man using table saw

Woodworking, Carpentry, and Joinery: What’s the Difference?

Woodworking, carpentry, and joinery are all related trades that involve working with wood. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct practices. In this article, we will discuss the differences between woodworking, carpentry, and joinery.

Woodworking:

Woodworking is the practice of creating objects out of wood. This can range from making small objects like wooden toys or jewelry boxes to large-scale projects like building furniture or even entire houses. Woodworking involves a wide range of skills and techniques, including cutting, shaping, sanding, carving, and finishing wood.

Woodworking can be further broken down into two main categories: fine woodworking and rough woodworking. Fine woodworking is often associated with furniture making, where attention to detail, precision, and aesthetics are important. Rough woodworking, on the other hand, is more focused on practical applications, such as building structures or framing.

Carpentry:

Carpentry is a specific branch of woodworking that focuses on building structures, such as buildings, bridges, and other large-scale projects. Carpenters typically work with wood as their primary material, but may also work with other materials like steel or concrete. Carpentry involves measuring, cutting, and installing wood for various building components, such as walls, roofs, and floors.

Carpenters use a variety of tools, including saws, hammers, drills, and levels. They also need to have a good understanding of building codes, safety regulations, and engineering principles. Carpenters often work on construction sites and may work alongside other tradespeople like electricians and plumbers.

Joinery:

Joinery is a specialized form of woodworking that involves creating joints between pieces of wood. The goal of joinery is to create a strong and seamless connection between two pieces of wood, without the use of nails or other fasteners. Joinery is often used in furniture making, cabinetry, and other fine woodworking projects.

Joinery requires a high level of skill and precision, as the joints need to be perfectly fitted in order to achieve maximum strength and stability. Some common types of joinery include dovetail joints, mortise and tenon joints, and tongue and groove joints. Joiners typically work in a workshop setting and use specialized tools like routers, chisels, and hand saws.

In conclusion, woodworking, carpentry, and joinery are all related practices that involve working with wood, but each has its own distinct focus and skillset. Woodworking is the broadest of the three, encompassing both fine and rough woodworking. Carpentry is focused on building structures and requires a good understanding of building codes and safety regulations. Joinery is a specialized form of woodworking that involves creating strong, seamless joints between pieces of wood.

man in pink button up shirt holding black hammer

10 Brilliant Woodworking Tips for Beginners

Woodworking is a creative and fulfilling hobby that can bring out the DIY spirit in anyone. Whether you’re interested in building furniture, creating decorative items, or simply fixing up your home, woodworking skills can come in handy. However, as a beginner, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are ten brilliant tips to help you get started on your woodworking journey.

  1. Start small: Don’t try to tackle a big project right away. Start with a simple project, such as a birdhouse or a picture frame, to build your confidence and skills.
  2. Invest in quality tools: Good tools are essential for woodworking. Invest in a set of hand tools and power tools that will last you a long time.
  3. Plan ahead: Before starting any project, make a plan and gather all the materials and tools you’ll need. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your project turns out the way you want it to.
  4. Take your time: Rushing through a project can lead to mistakes and frustration. Take your time and pay attention to the details.
  5. Read the instructions: Before starting any project, make sure you understand the instructions and have all the materials and tools you need.
  6. Measure twice, cut once: This age-old adage is still true today. Double-check your measurements to avoid making mistakes.
  7. Use the right tools for the job: Using the right tools for the job will make your work easier and more accurate.
  8. Safety first: Always wear safety gear, such as eye protection and gloves, when working with power tools.
  9. Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first projects don’t turn out perfectly. Keep practicing and learning, and you’ll soon see improvement.
  10. Join a woodworking community: Joining a woodworking community, either online or in person, is a great way to get advice, inspiration, and support from other woodworkers.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a confident and skilled woodworker. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques – the possibilities in woodworking are endless!

inner patio of old house

Tuscan Style: A Great Home Decorating Idea

Tuscan style is a popular choice for home decorating, and for good reason. This warm and inviting style is inspired by the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany, Italy, and it’s perfect for those who want to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in their homes.

One of the key elements of Tuscan style is its use of natural materials. Rustic stone and brick walls, terra-cotta floor tiles, and wooden beams are all common features of Tuscan homes. These materials not only create a warm and inviting feel, but they also bring a touch of nature into your home.

Another important aspect of Tuscan style is its use of rich, warm colors. Think deep reds, golden yellows, and earthy greens. These colors are often used in combination to create a harmonious and inviting space. In addition to walls, these colors can be incorporated through the use of textiles such as throw pillows, curtains, and upholstery.

In terms of furniture, Tuscan style tends to lean towards sturdy, classic pieces that are both functional and stylish. Sofas, chairs, and dining tables are often made from natural materials such as wood or wrought iron, and they are often finished with a distressed or weathered look to add to the rustic charm.

Tuscan-style homes also often incorporate interesting architectural details, such as arches, columns, and exposed beams. These details add character to the space and create a sense of history and timelessness.

Accessories are also an important part of Tuscan style. Consider adding pieces such as metal wall sconces, candle holders, and vases filled with fresh flowers to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Finally, Tuscan style is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to add personal touches to your space. Family photos, artwork, and collectibles can all be incorporated into your decor to create a home that is truly unique to you.

In conclusion, Tuscan style is a great option for anyone looking to create a warm and inviting home. Its use of natural materials, rich colors, and classic furniture, combined with interesting architectural details and personal touches, make it a style that will never go out of fashion

blue blanket on top of bed

How to Light your Bedroom

Lighting in the bedroom is extremely important when you are decorating. Many people often forget about the lighting and it really makes a big difference when you are decorating your bedroom.

The first thing you must think about when you are designing the lighting in your bedroom is layering.
You must layer the lighting.

When you layer the lighting in the bedroom it gives you the opportunity to create the different moods you are hoping for. You should always have lamps on bedside tables and another light across the room
diagonal from the bed.

This allows the lighting to be balanced in the room. You also might consider light sources on a dimmer
switch that allow you to select the balance of light that is emitted into the room.

One thing you do not want to do in your bedroom is have a ceiling fan with a light on it. If you must
have a ceiling fan in the room then it is fine.

You should not have a light drooping from a ceiling fan because it looks tacky. Your bedroom needs to have the sexy look and a light from a ceiling fan will ruin the look.

It is also a good idea to use different bulbs for the lighting in the room to give a different look. Using
recessed bulbs with floor and table lamps can give the look of washing the room with a soft light.

However, you also are layering the room with different lighting and it gives the look of pure elegance that
you need to accomplish a nicely decorated bedroom.

woman using laptop on the floor

Convert your Junk Drawer into a Neat Drawer

We’re all probably guilty of having at least one junk drawer in our homes. This is the drawer that started out as a helpful drawer that kept all the handy items like tape, tacks, buttons, safety pins, and so on in one central location, but turned into the drawer where other things manage to accumulate when people don’t know where they go or don’t feel like taking the time to properly put them away. Put this drawer (or drawers) back into service by following a few simple steps to regain control.
First and foremost, you must empty it in order to clean it.

Take everything out. Place a piece of paper or a tea towel on your countertop or table surface to protect it, and literally dump the drawer on top if possible. Otherwise, make sure that all items are placed on this safe surface.
It must be sorted once it has been removed from the drawer. Sort similar items together, and if you can’t figure out what something is or whether it’s needed after consulting with others in your family, get rid of it. If anything in this drawer belongs somewhere else, make sure it’s put away right away. Completely clean and dry the drawer. After that, insert a new drawer liner or contact paper.

The next step is to create a simple, functional organised system that everyone in the family can use. Small items can be stored in ice cube trays, egg cartons, small boxes, or even 35-mm film containers. If you can’t see into it to see what’s inside, make sure it’s clearly labelled. Rubber bands, thread, and string are ideal for organising and storing in small plastic sandwich bags. If you keep glues or other adhesives in this drawer, make sure the lids are securely fastened.

It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of storing them inside a plastic storage bag to avoid a mess later on if the lid becomes unsecured in the shuffle or is not properly tightened after use.
Above all, encourage your family to keep the drawer neat and organised. If it’s well-maintained, there should be no need to shuffle through the drawer looking for things, resulting in an even bigger mess to clean out in a few months.

Interior Design Techniques That Reduce Stress

Interior Design Techniques That Reduce Stress

The way we design our home and work environments can have a dramatic impact on our stress levels and emotions. Learn to make your surroundings more peaceful and calming so you feel at ease all day long. Here are some decorating ideas that will soothe all of your senses.
Visual Techniques
Opt for warm colors. Warm colors tend to advance toward your eye to create a more intimate feel. Colors have different degrees of warmth, depending on the shade you pick. Warm colors will help to heat up adjoining cool colors. This means you can include any of your favorite colors as long as you pick the right shades and coordinate carefully.
Get organized. Clearing away clutter will instantly make any space look more serene. Plus, it won’t cost you a penny! Return everything to its proper place. Sell or donate stuff you no longer use.
Layer your lighting. Take advantage of as much natural light as you can get. Trade-in your harsh overhead lights and high wattage bulbs for a variety of floor and table lamps that provide a softer effect. Mirrors will also brighten things up.
Work with the space you’ve got. If you need to tie together a big area, consider decorating with patterns. A striped couch will make your living room look cozier. On the other hand, when you’re trying to feel less cramped, select furniture with legs and cutouts, and clear tops to maximize your air space.
Sound Effects
Get a water fountain. The sound of running water has appealed to people for centuries. You can even get desktop fountains for your office or solar-powered versions for your garden if you want something environmentally friendly.
Put up chimes. Try hanging a few on your back porch. If you prefer bird songs, put out a feeder. You’ll get serenaded every morning.
Play digital files. Wherever you live or travel, you can now access pleasant sounds with your laptop or any media player. Browse online or buy a CD full of recordings of falling rain, splashing waves, or the natural music of the Florida Everglades.
Scent Appeal
Pick up a diffuser. Diffuser kits with natural reeds will disperse scent for months. That way you can avoid the safety risks of leaving burning candles unattended.
Rely on traditional scents. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are old favorites because they work well for calming the mind. If you have a green thumb, try some living herbs. Lavender is easy to grow yourself and requires little maintenance. Just cut a few sprigs and take them indoors whenever you need to bring freshness to a room.
Experiment with new fragrances. If you want more variety, shop around for new oils. Neroli is becoming increasingly popular. This fragrance is produced from Bitter Orange blossoms and has a subtle but complex flowery aroma.
Textural Elements
Put something unusual on the walls. There’s more to wall art than framed paintings and photographs. Try an unusual object that will make you want to touch it, like a twisted rubber sculpture.
Pay attention to your bedding. You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so turn your bed into a comfort zone. Stock up on feather beds, soft flannel sheets, and plush comforters.
Use accent pieces to add interest. Unusual and inexpensive accent pieces can add textural interest to any room. Knit your own throw blanket for a sofa or make small pillows covered in soft velvet or chenille.
Transform your home and office with design choices that will help you breathe easier and reduce your stress levels. Especially if you’re coping with a demanding schedule, create rooms that accommodate all your senses and help you feel composed. This will bring you peace not only at home but everywhere you go.

Decor catalog

Decorating for Summer Look – Ballard Releases New 2021 Furniture & Home Decor Catalog

Ballard Designs is showing a new online LOOKBOOK for best tips in summer decorating at home – with the most design-friendly furniture, fabrics, drapes, and pillows, plus smart ways to incorporate them all.

NEWS PROVIDED BYBallard Designs 

Jun 02, 2021, 08:44 ET


ATLANTA, June 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ballard Design’s Lookbooks have become a go-to resource for professional designers and interior design lovers looking for the latest trends in home fashion. The Summer 2021 LOOKBOOK showcases Ballard experts’ favorite decorating ideas for the summer season.

“This year, we’re taking the long summer days nice and easy with crisp white, waves of nautical blue, and cool ideas for carefree outdoor entertaining,” says Karen Mooney, president of Ballard Designs.

The Summer Lookbook is published! Ballard Designs experts show latest trends and best design ideas for summer home and patio decor. Find gorgeous new decorating and furniture ideas.
The Summer Lookbook is published! Ballard Designs experts show latest trends and best design ideas for summer home and patio decor. Find gorgeous new decorating and furniture ideas.
"Ballard Designs Sunday Daybed with colorful, summer decor."
“Ballard Designs Sunday Daybed with colorful, summer decor.”

This summer’s edition features ways to make every day feel like a vacation with a resort-worthy backyard. Beautiful images and tips create 5-star spots for lounging, sunning and serving lucky guests. Lookbook fans will also discover front porch decorating ideas for summer and easy decorating for a summer party.

Ballard experts predict that whimsical prints and fresh blue color will take center stage this summer, indoors and out, on fabrics, wallpaper, tabletop and more.

But summer happens indoors too, so this book invites design inside with dazzling florals, playful patterns, and sunny colors to keep summer looking breezy and easy.

“Some colors just feel like vacation,” Mooney notes. “We’re loving cornflower blue everywhere from poolside to bedside to create a fresh summer vibe you can bask in all year-round.”

Ballard Designs partner and award-winning designer, Suzanne Kasler, is featured in the Summer Lookbook with new looks for her best-selling collections showcasing their standout designer details.

Online Catalog

The Lookbook is shoppable on mobile and desktop for purchasing from home with a few simple clicks. In addition, Ballard’s online catalog features inspiration for every space in the home, from the entry and living room to the bedroom, kitchen and home office. It makes browsing a high-end designer showroom possible without leaving home.

Contact: Ann Bailey at 404-603-7239 at 311252@email4pr.com

Ballard Designs is an omnichannel retailer offering a unique curation of home furnishings and decor from all periods and provenance. We travel the world for inspiration, translating new trends in fashion, color and style into exclusive products shoppers won’t find anywhere else. Ballard also offers hundreds of custom options, expert design advice and inspiration, empowering customers to unleash their inner decorator. Ballard Designs is one of the Qurate Retail Group portfolio brands, including QVC®, HSN®, Zulily®, Frontgate®, Garnett Hill® and Grandin Road®.

SOURCE Ballard Designs