Microsoft Excel 2007/2008: Pointer Shapes (Win/Mac)

 Pointer Shapes

As with other Microsoft programs, the pointer often changes its shape as you work in Excel. Each pointer shape indicates a different mode of operation. This document provides a table describing the various pointer shapes you may see while working in Excel 2007/2008.

Shape	Context	Action
	The default pointer shape; appears in most Excel workspace contexts	Moves cell pointer or selects a range of cells
	Appears when the pointer is on the border of a window	Adjusts window size
	Appears when the pointer is between a row or column divider	Adjusts height and width of rows and columns
	Appears when you are editing cell contents	Provides a text insertion point
	Appears when the pointer is on a column or row heading	Selects columns or rows
Windows: Macintosh:	Appears when the pointer is placed over a cell border, graphic, or other object	Moves cells, graphics, or objects
	Appears when the pointer is on the "fill corner" of a cell or cell range	AutoFills other cells with similar information
Windows only:	Appears when mouse is placed over the Ribbon	The standard Microsoft Windows pointer; selects Ribbon and menu options Make sure to let me know in the comments below or on our Facebook page how you've got with it or Do you have any questions

Microsoft Excel 2008: Getting Started with Excel (Mac)

Getting Started with Excel

 

 

 

 

Microsoft Excel combines the column-row layout of traditional paper spreadsheets with powerful tools for data calculation, analysis, and formatting. When used optimally, Excel saves a great deal of time performing a multitude of tasks. This document introduces some of the essential concepts that will help you design effective workbooks in Excel.

• Opening Excel
• Creating a Workbook
• Entering Text
• Entering Numbers
• Entering Numbers Formatted as Text
• Entering Dates and Times
• Saving Your Work

Opening Excel

1. To open Excel 2008, from the Dock, click FINDER
   The Finder window appears.
2. Select Applications » navigate to and double click the MICROSOFT OFFICE 2008 folder
3. Navigate to and double click EXCEL 2008

Creating a Workbook

An Excel file is called a workbook. By default, new Excel 2008 workbooks open with one blank worksheet. You can add or delete worksheets at any time. The advantage of having multiple worksheets, or layers, is that a variety of data can be compiled, analyzed, and integrated in a single file. Worksheets can contain data, charts, or both.
For more information on Excel terminology, refer to Worksheet Terms.

1. From the File menu, select New Workbook
   ORPress [Cmd] + [N]
   OR
   From the Standard toolbar, click NEW
   A new workbook appears.

Entering Text

Excel allows you to enter text into cells.

1. Select the cell where you want to enter text
2. Type text into the cell
   HINT: To force text to wrap at a specific point in a cell, press [Alt] + [return]
3. To accept the text, press [return] or an [Arrow]

Entering Numbers

Numeric cells can be used for calculations and functions. A numeric cell may contain numbers, a decimal point (.), plus (+) or minus (-) signs, and currency ($).

1. Select the cell where you want to enter numbers
2. Type the numeric information that should be in the cell
   HINT: To enter a fraction, type 0 and press [Space] before the fraction; otherwise, Excel will interpret the fraction as a date.
3. To accept the information, press [return] or an [Arrow]
   NOTES:
   Excel automatically right-aligns numerical values and left-aligns text.
   Do not include spaces or alphabetical characters in a calculation cell.

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text

When cells are formatted for text, all cell contents—letters, numerals, or alpha-numeric combinations—are treated as text. Information is displayed exactly as it is entered. There are two ways to enter numbers as text.

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text: Apostrophe Character

1. Select the cell you want to enter information into
2. Press ['], then type numeric information
3. To accept the information, press [return] or an [Arrow]

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text: Dialog Box

NOTE: This method is especially useful when formatting multiple cells to display text.

1. From the Format menu, select Cells...
   The Format Cells dialog box appears.
2. Select the Number tab
3. From the Category scroll list, select Text
4. Click OK
5. Type the desired numbers and/or text in the cell
   HINT: To force text to wrap at a specific point in a cell, press [Alt] + [return]
6. To accept the text, press [return] or an [Arrow]

Entering Dates and Times

Entering a Date and Time Manually

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the date or time
2. To enter a date, type the date in one of the following formats: 8/14/2008, 8-14-2008, or August 14, 2008
3. To enter a time
   1. Type the time
   2. Press [Space]
   3. To indicate AM or PM, press [Shift] + [A] or [P], respectively
4. To accept the information, press [return] or an [Arrow]

Entering the Current Date and Time Automatically

For information on having Excel automatically insert dates and times, refer to Inserting Dates and Times.

Saving Your Work

Saving for the First Time

The following steps should be used when you are saving a worksheet for the first time, when you want to save it to a new location (e.g., as a backup), or when you want to save a copy with a different name.

1. From the File menu, select Save As...OR
   Press[Cmd] + [S]
   The Save As dialog box appears.
2. From the Where pull-down menu, select the appropriate save location
3. In the Save As text box, type a filename
4. OPTIONAL:
   To save your workbook in a format other than the default (.xlsx):
   From the Format pull-down menu, select the desired format
5. Click SAVEThe file is saved.

Saving Subsequent Times

1. From the File menu, select SaveORFrom the Standard toolbar, select SAVE
   ORPress [Cmd] + [S]
   The file is saved.
   

 

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Microsoft Excel 2008: Formatting Numbers (Mac)

 Formatting Numbers

 

Excel provides preset number formats to help you standardize how numbers will appear in your worksheet. You may also customize number formats to fit your needs.
EXAMPLES:
When formatted as Currency, the number 9.25 will appear as $9.25.
When formatted as Fraction, the number 9.25 will appear as 9 1/4.

• Number Formatting Options
• Formatting Numbers: Formatting Palette Option
• Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option
• Clearing Number Formatting

Number Formatting Options

Excel provides many formatting options for numbers and even allows for you to customize number formats to fit your needs.

Name	Description

General	This option leaves numbers as typed with no number formatting except for the number being aligned the right NOTE: Text is aligned to the left.
Number	Used for the general display of numbers
Currency	Used for general monetary values
Accounting	Used to line up the currency symbols and decimal points in a column
Date	Used to display date and time serial numbers as date values
Time	Used to display date and time serial numbers as time values
Percentage	Used to format the number as a percentage by multiplying the number by 100 and adding a percentage symbol
Fraction	Used to format the number into a fraction EXAMPLE: .25 into ¼
Scientific	Used to display formulas with numbers and letters where the numbers have decimals
Text	Used to format the cell with a number as a text cell NOTE: The cell is displayed exactly as entered and aligned to the left.
Special	Used to display numbers such as a zip-code, phone number, or Social Security number
Custom	Used to customize a number formatting to fit your needs

Formatting Numbers: Formatting Palette Option

The Formatting Palette offers a simple way to apply number formatting. To customize number formatting, refer to Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. Click TOOLBOXThe Formatting Palette appears.
3. If the Number section is not expanded, click it
   The Number section expands.
   
4. In the Number section, from the Format pull-down menu, select the desired format
   The desired format is applied.
   HINT: The default format is General.

Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option

The Format Cells dialog box can help you customize your number formatting.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. From the Format menu, select Cells...
   The Format Cells dialog box appears.
   
3. If the Number tab is not selected, select it
4. From the Category list, select the desired number format
   Additional options may appear.
5. From any additional option(s), make the desired selection(s)
6. Click OK
   The desired format is applied.

Clearing Number Formatting

The General number format is the default format. Changing the formatting to General will remove all other number formatting for the selected cells.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. Click TOOLBOXThe Formatting Palette appears.
3. If the Number section is not expanded, click it
   The Number section expands.
   
4. In the Number section, from the Format pull-down menu, select General
   The formatting is cleared.

Make sure to let me know in the comments below or on our Facebook page how you've got with it or Do you have any questions

Microsoft Excel 2007: Formatting Numbers (Win)

 Formatting Numbers

 

Excel provides preset number formats to help you standardize how numbers will appear in your worksheet. You may also customize number formats to fit your needs.
EXAMPLES:
When formatted as Currency, the number 9.27 will appear as $9.27.
When formatted as Fraction, the number 9.27 will appear as 9 1/4.

• Formatting Numbers: Toolbar Option
• Formatting Numbers: Ribbon Option
• Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option
• Clearing Number Formatting

Formatting Numbers: Toolbar Option

When you want to format numbers quickly, Excel allows you to do so from the Ribbon.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. From the Home command tab, in the Number group, click the desired toolbar option

Name	Image	Description
Number Format		Displays the formatting style of the selected cell NOTE: For more information, refer to Formatting Numbers: Ribbon Option.
Accounting Number Format		Changes the formatting to Accounting NOTE: You can insert foreign currency symbols by clicking the.
Percentage Style		Changes the formatting to Percentage
Comma Style		Changes the formatting to include commas and two decimal places
Increase Decimal		Adds one decimal place to the selected cell
Decrease Decimal		Removes one decimal place from the selected cell
Format Cells: Number		Accesses the Format Cells dialog box For more information, refer to Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option.

Formatting Numbers: Ribbon Option

The Ribbon offers a simple way to apply number formatting. To customize number formatting, refer to Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. From the Home command tab, in the Number group, click NUMBER FORMAT» select the desired number format
   The cell is formatted.
   HINTS:The default category is General.
   The number in the selected cell is previewed under the format label in the pull-down list.

Formatting Numbers: Dialog Box Option

The Format Cells dialog box can help you customize your number formatting.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. In the Home command tab, in the Number group, click FORMAT CELLS: NUMBER
   The Format Cells dialog box appears with the Number tab displayed.
3. From the Category list, select the desired number format
   HINT:You can preview the formatting in the Sample section.
   EXAMPLE: Select Currency.
4. If the format offers additional options, select the preferred options
   EXAMPLE: Format the number of decimal places, the desired symbol, and negative numbers.
   
5. Click OK
   The selected cells are formatted.

Clearing Number Formatting

The General number format is the default selection. Changing the formatting to General will remove all other number formatting for the selected cells.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to format
2. From the Home command tab, in the Number group, click NUMBER FORMAT» select General
   The formatting is cleared.

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Microsoft Excel 2007/2008: Inserting Dates and Times (Win/Mac)

 Inserting Dates and Times

Excel offers several ways to include dates and times into your worksheets. Depending on the purpose of your worksheet, you will need to decide whether to insert a static or dynamic date and time. Static dates and times will not change as you work with your worksheet, while dynamic dates and times will change as time progresses and modifications are made to your worksheet.

• Inserting Dynamic Dates and Times
• Inserting Static Dates and Times

Inserting Dynamic Dates and Times

Dynamic dates and times are updated every time Excel recalculates, by default, every time [Enter]/[return] is pressed. This is useful if you would like the current date and/or time to be displayed every time the worksheet is viewed or printed.

Inserting a Dynamic Date Only

1. Select the cell in which you want the date to appear
2. In the cell, type =today()
3. Windows: Press [Enter]
   Macintosh: Press [return]
   The current date appears in the cell and will be updated every time Excel recalculates.
   NOTE: For information on changing the format of the date, refer to Formatting Numbers (Windows | Macintosh).

Inserting a Dynamic Date and Time

1. Select the cell in which you want the date and time to appear
2. In the cell, type =now()
3. Windows: Press [Enter]
   Macintosh: Press [return]
   The current date and time appear in the cell and will be updated every time Excel recalculates.
   NOTE: For information on changing the format of the date and time, refer to Formatting Numbers (Windows | Macintosh).

Inserting Static Dates and Times

Static dates and times are not updated. The date or time that is inserted into the cell will be the date or time that the command is entered into the cell.

Inserting a Static Date

1. Select the cell in which you want the date to appear
2. Press [Ctrl] + [;]
   The current date appears in the cell and will not be updated.
   NOTE: For information on changing the format of the date, refer to Formatting Numbers (Windows | Macintosh).

Inserting a Static Time

1. Select the cell in which you want the time to appear
2. Press [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [:]
   The current time appears in the cell and will not be updated.
   NOTE: For information on changing the format of the time, refer to Formatting Numbers (Windows | Macintosh).

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Microsoft Excel 2007/2008: Worksheet Terms (Win/Mac)

 

Worksheet Terms

 

Like all other areas of computer technology, Microsoft Excel worksheets have their own "language." This list of common terms is provided to serve as a reference for you as you work in Excel.

Cell

The intersection of a column and row. Information is stored in cells.
 

Cell Pointer

The cell pointer is similar to Word's insertion point. It selects or marks the current cell (where the next activity is going to take place). The Excel pointer changes shape depending on location and corresponding function. For more information, refer to Pointer Shapes.
 

Cell References

The address, consisting of the column and row IDs, of a specific cell. The current cell location is displayed in the upper left corner of the worksheet.
 

Column

A vertical group of cells within a worksheet.
 

Formula

A set of instructions which perform a calculation based on numbers entered in the cell or numbers entered in other cells (referred to by cell references). All formulas begin with the equal sign (=).
 

Function

A pre-programmed formula. The function performs the calculation based on the cells referenced in the function. All functions begin with the equal sign (=).
 

Range

A group of cells. Ranges are often referenced for formulas, printing, and designating information to be copied or cut. Ranges can be selected by clicking and dragging over the cells.
 

Row

A horizontal group of cells within a worksheet.
 

Value

A number that can be used in an Excel calculation.
 

Workbook

A collection of worksheets contained within a single file.
 

Worksheet

A single layer or single sheet within the workbook. A worksheet can contain data, charts, or both. Instead of compiling all of your information into one worksheet, you can create several worksheets within the one workbook file. With this organization, similar information is grouped together to make it easier to locate and use. The worksheets for your workbook will vary based on its content and purpose.
EXAMPLE: If you want one file containing the gradebooks for all sections you teach, each section can be on a separate sheet.
NOTE: The terms worksheet and spreadsheet are often used interchangeably.

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Microsoft Excel 2007: Organizing Worksheets (Win)

Organizing Worksheets

Organizing the worksheets within your workbook files can make your Excel documents easier to maintain and manage. Worksheets can be moved, renamed, or deleted to make your workbook easy to navigate through. This document covers the following topics:

• Renaming Worksheet Tabs
• Changing Worksheet Tab Colors
• Inserting Worksheets
• Moving Worksheets
• Copying Worksheets
• Deleting Worksheets

Renaming Worksheet Tabs

The tabs on the bottom of the worksheets contain the name of each worksheet. You can change the default name of the worksheet to describe its contents.

1. To select the sheet name, double click the appropriate worksheet tab
   OR
   Right click the appropriate worksheet tab » select Rename
   
2. Type the new sheet name
3. Press [Enter]
   The worksheet is renamed.

Changing Worksheet Tab Colors

Coloring worksheet tabs can make specific worksheets easier to locate within a large workbook.

1. Right click the appropriate SHEET tab » select Tab Color » select the desired color
   

Inserting Worksheets

New Excel workbooks are created automatically with three worksheets. If you need additional sheets, you can easily insert them.

Inserting Worksheets: Right Click Option

This option inserts a new worksheet in front of the selected SHEET tab.

1. Right click the appropriate SHEET tab » select Insert...
   
   The Insert dialog box appears.
2. Select the General tab
3. Select Worksheet
4. Click OK
   The new worksheet is inserted in front of the current worksheet.

Inserting Worksheets: Button Option

This option inserts a new worksheet after all other worksheets.

1. At the far right of the worksheet tabs, click INSERT WORKSHEET
   A new worksheet is added to the right of all other worksheets.

Moving Worksheets

You may want your worksheets in a particular order when printing the final document. You may also want to to group similar worksheets together, or simply rearrange the order for easier access while working on a file. If the original worksheet order no longer fits your needs, you can rearrange worksheets within the same workbook or move a worksheet to another workbook.

Moving Worksheets: Same Workbook, Right Click

1. Right click the SHEET tab of the worksheet to be moved » select Move or Copy...
   The Move or Copy dialog box appears.
   
2. From the To book pull-down list, select the current workbook
3. From the Before sheet scroll box, select where the sheet will be moved
   NOTE: The sheet will be placed in front of the sheet you select.
4. Click OK
   The worksheet is moved.

Moving Worksheets: Same Workbook, Drag and Drop Option

The Drag and Drop option works only if you want to move a worksheet within the same workbook.

1. Click and hold the SHEET tab of the worksheet to be moved
   A sheet icon and arrow appears.
   
2. Drag the sheet icon to the desired location
   The arrow indicates where the sheet will be placed.
3. Release the mouse button
   The worksheet is moved.

Moving Worksheets: Different Workbook

1. Open both the worksheet to be moved and the workbook to which it will be moved
2. To display the worksheet that will be moved,
   1. From the Ribbon, select the View command tab
   2. In the Window group, click SWITCH WINDOWS » select the workbook containing the worksheet to be moved
3. Right click the SHEET tab of the worksheet to be moved » select Move or Copy...
   The Move or Copy dialog box appears.
   
4. To move the worksheet to an existing workbook, from the To book pull-down list, select the destination workbook
   To move the worksheet to a new workbook, from the To book pull-down list, select (new book)
5. From the Before sheet scroll box, select where the sheet will be moved
   NOTE: The sheet will be placed in front of the sheet you select.
6. Click OK
   The worksheet is moved.

Copying Worksheets

You may need to create a copy of a worksheet if the same information is needed in multiple files. Or, you may want to use the same format without having to reformat a new worksheet. For example, if you have created a worksheet for one project but do not want to recreate the worksheet for another project, copying the worksheet saves you the time of creating another worksheet.

Copying Worksheets: Same Workbook

1. Right click the SHEET tab of the worksheet to be copied » select Move or Copy...
   The Move or Copy dialog box appears.
   
2. In the To book pull-down list, select the current workbook
3. From the Before sheet scroll box, select where the sheet will be located
   NOTE: The sheet copy will be placed in front of the sheet you select.
4. Select Create a copy
5. Click OK
   The worksheet is copied.
6. OPTIONAL: Rename the copy

Copying Worksheets: Different Workbook

1. Open the worksheet to be copied and the workbook to which it will be copied
2. To display the worksheet that will be moved,
   1. From the Ribbon, select the View command tab
   2. In the Window group, click SWITCH WINDOWS » select the workbook containing the worksheet to be moved
3. Right click the SHEET tab of the worksheet to be copied » select Move or Copy...
   The Move or Copy dialog box appears.
   
4. To copy the worksheet into an existing workbook, from the To book pull-down list, select the destination workbook
   To copy the worksheet into a new workbook, from the To book pull-down list, select (new book)
5. From the Before sheet scroll box, select where you want the worksheet copied
   NOTE: The sheet copy will be placed in front of the sheet you select.
6. Select Create a copy
7. Click OK
   The worksheet is copied.

Deleting Worksheets

If you no longer have a need for a particular worksheet, you can delete that sheet from the workbook.

1. Right click the appropriate SHEET tab » select Delete
   The sheet is deleted.

 

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Microsoft Excel 2007: Getting Started with Excel (Win)

Getting Started with Excel

 

 

 

Microsoft Excel combines the column-row layout of traditional paper spreadsheets with powerful tools for data calculation, analysis, and formatting. When used optimally, Excel saves a great deal of time performing a multitude of tasks. This document introduces some of the essential concepts that will help you design effective workbooks in Excel.

• Opening Excel
• Creating a Workbook
• Entering Text
• Entering Numbers
• Entering Numbers Formatted as Text
• Entering Dates and Times
• Saving Your Work

Opening Excel

1. To open Excel 2007, from the Start menu, select All Programs » Microsoft Office » Microsoft Office Excel 2007

Creating a Workbook

An Excel file is called a workbook. By default, workbooks open with three blank worksheets, although you can add or delete worksheets at any time. The advantage of having multiple worksheets, or layers, is that a variety of data can be compiled, analyzed, and integrated in a single file. Worksheets can contain data, charts, or both.
For more information on Excel terminology, refer to Worksheet Terms.

1. In the top left corner of the Excel window, click FILE
   The File menu appears
2. From the File menu, select New… The New Workbook dialog box appears.
   
3. Under New Blank, double click BLANK WORKBOOK
   A new workbook appears.
   

Entering Text

Excel allows you to enter text into cells.

1. Select the cell where you want to enter text
2. Type text into the cell
3. To accept the text, press [Enter] or an [Arrow]
   To force text to wrap at a specific point in a cell, press [Alt] + [Enter]

Entering Numbers

Numeric cells can be used for calculations and functions. A numeric cell may contain numbers, a decimal point (.), plus (+) or minus (-) signs, and currency ($).

1. Select the cell where you want to enter numbers
2. Type the numeric information that should be in the cell
   HINT: To enter a fraction, type 0 and press [Space] before the fraction; otherwise, Excel will interpret the fraction as a date.
3. To accept the information, press [Enter] or an [Arrow]
   NOTES:
   Excel automatically right-aligns numerical values and left-aligns text.
   Do not include spaces or alphabetical characters in a calculation cell.

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text

When cells are formatted for text, all cell contents—letters, numerals, or alpha-numeric combinations—are treated as text. Information is displayed exactly as it is entered. There are two ways to enter numbers as text.

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text: Apostrophe Character

1. Select the cell you want to enter information into
2. Press ['], then type numeric information
3. To accept the information, press [Enter] or an [Arrow]

Entering Numbers Formatted as Text: Dialog Box

NOTE: This method is especially useful when formatting multiple cells to display text.

1. From the Ribbon, select the Home command tab
2. In the Number group, click FORMAT CELLS
   The Format Cells dialog box appears.
3. Select the Number tab
4. From the Category scroll list, select Text
5. Click OK
6. Type the desired numbers and/or text in the cell
7. To accept the text, press [Enter] or an [Arrow]
   To force text to wrap at a specific point in a cell, press [Alt] + [Enter]

Entering Dates and Times

Entering a Date and Time Manually

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the date or time
2. To enter a date, type the date in one of the following formats: 8/14/2006, 8-14-2006, or August 14, 2006
3. To enter a time
   1. Type the time
   2. Press [Space]
   3. To indicate AM or PM, press [Shift] + [A] or [P], respectively
4. To accept the information, press [Enter]

Entering the Current Date and Time Automatically

For information on having Excel automatically insert dates and times, refer to Inserting Dates and Times.

Saving Your Work

Saving for the First Time

The following steps should be used when you are saving a worksheet for the first time, when you want to save it to a new location (e.g., as a backup), or when you want to save a copy with a different name.

1. In the top left corner of the Excel window, click FILE
   The File menu appears
2. From the File menu, select Save As...OR
   Press [Ctrl] + [S]
   The Save As dialog box appears.
3. From the Save in pull-down list, select the appropriate save location
4. In the File name text box, type a filename
5. OPTIONAL: To save your workbook in a format other than the default (.xlsx), from the Save as type pull-down list, select the desired format
   NOTE: This is an important consideration if you want your document to be able to open in Excel 97-2003.
6. Click SAVEThe file is saved.

Saving Subsequent Times

1. In the top left corner of the Excel window, click FILE
   The File menu appears
2. From the File menu, select SaveORPress [Ctrl] + [S]
   ORFrom the Quick Access toolbar, click SAVE
   The file is saved.

 

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How to bronze your baby's footprint

Bronze Your Baby's Feet

Those ten tiny toes are fun to tickle. But you know they're bound to get bigger - and fast! Before your baby's feet hit the ground running, why not capture their precious little size forever. Bronzing his first pair of shoes was popular decades ago, but now, parents can take bronze, gold and silver one step further by creating a 3-D metallic cast of baby's whole foot or footprint.

An array of companies offer prints made cast in bronze. But, those can take several weeks to complete and can cost up to $300 or more. A quicker and cheaper way to do-it-yourself is to cast your baby's foot in plaster and choose a bronze finish paint. It's hard to tell the difference between the print that's made of bronze, and the one that's painted. And, the unexpected bonus: the painted version won't tarnish.Here's all you need to know to make a beautiful bronze keepsake of your precious little one's fabulous baby footprint.

The supplies:

• Newspaper or drop cloth to protect your work surface
• Mold kit that includes bronze (or gold or silver if you desire) finish paint
• A stained pine (other options are walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany) wood or marble base
• Brass name plate (optional)

Preparation:

Clean and thoroughly dry your baby's foot (or feet if you're doing both.) Avoid applying after bath lotion or powder since that can interfere with the mold process. And, just to make sure nothing ruins your favorite outfit, dress him in a onesie that keeps clothes away from his foot, or something you don't mind getting dirty. Cover your work area with paper or a drop cloth and follow the instructions for creating the mold. And, don't worry if he wiggles his tootsies. The molds will capture his curled up toes. Because little one's feet and toes are usually ticklish, you might want to try creating the mold while he's asleep or when he's still groggy after just waking up from a nap.

Finishing up:

Depending on the type of mold, you can usually apply the finish paint within 24 to 72 hours. And, you can personalize the print by selecting either a matte, semi-gloss or glossy finish. Embellish the print by mounting it on a wooden base and when it's done, you can set the whole foot cast on a shelf or corner of your desk, or hang a baby footprint plaque on your wall.

 

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How to get a clean stamp of your baby's footprint.

Get A Clean Stamp

 

You love the notion of using your baby's footprint on thank-you notes, Christening invitations and gifts for grandma. But getting a stamped footprint that doesn't resemble an ink blob often seems challenging.

We've got sure-fire tips to help you not only get a super stamp, you'll manage to stay clean, too! And you'll get that cherished baby footprint to stamp and treasure forever.

How to do it:

Stamp your baby's footprint while he's sitting in his swing or high chair, or is on someone else's lap to keep him still. You don't want his non-painted foot to kick into the newly minted paint print. Before setting him in his chair or someone's lap, get all your supplies ready.

You'll need:

• A bottle of fabric paint (or more than one if you plan on using different colors)
• A few paper plates
• A package of baby wipes
• The item or items you want to stamp the print onto
• A piece of cardboard (if the item is fabric)
• A drop cloth, old rags or newspaper
• A smock for yourself (babies with paint on their tootsies tend to kick and get paint on Mom's nice, new shirt)

Cover your work area with paper or rags and make sure all your supplies are within your easy reach.

Get your baby in place. Squirt fabric paint about the size of a walnut on a paper plate and smear his foot in the paint. Make sure to get paint on each toe, especially at the part of the foot where the toe and foot meet. Try to not overload his foot or else the print will look more like a smudged blob instead of a foot print.

Don't worry if the paint gets under his nails. It's non-toxic and will wash off. Before pressing his foot onto the item you're about to embellish, try a test print on a piece of paper or another paper plate to make sure you've got the right amount of paint to achieve your desired effect. And, don't use a paint brush since kid's feet are extremely ticklish and the soft bristles will cause him to pull away.

Bring the item to him, not him to the item, and press the item flat onto his foot, holding his ankle and foot still with one hand, and the item with the other. Hold his foot in place for just a few seconds as it doesn't take long for the paint to transfer to the fabric.

If you're making more than one print, you may need to reapply the paint, and make sure to wipe his foot and toes clean before switching to a new color. And, if you're transferring his print onto fabric, stretch it over the cardboard to prevent the paint from bleeding through.

Make sure to let me know in the comments below or on our Facebook page how you've got with it or Do you have any questions

10 Fabric Painting Tips

These practical tips will help you get great results with fabric paints.

For a small outlay on a few colors and a suitable brush, fabric painting opens up endless opportunities for transforming your wardrobe and your home. It enables you to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art (t-shirts are the most common) or to design some special cushion covers, curtains, or a wall hanging.
Fabric Painting Tip 1. Will Anything Less Than 100 Per Cent Cotton Do?
Purists say the best fabric for painting on is 100 per cent cotton with a tight weave (an off-white or cream fabric will dull the paint slightly). But good results can be obtained with rayons and silks too. The best is to try a sample square to check the results.
Tip 2. Tight is Bright
If a fabric is loosely woven, paint tends to seep through the treads before it's dry. This tends to reduce the intensity of the colors. A finely woven fabric is also easier to paint detail on than a loosely woven one.
Tip 3. To Prewash or Not to Prewash?
The reason for prewashing fabric before painting on it is to remove any sizing added during manufacture which may prevent the paint from adhering to the surface. It also gives it a chance to shrink, if it's going to. To test whether a piece of fabric really needs prewashing, drop a little bit of water on it. If it beads up on the surface, it needs washing. If it sinks in, so should paint.
Tip 4. Skip the Softener
If you do wash a fabric, don't add fabric softener! You're trying to get rid of chemicals, not add new ones.
Tip 5. Get Rid of Wrinkles
Take the time to iron the fabric well. Wrinkles can create havoc on a design.
Tip 6. The Heat is On
The easiest way to set fabric paints is to iron it for a few minutes (check the manufacturer's instructions). If you iron on the wrong side of the fabric, the paint will still set fine and you don't have to worry about it rubbing off onto the iron or the colors bleeding into each other. Alternatively, use a press cloth. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before ironing – at least 24 hours. If you've a large project, you may want to try your tumble drier – tumble a sample piece on high for half an hour, then wash it to see if your drier was warm enough. If you're really brave, you can try setting it in your oven. I always do it with an iron. (See: How to Heat Set Fabric Paint with an Iron.)
Tip 7. Go With the Flow
Wetting the fabric with clean water before painting it encourages colors to flow into each other, like in a watercolor. But don't add too much water, as it'll dilute the colors; the fabric should be damp, not soaking.
Tip 8. Tread Softly
Stamping and stenciling on fabric work best if you're working on a lightly padded surface – an old towel works well. Or if you don't want to sacrifice a towel, cover a sheet of thick card with waxed paper (so it can be wiped clean).
Tip 9. Bleached-Out Colors
Bleach can be used to remove (discharge) the dye in a fabric, with unexpected and unpredictable results (do a test square!). Use a cheap brush to apply bleach, as it'll quickly ruin it, and wear gloves so you don't get bleach on your skin. Obviously it works best with dark colors. To stop the action of the bleach, wash the fabric. (If you've read about stopping the action of bleach by rinsing the fabric in a bucket of water into which you've mixed a cup or two of white vinegar, be cautious. Ensure you don't mix undiluted vinegar and bleach directly, as this releases chlorine which is poisonous!)
Tip 10. One-Sided Designs
Remember when painting a t-shirt to insert something – a few sheets of newspaper, a bit of card or plastic – inside the shirt so the paint doesn't seep through onto the back of the shirt.

How to get a clean stamp of yours or your Baby's handprint

Those t-shirts and aprons emblazoned with little one's tiny handprints are adorable. But getting a clear and clean stamp of yours or your baby's handprint can be as auspicious as finding the end of a rainbow.
 

But, good news, we've got the goods on how you can achieve the ultimate handprint without covering yourself and the whole kitchen, in paint.

Stage your subject
Babies are notorious for making fists, and for putting those fists in their mouths - two things that aren't compatible with trying to stamp a handprint. But stamping his print while he's asleep can prevent him from rolling into the paint or splashing it everywhere. Before he falls asleep, get all your supplies ready.

You'll need:

• A bottle of fabric paint
• A few paper plates
• A package of baby wipes
• The item or items you want to stamp the print onto
• A piece of cardboard (if the item is fabric)

What to do:

Set him down for a nap in his infant carrier, or transfer him to him carrier once he falls asleep. Place the carrier on the floor, or on a table as long as he's never left unattended. Spread your supplies around the carrier, all within your reach.

Squirt fabric paint about the size of a large walnut on a paper plate and smear his hand in the paint. Make sure to get paint on each finger, but don't overload his hand or else the print will be a smeary mess. And don't worry if the paint gets under his nails. It's non-toxic and will wash off. Before pressing his hand onto the item you're about to embellish, try a test print on a piece of paper or another paper plate to make sure you've got the right amount of paint to achieve your desired effect.

Press the item onto his flattened hand and hold for just a few seconds. It doesn't take long for the paint to transfer to the fabric.

If you're making more than one baby handprint, you may need to reapply the paint, and make sure to wipe his palm and fingers clean before switching to a new color. And, if you're transferring his print onto fabric, stretch it over the cardboard to prevent the paint from bleeding through.