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If you’re a dog lover like me, you’ve probably taken dozens of photos of your beloved dogs or puppies.

And where are those cute dog pictures now? Are they stashed away in a drawer or shoebox, gathering dust?

Don’t let those adorable dog pictures stay hidden away and be forgotten! There are so many decorative ways that you can display your dog or puppy pictures.

Here are five unique ideas to get you started:

1. Display your precious dog pictures as a collage under glass!

A coffee table with a glass top is a terrific spot to display your cherished dog pictures! Remove the glass and layout the pictures on the tabletop, in whatever theme you like. Think about the location of the table and how guests will approach the table. Place the doggie pics in varying directions for a unique look! When you’re satisfied with the layout of the pictures, place the glass top back over the photos.

2. Display your best-loved dog pictures using CD cases!

You can purchase CD cases at your local office supply store. Be sure to use the standard size cases and not the slim variety. Throw away the plastic insert that’s included in the case. Cut the dog pictures to the size of the CD case. Attach a piece of cardboard to the back of each photo. Place the dog photo inside the case and snap it securely shut. Now attach the CD case to the wall with a strip of Velcro. Arrange the cases in a 4 x 4 square pattern or place diagonally at different angles. What’s neat about this type of display is that you can easily change the pictures inside the case as often as you like!

3. Display several of your favorite dog pictures in a shadow box!

A shadow box is a great way to display larger dog-related items that won’t fit in a standard frame. Arrange the pictures inside the shadow box, then add some of your favorite dog mementos such as his first ID tag, collar, or lock of hair. You could even add one of his favorite dog biscuits or treats. Be creative and display whatever treasured dog items would add the most meaning to the shadow box!

4. Display your favorite dog pictures on a velvet, satin or grosgrain ribbon!

Cut a length of ribbon – the size of the ribbon will depend upon the number of photos that you choose to display. Arrange your favorite dog photos on the ribbon. Attach the pictures with one of those self-adhesive Velcro circles or squares. Now fill in the open spaces of the ribbon with colorful beads, sparkly glitter or some unusual buttons. Then, add a pretty bow at the top of the ribbon for a finishing touch!

5. Display your most cherished dog picture in a mirror frame!

Take a piece of mirrored glass and cut it to fit a frame of your choice. You can find mirrored glass at most stores that sell window glass. Now, take a single-edge razor blade and scrape away the mirror’s black backing to create a ‘window’ of clear glass for the picture of your dog to show through. The ‘window’ can be large or small, oval, heart-shaped, smooth or rough around the edges. Tape the photo of your dog or puppy to the back of the glass and place it in the frame.

These are just a few creative ways to display and share your favorite dog or puppy pictures. Don’t limit yourself to the methods listed above. With a little thought and ingenuity, you’ll be able to think of some more exciting and distinctive ways to show off those wonderful doggie photos!

You can find a wonderful assortment of pictures of dogs and pictures of puppies to display and share at: http://www.bestdogpictures.com/

Garments can be given individuality by replacing closures (buttons and zippers), with lacing. Lacing may be used on the fronts or backs of garments, as well as on sleeves and pants legs. In addition, lacing techniques may also be used seaming or trimming garments.

Home decorating items can be given a unique look by embellishing them with ribbons, rick rack or other trims. Casings on curtains and valances may be eliminated and replaced with grommets and leather laces for a one-of-a-kind window treatment.

Remember those old lace-up sneakers that everyone has? Well, let’s change that so that the sneakers you wear stand out. Rather than lacing sneakers with ordinary shoelaces, try using ribbon and lace. Simply use old laces as a guide for the length, cut the ribbon or lace as needed, and finish the ends. With the wide selection of ribbons it is easy to get just the look you want. However, if the perfect lacing cannot be found, it can be made by sewing fabric strips into small tubes and turning them right side out.

More suggestions I can give you include soutache (a narrow braid) as well as embroidery floss, rat-tail braid and narrow lace trim.

We are all aware that we can add a decorative finish to garment edges. Simply make evenly spaced openings or eyelets around the edges of the garment and thread the lacing with whipstitches. But don’t forget that lacing can replace traditional seaming by butting the edges of fabric together and stitching them closed with laces.

Try some lacing on pillow overlays and pillowcases for an added decorative touch. Let’s face it, we all know that a pillow overlay is simply a fabric sleeve that slips over an existing pillow and is laced in place – this pillow has a whole new, distinctive look now!

Beading is a trim that has eyelets pre-sewn into it for lacing ribbons. Beading laced with your favorite colored ribbons may be stitched to pillowcases and sheets for a customized finish as well.

Just remember that before you can insert lacing into your fabric, it is necessary to make some type of opening in it. Openings in leather or suede may be created by punching holes in the fabric (leather or suede do not fray). Woven fabrics will need additional reinforcement as the fabric may rip and tear when the laces are inserted. These necessities may be purchased at Wal Mart or most fabric stores – just ask the clerk for what you require and you will have success.

Lightweight fabrics may be reinforced using small buttonholes or metal eyelets, while heavier fabrics may require grommets or large buttonholes. Hooks sewn to the edges of the fabric, as well as beading, also work extremely well for lacing.

However, I would like to give you some tips before you do your decorative lacing:

- Always reinforce the back of your fabric before applying buttonholes or grommets.
- If using leather or suede for lacing, be sure to remove it before laundering.
- When using laces and ribbons, be sure they can be laundered in the same method as the fabric before washing.
- Space eyelets, buttonholes, grommets, and hooks evenly for that uniform look.

There is lots of good information at http://sewingalterationandpatternsblog.com.

When you sign up for a membership or just for the blog posts, you receive a report on sewing machines. This is a great thing to have, both now and in the future.

When you get stuck or frustrated, leave a comment in the comment box, and it will be answered within 24 hours.

Check it out!

The first step to approach bouquet arrangement is, in believing that this can be done by either man or woman. This task is definitely not gender specific. There are many kinds of flowers, fillers, colors, and covering materials to choose from in building a bouquet, so just like any other skill, all it requires is some practice.

Floristry or floral arrangements is a large topic, so our focus will only be in the basics of creation of acceptable floral bouquets. The topic itself of bouquets is mostly associated with weddings. It is the primary icon that is top of mind in western society. Being the best showcase for most styles of bouquets, it would be best to mention the commonly used types of bouquets according to weddingchannel.com, which are the following:

Arm or Presentation Bouquet: Also commonly used in pageants, awards and competitions usually using long stemmed flowers such as roses and calla lilies, and is arranged to be “cradled” by the arm. Imagine it running through an arm’s length, leaning perpendicularly chest high on the individual while still allowing a free hand for a congratulatory shake. Depending on the actual choice of flowers used, it can be complimented with other fillers or left pure for simplicity. It is traditional fastened with a striking ribbon whether by hand or braided. The simplest kind can even use a minimum of six roses.

Biedermeier: yourdictionary.com relates to the origin of this style to a 19th century German style of furniture design which is solid, comfortable and simple making it a very popular choice for today’s modern weddings. This is a very compact arrangement using flower bulbs with very uniform sizes – arranged in tight concentric circle from the center outward. From the top it is viewed like a target and from the side looks like a Top. Accents are hardly used, sometimes using two or more colors as an option. This uses most floral tape, some ribbons and some wires to give the handle a tight, rigid grip.

Cascade or Teardrop: The third most popular bouquet of choice is a very eloquently flowing design. It’s a top-heavy arrangement that has the flowers tendrils drooping towards the ground. This uses a full armament of fillers and accents that gives a very royal and opulent atmosphere to the occasion.

The next 5 types are not so frequently used but may serve as a unique flavor to very progressive wedding decorators or arrangers.

Throw Bouquet: it’s actually a scaled down version of the bridal bouquet which is really designed to be easily thrown at the single ladies in the audience.

Nosegay: a smaller version of the Biedermeier that uses similar flowers that are also tightly wrapped with ribbon or floral tape.

Pomander: This is best partnered if the bearer intends to wear gloves. It’s a hanging ball of flowers slipped on the wrist via a ribbon. The ball effect is created by fixing the stems on a Styrofoam type floral aid.

Tussy-Mussy or Hand-Tied: This is a very natural concept, loosely tied together with a sparse mix of blossoms falling usually to a cone-shaped design.

Finally, the Composite: The most unusual bouquet concept that intends the creation of a giant customized flower using other flower parts.

In describing the styles above, we have mentioned the most important materials in making a bouquet. http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-arrange-flowers6.htm aptly describes bouquets as large corsages. Remember those things you gave or received from your date during prom? Girls either had to wear it on your wrist or pin them on their dress. It was usually made up of a single large bulb flower with minimal accents or a dainty orchid arrangement.

The five things you must have with you at all times would be floral tape, chicken wire, ribbons, and sharp scissors. For a sturdy arrangement, first try using long stemmed blossoms. Wrap some wire along the stem to give it more support and give you the ability to bend them into shape later on. Don’t forget to trim the ends.

Arrange the stems and the desired fillers on a clean table and without disturbing the arrangement above, clasp them together at least one hands length from the bottom to make a handle of sorts. It doesn’t have to be too wide as women generally have smaller hands. While holding together, look at the set from the sides and above if they are symmetrical and balanced, if so tie them together from where you hold them with wire and floral tape. Make sure it’s tight and trim the ends again to prevent any pricking.

Take the ribbon and cut three times the length of the desired bow. Do not depend on the bow to keep the arrangement together that is why we use the floral tape and wire. There’s an entire art into making ribbons, but for starters go for the shoelace version and just extend the ends for a drooping effect.

That’s basically it, with a lot of practice and experiments on other materials you can try doing the other styles mentioned here even from the luxury of your home. Cheers!

This article is written for Island Rose – Flower Shop Philippines. We hope you enjoyed this article and encourage you to visit our website. Through Island Rose, you can send Gifts to Philippines or simply browse through our blog for more informative articles.

There are various ways to decorate a wedding car. There are two occasions in a wedding – when the bride and her family arrive and another when the married couple leaves for the reception. For first occasion decorate the car decoration in a formal way. For second occasion, you can decorate in a creative and naughty way. Apply your full creativity for this occasion.

When the bride is going to the church for the wedding, the car should be beautified as per taste of the bride. It should portrait her persona and the wedding theme. Some girls might like a simple and formal decoration, while others would like funniness added to it. Decorating the ‘getaway’ car is the privilege of the couple’s friends and relatives. It can also be done by a professional who will do the job as per your desire.

A classic flower garland or wreath can be used for beautification of the wedding car making car look eye-catching. Do not use flying decorations or shoe-polish symbols painted on the car, as guests can get upset. The flower wreath is normally put on the bonnet securely tied. Put flowers all over the car to decorate it. You can also use bunches of flowers.

Put a ‘just married’ banner along with some colored ribbons and a flower garland. Ribbons are an inexpensive means to make car look graceful. Take care not to decorate the car too much. The car will then appear to be a party car. Either you go for washable paints or anything else for the signs; your point should be legible to everybody. Use pink ribbons for summer weddings, while cream color ribbons are suitable for upper-class weddings. For a formal kind of organza colored ribbons would be best. The ribbons can be arranged all over the car, or can be placed in shape of bows.

A widespread manner to embellish the getaway car is to fasten beer cans to the bumper, using thread and a large hand-painted ‘just married’ banner. It’s common nowadays for people to try new creative ways of decorating wedding cars with interesting messages and signs. These messages are often scribbled on the windows, but make sure that driver’s view is clear. Use liquid chalk for such messages as they are easily removable, and safe for the car’s paint. There are eye-catching heart-shaped magnets which can be used for the couple’s. The best part is that they can be easily removed or attached. Tie some ribbons or balloons to the car antenna to attract and get noticed.

There are lot of other tips and ideas for making your wedding car nice-looking, attractive and tempting to everybody’s eyes. Apply your own creativity and artistic ideas to create a unique design for the wedding car that will leave a long-lasting memory in the minds of the newly married couple and the guests attending the wedding.

Formula 4 is an online retail site which specialises in 4×4 accessories. With everything from wheels and tyres, to spot lights and roll bars, there is something for every 4×4 owner out there that wants to accessorize their vehicle.

Whether it’s to save time, or for physical reasons, many people use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse. But to understand more about shortcuts, it’s a good idea to learn why certain combinations of commands and keystrokes access the formatting required.

The new Ribbon feature in Word 2007 ensures that finding commands is easy as they are grouped together in a logical format: fonts and styles are in the Home tab, comments and mark-up in the Review tab, and so on.

Each tab across the top of the Ribbon represents an activity area. Groups pull together all the commands you’re likely to need for a type of task. Commands are arranged in groups. A command can be a button, a menu, or a box where you enter information.

Along with the new look Ribbon in Microsoft Word 2007, and the demise of menus and toolbars, comes new, easier ways to carry out tasks – including new keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts – called access keys – relate directly to the tabs, commands, and other things that you see on the screen. You use access keys by pressing the ALT key followed by another key or a sequence of other keys.

Every single command on the Ribbon, the Microsoft Office Button menu, and the Quick Access Toolbar has an access key, and every access key is assigned a key tip.

Keyboard shortcuts are widely used by those who are prefer to work continually on the keyboard without being interrupted reaching for the mouse. It’s a bit like preferring to drive an automatic car after using one with a manual gearbox.

To check keyboard shortcuts, hold down the Alt key. An array of numbers and letters will pop up at various points on the Ribbon. These relate to the number or letter you need to hold down with the Alt key to access that command. Alt H, for example, accesses the Home tab.

This is the ideal way to get to know the keyboard shortcuts for things you use constantly. Now that you know what all those letters and numbers correspond to, the shortcut key combinations make more sense.

A key combination keyboard shortcut is a set of keystrokes that, when pressed together, initiate an action. You can find the key combination for a command by resting the mouse pointer over the icon on the Ribbon (for example Ctrl X is the command for Cut). If you’re not using a mouse, there are no on-screen reminders of the key combinations – you have to memorise the keys.

By hovering over a command, you will also see a screen tip. A screen tip gives a brief description of the command. However the function to view screen tips has to be turned on for this to happen. You can do this by selecting the Office Button, then in Word Options, select the Popular function and ensure that Show Screen tips is selected in Screen tip Style.

Access keys give you access to the Ribbon. They relate directly to the tabs, commands, and other things that you see on the screen. You use access keys by pressing the ALT key followed by another key or a sequence of other keys.

In Word 2007, it is possible to assign a shortcut key to complete entire commands and macros, for example to change text font. It’s a good idea to find out about training courses which offer help and advice on learning about shortcut keys – and that way you won’t have to admit you’re still in the dark.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on microsoft word training, please visit http://www.microsofttraining.net

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could go all-out when shopping for boutique hair bows? What girl does not want those dainty little things that brighten up your mane? And what mom does not want their little baby girls dressed up to the hilt with cute little bows? Unfortunately, boutique hair bows could be really expensive, depending on the intricacy and the materials used. If it were a little cheaper, it would be nice to get them in all colors to match your outfit. For those who can’t get enough of hair bows, here’s an exciting alternative to buying them: make them.

All you need to jumpstart your creativity is to learn the basic bow tying techniques. Once you master them, you can play around with whatever materials you have and craft your very own hair bows in whatever colors or materials you want.

To begin, you will need the following:

1. Ribbons of your choice. Most any ribbon will do but the most popular and convenient to use are grosgrain ribbons.

2. Clips. You can use alligator clips, pinch clips, French clips or barrettes, depending on your preference.

3. Something to secure your bow with, such as a size 10 knitting crochet thread, embroidery floss, size 22 gauge wire or beading wire.

4. Glue

5. Pair of scissors

6. Cigarette lighter for sealing the edges of the ribbon.

Now, here’s how to make your basic bow:

First, hold your preferred ribbon with the left hand, with then pointed downwards. Get the long end; turn it over the other end to form a loop. Then, turn the left hand-the one that holds the ribbon-so that it face up, then make another loop by putting the first loop at the bottom of the new loop. At this position, your thumbs should be touching each other with the ribbon in between.

This next step is a little tricky. Place your right forefinger at the back of the two loops and your thumb on top of it to hold the loop in place. Release the hold of your left hand and assume this position. Make some adjustments as needed. Now hold the looped bow using your right hand and twist it so that the loops are turned towards the left. Get the long end and pull this away. Then, turn your right hand so that the palm is facing up to make another loop.

At this point, you will see a cross right at the center of your bow. Insert the loop in the middles of this cross, leaving end long end pointing towards you. Take this long end using your right hand, and then make the last loop by taking your right hand to where your left hand is, and then. Now, you have to turn the bow around so you have the long end to your right. Put your thumbs on the bow, and adjust again accordingly.

Now, make an accordion out of the bow by folding it starting from the middle. Now you are ready to tie your boutique bow in place. Wrap your yarn tightly across the middle of the bow to secure it. Make a knot and snip the extra yarn for a neat bow.

Learn more about Boutique Hair Bows, please visiting http://www.gsyywz.com/women/upscale-with-boutique-hair-bows/