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Your brand shows up in ChatGPT answers more often than you think — and those mentions influence how people see you. This guide explains how to track and improve that visibility with Semrush. View the full article

Even with this week's increase, mortgage rates have remained within a 13 basis point band since mid-September, with industry pundits saying that's where they will stay. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Ever since Google introduced its Chromebook Plus program in 2023, which promises a certain amount of power and screen resolution for your device, it's been trying its best to get people to game on their Chromebooks. There are Chromebooks with OLED screens, high refresh rates, and even light-up keyboards, but no matter how many bells and whistles you slap on a Chromebook, it's still not going to have nearly as much raw processing power as a more traditional laptop. That's where cloud gaming comes in. This lets you stream games from the cloud, if you're willing to put up with a certain amount of video compression and input delay. One of the most popular cloud gaming services is Nvidia's GeForce Now, which lets you play select free-to-play titles and PC games you already own using the company's own data centers. The catch is that you either have to watch ads or pay up—but today, Google's Chromebooks are getting an exclusive new tier of GeForce Now that fixes both of these issues. Called GeForce Now Fast Pass, this version of GeForce Now is sort of like an expanded version of the existing free tier. You'll still be limited to playing at 1080p and 60fps—higher specs will require you to pay—and you won't have access to GeForce Now's "Install-to-Play" games, which means the library of compatible titles will be closer to 2,000 than 4,000. But unlike the free tier, you won't have to watch any ads, and you won't have to wait in a queue to start playing. Nvidia says the typical free-tier queue is only two minutes long, but hey, the sooner you can hop into the action, the better. Starting today, all new Chromebook purchases will come with a free year of GeForce Now Fast Pass, but there are some caveats. The big one is that you only get 10 free Fast Pass hours per month, although up to five unused hours will roll over to the next month. That means you'll still have to keep track of your time while playing, even if you don't have to watch ads. A Google spokesperson told me over email that once your Fast Pass hours are up, you'll be downgraded to the basic, ad-supported free tier, or you can purchase more Fast Pass hours a la carte. I wasn't told exactly how much these hours will cost, but given that a day pass (meaning 24 hours of play) of GeForce Now with no ads and higher specs than Fast Pass costs just $3.99, I can't imagine they'll be too expensive. As for when your year of Fast Pass is over, I'm still waiting for an answer on how to renew. I'll update this post once I hear back. I've also asked whether users that already have Chromebooks will be able to sign up for GeForce Now Fast Pass. One last bonus for Fast Pass, though, is that you don't have to actually use it on your Chromebook. You'll need a Chromebook to sign up (I'm also still waiting on exact steps for that), but once you've redeemed the offer, you'll be able to use it on any GeForce Now compatible device, like a phone or tablet. Overall, it doesn't exactly seem like something I'd go out of my way to buy a Chromebook for, but it could be a decent way to get good enough performance to play through about one short game per month, all without having to pay for GeForce Now or deal with ads or wait times. Combine that with the free games that sites like Epic give out on a regular basis, and you could essentially game casually for a year without buying anything other than your Chromebook. View the full article

U.S. employers added a surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the government said, issuing a key economic report that had been delayed for seven weeks by the federal government shutdown. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in September, the highest since October 2021 and up from 4.3% in August, the Labor Department said Thursday. The unemployment rate rose partly because 470,000 people entered the labor market—either working or looking for work—in September and not all of them found jobs right away. The increase in payrolls was more than double the 50,000 economists had forecast. But Labor Department revisions showed that the economy lost 4,000 jobs in August instead of gaining 22,000 as originally reported. Altogether, revisions shaved 33,000 jobs off July and August payrolls. The data, though late, was welcomed by businesses, investors, policymakers, and the Federal Reserve. During the 43-day shutdown, they’d been groping in the dark for clues about the health of the American job market because federal workers had been furloughed and couldn’t collect the data. The report comes at a time of considerable uncertainty about the economy. The job market has been strained by the lingering effects of high interest rates and uncertainty around The President’s erratic campaign to slap taxes on imports from almost every country on earth. But economic growth at midyear was resilient. Healthcare and social assistance firms added more than 57,000 jobs in September, restaurants and bars 37,000, construction companies 19,000 and retailers almost 14,000. But factories shed 6,000 jobs—the fifth straight monthly drop. The federal government, targeted by The President and billionaire Elon Musk’s DOGE cost cutters, lost 3,000 jobs, the eighth straight monthly decline.. Average hourly wages rose just 0.2% from August and 3.8% from a year earlier, edging closer to the 3.5% year-over-year increase that the Federal Reserve’s inflation fighters like to see. The latest reading on jobs Thursday makes a rate cut by the Federal Reserve at their next meeting in December less likely. Many Fed officials were already leaning against a cut next month, according to minutes of their October meeting released Wednesday. Steady hiring suggests the economy doesn’t need lower interest rates to expand. The September jobs report will be the last one the Fed will see before its Dec. 9-10 meeting. Officials are split between those who see stubbornly high inflation as the main challenge they need to address by keeping rates elevated, and those who are more concerned that hiring is sluggish and needs to be supported by rate reductions. Economists expected to see a continuation of what was happening in the spring and summer: weak hiring but few layoffs, an awkward pairing that means Americans who have work mostly enjoy job security – but those who don’t often struggle to find employment. The job market has been strained this year by the lingering effects of high interest rates engineered to fight a 2021-2022 spike in inflation and uncertainty around The President’s campaign to slap taxes on imports from almost every country on earth and on specific products—from copper to foreign films. Labor Department revisions in September showed that the economy created 911,000 fewer jobs than originally reported in the year that ended in March. That meant that employers added an average of just 71,000 new jobs a month over that period, not the 147,000 first reported. President Donald The President’s crackdown on illegal immigration is expected to reduce the number of people looking for work, which means that the economy can create fewer jobs without sending the unemployment rate higher. With September numbers out, businesses, investors, policymakers and the Fed will have to wait awhile to get another good look at the numbers behind the American labor market. The Labor Department said Wednesday that it won’t won’t release a full jobs report for October because it couldn’t calculate the unemployment rate during the government shutdown. Instead, it will release some of the October jobs data—including the number of jobs that employers created last month—along with the full November jobs report on Dec. 16, a couple of weeks late. —Paul Wiseman, AP economics writer AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report. View the full article

A reader writes: I’ve been looking to move to a new company for many months now, and recently a personal connection was able to introduce me to several high-level contacts in my desired industry. Through this contact I have spoken to senior/executive-director level people at several firms that I would love to work with. However, with the exception of one conversation where we directly discussed openings at their organization, these conversations have generally been networking/informational interviewing. My connections who referred me to these contacts always seem a little surprised that the conversations have not led directly to at least an interview, but I’ve been very wary of being too demanding of these senior-level people who have taken time to speak to me. I’ve asked them in-depth questions about their work and projects, but I haven’t asked if they can refer me to specific positions. Am I doing something wrong in these conversations? Is there a tactful way to follow up with a request to know about any suitable openings in their organizations? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. The post my networking meetings never lead anywhere appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

A shadow looms over the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program, as a recent scandal reveals fraudulent activities that could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions. The fallout has ignited a call for substantial reforms aimed at protecting legitimate small businesses and ensuring fair access to federal contracting opportunities. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a thorough reassessment of the SBA’s 8(a) program, which is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. Ernst’s call to action follows revelations of a widespread “pass-through” contracting scheme that not only siphons off taxpayer dollars but also corrupts the integrity of a program intended to uplift deserving small business owners. Ernst’s concerns are amplified by a recent investigation by the Department of Justice, which uncovered a staggering $550 million bribery scheme linked to the 8(a) program, with multiple executives pleading guilty. “It is obvious that the Biden administration’s indifference toward meaningful oversight in the 8(a) program allowed swindlers and fraudsters to treat federal contracting programs like personal piggy banks,” she stated, highlighting the urgency for accountability and reform. For small business owners, understanding the implications of these developments is critical. The SBA 8(a) program is meant to open doors to federal contracts that can drive growth; however, the current issues undermine that purpose, potentially discouraging legitimate enterprises from participating. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen oversight and accountability, ensuring that the program benefits those it was designed for. Key benefits of these reforms could include: Increased Oversight: Scrutinizing how funding is allocated could lead to a more transparent system where only deserving businesses are supported. Fair Competition: Enhancing accountability might level the playing field, allowing genuine small businesses to compete for contracts without facing unfair competition from fraudulent entities. Restored Trust: Successful reforms could restore confidence among entrepreneurs that government programs prioritize their needs rather than allowing abuse. However, small business owners should also consider the challenges that may accompany these changes. Increased regulation and oversight might create additional bureaucratic hurdles, making it more difficult to navigate the procurement process. Some small enterprises might find themselves unprepared for heightened scrutiny and may need to invest in compliance measures to meet new regulations. Ernst has reached out to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and the SBA Office of Inspector General, urging them to conduct a comprehensive review of the program. “After years of complaints about fraud in the 8(a) program, I am glad the veil has been lifted,” she emphasized. While many businesses might welcome the prospect of reform, the transition could pose challenges. Small business owners are urged to remain informed and actively engage in the dialogue surrounding these developments. This could involve leveraging resources available through the SBA or participating in community discussions to better understand how their voices can shape future policies. As the conversation around the SBA 8(a) program evolves, small business owners should keep a close eye on the changes that may arise. Engaging with local business networks and staying updated on policy developments will be key to navigating this potentially transformative landscape. For those looking to dive deeper into the situation, more details can be found in the original statement from Senator Ernst. The urgency of the issue may represent a pivotal moment for small businesses aiming for fair access to government contracts, making it essential for entrepreneurs to advocate for effective and equitable reform. To read the original press release and learn more, visit the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s website. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Senator Ernst Urges Major Overhaul of SBA Program Amid Fraud Scandal" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A shadow looms over the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program, as a recent scandal reveals fraudulent activities that could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions. The fallout has ignited a call for substantial reforms aimed at protecting legitimate small businesses and ensuring fair access to federal contracting opportunities. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a thorough reassessment of the SBA’s 8(a) program, which is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. Ernst’s call to action follows revelations of a widespread “pass-through” contracting scheme that not only siphons off taxpayer dollars but also corrupts the integrity of a program intended to uplift deserving small business owners. Ernst’s concerns are amplified by a recent investigation by the Department of Justice, which uncovered a staggering $550 million bribery scheme linked to the 8(a) program, with multiple executives pleading guilty. “It is obvious that the Biden administration’s indifference toward meaningful oversight in the 8(a) program allowed swindlers and fraudsters to treat federal contracting programs like personal piggy banks,” she stated, highlighting the urgency for accountability and reform. For small business owners, understanding the implications of these developments is critical. The SBA 8(a) program is meant to open doors to federal contracts that can drive growth; however, the current issues undermine that purpose, potentially discouraging legitimate enterprises from participating. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen oversight and accountability, ensuring that the program benefits those it was designed for. Key benefits of these reforms could include: Increased Oversight: Scrutinizing how funding is allocated could lead to a more transparent system where only deserving businesses are supported. Fair Competition: Enhancing accountability might level the playing field, allowing genuine small businesses to compete for contracts without facing unfair competition from fraudulent entities. Restored Trust: Successful reforms could restore confidence among entrepreneurs that government programs prioritize their needs rather than allowing abuse. However, small business owners should also consider the challenges that may accompany these changes. Increased regulation and oversight might create additional bureaucratic hurdles, making it more difficult to navigate the procurement process. Some small enterprises might find themselves unprepared for heightened scrutiny and may need to invest in compliance measures to meet new regulations. Ernst has reached out to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and the SBA Office of Inspector General, urging them to conduct a comprehensive review of the program. “After years of complaints about fraud in the 8(a) program, I am glad the veil has been lifted,” she emphasized. While many businesses might welcome the prospect of reform, the transition could pose challenges. Small business owners are urged to remain informed and actively engage in the dialogue surrounding these developments. This could involve leveraging resources available through the SBA or participating in community discussions to better understand how their voices can shape future policies. As the conversation around the SBA 8(a) program evolves, small business owners should keep a close eye on the changes that may arise. Engaging with local business networks and staying updated on policy developments will be key to navigating this potentially transformative landscape. For those looking to dive deeper into the situation, more details can be found in the original statement from Senator Ernst. The urgency of the issue may represent a pivotal moment for small businesses aiming for fair access to government contracts, making it essential for entrepreneurs to advocate for effective and equitable reform. To read the original press release and learn more, visit the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s website. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Senator Ernst Urges Major Overhaul of SBA Program Amid Fraud Scandal" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The national median payment applied for by purchase applicants fell to $2,039 in October from September, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. View the full article

Are you acquiring or recruiting? There’s a difference. By Anthony Zecca Leading From the Edge Go PRO for members-only access to more Anthony Zecca. View the full article

Are you acquiring or recruiting? There’s a difference. By Anthony Zecca Leading From the Edge Go PRO for members-only access to more Anthony Zecca. View the full article

Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. I’m Mark Sullivan, a senior writer at Fast Company, covering emerging tech, AI, and tech policy. This week, I’m focusing on gathering some informed opinions from people trying out Google’s new Gemini 3 Pro AI model. I also look at another “circular” AI investment agreement. Sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. And if you have comments on this issue and/or ideas for future ones, drop me a line at sullivan@fastcompany.com, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @thesullivan. What smart people are saying about Google’s Gemini 3 The so-called generative AI boom is only about three years old. It has been characterized by some breakthrough moments, chief among them the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022. A relatively small number of AI labs have been competing to release frontier models that beat all others. The top spots on the rankings of benchmark test scores seem to change names every six months or so. But the release of Google’s new flagship Gemini 3 Pro model (in preview), along with its impressive benchmark test scores, seem like a moment we’ll remember. Now, people—many of them developers—who immediately began testing the new model are beginning to weigh in on how well Gemini 3 performs in real-world use. Here is a selection of their impressions. Thumbs-up “Gemini 3 . . . shows significant gains in reasoning, reliability in multi-step agent workflows, and an ability to debug tough development tasks with high-quality fixes. In early evaluations, it improved Warp’s Terminal Bench state of the art score by 20%.” –Zach Lloyd, CEO of Warp “I simply asked Gemini 3 Pro to diagnose and fix its own code. It reasoned through the problem in exactly the way I would expect from a thoughtful junior engineer…” –game developer Josh English on Medium “Best creative and professional writing I’ve seen. I don’t code, so that’s off my radar, but for me the vibes are excellent. Intelligence, nuance, flexibility, and originality are promising in that distinct way that excites and disturbs me. Haven’t had this feeling since 11/30/22.” –Brett Cooper on X “Gemini beat my own previously unbeaten personal test. The test involves a fairly long list of accurate to year information, ordered properly, many opportunities for hallucination and then used to achieve a goal. I need a new test, so yeah – I think Gemini’s impressive.” –Richard Knoche on X “It’s a great model, as far as LLMs go, topping most benchmarks, but it’s certainly not AGI. It’s haunted by the same kind of problems that all earlier models have had. Hallucinations and unreliability persist. Visual and physical reasoning are still a mess. In short, scaling isn’t getting us to AGI.” –AI skeptic Gary Marcus on Medium “I found the answer, and it’s actually terrifying (in a good way) … The uptake of Gemini has been wild … We are talking about a model that is delivering rich visuals, deeper interactivity, and ‘agentic vibe coding’.” –CodeToDeploy on Medium “[We] created the first open-source evaluation framework to test how leading AI models respond to self-harm and mental health crisis scenarios, and the results were alarming,” said Sean Dadashi, cofounder of the AI journaling app company Rosebud. “Gemini 3 [is] the safest AI model we’ve seen yet.” Thumbs-down “Thoroughly benchmaxxed (optimized to do well on benchmark tests), very mid model. Makes so much errors, I have strong doubts they are serving the model they ran the benchmarks on.” –Infrecursion on X “My experience with the Gemini [command line interface] has been dreadful. It craps out at least half of the time. When it works it is ridiculously fast so I keep trying it. But it has proven very inferior to the Claude code experience in my usage.” –Reddit user dinkleberg “Was much worse than GPT-5.1 for ‘find me research on [x]’-type queries. It kept trying to do my thinking (synthesis) for me, which is not what I want from it. It gave me individual research results if I explicitly asked but even then it seemed to go way less wide than GPT-5.1.” –Robert Mushkatblat on X The free-for-all continues: Anthropic takes $15 billion from Microsoft, Nvidia, with strings Someone on Twitter (X) said it best (Peter Wildeford): “After the breakup, both Microsoft and OpenAI are seeing different people . . . also Nvidia is sleeping with everybody.” In other words, after doubling down on its bet on OpenAI, Microsoft has begun investing in other AI model developers too. Anthropic is the most recent. On Tuesday, Anthropic announced it would be taking a new $5 billion in investment money from Microsoft and $10 billion from Nvidia. As part of the deal, Anthropic will purchase about $30 billion of compute capacity from Microsoft’s Azure cloud service, which is powered by Nvidia chips. Anthropic says it’s now the first frontier model to be available within all three major cloud services—Microsoft Azure, Amazon’s AWS, and Google Cloud. Anthropic will work with Nvidia to optimize its models to run well on Nvidia chips. In September, Anthropic raised another $13 billion in funding, after which it was valued at $183 billion. So, as it has done with OpenAI, Microsoft becomes both an investor in, and a major supplier to, Anthropic. In a less direct way, so does Nvidia. It’s the latest example of the kind of “circular” financial arrangements that have become commonplace in the world of big AI. In September, Nvidia announced a $100-billion investment in OpenAI, which the chip supplier will pay in installments that are contingent on OpenAI buying a certain number of chips from Nvidia. So Nvidia gets guaranteed chip sales and a 2% share of OpenAI. “These investments might be circular and raise related party concerns, as Nvidia may own shares in a customer that will likely use such funds to buy more Nvidia gear,” Morningstar equity analyst Brian Colello wrote at the time. OpenAI struck a similar deal with Nvidia rival AMD in early October. OpenAI agreed to buy large quantities of AMD’s Instinct AI chips on a set schedule over the next decade. If it keeps to the schedule, it’ll get the option of buying a 10% stake in AMD. The group of companies pouring billions into the coming AI revolution isn’t really getting any bigger, and many of the participants seem to be placing bets on each other. The big spenders are Nvidia, Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, Google, Amazon, and some big financiers like Softbank. A larger and more diverse set of players would give confidence that the burgeoning AI industry isn’t just a big hype bubble. Survey: Trust in AI is breaking along class divides Edelman is out with a new survey report, titled Trust in AI report, AI Trust at a Crossroads, which finds that humans’ trust of AI isn’t growing quickly, and that trust levels break along class lines. Edelman surveyed 5,000 people in the U.S., Brazil, China, Germany, and the U.K. More than half of low-income respondents (54%) feel they’ll be “left out and left behind” in the move toward AI, the survey finds. That’s compared to the 44% of middle-income, and the 31% of high-income people. The study found a strong connection between higher trust in AI tools and higher usage of them. Low trust in AI stems from worries over how the systems will use — and whether they will protect — personal data. People, especially in developed countries, also worry about how they might be manipulated by AI. At work, only a quarter of non-managers use AI tools weekly, versus 63% of managers. Tech (55%) and finance (43%) employees are most open to AI at work, while adoption is lowest in healthcare (28%), education (25%), food & beverage (23%), and transportation (20%). Across all countries, 62% of younger people ages 18 to 34 say they generally trust AI, while 57% of people ages 35–54, and 40% of people 55 and older say they trust it. Interestingly, only 40% of 18-to-34 year olds in the U.S. say they trust AI. More AI coverage from Fast Company: Gemini 3 may be the moment Google pulls away in the AI arms race Misinformation sites have an open-door policy for AI scrapers AI browsers need the open web. So why are they trying to kill it? A battle against the AI oligarchy is brewing in this wealthy New York district Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. View the full article

A beloved Christmas tree tradition is returning to Manhattan for the holiday season next week. No, it’s not the towering spruce at Rockefeller Center, which is lit in early December. The comparatively smaller Origami Holiday Tree that’s delighted crowds for decades at the American Museum of Natural History opens to the public on Monday. The colorful, richly decorated 13-foot (4-meter) tree is adorned with thousands of hand-folded paper ornaments created by origami artists from around the world. This year’s tree is inspired by the museum’s new exhibition, “Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs,” which chronicles how an asteroid crash some 66 million years ago reshaped life on Earth. Talo Kawasaki, the tree’s co-designer, said the tree’s theme is “New Beginnings,” in reference to the new world that followed the mass extinction. Located off the museum’s Central Park West entrance, the artificial tree is topped with a golden, flaming asteroid. Its branches and limbs are packed with origami works representing a variety of animals and insects, including foxes, cranes, turtles, bats, sharks, elephants, giraffes and monkeys. Dinosaur favorites such as the triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex are also depicted in the folded paper works of art. “We wanted to focus more not so much the demise of the dinosaurs, but the new life this created, which were the expansion and the evolution of mammals ultimately leading to humanity,” Kawasaki explained on a recent visit. The origami tree has been a highlight of the museum’s holiday season for more than 40 years. Volunteers from all over the world are enlisted to make hundreds of new models. The intricate paper artworks are generally made from a single sheet of paper but can sometimes take days or even weeks to perfect. The new origami pieces are bolstered by archived works stored from prior seasons, including a 40-year-old model of a pterosaur, an extinct flying reptile, that was folded for one of the museum’s first origami trees in the early 1970s. Rosalind Joyce, the tree’s co-designer, estimates that anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 origami works are embedded in the tree. “This year there’s a lot of stuff stuffed in there,” she said. “So I don’t count.” —Joseph B. Frederick and Philip Marcelo, Associated Press View the full article

Your Mac now has a built-in clipboard manager, which means that it can finally remember everything you've copied. This feature is disabled by default, but you can enable it pretty easily and start keeping track of the text, photos, and other files that are in your clipboard. The catch is that you need to be running macOS 26 Tahoe to use the built-in clipboard manager, which isn't an option for those with older Macs. Also, Apple's implementation of the clipboard manager is pretty basic, and if you need more features, you're going to have to use third-party alternatives. With that in mind, here is how to pick the best clipboard manager for your Mac. Spotlight search: The best clipboard manager for most people Credit: Pranay Parab Not everyone needs an advanced clipboard manager. For most people, an app that does the basics is good enough, and it's even better if that app ships with your Mac. As long as your Mac is running macOS 26 Tahoe, you can use the built-in clipboard manager. I wrote about using Spotlight as your clipboard manager recently, and it's been super convenient. You need to enable it by going to System Settings > Spotlight > Results from Clipboard, but after that, you're all set. Spotlight will log everything you copy, except sensitive information such as passwords. You can then access all of your clipboard entries by pressing Command-Space (or clicking that magnifying glass in your Mac's menu bar) and then Command-4. This feature is good enough to get started with clipboard management, but it doesn't sync clipboard history across devices or support features like categorizing copied items by type. If you need advanced features to speed up your workflow, you'll have to rely on third-party apps. It's also worth noting that if you use Spotlight alternatives such as Alfred or Raycast, those apps ship with clipboard managers, too. You don't have to switch back to Spotlight just for this feature. Maccy: A simple, free clipboard manager for older Macs Credit: Pranay Parab If you can't install macOS Tahoe on your Mac, or if you use an older Mac that isn't supported any longer, you can download Maccy to get a fast, free, and open source clipboard manager that's just as good as Apple's built-in feature. Maccy is a lightweight menu bar app that displays clipboard history when you click its icon. It also lets you quickly search through your clipboard entries and functions reliably without getting in the way of your work. Plus, you can set up a list of applications to ignore, which means that you can stop it from storing data when you copy from sensitive apps such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, among others. Download: Maccy (free via GitHub, also available for $10 on the Mac App Store, or for $5 via Gumroad). PastePal: A great paid clipboard manager Credit: Pranay Parab I bought PastePal a year ago, and it has served me well ever since. This app is available as a one-time purchase at a reasonable price, and it has pretty much every feature you could ask for. In addition to basic clipboard management, it lets you automatically remove tracking URLs from links, or transform text between upper case and lower case. I also love that it lets you edit items you've copied, which makes life a lot easier when you've accidentally copied a few extra characters with your text. PastePal also supports sequential paste, which means that you can copy a bunch of items and paste them one-by-one. This is great for speeding up repetitive tasks such as copying from one window and pasting in another. My only complaint with this app is that its interface is not super intuitive. If you like your apps to be pretty, you will be disappointed here. While PastePal has all the features you need, you'll have to spend some time digging through settings to make the most of them. That's an acceptable compromise for me, but it may not be for others. You have the option of buying PastePal direct from the developer or from the Mac App Store. The App Store purchase also unlocks the app on iPhone, iPad, in addition to Mac. Download: PastePal ($15 via Mac App Store or a direct purchase) Paste: Pricey, but the best clipboard manager overall Credit: Pranay Parab I think Paste is the best clipboard manager for Apple devices overall. It's feature-packed and has the best interface that you could ask for in this kind of an app. It reliably handles your clipboard history, lets you choose which apps to exclude from its tracking, allows you to organize and pin items, and supports advanced features such as extracting text from images and sequential pasting. It also uses a rather simple and intuitive keyboard shortcut (Command-Shift-V) to open or close the clipboard history panel. Plus, there are extra touches, such as letting you view a preview of a webpage when you've copied a link to it. This makes it easy to check if a link is working before you paste it into an app. It's an overall neat and thoughtful app that's well worth recommending. Paste is available on the Mac App Store, but its premium tier requires a subscription fee. This unlocks the app on all devices and lets you sync your clipboard history easily. I think it's a bit pricey, but if you want the best clipboard manager that money can buy, this is it. Download: Paste ($4/month or $30/year; one-time purchase fee is $90) View the full article

It’s time to transform your services. By Jackie Meyer Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

It’s time to transform your services. By Jackie Meyer Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “All it takes for an accounting practice to stagnate is capable, talented partners to take up a position of ‘my clients,’ ‘my fees.’” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “All it takes for an accounting practice to stagnate is capable, talented partners to take up a position of ‘my clients,’ ‘my fees.’” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Draft envisages major concessions by Kyiv on land, size of armed forces and weaponsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. There are three major players in the digital notebook space—Boox, reMarkable, and Supernote—but this year, a new challenger popped up and quickly emerged as a contender: Viwoods. With the help of a kickstarter, the startup launched its first product earlier this year, the Viwoods AiPaper, a 10.65-inch e-ink notebook that touted itself as an AI-forward productivity device. I was skeptical—nothing pings my radar quite so much as selling your product solely on its AI features—but I came away impressed. Right out of the gate, Viwoods produced one of the best digital notebooks on the market, and right now, you can pick one up for $80 off for Black Friday. Viwoods AiPaper E-Ink Tablet $469.00 at Amazon $549.99 Save $80.99 Get Deal Get Deal $469.00 at Amazon $549.99 Save $80.99 Great specs and smart softwareThe AiPaper has a Carta 1300 display, the most recent e-ink screen and the same one you'll find on a Kindle Paperwhite, with a resolution of 2560 x 1920 and 300ppi. The matte screen has a slightly textured quality that makes the writing experience feel pleasantly tactile with the recently upgraded Viwoods EMR stylus. The device is powered by an unspecified 2GHz "octa-core" processor with 4GB or RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, which is on par other e-ink notebooks. The 4,100mAh battery should last about a week with regular use. At 4.5mm thick and weighing around 370g, it's easily portable without feeling flimsy or insubstantial. Actually useful AI integrationThe AiPaper has a little "Ai" button on the bottom bezel. Press it, and you can start a conversation with ChatGPT. Each native app also has an onscreen version of the same button that offers several options: "Analyze content" sends a screenshot of whatever is onscreen to ChatGPT, which will describe or summarize it. "Generate an email" will attempt to turn whatever is onscreen into a message that you can then copy into your linked email app of choice with a tap. "AI text conversion" will turn your handwriting into copyable text and describe any images along the way "AI assistant" opens the chatbot and attaches a screenshot of whatever is on the display "Customize" allows you to craft your own frequently used AI prompts so you don't have to type them every time I'm pretty impressed with the way Viwoods has implemented its AI integrations. Dropping the AI into every program makes it much simpler and more cohesive to use, assuming you are the kind of person who likes to use AI for everything. (I'm not.) E-reading and apps, tooApp integration means you can also use the AiPaper as an e-reader, either using the native document reader or your reading app of choice—with a little setup, you can load most any app from the Google Play store. The crisp, responsive screen makes it a pleasant Kindle alternative, and the large display shows off black and white comics and manga quite nicely. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and sales run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.99 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Apple's newest AirPods Pro are great. They have excellent sound quality, up to twice the noise cancellation of the previous-generation Pros, and even include a built-in heart rate sensor. Those features don't come cheap, though. Like most brand-new Apple products, they're expensive, and typically fetch $249 at any store you choose to buy them from. While they're certainly pricey, I don't think the MSRP is unwarranted. $249 has always been the price for a new pair of AirPods Pro, and this third generation adds new features without raising the cost. Because they're so new, this price tag has never come down, meaning even during big shopping holidays like October Prime Day, you were still spending $249. I assumed that'd be the case come Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but I was wrong. Stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart currently have the earbuds discounted by 12%, $29.01 off. It's not the biggest early Black Friday deal, but it is notable. If these were already on your radar, why not save nearly $30? AirPods Pro 3 $219.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal Get Deal $219.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $29.01 As previously mentioned, Apple advertises up to twice the noise cancellation over the AirPods Pro 2, but also up to four times the noise cancellation of the original AirPods Pro, as well as the AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation. These are also the most water- and dust-resistant Pros, with an IP57 rating, up from the IP54 rating of the AirPods Pro 2. You also won't need to charge these as much as the previous generation Pros. Apple advertises eight hours of listening time on a single charge, as opposed to the six hours of listening time on the AirPods Pro 2. That said, it seems that extra noise cancellation takes a bit of a toll on power: The AirPods Pro 3 are rated for 24 hours of Active Noise Cancellation use, while the second-gen Pros can run for 30 hours. Don't count out the AirPods Pro 2To that point, the existence of the AirPods Pro 3 doesn't make the AirPods Pro 2 obsolete. In fact, for anyone who doesn't mind missing out on things like the extra noise cancellation or the heart rate sensor, the second-gen Pros are still an excellent purchase, as they sport many of the same features as the newest model. They sound great, use the same H2 chip as the third-gen Pros, and come with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers your audio playback when the AirPods sense you're speaking to someone. Both Pros also have Apple's new Live Translation feature as well, which lets you talk to someone who speaks a language you don't understand: Your AirPods will translate their words live, so you can hear what they're saying in your target language. The best part about the AirPods Pro 2, however? The price. You'll regularly find these earbuds on sale across stores. Right now, the best price I'm seeing is at Walmart, which is selling these for $139. For a pair of earbuds that originally retailed for $249, that's a fantastic deal. These prices fluctuate, of course: Amazon has the second-gen pros for $208.99 as of this article. But if you don't need the latest and greatest AirPods Pro, and you find the AirPods Pro 2 for a price like Walmart, I'd strongly consider them. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.99 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Fawning after the US president is not only humiliating — it doesn’t workView the full article

When planning your next crafting project, consider the advantages of purchasing fundamental materials in bulk. For example, lively acrylic paints can bring your designs to life, whereas versatile ribbons add creative flair. Furthermore, sturdy crafting tools and reliable adhesives are vital for ensuring strong bonds. By stocking up on these items, you not merely save money, but you likewise have everything you need readily available. Let’s explore the specific materials that can improve your crafting experience. Key Takeaways Bulk acrylic paints offer a wide color selection and excellent coverage for various crafting projects, ideal for classrooms and mixed media applications. A diverse fabric selection in bulk allows for customizable clothing and home décor, aligning with seasonal themes and trends. High-quality ribbons in bulk come in various sizes and patterns, perfect for gift wrapping and enhancing craft projects with style. Sturdy crafting tools, such as precision scissors and cutting mats, ensure durability and accurate results for all your projects. Reliable adhesives in bulk, including hot glue and fabric glue, provide strong bonds essential for creating long-lasting craft items. Bulk Acrylic Paints for Vibrant Colors When you’re looking to add lively colors to your next crafting project, bulk acrylic paints offer an excellent solution. These paints come in a wide range of dynamic hues, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. They provide excellent coverage and quick drying times, making them ideal for layering and mixed media applications. Available in various sizes, bulk options guarantee you have enough supplies for large projects without frequent reordering. Many bulk acrylic paints are non-toxic and water-based, making them safe for classrooms and family activities. Versatile Ribbons for Creative Projects In terms of versatile ribbons, you’ve got a wide range to choose from, including options like Royal Canvas and Speckled Glitter Canvas. These ribbons aren’t just great for gift wrapping but additionally lend themselves to various crafting techniques, from embellishing home decor to creating DIY fashion items. With high-quality materials and bulk options available, you can easily find the perfect ribbon to enhance your next creative project. Types of Versatile Ribbons Versatile ribbons can greatly improve your craft projects, offering a range of sizes, colors, and patterns to suit various creative needs. Incraftables provides options like 7/8 inch and 1.5 inch ribbons, ideal for gift wrapping or DIY designs. You’ll find lively colors and patterns, including speckled glitter or Halloween-themed designs, perfect for seasonal decorations. Many ribbons come in bulk, typically offered in 10-yard lengths, ensuring you have enough material for larger projects or multiple items. These ribbons not merely add texture but also elevate visual interest, making them suitable for clothing, home decor, and event decorations. With high-quality materials used in production, you can expect durability and a polished finish for every crafting endeavor. Crafting Techniques With Ribbons Ribbons serve as a fundamental tool in various crafting techniques, allowing you to create stunning visual effects and personalized items with ease. Their versatility means you can use them in a multitude of ways, improving your projects notably. Here are some popular techniques: Bows: Use 7/8 Royal Canvas Ribbon in Navy Blue to craft elegant bows for gifts or décor. Embellishments: The 2.5 Glittered Multi Swirls Ribbon can add flair to wreaths and home décor. Gift Wrapping: Incorporate the 1.5 Speckled Glitter Canvas Ribbon in Orange for festive Halloween-themed gifts. Costume Enhancements: The 2.5 Big Halloween Eyeballs Ribbon in Purple is perfect for adding unique touches to costumes. With ribbons, you can effortlessly personalize your projects, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Decorative Mesh for Unique Designs When you’re looking to lift your crafting projects, decorative mesh offers versatile applications that can transform your designs. Whether you’re creating seasonal decorations like wreaths or customizing home décor, the variety of materials, colors, and patterns available allows for easy personalization. With simple techniques, you can manipulate this material to achieve unique looks that improve the visual appeal of any project. Versatile Crafting Applications Decorative mesh opens up a world of creative possibilities for crafters, as it comes in various materials like poly jute and burlap, each offering unique textures and appearances. This versatile material is perfect for a wide range of applications, allowing you to customize your projects with ease. Here are some popular uses for decorative mesh: Wreath-making, adding depth and character to your designs Home décor, enhancing your space with lively colors and textures Event decorations, creating eye-catching centerpieces and backdrops Crafting unique gift wrap or bows for special occasions With rolls typically measuring 10 yards, you’ll have plenty of material for large projects or multiple smaller creations, ensuring you get the most out of your bulk purchase. Seasonal Decoration Ideas Seasonal decorations offer a wonderful opportunity to transform your home and celebrate various holidays with style and creativity. Decorative mesh is a versatile choice, available in colors and styles like poly jute, burlap, and metallic options. You can use it to craft unique wreaths, garlands, and embellishments for events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. With widths such as 10 yards of 10-inch poly deco mesh, you can easily cut and manipulate the material to fit your design needs. At just $3.95 for 10 Poly Deco Mesh, it’s an affordable option for creating elaborate decorations without overspending. Incorporating decorative mesh improves your projects by providing texture and depth, making it a popular choice for festive decor. Easy Customization Techniques Using decorative mesh can markedly elevate your crafting projects, as it allows for a range of customization techniques that boost both aesthetics and functionality. This versatile material is perfect for creating unique wreath designs, home décor, and event decorations. Here are some effective techniques to ponder: Layer Colors: Combine different colors and patterns for intricate designs. Create Texture: Use various types of mesh, like poly burlap or jute, to enrich your project’s appeal. Seasonal Themes: Quickly adjust your décor for different seasons by changing the mesh. Outdoor Use: Take advantage of its durability for both indoor and outdoor applications. With decorative mesh, you can transform your projects easily, making them stand out with minimal effort. High-Quality Beads for Jewelry Making In the area of jewelry making, high-quality beads play a crucial role in achieving stunning designs. Incraftables offers a diverse selection, including round beads, seed beads, and faux pearls, perfect for various projects. You’ll find bulk options that include not just beads but also important findings like fashion clips and pendants, ensuring you have everything needed for secure, stylish creations. With lively colors and unique patterns, silicone beads are ideal for trendy keychains, pacifier clips, and other jewelry items. Furthermore, bulk UV resin supplies allow you to achieve durable, professional-quality finishes on your pieces. To keep your materials organized, consider using storage boxes designed particularly for beads, making project execution smoother and more efficient. Sturdy Crafting Tools for Every Skill Level Crafting beautiful jewelry pieces requires not just high-quality beads but in addition reliable tools that can improve your project. Incraftables offers a thorough range of sturdy crafting tools, suitable for every skill level. These crucial tools are crafted from high-quality materials, guaranteeing durability and reliability for repeated use in various techniques. Consider incorporating these tools into your crafting arsenal: Precision scissors for clean, accurate cuts. Cutting mats to protect your work surface and extend tool life. Various adhesives to guarantee strong bonds for your creations. Bulk purchasing options for educators and institutions, making it budget-friendly to stock up. With detailed product descriptions and visual aids available, selecting the right tools for your specific needs becomes easy. Seasonal Décor Supplies for Themed Projects When planning seasonal décor projects, selecting the right supplies can greatly boost your overall design. Incraftables offers a diverse range of seasonal décor supplies, including artificial flowers, wreaths, and themed decorations, perfect for creating festive displays throughout the year. Their bulk fabric selection allows you to customize clothing and home décor, aligning with seasonal themes for versatile crafting options. Moreover, you can discover personalized choices for events and home decoration, ensuring your projects stand out. The store frequently updates its inventory with the latest trends, making it easy to find current materials for themed crafting. To improve your décor, consider their selection of ribbons, threads, and embellishments that add the perfect finishing touches to your creations. Reliable Adhesives for Strong Bonds Selecting the right adhesive is crucial for ensuring your projects hold up over time, especially when working with various materials. Incraftables offers a wide range of reliable adhesives designed for strong bonds, making them perfect for all your crafting needs. Here are some options to reflect upon: Hot glue guns and glue sticks for quick, versatile applications on multiple surfaces. Craft adhesives particularly formulated for durability, ideal for paper, fabric, and mixed media. Specialty adhesives, such as fabric glue and quick-drying options, cater to particular techniques. Bulk purchasing options enable you to stock up, saving money for larger or ongoing projects. With a convenient ordering process and multiple payment options, acquiring the right adhesives for your crafting endeavors has never been easier. Frequently Asked Questions What Handmade Crafts Sell Best? When considering what handmade crafts sell best, focus on custom jewelry, seasonal home decor, and personalized gifts. Items like unique necklaces, holiday wreaths, and custom tumblers attract buyers seeking individuality. DIY craft kits are likewise gaining popularity, appealing to those interested in crafting as a hobby. Furthermore, eco-friendly crafts made from recycled materials resonate well with consumers prioritizing sustainability, making them a lucrative niche in today’s market. What Are the Craft Supplies List? When creating a craft supplies list, you should include items like tempera paint, student brushes, and oven-bake clay. Don’t forget basic fabrics, artificial flowers, seasonal décor, ribbons, and embellishments for decoration. For jewelry making, gather beads, faux pearls, and jewelry findings. Moreover, consider specialty items such as silicone molds and resin supplies. Having an extensive list guarantees you’re prepared for various projects, whether you’re crafting for fun or for business. How Do You Keep Track of Craft Inventory? To keep track of your craft inventory, use a spreadsheet or inventory management software to log quantities and types of supplies. Update your records after each project or bulk purchase for accuracy. Categorize items by type and frequency of use, making it easier to identify what needs restocking. Implement a labeling system for storage bins, and conduct periodic audits to compare physical stock against your records, ensuring everything is accounted for efficiently. What Materials Are Used to Make Crafts? To make crafts, you’ll typically use materials like paper, fabric, beads, and paints, each catering to various techniques. Adhesives, including glue and tape, are essential for securing pieces together. Tools such as scissors and brushes improve your precision and creativity. Furthermore, specialty items like epoxy resin and silicone molds allow for custom creations. Seasonal materials, like holiday decorations, inspire new projects throughout the year, keeping your crafting fresh and engaging. Conclusion By stocking up on these seven crucial craft materials, you’ll be well-prepared for any project that comes your way. Bulk acrylic paints, versatile ribbons, and decorative mesh will improve your designs, as high-quality beads add sophistication. Sturdy crafting tools and reliable adhesives guarantee your creations are durable and long-lasting. Seasonal décor supplies will keep your projects timely and relevant. Investing in these materials not merely saves money but additionally streamlines your crafting experience, making it more efficient and enjoyable. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Craft Materials in Bulk for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When planning your next crafting project, consider the advantages of purchasing fundamental materials in bulk. For example, lively acrylic paints can bring your designs to life, whereas versatile ribbons add creative flair. Furthermore, sturdy crafting tools and reliable adhesives are vital for ensuring strong bonds. By stocking up on these items, you not merely save money, but you likewise have everything you need readily available. Let’s explore the specific materials that can improve your crafting experience. Key Takeaways Bulk acrylic paints offer a wide color selection and excellent coverage for various crafting projects, ideal for classrooms and mixed media applications. A diverse fabric selection in bulk allows for customizable clothing and home décor, aligning with seasonal themes and trends. High-quality ribbons in bulk come in various sizes and patterns, perfect for gift wrapping and enhancing craft projects with style. Sturdy crafting tools, such as precision scissors and cutting mats, ensure durability and accurate results for all your projects. Reliable adhesives in bulk, including hot glue and fabric glue, provide strong bonds essential for creating long-lasting craft items. Bulk Acrylic Paints for Vibrant Colors When you’re looking to add lively colors to your next crafting project, bulk acrylic paints offer an excellent solution. These paints come in a wide range of dynamic hues, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. They provide excellent coverage and quick drying times, making them ideal for layering and mixed media applications. Available in various sizes, bulk options guarantee you have enough supplies for large projects without frequent reordering. Many bulk acrylic paints are non-toxic and water-based, making them safe for classrooms and family activities. Versatile Ribbons for Creative Projects In terms of versatile ribbons, you’ve got a wide range to choose from, including options like Royal Canvas and Speckled Glitter Canvas. These ribbons aren’t just great for gift wrapping but additionally lend themselves to various crafting techniques, from embellishing home decor to creating DIY fashion items. With high-quality materials and bulk options available, you can easily find the perfect ribbon to enhance your next creative project. Types of Versatile Ribbons Versatile ribbons can greatly improve your craft projects, offering a range of sizes, colors, and patterns to suit various creative needs. Incraftables provides options like 7/8 inch and 1.5 inch ribbons, ideal for gift wrapping or DIY designs. You’ll find lively colors and patterns, including speckled glitter or Halloween-themed designs, perfect for seasonal decorations. Many ribbons come in bulk, typically offered in 10-yard lengths, ensuring you have enough material for larger projects or multiple items. These ribbons not merely add texture but also elevate visual interest, making them suitable for clothing, home decor, and event decorations. With high-quality materials used in production, you can expect durability and a polished finish for every crafting endeavor. Crafting Techniques With Ribbons Ribbons serve as a fundamental tool in various crafting techniques, allowing you to create stunning visual effects and personalized items with ease. Their versatility means you can use them in a multitude of ways, improving your projects notably. Here are some popular techniques: Bows: Use 7/8 Royal Canvas Ribbon in Navy Blue to craft elegant bows for gifts or décor. Embellishments: The 2.5 Glittered Multi Swirls Ribbon can add flair to wreaths and home décor. Gift Wrapping: Incorporate the 1.5 Speckled Glitter Canvas Ribbon in Orange for festive Halloween-themed gifts. Costume Enhancements: The 2.5 Big Halloween Eyeballs Ribbon in Purple is perfect for adding unique touches to costumes. With ribbons, you can effortlessly personalize your projects, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Decorative Mesh for Unique Designs When you’re looking to lift your crafting projects, decorative mesh offers versatile applications that can transform your designs. Whether you’re creating seasonal decorations like wreaths or customizing home décor, the variety of materials, colors, and patterns available allows for easy personalization. With simple techniques, you can manipulate this material to achieve unique looks that improve the visual appeal of any project. Versatile Crafting Applications Decorative mesh opens up a world of creative possibilities for crafters, as it comes in various materials like poly jute and burlap, each offering unique textures and appearances. This versatile material is perfect for a wide range of applications, allowing you to customize your projects with ease. Here are some popular uses for decorative mesh: Wreath-making, adding depth and character to your designs Home décor, enhancing your space with lively colors and textures Event decorations, creating eye-catching centerpieces and backdrops Crafting unique gift wrap or bows for special occasions With rolls typically measuring 10 yards, you’ll have plenty of material for large projects or multiple smaller creations, ensuring you get the most out of your bulk purchase. Seasonal Decoration Ideas Seasonal decorations offer a wonderful opportunity to transform your home and celebrate various holidays with style and creativity. Decorative mesh is a versatile choice, available in colors and styles like poly jute, burlap, and metallic options. You can use it to craft unique wreaths, garlands, and embellishments for events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. With widths such as 10 yards of 10-inch poly deco mesh, you can easily cut and manipulate the material to fit your design needs. At just $3.95 for 10 Poly Deco Mesh, it’s an affordable option for creating elaborate decorations without overspending. Incorporating decorative mesh improves your projects by providing texture and depth, making it a popular choice for festive decor. Easy Customization Techniques Using decorative mesh can markedly elevate your crafting projects, as it allows for a range of customization techniques that boost both aesthetics and functionality. This versatile material is perfect for creating unique wreath designs, home décor, and event decorations. Here are some effective techniques to ponder: Layer Colors: Combine different colors and patterns for intricate designs. Create Texture: Use various types of mesh, like poly burlap or jute, to enrich your project’s appeal. Seasonal Themes: Quickly adjust your décor for different seasons by changing the mesh. Outdoor Use: Take advantage of its durability for both indoor and outdoor applications. With decorative mesh, you can transform your projects easily, making them stand out with minimal effort. High-Quality Beads for Jewelry Making In the area of jewelry making, high-quality beads play a crucial role in achieving stunning designs. Incraftables offers a diverse selection, including round beads, seed beads, and faux pearls, perfect for various projects. You’ll find bulk options that include not just beads but also important findings like fashion clips and pendants, ensuring you have everything needed for secure, stylish creations. With lively colors and unique patterns, silicone beads are ideal for trendy keychains, pacifier clips, and other jewelry items. Furthermore, bulk UV resin supplies allow you to achieve durable, professional-quality finishes on your pieces. To keep your materials organized, consider using storage boxes designed particularly for beads, making project execution smoother and more efficient. Sturdy Crafting Tools for Every Skill Level Crafting beautiful jewelry pieces requires not just high-quality beads but in addition reliable tools that can improve your project. Incraftables offers a thorough range of sturdy crafting tools, suitable for every skill level. These crucial tools are crafted from high-quality materials, guaranteeing durability and reliability for repeated use in various techniques. Consider incorporating these tools into your crafting arsenal: Precision scissors for clean, accurate cuts. Cutting mats to protect your work surface and extend tool life. Various adhesives to guarantee strong bonds for your creations. Bulk purchasing options for educators and institutions, making it budget-friendly to stock up. With detailed product descriptions and visual aids available, selecting the right tools for your specific needs becomes easy. Seasonal Décor Supplies for Themed Projects When planning seasonal décor projects, selecting the right supplies can greatly boost your overall design. Incraftables offers a diverse range of seasonal décor supplies, including artificial flowers, wreaths, and themed decorations, perfect for creating festive displays throughout the year. Their bulk fabric selection allows you to customize clothing and home décor, aligning with seasonal themes for versatile crafting options. Moreover, you can discover personalized choices for events and home decoration, ensuring your projects stand out. The store frequently updates its inventory with the latest trends, making it easy to find current materials for themed crafting. To improve your décor, consider their selection of ribbons, threads, and embellishments that add the perfect finishing touches to your creations. Reliable Adhesives for Strong Bonds Selecting the right adhesive is crucial for ensuring your projects hold up over time, especially when working with various materials. Incraftables offers a wide range of reliable adhesives designed for strong bonds, making them perfect for all your crafting needs. Here are some options to reflect upon: Hot glue guns and glue sticks for quick, versatile applications on multiple surfaces. Craft adhesives particularly formulated for durability, ideal for paper, fabric, and mixed media. Specialty adhesives, such as fabric glue and quick-drying options, cater to particular techniques. Bulk purchasing options enable you to stock up, saving money for larger or ongoing projects. With a convenient ordering process and multiple payment options, acquiring the right adhesives for your crafting endeavors has never been easier. Frequently Asked Questions What Handmade Crafts Sell Best? When considering what handmade crafts sell best, focus on custom jewelry, seasonal home decor, and personalized gifts. Items like unique necklaces, holiday wreaths, and custom tumblers attract buyers seeking individuality. DIY craft kits are likewise gaining popularity, appealing to those interested in crafting as a hobby. Furthermore, eco-friendly crafts made from recycled materials resonate well with consumers prioritizing sustainability, making them a lucrative niche in today’s market. What Are the Craft Supplies List? When creating a craft supplies list, you should include items like tempera paint, student brushes, and oven-bake clay. Don’t forget basic fabrics, artificial flowers, seasonal décor, ribbons, and embellishments for decoration. For jewelry making, gather beads, faux pearls, and jewelry findings. Moreover, consider specialty items such as silicone molds and resin supplies. Having an extensive list guarantees you’re prepared for various projects, whether you’re crafting for fun or for business. How Do You Keep Track of Craft Inventory? To keep track of your craft inventory, use a spreadsheet or inventory management software to log quantities and types of supplies. Update your records after each project or bulk purchase for accuracy. Categorize items by type and frequency of use, making it easier to identify what needs restocking. Implement a labeling system for storage bins, and conduct periodic audits to compare physical stock against your records, ensuring everything is accounted for efficiently. What Materials Are Used to Make Crafts? To make crafts, you’ll typically use materials like paper, fabric, beads, and paints, each catering to various techniques. Adhesives, including glue and tape, are essential for securing pieces together. Tools such as scissors and brushes improve your precision and creativity. Furthermore, specialty items like epoxy resin and silicone molds allow for custom creations. Seasonal materials, like holiday decorations, inspire new projects throughout the year, keeping your crafting fresh and engaging. Conclusion By stocking up on these seven crucial craft materials, you’ll be well-prepared for any project that comes your way. Bulk acrylic paints, versatile ribbons, and decorative mesh will improve your designs, as high-quality beads add sophistication. Sturdy crafting tools and reliable adhesives guarantee your creations are durable and long-lasting. Seasonal décor supplies will keep your projects timely and relevant. Investing in these materials not merely saves money but additionally streamlines your crafting experience, making it more efficient and enjoyable. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Craft Materials in Bulk for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A 1940 self-portrait by famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo of her asleep in a bed could make history Thursday when it goes on sale by Sotheby’s in New York. With an estimated price of $40 million to $60 million, “El sueño (La cama)” – in English, “The Dream (The Bed)” — may surpass the top price for a work by any female artist when it goes under the hammer. That record currently stands at $44.4 million, paid at Sotheby’s in 2014 for Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1.” The highest price at auction for a Kahlo work is $34.9 million, paid in 2021 for “Diego and I,” depicting the artist and her husband, muralist Diego Rivera. Her paintings are reported to have sold privately for even more. The painting up for auction depicts Kahlo asleep in a wooden colonial-style bed, wrapped in a golden blanket embroidered with crawling vines and leaves. Above her, seemingly levitating atop the bedposts, lies a full-sized skeleton. In its catalog note, Sotheby’s said the painting “offers a spectral meditation on the porous boundary between sleep and death.” Last exhibited publicly in the late 1990s, the painting is the star of a sale of more than 100 surrealist works by artists including Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, and Dorothea Tanning. They are from a private collection whose owner has not been disclosed. Kahlo vibrantly and unsparingly depicted herself and events from her life, which was upended by a bus accident at 18. She started to paint while bedridden, underwent a series of painful surgeries on her damaged spine and pelvis, then wore casts until her death in 1954 at age 47. “The suspended skeleton is often interpreted as a visualization of her anxiety about dying in her sleep, a fear all too plausible for an artist whose daily existence was shaped by chronic pain and past trauma,” the catalog notes. View the full article

Threat comes after lawmakers tell members of US military that they must refuse illegal ordersView the full article