For adults you can create a cake decorated based on an “Age” theme. Instead of a single cake why not create individual cupcakes totaling the age of the birthday honoree. If the person is 50 then you create 50 cupcakes in their honor. You can decorate the cupcakes with various objects that are related to the individual such as a small picture of their favorite actor/actress or singer. You can get miniature representations of their favorite cartoon or theme park characters to place on the cupcakes. Another idea is to simply adorn each cupcake with the individuals age.

If you are hosting a Gothic themed birthday party you can do a number of things to make your cake standout and be a hit of the party. You can use food coloring to turn a regular cake into a black cake or turn white icing black. Shape your cake into a coffin or some other symbol of the Gothic culture and lifestyle. Go out and find black icing, black frosting, or black sprinkles to use on the cake. You can also bake a red velvet cake for a little variety too. Go to the stores in your local area that specialize in crafts, Halloween, and Gothic products and by items to help decorate your cake for the event.

If you are throwing a child’s birthday party you can cut and decorate the cake in the form of the child’s favorite board game such as Candy Land, Monopoly, etc. Another popular thing to do is to cut the cake in the form of a favorite toy such as a doll or a race car and decorate accordingly. Most kids play some type of sport. Cut and decorate the cake into the shape of the field that they play on for instance a soccer field, football field, baseball field, tennis court, or putting green.

If you have a college aged kid that you are throwing a party for then creating a cake that is decorated and shaped in the form of the schools mascot and colors is always going to be a big hit.

Coming up with birthday cake decorating ideas is fun and easy. Just simply let your imagination run wild with ideas, and find fun and creative ways to implement them.

-By: Kitwana Akil

Kitwana Akil writes about cake decorating ideas at http://BestCakeDecoratingIdeas.com

Shower Curtains: You can very creatively change the look of your bathroom by picking the perfect shower curtain that is an important bath accessory. Bathroom shower curtain ideas can really help you in getting the one you need. Various designs, styles, patterns and fabrics are there so, no need to worry about the diversity that you will get here. Shower curtain by fabric can be

• Cotton shower curtain
• Vinyl shower curtain
• Silk shower curtain

If you are looking for elegance and luxury go for the silk shower curtain otherwise the one made from cotton are the best to use and clean. Vinyl shower curtains although looks good but are not eco-friendly. They are very heavy but easy to clean.

Along with this numerous designs and patterns of shower curtains that will allure you. In the market you may find the following designs:

• Embroidered shower curtains
• Designer shower curtain
• Contemporary shower curtains
• Hookless shower curtain
• Luxury shower curtain
• Extra long shower curtains

Now the shower curtain buying ideas will really need the consideration towards your selected theme color. Or, you can buy a shower curtain and then revolve your theme around that. Along with shower curtain, also find the matching shower curtain liner, rods, hooks and rings. Further if you do not like the hooks then look for hookless shower curtain.

Bathroom Furniture: In this section of bathroom decorating ideas, you will have an insight into mirrors, bathroom sinks, storage cabinets, bathroom vanities, bathtubs, enclosures and shower heads

One of the best cake decorating tips you will ever get is about supplies. The secret to beautiful and creative cake decorating is working with the proper tools. If you don’t have the right tools, the process will be more difficult, less enjoyable and probably even a bit less attractive. There are number of different tools used in the cake decorating trade, so plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before the cake goes in the oven.

The basics of cake decorating starts at the beginning – with the cake pan. Everyone has the generic 13 by 9-inch rectangular pan that most cakes are made in. Some people even splurge and purchase a Bundt pan or a couple of round cake pans for making a layer cake. There is a much wider world of cake pans out there to be had, and they come in all shapes and sizes – from Barbie to Superman to flowers to giant cupcakes.

Probably the simplest way to make a fun and different cake is to use a decorative cake pan. Depending on the design and shape of the cake, you may be able to frost and decorate it just as you normally would but using a few different colors of frosting. Most specialty cake pans come with ideas and cake decorating tips, so check the package before you throw it out.

Sometimes creating a special and unique cake is an easy as cutting the cake into a few different shapes. For a small child, cut the cake into a bunch of squares, frost them and mark them with letters to create a cake of blocks. For older children, cut the cake into their initials or their age. A sharp knife and a bit of creativity are all you need for this little trick. It is also handy to use a cardboard or paper cutout as a cutting guide if you’re a little shaky with the knife. It just prevents mistakes and helps get it looking just right.

Kids love to help out in the kitchen, so get them into the cake decorating party too. This is especially sweet for a parent’s birthday. What Mom or Dad wouldn’t be thrilled with a birthday cake that was decorated specially for them by their kids? It doesn’t matter what goes on top of the cake. Put out sprinkles, candies and whatever you have on hand in little bowls. Frost the cake and then let the kids have at it. They will have a blast and the result will be a unique and special birthday surprise.

-By: Sara Le

Visit the Knowledge Bin website to learn about umbrella bird, breeding canaries and other information.

Get Ideas

There are thousands of ways to generate ideas for your bathroom decor, but the best place to start getting those ideas is to do some research online. The Internet contains an endless supply of ideas for anything, not just decorating a bathroom. If you search on any major search engine you will not be disappointed at the multitude of ideas awaiting you. Look at pictures, and see if that same thing can be achieved in your bathroom. If not, move on to the next one. If nothing is catching your eye online then visit some of your friends houses and ask them for ideas.

Determine a Theme

Once you have completed some online research or questioned some friends, you will need to select a theme. Bathrooms tend to look more “put together” if there is a common theme that runs through it. Some popular themes include country, fish, frogs, rustic, tropical, golf, tuscan, Disney, and anything underwater. Think about it. If you are using a golf theme then you would want to have golf clubs or a golf course design on your shower curtain. Then, you would want most of the bathroom colors to green with white accents. Maybe you could find a way to make a hanging rod out of an old golf club shaft. That is a just a few ideas.

Find the Decor

You have researched for ideas, determined a theme, and now it is time to find the accessories necessary to accomplish the task. Once again, the Internet is the best place to start. Many times you will be able to find anything that you need and have it shipped to you for a reasonable price. But, if you can’t find what you are looking for then try your local home improvement stores, general stores, hardware stores or even grocery stores.

Don’t make choosing bathroom wall decor a difficult task. Have fun with it, and use these three steps to make the process a lot smoother.

-By: Wes B Wayne

Wes B. Wayne gives important tips and advice on bathroom wall decor at http://bathroomwalldecor.wordpress.com.

Hanging pictures and collectibles is tricky, but once you let yourself experiment you can have a ball creating exciting displays. Unless an object is large or a painting is prominent, one small picture hung by itself looks lonely.

Pairs and groupings work better. Recently I hung four identically framed black and white pen and inks in a row on one of my kitchen walls. Mounting them in a line gave the room a more contemporary look. You can also stack pictures two on top and two on the bottom or other combinations of numbers.

When objects share something in common they form a pleasing ensemble. One collector showed me how she grouped dozens of vintage wedding pictures of different couples together. Because all of the photographs had a theme to them, they formed an interesting collection. The brown tone of all these antique photos served to organize the collection providing a harmonious visual presentation.

Another avid collector of 1950′s “Paint By Number” pictures covered his counseling office wall with his collection of these funky colorful framed retro art pieces. Many whimsical collectibles can be found at flea markets and make for interesting “art” when displayed in groups. Consider hanging vintage pocketbooks, pot covers, mirrors, toy shovels, keys, tin ceiling tiles etc.

A large collection of small flea market paintings all with different frames can also work well if the overall look is a wall filled with similar sized frames. In this formation you are spacing pictures equally apart but arranging them together as you would a jigsaw puzzle. This type of mounting works well on the walls bordering staircases.

Three dimensional objects can be enclosed in a deep plexi-glass shadow box frame and mounted on the wall. Old chairs, boxes, miniature dressers can also be used as “shelves” and hug on walls to display collectibles and other interesting finds.

You do not have to stick to one “style” or design period. It’s always exciting to mix up the look. Add vintage to modern or urban chic to antique. Older objects and pictures warm up rooms, while more contemporary accessories offer a clean crisp look. Add the unexpected to your walls and sit back an enjoy your design work. The best part of wall decor is that it can be changed so easily whenever you are ready for a new idea.

For many more creative ideas about how to use, display and hang collectibles and unusual finds, consult my book, Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes.

-By: C. Dianne Zweig

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen

Wall stickers are more preferred by home owners and interior designers because of the features that they can offer that no other form of wall decorating comes to close to giving. They offer the easiest form of application, convenient removal options, opportunities for custom designs, low cost, and do-it-yourself features.

Many people consider decorating their walls with paint or wallpaper to be a huge undertaking. They choose not to carry out these decorating tactics because of the trouble and time that they consume. However, more people are discovering that they can get the same decorating results in an easy and quick form of application through wall stickers, so they are becoming more and more popular due the fact that they take little time and can be applied by inexperienced decorators.

This form of wall decor is also becoming the latest trend because of their mobility. Changing or removing stickers require much less effort than the tedious peeling of wallpaper or covering of furniture for painting. Wall decals conveniently change with the style, trends, and tastes of homeowners and children. They are perfect for those that rent homes in that they are easily removed to be taken with you when you move.

Another factor that motivates people to move toward purchasing stickers is their price. In comparison to paint or wallpaper, wall stickers are very affordable and inexpensive. They save incredible amounts of money when used in the place of painted wall murals. The cost of using them and the push from most families to save money contributes greatly to wall stickers as the next big trend in wall decorating.

There is no doubt that the future shows wall decals as the next big trend in wall decorating. Cost efficiency, mobility, easy application and removal, customizable factors, and the lack of need for professional help all point to their future success.

-By: Stuart S Barr

The author professionally designs wall stickers including nursery stickers.

Kitchen options include insertions of stained glass into cabinet doors for a very appealing improvement to an otherwise possible boring typical array of cabinetry. If considering this option, one would best be advised to realize that an electric light source inside that cabinet will greatly increase the effect. An additional kitchen option could be a custom sized stained glass window panel hung in front of the window, allowing the light behind it to vividly show the colors within. Sometimes an entire window panel may be too much. If that’s the case, consider smaller sun catchers or simply stained glass window corners. Stained glass wall panels aren’t limited to be hung in front of the window. They make beautiful wall art additions as well.

Improvements in the living room can include the addition of stained glass window panels, partial window panels covering only part of the window or the addition of stained glass pieces which include mirrors within. A common living room enhancement is the popular fireplace screen which is frequently made using clear bevels which allow the flickering of the fireplace flames behind the glass to be seen. Oftentimes endless colors appear through the prisms of glass. The addition of simple candle holders will create excitement as well.

Dining rooms offer the possibilities of chandeliers made from beveled pieces of glass or other more colorful creations. The center piece of this room is a perfect spot for a 3d stained glass table top piece. If you feel your dining room is a little too small, try hanging mirrors in the room to reflect more light thereby making the room seem larger.

Jewelry boxes are frequently found in the bedroom. These boxes can be sized accordingly to your needs. Why not add some ambiance to your room with custom designed candle holders. Stained glass creations ideal for bedrooms include terrariums and again the use of mirrors.

Bathrooms are fun rooms to work stained glass into. Common enhancements are custom made stained glass pieces used in lieu of open shelving or all wood drawers, etc. Of course, mirrors and mirrors including stained glass pieces will crate excitement too.

Some of the nicest looking offices I’ve seen had stained glass panels used as drawer fronts or cabinet fronts intertwined within the shelving. Colorful stained glass panels cover portions of the windows in a beautiful office as well. Smaller but still exciting accents are custom made stained glass calling card holders, “inbox” holders and pencil boxes.

The addition of stained glass in entryway sidelights or even the complete front door is guaranteed to create a unique look for your home and greet each and every person who walks through your door. Who could forget that experience? I have even seen houses that included custom made door bell covers in lieu of the typical plastic box.

Stained glass offers you the ability to personalize your home with unique decors, sizes, colors and themes that fit your style and taste. If you are interested in learning more about any of these or other stained glass ideas please visit my website.

-By: Maureen Summy

I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making stained glass go to http://www.creativity-in-glass.com