Cool Stuff You Can Do at Home with the Help of Today’s Technology

Are you a creative soul but you find yourself lacking in your creative accomplishments?

15:52 06 August 2020

it could be because you have outgrown the current hands-on projects you tackle, and you are looking for more of a challenge. It could also be that your interests have changed, and you want to use technology to make your projects more streamlined. Maybe your busy schedule doesn’t allow for large amounts of time spent on a project or you could be starting up your own business selling your wares so a faster production would definitely be helpful.

 

Thankfully, today’s technology has advanced to the point that all of the above is possible when you invest in the right gadgets and apps for your smartphones, tablets, and computers. Technology can be a burden to some but a blessing to others, and in the case of your DIY craft projects? Definitely a blessing when it cuts down on production time, eliminates the need for multiple tools cluttering up your workstation, and also increases the quality of your finished product.

 

Cricut Machine

 

If you are a DIY project master, then you’ve definitely heard about the latest in technology – the Cricut Machine. These machines are ideal for those who make their own glasses, mugs, t-shirts, and more!

 

These machines are cutting machines that can cut different types of material with ease to create beautiful items. Some Cricut machines can cut thin wood, leather, fabric but typically they are used to cut paper, vinyl, and cardstock. You are always going to have a straight cut and the cleanest edges imaginable when using one of these machines.

 

Using stencils and your computer, you are able to create images that transfer onto the chosen material with ink. You then use your Cricut machine to cut out these images and generally a heat transfer (using an iron, for example) is all you need to make your image come to life!

 

Sergers

 

If you are not familiar with the term sergers – don’t worry – because we are going to tell you why they are amazing pieces of technology. Sergers are the big sibling of a sewing machine but with more features and technology that reduce the amount of work in your sewing project.

 

Commonly known as Overlock Machines, they instead cut the fabric as well to remove excess waste and threads during the sewing process. While the achene is sewing the fabric together in a binding motion, it cuts down on the material needed and uses three to four threads instead to create a locked stitch. How does it do this? There are blades just before the needles of the machine for a guaranteed straight cut each time. It trims the seam and encloses it inside of a thread casing for additional stability of your sewn object.

 

Sergers are also faster than your traditional sewing machine and they feature a shorter neck than a sewing machine. They are more compact and will fit better on your workstation. However, it is important to note that you can only sew on the left side of a serger machine whereas a sewing machine can be used in a number of directions. Follow the link to discover the ideal sergers for starters.

 

Digital Photo Printers and Photography Editing Apps

 

People are no longer flocking to the local photo processing lab if they can help it and waiting hours for their prints. They are also no longer waiting to see how many photos they are able to keep out of a stack and how many are destined for the trash due to out-of-focus images, red spots in the eyes, and other negative factors regarding their prints.

 

They are instead using thelatest technology to print their own photos, make decorative items, or print large quantities of the same image. Digital photo printers have advanced to the point that you are able to print 100s of the same photo to be used as a stock image within minutes. The photo paper that is available for use in these printers have the same quality and consistency of a photo processing lab and run for a lot cheaper than multiple prints there do.

 

Photographers that have other jobs on the side have long touted the benefits of using photo editing apps for a number of reasons. You are able to fix any distracting elements from the photos without having to retake it. You can crop the photo, add people, items, pets, etc. into the photo, and you can even transform a person to remove their “flaws” to suit their needs and wants.

 

Conclusion

 

There is nothing wrong with embracing technology in this day and age, even though some people have an aversion to it. Technology is there to help you achieve your goals and to make life easier in the areas that could use a little boost! Even if you don’t plan to sell your completed projects, technology can make your own personal craft and DIY projects run a lot smoother without those pesky hiccups that can ruin the experience.

 

Those who run their own ecommerce business or sell their completed craft projects at fairs and flea markets will love the benefits that using technology can give them. Faster production, higher quality of finished products, and the benefit of offering more options to their clientele in terms of the final look. For example, instead of using ink to stencil a set of coasters or mugs (and this ink potentially fading or washing off over time), you have the option and the means to print off the stencils and laser them directly onto the items. This increases stability and longevity while boosting your reputation as a craft master!