CLASS YOUR GLASS!

We are loving the new range of Transparent Glass Stains by DecoArt
Purchase your glass stains here: http://bit.ly/2flwAcR

Here's a handy list of tips, tricks and ideas for you.

What is DecoArt Glass Stain:


FIRST UP, THE BASICS!

Basics: Tips from Decoart


Basics: Leading (outlining)


Basics: Adding colour


Basics: Painting patterns on round glass


Basics: Painting on non-flat surfaces


FUN TUTORIALS & IDEAS

Fun watermelon glass for a watermelon themed party


Citrusy goodness


FLOWERS

Delphiniums on glass (too pretty!)


Pansies


Magnolias


Reverse painting - great for candle holders and glass coasters


GLITTER FUN

Glitter glasses for Christmas


For a sparkly wedding: Bride & Groom Toast Glasses


CHRISTMAS IDEAS

Bouquet of flowers stained glass windows


Expert level: Stained glass peacock


Glass Christmas Tree ornaments


Faux stained glass windows


DECOUPAGE ON GLASS




For more information on our products, drop us an email at enquiry@craftiviti.com or visit our shop.

You can get your paints and many other craft supplies at Craftiviti or visit our store at Craftiviti Sdn. Bhd. Unit D-1-46, 1st Floor, Block Dahlia, 10 Boulevard, PJU6A, SPRINT Highway, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Drive here using Waze: https://waze.to/lr/hw283b60qm

HOT GLUE GUN ART

Have you ever had the itch to be crafty but the idea of spending all that time preparing and an even long time cleaning up puts you off, or perhaps you want to create something without getting all technical.

We’ve recently discovered the endless possibilities in hot glue gun crafts! Best part of all is, we now have glitter glue sticks at Craftiviti so you can even skip the painting step making it that much easier!

You can get your Hot Glue Gun as well as glitter glue sticks at Craftiviti here: http://bit.ly/GlueGunFun

Here's a few of our favourites:

JEWELLERY

Mini Cabochons

Candy Dot Earrings

Heart Shaped Pendant

Frozen (snowflake) Hair Accessories

Hand-Drawn Earrings

HOME DECOR

Decorated Vase

Candle Holders

Mini Pallet Coasters

Rope Coasters

PARTIES

Confetti Cake Toppers

Snowflakes

Ice Queen Masquerade Mask

'Frozen' Crown

Elf Ears

Harry Potter Wands

ART & CRAFT

Stencils

Stamps

Textured Rollers (for clay or prints)

Mythical Dragon's Egg

SUPER HANDY STUFF

Non-Slip Shoes

Phone Cover

You can get your own hot glue gun and many other craft supplies at Craftiviti or visit our store at Craftiviti Sdn. Bhd. Unit D-1-46, 1st Floor, Block Dahlia, 10 Boulevard, PJU6A, SPRINT Highway, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Drive here using Waze: https://waze.to/lr/hw283b60qm

HOW TO THICKEN HOMEMADE LIQUID SOAP

Making soap requires several stages and one of them is to thicken the soap. Here’s how to do it.

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a plant-based thickening agent while guar gum is a thickener in cosmetic formulations. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to ¼ cup of room temperature distilled water. Then, use a mixer or use your hands to mix thoroughly for 5 minutes. It is important that you mix it thoroughly with the water or else it may clump up. We find giving the bottle a good shake will often do the trick. 

Guar Gum

Add 3 to 4 teaspoons of guar gum to ¼ cup of distilled water. Then, use a mixer or use your hands to mix them thoroughly for 5 minutes. Some claimed that Xanthan gum is most useful in thickening liquid soap but guar gum does not mess up as easy as compared to Xanthan gum. The different between the two is that Xanthan gum is made by a microorganism and guar gum is made from guar seeds.

Salt

Another way you can also thicken your liquid soap is by using a simple ingredient found in your kitchen – table salt. Add 20g of salt into 80g of warm water and let the soap thicken over an hour. Add this you your liquid soap and give it a good shake.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

COLD PROCESS VS MELT AND POUR SOAPS

For a long time, the process of making soap has always been using the cold process method. 

Cold process is a traditional method of making your own soap by mixing Sodium Hydroxide or Lye with ingredients like oil, butters or fats. The lye reacts with the fat to create what we know as soap. 

Cold process soap is a very detailed process. You will need to be careful when selecting, weighing, and controlling the required amount of oils and Sodium Hydroxide to create soap. 

It can be a tricky process but once you get the hang of it, the soaps you can create with the cold process method are limitless. However, do be very careful when you are using lye around children. 

The great thing about cold process soap is that you can determine what kind of oils go into your soaps.

On the other hand, Melt & pour process is a faster and less tricky way. And if you buy good quality M&P soap, the cleansing properties are the same as any other soap.  

Some people belief that Melt & Pour soaps are not as high quality as Cold Process ones. In fact M&P soaps are so much easier to work with and cuts away the stress of dealing with corrosive materials like lye.  Plus, if your M&P soap base comes from a good source, the benefits will be just as good. 

Melt and Pour soaps are easy to make. All you have to do is to melt the M&P base, mix your oils, clays or pigments in, and pour into your molds to create all types of soaps. There is plenty of things you can do with Melt & Pour soap. 

It takes up to 2 hours to harden depending on the size of your mold. Once cooled, M&P soaps can be used immediately, unlike Cold Process soaps which need up to 4 weeks to cure. 

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

20 WAYS OF USING COCONUT OIL

Did you know that you can use coconut oil alone and do away with all your skincare products? 

Here are 20 ways of how you can use coconut oil as a natural oil to achieve radiant skin:

1. Use coconut oil as a natural butter that is great for your skin. Just slap it on!

2. Mix coconut oil with coconut sugar or regular sugar (it doesn't matter because it's so good already!) to make a luscious body scrub

3. Make coconut oil your go to body oil to be used along with body lotion
4. Treat cold sores by dabbing some of that nutty luscious oil on the affected areas

5. Rub coconut oil into nails and cuticles to keep germs at bay
6. Have a relaxing and detoxifying bath by adding coconut oil with ¼ cup of Epsom salt

7. Guard against diaper rash with a layer of pure coconut oil
8. Slap onto dry hands to keep them smooth and supple 
9. Use as a facial wipe to hydrate and achieve vibrant looking skin
10. Can be used as a homemade natural deodorant (if you don't mind the oiliness)
11. Provides relief against insect bites

12. Apply as an all natural ip balm to get rid of cracked and dry lips
13. Remove makeup without irritating your eyes 

14. Use as a massage oil to alleviate sore muscles. Add a few drops of essential oil for added therapeutic benefits
15. Use as a nourishing night cream to hydrate and repair your skin while you sleep
16. Moisturize your scalp and discourage dandruff
17. Use as a cost effective shaving gel to prevent ingrown hairs
18. Rub on skin to improve skin conditions and alleviate skin symptoms
19. Apply to reduce stretch marks
20. Provide relief from sunburn by reducing redness and soothing inflamed skin

We do not carry virgin coconut oil but we do have refined coconut oil that is ideal for skincare, lip balm, lotion and soap-making. Refined coconut oil does not contain the nutty rich coconut scent and is more shelf stable.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

8 BENEFITS OF JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba oil is actually not an oil but a liquid wax and the substance found in the oil is similar to human skin. Therefore, Jojoba Oil has a lot of benefits on your hair and skin. The benefits of jojoba oil are:

1. Jojoba oil acts as a deeply nourishing hair conditioner because of its rich moisturizing properties that are able to help strengthen hair follicles.

2. Ideal oil for hair scalp to reduce hair loss and hair damage.

3. Acts as a natural hair serum to add that healthy shine to your hair.

4. Helps stimulate hair growth

5. Can be used as a facial oil cleanser to clean away make up and dirt without stripping the skin off its nourishing oils.

6. This versatile and nourishing oil is suitable as a head to toe body moisturizer

7. For generations, people have been using this oil to fight acne, blackheads, pimples due to its antibacterial properties

8. This oil also helps to reduce wrinkles.

Usage tips

Our shop carries pure Jojoba Oil that is suitable for your skincare recipes.

· Use this oil direct on skin to moisturize.

. Add 1 tablespoon to 450g of Melt&Pour soap

· Add a few drops of this oil to your shampoo, conditioner or lotion for added skincare benefits.

· Add 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil, 10 drops of rosemary essential oil and 15 drops of tea tree essential oil to a small bottle to treat acne and oily skin

· Mix 1 ounce of Jojoba Oil and 1 ounce of grapeseed oil for skin treatment

· Add ½ cup of Jojoba Oil and ½ cup of coconut oil in a small bowl when usin

g it to protect your skin from the sun.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

EPOXY RESIN VS POLYESTER RESIN

Many people get confused between epoxy resin and polyester resin. So here's a quick summary to set things right. 

Clarity

Epoxy resin gives better clarity compared to polyester resin. While epoxy resins are not crystal clear like water, they still have more clarity compared to the yellowish tinge found in polyester resins.

Scent

Polyester Resin has a very strong smell and is often hazardous to inhale in large amounts. Epoxy resin has almost no fumes or smell which makes it more pleasant for you to work with it. However, it is important to have proper ventilation while working with both epoxy resins and polyester resins.

Price

Due to its formulated requirements, epoxy resin is generally more expensive than polyester resin. There is a significant price difference between both of them and if you are into jewelry making and craft, it is a more popular ingredient to use because of its lower cost.

Health

Polyester resins are made from volatile organic compounds and styrene, an ingredient that is said to kill brain cells. Epoxy resin is a healthier option for you to choose and this is why it is the go-to material for jewelry makers. 

Hardness

And lastly, epoxy resin is harder than polyester resin and more resistant to wear, cracks, peeling, corrosion and damage resulting from environmental and chemical degradation. Polyester resin is more fragile and flexible which makes it easier for you to do casting and mold.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

WHAT IS TUNG OIL?

Tung oil, also known as China wood oil, has been traditionally used for at least 2500 years in wood finishing and wood waterproofing. 

Instead of using lacquer or chemical base varnish for your wood, tung oil provides protection the natural way.

In olden days, this oil was used by boat builders to make their boats waterproof. 

If you are working with wood craft, it is important to understand more about this oil.

How to use Tung Oil?

Start by applying tung oil using a soft cloth or brush and then thoroughly wipe it off. Check after 1 or 2 hours to see if any extra oil has beaded on the wood surface and wipe it off too.

When to use Tung Oil?

Tung oil is often used for aesthetic appeal. Use tung oil when you are looking to give your wood work a warm colour and a slightly golden darkened colour.

Benefits of Tung Oil

There are plenty of benefits for using tung oil. The list below only applies to pure 100% tung oil:

•       Waterproof or at the very least, it is highly water resistant

•       Can be used to harden softer wood such as wood from palm tree or coconut tree. 

•       Natural varnish and wood darkener
  
  

•       Flexible and protects the wood that expands and contract

•       Easy to apply and very forgiving during application

•       Easy to re-apply when the original finish becomes damaged or worn

•       Resistant to alcohol and acetone

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

WHY USE EPOXY RESIN FOR JEWELRY MAKING?

Resins are an important jewelry making ingredient so picking your resin is essential. 

Resins are liquid plastics and they usually come in 2 parts - 1 part resin and 1 part hardener. Epoxy is a synthetic resin that dries clear, hard and strong. 

When both parts mix together in the correct ratio the chemical compounds begin to cure into a hard, clear and durable plastic. 

Epoxy Resin is easy to Use

When it comes to jewelry making, epoxy resin is highly recommended. 

You usually do not need a respirator mask while working on it because of its low toxicity level. However, safety precautions should still be followed. 

Epoxy Resin also mixes in easy enough combinations with one part epoxy resin and one part hardener or in some products like ours the mixing ration is 2 parts epoxy to 1 part hardener. 

Epoxy resin gives you the longest time to work on your jewelry project. The work time can sometimes stretch to about 20-40 minutes. 

On the other hand, Polyester resin is difficult to use and produces unpleasant fumes. However, Polyester resin is good while casting larger objects as Epoxy Resin tends to create a lot of heat during th curing process which may crack the piece. 

This is why epoxy resin is ideal for casting jewelry pieces. Jewelry parts like gems and crystals are small and easy to cast with Epoxy without creating too much heat during curing. 

Epoxy is also a self-levelling resin so it is ideal for making flat and crystal smooth glass surfaces. It is also a better choice for you to use in humid environments compared to other types of resins.

Because of its ease of use and its durability, epoxy resin is the best ingredient for you to use for jewelry making.

At Craftiviti, we have two different resins. You can find out more about them here...and here. 

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

BENEFITS OF ST. JOHN'S WORTS CARRIER OIL

St John’s Wort Carrier oil is made with the buds of St John's Wort flowers. The flowers are yellow with star shaped petals. It grows in Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia. 

The plant requires a lot of sunshine to grow and it can reach up to 100cm tall. 

The flower gives off a soft, sweet and warm smell. However, St. John’s is not known for its perfume purposes. Mostly it is known for its healthful topical uses.

St. John’s Wort Carrier oil has great anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great carrier oil to use for:

•             Easing arthritis and your muscle pains

•             Moisturizes scaly and itchy skin

•             Soothes bug bites

•             Helps with stressed or broken skin

It also makes a soothing and moisturizing base for massage oils. You can apply generously on wherever the affliction lies. Just be sure not to expose your skin to the sun with this oil on. This oil also helps with bruised or reddened skin. Working as a de-stressor, it relaxes your skin.

St. John’s Wort Carrier oil is great at helping with stress-induced ailments of the skin, it also soothes and moisturizes your skin.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

PYROGRAPHY TOOLS AND TIPS

Pyrography is a craft to burn a design on a clean piece of wood. This activity is great if you like to draw since the two of them are very similar. 

You need a pyrography pen and a clean piece of wood to create your own piece.

You only need very little tools to start doing this. With many types of pens and woods in the market, it is important that you pick the correct ones. 

There are 3 types and they are wire-nib burners, laser cutters, and solid-point burners.

Wire-nib burners have regulated temperature controls and the nibs are interchangeable on some models. 

The solid-point burners work like soldering irons because they have a tip that is used to burn the wood. 

Laser cutters can scorch the wood instead of cutting it.

You should also be careful on the type of wood you choose. Never use treated wood as this wood is treated with special chemicals. 

You may also want to obtain some carbon paper. Carbon paper allows you to draw your desired design on it. You can then use it to trace the design onto the wood. Using Carbon paper also allows you to make duplicates of your piece.

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!

HISTORY OF CANDLE MAKING

Candle making has been around for a very long time and it dates back to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Ancient Egypt and the Romans

Tallow, which is cattle and sheep grease were used in candle making. The Egyptians used this for wax with Papyrus as the wick. Romans also used tallow but their candles were a bit more similar to ours. Flax, hemp and/or cotton were used as wick.

Early Asian Cultures

The Chinese used rice paper, a specific indigenous insect as well as plant seed in their candle making. In Japan, candles were made from tree nuts. Indians made wax from boiling fruit.

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Middle Ages

Beeswax began to be used in candle making. However, it was in short supply and only the wealthy could afford to burn it.

Colonial America

Settler women found that if berries from the bay-berry shrub were boiled it would give out a nice smell during burning. However, this took a lot of work and time .

18th Century America

The whaling industry took off during this time mostly because they needed oil to light street lamps and homes. Spermaceti wax was made from whales. This wax worked well but it didn’t smell too great.

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19th Century

Candle making machines came about during this period and new waxes were patented. The braided wick was also invented. This wick allowed the wax to burn evenly and the candle stayed lit longer. Halfway through the century, paraffin wax came on to the scene which not only made candles into mass consumer product, it was also a lot cheaper. 

Email us if you have any enquiries at enquiry@craftiviti.com or pop by Craftiviti Craft Store at 10 Boulevard, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

If you found this post useful, please join us on Craftiviti Facebook or Instagram for more updates and demos!