Handmade Gifts are a Benefit
Posted February 6, 2011
on:A lot of people who have the talent for making home make crafts are often reluctant to give them away as gifts. This could be caused by a lack of self confidence. In some cases, the memory of receiving an ugly homemade gift from a friend or relative keeps us from sharing our work.
A walk through any craft bazaar or flea market will show that when it comes to homemade items, there is no accounting for taste. People will be standing in line to snap up a high priced item that would cause you to cringe if you received it as a gift, while the finely crafted and fair priced items are ignored.
Knowing the tastes of the recipient of the gift will be an indicator of how the gift is appreciated. Like all gifts, the handmade gift should be something the recipient will enjoy getting, rather than something the giver enjoys making or giving.
If you’re looking for gift ideas, check out the local craft stores. They will often offer classes to introduce new products that they sell. Many of these classes are free and the participant only has to pay for the materials used.
Keep your eyes open for free patterns as you browse the aisles of the craft store for items that you think that you can make that the intended recipient will enjoy.
Once you find the materials for the homemade gift that you will enjoy making and the recipient will get pleasure receiving, let the creativity flow. Gifts created out of love hold a special place in many hearts.
Laundry Room Living Space
Posted January 30, 2011
on:- In: Home Decor
- 1 Comment
The laundry room is not a place we spend a lot of time but it can still be comfortable, efficient and welcoming. The size and location of your laundry room will determine how much you can do with it. With a little planning, organizing and some of your own personal touches, the laundry room can be an attractive space in your home.
Concrete Walls
If your laundry room is in an unfinished basement area, you may be faced with concrete walls. Painting them can help. Or try adding some tile-like wallboard to add texture to the space. Wire racks or shelving can be added by using a masonry drill bit and concrete screws. This will add organization and accessibility to your supplies.
Storage Ideas
In a small space, stackable, front-loading machines can be a lifesaver. You could install a workspace countertop over a pair of side-by-side, front-loading machines to have a place to fold, sort or iron clothes. Cabinets or shelving above the appliances can organize supplies. A closet rod, suspended from the cabinet can give you a place to hang clothes to dry or to hang them as you remove them from the dryer before putting t hem away.
Functionality
If the room allows, set up separate hampers for colors, whites and delicates and maybe a separate one for really grimy work clothes. Have family members sort their own laundry into the hampers on wash day. Carts on wheels with divided bags are useful for this purpose. Wall-mounted ironing boards that fold down when needed are another option for the laundry room.
Fun Stuff
Decorating a laundry room can bring out your personality. Go for an early American look by displaying old washboards and amusing wall plaques depicting scenes of hand-washing clothes or clothes hanging on lines. If your laundry room is situated near or in an entryway, use a bench seat and coat rack so shoes and coats can be stored neatly. Small spaces will need just one box of peel-and-stick floor tiles to spruce up the floor. Don’t forget some workspace lighting.