Tag: home

Art

How To Make Pottery At Home

Posted on by The Quiltress

One of the ways to relieve stress is to do some art. It helps you to do something with your hands and also keep your mind off things by concentrating on something else. The problem at times is getting started. It seems intimidating and quite hard. But it is really not. You do not have to be an expert to do art. It will be a great hobby and as said before, it is a good stress reliever. So if you are just starting, do not pressure about it but instead, enjoy the process of it. Besides, it is not bad to have your own homemade art in your house.

Most arts and crafts can be done in the comfort of your home. That includes pottery which sounds impossible because of the materials that will be needed. But with these basic ideas, it can be done:

1. Selecting a Room

The first thing you will need to do is to pick a room around your house where is best to work. Not only that but also consider the materials such as the clay which should be stored in the right place. Be sure that it is also easy to clean and has access to water. Then, of course, you would need some furniture such as tables and cabinets that are sturdy and durable. 

2. Knowing the Right Clay

In pottery, clay is the most important material because, without it, you will not able to form anything. Because you are at home, it is important to choose the right clay, and it could be a special kind. Usually, the types of clay used at home are oven-bake, polymer, or air-dry. Then also there is also the glaze, and you should find something that will be matched with the clay.

3. Have the Right Tools

Because you are doing it at home, you would need the tools. You do not have to get all of it but what matters is having the basic ones that will get you started. First is a potter’s wheel which is available in stores in different sizes. Be sure to choose that will fit your space and meets your needs. There are also electric ones available though it will be less efficient and also not suitable for beginners. Another tool is the throwing rib which is used for shaping and smoothing the pot. Then a versatile tool called potter’s needle that is used in many ways such as cutting, piercing, scoring, etc. Another cutting tool is the cutting wire used for cutting the base away from the wheel. Then the last one is the kiln which is used for firing the clay. They are quite expensive, so you could either invest in one or rent. 

How to do pottery

Here are the basic steps in doing pottery at home:

  1. Shape and mold them in the potter’s wheel.
  2. If you are not planning to use a kiln, let it dry. You should have a proper place for this. 
  3. If you are planning to have it in a fire, place it in a kiln.
  4. After that, you can decorate your work by painting.
Household

Cheap DIY Projects for Home Decor

Posted on by The Quiltress

To call something, whether your own house or rented apartment, a home, it should be somewhere that you are comfortable and shows what you are. In order to do that, you should have your home decorated according to your tastes. But oftentimes, it will be very expensive and in addition to that, you also have to find something that will save space.

One of the things that will surely make your space be the one you will truly like is doing them your own. You may think that you are not that creative for that, but there are easy solutions. Aside from that, you will definitely save a lot. Here are some that you can try:

1. Repurposing Furniture

If you have a hard time finding the perfect furniture for you that is cheap, you can always take a look at stores that second hand. There are thrift stores or yard sales that sell very cheap and still in great condition. If there is a need to be repaired, you can do it yourself. If you do not like the design much, you can change it. This does not only include second-hand items though, but you can also give some of your old furniture a makeover. That way, you do not have to spend too much yet feels like it is something brand new.

2. Making Own Artwork

Artworks are a great addition to your rooms to make them look more interesting and elegant. The problem is that they tend to be pricey. Instead of buying one, why not make it yourself? This will be great for those who do some painting as their hobby, but what about those who are not? Well, it does not have to be complicated or sophisticated. There are some techniques that are great for beginners such as acrylic paint pouring. 

3. Painting Own Walls

Do you want to change the colors of your wall? You do not have to hire a contractor for that. You can definitely do it on your own. You just have to choose the right paints. You will also need to know the proper way and have the proper technique in applying them. If you will need some help, you can have some of your friends or family with you. 

4. DIY Organization and Storage

When it comes to home, proper storage is a must to best avoid clutter. Even though it is not that expensive to buy things that will help you to be organized and with storage, it is also easy to do them your own. You will surely have some old boxes or dishes, and you can repurpose them as a place to keep some of your stuff. If you do not want them to be boring, you can have them painted and designed that will also add some color. This way, you will save more rather than buying that at times will just also add some more to your space and be cramped. It will also great to recycle.