Getting Involved with Crafts

Getting Involved with Crafts

You might be looking for a relief from stress, distraction from anxiety or the satisfaction that comes from mastering a new skill. You might want to save money by making decorations for your home yourself, rather than buying them in shops, or create personalised presents for friends rather than the often underwhelming off the shelf options. There’s no bad reason for wanting to start a crafting hobby – simply enjoying the pleasant sensation of working with your hands and watching something take shape is reason enough! Today we’re taking a look at how you can get started with a crafting hobby.

Choosing a Skill

‘Crafting’ isn’t a single discipline or hobby. If you’re thinking starting a crafting project could be what you need, it’s well worth thinking about what kind of craft you should focus on. Each one uses different skills and different equipment, feels different as you work on it and produces very different finished products.

These are just a few of the different kinds of craft and what they require:

Sewing involves using a needle and thread to attach multiple pieces of fabric together to make toys, decorations and accessories and clothes.

Embroidery uses lots of the same skills and equipment as sewing, but is a purely decorative art. You decorate a single piece of fabric (or an existing object) with coloured thread and other items like sequins.

Weaving uses a small loom and needles (when done as a craft in the home, as opposed to the large machines used on the industrial scale) to interlace two strands of fabric, making placemats, blankets and rugs, or even wall decorations.

Papercrafts is a term that covers another whole subset of crafting involving paper, from origami to scrapbooking, to card making to decoupage, but all involve some degree of cutting, folding and gluing.

Sticking With Your Hobby

In the early days it may be difficult for you to stick with your new crafting hobby – in that awkward period when it’s no longer novel, but you haven’t acquired the skills and experience to attempt to larger, more impressive projects.

One of the most important things you can do is structure your time. Work on your craft too little and you’ll drift away from the hobby before achieving anything. Devote yourself to it too much and you’ll burn out. Decide what time commitment works for you, whether it’s an hour a night, or one evening a week, or ten minutes during a tea break, and stick with it.

Something that may help is to look into starting projects on a regular time table. A craft subscription box UK companies can send out may help here, providing one manageable project with instructions and materials every month, which you have to work through before the next one arrives.

How to Make Money While Making Space in Your Home

How to Make Money While Making Space in Your Home

Minimalism is one of the big fads taking over cities around the world — it could be because people tend to live in smaller homes as cities become more dense, or maybe because physically eliminating what’s unnecessary in our life feels good. It could be a combination of the physical and psychological.

But in either case, here are some ways that you can make money by cleaning out your apartment.

Sell What’s Valuable

Do you have valuables that you don’t actually use? It could be anything from old jewellery you don’t wear, antique coins, or even designer hand bags. If the cash is worth more to you than these physical objects, sell them.

Look to find a gold buyer that has been in operation for years — this is an indication that they’re trustworthy and reliable. They should make it a point to be transparent about the market rates for gold or for whatever you’re selling, and should give you the highest rate possible.

Quality gold buyers will offer you free appraisals, so even if you don’t want to sell your valuables now, at least you’ll know how much it’s worth. You can click here to learn more about how gold buyers operate, and about all the other valuables they purchase aside from gold, such as watches.

Hold a Garage Sale

Holding a garage sale is a classic way to give your old possessions a meaningful second life! It also helps the community, because it gives them a chance to buy things at a much lower rate than they’d find at a store.

If you live in a house you can simply arrange all the objects on the lawn, with either a sticker indicating the price or some kind of storage. If you live in an apartment building or a condo, you can post signs in communal areas advertising your wares, and how much they’re selling for. Leave your phone number, so your neighbours have a way to reach you.

Sell Online

Sometimes what you find in your home isn’t gold, but it’s worth the price of gold to someone else! Before you throw out something that doesn’t hold value to you, consider what it might be worth to somebody else.

The internet has many websites that let you sell things, and that’s a very simple way to connect with somebody looking to buy what you have. When you post an object for sale, describe it fully and accurately, especially about what condition it’s in.

If a prospective buyer finally comes to your home to buy what you’re selling only to balk because it’s in worse condition than the advertisement conveyed, it’s just a waste of everybody’s time. Never misrepresent what you’re selling.

Getting rid of unnecessary things in your home gives you more space to live, and encourages feelings of calmness and serenity. If you follow these tips, not only will you be living in a home with less clutter, you’ll also have more money in your pocket.

How to live a clutter-free life

How to live a clutter-free life

Maybe you have seen clutter-free spaces on social media and magazine that seem impossible to achieve. The good news is that you do not need superhuman effort to eliminate clutter and free your space and live a comfortable life. You only need to commit to these basic principles.

As the Dubai real estate industry continues to flourish, most developers are getting involved in the off-plan property market. For instance, Meraas Holdings has several off plan projects in Dubai across the city such as Sur la Mer townhouses. Also, there are numerous apartments for sale in Palm Jumeirah, which is one of the most sought after destination in Dubai.

But before you dream of moving into these new spacious properties, you should first start making your current property clutter-free:

Live within your means

If you are aiming to have a simpler and less cluttered life, you will have to start by living within your means. This means that the size of your space should dictate the items you need and not the other way around. Most people make the mistake of going the other way round and end up having extra items they do not need.

Purge as many times and possible

Even if you are disciplined enough to fit items into your space comfortably, stuff accumulate after some time. Once in a while, go through your things and get rid of the things you do not use anymore. If they are not defective, you can either sell or donate them. This way, you will feel lighter and less stressful.

Designate a place for everything

It is very important to designate a place for everything. Also, you should strive to maintain everything in its place. For an utmost minimalist look, avoid cluttering things on the floor, countertops or tables. If possible, keep items out of sight. For instance, you can designate a junk drawer to keep the small little things such as pens, tapes, etc.

Do not let clutter in

Perhaps the easiest way to live a clutter-free life is by making sure it does not happen. It is much easier for clutter to come in than to go out. The best way to prevent the accumulation of clutter is by avoiding it to come in. Try only to keep things that you need, not the things that you want.

Read letters regularly

Even though it is possible to reduce paper clutter, it is almost impossible to eliminate them. In order to prevent papers from piling up, deal with letters as soon as you can. Also, try to create a system to control the endless paper flow.

The Benefits of Having Metal Storage Cabinets

The Benefits of Having Metal Storage Cabinets
Source

Metal storage cabinets are a piece of furniture found in every residential, industrial and commercial property. Most cabinets are manufactured from aluminum, stainless steel, and steel. Although some storage cabinets can be made from wood, there are many benefits to using metal. If you are looking for an elegant and stylish storage unit, stainless steel storage cabinets are the best options for you.

You can use these cabinets to store essential and valuable tools such as stationery, files, and instruments. Metal storage cabinets also help you make your working space look tidy and clean. It doesn’t matter whether you currently have a small or large office; metal storage cabinets can help utilize your space efficiently.

Metal storage units combine the outstanding durability with a clean and contemporary look that stands out in any office space. Before purchasing your metal storage cabinets, you should ensure that they meet all the standards for reliability and safety. Metal storage cabinets provide the much-needed strength and sturdiness which ensures longer life. Here are the benefits of having metal storage cabinets.

Metal Cabinets are More Secure than Other Units

Through the use of a tough and secure metal storage cabinet, you can comfortably lock your stock and other essential tools away at the end of your working day to keep them safe. Meta storage cabinets are strong and durable. Even if the workplace is broken into, your stock and tools will still be safe since they are well protected rather than lying on open shelves to be picked up.

Metal Cabinets are Strong and Durable

Metal storage cabinets are designed mainly for durability and strength. Given the type and nature of the material, these storage cabinets are in the position to support significant amounts of weight. These two features allow you to store a wide range of heavy tools and other items in your cabinets without worrying about them breaking under pressure.

Metal Storage Cabinets Have More Interior Storage

Apart from durability, security and strength, metal storage cabinets contain more interior storage spaces than most wood units with the same shapes and sizes. They have more spaces since they include thin profile metals. In most cases, the wood that is used to construct wood cabinets is thick and bulky in order to support their structure and the weight of your tools and instruments.

As a result of this thickness, the storage capacity of the cabinets will somehow be compromised. Storage space is not a problem with the metal storage units since, despite their thinness; they can hold significant amounts of pressure and weight. Metal storage units make use of your small offices and rooms helping you to utilize the limited space available. Also, by using sturdy metal storage units that are the right size for what you are storing in them, you’ll be freeing up your precious room.

Improved Organization

Most residential, commercial and industrial properties have once experienced that familiar scenario of needing to find a piece of document, but they are not in the position to do so. By storing and organizing things like your tools, documents, and instruments in proper storage metal units, you are making sure that this won’t be a problem again.

You can make your work easier by labeling your metal storage cabinets such that when you want to find your tools next time, you do not have to look for them.

You Can Use Metal Storage Cabinets in Many Ways

Most individuals purchase metal cabinets for a wide range of uses. Since they are available in different sizes, you can use them indoors to store various items such as clothing and linens. Other units are suitable for multimedia storage. Also, you can use them as outdoor build storage cabinets to hold things like essential tools, hardware, and paint. The modern models feature removable or adjustable shelving so you can make the interior of your storage cabinet fit your personal needs.

In most cases, the modern storage cabinets are pre-assembled which means you don’t have to worry about assembling them. They are also easy to clean. All you need is a solution of water and mild detergent along with a sponge. You can rinse off your outdoor build-in storage unit with your garden hose twice a year. Rusty sections can be lightly sanded or scrubbed with steel wool.

The Perfect touch of elegance for your House

The Perfect touch of elegance for your House

Your house is unarguably an important part of yourself. It holds some of your dearest and most beloved memories.

It portrays our innate desires and characteristics as human beings.

Thus it seems only fitting that you get a portrait painting to add a touch of sheer beauty and elegance to your home.

It is a place that has given you so much too look forward too, it’s about time that you repaid it.

Turn pictures to painting as you relive and recreate some of your most awesome memories.

The canvas can be a great medium to express your love and passion for something or someone that is very close to your heart.

The lasting effect and impression that art can have on a person never ceases to amaze me.

A painted portrait is a great way to make your house stylish, that too in a much more subtle and meaningful manner.

It is the perfect setting for a place that has been your fortress and protector for ages against any and every kind of external force.

Convert photo to painting and see your gallery become even more beautiful than it already is.

The strokes of paint certainly add a touch of aesthetic beauty, to your beloved memories.

Just imagine viewing a huge life size custom portrait as you walk down the hallway of your home, filled with nostalgia as it takes you on a trip down the memory lane.

It is sure to be a great centre of attraction for all the guests, colleagues and family members that enter your house.

Your home can be a shining example of how people should celebrate their memories.

With many sites and online shops to choose from I would certainly recommend that you choose PortraitFlip.

They offer you a wide variety of mediums to choose from such as charcoal portrait, oil portrait, watercolor portrait and more.

Apart from your regular sizes (small, medium and large) they also give you the option of getting a custom acrylic portrait whose dimensions and size can be manipulated according to your wish.

All of these at really economical prices, what else could you ask for?

One is also offered some great customer interaction services.

Deep down in our hearts we all yearn to relive some of the moments that we have had in our wonderful life.

These are in fact the moments that make our life worth living.

A painted portrait is not only a great way to treasure such moments in your life but also an awesome way to add an artistic and creative touch to it.

In the words of famous artist Pablo Picasso “The purpose of art is washing away the dust of daily life from our souls.”

A beautifully crafted, authentic handmade portrait painting not only appeals to the eye but also touches the heart.

Turning photo to painting is a great idea for a portrait painting as you can connect with it on a more personal level.

Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and the only way to do this is too create new experiences and memories as we go along the way.

Recreating the old ones can also give us the courage and determination to go on when tough times are upon us.

It is absolutely essential that you add creating memories to your bucket list of things to do.

When your hair becomes white and your body weak and frail, you can have a look at the acrylic portrait painting, smile and be assured that you have lived a life which was totally worth it.

How to Add Some Personality to Your Home

How to Add Some Personality to Your Home

We all know that our home is a reflection of who we are, and is one of the biggest investments we’ll ever make. If you consider how much time and money we spend transforming our homes, we should take the time to make sure what’s reflected back is a place we want to call “home.”

Let’s start with the areas that mean the most to us and where we spend the most time whether our living room, kitchen, or in our own backyard. Here’s how to get started adding more meaning and personality to your home.

Bring the nightlife home

Instead of meeting up with friends and family at the movies, pub or nightclub, bring the nightlife home. Transform an entire area of your home that caters to nightlife and entertainment. Set up a tiki bar outside under the stars or in your basement and add everything you need to make it your favorite hang out, like beer glasses, a dart board and surround-sound speakers. You can also get innovative and set up a popcorn machine and an outdoor projector for an evening movie. For something more spirited, create an area to dance all night under a disco ball.

Show off your hobbies

Instead of tucking away your artwork or hoarding your travel photos on your smartphone, show them off in style. Create sacred space, whether on a wall or on a dedicated table in your den, to showcase your favorite hobbies. You can also add colorful frames and embellishments to give your hobbies balance with the decor of your home. For example, if your hobby is collecting sea glass or growing beautiful flowers, show it off in a stunning bud vase or dish and add colorful pebbles to tie into the aesthetics of your home.

Get creative

If you want to set your home apart from the rest, add more creativity to your favorite spaces. Paint a wall of your den matte black or cobalt blue to show off your favorite style. If you love to entertain at home, purchase a ping-pong table that doubles as a dining room table with the help of a quick cover. You can also store board games in an ottoman that doubles as storage space and hang plenty of unique artwork to show-off your creative eye.

Keep it cozy

A home full of warmth and personality needs a cozy touch to transform it into a place you love. Add impossibly plush throw pillows and blankets around your home so you can warm up whether you’re relaxing in a living room or den. And remember, you can transform your fireplace for year-round warmth. Just add pillar candles to a non-working fireplace to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. During winter months, move the pillar candles to the mantle and dim the lights to showcase a roaring fire with a magical glow.

Make it personal

At the end of the day, a home with personality requires a personal touch. Fire up your smartphone and print out those photos of family and friends, find your grandmother’s old quilts to add to your bedding rotation and show off your keepsakes on end tables and shadow box frames. The more you can bring yourself into your home, the more personality you’ll see.

Your home is an extension of yourself and should be celebrated and honored. Get to work showing off your signature style and personal touches from a new entertainment area to your personal keepsakes. The concept of “home is where your heart is” will take on a whole new meaning.

5 Ways to Furnish Your Outdoor Event

5 Ways to Furnish Your Outdoor Event

The moment that a guest enters the place where the event is being held, expect that the guest will already make some judgements based on the things that he will see. There are a lot of planners who spend a lot of time and money just searching for the right items that will make the event theme become believable.

A lot of people do not have the funds in order to hire an actual event planner especially if it is only going to be a small event. This is something that the organize of the event can do on her own. The only thing to remember is there is a need to look for the best places to rental furniture. The right furniture can make a huge difference on the feel of the outdoor event.

These are some of the ways that you can try so you can furnish your outdoor event:

  1. Always think about how the whole space can be used properly.

You need to utilize the place that you will rent to accommodate all of your guests. How are you going to set up all of the items that are needed in such a way that people will not feel like they are being crowded in one place? It is best to check where the event will be held. This will make it easy to plan the layout.

  1. Choose the right tables and chairs.

Why will you choose tables and chairs that are too small for the height of your guests? The right size and the right appearance of the tables and chairs can make a huge difference. Check out the chairs and tables for rent so you can choose easily.

  1. Decide on the colors that you will use for the event.

Having a color scheme will make the whole place look cohesive. You can improve the outdoor event further by requiring your guests to wear a certain color. Only do this when your guests are game otherwise, they may not like what you have in mind.

  1. Pay attention to how you display your food.

Food that are all placed in one corner of the place should be set up in such a way that it will make your guests want to check out the food and try out what you can offer.

  1. Add the decorations that will make your theme become obvious.

Is your theme, “nature?” You can add some amazing elements like the right pinecone that you can place on one corner of the room. You can also add other items that will allow people to know what theme you are trying to follow.

With all of these tips in mind, your outdoor event can be a success.

Ideas for Scandinavian Bathroom Design

Ideas for Scandinavian Bathroom Design

While it isn’t necessary to pick a style or a theme in order to make your bathroom dazzling, novices at interior design stand a much better shot at making a harmonious bathroom. One of the trends that were popularized as of late was the so-called Scandinavian design. While this particular style can be applied in every corner of your home, one must notice how this trend is particularly appealing when it comes to your bathroom. The cold efficiency, pragmatism, simplistic layout and easy maintenance that comes from bright monochromatic surfaces are ideal for the most functional room in your home. Here are some other ideas.

1. Reflective surface

The first thing you need to understand is that in a Scandinavian bathroom, functionality always comes first. Therefore, you need a vanity, yet, not a standard vanity since it’s for the best if you can avoid the frame. Sure, a simple frame can fit perfectly into a Scandinavian design, however, by picking the mirror without any kind of frame, you can make it seamlessly blend into the wall behind it. This is particularly useful if you have a bold concrete or bare brick wall in your bathroom (even though the latter goes better with industrial design than it does with Scandinavian style).

2. Nordic minimalism

Another thing often associated with Scandinavian designs is the so-called Nordic minimalism. Seeing as how the bathroom tends to be the smallest room in the house, this is also a pragmatic trend. First of all, it gives you an opportunity to work around several fixtures and keep the rest of the bathroom completely empty. This will give you some room to maneuver and make your floor-walls composition into a canvas, with fixtures as figures on it. Needless to say, this opens up the room for various storage options, yet, pushing this too far might upset the minimalist aspect of your bathroom.

3. Metals and geometric tiles

The next step towards getting the most out of your Scandinavian bathroom is to look towards metals, precious metals in particular. Copper tub and fixtures can be quite appealing, even though not a lot of people would associate them with Scandinavian design right away. Apart from this, you might want to look towards neutral geometric tiles on both walls and the floor. Depending on the layout and the scheme of the tiles, this can make your bathroom appear both larger or smaller, depending on what your aims are.

4. Natural materials

The main thing about Scandinavian design lies in the fact that the material you use needs to appear as natural as possible, which is why we hinted at the bold concrete several sections earlier. Natural materials like wood and stone can be just as popular. Matte hardwood floor and luxurious stone bathtub are just two examples of the way in which this works. Stools made from reclaimed wood, teak storage, woolen rugs and mats are other options that you have available. Look through all of your options in order to look into the plan that suits you the most.

5. Farmhouse bathroom

Not every Scandinavian design has to be covered in marble and concrete. Why not abandon the idea of an urban Scandinavian bathroom and make a Scandinavian farmhouse bathroom instead? This theme can be perfectly matched with retro and rustic, thus making a perfect hybrid of three daring bathroom styles. In a way, this can transform your bathroom from a place where you take a bath into a perfect reading nook. Light a couple of candles, get yourself a nice book or a water-proof Kindle reader and enjoy your bathtub.

6. Teak open shelves

Earlier on, we mentioned teak as one of the materials you want to turn to when it comes to the natural Scandinavian look, but the texture and material aren’t everything. Accessibility also plays a pivotal role, which is why picking teak open shelves for your bathroom may seem like an option that gives you everything you’re looking for. Open shelves are simply more flexible, give you more space to fill (thus maximizing storage space) and it’s super convenient for maintenance. Think about it, wood and moisture aren’t an ideal combination (even though the right finish and maintenance can do a lot). At least open shelves have much better air circulation.

Conclusion

Of course, there are ways to make a Scandinavian bathroom without including any of the above-listed trends, however, they are definitely used for a reason. They’re pragmatic, easy for maintenance, beautiful and allow you to enhance your bathroom with a minimal investment. All in all, this might at least give you some idea about where you should start planning the layout of your bathroom.

Creating a Productive Workspace in Your New Home

Creating a Productive Workspace in Your New Home

Now that more people are starting businesses at home and working remotely, home office space is something many buyers are looking for. Working remotely offers many advantages, including reduced overhead costs, lack of commute and more hours in the working day. However, before you set up your workspace, there are several things you need to consider. How much space do you need, for example, and what will you be using it for?

Whether you’re moving house to accommodate a new business idea or you’ve grown tired of working from your couch, here are three tips to help you create the ideal workspace for your new home. 

Lighting Is Everything

According to studies from the International Well Building Institute, the lighting in your workspace could mean the difference between productivity and procrastination at work. First things first, you should always maximize the natural light to improve your performance and health, so try to face your desk near a window or patio door. Relying on natural light will also help to reduce energy costs. When you’re looking for a home, opt for spaces with glass partitions, reflective surfaces and skylights to increase sunlight exposure.

If you’re not able to increase the natural night in your workspace, you can work with a good desk lamp to keep you focused instead. You’re more likely to feel sleepy and unproductive in dark spaces, so always keep your desk well lit – especially if you’re going to be working at night. YLighting offers a stunning collection, which includes a modern desk lamp to brighten your space, as well as various floor lamps and overhead features from notable designers Koncept Lighting and Anglepoise.

Knowing Your Space

You’ll need to know the square footage of your home office before you’re able to buy furniture, so hold off until you’ve finalized your move, and be sure to measure up. There will obviously be limits on what you can fit into your office according to the space you have available. If you’re planning on working with an employee or business partner, you will need a desk that can accommodate two people or separate workstations. There are numerous space-saving desk options on the market, just be sure you’re not compromising on workspace when you make your purchase – remember that computers, files and other office essentials will take up most of your surface space.

Choosing Furniture

When it comes to choosing office seating, there are certain mistakes you want to avoid. For a start, you should always opt for seating with proper back support and armrests; the best chairs will also offer adjustable lumbar support for your lower back. This feature is important for preventing back strain that can worsen and become sciatica, a debilitating condition that affects many office workers in the U.S.

You should also make sure you’re able to keep your feet flat on the floor when you’re working, and that your elbows can easily bend at a 90-degree angle when using your computer. The trendy chairs you see on Pinterest may look great, but they won’t necessarily support your posture after a few hours at your desk.

Spring Cleaning 101: It’s About More Than Your House

Spring Cleaning 101: It’s About More Than Your House

We’re more than a month in to spring, and if you haven’t thought about clearing out the detritus you’ve accumulated in the past year, you’re risking more than just the satisfaction that comes from having a clean home. You’re missing the opportunity to start fresh in a lot of other ways, as well. So, if you haven’t yet rolled up your sleeves, now’s the time. Reduce unnecessary clutter from your house as a start and then consider these five other areas of your life that can benefit from a good purge and a quick scrub:

Devices

Nowadays, everyone has at least one electronic device. Take a moment to clean up the virtual space that accompanies it. Examine all the smartphones, computers, tablets and mp3 players in your life, and delete the applications, documents, photos/videos, emails, movies and music you don’t use or want. Removing these unwanted files will free up space and memory for the things you really need.

Wardrobe

With fashion trends waxing and waning, not to mention similarly changing waistlines and personal tastes, it makes sense to routinely appraise what you have in your closet and drawers. Discard worn and outdated styles. Donate the items you’re tired of or have outgrown. A good purge can help you and others. Just because you may not need, want or fit in it anymore doesn’t mean someone else couldn’t put it to good use!

Finances

It’s easy to become complacent in your habits and routine. A yearly review of what has become rote, however, can often uncover shortcomings depriving you of time and money. And really: time IS money. Review your budget. Consider negotiating new television and phone contracts for lower prices. Determine if you can cut back on extraneous expenses like coffee runs and weekday lunches out with coworkers. Maybe it’s time to start saving for that European vacation or new car. You won’t know until you take a good hard look at what can go and what should stay the same.

Relationships

While a yearly purge of people might seem a little coldhearted, it’s actually a way for you to better yourself. Being a good friend takes time and effort. And you don’t have the time or the effort to be a good friend if you’re focusing on relationships that don’t enrich your life or the lives of the people around you. Evaluate your priorities and pick your friends to match them. It’s inevitable that as you change and grow your friendships should, too.

Career

Likewise, it’s important for you to check in on your career goals. Much like your friends, your job can and will change over the years. Maybe your interests are shifting. Maybe you are more experienced and more ambitious. Take the time to think about what you really want and how to make that happen. If you want to change directions, start searching job postings. If you know you need to get an advanced degree to move ahead in your job, enroll in a program. If you’re an immigrant investor wanting to make your stay permanent, consult an EB-5 lawyer. You can’t move without that first step. 

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning can clear out the physical excess that clutters our lives. But it can also clear our minds, making space for better mental and emotional health. So don’t just organize what you have. Get rid of the things that you don’t need for a happier, less stressful year