DIY Floating Shelves: Plans and Tutorial

Creating your own floating shelves is a fantastic way to enhance your home’s décor while also providing functional storage. With just a few simple materials and tools, you can craft stylish shelves that seem to defy gravity.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden boards (in your choice of wood type and finish)
• Brackets or concealed shelf supports
• Wood screws
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Paint or wood stain (optional)
• Drill
• Level
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose Your Location: Decide where you want to install the shelves. Consider the wall space, the height, and the load-bearing capacity.

2. Measure and Cut: Measure the desired length of your shelves and cut the wooden boards accordingly. Sand the edges to ensure a smooth finish.

3. Prepare the Brackets: If you’re using concealed shelf supports, mark their positions on the wall according to your measurements. For traditional brackets, ensure they are evenly spaced for adequate support.

4. Mount the Brackets: Fix the brackets to the wall, using a level to ensure they are straight. It’s crucial to secure them into wall studs for maximum stability.

5. Attach the Shelves: Once the brackets are in place, carefully place your wooden boards on top. If you’ve opted for brackets, secure the shelves with screws. For concealed supports, slide the shelves onto the supports.

6. Finishing Touches: If desired, you can paint or stain the shelves to complement your interior. Allow to dry fully before placing any items on them.

With just a bit of time and effort, your DIY floating shelves will not only serve a practical purpose but also become an eye-catching feature in your home. Happy crafting!

Creating a vignette effect in Photoshop can add a sophisticated flair to your photographs, drawing attention to the centre of the image while softly darkening the edges. Here are four easy ways to achieve this effect, along with a free vignette action you can download for a seamless application.

### Method 1: Using the Gradient Tool 1. Select the Gradient Tool from the toolbar. 2. In the options bar, choose the 'Foreground to Transparent' gradient. 3. Click and drag from the centre of your image towards the corners, adjusting the opacity as desired. 4. Set the layer blending mode to 'Multiply' for a more pronounced effect.

### Method 2: Lens Correction Filter 1. Go to Filter > Lens Correction. 2. In the 'Custom' tab, locate the 'Vignette' section. 3. Adjust the ‘Amount’ slider to darken (or lighten) the edges. 4. Fine-tune with the 'Midpoint' slider to control how far the effect extends into the image.

### Method 3: Using the Elliptical Marquee Tool 1. Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool and create an oval selection in the centre of your image. 2. Invert the selection by going to Select > Inverse. 3. Fill the selection with a solid colour or black, and adjust the layer opacity to achieve a natural look.

### Method 4: Camera Raw Filter 1. Navigate to Filter > Camera Raw Filter. 2. Under the 'Effects' tab, locate the 'Post-Crop Vignetting' section. 3. Adjust the 'Amount', 'Midpoint', and 'Roundness' sliders to refine the vignette effect to your liking.

### Bonus: Free Vignette Action Download For those looking for a quick solution, download our free vignette action, which simplifies the process. Simply install the action, run it on your desired image, and watch as your photo transforms effortlessly.

By employing these techniques, you can elevate your images with a beautiful vignette effect in no time. Happy editing!

Creating a beautiful bow can add an elegant touch to gifts, decorations, or even your hair. Here’s a simple guide to making a lovely bow using ribbon:

Materials Needed:

• A length of ribbon (the width and type depend on your preference)
• Scissors
• Wire (optional, for added structure)

Instructions:

1. Cut the Ribbon: Begin by cutting a piece of ribbon to your desired length. For a standard bow, around 24 inches should suffice.

2. Form the Loops: Take the centre of your ribbon and create two loops, making sure they are of equal size. Hold the loops in place with your thumb and forefinger.

3. Wrap the Ribbon: Take the end of the ribbon and wrap it around the centre where your fingers are holding the loops. This will create the bow's ‘knot’.

4. Secure the Bow: Tightly pinch the wrapped section and secure it with a piece of wire or simply tie it off with more ribbon if you prefer.

5. Adjust the Loops: Fluff out the loops and give them a gentle tug to make them look fuller. Ensure they are evenly shaped.

6. Trim the Ends: If desired, cut the ends of the ribbon at an angle or into a ‘V’ shape for a polished finish.

With a little practice, you'll be able to make stunning bows that will impress anyone who receives a gift wrapped with your lovely creations. Happy crafting!

Anyone Can Make This Easy & Cute Basket!

Creating your very own basket has never been simpler or more enjoyable! With just a few basic materials and a dash of creativity, you can craft a charming basket that’s perfect for storing knick-knacks or as a delightful gift.

Begin by gathering some colourful yarn and a few basic tools; a pair of scissors and some glue will do the trick. Follow a straightforward tutorial, and you’ll be weaving away in no time. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility – you can customise the size, shape, and colours to match your style.

As you work, don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns or embellishments, like flowers or ribbons, to give your basket that personalised touch. Once finished, you’ll not only have a cute addition to your home but also a satisfying sense of accomplishment. So grab your materials and let your imagination flow; anyone can make this easy and cute basket!