Why Hama beads are a great craft for adults

If you read this blog regularly then you'll know how much I love crafting with Hama beads. I know that they are usually marketed at children, but Hama beads are also a really great craft for adults. It can be a really relaxing and mindful craft, as you take the time to position the beads onto the boards. It's also a chance to get really creative and come up with different designs, and you can find plenty of examples online for different projects that you might like to try.

It's a craft which is suitable for all skill levels, and also one that you can work on alongside your children if you struggle to find the time for crafting! They can use smaller pegboards for simple designs while you work on something more complex. You don't need much to get started and the supplies are easy to store and organise.

The materials aren't that expensive, although I would warn not to be tempted by the cheap imitation beads which are usually misshapen and don't fuse together well. An exception to this is the Hobbycraft branded 'Picture Beads' which I've found to be really good and slightly cheaper than branded Hama beads, they are perfect if you are looking for a lot of beads in one colour.

I recently discovered that Hama have released a brilliant range of products called Hama Art which are aimed at adult crafters. I particularly love this Hama Art Sunflower Bead Kit (affiliate link) and you can find a few more examples at the bottom of this post. The kits seem quite pricey, but they aren't so bad when you compare them to similar craft kits, for example cross stitch or diamond painting.

If you would rather work from scratch then it's best to just buy a large box of mixed beads, a few pegboards, and some squared paper if you want to design your own projects. There is plenty of inspiration online, and you might also like to have a look at my post filled with Hama bead projects for adults. 

As an adult crafter you might also want to try the mini Hama beads, and you can find out more about this size of bead here - Mini Hama bead crafts - A guide. These beads are very tiny and you can product some really intricate designs. You can also use them to make jewellery, for example mini Hama bead earrings or mini Hama bead pin badges. A great way to get started with mini Hama beads is with a kit, and there are lots to choose from. 

You can find all my Hama bead projects and crafts on my Hama bead crafts page.

Getting the garden ready for winter

It's that time of year again when I try to get those last garden jobs done before the weather gets too cold.  Although this year it's often been too warm to want to be out working in the garden. I'm still hanging the washing out to dry which I'm sure I've never done this late in the year before - some years I barely hang it outside at all!

Last week I cleared out the vegetable patch, taking out the dead tomato plants and giving it a good weed. I also weeded all my large planters and moved the smaller ones into the garage so that they don't blow about the garden over the winter. Usually I cut back the trailing plants on the fence that we share with our neighbour, but this year I've only cleared them out of the guttering. I quite like how they look, and maybe they will help to hold the fence together if we have any windy weather!

Then this morning I was admiring my good work and spotted this little cluster of seedlings! I'm almost certain that they are tomato plants, and because they are close together it looks as though they've sprouted from a fallen tomato that I missed. I couldn't bear to pull them out as I'm so used to caring for tomato plants, but I know that they won't survive the winter!

At the weekend we did the final cut of the grass. This will make the last job of the year much easier when it comes around - a week or so of collecting the leaves that drop from the huge tree at the bottom of our garden! It's not even our tree as it's on council land, but I do love the tree and enjoy it throughout the year so it seems only fair that I should do a bit of work for it.

We also packed away our hot tub after giving it a good clean. We've not used it enough this summer as it's been so hot, and it had gone a bit yucky as we hadn't been keeping up with the chlorine top ups. We'll get it out in the spring and intend to make more of an effort with it next year.

There are still a few jobs left, the beautiful lavender bush needs cutting back a bit more so that it doesn't take over next year and our apple tree needs a bit of a trim. I also need to do a final quick cut of our large front hedge, otherwise the few sticking up bits will annoy me all winter. My aim is to get everything done before the half term school holiday so I've got a few weeks yet!

Living the good life: The unexpected benefits of Invisalign

This is a collaborative post

Are you considering straightening your teeth but are hesitant to commit to traditional braces? Invisalign gives you the opportunity to improve your smile without sacrificing convenience or confidence. 

Not only do these virtually invisible aligners provide a hidden and comfortable option for straightening teeth – but they can also deliver unexpected benefits that contribute to a healthier and happier life. 

To assist you, we'll explore some of the unexpected benefits of Invisalign that will make you want to take the leap towards a better smile. So, continue reading to learn more about the good life with Invisalign.

Five Surprising Benefits of Invisalign

Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign helps to straighten your teeth and correct any misalignments – but it also offers some amazing advantages that you may not have considered.  

We've collaborated with Gorgeous Smiles to help uncover these unexpected benefits and show you why Invisalign is the perfect choice for your smile journey. Here are five surprising advantages of Invisalign:

1 - Virtually Invisible Appearance

Virtually invisible – that's the phrase you'll often hear when discussing Invisalign. These clear aligners are custom-made to suit your teeth perfectly, making them virtually undetectable. 

Unlike traditional braces, which can be particularly noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without the world knowing.

In addition, the aligners are removable, so you can take them out for special occasions or when taking photos. This way, you can show off your smile without any metal brackets or wires in sight.

2 - Comfort and Convenience

Another significant benefit of Invisalign is its comfort and convenience. These aligners are made from smooth plastic, making them gentle on your gums and cheeks. 

No need to worry about any cuts or scratches that can be caused by traditional braces. Moreover, the aligners are removable, allowing you to enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. 

You can also easily maintain your oral hygiene routine by simply removing the aligners to brush and floss your teeth. This makes Invisalign a much more comfortable and convenient option for straightening your teeth.

3 - Shorter Treatment Time

It's no secret that straightening teeth with traditional braces can take a long time. Treatment times can be drastically shortened using Invisalign, with some instances taking as little as six months to complete.

The aligners work by slowly shifting your teeth into their desired position, and due to advanced technology and custom-made trays, you'll see results sooner than expected.

Additionally, you can change it out every two weeks to guarantee that your teeth are moving as quickly and effectively as possible. So you may spend more time enjoying your beautiful smile and less time at the orthodontist.

4 - Boosted Self-Confidence

The increase in confidence and self-esteem that comes with using Invisalign is another unexpected perk. Your self-confidence can change significantly, both personally and professionally, if you have a nicer grin. 

This will let you observe the difference in your teeth from the first day, which can immediately boost your confidence.

You won't have to worry about awkward discussions or feeling self-conscious when interacting with others because the aligners are virtually invisible. You may then put all of your energy towards living your greatest life without any insecurities getting in the way.

5 - Improved Oral Health

Lastly, Invisalign can aid in improving your overall oral health. Plaque build up and probably tooth decay can result from improperly cleaned teeth that are crooked or misaligned.

You can more easily maintain a healthy mouth with this since it can straighten your teeth. You can avoid common dental problems like cavities and gum disease by brushing and flossing properly.

Not to add, having straight teeth will help your bite and reduce jaw pain brought on by misalignment.  This not only gives you a better smile but also contributes to better oral health.

Photo credit Lesly Juarez via Unsplash

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, one can clearly see that Invisalign is more than just a tool for straightening teeth. It's a gateway to a brighter, more confident you, with surprising benefits that affect multiple aspects of your life. 

From a virtually invisible appearance that keeps your treatment discreet to a dramatic boost in self-confidence, better oral health, and a user-friendly, comfortable design – it truly checks all the boxes for an orthodontic answer that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. 

Decide whether Invisalign is the best option for you to live your best life with a better, healthier smile by taking into account the information above.  Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.  We can't wait to hear from you. Happy smiling! 

Halloween themed felt garland bunting craft

For a little while now I've been brainstorming craft projects with the intention of working my way through my craft supplies stash. One thing that I have in abundance is felt, and so I decided that with Halloween coming up I'd work on a simple felt Halloween craft!

I still love the simple felt heart garland bunting which I made a little while ago, and it hangs from our mantelpiece almost year round. I thought I could come up with something similar using Halloween colours and simple shapes. And here it is, embellished with sequins, my very easy Halloween felt garland:

I began by sketching out a few simple designs. I discovered some pre-cut black felt circles in my stash which I thought would fit well in between the shapes. I didn't have quite enough so I cut some more circles from grey felt, and made enough to alternate with my other designs. I made simple pumpkins, ghosts and witch hats, taking some shape inspiration from some gorgeous bunting at Easy Thing to Sew.

I cut my shapes a little smaller (about 3-4cm across) and designed them to be little more rounded so that they could be sewn closer together. I used some lovely dark yellow cotton for the sewing.

 

I used a sewing machine to make up the garland. It's a bit of a fiddly job to sew the shapes together as they are so small. I found that I had to sew across a shape and then lift the presser foot a little to pop the next one into place, with the edges nice and snug together. 

I was really pleased with how it looked, but I felt that it was missing something, especially on the ghosts. Wanting to continue crafting only with my stash I hunted out my big bag of sequins and sorted out some black circles for the eyes of the ghosts, gold squares for a buckle on the hats, and green circles to add a bit of colour to the pumpkins. They are glued in place, and I added sequins on both sides in case the shapes flip around while they are hanging. Subtle yet sparkly!

I have my bunting strung up across the fireplace, along with some fairy lights (don't worry, the fireplace underneath is disconnected so there is no fire risk, remember to be careful where you display bunting!)

While I was hanging it I thought something like this would also be great hung down in long strings across a doorway, maybe if you are hosting a Halloween party or greeting Trick or Treaters! 

If you like this Halloween felt craft then you may also like my Homemade Halloween felt bunting, using scraps of felt along with ribbon, buttons and sequins.

Good habits to improve your wellbeing

This is a collaborative post

While we often hear all about bad habits that can have a negative impact on our health, there are also a wide range of good habits that we can get into that will help to improve our wellbeing.

Of course, when we lead busy lives, devoting all our free time to our careers and our families, then it can be hard to find time for self-care.

However, if we make a conscious effort to introduce these self-care acts into our schedule, then we can slowly improve our quality of life.

Are you looking to work on your wellbeing? Here are just four good self-care habits to include in your schedule.

Engage in Regular Exercise

Getting regular exercise is a great way to improve your physical health, however it can also have a positive impact on both your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Make it a habit of including exercise in your daily schedule, even if it’s just taking a walk every morning before you start work.

Of course, it can be hard to find the time to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise, but, but platforms such as YouTube offer a huge selection of workout routines that you can complete without equipment and from the comfort of your own home.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Your diet can have a big impact on your wellbeing, and while cutting out your favourite treats altogether can be quite unappealing, it’s also important to prioritise moderation.

Consuming a balanced diet will ensure that you cover all of the right food groups that will lead to a healthy life.

If you’re not sure where to start, then meal subscription boxes, such as Gousto, are a great way to get the ingredients for balanced meals delivered right to your door.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most essential parts of cultivating a healthy wellbeing. However, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy. From internal factors such as stress to external factors like your environment, there are a wide variety of reasons that sleep might be eluding you.

One common cause of poor sleep comes from an uncomfortable mattress. A mattress should be changed every 6-8 years, so if yours is getting old, then the time has probably come for you to invest in something new.

Finding the perfect mattress can be difficult, however with experts such as Archers Sleep Centre, you’ll be able to find the ideal make and model to suit your needs.

Photo credit Greg Rivers via Unsplash

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of living in the moment; it involves learning to pay attention to your mind, body, and the world around you.

Start by carving out ten minutes each day to sit quietly and complete some deep breathing exercises.

Mindfulness will help you to gain new perspectives and develop ways to cope with the small everyday stresses that often impact our ability to feel happy and fulfilled. 

Have you found good habits to improve your wellbeing? Share your tips in the comments below!

Using ChatGPT as a blogger

I'm really interested in the development of AI and I've done lots of reading around the topic. I'm not really interested in how it works, I want to learn about the ethical considerations, and the ways that it might influence our lives both now and in the future.

I can see AI having a massive impact on the media landscape, especially when it comes to social media and online magazines and blogs. I was fascinated by a recent story about how fans of the computer game World of Warcraft laid a trap for an AI bot that was generating news stories based on their Reddit posts - Warcraft fans trick AI article bot with Glorbo hoax - and it did make me wonder how much online content has been created by Artificial Intelligence. It's going to have a huge impact on both online and print publishing. 

I think that we are entering a time when a huge amount of online content will be computer generated (if it's not already!), and because the software is then learning from that generated online content I do wonder about what that means for traditional writers, and for the people that are reading it. I just can't see it being the same in terms of quality and accuracy.

Image generated by Stable Diffusion AI

However I must confess that I have been using ChatGPT when it comes to brainstorming and writing blog posts. I'll say first that I've never used ChatGPT to write an entire blog post and I don't intend to!

 But here are some of the ways that I've used it for blogging:

- Asking for a list of ideas for blog posts around a particular theme. Often none of the titles are exactly what I'm looking for, but they've sparked an idea for something else.

- Asking for blog post outlines around a particular subject. It's a good way of coming up with new ideas even if I don't want to follow the suggested format.

- I needed to write a sponsored post about the benefits of installing a GPS tracker in your car and I could only think of a couple! But ChatGPT provided me with several that I hadn't considered, and I was able to expand on those to fill the article. 

- I used a different AI tool to generate some potential blog post images. You can read about how I got on here - Using AI to generate images for blog posts. There's still lots of work to be done in this area, but I can see it being very useful if you are looking for a very specific image to illustrate something.

- Coming up with craft ideas. I asked it to give me some ideas for crafts involving particular materials for certain occasions. The results weren't ground breaking and I could have just used Google, but again it did help to give me some inspiration.

I've found that for the best results you need to be very specific when it comes to writing your prompt. You can go into a lot of detail and write a whole paragraph about what you are after, and then you can use further prompts or ask it to rewrite for you in a different way. ChatGPT also saves all your queries so you can go back to them and follow up. 

ChatGPT will even come up with text that you can use to share your posts on social media. I had a lot of fun with this, especially if you ask it to make them click bait! I would never use them! But here are some tweets that it suggested for promoting this blog post, complete with emojis and hashtags:

Prompt: 

Please generate me some tweets for sharing my blog post titled "Using ChatGPT as a Blogger". Make them click bait!

Results:

"🚀 Unleash the POWER of ChatGPT! 🤖 Learn how I skyrocketed my blog with AI wizardry! 💥 Read it now: [Blog Post Link] #BloggerMagic #AIWriting"

"💡 Want to BOOST your blog game? Discover my SECRET weapon: ChatGPT! 📚🚀 Dive into the future of blogging here: [Blog Post Link] #ChatGPT #BloggingTips"

"📝 Bloggers, brace yourselves! ChatGPT is your new BEST friend! 😍 Unlock the potential of AI writing today: [Blog Post Link] #BloggersUnite #AIContent"

"🚀 REVOLUTIONIZE your blogging game with ChatGPT! 💥 Get the inside scoop on my blogging journey here: [Blog Post Link] #BloggerLife #AIWriting"

"🌟 BLOGGERS, this is a GAME-CHANGER! 💡 Explore how ChatGPT transformed my content creation! 🔥 Dive in now: [Blog Post Link] #ContentCreation #ChatGPT"

Of course there are drawbacks to using ChatGPT to write content. The biggest one is that it does just make things up. I asked for reading material around a particular subject and was given a list of plausible titles and authors. Some of the authors had written books on similar subjects and the titles sounded good. But the actual books didn't exist!

I also asked for links to blog posts and articles on the subject I was researching and again it listed fake articles. There was a disclaimer saying that the titles had been automatically generated, but a website that is automatically copying and pasting information won't take any notice of that.

Finally, after asking ChatGPT to generate a few blog post articles it's easy to see the format that is being used, and it becomes very repetitive. The articles are nicely written with a beginning, middle and an end and the style is correct but somehow it just sounds a bit off and formulaic. Maybe a blog could get away with the occasional AI generated article but I think readers would soon get bored, especially if reading several articles at once.

I don't intend to ever use ChatGPT to write my blog, it's something that I love doing too much! But I'm definitely going to be more wary of the content that I read online going forwards, and I really hope that we aren't starting to see the end of human generated content.

Hama bead Autumn leaves - designs and patterns

I've been trying to come up with some good designs for Hama bead Autumn leaves for a while now, and I've always found it really difficult! After sorting out all my Hama beads recently I found that I had lots of Autumnal colours with lots of different shades of brown, orange and red, and so I decided that I would have another go and attempt to make some seasonal Hama bead Autumn leaves to decorate my home now that the weather is turning cooler!

Here is the pattern for the four Autumn leaf designs that I came up with. 

I used a variety of different coloured beads for the leaves, based on what I had in my stash. I tried to think about using darker beads for the base of the leaf and moving to lighter ones as I worked my way up, but the arrangement of the beads was pretty random! It was a great way to use up some of colours where I only had a small amount left. 

I used a square Hama bead pegboard and didn't over iron the beads. If you are new to Hama beads or want some extra guidance you might find this post helpful - Ironing tips for Hama beads. 

I've not decided yet how to display them. I'm thinking about hanging them from some long string and attaching them to suction hooks on the window. I also thought about making a few more and attaching them together for form an Autumn wreath - something like this Hama bead flower wreath. You could also attach them to sticks as a plant pot decoration, string them together to make bunting, add a magnet or keyring...lots of possibilities!

If you are looking for some more Autumn inspired Hama bead crafts then do take a look at these:

Autumn leaf Hama bead coasters

Autumn Hama bead battery tea light holders

You can find all my Hama bead crafts here - Hama bead craft ideas and projects