Create Your Own Party Supplies Online

Party supplies such as decorations and favors can help to create a great party atmosphere. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, a theme party or a holiday party, there are numerous ways you can create your own party supplies. One option is to create your own party supplies online using various templates that match your theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Getting Ready

1. Choose a party theme. Picking a theme for your party can narrow your options for the types of party supplies you need to create. For example, if you're hosting a cupcake theme birthday party then you can look for invitations, favors, napkin rings and more with the cupcake theme.

2. Find templates and ideas for creating party supplies. Search online for do-it-yourself (DIY) party invitations, decorations, costumes, and games. There are numerous online sites (see resources below) where you can download party templates or find inspiration in turning everyday items into party supplies.

3. Print template. Once you find the template you want to use, download it or print it out and follow the assembly instructions. See the next two sections for creating a favor box and cone hat online.

Birthday Candle Favor Box

4. Print template. Print the birthday candle favor box template on an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of card stock. The template is located at http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/blbdcupckbox1.htm.

5. Cut out the favor box. Use scissors to cut along the black line of the favor box.

6. Fold. Fold along the dotted lines so that the design is facing out.

7. Glue flaps. Glue the inside of the flaps together so that it forms a box. Do not glue the top flap, which is how you open and close the favor box.

Cupcake Party Hat

8. Print template. Print the template onto a white piece of 8.5-by-11-inch card stock. The template is located at http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/blbdcupckpartyht.htm.

9. Cut out the hat. Use scissors to cut along the dark black lines.

10. Form a cone. With the design facing out, roll the card stock so it forms a cone.

11. Glue. Glue one of the straight edges to the other straight edge on the inside of the hat. Place a clothespin to the glued area and allow it to dry.

12. Attach elastic band. Take an elastic strap and staple one end to the bottom of each side of the hat. This is a chin strap to hold the cone party hat on the head.

Tags: Print template, card stock, party supplies, your party, about library, about library projects

Create Your Own Party Supplies

Making your own party supplies is simple and inexpensive with a little creativity.

While party supply stores offer a wide variety of decorations and supplies, there are times when they just don't have what you need, whether it's because of your theme, preferences or price range. Fortunately, with a little creativity, you can create your own party supplies without breaking the bank or spending too much time on them. You'll give your party an original feel and look, while impressing your friends and family with your crafting skill. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find a photo that matches your theme on a stock photo site such as istockphoto.com or thinkstock.com. Print out the photo on sticker paper in a size that will fit around plastic or paper cups and plates.

2. Instead of buying confetti and table cloths, use a solid colored cloth with place mats in another color related to your theme. For example, a pink table cloth and red place mats for a Valentine's Day party, or a red table cloth with green place mats for a Christmas party.

3. Create your own candy swag bags by placing the gifts or candy between two pieces of tissue, twisting them on the top and securing them with a piece of ribbon. Again, the tissue and ribbon can be done in contrasting colors to go with the theme of your party. The more of these small bags you create, the more they can be used as decorations as well. Use them as place settings or scatter them around the table for confetti-like decorations.

Tags: your party, place mats, your theme, cloth with, little creativity, party supplies, table cloth

Create Your Own Baby Shower Borders & Invitations

When planning a baby shower, you can easily create invitations with some very simple computer programs. In addition, you can download templates to use to print out your baby shower invitations and borders for paper. The decorated paper can be used for games at the baby shower, by friends and family to write notes to the soon-to-be-mom, or to add a note with the invitation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide on a theme for the baby shower. If the mother knows the sex of the child, you can create a boy or girl theme. Or, if the mother has a theme for the baby's room, such as ladybugs or boats, you can create a theme around that.

2. Find a design that you like. Start by searching various baby stationery stores for ideas on artwork and colors. If you have a theme for the shower, you can search Google or other search engines for various images. In addition, if you find a piece of artwork that you like, such as a rattle or baby bottle, you can right-click on the item with your mouse and highlight the "Copy Image" icon.

3. Open Microsoft Word on your computer. Go to "File," "Page Setup," then the "Paper Size" tab. Change the size to reflect the size of your invitations.

4. Right-click on the blank template on Microsoft Word. Highlight the "Paste Image" item in the drop-down menu. The artwork you copied before will be pasted onto the page.

5. Click on the middle of the piece of artwork you just pasted. Tabs around the entire image will appear. Click and hold down your mouse button on one of the corners and drag the image to the size you want (either smaller or bigger). Once you have it at the desired size, right-click the image again with the mouse and highlight the "Copy Image" tab.

6. Click on another part of the page, right-click the mouse and highlight the "Paste Image" tab. This will paste the resized image on the page again. You can repeat this as many times as necessary and move each of the images to various parts on the page to create a design.

7. Go to the "Insert" tab at the top of Microsoft Word. Highlight the "Text Box" icon. This will place a text box in the middle of your invitation for such content as date, time, location and registry information. You can resize the text box by pulling on one of the tabs at the corners. In addition, you can create the text to any size and font you like.

8. Insert all of the text needed for the invitation inside the border of your paper. Be sure to spell-check and spot-check everything.

9. Place your stock or plain paper in the printer and check to be sure you have enough color ink for the amount of invitations you will need. A full cartridge can print more than 200 copies.

10. Go to the "File" menu tab in Microsoft Word and highlight the "Print" tab. Designate how many copies you need and click the "Print" button.

Tags: baby shower, Microsoft Word, mouse highlight, Copy Image, highlight Copy

Create Wedding Invitation Cards

Wedding invitations need to be planned as carefully as other wedding details.

The beauty of a wedding lies in the details. A wedding invitation is the first preview guests have to to the upcoming event. Beginning with paying attention to this document will prepare you for other details during the time leading up to the main day. A well-thought out wedding invitation is also a good idea because, apart from photographs and memories, the invitation is one of the few things a couple can preserve once the wedding is finished. Framed and placed in their home, the invitation can always remind the newlyweds of their special day.

Instructions

1. Make a comprehensive guest list. Use these names to decide whether you need to print just one type of invitation or will need a couple of versions. For example, for a multiple-day wedding, you might invite some guests for only one day while others will attend on more than one day. Or some invites may go out from the bride and groom while others may need to have the couple's parents' name on them. Invitations need to reflect these specific requirements.

2. Narrow down your options by choosing a color scheme or theme. This is not essential, but it helps make the process easier and faster. Browse through magazines or old photographs to remind you of things that you like to help decide on a related color scheme or theme. Conversations with family or friends can also be helpful.

3. Include the most important details in the text before getting creative. Make sure that the bride and groom's name, venue, date, time and RSVP details are mentioned. Select a font that is clearly legible and which goes with the color scheme or theme of the invitation. Keep the wording as simple as possible to avoid confusion. To add character, include a quote that captures the essence of the couple's relationship.

4. Scout around for the best price to print the invitations. Because couples usually retain their wedding invitations as a memento, invitations are printed on high quality paper, which makes them expensive. Ask friends who have recently been married where they had their invites done and if they'll refer you for a discount. Some places allow discounts on bulk printing. Ask the printer if he will include some complimentary service like printing a few cards for free or free home delivery. Check online for websites that allow you to design and print your own invitations.

Tags: color scheme, color scheme theme, scheme theme, bride groom, while others

Make A Romantic Dinner For Two

Make a Romantic Dinner for Two

If you need a little more romance in your life then consider making dinner for your loved one. A great meal and a little wine can make for a great evening. Follow these steps to learn make a romantic dinner for two.

Instructions

1. Take care of the details that can prevent you from having a great evening. Get a babysitter for the kids, make certain that you and your loved one have the night off, buy some candles and pick some romantic music.

2. Decide what you want to cook for dinner and create shopping list. Consider what foods your partner or spouse likes and then create a menu based on this. This is not the time to try to cook anything new or elaborate. Stick with what your partner likes and you will be successful. Don't forget to add wine to the list or even champagne if you are celebrating a special occasion.

3. Keeping the menu simple will give you time to spend with your loved one in between courses. Start with an appetizer which could be something as easy as a salad, baked brie and crackers or something else that you have prepared ahead of time. Any entree that is baked is always a good idea because it can finish cooking while the appetizer is being served. Don't forget the dessert. Something as simple a fresh fruit topped with whipped cream is amazing.

4. Set the table. Find a nice tablecloth and spread it out over the table. Use the wedding china or the nicest dishes that you have. Use enough silverware for every course so that you are not going to the kitchen for everything. Set out whatever serving utensils you will need as well. Place water and wine glasses out. Pattern your table after that of your favorite romantic restaurant. Use candles and flowers to decorate.

5. Turn on the music, light the candles, open the wine and you are ready to serve the food. Your romantic dinner can begin!

Tags: your loved, great evening, Make Romantic, Make Romantic Dinner, that have, that your, your partner

Create Ticket Party Invitations

Make up ticket party invitations.

You are planning an event with a grand theme and would like unique invitations to correspond with your theme. A fun way to play up the event is to create a party invitation that looks like an event ticket. With some patience, you can create personalized ticket party invitations using Microsoft Word and your computer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open a new document in Microsoft Word and insert a text box. Size the text box as you deem appropriate all the while keeping in mind it should look like a ticket.

2. Format the text box by right clicking on the text box and left clicking on "Format text box." You will now be able to change the background color of the ticket, the line color, weight and style.

3. Personalize the ticket by adding another text box inside of the one you just created. In this new text box you will type up the party info. Choose whatever font you feel is appropriate, resize, and move your text boxes as needed. You can go back and forth between the two text boxes by clicking on the borders.

4. Make the line on the inside text box invisible. This can be accomplished by formatting this text box by following Step 2 and marking "Line Color" as "No Line."

5. Insert another text box at the bottom of the ticket invitation which will hold a UPC or barcode symbol. Format the text box as appropriate.

6. Search for an image of a UPC or barcode to download and/or copy and paste at the bottom of the ticket. This makes the ticket look more authentic.

7. Insert text boxes either on each side of the ticket invitation or at the top and/or bottom to insert images related to the theme of the party.

8. Save and print your ticket party invitations on cardstock. You may consider adding a magnet to the back for your guests to attach to their refrigerator as a visual reminder of your event.

Tags: Format text, text boxes, another text, bottom ticket, Microsoft Word, party invitations

Create Stimulating Activities For Toddlers

Create Stimulating Activities For Toddlers

The toddler stage is the age where children learn the most rapidly. They are more aware of themselves as unique individuals, they are inquisitive and they are ready for new challenges and to learn new things. Creating stimulating activities for toddlers will help them develop more fully and quickly. Follow these steps to learn how.

Instructions

Muscle Development

1. Provide some colorful scrap paper and a small hole puncher for your toddler to punch as this allows her to develop her hand grip muscles. It also provides some colorful fun.

2. Play a game of bean bag toss with him to stimulate hand and eye coordination.

3. Bounce, throw and kick a ball to help stimulate arm and leg muscle development.

Language and Cognitive Skills

4. Bring a brown bag as you take a walk in the park or around the neighborhood. Encourage your toddler to pick up interesting objects that he finds along the way. Ask him open ended questions about what he observed and picked up. Help him study, feel and discuss the things he collected.

5. Teach her about opposites. Cut out materials of different sizes, texture and shapes for her to feel and match or describe the difference.

6. Have him listen to sounds made by different things. Ask him to describe the thing that made the sound.

7. Play scavenger hunt with themes such as shapes, opposites or textures with your toddler.

8. Tell her simple riddles and have her guess the answers.

9. Play pretend with your toddler. This will stimulate her imagination and creativity.

Listening and Memory Skills

10. Play a memory game or a matching game.

11. Buy jigsaw puzzles with large pieces to play with your toddler.

12. Play a game of "Simon Says." It helps with your toddler's listening skills. Besides, he will love all the action and mimicking.

Creative Expansion

13. Play with play dough or clay dough, or let her help you bake some cookies.

14. Let him draw, color and paint.

15. Listen to a variety of music with her and dance along with the music.

Tags: your toddler, with your, with your toddler, Activities Toddlers, Create Stimulating, Create Stimulating Activities, Play game

Create Sayings For School Spirit Signs

Help your team with clever signs that will get the crowd involved.

Excite the fans! Inspire the team! Sayings for good school spirit signs should do both. Effective spirit signs shouldn't take much time or money to make. So go for it!!! You can do it!!!

Instructions

1. Use sayings that are quick and to the point. Wordy signs will lose people. Alliteration (where words starting with the same letters are close to each other) helps make sayings more fun and catchy--"Stop the Stallions!," "Whip the Wildcats!" or "Raiders Rock!!!" are all examples of alliteration.

2. Utilize both the mascot and the school name in your signs. For example, if you are playing a school named Stone Hill Hawks, you can do "Stop Stone Hill!" or "Pluck the Hawks!" If your school is the Great Bridge Bulldogs, you can try "This Bridge Will Never Break" or "There's no Bull in these Dogs!"

3. Think funny. "Beat Chantilly... Again," is a funny way of saying you've already won against this opponent. Play on the image of the school name or mascot. For the Pirates, use a saying like "Seize the Booty!" Utilize shapes or pictures to emphasize a play on words. For example, use a paw shape for your sign if it says, "Stomp Centreville" to emphasize the stomping action.

4. Use numbers. For a team that is about to win a state, regional, district or national championship for two, three, four years in a row, use the sayings "Three-peat," "Three's a charm," "Back 4 more" or "Back to Back." If you have a mascot that can be used to emphasize those words, have a good artist draw an image to complement the words. For instance, if your team is the Tigers and you're trying to win two in a row, write "Back to Back," then have someone draw two tigers standing with their backs to each other and arms folded proudly across their chest.

5. Use a popular slogan from a show, song or catch phrase for your sign, such as "Fire it up!" on an orange flame-shaped sign. "Unleash the Fury!" is a popular line from a movie and used at some professional games. Utilize it for your team, or change it to something funny like "Unleash the Furry" if you have an animal mascot, with an illustration of that animal.

Borrow lines from songs. The television show "Glee" has made "Don't Stop Believing'" popular again, and this title can be a great inspirational spirit sign.

6. Not really a saying, but something that is always popular at a home game is to make a sign for each player with his or her name and number on it and post them around the infield fence for a football game or around a building for an indoor game. Parents and friends love picking out the players they know.

Tags: your team, Back Back, each other, school name, Stone Hill, your sign

Create Printable Wedding Invitations

Create printable wedding invitations by using online template galleries or your computer software.

Planning your wedding on a budget can be done if you use shortcuts with tools readily available to you. When creating your wedding invitations, use template galleries to assist with the design. This will save you time and money. They provide the layout and guide for the text to include in the invitation. You can customize the invitation with your own images and text. Once the customizations are done, the invitation can be saved and printed at your leisure.

Instructions

Microsoft Word 2010

1. Click the "File" tab and select "New." Type "Wedding Invitation" in the search box. Review the matching invitation templates. Download the template into Word by clicking the template image and the right "Download" button.

2. Highlight the default template wedding invitation text. Type your personalized wedding details on the invitation.

3. Right click the default images on the invitation and select "Change Picture." Search your computer and locate the image you want to use on the invitation. Click the image and the "Open" button.

4. Save your changes by clicking the "Save" icon on the Quick Access Toolbar.

Google Documents

5. Access the Google Documents website. Type "Wedding Invitation" in the search box. Review the matching invitation templates. Download the template into Google Documents by clicking the "Use This Template" button.

6. Highlight the default template wedding invitation text. Type your personalized wedding details on the invitation.

7. Delete the default images on the invitation by clicking the image and pressing the "Delete" key on the keyboard. Select "Insert" and "Image" on the main menu. Search your computer and locate the image you want to use on the invitation. Click the image and the "Open" button.

8. Save your changes by clicking the "Save" icon on the main menu.

Do It Yourself Invitations

9. Access the OpenOffice website. Click the "Printables" tab. Select the lower "Printable Wedding Invitations" link.

10. Review the available printable templates. Click the template you want to use.The editable template PDF opens in a new window.

11. Click in the text area of the invitation and type your invitation details. Save your changes by clicking the "Save" option in your web browser.

Tags: changes clicking, changes clicking Save, clicking Save, Google Documents, Save your, Save your changes, your changes

Create Printable Photo Invitations

A photo invitation is a change from the normal type of invite which simply contains the generic message "you're invited" along with a generic image. Instead, you can create a custom invitation with one of your own photographs. Online services allow you to generate these neat photo invitations and also print them directly from your computer if you choose. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create your printable photo invitations using the Personalized Party Invites website. Choose the type of event, such as a baby shower or birthday party. Under each event section you can then sort the templates to find one that allows you to add a photo. The "print at home" feature allows you to produce the photo invitation on your home printer instead of sending the file to a professional.

2. Design and print a photo invitation using the Greeting Bee web service. The library of printable card templates includes designs for both adults and kids for a wide selection of holidays and events. Personalize it from your browser with your own words, a picture from your personal collection and a custom background if you wish. You can preview the finished card in your browser before printing.

3. Use the Print with My Pic service to create photo invitations for your upcoming event. The service offers templates for birthday party, party tickets, Halloween party invites and invitations to graduation parties. Run the program from your browser and print it online. You can add a photo to the template either from your PC or a location online. You can also change the photo to make it fit to your needs.

Tags: from your, photo invitation, photo invitations, your browser, birthday party

Create Printable Baby Shower Invitations

Get creative with your baby shower invitations.

Hosting a baby shower for an expectant mother lets family and friends celebrate the pending arrival of the baby and lavish the expectant mother with gifts. Designing your own printable baby shower invitations gives you the opportunity to showcase the true spirit of the baby shower, whether it's trendy, themed or casual. Since gifts can range from the necessary to the extravagant, invitations can help spell out the desires and wishes of the expectant mother for her baby shower. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Design the baby shower invitation. Consider the theme of the shower, and tie it into the design of the invitation. Consider pictures, such as animals and baby rattles, to add a decorative touch. Use colors indicative of the baby's sex or gender-neutral color schemes. Include information pertinent to the baby shower, such as date, location and time for the party. List a contact person, along with their telephone number or email address, to whom guests can send their RSVPs. List details including places registered and special instructions for gift cards and diaper purchases, such as sensitive skin products only.

2. Locate or purchase a software program capable of designing graphics. Alternatively, if you want you want to use an online resource, skip to Step 3.

Use a basic word processing program that allows for the insertion of pictures, or purchase a design software program. Search for a software program that provides clip art as part of the package or allows access to online clip art libraries. Insert graphics and text information using the various insertion options in your selected program. Some options include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher and Print Artist.

3. Visit a website that handles digital photo printing. Options include Snapfish and Shutterfly. These websites often provide templates that will help you design and create a printable baby shower invitation. Select the type of invitation you want to use, and follow the provided prompts to add pictures and information to the invitation. Insert an appropriate picture, such as the picture received during an ultrasound, and add the necessary information for the baby shower.

4. Print the invitations you have designed. You have several options to print them: at home, at a print shop or through an online digital image processing store.

Use your home printer to print baby shower invitations designed with a home computer software program. Use quality card stock.

Alternatively, save your invitation design to a USB drive or CD, and take it to a local print shop to have the invitations printed professionally. Ask staff to include envelopes for mailing the invitations if necessary.

Place an order for invitations developed with the help of an online digital photo processing store. Order extras to ensure you have enough should damage, like folding or bending, occur during transport.

Tags: baby shower, baby shower, software program, baby shower invitations, expectant mother, baby shower invitation

Create Printable Business Flyers For Free

Create a flyer to promote sales or special events.

Create your own business flyer with the help of a template, available from sources such as Microsoft or Hewlett Packard. Choose from a wide variety of flyer templates to get started. Most readily available templates are compatible with Microsoft Word. Your completed flyer can be printed on your own printer, sent electronically to a print shop or office supply store for printing or submitted online to a professional printing company.

Instructions

1. Download a template that best suits your flyer needs. Click on the image of the template you have selected, and click "Download" to begin customizing your flyer. Templates are available for all business needs, including marketing, grand opening announcements, business news, product reviews, special events and sales. The text and graphics can be changed on all templates. Make your selection based on the background designs and layouts you prefer.

2. Edit the text boxes of the flyer. Double-click inside the text box to edit the text. Write your own dialogue to customize the flyer for your specific needs or announcement. In some templates, you can also change the position of the text boxes by dragging them. Delete any text boxes you won't be using. Insert your business name, phone number and contact information.

3. Insert your company logo or graphics. You can insert pictures or files in an existing graphics box on the template. Ensure that the margins of the document are set so the entire flyer will print on the paper size you selected. Save your completed flyer to your computer or a jump drive.

Tags: text boxes, completed flyer, flyer your, Insert your, special events, your business

Create Pin Curls

Instructions

The Wet Set

1. Wash your hair with the shampoo you normally use, apply conditioner if you usually use it. Gently towel dry your hair and comb out any tangles. Apply setting lotion if your hair is very fine or difficult to hold a curl. Allow your hair to slightly air dry so it is more than damp, but not wet. A wet set holds curls longer, especially for baby fine hair.

2. Assemble bobby pins and a rat-tail comb to be within easy reach. Use a rat-tail comb to section your hair easier. A rat-tail comb has a long tail on the end of it.

3. Use the rat-tail comb to section hair in one-inch sections. Wrap the sectioned hair around your finger tightly while holding your finger close to your head. Slip the pin curl off your finger and pin it to your head with a bobby pin. You may need to use two bobby pins to secure the curl to your head, crossing one over the other in an "x" position.

4. Continue to place pin curls randomly until all the hair is in pin curls. Wrap a scarf around your head to keep pin curls in place while you sleep. If you are not going to sleep on pin curls, it's best to hold the pin curls in place with short clips to reduce a crease line from using bobby pins.

The Dry Set

5. Wash your hair with the shampoo and conditioner you normally use. Comb out any tangles. Allow your hair to air dry or dry with a blow dryer set on "cool."

6. Assemble bobby pins and a rat-tail comb within easy reach. Section hair into one-inch sections. This is where the "spit curl" comes into being. You can either set the pin curl totally dry, apply a de-frizzer or a light setting lotion to each section individually or yes, use saliva.

7. Twist the hair section gently from the ends to the root; the tighter the twist, the tighter the curl. Wind the twisted hair around your finger, which is placed close to the head. Slide the curl off your finger onto your head and secure with bobby pins. You may need to use two bobby pins that are crossed in an "x" to keep pin curls in place while you sleep. Wrap a scarf around your hair to keep curls in place.

Tags: your hair, bobby pins, rat-tail comb, your finger, your head, around your, curls place

Create Personalized Labels For Water Bottles In 5 Minutes

Your guests will appreciate your personalized water bottle labels.

If you have an event coming up for which you'd like to create your own personalized water bottle labels quickly and easily, you can do so on your home printer with very little effort. As long as you're familiar with a graphics program, such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Paint, you'll be able to make creative, personalized labels to give to your guests at your event that will let them know you thought of their needs.

Instructions

1. Create a label template in your favorite graphics program. Set the canvas size to 7 by 2 inches. This is a fairly standard size that should fit most water bottles on the market.

2. Design your label. You can use an image or texture for the background and then perhaps monogram the bottles for a wedding or label them with a description of the event. Your only limit is how much time you have to spend on the design.

3. Print the number of labels you need. If you made your template 7 by 2 inches, you should be able to fit five labels on a page in portrait orientation. Make sure to set your print quality to high to avoid dithering.

4. Tape the labels onto the bottles with the packing tape. This will create a shiny finish and should prevent any running of the ink from condensation.

Tags: bottle labels, graphics program, personalized water, personalized water bottle, water bottle, water bottle labels

Create Pc Games

Everyone loves playing video games. And chances are, if you've played lots of video games, you've dreamed about making a game of your own some day. Well, the good news is that it can be done. The bad news is that it's a huge amount of work, so read on to figure out whether you still want to make a PC game, or if you'll be happier just playing them.

Instructions

Create PC Games

1. Figure out how many hours you're willing to devote to making a PC game. Is it ten? A hundred? A thousand? Keep in mind that much of the work in making a PC game isn't fun at all, but involves mind-numbing tasks like listing and numbering pixels, or copying the same tiles over and over again. If, upon reconsideration, a hundred hours of this seems like a bad idea, then you should quit now and leave the gaming to someone else.

2. Gather a team. A decent game may require a thousand hours of work, but if you have five people working with you, that's only two hundred hours each. This is still a lot, but a lot less than a thousand. A few like-minded friends will not only save you time, but help keep you motivated. Just be sure everyone is committed as you are. Many people think making a video game is a good idea, but soon lose interest after a week or month with little progress.

3. Take an honest inventory of what computer skills you possess. Can you program in Java, C++, or Flash? Do you have the ability to create decent-looking graphics for the type of game you're trying to create? Do you have an understanding of the necessary tables and values that will be required to make your game run? If you are deficient in any of these areas, do you have a committed team member who can make up for your lack of knowledge? Do you have a project manager if working on the game with friends who will keep everyone on task?

4. Revise your scope if your answer to any of the above questions was "No". Rather than making a game from scratch, you may be better off using a game-making program. If you're want to make a Role-Playing Game, consider getting a program like RPG Maker. This will allow you to make a game using templates without needing to know a lot about programming.

5. Plan out your game and figure out what will be required to create a working prototype of two screens worth of movement, the menu/character screen, and at least one full combat. (Once you can get this working, the rest is just a question of scale.) Make a list of everything needed, try to figure out how long it will take, and set to work building your prototype.

6. Complete the prototype, play it, and evaluate it. (If you can't because you find the process too boring, you probably aren't ready to make a full-length game.) Does everything function and appear as you'd like? If not, revise your prototype until it does what you want. Once your prototype is done to your satisfaction, plan out the full game.

7. Draw out your entire story, with all characters and locations. Make a list of everything you'll need, and a schedule of when you expect to have each piece done. Try to stick to your schedule and deadlines. When you're done, even if the game is small, you'll feel a great deal of pride if you managed to make your own game.

Tags: making game, make your, your game, your prototype, Create Games

Create Online Printable Halloween Flyers

Create Online Printable Halloween Flyers

Making flyers to spread the word about a Halloween event, contest, menu or party is a festive way to communicate with friends, families or co-workers. It's easy to create your own Halloween flyer online and to print it out from your home printer. You don't need artistic ability or experience with graphic design. You can choose from finished templates for Halloween flyers and customize the flyer for your individual needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Visit the Free Flyer Templates website at flyertemplates.org/Halloween-party-flyers.html. Click on the template that you prefer the best and download it to your computer. You can also find free templates by visiting Microsoft Office online at office.Microsoft.com/en-us/templates/FX102637501033.aspx.

2. Open the file once it has finished downloading. Customize the template's title to meet your individual needs and discuss your event. While the template specifies a Halloween Party, you can easily change yours to "Halloween Movie Night," "Halloween Costume Contest" or whatever your event may be.

3. Type in all the logistical information such as the time and location of the event and any other pertinent information or directions that people will need to know. Double check to make sure that everything is spelled and written correctly.

4. Print your flyers on a color printer.

Tags: Create Online, Create Online Printable, individual needs, Online Printable, Online Printable Halloween

Create My Own Event Flyers

There are several ways to make event flyers.

Flyers are used as a form of advertisement for different kinds of events. They can be hung up around town, left in business locations, schools and religious buildings. Event flyers include at least the important information on the event (location and any cover charges). Sometimes a phone number will be included for an RSVP. Have an idea about how many flyers you need and the prime locations where you want to put them. There are several ways to make event flyers. The important thing to remember is be creative and have fun with it.

Instructions

1. Sort through magazines for words or pictures, or find pictures of your own and pick a few to include on your flyer. Cut them out of the magazine or crop them as desired. These words and pictures should illustrate the event. The flyer words that you will type are all about the relevant information that needs to be known in order to come to your event. Please do not get these confused.

2. Type the event name, location, cover fees and contact information (if needed) in a large font. Print it out. These can be the same font size or different. You can make the name of the event larger and the rest of the information smaller. The type size of the event name should be at least 26-point. The other information should not be less than 16-point. This information should take up most of the center of the page with an approximate border no more than 4 inches all the way around the paper.

3. Cut out the event information with patterned or regular scissors. Patterned scissors are frequently found in fabric stores. They cut in patterns like waves or jagged edges. These scissors will give your cutouts different border shapes.

4. Place the event information on a white piece of printer paper as you would like it to appear. Do not secure at this time.

5. Place the pictures and words you found around the event information. Once you have everything laid out and in the design that you like, secure with clear tape.

6. Put the colored paper in the copier tray and print copies of your original flyer on all colors of paper.

Tags: event information, event name, information should, location cover, make event

Create Logos In Illustrator 9 0

Logo Design

Adobe Illustrator allows you to design logos of varying complexity, using vectors to add artwork to logotypes. With this program, you can get started on a simple logo that does not require extensive graphic design experience.

Instructions

Create Your Logo

1. Sketch out your idea on paper so you have a visual reference for what you want to achieve in Illustrator.

2. Open a new document in Illustrator from the "File" menu.

3. Click on the "Type Tool" from the tool bar on the left side of the work space. The text tool is designated by a capital "T."

4. Click on the "Type" menu from the top of the work space and scroll down to "Font." Examples of available fonts will appear. Scroll down to the font that you want to use and click on it. If there are attributes available with the font, it will appear when you click on the font name. Choose the attribute you want for your font, such as bold, italic or regular.

5. Return to the work area. Click on the work space and type in the words of your logotype.

6. Make adjustments to your logotype via the options across the top of your work space, under the menu bar. You can change the size, font, spacing, height and other attributes through the "Character" menu choice on the top menu.

7. Print your logotype by choosing "Print" from the "File" menu.

Tags: work space, your logotype, Click Type, File menu, from File

Create Invitation Cards

Create Invitation Cards

Creating invitations can be fun and easy. Microsoft Word has pre-made templates for you to use so you can bring instant life to those invitations you are sending out. Microsoft Word has a set number of templates that are easy to download, and there are many more you can search for on the Internet.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Word 2007.

2. Click on the "Office" button in the top left corner.

3. Choose "New." This opens the new document window, with an assortment of templates you can use.

4. Select "Invitations." Five different types of invitation are displayed: business, event, party, wedding and other. If what you want is not here, do not fret. At the very top of the window is a search bar. Currently, it reads, "Search Microsoft Office Online for a Template." Type in one or more search words and hit enter. It will pull up what is available online for you to use. For now, we are going to choose business invitations.

5. Select "Business invitations," and a handful of choices will come up.

6. Double-click "Seminar invitation." A window pops up warning the user that templates can only be downloaded by customers with legitimate Microsoft Word 2007 licenses.

7. Click "Continue". Microsoft does a quick verification of your software and downloads the template. You can now alter the template as you see fit.

Tags: Microsoft Word, Create Invitation, Create Invitation Cards, Invitation Cards, Microsoft Word 2007, more search

Create Free Printable Address Books

Easily create a printable address book using a convenient, free program.

Searching for a simple and inexpensive way to create an address book? A do-it-yourself printable address book is an easy way to get numbers, addresses and other important contact information all in one place. With just a few simple steps, your free address book can be downloaded to your computer and printed directly from your printer. Create a free personal address book to keep up with your contacts in an organized and convenient way.

Instructions

Download as a Word Document

1. Visit the SampleWords.com Free Printable Address Book webpage.

2. Click on "Download Address Book-Word" to save as a Word document and click "Save" once the pop-up appears. Save the address book under a specific document name of your choice. Open Word and open the address book document.

3. Move your mouse to the area you wish to enter specific contact information. Right-click once and type the information in the designated areas until all information is entered. Print your address book.

4. Make holes in each sheet with a hole puncher. Individually enter the sheets into a three-ring binder or folder to ensure your address book has a durable cover for safe keeping.

Download as a PDF File

5. Visit the SampleWords.com Free Printable Address Book webpage.

6. Select "Download Address Book-PDF" to open your address book as a PDF file. Once the new page loads, the address book pages will be displayed on the screen.

7. Click on the disk icon at the top left-hand corner of the screen to save the document to your computer. Go to your computer's documents and open the address book.

8. Select "File" at the top left-hand corner of the screen and select "Save as Text." Once the pop-up appears, enter the name that you want to save the text document as and hit "Save." Return to your computer's documents and open the text version of your address book.

9. Enter contact information. Move the mouse to the selected area on the page, right-click and type in contact information. Print the document.

10. Make holes in each sheet with a hole puncher. Individually enter the sheets into a three-ring binder or folder to ensure your address book has a durable cover for safe keeping.

Tags: address book, your address, your address book, address book, contact information, your computer

Create Free Engagement Invitations

Planning a wedding is already expensive. Just the price of the printing budget alone can total hundreds--or even thousands--of dollars. Save money for the wedding invitations by finding a way to get the other invitations for free. Finding free engagement party invitations is easy. First, check with your wedding planner; he or she may know of some deals around town. If you are doing this without a wedding planner, you are very brave, and in luck. Here are a few suggestions for getting your engagement party invitations for free. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check with local printers. Printers may give you engagement party invitations for free if you use them for your other wedding printing needs. It won't hurt to ask around, and you may even find deals that you didn't think were out there.

2. Try Netfuncards.com. This site not only offers free printable engagement invitations, you can also send them by email for a truly "green" idea that your guests may appreciate. But if you choose to print them out, this site allows you to choose a cute and whimsical card to print out without registering for the free account for their site.

3. Try Allfreeinvitations.com. This is another site that allows you to customize a predesigned engagement invitation to print out. Choose from 14 designs, with other graphics that you can incorporate into your design.

4. Try Hoover Web Design. The selection isn't as vast as allfreeinvitations.com, but there are four beautiful engagement printable invitations for free. These invitations use traditional wedding graphics such as champagne glasses, heart-shaped flowers and wedding bands.

5. Go to www.weddingclipart.com. This site's free trial offer provides access to its collection of professional-looking engagement invitations. There is a yearly fee if you choose to use the service past the trial period.

6. Use a Microsoft Office product. Microsoft Word and Publisher are great software packages to use to create your own engagement invitations. Use the pre-made designs and Microsoft clip art to add visual enhancements to your invites. You can also download other templates (created by Microsoft, vendors and users) from www.office.microsoft.com.

7. Use greeting card software. Even if you have to purchase the software, it is considerably cheaper than having the invitations professionally printed or buying them from a party store. Also, you can reuse the software for many other different occasions. Hallmark's Card Studio is a good choice for this option.

Tags: invitations free, engagement party, engagement party invitations, party invitations, engagement invitations, party invitations free, wedding planner

Create Free Educational Bingo Games

Kids love the thrill of yelling out "Bingo!" Not only is the game entertaining, it holds the potential to serve as an educational tool for the classroom or home. Using words or concepts from classroom subjects let the kids practice these ideas in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Bingo makes a great review game, learning center activity or rainy day activity. You can easily adapt the Bingo boards to reflect new study topics.

Instructions

1. Decide on the educational theme for the Bingo game. Nearly any educational topic works. You can focus on letter, number and word recognition for younger kids. For older kids, use Bingo to practice vocabulary words, history events or math facts.

2. Decide how many squares you want in your grid. For younger kids, a grid that is three squares wide by three squares tall is more manageable. For older kids, a five square by five square grid gives you more options. The five by five format is also the traditional Bingo card layout.

3. Create a master grid on the computer so you have a copy for future Bingo games. Make a blank chart in a word processing program with the number of columns and rows that you want.

4. Develop your list of words or numbers that will go in the squares. You'll want the same set for each Bingo game board. Print a copy of the list and cut the words apart. This set of words is used during the game play.

5. Plug the words or numbers into the grid on each Bingo card. You can either type the words into the grid on the computer and print each one off or make copies of blank grids and write them in by hand. Make sure none of the Bingo playing cards are identical or you might end up with two Bingo winners at the same time.

6. Laminate the Bingo boards if you plan to use them several times. This makes them more durable, particularly with younger kids. Printing the grids on card stock is another option to make them more sturdy.

7. Pass out the homemade Bingo game cards to the players. Draw one word at a time. The students cover the words as they are announced.

Tags: Bingo game, younger kids, Bingo boards, Bingo card, each Bingo, five square

Create Free Birthday Party Invitations

Birthday party invitations can be created for free.

Birthday party invitations can come in many forms, from cartoon-themed to sports-themed to individualized. Rather than going to the store and picking up some cheap invitations for your guests, you can create birthday invitations without having to spend any money. You can use the Internet to make birthday invitations or at home, using items lying around or designing them with a graphic design application. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a website that offers free invitation templates to download and print. These websites usually have a vast selection of templates to choose from, even football birthday and ice-skating invitations. They are also practical for people who want to send out invitations via email as fast as possible.

2. Unlock those creative juices in your head! Create your own handmade birthday invitations at home using ribbons, scissors, paper, glue and whatever else you can find at home. Combine them with your imagination and keep your wallet on the dresser instead of near a cash register.

3. Create a do-it-yourself card using Adobe Photoshop or another graphic design program. Attach it to an email message about the party and send it out to the invitees. When people open the email they will see your graphic invitation as opposed to a plain text invitation.

Tags: birthday invitations, birthday invitations home, Birthday party, graphic design, home using, invitations home, invitations home using

Create Free Bingo Cards For Kids

Create Free Bingo Cards for Kids

Bingo is a useful rainy-day activity that requires only a few simple supplies. Make bingo cards that follow a travel theme for car trips or that coincide with your classroom lesson plans. Pass out the supplies and have each child craft her own bingo card, or have them ready beforehand. Offer a few small prizes to the winner of each game for an afternoon of fun.

Instructions

1. Decide how big you want your cards to be. Use a whole sheet of construction paper for large cards or cut each piece in half for smaller cards.

2. Use a ruler and pencil to make a grid that measures five squares across by five squares down for 25 total squares. Use a marker or pen to darken your grid lines.

3. Mark the very center square on each card as a "free" space.

4. Lay out 24 to 30 types of stickers into sorted piles. Create tickets for the callers to use by writing the names of the objects on each sticker on individual pieces of paper.

5. Add one sticker to each grid box on each card. Make sure the stickers are in different places on each card so no two cards are alike. If you have more than 24 different stickers, vary the types of stickers used on each card.

6. Allow each child to use crayons, markers or other craft supplies to decorate her bingo card.

7. Laminate the cards by sticking contact paper to the front and back. This is optional, but will make your cards last longer.

8. Fold the small paper slips in half and put them in a bowl. Pass out 25 pennies to each child. Pull out a paper slip and read the item on the card out loud. Have each child use a penny to mark the sticker that corresponds to the item called out. Play until someone gets a bingo. Offer prizes, like candy, to the winner of each round.

Tags: each card, each child, bingo card, Bingo Cards, Bingo Cards Kids, Cards Kids

Create Free Bingo Cards

An afternoon with the kids, a family reunion, game night with friends or a work party are all times when free, printable bingo cards will come in handy. A few hours of fun can be made easy with just a few clicks of the mouse. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Get on your computer and go to the Web site http://www.apollostemplates.com/templates-bingo/.

2. Scroll down to "Step 1: Select Your Bingo Card Template," and choose the color template you'd like for your bingo cards: black, blue, green or red.

3. Click on the color template you'd like for your bingo cards for the .PDF document link to open in a new window.

4. Click on the button for the color you'd like the numbers to be on the card. Click on the "Create New Cards" button to generate random numbers for the bingo cards.

5. Click on the "Print" icon in the top left-hand corner of the screen to print the bingo cards.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you have the number of bingo cards desired.

Tags: bingo cards, bingo cards, color template, color template like, like your, like your bingo

Create Flyers For A New Business

Creating and distributing flyers for a new business is an effective way to get the company's name and mission out to the public. Flyers can be created in several ways, but among the most popular is by using computer software such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop or Apple's AppleWorks. Once the flyers are completed on your computer, they can be printed or emailed to potential customers.

Instructions

1. Open a new document in a word processing or art program, such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. Add a border for the document. The border should have a simple design that reflects the nature of the business--perhaps bold lines for an entertainment company or a more elegant look for a legal firm. A bright design will draw the eye and attract attention, which is key to attracting customers to a new business.

2. Insert one to three images that are relevant to the business, such as a basketball, football and baseball if you're selling sports equipment. Don't crowd the document with large pictures, but make sure they're noticeable and can be easily recognized. For a business that fixes computers, a picture of a computer with a hammer next to it might relay the correct message.

3. Add text boxes to the document. The text boxes should display the basic information, such as what goods or services the business provides, location and contact information and prices. Make the text large enough to read without poring over the flyer and in an attractive font, such as Times New Roman. Add another text box to offer a coupon or other discount that will attract customers. Situate the coupon text at the bottom of the flyer so it can be removed easily by those who want to use it.

4. Save the document on your computer and email it or print it out. Print it at your home or business or take the original to a printing and copy store to make as many copies as you need. Either way, do it in color to make your flyers more attractive and easily noticed.

Tags: Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, such Microsoft, such Microsoft Word, text boxes, your computer

Create Family Reunion Invitations

There's nothing quite like a family reunion to bring everyone closer together. There are always distant family relatives that have lost touch with the rest of the family, so it's important to get together every so often to re-connect. All you need is some food, a central location and some invitations. If you want to create family reunion invitations yourself, use these tips to make this task a breeze.

Instructions

1. Set a budget. You need to decide early whether you plan to print the invitations out on your home computer, take them to a local copy shop or pay someone to design and print them. Printing them yourself is the cheapest option, but a professional may do a better job. The number of invitations you need will also be a factor. You may be able to print out 50 invitations, but if you're inviting 500 people, you're better off with a professional printer.

2. Pick a format. Choose whether you want to create your family reunion invitations in a word-processing program or a paint/graphics program. Decide how large you want the invitation to be, a standard 8.5 x 11 page, something like a postcard or a different size altogether.

3. Keep it simple. When you create family reunion invitations, keep it clean and simple. A simple graphic at the top of the invitation should be plenty. You can choose to use clip art, a stock photo or a family photo from a past reunion.

4. Add the particulars. Be sure to include the following on your invitation: date, time, location, contact person and phone number, description of the event, cost per family (if any), directions on get there and any special clothing or instructions that they need to be aware of.

5. Create a response card. Give attendees a chance to RSVP by creating a small response card to enclose in the invitation. Simply ask whether they plan to attend and if so, how many people will be attending. If you're planning a potluck, this is where you'd ask each attendee what dish they will bring.

6. Proof it. Print out a proof of the invitation and response card and enlist the help of a friend or family member to double-check the items for typos or other problems. Correct any mistakes.

7. Stamp and send. Print out the invitations and response cards and mail them to family members promptly.

Tags: family reunion, family reunion invitations, response card, reunion invitations, create family, create family reunion

Create E Brochures

Printed brochures have long been an effective means of advertisement and information dissemination. These days, with the Internet community still growing rapidly, electronic media is quickly becoming as important as printed media. Books, magazines and other forms of media once confined to print are now being published electronically. E-brochures have become more popular today than at any time during the technological revolution, and make up a large portion of the electronic advertising world. E-brochures look and work like traditional print brochures with the added benefit of versatility.

Instructions

1. Decide what desktop publishing software you want to use to create you e-brochures. If you own Microsoft Word, you can use it to create e-brochures. Word comes with a large number of templates for brochures. If you want to use a desktop publishing program, Microsoft Publisher is an affordable alternative to Adobe's desktop publishing products. You can also use Serif PagePlus, which is a free desktop publishing program (see Resources).

2. Open the brochure template right for your project. All of the programs mentioned in the first step include templates that make it easy to design and produce e-brochures. If you don't find a brochure layout exactly like you want, you can select the one nearest your idea and make changes to the template to suit your needs by removing or inserting text and graphics boxes.

3. Modify the brochure template by deleting the template text and graphics and then replacing it with your own. The templates are already laid out for you. To delete template text, select the text with your mouse and delete it; then type in your e-brochure text. To replace a graphic with your own, select the template graphic box, use the "Insert" menu and choose "Picture." This will replace template graphics with your own.

4. Use the same design rules for your e-brochure as you would a print brochure. If you start making modifications, try not to add too many additional graphics and avoid changing the template fonts to something hard to read. Effective e-brochure design is the same as printed brochure design.

5. Save your e-brochure as a PDF file. This is Adobe's Portable Document Format. This format is cross platform and can be read by anyone with Adobe's free reader, so this is the best format for e-brochure distribution. Microsoft Word 2007 has the capability to write as PDF with a free plug-in from Microsoft. If you're using an earlier version of Word or a desktop software not capable of writing to PDF, you can use an online service to save your file as a PDF for free. Another option is Cute PDF, which is free and installs on your computer as a virtual printer for creating PDF files.

Tags: desktop publishing, with your, your e-brochure, brochure template, create e-brochures, desktop publishing program

Create Event Flyers For Free

With the aid of flyers, you can inform people of your upcoming event and encourage them to take part. While you can hire a company to craft flyers for your event, or purchase generic pre-made options, doing so requires a substantial investment. Save yourself money on the flyers, and reinvest this cash in the event itself, by crafting your own event flyers for free.

Instructions

1. Select a word processing program to use. Any word processing program will work fine, as long as it allows you to add images and text boxes to the document.

2. Use a template for ease of creation. Consider downloading a free template to guide you in your flyer creation (see Resources). While you can certainly make a flyer without this help, downloading and using a template can save you time.

3. Pick an image that relates to your event. Select a photo of people in your group engaged in a previous event similar to the one you are throwing, or pick a standard clip art image that is in some way relevant if no photos exist. For example, if you are throwing a car wash, you could select an image of a sud-covered vehicle. Place this image in the center of the page.

4. Place a headline at the top of your flyer in attention-getting font. Add a text box at the top of the flyer page into which to put your headline. Keep this headline concise, limiting it to two or three words, as you only need this chunk of text to get your basic point across.

5. Include specifics about the event in a smaller print. Place these specifics below your centered image in a text box of their own. Include enough information for your flyer viewers to understand the what, when and where of the event, but do not be overly verbose, as viewers are not likely to invest time in reading a sizable chunk of text.

6. Print your flyer. Print these flyers from a printer directly, or print one copy and use a copy machine to create duplicates. Place the flyers on vibrant paper to make them even more attractive to viewers.

Tags: your flyer, your event, chunk text, image that, people your, processing program, word processing

Create Custom Party Invitations On The Computer

Office.com contains clip art as photographs and illustrations.

When a celebration is near, customize your invitations to help make your guests feel more welcome and in the party spirit. Microsoft Word offers a variety of fonts and graphic elements to style your announcement. Inserting clip art to match your party theme helps you print invitations quickly and economically with standard paper and a printer. Before you start Word, write down and edit all the text on a blank sheet to save time at the computer.

Instructions

Party Details

1. List the invitation details with a pencil on a sheet of paper: theme, party location, date, time and your name. Include your telephone number and email address for RSVP and a reply date.

2. Fold your worksheet to fit the envelope.

3. Open the folded sheet to see where the folds are located. Keep this sheet for comparison in the next section.

Illustrations

4. Open Microsoft Word.

5. Click the "Insert" tab on the command ribbon, and then click "Text Box" in the Text group. Click "Draw Text Box" to convert the cursor to a "+" symbol. Click and drag on the Word document to resize the box for your party details.

6. Click the "Home" tab, and then click a preferred font option in the Font group. For example, click "Calibri Light" in the Font drop-down list, and then click the "Italic (Ctrl+I)" button. Click in the text box and then type the text. The Paragraph group includes alignment options to help you center or align the text to the left or right.

7. Click the "Insert" tab, and then click "Clip Art" to open the pane to the right of your document.

8. Enter an object or theme in the field. Click the selection for the media file type in the drop-down list. Tick the check box for "Include Office.com content." For example, type "cake," click "Illustrations" in the list and then click "Go" to bring up the thumbnails of online images.

9. Click and drag the preferred image to your document. Click the pull handles on the frame to resize this image on the page. Click and drag the image to the preferred layout position. To move the text box, click in the text box, mouse over the border to change the cursor to four arrows, and then click and drag to the new position. You may need to change the Wrap Text option on the photo in order to drag it exactly where you want it on the document. Right click the image, choose "Wrap Text" and play with the various options until you get the picture to move to the desired location. This can also be done through the Picture Tools tab.

10. Press "Ctrl-P" to preview your invitation. Press the "Print" button to print a practice invitation on the worksheet you folded earlier. Decide on the elements you want to change. For example, if an image lies on the crease or too close to the edge of the page, reposition the image. Save this document.

11. Print a second test invitation. Fold the invitation, and update the document again, if necessary. Otherwise, print the number of invitations you would like to mail.

Tags: then click, Click drag, Click Insert, drop-down list, list then, list then click, Microsoft Word

Create Custom Paper Plates

Ramp up the celebration with custom paper plates!

You're throwing a retirement party, company picnic or wedding reception and you want everything festive. You think personalized plates would add to the ambiance, but a crayon on a paper plate just won't cut it. Many websites will take your custom message, logo or photo and have a stack of plates with your design delivered to your door. Order professionally printed paper plates to bring an air of sophistication to your event and serve your guests in style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Creating Custom Paper Plates

1. Make a sketch or mock-up of the paper plate you would like to have printed. If you are creating plates for a wedding, write out the new couple's names and the date in an elegant font. If you are making plates for a company party, scan your company's logo and save it as a .jpg or .gif. A photo plate will be perfect for an anniversary party, retirement party or birthday.

2. Browse internet sites to get an idea of the kinds of products and quantities available. You will find many sites offering printed plates; for example, visit Hallmark.com, Absorbentprinting.com and drinkware.com. Examine the color and size options and if you can upload a photo or logo. Choose a manufacturer in your price range that can print and deliver the plates in time for your event.

3. Find the size and color plate you want. If you plan on using a dark font, you will need a lighter colored plate. Check to be sure the plate you pick is available in the quantity you require.

4. Use the website's form to input your design. If you are typing a message or names on the plate, choose a font that is legible and the writing is centered or broken into lines just as you would like it. If you are using a team or company logo, upload the file to the site in the format requested, which is generally .jpg or .gif. To upload a photo, use the same process, but ensure ahead of time your photo is cropped and sized to your liking.

5. Input the quantity of plates you will require---ordering more will be less expensive per plate. Preview your order once more before confirming it. Write down or print out the number given by the manufacturer's website at this point. The order number and confirmation code will be necessary if the shipment is delayed or there is an error in printing.

Tags: company logo, Custom Paper, Custom Paper Plates, paper plate, paper plates

Create Custom Bingo Cards

Traditional bingo takes on a new look with personalized cards

Personalized bingo cards put an exciting new twist on an old game. The old fashion game of chance is traditionally played in large groups for cash or prizes. A personalized game can be used for the same purpose, or changed into a learning or comical game for all ages. Personalized cards have potential for spelling, multiplication or word find games. The creator is not limited to the number of squares or the headings used. Change up the game and get started with some fun.

Instructions

1. Pick your header and type of filler for the squares. Traditional cards read "BINGO" across the top. Personalize the cards using participants' names or the name of a group or other item. Fill the spaces with numbers or letters depending on the purpose of your game.

2. Divide your tag board evenly into squares. Traditional BINGO cards are five squares across and six squares down for a total of 30 squares. The number of letters in your chosen top word determines how many squares across you will need. For a long word, turn your paper to the side to create the card.

3. Use a ruler to measure and mark the decided number of squares. Make sure the squares are equal. Use total measurement of the paper in square inches divided by the number of desired squares to measure each individual space.

4. Mark the top of card with the desired word. Use one box per letter in the first row.

5. Create a randomized system for information filling. If you are using numbers for your squares, place numbers one through 40 on small pieces of paper. Place the small pieces in a bag or box and randomly pick. Place one number in each square based on the selection until the card is filled.

6. Continue filling in cards in the same manner until you have enough for all participants.

Tags: number squares, small pieces, squares across, squares Traditional

Create Clues For A Scavenger Hunt

Youth enjoy creative games such as a scavenger hunt.

Scavenger hunts provide a great avenue for youth and young-adult groups to get to know each other in a fun environment. Riding together in teams provides opportunity to talk and work together to find items. Friendly competition teaches teamwork and communication skills. Potential conflicts can even be teachable moments in learning respect each other and work out differences. Creating unique clues for scavenger hunts enhances the experience. A good group leader will not settle for the same scavenger hunt as the previous year. She will seek to make each scavenger hunt a new and fresh experience.

Instructions

1. Come up with theme ideas for the scavenger hunt. Having a theme will give you instant ideas for clues for the hunt. Holidays such as Halloween and Christmas provide many ideas for a scavenger hunt. For example, a Christmas scavenger hunt can involve having a picture of one of your team members on Santa's lap, as well as a picture of your team under a Christmas tree. A spring scavenger hunt may involve having the color green as your theme; all clues must be green in color. Narrowing the focus by creating a theme stimulates creative ideas for clues.

2. Write out riddles for your clues. Use a clever phrase or rhyme to share a clue where a scavenger hunt item might be found. The clues might all point to homes of parents of your youth, or business locations you have checked with beforehand. When the group goes to the home or business, they are handed the next clue in a riddle. This plan involves some more legwork, but adding the riddle element forces the team to work together more to solve the puzzle.

3. Take pictures of your clues with a digital camera and print out your pictures on sheets for each team. The teams then drive around to find items that resemble the pictures as closely as possible. Award bonus points to the team that brings back the object that most resembles the picture.

4. Create a clue list based on all the letters of the alphabet. This will give the teams 26 items to find and using this structure helps you think of clues by using the letters. You could give bonus points for multiple uses of the letter. For example, for the letter B, you say to bring some kind of bean. If a team brings back a bag of Boston Baked Beans, they should get 3 points, since they used the letter B three times.

5. Record audio clues of your list and put them on a CD. Each team should have a CD player either in their vehicle or on a portable player to listen to as they drive. The audio clue shares a hint of what the next item will be, either said plainly or in a riddle. Having an audio list rather than a written list gives the scavenger hunt a different flavor, and allows you to be more creative in coming up with clues and sharing them verbally.

Tags: scavenger hunt, bonus points, brings back, each other, find items

Dismantle A Wooden Frame Bed

Beds may remain in the same room and the same position for years, if not decades. However, the time may come when you need to replace or move the bed. Bed frames are generally made out of either metal or wood. Wood bed frames often have a wooden headboard and a wooden footboard. These components are connected to the frame itself either by bolts or by screws. In order to take apart the entire bed, these bolts or screws must be removed without damaging the wood itself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the sheets, pillows and any other coverings on the mattress. Lift off the mattress and the box spring to reveal the bed frame.

2. Remove the slats that go across the open space in the center of the frame. If the slats are held in place, remove any screws or bolts, using a Phillips-head screwdriver or Allen wrench.

3. Inspect each corner where the bed frame pieces intersect. You may need to look on all sides of each corner, as well as the inside of the frame. Locate the screws or bolts holding each corner together.

4. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove any screws. Use the Allen wrench to remove any nuts. Repeat this step on each of the other three corners of the bed frame.

5. Pull the headboard and back section away from the frame. Pull the footboard section away, leaving the two long pieces. If the long side pieces are still connected to the headboard or footboard, you may need to lift each end of the side piece up and out of a groove on the head- or footboard.

6. Remove any wheels from the bottom of the bed frame feet by grasping them and pulling them straight out of the bottom of the frame.

Tags: each corner, Allen wrench, bolts screws, bottom frame, frame Pull, Phillips-head screwdriver

Create Business Flyers

Create Business Flyers

Are you looking to advertise for your business? Try posting or mailing out flyers. It is a great way to put out a little bit of important information about your business in a dynamic and eye-catching way. Here are some helpful hints to creating your own business flyer.

Instructions

1. Write a brief description of the business or service you offer. Make sure you keep it to only a few sentences if possible. You want the flyers to be easy to read in a short period of time, yet engaging enough to grab the reader's attention and make him want to look further into the service or product you provide.

2. Take pictures of the product or service offered. While you can always find related photos online at web sites such as Flickr, it is always better to take photos yourself of the product or service. Not only does it make the flyer less generic, but it makes it completely accurate as well. If you have trouble taking nice, clear photos, you may want to find a friend or business associate to help you; someone who has a real knack for capturing something on film. Color pictures on your flyer will make it much more eye-catching and professional looking.

3. Use a template provided through your word processor, or create your own for the layout of your flyer. Programs such as Microsoft Word come with many templates. If you are unsure of arrange the text and graphics you have compiled on your flyer, try using one of these for direction. If you choose to do the layout yourself, just make sure the flyer is not too cluttered and is easy to read.

4. Make sure all of the information and graphics are related and make sense for the service or product you are advertising. Give it a final look over, perhaps ask someone else to help (a second pair of eyes may pick up mistakes you won't notice).

5. Print out as many flyers as you think you can distribute. If you do not have a high-quality printer that can do large volumes of printing, it may be a good idea to save the flyer to disk and print it out at a copying/printing center such as Staples or Office Max. Make sure you print in color.

Tags: Make sure, your business, your flyer, Business Flyers, Create Business

Create A Water Effect On A Scrapbook Page

Create a water effect on the background of your scrapbook page if you are documenting life events having to do with the beach, swimming lessons, going on a cruise or spending a family vacation at a lake. While it is possible to purchase scrapbook pages that already have a water effect applied to them, it is also quite simple and inexpensive to create your own water effect using blank scrapbook pages, tissue paper and diluted white glue.

Instructions

1. Unfold four sheets of light blue tissue paper and four sheets of dark blue tissue paper so that they are lying flat on your table or work surface. Beginning with whichever shade of blue you prefer, trace the outline of your scrapbook page onto each individual sheet of dark and light blue tissue paper.

2. Cut out the page outlines from the two colors of tissue paper. You will have eight pieces of tissue paper the size of your blank scrapbook page.

3. Draw wavy lines that are about 1 inch thick and extend the width or length of the tissue paper and then cut them out with your scissors.

4. Dilute your glue slightly with water until it is about as thin as whole milk.

5. Apply a very thin layer of your thinned glue mixture to the top of your scrapbook page with your paintbrush, enough to glue one set of waves to the page. Do not apply a thick layer, as this will cause your page to curl.

6. Press one strip of the tissue paper waves onto the portion of your scrapbook page that is covered in glue mixture, carefully pressing out wrinkles as you go.

7. Apply glue mixture to the next section of your scrapbook page and apply the contrasting blue tissue paper. Continue this process all the way down the page, alternating dark blue and light blue tissue paper and overlapping the layers slightly as you go to ensure full coverage and add texture to the water effect of your page.

8. Allow your scrapbook page to dry thoroughly. Trim any excess tissue paper around the edges and holes of the page and then apply an even layer of glue mixture over the entire scrapbook page. Once the glue mixture dries, your water effect will be complete and your page will be ready for use.

Tags: tissue paper, scrapbook page, your scrapbook, your scrapbook page, blue tissue, blue tissue paper, glue mixture

Make A Fabric Tablecloth

Tablecloths are an integral part of an elegantly set table.

If you cannot find a tablecloth design you like, you can simply make your own tablecloth at home. Homemade tablecloths can be budget-smart, especially if you intend to make napkins to match. In addition, high-end features such as monograms are easy and inexpensive to add, and can turn a homemade tablecloth into an elegant housewarming or wedding gift. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain the dimensions of the table on which you will put the cloth.

2. Pick the fabric you want. Take diners' needs into consideration. For instance, print fabrics can hide stains, making them a good choice for families with young children. Cotton and polyester fabrics are easy to wash. Add 20 inches to your table dimensions. For instance, for a rectangular table, add 20 inches to the length and width measurements. For a round table, add 20 inches to the diameter. The extra inches account for the hem and the part of the tablecloth that drapes on the sides of the table. If you choose cotton, buy a piece that is 20 percent bigger than you need, to account for shrinkage.

3. Wash and iron the fabric, if it is washable.

4. Measure your exact tablecloth dimensions, and mark the measurements. Then, cut the fabric to the marked dimensions.

5. Fold the edges of the fabric a half-inch under and press them with an iron. Then, fold the fabric edge under another half inch, and press the fabric again. Pin the folded edges in place with sewing pins.

6. Sew the hem into place by hand or with a sewing machine. If you have a particular type of decorative stitch in mind, use that. Otherwise, use a straight stitch.

Tags: table inches, with sewing

Create A Tropical Flower Centerpiece

Day lily is a tropical flower.

A tropical flower centerpiece can be made for a wedding, party or home decoration. Tropical flowers include Amazon lilies, bitter gourd, blue passion flower, chrysanthemums, day lilies, anthuriums and orchids. The flowers are usually bright in color. Use any item that can hold something to house the floral arrangement, and include as many or as few flowers as you want in the centerpiece. Choose flowers that match your color scheme. The cost of the flowers depends on your location and the season. You can also use fake flowers to achieve the same look.

Instructions

1. Trim the bottom 1/4 inch of each red anthurium and orange or white orchid stem with scissors.

2. Hold four to six red anthuriums so the buds point in various directions.

3. Mix orange or white orchids between the anthuriums.

4. Add one or two fern fronds to opposite sides of the bouquet.

5. Hold onto the tropical flower arrangement just below the buds. Asking someone to do this works best.

6. Wrap green floral tape tightly around the stems. The tape will hold the arrangement together. Start the tape 2 or 3 inches down from the bottom of the buds.

7. Wrap a ribbon or raffia around the flowers. You can tie a bow around the stems or use the ribbon to cover up the tape. Raffia works well for bows. You can also wrap tulle or beaded strands around the stems or tie on sand dollars.

8. Place the tropical flower arrangement into the centerpiece container.

9. Accent the area around the centerpiece with tropical flower petals, cocktail umbrellas, seashells or leis.

Tags: tropical flower, around stems, flower arrangement, orange white, tropical flower arrangement

Create A Surfing Beach Bedroom For Kids

Add surfing prints to the room.

Let your kids ride the waves into slumber when you create a surfing beach bedroom for them. Get creative with an ocean theme, bringing rolling surf and sand colors into the room. Carry the surf-theme throughout for a bedroom your kids will love. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the room. Use a soft tan paint for the bottom half of the room, reminiscent of the sand and shells found at the beach, and use a deep royal blue or a sea-foam pastel on the upper half. Divide the two colors with a border of shells, an ocean motif or one containing surf boards, palm trees and surf shacks. Add a wall mural of surfers to one wall.

2. Create a headboard. Attach an old, child-size surfboard to the wall for use as a headboard for a bed. Or use stencils to paint surfers on an existing headboard.

3. Choose a sheet set in solid colors to match the ocean motif. Add a surf- or ocean-themed bedspread and bed skirt. Use a few accent pillows to complete the bed.

4. Select accessories with an ocean or surf theme. Place a lamp shade with an ocean scene or shells over a lamp. Change a light switch cover to a surf-themed one. Consider adding a surfboard ceiling fan to the room.

5. Have photos of your children surfing blown-up into poster size and frame them to hang on the wall. Or use framed photos of famous surfers cut out from magazines. Add shelves to hold any surfing trophies and certificates.

Tags: with ocean, ocean motif, your kids

Decorate With A Beach Theme

Decorating with a beach theme imparts a restful and relaxing feel to the home. Perhaps it reminds one of being on vacation near the sea and the calming effects of the ocean. Here's how you can decorate your home with a beach theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Color is the first step in creating a beach theme room. Paint the room a subtle restful color such as ocean blues and greens and grays. The tan color of beach sand could also be used. This is just a backdrop for the room and should be subdued.

2. White should be the other main color in the room. Furniture covers, bedspreads, sheets, curtains should all be white. This provides a clean crisp background to highlight your natural decorative items.

3. Bring in some natural items found at the seashore such as real seashells, driftwood, and seaglass.

4. Add glass items in blue or green seaglass colors. These can be vases, bowls or figurines. It is better to have one or two large pieces than a jumble of small figurines or glass bowls. Place the natural items into the glass vases or bowls for display.

5. Bring in accent tables made of natural materials such as wood or wicker. This will make a nice contrast from the white curtains and slipcovers.

6. Add some color with pillows. These should be solid-colored in cool water tones likes blues and greens. Mix and match the blues and greens and do not make all the pillows the same color.

7. Lighting is important in any room. Try to select lamps that have glass bases or metallic shiny bases. This will create a reflective quality similar to reflections off ocean water.

8. Add a natural fiber or jute rug. Some of the rugs made for outdoor use would be ideal here.

9. Add a large mirror to act as a focal point and reflect the serene surroundings in your new room.

Tags: blues greens, beach theme, natural items, This will, vases bowls, with beach, with beach theme

Create A Photo Logo

Create a logo for your business using free online logo generators.

A fledgling business may wish to create a company logo but lack the funds to do so. Marketing Deviant, a business strategy firm, notes that a "[l]ogo symbolizes your company and provides an image nothing else can provide. It is one of the many important yet missed elements for many businesses." A business that wants to create a photo logo but can't afford to hire a graphic designer can create a low-resolution logo using an online logo creator.

Instructions

Cool Text

1. Open the Cool Text website.

2. Select a logo style or a button design. Insert your text, and select a font for your text.

3. Select your background color and text color and size. Choose the file type that you want (JPG, PNG, GIF, PSD, XCF).

4. Click the "Render" button. Your logo will appear.

5. Right-click on the logo, and select "Save As" from the drop-down menu.

6. Save the logo on your computer.

Supalogo

7. Open the Supalogo website.

8. Click "Options," and type your text. Select your font, font color and outline color for your text.

9. Select two gradient colors if you would like to include them.

10. Choose to save your logo file as a PNG with background file or a PNG with transparency file. You can choose the PNG with transparency file if you want a logo that will retain a translucent effect if you place it on top of a different background color, as the background will show through non-opaque pixels. The PNG with background maintains its own background color.

11. Click the "Generate" button on the right side of the screen. The logo will appear.

12. Save the logo on your hard drive.

LogoGenerator

13. Open the LogoGenerator website. Click the "Logo Generator" tab.

14. Type in two lines of your logo text, and select the template you wish to work with from the choices the logo generator offers.

15. Click "Customize this Layout" in the pop-up window to adjust the template's text, colors, font and size.

16. Place your cursor on the design when you have edited it as you wish, and right-click on it to save it to your computer.

Tags: your text, background color, logo your, text Select, Cool Text, file with

Create A Personalized Invitation

Personalized invitations are simple to create.

Making personalized invitations is easier than ever since the introduction of high-quality personal printers and invitation-making software or programs such as Microsoft Publisher. With these tools it is possible to create invitations that have the same high quality and appearance as invitations created by a print shop. The print options are not the only way to add personal touches to the invitations. It is also possible to add embellishments after printing to make one-of-a-kind, memorable invitations.

Instructions

1. Install an invitation-making software onto your computer or use a program such as Microsoft Publisher. There are some free software options (such as Invitation Nation) and some paid software options (such as Printing Press and Print Master). Some invitation cards also come with software to use to make personalized invitations.

2. Open the program and write the invitation in a basic font and color. Make sure to write in the time, place, type of event and what attire is required. Put any other necessary information in the invitation as well, such as place of registry.

3. Decide if you want to print the invitation onto a photo background, use pictures from the program database or add embellishments later after printing. If you decide to print the invitation onto a photo, scan the photo that you want to use as the background into the computer. Open the photo in the program. Change the font color, size and style so that it is clearly visible on the photo background. A white font usually works well for photos.

4. Choose any clip art or pictures from the database that you want to use on the invitations and arrange them onto the invitation. Load the printer with a test page and print one copy of the invitation. Check for mistakes and changes that you want to make before proceeding.

5. Print all of the invitations necessary plus a few extra. Place the invitations in a safe container. A shoe box works well for this.

6. Add any other personal embellishments such as ribbons, stickers, buttons, flowers or brads. Keep the embellishments appropriate to the theme. For a baby shower invitation, consider adding baby-oriented stickers, a rattle, pacifier buttons or baby-themed ribbons. You can add embellishments to the envelopes as well.

Tags: that want, after printing, font color, invitation onto, invitation onto photo, invitation-making software

Create A Party Flyer Free

Promote your next party with a flier.

Promote your party by getting the word out in your community through a flier. Fliers are single page pieces of paper and may offer photos, text, maps and details about your big event. Whether you're planning a big bash or a small neighborhood block party, create get-together fliers on your computer for free. Take advantage of software programs you already have or download free trials and with a couple of quick clicks, you'll be ready to spread the word about your upcoming celebration. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Using Publisher

1. Open Publisher or download a free trial and click the "Flyers" button in the middle of the "Available Templates" pane. Scroll through the Publisher flier templates; any flier may be completely customized with text and images. Double-click a flier to open the document in the Publisher workspace.

2. Click your cursor into the main headline on the flier; the headline becomes highlighted. Type your new headline directly over the top of it, such as "Mom and Dad's Anniversary Party!" Click into the other text boxes on the flier and type information about the party, such as the event theme, location, date and respond.

3. Click once on a picture on the flier and press the "Delete" key on the keyboard. Click the "Insert" tab at the top of the screen and click the "Clip Art" button. Type a description into the "Search for" box, such as "balloons," "gifts," "cake" or "party" and click "Go." Scroll through the results and double-click an image to add it to the flier. Repeat to add more images.

4. Click the "Page Design" tab at the top of the screen. Click the "Background" button on the right of the toolbar and click a small colored square to give your flier a colored background. Skip this step if you're printing the fliers on colored paper.

5. Click the "File" tab, click "Save As," type a name for the flier and save it to your computer.

Using Paint

6. Open Paint, click the Paint button in the top-left corner of the screen and click "Properties." Change the page dimensions to 8.5 in. by 11 in. and click "OK." Paint automatically resizes the workspace.

7. Click the "Text" tool, which looks like an "A" on the "Tools" section of the toolbar. Select a font and text size, click near the top of the page and type the party flier headline, such as "Club Grand Opening Saturday Night."

8. Move your cursor to the bottom of the flier, click and reduce the text size. Add additional details about the party, such as dress code, party time and date, directions and what will be served.

9. Click a colored box on the "Colors" section. Click the "Brushes" button and select the "Marker" brush. Draw the outline of a party image, such as a martini glass, balloon or disco ball. Click the "Fill with color" tool, which looks like a paint can on the "Tools" section, and click the inside of the drawing to fill it in solid.

10. Click the Paint button, click "Save As," give the flier a name and save it to the computer.

Using Word

11. Open Word or download a free trial, click the "File" menu and click "New." Click the "Flyers" folder on the "Available Templates" screen. Double-click the "Events" folder and view the different party flier templates, such as holidays, luau and sports parties. Double-click any flier and within a few moments, the flier will open in a new Word window.

12. Highlight the flier event placeholder title and type over it with your own, such as "Sammy's Sweet 16, You're Invited!" Repeat the typing over process with the other text boxes on the flier, including placeholders for your contact information, party logistics and R.S.V.P.

13. Give your flier a border by clicking the "Page Layout" tab and clicking the "Page Borders" tab in the center of the toolbar at the top of the screen. Click the "Box" button and pull down the "Color" menu. Select a colored box for the border color, such as one that matches the holiday event or party theme. Pull down the "Width" menu to select the thickness for the border and click "OK" to add the border to the flier.

14. Add a photo from your last event to the flier to show potential attendees what to expect by clicking the "Insert" tab at the top of the screen and clicking the "Picture" button, which opens a navigation window. Browse to a digital photo and double-click the file name, which adds the photo to the flier. Drag it into place with your cursor.

15. Click the "File" tab, click "Save As," type a name for the party flier and select a destination to save it to on your computer.

Tags: click Save, download free, party flier, your computer, your cursor