Explore The Strait Of Juan P Fuca Byway In Washington

Explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca Byway in Washington

The Strait of San Juan de Fuca byway along highway SR112 in northwestern Washington comprises over 60 miles of natural wonders, breathtaking views and quirky towns. Whether you prefer to take a dip in the bracing ocean waters or spend an afternoon popping into shops, you're bound to find plenty to do. Young and old love to take their time exploring the byway, which stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Puget Sound, stopping often to take in the sights along the way.

Instructions

1. Visit Pillar Point County Park, which lies just off the highway in Clallam County. With over four picturesque acres to explore, the park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and families. If you're traveling with a boat, you'll be happy to learn there's a boat launch. There's a saltwater beach where you can swim or just build a magnificent sand castle and chase seagulls if the water is too chilly. It's a great place to spend a few hours or a few minutes, taking in the magnificent views.

2. Go whale watching. Charter a boat for an afternoon spent watching the mighty gray whales and orcas as they make their way through the ocean waters.

3. Stop at Lake Ozette. Located along the Strait of San Juan de Fuca byway just miles from the coast of the tempestuous Pacific Ocean lies the calmer waters of Lake Ozette, the third biggest lake in Washington. The area is thick with loons, kingfishers and owls, making it a popular spot for birdlovers. Camping is available, as well as hiking trails winding through the forest adjacent to the lake.

4. See the Makah Native American Reservation, located in the city of Neah Bay along the Strait of San Juan de Fuca Byway. It's the farthest you can go in the northwest direction in the United States. Hike along the reservation's nature trails for breathtaking ocean views. Head to the Makah Cultural and Resource Center to learn more about the culture and history of the Makah people. Stop by the gift shop for original Makah handicrafts like dolls, toys, jewelry and more.

5. Visit the town of Joyce. Make sure to stop at the historic General Store and Museum, a little slice of Washington's history. Train buffs will enjoy the Joyce Depot Museum, housed in a 1915 railroad station filled with memorabilia.

A Brief History Of Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt trend has come a long way from the 1950s and has been on the catwalk for years. However, who created this versatile skirt? Where did it originate from? Here are the answers to these questions.

Identification

A pencil skirt has a very straight and narrow cut that hugs the curves of a woman's body. Usually a pencil skirt ends just at or slightly below the knee and they are very popular in the women's workforce.

History

The pencil skirt was created by French designer Christian Dior in the early 1950s after World War II as part of his "new look." Dior assumed that the post-war era wanted something new after years of nothing but struggle. His "new look" was reminiscent of the long skirts, tiny waist lines, and striking fabrics that his mother had worn in the 1900s. Also, this traditional style of clothing supported the idea of women leaving their wartime jobs to come home as housewives once their husbands returned from war. Post-war women were to be caring housewives who were capable of creating a happy home for their husbands and children. Dior's "new look" fit this idea perfectly.

Origins

Although Christian Dior's fashion statement was new and unique, the creation of his pencil skirt originates from the hobble skirt of the early 1900s. The term "hobble skirt" became used in 1910 when French designer Paul Poiret fashioned long skirts that were narrow at the hem which "hobbled" the wearer. Early on, the trend was "the tighter, the better". This idea brought about accessories such as the hobble garter. The hobble garter limited a woman's stride so that she would not cause the skirt to rip. Eventually the trend faded with the invention of cars as it was difficult to climb in and out of vehicles in such tight fabric.

Fashion pros

Pencil skirts are very fashionable because of their versatility and ability to accentuate a woman's natural curves. Pencil skirts can be worn at work, and can be dressed down with different colored tights, shoes, and accessories for casual wear.  Also, a pencil skirt can be bought with slits on the sides for greater mobility when out dancing or walking around town.

Considerations

Even with slits on the sides, pencil skirts are still tighter than most skirts. When worn below the knee it is very difficult to walk in, and the wearer must be practiced in walking in this type of pencil skirt as they may make themselves appear awkward in the work place. Be sure to buy a pencil skirt that allows you to appear upright and confident rather than uncomfortable or pained.

Write To Have An Arts Grant

Art grants are available to all artists who are seeking financial support for their work. Grants can either be issued through the government, such as the NEA, or they can be issued through private foundations. Regardless, artists seeking grants are required to write proposals which will be judged by committees to determine whether they are eligible to receive the grant award. While there are businesses and individuals that offer grant-writing services, it is still important to know what is expected in a grant proposal.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of grant you're applying for. Is it a public or a private grant? Does it provide a large grant award or a small one? Will the grant be awarded for a particular project or for an internship? This information will affect how the proposal will be written.

2. Define the project. Determine what the project will be about, how long the project will take to complete, and a general budgetary plan to complete the project. Any information regarding budget should be relevant only to the project and not outside projects or other extracurricular activities.

3. Determine what materials will be used in the completion of the project. These can include studio space to artistic materials. Include these materials in working on the project's budget.

4. List ways in which the project will benefit society or the community in general. This is particularly important when applying to a public grant, such as a local government arts grant. Provide any information on volunteer work or community organizations in which the project will be showcased or the ways in which certain organizations will benefit from the project.

5. Create a mission statement. This is the proposal's statement of purpose. Determine what the project will achieve as a piece of work. If applying to a local public arts grant, include information on how the project will be relevant to the local area or community. If the grant has specific concerns and requirements, such as grants awarded to women artists or to social or political activism, tailor the mission statement to highlight how the project will reflect those concerns.

6. Write the grant proposal to include any and all information concerning the project. This will include the mission statement, budget, credentials such past and previous awards or works published or showcased in galleries, etc. Organize the proposal so that each topic will be addressed separately.

7. Include any personal information that is relevant to the grant. For instance, if the grant specifically is designed to provide support for multicultural works of art, then include any relevant information, such as a personal background that will be reflected in the project or any previous work or involvement in organizations geared toward subject.

8. Follow all submission guidelines correctly. Double-check the proposal so that it meets guidelines, eligibility, budgetary goals, correct contact information, etc.

Frost Obvious Glass Shower Doorways

If you want to frost the clear glass on your shower doors for added privacy, there are a few options available. Instead of hiring a professional to sandblast them, you can acid etch them, apply a frosted window film or spray a frosted window paint to achieve the frosted look. You will also be able to save money by doing the project yourself.

Instructions

Get Started

1. Decide whether you want to use an etching acid, film or spray paint. All products that you need will be available at a home improvement store or a crafts store. In addition to frosted window films, you can find films in different colors and designs that resemble stained glass.

2. Clean and dry the glass completely, no matter what product you chose. Apply tape around the edges to protect any trim if you are using a paint or etching acid. Refer to the Sections 2 through 4 for instructions on apply etching acid, window film or frosted spray paint.

3. Enjoy the added beauty and privacy of your newly frosted shower doors after you finish your project. Look around your house for windows or other pieces of glass that you might like to frost also. Perhaps you can frost your bathroom window to match the shower doors.

Use Frosted Spray Paint

4. Take your shower doors outside, and set them on a clean and protected surface. Make sure that pets and children won't be able to get close enough to damage the paint while it is drying.

5. Put on proper eye, mouth and nose protection so that you don't inhale paint fumes or get paint in your eyes. Make sure the outside of the shower doors is pointed up so that you paint the right side. You want the paint on the outside so that water can't damage the paint during shower usage.

6. Spray a light film of paint on the glass and allow to dry. Repeat until you have achieved the desired effect. Allow to dry completely before you reinstall the shower doors.

Use Etching Acid

7. Choose whether you will do this job indoors or outdoors. If you will apply the etching cream indoors, make sure that you keep pets and other people, especially children, away from your project.

8. Put on proper hand protection while applying and removing the cream. If you are using stencils, remember that some kits also come with a product that you place under the stencil so that it won't move.

9. Leave the cream on the glass for the period of time specified on the package. Different brands will have varied specifications and directions. Rinse the glass off when the waiting period is over, and then dry the doors.

Apply Window Film

10. Follow the directions on the package of window film. Some films are static cling. If this is the case, you only need to clean the glass, dampen it so the film will stick and smooth out the bubbles.

11. Know that some films are a little bit more complicated than static cling. You will need to clean the window with a solution of bottled water and baby shampoo in a spray bottle and clean the window with a squeegee. Remove the backing on the film a little at a time while wetting it and applying it to the window, working from the top to the bottom.

12. Use a squeegee to remove any bubbles and trim away excess around the edges with a utility knife. Spray the film once more with your water and shampoo solution and squeegee again.

Fresh paint An Image From The Photograph

Paint a Picture From a Photograph

If only the earth would stop rotating long enough to allow you to paint the sunset. And darn those wild ponies for not being more cooperative models. An artist often has to rely on a photograph, since action takes place too quickly to capture images as they happen. If you've already got a great photograph, your art project is half done already. Here are some tips for painting from a photograph.

Instructions

1. Begin with the right photograph. Look for one that has sections that are very dark and some that are almost white. Choose an uncluttered photograph or one that contains objects you can easily leave out of your painting.

2. Measure the dimensions of your photographs and cut the paper or canvas to the same dimensions. For example, if your photo is four inches by six inches, use paper in the size 24 inches by 36 inches. Or you can measure the paper or canvas and crop your photo to the same dimensions.

3. Draw a grid on the photograph and on your paper or canvas, keeping the dimensions the same. For example, if your photo is four inches by six inches you may want the grid to consist of 24 one-inch squares. On your 24 inch by 36 inch paper, the grid will be six inch squares. Take care to use a light touch on the paper so the grid lines can easily be covered by paint.

4. Reproduce the photograph on the paper or canvas one square at a time. Use a light touch. If there are objects you don't want to reproduce, leave them out, but remember that some things may help with your composition by adding balance and color or by giving the painting a sense of place and time.

5. Begin painting, starting with the lightest colors. Concentrate on one square at a time rather than trying to paint the entire scene at once. This will allow you to better see the photograph as a progression of values and colors so you can reproduce it more faithfully.

Visit Museums In Paris

Venture beyond the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the best museums in the world.

Whether your preference is the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, get ready to fall madly in love. In a city that doesn't need even more beauty, these museums -- and others in Paris -- overflow with an embarassment of riches.

Instructions

Museums are no longer boring

1. Step inside Musée d'Orsay and you're transported back in time. The building was an old train station, the Gare d'Orsay, and with its high ceilings and unique architecture, you definitely feel inspired there.Thirty-two works by Degas alone will remind you that Paris has long been the place for dreamers, as most of his works are set in Paris. Other artists such as Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec will continue to surprise and delight you while touring this austere and airy museum, a juxtaposition of the old with the new. This museum, which opened in the late 1980s, houses mid-1800s to early 1900s photography and art, which will whet the appetite of the modern art lover not as excited by the Louvre's older offerings.

2. Experience with all your senses. Paintings, sculptures and drawings are meant to be experienced on every level. Close your eyes a moment while you are standing before Renoir's "Bal du moulin de Galette" and imagine yourself a guest at this dinner. You can almost smell the red wine and hear the cacophony of laughter.

3. Visit the cafes and restaurants at the museums. Musee d'Orsay has a great cafe on the opposite side of the infamous clock at the train station. If you're lucky, you'll even see the hand on the dial move while eating your croissant. A restaurant at Musee d'Orsay will make you feel that you are in a palace. White tablecloths and champagne are a perfect backdrop for the star attraction: a full-on view of Paris through the bay windows.

4. Visit the Louvre in the off-season. The line for the Louvre in summer and around Christmas is so long that many people opt to skip it. If you really don't want to miss the Louvre and the Venus di Milo (Aphrodite), then think seriously about visiting Paris in late February or early November, those are great times to get in and see the Mona Lisa.

5. Skip the souveneir/gift shops and draw your experience. Bring a small drawing pad and charcoal pencil and notepad and pen along. Even if you only got a B in high school art class, you'll be amazed at what seeing a Monet or two can do for your creativity. Even if you don't want to draw, the notebook will allow you to record biographical and other details of the artwork.

Black Mirror Techniques

Magic practitioners use black mirrors for meditation, training magical senses, clairvoyance, divination and conversing with supernatural beings. Online retailers sell black mirrors pre-made or you can make one yourself by pouring 1 ounce of water-soluble black ink into a shallow bowl of water. You can also use a small picture frame and spray paint the back of the glass flat-black.

Meditation

Begin all uses of the mirror with meditation. By candlelight, sit comfortably and stare into the mirror. Breathe deeply and slowly, allowing thoughts to empty from your mind. Let each one go peacefully, like releasing a balloon. Allow your vision to unfocus, letting the black of the mirror expand as you sense yourself floating in a welcoming dark.

Once you have achieved this still point, continue meditating or use the mirror for scrying or summoning.

After you finish working with your mirror, come out of the meditation gradually. Allow your breathing to return to normal and your surroundings to come back into focus.

Training Your Sight

Most practitioners sense magical energies, but few are natural clairvoyants. You can train sight with a black mirror by visualizing places you already know. Go anywhere you can pick up a small item, such as a pebble or flower. Look around and fix that place in your mind. At home, holding the item in your hands, look into your mirror. Feel the item connecting you as you visualize your place, at the present time of day. Be as detailed as possible. Unfocus your eyes and sense the mirror as your window. Don't see with your eyes---see with your mind.

Practice with different places. Your sight will develop gradually, enabling you to see people and places without these aids. The keys are feeling the connection, envisioning the mirror as your portal and practice.

Advanced Practices

Divination, viewing other planes and invoking spirits all require trained magical sight and the skill to maintain a still point while working. For divination, you must have a link with whom you want to see. If you don't have her with you or know her well, a personal item or picture is good. Proceed as if for clairvoyance. See her now, then hold the mental feel of her in your mind as you envision a forward time. Practice is essential.

Viewing other planes is also an extension of clairvoyance. Get a description of the alternate plane. Try thinking of it as overlapping our own, above or below our own, or at a right angle from conventional reality. Use the mirror to help you maintain your still point.

To invoke spirits, you must prepare and be in a proper magical space, according to your school of practice. For an independent practitioner, a salt circle is the minimum. You can draw minor spirits or the dead with a simple but heartfelt invocation. Invoke and visualize the spirit entering the mirror itself. Keep the mental feeling of it in the mirror as you work. Banish the summoned spirit before opening or leaving your magical space.

Traditional Cree Landscapes

Quebec landscape complete with geese.

How we perceive a landscape can make a difference in its value. Through the eyes of the Cree people, the natural landscape is valued by how it contributes to their traditional life way. According to the Cree Cultural Center in Montreal, the Cree have both a physical and a spiritual relationship to the landscape.

The Beginning

Boreal forest in winter.

The origin of the Cree people lies in the tundra and subarctic Boreal forests of northern Quebec, a cold, harsh landscape. According to Concordia University in Montreal, the value of this landscape was based not on its habitability, but on its resources. The Cree were hunters and trappers. From the beginning, although they lived in harmony with nature, they were a nomadic people. The animal species present, the geographical features of the landscape, and the limits set by the seasons on their activities meant survival. They moved on when the resources of the landscape failed to meet their needs, leaving behind little evidence of their occupancy.

A New Landscape

The wetlands at James Bay, Quebec.

Gradually, the Cree drifted southward to occupy the forests and wetlands east of James Bay. There they saw opportunity to broaden their landscape. The Cree had no word for "ecosystem" but they were beginning to understand the concept of it. In the wetlands around James Bay they discovered new resources. Good management of this new landscape was essential to their evolving culture. Wild rice and root vegetables that grew in the marshes, fish, migrating geese and other water fowl became staples in their diet. According to studies done by both Concordia University and the University of Arizona, the James Bay Cree cleared trees and brush in the coastal forests to facilitate in the hunt for game, and give more room for wild berries to grow. They built dikes to extend the habitat of water fowl, and made weirs to catch fish.

Across the Prairies

Herd of bison.

The traditional Cree landscape changed again with the arrival of Europeans in James Bay in the 1600s. The Cree recognized the inevitability of change and responded to it with their usual resilience. According to the Cree Grand Council, many of the James Bay Cree eventually participated in the fur industry as trappers, and traded with the Europeans for goods that had not been available to them ever before. Others, who had become accustomed to the wetlands, sought a similar landscape along the marshes of the Hudson Bay. Some of the people, dissatisfied with the intrusion of outsiders, chose to migrate from Quebec across the prairies of southern Canada to Alberta, overflowing into Montana, where they become known as the Plains Cree.

The Cree Concept

Cree woman at home.

The Cree connected with this wide, open landscape. They acquired horses and hunted bison. There was less variety in their diet, but the bison meat was nourishing, and the hides were useful in many ways. No part of the bison was wasted. Lacking the bark available in their forest landscape, the Cree used the bison hides to cover their wigwams, and substituted prairie turnips for rice. Our modern concept of "landscape" is aesthetic -- the artistry of nature. According to information from The National Library of Canada, the Cree refer to the landscape as their "garden," but it is composed of their interconnectedness with the plants, animals and terrestrial physical features, and the "Great Spirit" -- a complex concept not unlike ecological system, with all parts working in unison.

Perform Hypnosis

Hypnotism can be used to bring about positive change in a subject.

Hypnosis is a relaxed state of mind in which you are able to reach your subconscious. During this state, the mind is receptive and suggestible. It is open to instruction that can help you make positive changes. Hypnotherapy makes use of this relaxed state to address problems such as anxiety, sleep disorders and smoking. Hypnosis is also used to instill self-esteem and motivation. Hypnotism is often misunderstood as the hypnotist taking control of the mind. During hypnosis, you do not surrender your will to the hypnotist. You are simply open to suggestions, which you can refuse to follow if they conflict with your values.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Talk to your subject about hypnosis. Explain to him the various steps you will follow and the reactions he may undergo. Cooperation of the subject is very important to hypnotize him successfully. If he has had a bad experience during a previous hypnosis session, explain that you will not make him do anything unpleasant or against his will. Also discuss any suggestions he would like you to make after he has been hypnotically induced. These instructions can help him bring about a positive change.

2. Take your subject to a quiet, dimly-lit room. Sit him in a chair or sofa. Encourage him to lie down if he prefers. The idea is to make him comfortable.

3. Ask the subject to close his eyes, take a deep breath and relax. Speak to him softly, encouraging him to let go of distracting thoughts and concentrate on relaxing. Tell the person to focus on one part of his body at a time and feel it becoming relaxed. Use this method to relax his entire body.

4. Give the suggestion that both of you chose in the first step. For example, if you want to improve the subject's confidence, tell him, "You are a confident person. You have a beautiful personality."

5. Advise your subject you are going to bring him out of hypnosis. Tell him you will count backwards from five to one, and that with each number he will feel more alert and will open his eyes gradually. After you have communicated this step, start counting as he slowly comes out of hypnosis.

Transition Miracle Methods Inside A Routine

Transition Magic Tricks in a Routine

Any magician who performs a routine, whether it be on the stage or on the streets, knows exactly in what order his tricks will be done.

These orders are not thrown together randomly. In fact, a tremendous amount of thought goes into arranging the order of these tricks.

This tutorial will help you to understand organize the tricks in your routine and transition seamlessly from one to the next.

Instructions

Transition Magic Tricks in a Routine

1. Before performing, list the tricks you know perform.

2. Arrange the tricks in order from easiest to hardest.

3. Choose a small amount of them and decide how they are best organized. Remember that a magic routine should seem like one BIG trick, not a series of small tricks.

Transitioning seamlessly will not allow spectators to think you are doing something else. It will all seem like one trick.

4. Start with a card trick that involves the spectator memorizing a card.

5. After the trick in Step #4, move onto a trick that involves the SAME chosen card. You are actually doing two different tricks, but because it involves the same card, it will seem like the same one.

6. Continue with that chosen card until eventually letting the spectator keep the card. Since you no longer have the card, you are forced to move onto another series of tricks.

See how this works? You organize them in a logical fashion that allows you do present multiple tricks as one and then seamlessly move on.

7. Now that the card tricks are over, bring out a coin, or take your routine into another direction.

For instance, you can borrow a quarter and start with some disappearing quarter tricks, slowly transitioning to the quarter into soda can trick that Wayne Houchin created.

8. Always leave them wanting more! Stop transitioning after you reach the climax of your performance. At their biggest reaction, NO MATTER WHEN IT COMES, walk away.

It will give them the same effect that a cliffhanger in a television show or movie can give.

Toulouselautrec Art Projects

French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec suffered frequent ridicule because of his 4 1/2-foot stature and unusual frame. After he broke one leg at age 12 and the other at age 14, both legs stopped growing while the rest of his body continued to grow. He sought solace in creative art and alcohol. His severe alcohol addiction led to an early death at age 36 in 1901, but his large collection of artwork is still highly regarded and studied in art and art history classes worldwide. Much of Toulouse-Lautrec's work depicts nudity or sexual content, so be selective in which art pieces you share with young people in Toulouse-Lautrec-inspired art projects.

Posters

Toulouse-Lautrec was famous for his poster designs, which touted artists and the Parisian nightlife of places like Moulin Rouge. His style of poster art featured mostly solid, bold colors, with black lines and little to no detail or shading. Objects or people in the background were simply made into solid black shapes or outlined figures filled with gray. Show students examples of the artist's famous posters, such as those of French performers Aristide Bruant, a singer/comedian/nightclub owner, and Jane Avril, a can-can dancer. Ask students to create their own posters, using the same artistic style, for an upcoming concert or event in the community or their own school. The poster might depict a musical artist, dancer or other figure. Have students lightly draw their designs on paper with pencil, then trace over the outlines and facial features with black marker and fill them in with bold paint colors.

Observational Paintings

A majority of Toulouse-Lautrec's time was spent sketching people he observed in nightclubs and later transforming the sketches into paintings. Many showed women dancing or people mingling and chatting. Toulouse-Lautrec's post-impressionist paintings took a different artistic approach than his posters, typically containing more subjective involvement and more definitive brush strokes. Show students several examples of the artist's paintings depicting Parisian nightlife, and note the differences between his paintings and posters. Instruct students to sit at a local coffee shop, restaurant, playground or other location where people hang out and make sketches of interesting persons or groups. Have them bring the sketches into class and turn one into a painting in the style of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Reproductions

Horses from the racetrack and circus, as well as clowns and other circus performers, were also favorite subjects for Toulouse-Lautrec's art. Give each student a copy of one of these paintings. Have the students trace the basic outline of their artwork onto a blank sheet of paper, using transfer paper. Instruct them to try to re-create, as closely as they can, the original copy of the painting that they were given with paint, colored pencils, pastels or a mixture of mediums. This project encourages students to study Toulouse-Lautrec's depiction of forms, lines and color, and to see their own artwork in individual parts rather than as a whole.

Nudes

For college art students, focus on the art of Toulouse-Lautrec in figure or life drawing art classes to further study the human form and the artist's distinct style in painting nudes and capturing the female body. Have a female nude model strike a pose similar to that of one of the women in Toulouse-Lautrec's famous paintings, such as "Red-Headed Nude Crouching" or "Reclining Nude." Ask students to try to emulate the artist's style with pastels.

Finish A Memoir

When writing a memoir, it is important to make the end as memorable as the beginning. The stories should not change, because they are from your real life, but there are many ways you can write the end of your memoir.

Instructions

1. Give your reader a feeling that you grew or changed because of the memoir. This doesn't mean that you should write the end in a sappy way. It just means that you can choose to write the end in an optimistic manner.

2. Write the end of a traumatic experience in your memoir by telling your reader how you emerged from the situation. If you write about an accident, let the reader know how you were changed by the experience, or how you survived and healed after your trip to the hospital.

3. Begin and end the memoir with a theme that runs through the entire story. If your story begins with a body of water, and has water as a theme throughout, you should end your memoir with the same recurring theme.

4. Write the end of your memoir before you begin the entire project. After spending so much time working on this one project, it can become easy to rush through the end. This can be avoided if you have a rough draft of the end ready when you get to it.

5. End your memoir with honesty and clarity. You may want to leave the readers with optimism and lessons learned, but you also want to be brutally honest and show all of your flaws. If you didn't follow up with your father after a reunion, or you never called the guy whose number you got when you felt brave, you should let the reader know the truth. Tell the truth and the reader can decide how they feel about it.

Eliminate Vocals With Vocopro Gigmaster

By canceling vocals with the VocoPro Gigmaster you have the option of creating a CDG (karaoke) file.

VocoPro Gigmaster is an all-in-one karaoke machine that allows you to record, edit and delete vocals. To delete vocals using the VocoPro Gigmaster, you must first have an audio song in MP3 format. When eliminating vocals from an audio song, the left channel, which is usually the vocal part of the song, must be canceled out and replaced with a duplicate right channel. By canceling vocals with the VocoPro Gigmaster you have the option of creating a CDG (karaoke) file.

Instructions

1. Power on the karaoke machine and press the "On/Off" button, which is located on the front of the machine. Insert the CD into the system tray and press the "Next" button to skip to the song you're going to be removing vocals from.

2. Press the "Play" button to play the song then press the "L/R" button located on the front of the machine. Press the button until you see "R/R" across the display screen on the front.

3. Restart the song from the beginning by pressing the "Previous" button on the front of the machine. Listen to make sure the vocals have been removed from the song. Follow above steps for each song you wish to remove vocals from.

Edit Color Into Black And Whitened Photographs

Add color to a black and white photo using photo editing software.

Turning a colored photo into a black and white one is easier than putting color into a black-and-white photo. In both cases, you need to use an image editing program. Familiarity with the available program on your computer is the key to making your edited photo visually appealing. If you're an amateur user, using simple steps can create better and faster results. However, the more complicated steps used by professionals can provide even more impressive results.

Instructions

1. Open your black-and-white photo in your chosen image editing program. Adobe Photoshop is one of the popular programs used by both professionals and amateurs for editing photos.

2. Duplicate your original photo's layer by clicking the "Layers" menu and selecting "Duplicate Layer..." This creates an identical layer for your original photo. It allows you to go back to your original, unedited photo at any time by selecting the original layer. Your new layer should be on top.

3. Select the area of the photo you want to add color to, then click the "lasso" tool or "pen" tool to select the desired portion of the image you want to color. If you are not yet very familiar with these tools and you have a complicated shape to separate for coloring, be careful with the selection to avoid coloring beyond your desired area. If a "magnetic lasso" tool is available in your editing program, this may help so that the program can automatically guide the cursor towards highlighting the contours of your desired portion for coloring.

4. Save your finalized selection, then create another layer from it by choosing the "Layer via Copy" option under the "Layer" menu. This can also be accessed by right-clicking on your finalized selection.

5. Use the "brush" tool to start coloring your selection in the new layer. Choose the color you want, then use the brush to apply it to your selection. Alternatively, you can also use the "paint bucket" tool so you can simply click to fill up the entire space in your selection with color. If you want to retain the texture of your black-and-white photo for better realism, choose a slightly deeper or darker shade for your selected color because you need to lower its opacity later. This allows the newly-colored layer to look translucent, which makes the identical black-and-white layer right below it to be shown as well. This works like a semi-transparent glass where the visuals right below it can be seen based on how translucent this glass is.

6. Adjust the color's opacity from the "Layer" tab by turning the slider to the left or right or by typing any number between 1 to 100 in the space near the slider. Full or 100 percent opacity means the top layer completely covers your specific photo selection. The less opacity, the more translucent the layer becomes -- which allows you to also see the layer right below it. Full opacity is a solid color that would typically look fake or strange on your photo because the original photo's texture and possible highlights, shadows and other realistic imperfections won't be seen anymore. For instance, if you have a shot of a person holding an apple and you keep everything black and white except for the apple that you colored red, a full opacity on your colored layer results to a fake-looking apple without the right shading and lighting, unless you recreate them using additional editing tools. If you lower the opacity, you allow the colored layer's translucent nature to also show the lighting and shades from the original black-and-white photo's layer right below it. This makes the photo look more realistic.

7. Repeat the process if you have other parts to color on your black-and-white photo. If not, finalize your edit by saving your file in your preferred image file format. The formats most commonly used include JPG, TIFF and GIF.

What's Camera Aperture F3 5 To F5 6

Variable aperture zoom lenses come in different focal length combinations.

Creating a photograph involves exposing light-sensitive material to light. Cameras regulate how much exposure a given media such as film or a digital sensor receives by adjusting three basic settings -- aperture, shutter speed and ISO. While the shutter speed and ISO settings are built into the camera body, the aperture resides in the lens. A lens has a maximum aperture value it can use that is indicated on the body of the lens.

Aperture

The diaphragm or opening in a lens is called the aperture. The aperture size, called the f/stop or f/number typically is stamped on a lens to indicate the aperture range. This maximum f/stop on a lens lets the photographer know the largest aperture available for a particular lens. The maximum f/stop is indicated by the number one, followed by a colon and the f/number and is stamped on the front barrel of the lens. For example, a lens with a maximum f/stop of 3.5 is shown as 1:3.5. The aperture regulates the size of the opening light passes through to reach the camera's film or digital sensor.

Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses come in various focal lengths, sizes and aperture combinations. Most people think of a zoom lens as a lens that allows you to "zoom in close" on your subject. The truth is a zoom lens represents any lens that has a variable focal-length range. For example, a 35 mm camera lens with an adjustable focal length of 10 mm to 20 mm functions in the wide-angle, focal-length category, but because it has an adjustable focal length, it still represents a zoom lens. Most zoom lenses have a variable maximum aperture range, although some more expensive zooms have a fixed aperture.

Variable Aperture

The variable aperture range means that the maximum aperture of the lens varies based on the focal length set on the lens. For example, a lens with an 80-300 mm focal length might have a maximum aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.6. This means with the lens used at the 80 mm setting the photographer can set the maximum aperture to f/3.5. As the photographer moves farther up the focal-length range of the lens, the maximum aperture size changes. When the photographer reaches the 300 mm focal-length setting, his maximum aperture is now f/5.6 not f/3.5. One reason manufacturers make variable-aperture zoom lenses is because they are less expensive to make than their fixed-aperture zoom counterparts.

Considerations

Variable-aperture zoom lenses cost less than fixed-aperture zooms, but they also have certain drawbacks. Fixed-aperture zoom lenses allow the photographer to use the same aperture, shutter speed and ISO combination settings throughout the entire zoom range of the lens. With a variable-aperture zoom, in order for the photographer to maintain the same exposure, she must adjust the shutter speed or ISO setting when the lens reaches its highest maximum aperture setting. Additionally, fixed-aperture lenses typically have better optical performance than variable-aperture lenses.

Encaustic Fresh paint Techniques

The ancient Egyptians used encaustic paint methods to decorate their sarcophagi.

Encaustic painting is the ancient method of painting with purified beeswax, to which a particular tree resin and pigments have been added. Developed by the ancient Egyptians, the encaustic wax method was used to paint ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, Greek and Roman frescoes as well as early Christian icons. Many contemporary artists use the same encaustic methods as their ancient counterparts. They find that the results are soft, translucent colors than cannot be achieved with other mediums. Premixed encaustic wax is commercially available either online or at many artists' supply stores.

Choosing a Surface

Suitable surfaces for encaustic painting include wood, stretched canvas and canvas board. While stretched canvas may provide the look you want to achieve, you should know that because it is so highly absorbent, you will probably require more wax than you would with another surface. Nonabsorbent grounds such as metal are not suitable because the wax will not adhere to them.

Heating the Wax

To heat the prepared wax, place small tins of your chosen colors on a heat source. Many artists use an old electric frying pan or electric griddle, as it provides a safe, controlled heat source. The heat should not exceed 220 degrees F. You can actually blend your colors directly on the heat source, as though it were a palette, using natural bristle brushes. Do not use synthetic brushes because they will melt into the wax. After you have mixed your colors you can begin to paint.

Fusing the Wax

One of the difficulties with encaustic painting is that wax tends to separate when it is layered. If this happens, various parts of your painting may lose cohesion. To avoid this problem, periodically fuse the pigmented wax with a heat gun or a tacking iron. This method will make the reheated wax layers permanently bond together.

Floating Images

Create the illusion of floating images by drawing with permanent markers or oil pastels on paper, embedding the paper between layers of encaustic wax. The translucent wax will make the paper look as if it is floating. You can similarly suspend small objects within your work. Glitter, sequins, fabric and thread are all good choices.

Dry Mount A Print

Dry mounting gives your photos a professional look without framing

Dry mounting a photograph to a display surface, like a mat board or other background, is a clean, professional way to exhibit work without the expense of custom framing. While professional dry mounting equipment can cost hundreds of dollars, any photographer can get the same results using a clothes iron, dry mounting tissue and a few dollars worth of art supplies.

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your iron to 200°F and set it aside. Each iron may have different temperature settings, so check your model's manual.

2. Lay out your cutting mat on a flat, dust-free surface. Using the X-acto knife and metal ruler, trim your photo to the desired size. Depending on the final application, you can choose either to either trim off the white photo border or leave a uniform white edge around the image.

3. Place a sheet of dry mounting tissue on the cutting mat and center the trimmed image on the sheet of tissue.

4. Using the X-acto knife and metal ruler, trim the dry mounting tissue to the exact size of the photo you are mounting. For a cleaner edge, you may want to trim an extra 1/8 inch off the tissue to ensure that no tissue is visible around the print edges after mounting.

5. Remove the cutting mat and cover your work area with the sheet of cardboard.

6. Place your mat board face up on the cardboard and center your photo on the mat board, with the mounting tissue sandwiched between the photo and mat. Be sure that no traces of the mounting tissue are visible from beneath the edges of the photo.

7. Using the art or drafting tape, secure the four corners of the photo and mounting tissue to the mat board.

8. Cover the photo with a clean piece of blotting paper and press the warmed iron to the center of the photo through the blotting paper, avoiding the areas secured with art tape.

Leave the iron in place for 5 minutes. No additional pressure on the iron is needed. The photo and mat board should now be securely fused by the mounting tissue.

9. Remove the iron and blotting paper and carefully peel off the art or drafting tape on each corner. Make sure there is no adhesive residue remaining on the photo or mat board.

10. Recover the photo with the blotting paper, making sure the same side of the paper as before still faces down towards the image.

11. Place the warm iron in the center of the image and slowly slide it out to each corner of the photo. Leave the iron in place over each corner for 5 minutes, then lift and return it to the center before sliding to the next corner.

12. Remove the iron when all four corners have been heated and check to make sure that each is firmly fused to the mat board. If necessary, replace the blotting paper and re-iron loose corners for 3 or 4 minutes to ensure they stick.

13. Remove the iron and blotting paper and allow your mounted photo to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Write A Study On A Bit Of Art

Write a Report on a Piece of Art

"Art:" It's a subjective form of creation that defies definition and eludes specificity. Using these tips, however, you'll trade the dread of a daunting task for a place of respect among those infamous art snobs.

Instructions

Thinking about Art

1. Contemplate the art, and formulate a thesis or argument.

"What distinguishes Art History papers from the papers you might be asked to write in other courses? Perhaps the biggest difference creates the biggest challenge: in Art History papers, you must be able to create an argument about what you see. In short, you have to translate the visual into the verbal." ~ Karen Gocsik, Dartmouth College

Gocsik accurately articulates the essence of reviewing and critiquing art in her description of write an Art History paper. The purpose of an art review is to not only descriptively analyze the piece, but also to posit a thesis and thoroughly support the claim with details from the art's physical form as well as context.

2. Choose an artwork to analyze.

Gocsik also makes several recommendations for choosing an analyzing the artwork in preparation for writing, and suggests writing everything down as it comes to mind. Having concrete notes will help organize your thoughts during the actual writing process.

In choosing an artwork to analyze, she says, be sure to choose one that has not only emotional appeal but also intellectual capacity. Remember to consider all media: painting, sculpture, photography, etc. You want to have something thought provoking to say in your paper, and you can and should evaluate the piece based on the emotions it raises within yourself as well as the formal elements of the piece such as the style, lighting, medium used, colors, point-of-view, composition, and space. Also, consider how the piece is displayed. Hanging and displaying artwork is not merely a haphazard, informal job. It is a careful study and requires specific education as well as critical analysis skills.

Formal analysis: This type of paper requires studying the concrete physical observations of an artwork (such as the cubist portrayals of living forms in Picasso's work) and analyzing them in a new way-thinking outside the box in order to understand the piece.

Sociological essay: This paper examines the artwork within its historical context and considers how a particular time in history influenced both the artist's life and the artwork. "For example, a sociological essay might explore how Walker Evans' photography of the rural poor affirmed Roosevelt's decision to create the Farm Security Administration" (qtd. in Gocsik).

Biographical essay: This essay expounds upon the sociological examination of the artist and applies his life and person to the way he or she created art and the influence personality and circumstances had on the piece.

Iconography ("image writing") uses symbolism present within the art to grasp a more significant understanding of the work.

Iconology ("image study") analyzes a piece through relevant documents and contextual literature. "For example, such an essay might use ancient versions of Greek myths to shed light on pictorial representations of that myth in Archaic Greek art" (qtd. in Gocsik).

Holding the various options for analysis in mind is helpful when settling down to begin reflecting on the artwork and prewriting.

3. Choose a format for your paper.

There are several ways to approach the task of writing about art: Gocsik uses Sylvan Barnet's A Short Guide to Writing about Art to itemize these. The following utilizes these excellent resources in paraphrase.

Formal analysis: This type of paper requires studying the concrete physical observations of an artwork (such as the cubist portrayals of living forms in Picasso's work) and analyzing them in a new way-thinking outside the box in order to understand the piece.

Sociological essay: This paper examines the artwork within its historical context and considers how a particular time in history influenced both the artist's life and the artwork. "For example, a sociological essay might explore how Walker Evans' photography of the rural poor affirmed Roosevelt's decision to create the Farm Security Administration" (qtd. in Gocsik).

Biographical essay: This essay expounds upon the sociological examination of the artist and applies his life and person to the way he or she created art and the influence personality and circumstances had on the piece.

Iconography ("image writing") uses symbolism present within the art to grasp a more significant understanding of the work.

Iconology ("image study") analyzes a piece base through relevant documents and contextual literature. "For example, such an essay might use ancient versions of Greek myths to shed light on pictorial representations of that myth in Archaic Greek art" (qtd in Gocsik).

Holding the various options for analysis in mind is helpful when settling down to begin reflecting on the artwork and prewriting.

Dress As An Artist

Dress Like an Artist

Being an artist wanna-be is not a bad thing, but you must learn to dress the role if you are going to fool anyone. It doesn't mean you have to start smoking or talking about the latest art exhibit. Here is start dressing the dress of an artist.

Instructions

1. Wear a tweed jacket to dress like an artist. It can be worn by both men and women, and the suede elbow patches are not necessary.

2. Put on a pair of skinny jeans. These are essential in black and dark denim for anyone who wants to dress like an artist.

3. Add long black skirts to your wardrobe. A female artist has at least 2 in her closet, and she wears them often.

4. Carry a tote bag that is big enough to store all of your artistic necessities. A Neitzsche book and a magazine about paintings or writing are a good bet for anyone who wants to dress like an artist and carry the right accessories.

5. Walk in pointy-toed shoes. This goes for any man or woman who wants to dress like an artist. The rounded toe is just not going to cut it in the artsy realm.

6. Look at the world through chunky glasses. The artistic flare should be prevalent, so go with frames that are squarish and brightly colored.

7. Go to the nearest artists' markets for jewelry. Buy lots of beaded necklaces, but make sure they don't have too much of an ethnic flare. Plain, solid colored beads are best.

Buy Newsletter Software

If you'd like to start an ezine, one of the first things you have to do is buy the appropriate software. Gone are the days of manually mailing out each ezine through an antiquated email list. Catch up with technology buy purchasing software that is specially designed to help design and promote your business.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of software you need. Many ezine writers and publishers require their software to have formatting options. More seasoned ezine writers and publishers simply need a dedicated program to mail their ezine to their subscriber list.

2. Find ezine software for sale on the Internet. Companies such as AY Software and AtomicPark Software publish ezine mailing software (see Resources). Freeware and shareware mailing software is also available.

3. Read reviews from other ezine publishers, if possible. Reading reviews helps you determine where the program's strengths and weaknesses lie and if the program is compatible with your needs.

4. Expect a price tag of $50 or more. While a lot of free ezine software is available, not all of it is functional. Free software usually translates into "trial software" which is only available to use for a specific period of time or until you collect a certain number of ezine subscribers. Paying for ezine Software often means paying for the dedicated support lines, unlimited features and critical updates that will keep your software up-to-date and viable.

5. Pay for and download your ezine software. Record tracking and serial numbers in case your ezine software malfunctions and you need to retrieve the lost data. Some software provides third-party backing systems that can only be accessed if you have your individual program's serial number.

Collage Art Techniques

Collage is a way of making a new work of art out of pre-existing materials. There are endless ways of recombining images and materials to create new meanings. Collage art allows the artist to generate a new, personalized context for visual information that may be typically viewed in only one way.

Definition

The word collage refers to the process of creating a work of art by reassembling various bits of visual information and pasting them onto a surface. The resultant work of art is also known as a collage. Though the practice of combining various pieces of graphic ephemera into a new whole has existed for hundreds of years, the invention of collage as a fine art form is attributed to Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century. Collage is a technique employed in many styles of Modern art, including Surrealism, Dadaism and Pop Art.

Materials

A collage can be made from any materials that can be glued or otherwise adhered to one another. Papier colle is a French term that refers to a collage made from cut and reassembled fragments of paper. To make this kind of collage, you will need some visual source material, scissors or a hobby knife, some type of glue and a surface on which to assemble your collage. Source material can be, but need not be limited to, old magazines and newspapers, photographs, post cards, wrapping paper and drawings. Any type of water-based glue is suitable because it is non-toxic and doesn't have a strong odor. Support surfaces can be any type of paper. A stiff paperboard, such as cardboard or card stock will give your finished collage increased durability.

Techniques

Cut your source material into various shapes with scissors or a hobby knife. Cut along the contours of forms in photographs or cut out abstract shapes. The greater variance of shapes and sizes you cut will enhance the visual impact of your collage. Follow the instructions on the glue that you choose to work with to achieve the best results. Most water-based glue works by applying some of the glue to the back of a piece of paper and sticking the piece into place. Overlap the elements of your collage in imaginative ways to make a most interesting collage.

Advanced

After gluing the elements of your collage into place, seal the collage by brushing on a thin layer of clear acrylic medium. Acrylic mediums come in a variety of matte or glossy finishes. You may notice that some paper elements will buckle when they come in contact with glue. If this is happening, use less glue and gently smooth the paper element with your finger as the glue dries to press out air bubbles and wrinkles. Do not be discouraged if you don't get the paper completely smooth. Some wrinkles and bubbles are inherent in papier colle. Experiment with a wide variety of collage elements. When using materials other than paper, you will also have to experiment with ways of adhering the materials to one another and to the support surface.

Fresh paint Acrylic Abstract Art

Abstract paintings take any shape or form preferred by the artist.

Acrylic paint is a water-based paint. Unlike watercolors, though, it is not easily washed off and is not soluble. The main benefit of acrylic paint is that it dries quickly, so painting is accomplished faster than with oil paints. Acrylics do have toxic components, so you should take care to avoid getting the paint in your (or anyone's) mouth or eyes accidentally.

Painting abstract art with acrylic paint can make the art durable in a similar manner to oil paints, and it gives the canvas brighter colors than watercolors.

Instructions

1. Draw the basic painting with a pencil. Though abstract art is based on inner vision and does not follow the same forms as classical or realistic art styles, sketching the basic picture makes it easier to paint. This gives lines and color regions for the painting.

2. Select colors. Acrylics come in a variety of pigments. Sometimes the perfect color for the project is not available, but blending paints creates new colors. When necessary, select a color that is close to the appropriate color and select another color to mix that will make the desired color. For example, if the preferred color is a dark red and a basic red is the only color available, get a black paint to mix with it and make a darker red.

3. Blend paint quickly. With acrylics, it is important to work fast, before the paint begins to dry, so blend as quickly as possible and start painting immediately.

4. Paint according to personal vision. Abstract art is about expression, personal vision and creativity. It does not need to look real or even identifiable.

Egg Art Projects

Egg drills and specialized tools let artists turn real eggs into works of art.

Egg art has been around for thousands of years and has shown up in many cultures, from China to the Middle East to Europe. Eggs are often associated with spring festivals because they represent new life. Egg art includes painting, watercolor, waxing and even carving. Introduce egg art projects to students of all ages, adding levels of increasing sophistication as they grow older.

Preschool: Paper Eggs

Preschoolers can surprise you with their creative drawings.

Cut out several egg shapes from construction paper. Let your preschoolers color designs onto their eggs. You can also provide glue sticks and let them glue on decorative objects such as rickrack, ribbons, buttons or beads. You can also give them bird or animal stickers. Ask pupils to name some creatures that lay eggs.

Kindergarten: Plastic Egg Animals

Provide pupils with plastic eggs, googly eyes, construction paper, pipe cleaners, mini-pompoms, craft foam and glue sticks. Draw pictures on the chalkboard of animals that can be made using an oval shape. These can include a bunny, an owl, a groundhog, a baby chick or a pig. Show children make an animal with a plastic egg by cutting ears, noses and tails out of construction paper or using pompoms for facial features and chenille sticks for whiskers. Let them make their own animals.

Elementary School: Easter Egg Wreath

Give each pupil 14 plastic eggs. Let them decorate those eggs with paint or markers or by gluing on glitter, ribbons or pieces of tissue paper. Make sure that they can still open and shut the eggs. Have them set aside the eggs to dry. Give each of them two heavy-duty paper plates with fluted rims. Have them carefully cut the center of the plates out, leaving only the rims. They then need to glue the two sets of rims together. Then have them cut out diamond "leaves" from different shades of green construction paper. Glue the leaves onto the paper plate evenly around, leaving space between them for the eggs. At each of the blank spaces, take twist ties and wrap them tightly around the rim with the ends sticking up. Take the plastic eggs and close the halves around each tie.

Middle School: State Eggs

Teach your students blow out the center of eggs so that the shell remains intact. Show them pictures of painted eggs from many cultures. Then have them decorate their eggs to represent the state they were born in or the state they live in now. Encourage them to use different symbols, colors or even flags. You could also show them pictures of the state quarters to give them an idea of how something can be decorated to represent a geographic area.

High School: Ukrainian Eggs

Ukrainian eggs are elaborate works of art that take patience to create.

Introduce your students to Pysanky, the Ukrainian egg decorating process that uses hot wax to create elaborate designs. Have them boil eggs and then blow the centers out. Prepare the dyes in advance so they have time to cool. Have students use a pencil to create the design that they want on the egg. The pencil markings will not show up on the egg, so they needn't worry about mistakes. They can use rubber bands or paper stencils to help draw lines and shapes on the egg. Show each student use a kistka, which is the wax tool used for making designs. Have them apply wax using the kistka to all the areas they want to remain white. Once they have completed that step, they dip the egg into yellow dye and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After the egg has dried, they apply wax to all the areas they want to remain yellow. They repeat this process with colors in this order: yellow, gold, light green, light blue, turquoise, orange, brown, brick, pink, bright red, red, brown, brick, dark red, black, purple, royal blue and dark green. Dab the egg dry and let it sit for a few minutes. Light a candle. Hold the dried egg next to the flame. When the wax looks wet, wipe it off with a clean tissue. Repeat until all the wax has been removed, using a clean tissue each time. As the wax melts away, it will reveal the colors that were protected underneath.

Wagon Float Designing Ideas

A plain wagon can become a festive float with a little creativity and a handful of supplies.

Building a float using a child's wagon is a fun way to participate in a neighbor, school or city holiday celebration. Use some of the standard float supplies like chicken wire, tissue paper squares, vinyl fringe and balloons to transform your child's plastic or metal wagon into a colorful float for the 4th of July, Mardi Gras, Halloween, Christmas, homecoming or any other holiday when your child would like to be involved in the merriment.

Queen for a Day

Disguise your child's wagon as a frilly throne for celebrating a little girls' birthday, local high school homecoming or any other time your little girl wants to feel like a princess in a parade. Use plenty of color such as school colors for a homecoming parade; Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green for this February celebration; patriotic colors for a July 4th parade; and so forth. Make lots of crepe paper and tissue paper flowers to attach all around the outside of the wagon after attaching a strip of vinyl fringe along the base to cover the wheels. Make an arch of four sturdy wires about 4 feet in length, covered in streamers, balloons or more flowers to attach over the center of the wagon where your little girl will sit. This will then serve as the carriage, like the rounded part of Cinderella's carriage.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Make July 4th wagon floats that'll make a dynamite impression without needing actual dynamite. Cover the wagon as described earlier, positioning vinyl fringe around the bottom and using tissue squares and crepe paper streamers, make plenty of flowers to cover the outside of the wagon itself in a combination of red, white and blue. Use miniature flags, attached all the way around the wagon, to give the float more flair. Cover paper towel tubes and round oatmeal containers with red, white and blue wrapping paper or construction paper, make a cone of paper to go on one end of the tube and insert a stick in the other end to make various sizes of pretend bottle rockets. And use plenty of balloons and construction paper stars outlined in glitter to add the American spirit to your wagon float. A child can ride in the float, holding a battery-operated CD player that plays patriotic music such as Sousa marches and Aaron Copeland music.

Be a TV Star!

Turn your child into a TV star by turning his float into a large TV. Using a good sized box, cut large squares in the two big sizes of the box and turn it opening side down in a wagon decorated with the standard base supplies of vinyl fringe and tissue paper squares. Paint mock TV controls--power button, volume knocks and a speaker grill--on the two big sides of the box under or down the sides of the box. Dress your child in whatever TV character he or she wants to be--Lucille Ball, Underdog, Pebbles Flintstone, Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob Squarepants or any other favorite character--and sit him or her down in the middle of the box.

The Red Baron Flies Again

Involve your dog in a pet parade by turning your float into Snoopy's Red Baron doghouse with the aid of a big cardboard box, plenty of red and black paint and red tissue paper and vinyl fringe. Fill the wagon around Red Baron dog house with miniature pumpkins or wadded up orange paper to make the Great Pumpkin's pumpkin patch. Your child can sit alongside your dog and carry a blue blanket to look like Linus sitting by Snoopy.

Create A Homemade Bee Smoker

Build your own bee smoker.

A bee smoker is used to distract the inhabitants of a hive to remove or replace a honeycomb. The smoker consists of a metal chamber in which you burn a safe fuel to create a thick smoke, which is stoked and kept going by the force of bellows. The smoke is then forced out through the opening of a funneled top and directed toward the bees, giving them something else to focus on, other than stinging you.

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in the side of the larger can about 1 inch from the bottom with a power drill. The diameter of the hole should be the same size as the nozzle of the bellows.

2. Make several holes in the bottom of the smaller can using the drill. These holes will provide the ventilation for the burning fuel so you want as many as you can fit while keeping 1/8-inch of space between each one.

3. Slide the smaller can into the larger can until their top edges are aligned. Use small metal bulldog clips to keep the smaller can from sliding further inside the larger one.

4. Solder the two cans together along the top edges where they meet using a soldering iron. Move the bulldog clips when they get in the way of the soldering iron.

5. Let the solder harden completely. The solder cools as it hardens so you will know it is ready by holding your hand near the cans to see if they are still warm.

6. Push the funnel over the opening of the cans with the spout pointing up until it is secure. Look for a funnel the same size as the can openings for a good fit.

7. Insert the nozzle of the bellows into the hole on the side of the larger can, with the handles arranged vertically rather than horizontally.

Draw Veggies

You're good at drawing pieces of fruit but you'd like to try drawing vegetables. You want to draw vegetables so they look realistic, using proper shapes and colors. It's not too hard; soon you will be drawing vegetables that look good enough to eat.

Instructions

1. Draw the basic vegetable shapes to start your drawings. Draw a long triangle for a carrot. Use long thin triangles for large carrots and little triangles for baby carrots. Use little circles for peas and large circles for onions or potatoes.

2. Use long rectangles for zucchinis and heart shapes for turnips. Using these basic shapes will help you with the initial form of the vegetables you want to draw.

3. Add details to your vegetable shapes so they look more authentic. You can change the initial shapes by erasing edges and curving the lines. Make your onions less round and add lines through the lengths of the shape. Add a sprout on top to finish the look.

4. Round the edges of your rectangles to make them look like zucchinis. Make one end more narrow and add a stem.

5. Start with simple vegetables like squash and gourds because they come in different shapes and colors like orange, green and yellow.

6. Use proper colors, shading and texture to authenticate all of your drawings. Make eggplant purple, peas green, carrots orange, peppers green or red and mushrooms brown. Add stems, tops and skin to all your vegetables.

7. Consider the placement of the vegetables and how much of them you can see. You will only draw what you can see. Arrange the vegetables in the center of the page if you want to draw an up-close picture or off-center if you want an interesting effect.

Draw Valentine Flowers

A heart becomes the blossom in a Valentine flower.

Valentine's Day is associated with heart symbols and flowers, tokens of affection that show our loved ones how much we care for them. Design your own Valentine's Day card for a special someone and decorate the card by drawing a simple flower made up of a heart. Even a short note for someone in your home with this Valentine flower can brighten a friend's day. Practice drawing the flower using pencil, then use a green marker for the stem and a pink or red marker for the blossom.

Instructions

1. Draw a heart shape. Make an upside-down "U," moving from the right to left. Then, without picking up the pencil, continue the line and draw a "V." Make another upside-down "U" going from right to left without picking up the pencil, connecting back to the starting point.

2. Draw a line down from the bottom point of the heart to be the stem of the flower. Allow the line to curve slightly to the left to make the flower look less rigid.

3. Add leaves that are also in heart shapes. Draw small, sideways hearts along the stem, one on either side, with the points facing away from the stem. Arrange the leaves so that the one on the right is slightly higher than the one on the left to add a bit of whimsy.

Sing High Notes Noisally

Singing loudly involves more than the ability to scream pitches.

Singing loudly requires more than sheer power and air. To sing loudly consistently, singers must develop their breathing technique, diction and endurance. This task takes time and a commitment to practicing at least five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each day. To truly develop the ability to sing high notes loudly, singers must develop and strengthen their lungs, vocal cords and increase their practical range.

Instructions

1. Breathe in through your mouth and pushing it down into your diaphragm.

2. Use the muscles of your stomach area to push the air out.

3. Start singing on a note about a fifth away from the highest point of your range. At a normal volume, slowly sing "hmmm" down a perfect fifth, blending the notes in between the top and bottom note to create a continuous sound. Continue to increase the pitch one half step at a time until you reach the highest note you can sing comfortably. This will increase your high range by lengthening and expanding your vocal cords over time.

4. Sing scales daily to increase your ability to sing in tune and expand your range. Start the scale at a low volume and end with the highest note of the scale with your loudest volume. Do not scream or overstress your vocal cords. Building strength in this way will take time.

5. Ensure that you are singing with proper diction. Poorly articulated words will sound muffled and weaker.

Draw Underwater Creatures

Drawing underwater animals provides a fun art project.

The undersea world has long fascinated scientists and has inspired a slew of artists over the centuries, from ancient craftsmen to Renaissance painters to modern animators. The creatures of the sea are varied in design and color and so drawing your own means paying attention to the small details and simple geometric shapes that form the nearly everything under the sun (or in this case, the waves). Although the choice of subject matter is seemingly endless, the following article will cover drawing a basic shark and a Moray eel.

Instructions

Drawing a Shark

1. Draw a slightly flattened oval in the center of your paper, sized according to how large or small you want your shark to be. This shape serves as the basis for the shark's torso. Add a cone shape attached to the left of the oval to create the shark's snout, using smooth contours to your lines versus pointed lines to give the impression of the shark's sleek and streamlined body.

2. Draw a line on the bottom and top of the oval that juts out to the right, carrying the lines outward and narrowing them as you reach the end of the paper. This will create a basic "torpedo" shape. Erase the dividing lines between the shapes to make one cohesive solid shape. This is the shark's body.

3. Add a triangle on top of the shark, about midway between the head and the tail, to create the famous dorsal fin. Remember to round off the top point with a smoother line. Add another downward-pointing triangle slightly above the bottom line on the shark's body to create one of the pectoral fins. Erase any overlapping lines.

4. Draw in the small details like the eyes, mouth and gills near the front of the head. Then add another pectoral fin slightly in front of the other to give a more three-dimensional presentation of the shark. Trace the shark in black ink to make your art stand out on the page.

The Eel

5. Draw a backwards "S" shape on your paper, again sized according to how large or small you want your eel to be. This will serve as the body of the eel. Add a small oval to the top end of the "S" to create the head shape.

6. Add another "S" shape slightly to the left of the first that mimics that same "S" contours, thus fleshing out the eel's body. Make the top and bottom spaces between the "S" shapes slightly thicker than the middle to give the three-dimensional impression of the eel twisting as it swims through the water.

7. Erase the dividing line between the head and body to make the body seem more solid. Add similar "S"-shaped lines both above and below the body that stretch from the animal's head to the first bend in its body. Then add similar lines to the bottom of the "S" curve to create the eel's top and bottom fins.

8. Erase the left end of the oval, then redraw a contoured 45-degree line that angles from the bottom of the head to the top to create the face and jaw line. Add in a mouth line with several jagged teeth jutting out to create the eel's famous, fearsome visage.

9. Complete the drawing by adding a circle with a center dot to create the eye. Then trace the eel in black ink to make it stand out on the page.

Draw Toothless From "Train Your Dragon"

Toothless, from the animated film "Train Your Dragon," is a gentle dragon with giant horns that protrude from the back of his head. He is mostly black with speckles of gray scales and a large, friendly smile. You can draw Toothless in just a few minutes, even if you have no experience drawing. Draw your own creations with Toothless or add other characters from the film to enhance the image.

Instructions

1. Draw a sideways oval to represent Toothless' head and another line that bisects his head from left to right. Draw a third line from the top of his head that continues past the bottom of the oval to represent the direction he is looking and his neck's place. He should now have a plus sign on his face with a line that descends far below the oval.

2. Sketch a rounded block that encircles but touches the outside of the oval. Toothless' head should resemble a round loaf of bread instead of a perfect oval.

3. Draw two hooked slits for nostrils. Draw two large, almond-shaped eyes on the line that bisects the head from left to right. The eyes point toward the nostrils. Draw Toothless' round pupils, which take up roughly a third of each eye. Add a thin line above each eye to form the brow.

4. Draw a stretched-out "W" that begins and ends at each outside corner of his eyes. This represents the mouth.

5. Draw two larger, rounded horns on top of Toothless' head, one on each side. Sketch two smaller horns just to the inside of the previous two, but make them more pointed. These smaller horns look like shark fins protruding from the water. Draw four more smaller horns--two protruding from the back of each side of Toothless' jaw. These horns also resemble shark fins but are more rounded.

6. Draw a thin line from each side of his face sloping outward to create Toothless' neck. The neck is the same width as the head, giving Toothless a very wide neck.

Create A 12x12 Paver Patio From Suppliers

Construct a 12X12 Paver Patio at Low Cost

Building a small paver patio is a challenging but potentially rewarding project that can be completed in a weekend with hard work. To build a low cost patio, choose the dry installation method, which uses sand and gravel or more expensive mortar. Brick pavers are relatively inexpensive and can either be purchased from landscaping supply stores or from builders who have excess supply and may be willing to sell you enough pavers for a 12-foot-by-12-foot patio at a discount.

Instructions

1. Measure out the border for your building area and mark off the area with spray paint.

2. Call the utility company and ask if there are underground wires within the confines of your building area. The company will likely send someone out to ensure your building area is safe.

3. Purchase your pavers and other materials from a home improvement store, landscape supply store or local contractor who may have excess materials to get rid of. Check out online classified ad websites if you're looking to save even more money.

4. Dig out the whole area that you marked with spray paint, about six inches deep into the ground. Ensure the soil is flat and even before proceeding.

5. Line the inner border of the area with two-by-fours, which will serve as the border for your paver patio and will help ensure your tiles do not move in the future.

6. Add a three-inch layer of gravel into the bottom of the digging area.

7. Use a plate compactor to pack the gravel down tightly. You can rent a plate compactor from a home supply store for between $50 and $75.

8. Place a level on top of the gravel and ensure the slope is slightly away from your house. This will help you avoid future drainage problems.

9. Add a three-inch layer of sand over the gravel. Level out the sand with a rake.

10. Add the pavers on top of the sand, one at a time. Place the pavers flush against one another.

11. Once all pavers have been set, pour filler sand into the small cracks between each paver.

12. Use a broom to spread the filler sand thoroughly into the cracks and off the surface of the pavers.

Judge Break Dancing

Acrobatics are common in break dancing.

When judging a dance performance there are multiple factors you must take into account. The two major components of a dance routine are the skill level of the performance and the overall performance quality. His skill level refers to the quality of his movements and how well he executes the steps and moves. The performance quality relates to how well the performer engages with the audience, connects with the music and how entertaining he is to watch. Break dancers are known for performing large-scale tricks that widely impress the audience, but a quality break-dancing performance will also incorporate smooth transitions and skillful footwork.

Instructions

1. Rate the level of difficulty in the moves in the performance. Break-dancing moves can range from the fairly simple footwork of the Indian step to more difficult full body tricks, such as windmills.

2. Consider the originality of the steps and movement in the performance. Ask yourself if there was anything you had not seen before. Creativity and originality by introducing new steps and new spins on old steps can increase the overall performance quality.

3. Rate the dancer's use of the music, or his musicality. Musicality refers to the dancer's ability to perform steps and moves that coincide with the highs and lows of the music, the music's beat and rhythm and even the lyrics in any songs used. For example, a break dancer could perform a head glide or handstand pose during a dramatic pause or beat in the music to create an impressive effect.

4. Judge the synchronicity of the performers if there are more than one. If the dancers are windmilling, for example, ask yourself if they are in unison.

5. Ask yourself if the performer worked in a wide variety of moves, or if he simply focused on big tricks or simple steps. A quality break-dancing performance incorporates the simpler moves, such as step combinations like the Indian step or top rocks, as well as the big tricks, such as glides, poses and flips.

Draw Simple Caricatures

Caricatures can be political or silly.

Whether drawing a caricature to teasingly give to a friend or you are hoping to make some money drawing caricatures on the street, the key to drawing good caricatures is noticing the outstanding features on a person. You want to accentuate these characteristics and make some statement about the way a person looks, while still maintaining enough likeness to the person such that people will know who it is.

Instructions

1. Observe the person that you want to draw. Visualize this person in order to hone in on the characteristics that make her similar to others as well as unique.

2. Determine the qualities of the individual that are eccentric or odd. Crooked ears, a big nose, funny hair, low-hanging earlobes, narrow eyes or small lips are all examples of characteristics that might make an individual look distinctive.

3. Sketch a realistic picture of the individual. Use this as a baseline for your caricature.

4. Add the eccentric or exaggerated features to the sketch. Make these features look relatively the same, but make them different in size. For example, if a person has big ears, then draw the ears in the same proportions but make them four times larger than normal.

5. Draw darker lines to flesh out your sketch. It's best to start with the larger features and then add the normal features afterward.

6. Add color or any other extra images. You can provide a context for your caricature or leave it on a blank page.

Famous Black & Whitened Portraits

The absence of color adds an air of elegance to photography portraits. Photographers once used black and white film because color film was not yet invented. But even after the advent of color film, some chose to use black and white film as a tool. Black and white takes focus off a photograph's background and places it on the central figure. Many iconic images of revolution, famine and stardom have been captured in black and white.

Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

The 1961 portrait of actress Audrey Hepburn from her film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is most famous in black and white reproductions. The photograph features Hepburn as character Holly Golightly. She is sitting at a restaurant table wearing a black dress with black opera gloves holding a foot-long cigarette holder. On her head is a tiara and around her neck is a thick row of pearls. The use of black and white gives the portrait an elegant mood.

Marilyn Monroe by Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon's 1957 portrait of Marilyn Monroe is a well known of the actress. In the picture Monroe is wearing a black sequined halter dress and staring into the lower right-hand corner of the frame. The photo was taken at after a party and photo shoot in New York City. The photo captures what Avendon calls an "inevitable drop" in Monroe's mood that occurred after parties. The portrait was featured in a 1975 show at Marlborough Gallery in New York and now belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange's 1936 portrait "Migrant Mother" captures a homeless woman named Florence Owens Thompson and her two children at a pea picker's camp in Nipomo, California. Florence touches her left cheek as she stares into the distance. The two children hide their faces behind her shoulders. Lange took the photo while working as a photographer of migrant farmers for the United States Resettlement Administration.

"Guerrillero Heróico" by Albert Korda

Alberto Korda's 1960 portrait of Argentine revolutionary of Che Guevara is a widely known photograph. The portrait was taken during a political protest in Havana, Cuba. The picture features Guevara wearing a black beret and looking towards the upper left hand of the frame. Today the portrait is featured on flags, t-shirts and posters. The picture is often used to indicate revolutionary ideologies and was a popular image in the American youth movement of the late 1960s.

Repair A Parker Pen

Your Parker Pen can easily be repaired so you can go back to writing in no time.

The Parker Pen company was established in 1888 and its pens are sold worldwide. These classic pens are made to last a lifetime--they are durable, fashionable and can be refilled continuously. However, just like any other long-life pen, a Parker pen may need to be repaired at some point.

Instructions

1. Find your original Parker pen warranty, which was included with the original packaging. Each Parker pen comes with a two-year international warranty, meaning that even if you received it from someone or bought it in another country within those two years, the warranty will be valid in any country in which Parker pens are sold. If you bought the pen, you may need the original receipt to figure out the exact date of purchase. The warranty covers all defects in the Parker pen during the two-year period. Pens will be repaired or replaced at no additional cost if the defects are in materials or workmanship. Pens will not be replaced or repaired if the defects are due to wear and tear or from failure to maintain them properly.

2. Extend your warranty for free for another two years online. This extended warranty can be obtained online on the Parker website (see Resources) by filling out a form. A certificate will be sent to your email address, and you can print it out and attach it to the original warranty. Note that date of purchase is required in the form. This service also officially registers your Parker pen.

3. Check to see if the pen didn't simply run out of ink. You can do this by tapping the pen lightly on a piece of paper and then trying to write, or by rolling it around in your hands to make the ink flow better. If it did run out of ink, you can buy ink refills at many stores selling writing supplies such as Staples, or at a Parker store or the company's website.

4. Visit the Parker website to find details of the original warranty online in your preferred language and to find the After Sales Service in your country. After you search for the service in your country, you will be provided with a contact number for the service department that serves your country. This service may not necessarily be in the same country as the one you're residing in. In the United States, the company Sanford manufactures and repairs Parker pens, and can be contacted via email, telephone or mail as listed on the Parker website.

5. Search the Parker website's Shop Locator for boutiques that sell Parker pens in your area if you prefer to deliver your pen to the store for repairs. You will find a selection of Parker shops listed. However this list does not include office supply stores, which sell selected models of Parker pens.

6. Pack your original warranty, the broken Parker pen, and if applicable, the extended warranty into a protective envelope if sending by mail for repair. Send the package to the address of the Parker service department in your country.

7. Wait for your repaired or replaced Parker pen to arrive by mail if you sent it to the company. Or if you took it to a shop, you will be able to pick it up once it is repaired or replaced. You will not be charged for the repair if your warranty is valid. Make sure that you keep a copy of any receipt, warranty or other documentation you may receive.

Make Costume Designs For "Hamlet"

Elaborate Renaissance costumes take time and money, so don't wait until the last minute.

"Hamlet" is a true challenge to any costume designer. Not only is there a play within a play, but this is a play for which many people already hold a certain degree of expectation. While it can be presented very traditionally, it has also been presented in extremely avant-garde and unexpected ways. The costume designer of any production needs to be united with the director in vision, organized and prepared to make decisions for the sake of the production as a whole, as opposed to any particular actor or for ease.

Instructions

1. Meet with the director to discuss your vision as well as hers. Being hired to design costumes for a production is an enormous responsibility because you're there from the beginning to create a vision for how the production will look. Come to the table with ideas about the characters and notes for how many costumes you think may be necessary for each character throughout the play. Sometimes directors already have a clear idea of what they want, but more often than not, they need you there to add to their ideas and know what is practical and available within the production's budget.

2. Create your costume renderings. The renderings are drawings of the vision that you and the director have discussed. If your shared vision is set in the Renaissance, research Renaissance dress and traditions. Keep in mind that a wide variety of productions of "Hamlet" have not been set in the traditional Shakespearean style. Whatever the vision you're setting out to realize, do some research on that time, place and dress. Your research can include books, paintings, historical records or even magazines, but the closer you are to a primary source, the better. As you draw out each costume, make your renderings easy to read in terms of design and interpretation of character. If possible, include swatches of fabrics you'd like to use.

3. Meet with the director again to present your renderings and research. This meeting may happen with all the designers for the production present. Having all the designers present is a way of ensuring that all design aspects of the production will look cohesive. The director will give you feedback on your ideas and may suggest changes. When adjustments are suggested, make sure that you and the director are on the same page as to how the production needs to look. Having your research with you helps both of you to see the source of your inspiration and can keep you in the same world of ideas.

4. Measure the actors. For each actor, you will need a full record of measurements from head to foot. You will need head measurements for any headpieces, including hats. When measuring the upper body, include the neck and circumference of chest, waist, upper arm, lower arm and length of arm (bent and straight) starting at center back. On women, measuring the bust can be a little tricky. Measure around the broadest point of the bust, immediately below the bust and immediately above the bust. It's also a good idea to take a measurement of the bust direct across tip to tip, and tip to tip as a halter.

5. Draft patterns for the costumes. Sometimes designers first drape muslin on a mannequin to create the pattern. A well-seasoned draper will probably already know draft the patterns to fit the actors.

6. Build a muslin version of each costume. This should be a very basic version of the costume, without extra trimming or fine details. When sewing a garment, start with the larger pieces first, working your way to adding in the smaller pieces. Do this while building the top separate from the bottom. Finally, sew together the top and bottom, if necessary, and add only minimal closures. In a fitting, safety pins will do, but if working with a garment, such as a corset, you will need to rig the back so it can be laced.

7. Fit the muslin versions of the costumes on the actors. The first series of fittings can be done with the muslin versions because the idea is to make sure that the costume will fit correctly. Take notes on any adjustments needed on the patterns so they're accurate enough to use with the real costume fabrics.

8. Use the patterns to determine the amount of fabric and other materials needed to finish the costumes. Think about the number of each piece needed and lay out the patterns on fabric 46 inches or 52 inches wide. This may change the amount of yardage needed when the costumes are finally sewn, fitted and completed.

Split Up Having A Girlfriend Nicely

Breaking up is difficult. You can make it easier on your girlfriend if you break up with her in the right way. Being nice when you end the relationship makes it easier for her to cope with her true feelings instead of having to deal with anger about how you broke up with her.

Instructions

1. Pick an appropriate time and place. You should choose a secluded but neutral spot to lessen her embarrassment. When you are deciding when to break up with her, consider her schedule. If you were supposed to accompany her to an important event in the near future, it may be best to delay the break up until after the event especially if she may be unable to find another escort.

2. Use your own words. Using cliches or common break up phrases may make her feel like you are being shallow.

3. Express your true feelings. When you are trying to break up with your girlfriend nicely, place all of the blame on yourself. Blaming her or pointing out her faults will make her feel worse.

4. Follow through on what you say you will do. For example, if you say that you want to remain friends with her, make sure that you try to do just that. If you want to part ways and leave her alone completely, let her know that and do it.

5. Understand that you will still have mutual friends. Because of this, you may run into her at some events. This means that you may see each other with new dates. This can be difficult. If you know that this will happen, it is a good idea to let her know ahead of time so she can be prepared.

6. Keep the break up quiet. She will tell people if she wants them to know. Let her be the one who spreads the news.