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/places-to-walk-the-cheviot-hills-and-the-cheviots-challenge.html Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:59:06 -0500
The short route is 15 miles and the long route is 25 miles, with 2000 feet and 4000 feet of climbing, respectively. They both start and end at Alwinton and include Bloodybush Edge. You have to go through checkpoints to show that you have completed areas of the course and you need to get through them by closing time. They can also provide you with First Aid if you need it, and you'll get a souvenir mug and a certificate of completion at the finish.

As part of Northumberland National Park, the Cheviot Hills are a great destination. There are picnic opportunities, a lot of places to walk, and rivers that you can paddle a small boat in or just swim and play in. There's something for just about everyone to do there. You can see archeological digs, you can get ice cream, and there are always new and interesting things to learn about the park and about other parks in the area that you might want to visit in your travels, as well. The Cheviot Hills are distinct because they're very rounded, and they were formed by lava. Mountain bikers can follow the bridleways that criss-cross the mountains and see the routes that ancient cattle drovers took.

There are also waterfalls to be enjoyed and the summit shows a great view of the surrounding area. Anyone who likes to walk or bike, and anyone who likes to see the countryside and look at nature should find that the Cheviot Hills is a great spot. Even if you're not interested in the Cheviots Challenge, you can still really enjoy the beauty of the area and all it has to offer.


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This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northumberland Cottages who offer Northumberland Accommodation

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-best-family-cycle-trails-in-pembrokeshire.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-best-family-cycle-trails-in-pembrokeshire.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:15:22 -0500
In between the two extremes there are also a lot of trails that you can enjoy whether you're experienced or not, and the nice mix of trails is one of the things that people really like about the Pembrokeshire area. If you're planning on cycling in Pembrokeshire with your family you should also take into account the time of year. You don't want to go when the weather is very cold, but you might want to avoid the really hot time of year, as well. It's also important to remember that there will be rainy periods, and it's not nearly as much fun to cycle in the rain. Some of the trails can get slick when it's rainy, and there is a higher potential for people to be injured that way. Know the trails that you're going to be riding, and make sure that you have a way to communicate with the other cyclists in your family. Don't get separated, and know how to get help just in case someone becomes sick or gets injured. If you know what you need to do in an emergency and you're familiar with the trail you'll be cycling on, you'll have a lot more peace of mind.


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This article was written on behalf of Celtic Haven Pembrokeshire Cottages which make ideal accommodation for a Short Break Wales

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/maloof-beyond-90-an-american-woodworker.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/maloof-beyond-90-an-american-woodworker.html Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:49:32 -0500
For Gene Sasse, author of Maloof Beyond 90 - An American Woodworker (www.sassebooks.com), a typical hardcover or paperback just wouldn't do. That's why his book is a beautifully handcrafted collection of original artwork, bound in European leather and reflecting the soul of the gentleman whose work it chronicles.

The book is a handmade edition containing original images of the work of the celebrated woodworker, Sam Maloof. Heralded as a "prominent leader in the California modern arts movement", Maloof's works have been exhibited in The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art among many other prominent museums. The book is a poetic collection of photographs and narratives of Maloof, his work and his life. The book is tragically more relevant today with the passing of Maloof in Mid-May 2009.

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer," said Sasse. "A man who works with his brains and his hands is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."

The book begins with a brief biography, introducing the reader to the life of Sam Maloof. His story opens with his parent's humble beginnings in Lebanon, through their move to Chino, California, where they sold dry goods, hand made lace embroidered linens and crochet work from a horse and cart.

Sam's interest and admiration in his mother's fine needle work were an inspiration to him, according to Sasse. By high school, Sam had found employment and recognition for his calligraphy and cartooning abilities, and dreamed of becoming a Disney animator. In his twenties, Maloof found himself working for famed California artist, Millard Sheets, who helped to mature and expand his outlook on the world of art. At the age of 34, Maloof built a small studio and began to work for himself.

In a short time, he was making a modest living and was being featured in magazines and having his work commissioned. Several years later, Maloof's furniture began to be exhibited in museums. Little did he know he was on his way to greatness. When Maloof's handcrafted home was set to be demolished to make room for a highway, the state legislature declared him a "national treasure" and his home was moved to a new site.

The poetic descriptions of Maloof's work and of the man himself are inspiring to read. He was greatly admired by many people, including several Presidents of the United States.

"I consider Sam Maloof to be the world's finest woodworker. His integrity and personal philosophy are demonstrated vividly in the design and beauty of his exquisite furniture," wrote former President Jimmy Carter in his introduction to the book. "Sam has touched the hearts and lives of countless people with his extraordinary talent and skills as a teacher and role model, so his legacy will survive for generations to come."

The book would not be complete without some of Maloof's own musings about his work.

"The rewards of woodworking are not monetary," he said. "It is a long road. But there is basic, deep emotional satisfaction as well as a spiritual satisfaction that comes from working with your hands."

Maloof Beyond 90 is a work of art, much in keeping with the craftsmanship of Sam Maloof's pieces. The loving detail put into this book makes it a collector's dream. The detailed photographs depicting Maloof's work are beautifully rendered. Anyone with an interest in arts and crafts will enjoy Maloof Beyond 90.

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Gene Sasse is a renowned photographer and friend to Sam Maloof. He believes "a great photograph transcends language barriers." He has been featured in many design annuals, and magazines such as American Style Magazine Oct 2006, Art & Antiques Magazine April 2007, Western Art & Architecture Magazine Fall - Winter 2008/2009, as well as his book Garden Thoughts - Photographs, Quotes & Inspiration for the Gardener. He currently lives in Southern California.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/dont-buy-an-outdoor-fire-pit-until-you-read-this.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/dont-buy-an-outdoor-fire-pit-until-you-read-this.html Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:12:04 -0500
Before you make your purchase, however, there's one thing you'll want to consider carefully, so that your new outdoor fire pit provides the kind of warmth, style and drama you'll want to experience for years to come.

Make safety your first priority, especially as it relates to fire.

Carefulness and common sense will not be packed in the box with your new outdoor fire pit. You have to provide them. If you don't, the potential for injury to yourself and others, as well as damage to your property and that of your neighbors, greatly increases.

Plan now to take the following precautions when using your wood burning fire pit, so it'll bring the right kind of drama and excitement to your backyard.

* Keep a fire extinguisher, container of water, or other source of water near-by.

* Just don't leave your fire unattended, and make sure the fire is completely out before heading to bed, even if it means filling a smoldering fire pit with water.

* Take special care to keep little children from getting too close, and never ever leave them unattended near a fire. Pets too.

* Don't sacrifice safety to save a few bucks on a cheap outdoor fire pit, extinguisher, etc. It's not worth the risk.

* Position your fire pit at least 10 feet away from flammable materials or objects: low-hanging branches; piles of dry grass, leaves or brush; gas cans; your house… Make sure you have plenty of space around and above your fire pit.

* Gauge placement of your outdoor fire pit according to wind patterns and where the smoke will be blowing.

* Don't overfill your outdoor fire pit with wood or wood substitutes. Likewise, don't over-gas your outdoor gas fire pit. You don't want the flames to get too high or unmanageable.

* Use a spark screen with your fire pit.

* Use a fire pit pad or flagstone underneath your outdoor fire pit or fireplace on wooden decks.

* Check the laws in your area before building any outdoor fire. In different parts of the country, those laws vary. Contact your local fire department to find out where fires or grills can be used in your area.

* Carefully read and follow your manufacturer's instructions, which are there for good reasons.

* Do not use a fire pit indoors!

Familiarizing yourself with safety guidelines such as these should go a long way toward ensuring that your outdoor fire pit provides many years of enjoyment and pleasant experiences.

Because of your carefulness and common sense, you can enjoy listening to the popping and crackling sounds from the fire. Go ahead, watch the flames dance. Poke at the logs with a tong. Smell the aroma of the burning logs. Relax and enjoy the moment with those who are special to you.


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Chris Basher is the owner of FirePitNow.com , a unique online source for outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, gel bowls, patio heaters, wood racks and holders, mosquito traps and other backyard products. FirePitNow.com features both wood burning and gas fire pits in a number of styles from reputable manufacturers. With core values that focus on customer service and quality products, shopping at FirePitNow.com is a pleasure. Mr. Basher's interest and knowledge relating to safe use of outdoor fire pits and related products stem from years of camping in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and backyard landscaping at home. Additional information regarding selection and use of outdoor fire pits and related products may be found at FirePitNow.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/read-all-about-it-21st-century-book-clubs.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/read-all-about-it-21st-century-book-clubs.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:42:42 -0500
Of course, the Kindle doesn't look at all likely to have any adverse effects on book clubs. On the contrary, it could be set to enrich them even further by making obscure and expensive texts more easily available. This is a plus-side that echoes the, rarely-discussed, advantages that the internet has had in regards to the consumption of literature. Aside from online shops such as Amazon and Ebay, user-generated sites offering book reviews help readers make a more informed decision after just a few clicks.

Traditionally book clubs were quite simple affairs. Usually set-up by a zealous gaggle of fiction enthusiasts, they are typically held in private homes (sometimes rotating between members), at libraries, or in other community meeting places such as pubs and town halls. Aside from deciding where and when to meet, one of the only other variable to consider was whether the club would be a single-title club or a multi-title club - with the former meaning that all members read the same book before each meet-up, and the latter meaning members discuss their own current reads.

As it has done for communities in general, the internet has rejuvenated book discussion environments and has reinvented the way book-lovers can find, and interact with, other like-minded litera-maniacs. Thanks to the web, geography is now no object for book clubs. They can be conducted in a synchronous or asynchronous manner online, offline or a combination of both.

Yet, even for those who are eager to establish a traditional ‘tea and biscuits' type club, having a website or blog is fast becoming considered a book club essential. This way all members can log on at anytime to see updates, be reminded of what to be reading, and see what has been read in the past etc. But for those who are eager to embrace the future shape of book clubs, social media such as Facebook groups and more recently, Twitter, have changed things even more - the latter giving users the ability to offer opinions on their reads whenever they want to, and to engage in conversation with other readers whenever they like.


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T Roberts writes about family and hobbies. For book (http://www.reviewcentre.com/consumer_reviews16.html)and other entertainment reviews visit Review Centre.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-milwaukee-road-a-needless-loss.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-milwaukee-road-a-needless-loss.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:15:50 -0500
While the Penn Central is often given the most celebrity status in terms of how not to run a business, let alone a railroad, not even it can truly compare to the events that led to the Milwaukee's undoing.

Here was a railroad that not only had multiple (and ample) opportunities to pull itself out of a future bankruptcy but also the chance to completely dominate western railroading, even after the Burlington Northern merger of 1970 (which combined four railroads the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Great Northern; Northern Pacific; and Spokane, Portland & Seattle). Not only did the Milwaukee dominate the Port of Seattle and moved nearly 80% of its originating traffic but also nearly 50% of the total container traffic originating from the Northwest in general. The Milwaukee Road, being the farthest stretching railroad in the lower 48 states prior to 1980 (it stretched from Louisville, Kentucky to Seattle), also had a lucrative chance to interchange traffic with the Southern at Louisville, Kentucky to move freights heading to Chicago as well as to the Pacific Northwest but turned down the opportunity as it did not want to spend the necessary maintenance to upgrade what was essentially a branch line.

Further still was chance in the 1970s for the Milwaukee to completely overhaul its western electrified lines and close the "gap" between Avery, Idaho and Othello, Washington with General Electric funding the entire project. However, again, the Milwaukee declined yet another golden opportunity (and, of course, when on to rip down the wires after 1974 just after oil prices skyrocketed). The Milwaukee also had the chance to purchase the C&NW outright in the 1970s but declined the offer. If one takes the time to read about what happened to the Milwaukee Railroad, beginning in 1970, one cannot help but come away with an honest belief that the railroad's management had simply given up on railroading and wanted anything to be out of the industry.

To top all of this, the CMStP&P began refusing traffic during the 1970s (as they claimed they did not have adequate car supply although there were hundreds of cars sitting in storage), to the tune of over $64 million in a single year! Perhaps most dumbfounding of all, however, was the discovery (after the bankruptcy) of expenses being double-entered in the books. After the ICC figured proper numbers for the railroad's books during its final years, even after all of the opportunities turned away and traffic refused over Lines West, during its last year of operation the route still made profits of nearly $3 million.

In any event, what could have been with the Milwaukee is startling. Having eleven gateways in the west to interchange traffic as a result of the BN merger (one of which was the Southern Pacific began sending the Milwaukee enormous amounts of traffic), a Pacific Northwest main line that was the fastest and most efficient, a domination of traffic originating out of Puget Sound, the opportunity to ally with the Southern Railway and operate trains between Chicago-Atlanta and points further west with its advantageous connection to Louisville, and a chance to purchase the C&NW to further increase its traffic base, the Milwaukee Road would very likely have ruled supreme in the Midwest and Northwest and there is also a very good possibility that it would have done so to such a degree that there could be one more Class I railroad still operating today, continuing to give the current operator in the Pacific Northwest, the BNSF Railway, significant competition.

In all and everything aside, the allowance of the bankruptcy court to sell off and abandon the Milwaukee's western lines, even after it was proven they were still profitable is perhaps most tragic of all. This can likely be contributed to the perception railroads were given by the public during this period in American history. However, the result of the Milwaukee's downfall and loss of its key western line to the Northwest coast has cost three state's their railroad and an important route upon which shippers, and our economy as a whole, could still very much use to move intermodal and other freight points east and west. For more reading about the railroad's collapse please visit the below resource.

http://www.american-rails.com/milwaukee-road.html

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My lifelong passion has been the study and history of the railroad industry. My website, American-Rails.com, is a culmination of this study as it covers the industry in great detail highlighting topics from steam and diesel locomotives to museums and excursion trains.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/how-to-go-about-getting-landscape-pictures-with-no-restriction-on-use.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/how-to-go-about-getting-landscape-pictures-with-no-restriction-on-use.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:26:15 -0500
There are certain resources on the web that allow one to download landscape pictures and make unlimited use of them. Using the services of such sites can be quite useful. So the key is to look for sites that do provide pictures that are royalty free, for free. The most important aspect to verify is the license associated with these sites. The terms and conditions will typically be stated on the site. It is important to ensure that these sites have obtained the full license from the original owners of the pictures.

In the landscape photos niche, this practice is quite usual: that is because there are lots of landscape pictures photographers; in fact, chances are that most of us have been amazed by a particular vision of nature beauty, and we have decided to take a picture of that landscape. So the next time you are looking for a cheap or even free decoration for your blog, look for a site with free pictures that carry unlimited rights and that are royalty free.


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Philippe Blanco has been dedicated to providing picks and shovels to the online industry for the past five years. He has created several online resources for bloggers and individual website owners alike, in particular creating sites with royalty free pictures. To learn more about where to find royalty free pictures go to http://www.LandscapePics.net

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>