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Posts Tagged ‘crafts’

Bead Craft – Easy Methods To Get Excellent Ideas

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Regardless of which of the huge number of beading ideas I am pursuing, I consider patterning as the single most vital aspect of the hobby. A good pattern can cover a huge number of other bead craft design sins, and skilled crafters will spend lots of time fiddling with their patterns to get them just right.

In this article, I’ll take a brief look at two sources of inspiration for your beadwork that you might not have thought of. Think this a research in cross discipline thinking, and it is my hope that when you read these words, your mind will immediately begin turning on the subject, and a whole boatload of OTHER ideas will fall into your lap. Even if that does not happen though, this is still a ward against the bead craft equivalent of “writer’s block.” So here goes:

Poetry

Any poem that is not free verse has a rhyme and meter to it. Haiku’s structure is like 5-7-5. Iambic pentameter has its own rhythm, and so forth. There’re a huge number of rhythms to pick from, and sourece of inspiration is as close as your nearest volume of poetry.

Take the haiku example. You can build a pattern around the haiku rhythm, 5-7-5. An arrangement of 5 beads. A different arrangement of 7, and then back to 5. Repeat this around your necklace (or bracelet, or whatever) and you will have created a “haiku bead craft necklace.”

Or if your favorite poem is consists of funky rhythm like

a-b-b-a

b-c-c-b

c-d-d-c

(repeat) You could arrange a bead craft pattern around that (every letter represents a different element) to striking effect. And, your bead craft project could have a remarkable story surrounding it!

Sheet Music

One more brilliant source for inspiration to enrich your bead craft projects is sheet music. Assign one bead element to each note and place according to whatever song you select.

As you please, either ignore sharps and flats or add completely new beadwork elements for them. Begin with something simple. Design a “Mary had a little lamb” necklace, playing with the components until you’re happy with the outcome. Again, an off beat way of looking at the area of patterning that can enrich the execution of your beadwork in unexpected ways!

*Note: You will perhaps only want to focus on one line of the sheet music in your bead craft project, lest you create anything much too large to be usable! Also note that pattern and medium can, and often will, influence each other! What may work well with semi-precious stones might not be as viable with a wood/metal mix, so there is definitely a bit of experimentation involved! The key thing, no matter where your inspiration comes from, or what form it finally takes, is to stick with it! Persistence and experimentation will must win the day!

Get more great bead craft ideas on our website: http://www.beadcraftideas.com/

The Right Windows Can Save You Money

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Sometimes you know that energy is being lost to the outside and sometimes it is more difficult to tell what is happening. Often times the problem lies with the windows and the doors in your home and office.

This can happen due to many reasons and while they may seem pretty simple to figure out that doesn’t change the impact. So this is a good place to look to save on your energy bills.

It is important when you look at them to have a few different things in mind. It is very easy to miss some of the important factors if you don’t know what you are looking for.

You can locate a good deal of information online if you look carefully. You just have to know where to go to find the right information to help you get started on your way to saving energy.

But you will also be helping the earth as well when you start to save energy. When you lessen energy usage you lessen the damage to the earth which is nice.

Older windows often cause big problems because they are not as efficient as newer ones. But there is something that you can do about it and it doesn’t always cost a lot.

Something to have in mind is how secure the windows are. If they do not fit properly in the frame then you could be losing a lot of heat in the winter or taking in more heat in the summer.

Another piece of the puzzle is the insulation aspect which is what helps prevent energy transfer through the panes themselves. A lot of times the energy savers will be a good choice because they usually provide better insulation.

You will want to consider simple options before you make expensive investments. It is easy to get started when you find the right information online.

I shared a lot of information about energy efficient windows, but you may also enjoy reading what I say about energy efficient technology

How To Choose Bathroom Accessories

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Paying attention to the smaller items in the bathroom is going to be critical for getting what you want out of it. Some accessories can really do a lot for the overall look.

So when you want to get the right look you should put some emphasis on the extras. There are many choices to make for these items and you can choose one or more.

Since there are many choices you should know yourself and know if you want to go with something different or choose more traditional designs. Your bathroom is yours to do with it what you want.

Bigger bathrooms provide more opportunity for adding in these items but smaller ones also have the ability if you do it properly. The key is deciding on the right items and positions.

Some things like towel holders are pretty common and while basic, you can still get creative with them. Even one or two extras can make a big difference.

You can choose to focus on the style or on how you will put the items to use. Often times you will choose between the two but it is possible to get both at one time if you look around enough then it is doable.

So you can choose function over style. On the other hand, sometimes you will find both in one item and that is often preferable.

The key is getting the items that you will utilize or enjoy just looking at because you are going to be the one spending time in the bathroom. So don’t worry about what other people like.

It is the little things that can make the dramatic differences in the overall feel. So you can choose the items that you want and then go ahead and start designing the room the way you want it.

Sheker knows a lot about bathroom accessories, but you can see what he writes aboutvessel sinks.

How To Select An Accessible Tub

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Sometimes people take the process of getting into the bath for granted. For those with limited mobility and certain disabilities, this can be a major undertaking.

Fortunately there are options for people who find it difficult to get in and out of the bath. You do not have to struggle to get into the standard bathtub which can be extremely difficult for people with disabilities.

Tubs are now made for those who have difficulty taking a bath in the standard tub. New baths make it much easier to get in and out and easier to use.

So now people with limited motion can get in and out of the bathtub easily, often without the need for assistance. And there are various options when it comes to these types of baths.

Walk in bathtubs can be wonderful for people with certain disabilities. They are designed specifically to assist people who have trouble in a regular bathroom.

Fortunately, these tubs come in a variety of styles but there are certain ones that have become standard. If you are looking for a sturdy tub with ease of entry than one of these is probably your best bet.

First ensure that the tubs are the right size for your particular bathroom. If you find one that is not properly fitting than you will be in trouble.

You don’t want to purchase a tub only to find that it won’t fit in the bathroom. But there are smaller options if you have less space.

Once you find the right model and size for your bathroom you can once again enjoy a private bath without being overly concerned about safety hazards provided that you take the necessary precautions. Always remember to be safe when the floors are wet and you are by yourself regardless of the type of bath.

If you enjoyed reading what Sheker says about accessible tubs, you should check out his blog aboutbathroom colors.

How To Create A Luxury Look in Your Bathroom

Monday, March 7th, 2011

For some people an ordinary bathroom just won’t cut it. They want a luxury version and it is possible to attain that look in your home with many options available.

You probably hope to do something different than what has been done before. If this is the case than you are in luck because finding luxury is getting easier and easier.

Sometimes you will be deciding between usage and appearance but often times you will be able to get both in the same package. It really is going to vary depending on the item.

If it is luxurious comfort that you want then you will go in one direction with your choices. But if you want the luxury look then you will focus on other things.

But keep in mind that you are going to be the one using the bathroom. So don’t go with something just because other people like it because you will be the one using it all the time.

So get your look and then start making choices. You will have a lot to choose from so it is good to narrow down your vision into one area at first.

You may want to start with the basics like the tub and sink if you are going for style. If you are going for function then you might want to turn to some other features.

And it doesn’t have to be overly expensive to get the luxury that you are looking for. Things can often be done for less than you might think if you look in the right places.

Building the bathroom the way you want it can be easier than you might think. But first you have to decide on the look and what you want and then take it from there.

Sheker knows a lot about luxury bathrooms, but you can see what he writes about bathroom tiles.

Tips for Saving Energy

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

Those utility bills can get you every time because every time you see one of them it is more expensive then the last one and you don’t know where the money is going. You try to figure it out but it’s no use.

When you get a new item you plug it in and get it ready. It costs a lot of money to keep everything going all the time and often times you don’t even realize just how much it costs.

Day after day and week after week your electricity usage is going on forever. You are not the only one who deals with these sorts of problems. Many people do and it always feels like nothing can be done about it.

Electricity costs are climbing and so is our overall usage. If we don’t do something about it, we are going to have some serious problems paying the bills and just getting by.

And there is of course the concern of environmental impact. What will happen to future generations if something is not done and soon? So it is up to you to make a decision that will have a great impact

But when you realize that there is something to be done about it then you can start to make changes. So decide how you want to go about it and then start doing your part.

It doesn’t have to cost much at first because you can just start doing things around the home or office that will make a big difference. That is one way to go about it.

Remember not to leave lights on longer than they have to be in use. Also watch the temperature and make sure that it is not too hot or too cold.

There are ways you can start saving energy right now and in your own home or office. Just pay attention to what you are doing a little better.

This is a lot of information about saving on energy bills, but I also share information about energy efficient heaters.

Tips For Sticking To a Bathroom Redesign Budget

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Costs can quickly add up when it comes to doing work on your bathroom but it can be avoided if you know what you are doing. That’s not to say it isn’t tough because it is difficult to estimate the costs prior to doing the job.

Even though it is generally an expensive undertaking, there are ways to reduce the costs so that you don’t spend more than you want to. It is possible to find things that you want for less.

And that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the quality of the items. You can get what you want at reduced prices.

When it comes to selling bathroom products, stores know that the market is competitive and they want your business. So sometimes you can find good prices without trying too hard.

More times though, you will be searching for sale items. Then you can find what you want at a reduced cost. You may have to be a bit flexible here because the exact item might not be on sale but usually something very similar is.

The beginning of the process is to figure out exactly what you want. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for then you can start looking for the reduced prices on those selections.

Depending on what you are looking for you will have different options when it comes to getting the discounts you want. If you are concerned with going with trends then it will be more difficult to find what you want because those items tend to be priced higher than others.

Once in a while you can come across a good clearance item or two which can save you a lot of money and there is usually absolutely nothing wrong with the product but the storeowner has their own reasons why they put things on clearance.

When you start looking around online, you will find exactly what you want but the right price can be hard to find. Keep searching and eventually you will find.

If you enjoy reading what I wrote about discount bathroom fixtures, you might enjoy reading what I wrote about bathroom showers.

Tips for using the Air Conditioner Efficiently

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

When it gets too hot outside many people want to head in to a nice air conditioned room and while it feels good it is sometimes painful to your pocketbook. So you have to be careful when it comes to using the air conditioner.

Everyone wants to be cooler in the summer but you should weight that comfort versus the cost. It is not free to use the ac so you have to consider that when you put it on.

But many people feel like it is necessary and that they can’t get by without it. That is not going to reduce the costs at the end of the month.

When it comes to energy usage, the air conditioner can be a huge cost. And it is not easy to avoid it but there are some things that you can do to reduce the cost of such an expensive thing.

But it is not just the expense because there is also the world to consider. There is always an impact on the earth when you use an ac so consider that as well.

The first thing to do is make sure that you don’t use more than you need. That seems obvious but it is important that you don’t just use it all the time when you are not around.

You should try to monitor usage when you are not around because if you leave it on when you aren’t even home that is a big mistake. You can lower your costs and not even see a difference.

Another thing to have in mind is that you are using energy savers when you can because that is a good way to save yourself some cash and often times you don’t lose out on comfort. So consider this.

You have many ways to save but you have to take some action. When you know what you have to do you can start planning.

I shared a lot of information about energy efficient air conditioners, but you may also enjoy reading what I say about energy efficient mortgages

Tips For Choosing The Best Lighting For Your Bathroom

Saturday, February 19th, 2011

One of the most important aspects of a new bathroom is the lighting display that you choose to implement. The types of lights that you choose to use will have huge implications on the overall look of the room.

The right lighting is both practical and stylish. You need the right amount of light to take care of your needs in the bathroom. It will also improve the wow effect that you will get out of the look.

And what better way to see the type of work you’ve done than with nice lighting features. There are many options in lighting that the options can sometimes be overwhelming.

Choosing good lighting is a personal decision. Try to decide how you want the lights to look after you have already selected the items that you will fill the bathroom with.

When it comes to lighting you will have many choices including above mirror, sconces, and ceiling. You have to consider the pros and cons to each of the choices.

If you want to do something different you can put lights on the floor. This can be expensive but doesn’t have to be if you get creative with it. It can do a lot for an ordinary bathroom.

You want function and style and this blend is not always easily achieved so take time and decide slowly because it will be hard to undo what is done.

You will want to go with brighter lights or more subtle depending on the rest of the dcor. The optimal lighting will vary widely based on the types of items you place in the bathroom.

The best way to start is by looking at the options and how they will mesh with the rest of the room. Pick out the ones that you like best and have fun with them.

Sheker knows a lot about light fixtures, but you can see what he writes about bathrooms in general at usabathrooms.com.

Tips For Choosing The Right Vanity

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Bathrooms have come a long way since the olden days of function over style. So now when you are deciding on a look for the most important room in the house you will have a lot of options.

As a result, bathroom furniture came about that was designed to create a much better atmosphere in the bathroom. One of these developments was the vanity. Now many bathrooms have such a feature.

If you want it to be a central aspect then go ahead and do that. If you would rather have it blend in then go ahead and do that also.

Sometimes people get very creative and other times they are just very simple. Either way, you will want to have a vanity in your bathroom if you want it to be stylish and useful.

If you want to get really nice, go ahead and do that. If you want to keep it simple than do it that way. Whatever floats your boat.

But choose one that has a good look and can also be used well so that you can get a good bang for your buck. You can have both without having to pay too much for something that you would like.

Price is always a factor but it doesn’t have to be if you choose the right products and find good deals. Then you can have exactly what you are looking for but without spending more than you can afford which is always a good thing.

So decide what types of features you are looking for and then start deciding on colors and styles. You will then want to make sure that everything blends in with the rest of the room.

When you have the right one, you can go ahead and install it ant make full use of it in your new bathroom and with your new tips you will know how.

If you enjoy reading what I wrote about vanities, you might enjoy reading what I wrote about faucets at usabathrooms.com.