Frequently Asked Questions

...and other good stuff.

What does "bump" mean?

When someone has no comment of their own to add to a thread, but they feel the thread should be seen, they can "bump" it to the top of the board. Sometimes old threads are also bumped because they relate to a question on a more recent thread.
Other words are occasionally used, like "top", "nudge", or "smack".

How do I find an old topic?

Above each board and on the index page, there are several links, including a search feature. The search feature is infamously moody. Sometimes you can find everything you want on the first try; sometimes you think you must have imagined what you are trying to find! Many of us have had better results by:

-Searching in "All Boards," unless you know for sure where your topic was
-Searching with "Search entire phrase"
-Changing the "Max. post age" and "Limit posts" fields to "999"

How do I make lip balm/Where can I find lip balm containers? (and other lip balm-related things)

Everyone's way of making lip balm is different, but most people stick with a mix including some of these ingredients:

-beeswax (grated) [vegans can try candelilla wax or shea butter]
-cocoa butter (same as for beeswax)
-almond or another "light-tasting" oil
-petroleum jelly
-vitamin e (just poke a hole in a capsule and squeeze it out)
-honey (add AFTER melting!)
-flavoring (safe essential oils, candy flavorings, or specifically-for-lip-balm flavorings)
-lipstick (for color)

To start out, you can try using 1 part beeswax to 4 parts oil. Melt these together on low heat in the microwave. Mix in a drop or three of flavoring. Pour it into your container, and let it harden. After you figure out what consistency this gives you, you can branch out and add other ingredients. Use it up in a couple months or throw it out. If you add vitamin E it will last a bit longer.

Containers for lip balm can be found all over the Internet, and in craft stores. Look for pots used to store beads, paints, etc. Be creative!

Threads about making lip balm:

http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=595#23775
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=6724#72362
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=4669#46214
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=2655#23133
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=365#2529
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=3134#2830

Some Glitterati have bought supplies at these websites:

www.sunburstbottle.com/index.html
www.lavenderlane.com
www.stuffjulielikes.com
www.cranberrylane.com
www.leevalley.com

What are marble magnets/How do I make them?

Marble magnets are made by gluing an image (often a picture from a magazine) to the back of a flattened clear marble and then attaching a magnet behind the picture. The end result looks like a picture contained in a small bubble; they are very cute!
The marbles can be found in the floral design section of most craft stores. Magnets are available in the "random supplies" aisle at most craft stores, but usually online prices are better. You can use most types of strong glues that dry clear to put everything together. A lot of people use a silicone multi-purpose glue like E-6000. Plain old Elmer's works too. As for magnets, if your marble magnets are going to be mostly decorative, you can get away with using adhesive-backed magnet strips. If you want the magnets to actually hold up your grocery list (or what have you), you should use magnetic buttons.

Threads about marble magnets:

www.woodwrks.com

Which is better, knitting or crocheting?

It's all preference. Most people have different reasons for liking one or the other better. Needles for both can be found on the cheap at many thrift stores, so try them both and see what you like! Both are usually easier to learn by watching than by reading a book, so find someone that can teach you the basic techniques. Yarn stores sometimes have free classes. Ask around, you'll be surprised who knows how to do these "Grandma Crafts!"

Threads about Knitting vs. Crocheting/Learning How:

http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=2814#24835
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=119#856
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=280#26581
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=4627#45683
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=3255#29834
http://discuss.gromco.com/mwforum/topic_show.pl?id=4538#46939

I'm buying a sewing machine: what is good?

Threads about sewing machines:

I need gift ideas for {fill in the blank}!!

Here is a getcrafty article about gifts:

Here's the getcrafty store, in case you run out of time!

How do I make soap?

Soapmaking is too broad a craft to discuss in this FAQ; there are so many different aspects to it. All that can be said is that there are two main ways of crafting soap: melt-and-pour (also known as melt-and-mold); and from scratch, using lye and fat like in Fight Club. Both can be very fun and rewarding.

Threads about soap:

Can I sign up to tell you about my great product/service?

That depends. Are you signing up because you genuinely want to be a part of Glitter on a somewhat regular basis? Or are you just hoping to increase your revenues/hits to your website? We welcome considerate new members with open arms and minds, and we viciously guard our community against those that come to advertise once and never return. If you do sign up with no purpose but advertising in mind, that is the best way to guarantee you will get absolutely no business from us.

Do any of the Glitterati have websites?

Absolutely!
You can find them here. (http://angelfire.com/zine/blasphemy/thesites.html)

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None of the above businesses are condoned by or affiliated with getcrafty. (A.K.A. shop at your own risk!)