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Some types of jewelry take quite a bit of skill to craft. They may also require specialist tools. However, not all jewelry has to be complicated. In fact there are some items of jewelry that are very easy to make (and yes, it’s the type of jewelry you’ll actually want to wear). Below are just 5 examples of easy DIY jewelry crafts to try. 

Bead jewelry

Crafting bead jewelry is a simple case of feeding beads onto a string. Of course there are more intricate forms of bead jewelry that you can work your way up to, but you don’t have to do anything too complex for bead jewelry to look good. There are bead jewelry kits aimed at beginners that you can buy with a variety of beads in. From here, you can look into other types of beads such as these silicone focal beads for when you want to make a statement price or even bead gemstones for when you want to make something a little lavis. Types of bead jewelry include bracelets, necklaces, anklets and brooches. 

Tassel pendants

Tassel pendants are basically threads suspended from a cord. They’re very easy to make as this DIY tassel jewelry guide demonstrates. Materials you can use include silk, leather, ribbons, cotton or even suede. These can make fun DIY earrings and necklaces, or they can also be attached to handbags as a stylish accessory. Choose tassel materials that match outfits in your wardrobe – such as tan leather tassels to match a favorite pair of tan leather boots. 

Clay pendants

Clay pendants are another easy DIY form of jewelry to try. Making ceramic clay at home is surprisingly easy – you can do it in any regular oven. You also don’t have to craft anything too complex – a simple painted clay disc with a hole in it for the string can make for a striking pendant. Clay can be painted in various colors including all kinds of funky patterns. It can also be formed into all kinds of shapes. You can check out some clay necklace ideas here. 

Button brooch

Button brooches are cute brooches made out of buttons. These are a great way to upcycle buttons from old shirts and jackets, often creating a charming vintage look. Button brooches are very easy to make – all you really need is buttons, a brooch pin and a glue gun. You’ll find lots of fun button brooch designs online including fun flower shapes and unique colored patterns. 

Quilled earrings

Quilling involves wrapping thin strips of paper into stylish coil shapes. This craft technique may look fiddly, but it’s actually surprisingly easy. It also doesn’t cost a lot of money because you’re using paper. The most common way in which quilling is used in jewelry is in quilled earrings. Such earrings often incorporate flower patterns or colorful psychedelic designs that are great for when you want to add a hippy flavor to an outfit. You can find a great guide to quilled earrings here. 

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Your bedroom is your sanctuary. It’s the place in your home that is truly yours and where you can retire at the end of the day and relax. Because of this, you want to ensure it’s a space you love to be in. One that’s organized, calming and you enjoy spending time in. One of the biggest battles when it comes to keeping your bedroom nice is having enough storage. Unless you have a walk-in wardrobe or separate room for your clothes, finding where to put these can be a battle, as well as all your other items. Here we take a look at some storage ideas to make the most out of your bedroom and ensure it’s a clutter-free, relaxing zone. 

Invest in an ottoman bed

One of the best things you can do to make the most of your bedroom space is to look into getting an ottoman bed. An ottoman bed is great as it takes up no more space than your regular bed, but lifts up to reveal plenty of storage underneath. Get some boxes that you can use to compartmentalize things and soon you’ll have a well-organized space to store your items. From your fancy dresses to your novelty chucky t-shirt collection to your winter boots during the summer, there is so much you can do with this.

Get rid of items you don’t use

When you are looking to utilize your bedroom space, you first need to look at the items you are trying to get sorted. Chances are you have many things there that you don’t use anymore and just keep for the sake of it. Take a look through all your belongings and put items that you don’t use anymore in a box or bag. You don’t need to throw them out yet, however. Instead, wait and see if you use them in the next six months. If you do, keep them, but if you don’t, get rid as you know you haven’t missed them.

Be smart with the space you have

There are many smart storage solutions you can use to make the most of the space you have in your bedroom. Look into built-in storage such as built-in wardrobes, adding shelves, and more in order to create more room to house your belongings. You could check out sites such as Pinterest for inspiration, or speak to a local decorator or builder who can advise you on some savvy ideas that can transform your room. You’ll be surprised what a difference it can make.

These are just a few storage ideas that can help you to make the most of your bedroom. Getting your room organized to the way you want it can take time, but once it’s done, will be more than worth it. Have you recently sorted out your bedroom to make it a more functional space? If so, what are some of the things you have done? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

Home security is essential for both practical and emotional reasons. Knowing that your home is secure can give you peace of mind and ensure that you, your family, and your belongings are safe. Luckily, there are several easy ways to improve the security of your home without breaking the bank. Here are four simple steps to protect your home and stay safe.

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Install a Video Doorbell or Camera System

Video doorbells and camera systems have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide homeowners with an extra layer of protection. The cameras allow you to monitor who is coming in and out of your house at any given time and give you a way to speak with visitors before letting them in. This adds an extra layer of protection for would-be burglars as they will know that their actions are being monitored. Additionally, video doorbells can be used with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home so that you can control them remotely using voice commands.

Add Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights are another great way to increase home security without breaking the bank. They can be installed around the perimeter of your property so that whenever someone walks onto it, the lights will turn on automatically, alerting you (or other people inside) and anyone else nearby that there is movement on the premises. These sensors also work well when combined with different types of security systems, such as video cameras or alarms, as they will help detect any suspicious activity when the sensors detect motion.

Install Smart Locks

Smart locks are also becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a quick and easy way to secure your home without worrying about carrying keys or being locked out. Smart locks control who has access to your property by providing keyless entry for visitors and family members. Be Secure Locksmith offers several smart lock solutions, offering your home the highest level of security.

Invest in an Alarm System

Finally, investing in an alarm system is a great way to secure your home. Alarm systems can be wired or wireless and provide an audible alert if someone tries to enter your home without permission. Additionally, many alarm systems can be integrated with other security measures, such as video doorbells or cameras, so you are alerted of any suspicious activity.

Keeping your home secure is incredibly important – not only does it keep you safe, but it also helps give you peace of mind knowing that everything inside is protected from harm’s way should anything happen while away from the property itself. We’ve discussed four easy ways which homeowners can use to increase their levels of home security without having to break the bank – installing a video doorbell system or camera system; adding motion sensor lights; fitting smart locks; investing in an alarm system – all steps which will help keep intruders out while keeping those living inside safe too! So what are you waiting for? Start boosting your home’s security today!

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Bringing a new look to your home can be a fun and exciting project, but it can also be a costly one. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or update your entire home, there are many cost-effective solutions that can help you achieve the look you want. 

This article will help you explore some of the best ways to update your home on a budget, so you can enjoy a fresh, new look without sacrificing your hard-earned savings.

1. Start with a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to update your home is by applying a fresh coat of paint. Not only will this change the look of your walls, but it can also help to hide any cracks, scuffs, or marks that may have accumulated over time. 

You can opt for neutral shades that will add warmth and brightness to your space or choose bold colors to make a statement. Just be sure to choose a high-quality paint that will last, so you don’t have to repaint again soon.

2. Restore Old Furniture Pieces

If you’re looking to update your home on a budget, restoring old furniture pieces is a great way to do so. Not only will you save money by repurposing what you already have, but you’ll also create a unique, one-of-a-kind look for your home. 

A popular way to restore old wooden furniture is by using wood oils. In addition to restoring the natural beauty of the wood, wood oils can also protect the wood from future damage. However, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type of wood oil before making your decision. 

Let’s use teak oil advantages and disadvantages, for example. Teak oil is a popular choice for restoring outdoor furniture and can give it a fantastic finish, but it can be expensive and require maintenance to keep it looking its best.

3. Add Accent Pieces

Another cost-effective way to update your home is by adding accent pieces. This could include anything from a new piece of artwork to a new lamp or throw pillows. These items are relatively inexpensive and can make a big impact in any room. Plus, they’re easy to swap out if you ever decide to change the look of your home.

4. Upcycle and Repurpose

Finally, consider upcycling and repurposing items you already have to create a new look for your home. For example, you can turn an old ladder into a bookshelf or an old dresser into a kitchen storage area. 

With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can transform any old piece of furniture into a statement piece for your home. Not only will you save money by repurposing what you already have, but you’ll also create a unique, one-of-a-kind look that you won’t find anywhere else.

Conclusion

Updating your home doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. With a little creativity and some smart moves, you can transform your living space on a budget. From adding a fresh coat of paint to restoring old furniture pieces, there are many cost-effective solutions that will help you achieve the perfect look for your home.

In the current climate, the price of everything seems to be rising. The cost of essentials like fuel. Electricity and gas are rising the quickest, which is making it difficult to live day to day for some people. Most people will be feeling the effects of this fact, and with no end in sight, we all must try and find ways to boost our income. The good news is that there are a lot of ways you can do this. From finding ways to save more to actually increasing the amount of income you receive. To help you out, we have come up with a few ways you can boost your income. Take a look at the list below:

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Property

Making money on property really depends on the position you are in at the moment. If you have a lot of money saved and don’t own a home, then buying a house will mean your money is being invested rather than given away to a landlord. If you already own a home but are finding it difficult to keep up with all the bills at the moment, then could you rent out a room, or maybe you could downsize and save that way? If this is something that appeals to you, then why not order an appraisal and see how the market lies? If you can afford to buy a second home, then renting it out is a great way to make money. You may even be able to buy a house on the cheap at an auction or off the bank and fit it up and sell it for a huge profit. If you have the funds, then there is always money to be made in property. It is a great form of investment and, generally speaking, always helps oy accumulate wealth in the long run.

Side Hustle

If you have a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit but have never scratched that itch, then maybe now is the time. The great thing about a side hustle is that you get to start a small business without leaving your current role, so you are not putting all your eggs in that basket. A side hustle can be anything you want, from writing articles on a niche that you are knowledgeable in, waking all the dogs in the neighborhood, child minding, renting out one of your rooms on Airbnb, and buying ad selling things online. A side hustle is a great way to boost your income, and it may well be an extremely reading experience. You never know it might turn into something bigger too.

Cryptocurrency

If you are looking for a great investment, then why not try cryptocurrency? It is becoming far easier to invest in crypto, and it can prove to be a very lucrative thing. Most of you will remember the meteoric rise in the value of Bitcoin, which made a lot of people extremely wealthy. However, crypto can be a rather risky form of investment. It tends to be quite volatile, and that could mean you become rich or you could lose everything. There is no doubt that crypto is increasing in popularity. Technology such as Blockchain is making it easier to use, and businesses are beginning to invest in this way. But you need to be aware of the risks here in this does interest you.

Bonds

Bonds can make a great long-term investment for anyone. You buy bonds for a set period of time, from 12 months to 30 years. During the time you have the bonds, you will receive regular payments, usually twice a year. These payments are known as coupons and last the entire length of the bond contract time. At the end of the contract, the bonds mature, and you receive the initial investment back. You can choose to invest in government bonds or corporate bonds. Government bonds are the least risky option. This is simply because the government is less likely to close down during the length of the contract. However, corporate bonds are far more lucrative. You can earn much better returns as businesses can be much more profitable. You need to decide what option works best for you. To help you out, bonds have a risk or credit rating, with AAA as the best choice. Remember, you cannot get the money back during this time, so never invest in something that you may need. It is important that you weigh up all your options and make an informed decision. 

The Stock Market

The stock market is always a good place to invest your money. If you do it right and are prepared to put in the time and effort, then you can make a pretty good sum of money here. The good thighs about it is that you are able to control it all yourself. You can put money in for as long or as short a duration as you like; you are not tied into anything like bonds. The first thing to remember with stocks is that you are not investing in some graph; you are investing in a real company. This means that you can do some background work and try and figure out where the company is headed and if it is a good form of investment. Maybe read press releases on the company website, read financial reviews from people you trust, have a look at their competitors to see if they are the best in their field, etc. It is up to you how much homework you do. If you are going to a long-term approach, consider the dividends. Dividends are payments you receive for owning the stocks. They are a little like coupons with bonds. If you have enough shares, you can actually live off the dividends if you so wish. If you are more interested in the short term, you may be wise to buy just before or after a big announcement, depending on what it is. Timing is of the essence. The stock market is a great way to invest, but remember to diversify and never invest what you can’t afford to lose.

If you feel that money is tight, then you may feel that the only way you can solve the issue would be to bring in more income. This isn’t necessarily the case, and most of the time you may find that lowering your expenses can give you more financial security. If you need some help with this then the only thing that you have to do is take a look below.

Save on your Energy

One thing you can do is try and call your supplier to see if they can give you a better price. You can also use a price comparison website to find out if it is possible for you to get a cheaper deal. Investing in insulation for your home can also help to keep the heat in, so will buying some new windows. Remember, it’s very easy for you to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency by working with insulation contractors, and that buying new windows doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, sometimes just replacing the glass is a very good way for you to capitalise on the benefits.

A more efficient heating system will also do wonders to cut down your heating bills, by making it a lot easier to heat the home with less. If your heating isn’t working as expected, then you should consider getting in touch with heat pump repair services. The combination of keeping heat in the home and making the home much easier to heat will help you cut right down on your bills.

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Get a Cheaper Phone Contract

Is the contract for the phone you have now coming to an end? Maybe you just want to get the latest handset but can’t really afford it. Either way, there are ways around this. It may be that you use online tools to try and analyse your bills so you can be recommended a contract. You can also take the time to negotiate with your supplier. Remember that you are the one in charge, and that it is entirely possible for you to get a good deal if you look at other companies and their offerings. If you let your current supplier know that you are open to changing then they will probably offer you a way better deal overall.

Cut the Cost of your Water

If you want to cut the cost of your water bill then you can do this in a number of ways. To start with you can have a water meter installed and you can opt to take fewer baths. Swapping to showers will use up way less water and this can save you a lot of money on your water bill. If you can change to a much more efficient showerhead is also a very good option, not to mention that it is far more sustainable.

Cheaper Gas

Switching energy companies may not help you to save on your bills right now, but that being said, there are a lot of schemes you can take advantage of. You just need to take a look to see what you qualify for as this is one of the best ways for you to reap the benefits. If you can find ways to save on your heating then this is also a very good idea. Consider getting some draught excluders and also make sure that you don’t put the heating on unless you need to. Put on an extra jumper before you go to your thermostat and you will soon be able to save.