Time to vote! Which one is worse: Tangled necklaces or losing one earring? They’re both pretty terrible. Our solution: this all-in-one travel jewelry case! This is a MUST for your next trip, whether it’s a two-week-long journey or a quick overnight to Southern Cali. If you’re not sure what else to pack, may we suggest cute sandals to match your summer dresses and a punny beach cover-up for lounging at the pool? ;)
Materials:
– canvas
– patterned and solid fabric
– cord
Tools:
– sewing machine
– sewing pins
– ruler
– scissors
– pen
Instructions:
1. Cut 2 rectangles out of canvas that measure 10 x 13 inches. Then cut one rectangle that measure 11 x 15 inches out of canvas and another out of your patterned fabric.
2. Find the center of your 11 x 15-inch canvas rectangle and then pin on your desired pouch. Sew onto the canvas.
3. Use your solid colored fabric to create a pocket and loops for necklaces to hag from. Sew onto the canvas.
4. Once you have prepared the desired jewelry holders on your canvas, pin to the patterned fabric with the pockets (good side) facing in.
5. Sew around 3/4 of the rectangle, then turn right-side out and sew up the hole.
6. Do this same process for the 10 x 13-inch rectangles. Attach your desired pockets and sew.
7. Cut a piece of paracord and sew to the front side (patterned) of your rectangle.
8. Pin the center line of the smaller rectangle to the center line of the larger rectangle. Then sew down this line.
9. Fill with your favorite jewelry and head off to your tropical vacay!
Fire up that sewing machine, and let’s get started.
You will need canvas and a fun patterned fabric to complete this DIY. Cut two canvas rectangles that measure 10 x 13 inches, one canvas rectangle that measures 11 x 15 inches and one pattern rectangle that measures 11 x 15 inches.
Since we’re making a travel jewelry book, find the center of each sized rectangle. This will make it easier for you to center your pieces on your “page.”
Pin your pouch to the canvas page and sew. We used fun neon thread to amp up the neutral canvas.
Use your solid colored fabric to add loops and pockets to your canvas page. You’ll want to create pieces that are about 8 inches wide. When pinning, add extra space so your jewelry can slide in.
Pin your canvas to the patterned fabric. Make sure to pin good sides facing in. Sew 3/4 of the way around and then turn right side-out and sew closed.
Follow the same process for the 10 x 13-inch piece of canvas. Sew your desired add-ons to the inside page.
Pin the center of the pages together and then sew. You’re almost ready for vacation.
Cut a long piece of paracord, pin and sew onto the patterned side of the rectangle.
Check it out! A four-page jewelry-holding slice of heaven.
When choosing your color palette, try to use brights that will pop and complement each other.
Pop in your jewelry. Canvas is a great material to hold your earrings. Stick the posts through the canvas and attach the back on the other side. The neutral color makes the earrings pop and easy to spot.
Attach your bracelets to the sewn loops. Wait — is that a Katy Perry fast food charm bracelet? Yes. Yes it is.
The clear pouches are perfect for extra long necklaces that could get tangled.
The loops paired with the bottom pouch will keep delicate chains separated and not tangled when traveling. Total win!
All packed and ready to go!
Summer plans? Tell us where you’re going and your favorite packing tips and tricks.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock