Blacklight Tattoo Information

Blacklight tattoos are designed to glow under UV light.

Blacklight tattoos are a type of body art that use a special ink that reacts to UV. Under normal light, the tattoo appears almost invisible, but under a UV light (blacklight), the ink glows. Blacklight tattoos are growing in popularity with people who frequent clubs and raves because the tattoos glow under UV lights. As a result, more tattoo artists are starting to add blacklight designs to their portfolios.

UV Reactive Ink

UV reactive ink was developed to glow under blacklights and is a popular additive to paints, clothing designs, spray-on hair color and Halloween costumes and makeup. The majority of UV reactive pigments are fluorescent pigments. Any unnaturally bright color such as neon, day-glow and florescent colors will glow under a blacklight. UV reactive tattoo pigment was developed to have the same effect as fluorescent or day-glow paints, only permanently inserted under the skin

Safety Information

Safety of UV reactive ink is a concern for anyone thinking of getting a blacklight tattoo. Some manufacturers of blacklight pigments claim that their products have been evaluated and approved by the FDA, but this is not the case. The FDA has not approved any tattoo pigment to be used on humans; the only pigments that have been approved are for use on animals and fish. There is always a risk of reaction to tattoo pigmentation, and it is important to know what ingredients are contained in the ink. One ingredient in fluorescent paints, EverGlow, should not be used in tattoo pigments because it is toxic.

Pigment Colors

There are two types of UV reactive tattoo pigment, one that is invisible in normal lighting and one that is visible. Invisible blacklight ink glows white or violet under a UV light; the only indication of an invisible blacklight tattoo is residual scarring as a result of the application. Colored UV reactive pigment is viewable without a blacklight and the color looks vividly bright within the tattoo design.

UV Pigment Application

Blacklight tattoos are applied the same way as regular tattoos. Invisible blacklight pigment needs to be applied with a blacklight so the artist can see what he's doing. Blacklight pigment that is visible in regular light can be applied without the aid of a blacklight. UV pigments are different from regular tattoo inks because the pigments do not always blend well and the thinner ink makes the tattoo process longer.

Longevity

All tattoos are permanent, including blacklight tattoos. However, all tattoos change with age and, depending on how well they are cared for, can fade. Blacklight tattooing is still a relatively new type of tattooing, so its longevity hasn't been determined. A freshly completed blacklight tattoo will glow brighter than a tattoo that is a few years old. Proper tattoo maintenance will help preserve the quality of the tattoo for a longer time. To keep a tattoo from fading, it is important to keep it away from excessive exposure to sunlight; sunscreen should be applied to the tattoo when going out into the sun. Tattoos have been around for hundreds of years, but blacklight tattoos have only been around for about a decade.

Create A Pop-sicle Stick Snowman

Snowman

Winter is the perfect time for crafts since going outdoors for sports is limited. Most crafts are too hard for the little children to do since they can't use hot glue guns or understand complex designs. This popsicle stick snowman is just right for those tiny fingers. It is simple enough, yet the popsicle stick turns the craft in to a puppet for maximum fun. Small children will feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete their popsicle stick snowman.

Instructions

1. Draw three circles on a sheet of white construction paper with a pencil. Make one circle big for the snowman's bottom, one circle medium size for the snowman's middle, and one circle small for the snowman's head.

2. Cut the circles out and glue them in order on the popsicle stick.

3. Draw a top hat on a piece of black construction paper and cut it out. Glue the top hat to the snowman's head.

4. Draw a scarf on red construction paper. Cut the scarf out and then fray the edges by cutting little slits in the end. Glue in between the snowman's head and his middle body so that it looks like it is going around his neck.

5. Use your markers to give your snowman two eyes, a mouth, and some buttons down the middle piece of the snowman.

6. Draw a carrot nose on orange construction paper. Cut it out and glue it in between the eyes and the mouth. If you don't have any orange construction paper, you can draw a carrot nose with your markers.

Create A Playboy Bunny Halloween Costume

Playboy bunnies are both loved and hated. They are considered the ultimate in feminine beauty to many men and the type of girl to be avoided by many women. Bunnies are glorified forever in one of the most recognized magazines in the world. For women who want to do something just a big naughty for an all-adult Halloween party should choose this particular character to emulate. It is relatively simple, sexy, and fun.

Instructions

1. Choose the base for the Playboy bunny outfit. A strapless leotard, totally opaque teddy with spaghetti straps, or a bustier with matching shorts will work well. The more structure to the outfit, the better since Playboy bunny costumes tend to be boned to suck in and uplift to provide a very curvy look. If possible, choose a white, pink, champagne beige or black outfit. However, any color will do.

2. Purchase a pair of fishnet or patterned tights in white, nude, brown or black. They may be totally or semi-opaque

3. Locate a pair of high heels, around 3 to 4 inches in height. Lower is okay, as well. Choose a pair that matches the outfit or one that provides a different pop of color, like red against white or silver against pink or beige.

4. Purchase a pair of white cuffs and a matching collar onto which a black bow tie can be clipped. These items are common around Halloween and should be fairly inexpensive. However, you can make your own. Use satin fabric in white to make cuffs and a collar. For the collar, use a blouse collar as a pattern, tracing it out on paper and then cutting it out. Wrap the paper pattern around the neck to make certain it will fit. Adjust as necessary. Once the pattern is correct, pin it to the white satin and cut out the collar. Also, cut a collar out of the iron-on fabric stiffener. Iron the stiffener onto the back of the satin fabric to add more body. Sew the raw edge back or trim them out with braid or lace. For the cuffs, cut out two rectangles that are 3 to 4 inches wide and between 8 and 10 inches long from both the satin and the stiffening fabric. Sew the raw edges back or trim out as with the collar. Add decorative buttons to simulate cufflinks.

5. Purchase a pair of bunny ears from a local dollar store and a cottontail from a fabric shop. Attach the tail to the bunny costume with needle and thread, a safety pin or Velcro.

6. Keep jewelry simple with diamond-like earrings and perhaps a diamond-style ring.

7. Put on makeup that heavily accents both the eyes and lips.

Make Crafts With Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts crafts

Most people just throw packing peanuts away with no regard for how they can be used later. You and your child can make the following two crafts with packing peanuts. Not only will you be teaching your child about recycling, but she will also have something really cool to share with friends.

Instructions

Packing Peanuts Sun Craft

1. Print the sun template provided here. Print one for each child doing the craft. You can choose to enlarge the picture with a copier (125 percent or so), if you want the sun to be bigger.

2. Cut the template out. Glue it to a piece of poster board. Cut the template out again. Now the sun has a strong backing to support the packing peanuts used in the next couple of steps.

3. Paint the packing peanuts. Use yellow paint for the pieces that will go in the circle. Use orange paint for the pieces that will be the sun rays. Allow the peanuts to dry for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.

4. Glue the peanuts to the sun in the appropriate places. Let dry.

5. If you want your child to make a whole scene on the poster board, do not cut out the template after you glue it to the poster board. If you cut the template, you can probably cut out two templates or more from a single piece of poster board.

Packing Peanuts Necklace

6. Paint packing peanuts with various colors of tempera paint. Use the largest and strongest peanuts from the bunch for this project. You can even add details to each peanut, if they are large enough. Let dry.

7. Measure a length of yarn around your neck to a size that can be slipped over your neck comfortably. Now add a half-inch to this length and cut the yarn. There will be no clasp on this necklace.

8. Thread the yarn through a size 1 sewing needle (the thickest available), and tie a knot at the end of the needle. You should have one long length of yarn to work with.

9. Push the needle through the center of a packing peanut and guide the peanut to the end of the yarn to the point where there is a half-inch of yarn left. Keep stringing the packing peanuts until there is a half inch left on each side of the yarn. Tie a knot at both ends of the yarn. The necklace is complete.

Mix Fresh paint Colors Into Brown

Primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Every other paint color that we use is derived by mixing these three paint colors in some way or another. Brown is one color that you can create by mixing all three primary colors. However, there are many other ways to get brown, and there are tricks to get the best quality color of paint.

Instructions

1. Refer to the color wheel. The color wheel will help you determine primary colors as well as secondary and tertiary colors. The colors you choose to mix will make different tones of brown, and the color wheel will help you as you make your selection.

2. Mix one primary color with its complementary color. Red and green are complementary colors, so when you mix them together you get brown. Other complementary colors are orange and blue as well as purple and yellow.

3. Add one secondary color to two primary colors. Mix yellow and blue paints to make green. Add red paint to that green paint to make brown.

4. Find opposite colors on the color wheel. Mix the two opposites together to make brown paint.

5. Combine orange paint with red paint. Mix them thoroughly, and then add a touch of black paint. This makes a deep brown paint that's very versatile.

6. Darken your brown paint by adding a little bit of black paint to your mixture. You can also lighten your brown paint when you add white. This can make your brown paint the color of chocolate milk.

Organize A Effective Dinner Theater Fundraising event

Thinking of creative fundraiser ideas that will be sure to bring in money to support your cause is sometimes more challenging than the actual fundraiser event itself. By organizing a dinner theater, you are sure to have a successful event as well as great entertainment. This article will give you the guidelines and tips you will need to keep the costs low and the entertainment quality high, all while bringing in a healthy profit.

Instructions

1. Find the location. Look for one within your community that is big enough to accommodate on-stage performers as well as an adequate number of tables and chairs. Ideally, your location should have kitchen equipment or at least a sizable area to serve food.

2. Plan sales. Before securing a location, talk to your local fire marshal to determine how many people the location is capable of holding. You will need this information to know how many tickets to make available. To have a profitable fundraiser, set your ticket price according to the number of tickets that you must sell.

3. Plan the menu. Menu planning for a fundraiser should be done as inexpensively as possible. Inquire at local grocery stores for deals and discounts that they may consider offering for a fundraising event. Plan a menu that has a meat, vegetable or two, dinner roll and dessert.

4. Choose a theatrical performance. Opt for a performance that does not require a lot of stage props. Simple performances such as "Our Town" or the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" can be performed with very simple props. Community fine arts clubs or high school drama classes are excellent venues to locate actors.

5. Create an advertisement for the dinner theater fundraiser. Using your computer, create an advertisement that provides the ticket price, menu, performance title and location information.

6. Recruit volunteers who are willing to cook the food, serve the guests and sell tickets. Everyone should have a designated job to do in order to make the fundraiser successful.

The Very Best Atlas Around The Globe

World atlases depict a variety of maps and trends across the globe.

A world atlas is a collection of in-depth maps and overall geography of the world. Atlases assist scholars with research and travelers in understanding the geography and terrain around them. World atlases are most commonly found in traditional book format as well as multimedia format. One of the most authoritative voices on world atlases is Oxford University Press. Oxford publishes several types of world atlases on a regularly updated basis.

Features

World atlases depict the surface, geography and terrain of the world. There are many ways to visually depict these features, including maps that identify topographical features, altitude, historical and or political significance and population. In-depth and comprehensive atlases cover not only the land, but also the ocean floors and even the moon.

About Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is the oldest and longest continuously running university press in the world. For this reason, it is one of the world's most prestigious and highly trusted scholarly sources of information. It is directly associated with the University of Oxford, one of world's leading universities. Oxford University Press is the leading publisher of all reference works, including atlases. It publishes several types of world atlases, updated on a regular basis.

New Concise World Atlas

Oxford University Press' third edition "New Concise Atlas" was published in January 2010. At the time of its publishing, it contained the most up-to-date topographical, political, thematic and geographic maps. It also includes changes made to new national parks across the globe. In addition to maps, the "New Concise Atlas" has world statistics related to climate, population, area and physical dimensions. At the time of its publishing, there was no other book that provided such a wide range of information in a single source.

Atlas of the World

The 12th edition of Oxford University Press's "Atlas of the World" was published in September 2005. The deluxe edition includes multimedia CDs as well as the book itself. The highly detailed maps depict landforms, geographical features and full longitude and latitude features. Not only does this world atlas include geographical maps, it also includes more than 100 city maps. Other areas of interest include ocean floor maps, maps of the moon and satellite images. Oxford University Press's 12th edition "Atlas of the World" is truly one of the best, and most comprehensive, world atlases available.

Get The spanish language Lyrics

The world music market has exploded in recent years due to Internet music sites and public interest in being on the cutting edge. Music lovers have flocked to Spanish-language music for its beautiful rhythms and diverse lyrics. You can get Spanish lyrics to celebrate Hispanic culture while expressing your eclectic musical tastes.

Instructions

Research Spanish Song Lyrics

1. Conduct a search for websites of your favorite Spanish musicians to get their lyrics. These websites will usually feature fan forums to help you receive answers about lyrics. You can also look at each website's media player to see if there are lyrics scrolling past for your benefit.

2. Arrange to meet with local Spanish artists before or after a live performance to clear up confusion about song lyrics. Most artists reach out to their fans to build good reputations and like to discuss the meaning behind their lyrics.

3. Explore audio channels that play Spanish music through your digital cable or satellite television provider. Most cable companies feature channels that play world music 24 hours a day as part of their basic services. These channels may feature a karaoke player or stream lyrics at the bottom to help viewers follow along.

4. Review textbooks and Spanish guide books when searching for lyrics for traditional Spanish songs. Students learning Spanish can utilize traditional music as a fun avenue toward fluency in the language.

5. Watch mainstream video channels to find Spanish music videos that feature subtitles. These videos can help you transcribe lyrics while letting you enjoy the visual and melodic aspects of Spanish music.

6. Pull out the liner notes from a Spanish music CD to get a comprehensive set of lyrics for your favorite songs. Some musicians have begun adding notes and background about their lyrics in the liner notes to help fans put songs into context.

7. Talk with fellow Spanish music fans to clear up questions about lyrics and exchange resources. You can arrange a lyrics exchange with another fan through the Internet, where a fan of a Spanish musician helps you get lyrics in exchange for another set of lyrics by your favorite musician.

Remove Harmful toxins In The Body

Your body begins slowing down and your organs become less effective when your body is bogged down by toxins. You need to eliminate these toxins so your body can function as it should.

Instructions

1. Drink a lot of water to flush your body of toxins. You should be drinking at least 1 gallon or more of water daily. You can also have caffeine-free herbal teas to flush your body.

2. Increase the fiber in your food to make sure you have regular bowel movements. Good foods to eat vegetables and fruit such as bananas. Flaxseed oil in water or lemon juice with water will also serve as a mild natural laxative to clean out your system.

3. Exercise as often as you can to rid your body of toxins. Your body rids toxins from it through your sweat. Try sitting in a sauna, which is also great for sweating out those toxins.

4. Eliminate all foods and drinks that are high in toxins such as refined flour and sugar, fried foods, saturated fats, processed foods, meat with hormones and produce with pesticides, coffee, soda, drugs and alcohol.

5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. If cooked, prepare the vegetables with very little oil, fat or spices. These foods digest easier and are absorbed into the body faster to rid your body of toxins.

6. Have natural whole grains, rice, beans, herbs and pasta. Eat as many natural, organic products as you can.

Begin A Puppet Stage Company

Starting a puppet stage company is a great way to spread a message or express your creativity. With a portable theater, your puppet stage company can perform at a church or at children's birthday parties, community events and schools.

Instructions

1. Determine who your audience will be, what the message of your puppet plays are and what kind of plays you'll perform. A general plan can guide you in the type of puppets you purchase and how your stage is designed.

2. Purchase ready-made puppets. Look for generic puppets that you can dress in different costumes. As your budget and expertise grows, you can make your own or add custom made puppets.

3. Advertise in local newspapers, colleges, and drama clubs for performers and producers. You will need technicians to handle props, light and sounds, and someone to take care of the puppets.

4. Create a financial plan. If your group is non-profit, consider raising funds through activities like rummage sales or selling fund raising items. You could also have individuals or groups adopt a puppet.

5. Find a space for auditions and rehearsals--either someone's house or a local community center. Start with easy skits to get used to working together. Find plays and skits in a puppetry book like "The Complete Book of Puppetry" by George Latshaw.

6. Design and build a portable theater. It can be made with PVC pipe and curtains or plywood. Consider the weight and portability of the theater. You may want to include shelves and openings for speakers and lights. Decide on the backdrop. You can use curtains or a painted scene.

7. Set goals and performance dates so that your group has focus. Call local community centers, schools and churches. Advertise your services for birthday parties and events.

Create A Paintbrush Santa Ornament

Make a Paintbrush Santa Ornament

This sweet paintbrush Santa ornament just goes to show, anything can become a craft project. Dollar stores frequently sell inexpensive paintbrushes in packages of four or five, which ultimately makes this a money friendly craft. They come in different sizes, so you will be able to make a menagerie of skinny to fat Santa's for basically the same cost. Make one for your favorite handyman or attach to Christmas gifts for the men in your life.

Instructions

1. Paint the entire surface (front and back) of the utility paintbrush handle using the red acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry.

2. Choose a front to your paintbrush Santa ornament. Paint the metal over the bristles using the peach acrylic paint on the front of the paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Dip the cotton swab into the pink acrylic paint and dab two cheeks onto the paintbrush Santa ornament. Dip the blunt end of the wood skewer into the black acrylic paint and dot two eyes. Allow the paint to dry. Plan your face smaller than the area of peach that was painted to allow for the hair and beard.

4. Thin the texture snow medium out slightly. Paint and dab the texture snow medium around the face and hat line. Continue to paint and dab a beard onto the bristles below the face. Allow the textured snow to dry.

5. Paint and dab the textured snow around the end of the paintbrush for the pom pom of Santa's hat. Prop the brush to dry.

6. Cut a 6-inch piece of the red ribbon and thread it through the hole on the paintbrush for the hanger. Tie the ends of the ribbon together using an overhand knot.

7. Glue a jingle bell below the snowy pom pom on the hat using the craft glue. Allow the glue to dry.

8. Glue the pink pom pom nose to the paintbrush Santa ornament's face using the craft glue. Allow the glue to dry.

Meaning Of Line Art

A line is the basic element of all art. Every artist has at some point drawn a line. You see line art every day and everywhere--advertisements, posters, product packaging, logos and even mass media like television and the Internet. Artists from Leonardo Da Vinci to Andy Warhol have used lines as simple as a single line on a canvas to as complex as blueprints for a building. Line art is the foundation of our visual world.

What Is Line Art?

Line art is a single-color drawing generally made with a pencil or pen. The drawing has no solid areas and very little effects other than cross-hatching. Line art is usually black and white and with some degree of shading.

History and Printing Line Art

Before photos, line art was the only available way of visually representing an object or person. Printing is done without conversion to a halftone image (creating a pattern of dots to form a picture). Line art is usually created today with a computer using Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop and Line Art

In Photoshop, a line art drawing is done using the pen tool. Photoshop has several pen types, brushes and tools for artists to use in creating drawings and other works of art. You can even turn photos into line art.

Line Art and Adobe Illustrator

Another Adobe package that can be used to create computerized line art is Illustrator.

Illustrator is a valuable program for creating drawings, sketches and cartoon-style illustrations due to its set of tools for drawing---the brush, the pen, lasso, bucket and the way the program saves your line art. Your line art is saved as vector art, which is an image saved as lines with coordinates of starting and ending points. The images are similar to hand-drawn line images. Also Illustrator has the ability for you to place many layers or drawings on top of other layers or drawings to make a complete picture.

Starting a Line Art Project

Line art drawings take time to complete especially if done by hand. When planning a drawing, an outline is drawn first and then detail is added along with shading. Line art requires a steady hand and a skilled eye. The eyes and hands must work together to produce the drawing. Rulers are generally not used when producing line art.

Create A Nosew Sheer Fabric Swag

Any time you can beautify your home with as little work as possible--without it looking cheap--you have something to be proud of. If you are not the best seamstress, fear not--there are window treatments available that do not require sewing. Choose a beautiful sheer fabric that complements the look of your room and you will amazed at how easy it is to make a swag.

Instructions

Hanging Out

1. Measure the distance between the drapery hardware. Make little hash marks directly onto your tape measure to indicate their location. Add 36 inches to that measurement and record this number for the length of fabric you will need to purchase.

2. Choose a sheer fabric that is relatively lightweight. Bring along an actual curtain panel the swag will be on top of (if you are adding to an existing window treatment). Choose a complementary fabric that has a print if your panel is a solid color. Choose a solid color for your swag if your panel has a print.

3. Use a swag all by itself if you are addressing a designer window, or a window for which you have a shade or blind. Go for a bold pattern or color if this is the case, as this will have the most impact in your simple space.

4. Lay your fabric down on the floor. Pull the tape measure out to where you can see the hash marks. Place the marked tape measure directly in the middle of the fabric.

5. Bring one end of the fabric up to meet the first hash mark and secure it with a rubber band. Bring the other end up to meet the other hash mark and secure that end with a rubber band as well.

6. Pick up your fabric and grab a step ladder to place under the window you will be hanging the swag in front of. Secure one rubber band to one of the hardware pieces. Secure the other end to the opposing hardware piece. Step back and observe the swag. Shift and adjust it until it is even and hangs nicely.

What Materials Did Wassily Kandinsky Use For His Works of art

Kandinsky is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.

Wassily Wasilyevitch Kandinsky was born on Dec. 16, 1866, in Moscow. He was brought up in Odessa, where his father ran a tea factory and studied law at Moscow University, where he later became a professor. In 1896, after visiting an exhibition of French Impressionists, Kandinsky decided to become a full-time painter. He left Russia for Munich and studied art with Frank Stuck. He then spent five years traveling round Europe, painting, exhibiting and discovering colors, techniques and materials. Kandinsky became a key player in the evolution of abstract paintings.

A Study

At the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, an in-depth study of Kandinsky's techniques and materials was carried out by senior conservator Gillian McMillan. The findings appeared in the catalog for a major Kandinsky exhibition that celebrated the museum's 50th anniversary. Along with fellow conservators, samples of six iconic Kandinsky paintings were taken and analyzed. X-rays were used to determine the materials and binding media Kandinsky employed.

1896-1914

Kandinsky's early works were landscapes based on spots and lines of color. He painted with oils, either on canvas or cardboard, but he also used gouache ("Song" 1906) or tempera on cardboard ("Arab City" 1905). In 1911, he established a group called Blue Rider in which, according to the artist, "the accent was made on revealing associative properties of color, line and composition." An example of this period, Composition VII, is on display at the Moscow State Tretyakov Gallery, and is oil on canvas.

1914-1921

When World War II broke out, Kandinsky was forced to leave Germany and return to Moscow. He worked with the People's Committee of Education and as professor of art he designed a special curriculum based on color and form. He diversified into watercolors ("Bagatellen" 1916) and even painted on glass ("Two Girls" 1917) but by 1921, socialist ideals forced him to leave Russia and his art was banned.

1922-1944

Kandinsky returned to Germany and joined the Bauhaus movement. He introduced geometrical designs and circles into his work, ("Compositions VIII" 1923) but most frequently painted with oils onto canvas or cardboard. In 1931, the Nazi party declared his paintings "degenerate" and he was forced to move to Paris. Kandinsky was isolated in Paris and his paintings reflected this. Instead of primary colors his palette became subdued and chaotic designs became geometric. His favorite materials continued to be oil on canvas or cardboard.

Make Mirrors

Make Picture Frames

Picture frames can showcase your fond memories. But the frames mean even more when you have designed them for a special room or even a special person. Homemade picture frames are 10 times as special and can also be cheaper in the long run, too. Follow these steps to paint, decorate and personalize your way to crafty picture frames.

Instructions

1. Take a trip to the nearest craft store for all of the right materials. You will need to pick up plain picture frames, whether wooden or glass, although first-timers should try wood. Decide what colors and trinkets, such as letters or shapes, you would like to add. For more items, check "Things You'll Need."

2. Cover your area, preferably an outside porch or craft countertop, and remove the glass from the picture frames and set aside. Taking the medium paint brush and, holding the frames steady, paint in the direction of the wood lines. Continue until all four sides are completed.

3. Wait 30 minutes before finishing the edges of the frames. Use the small paint brush in order to reach the edges and continue painting in the direction of the wood. For the inside corners, use another small paint brush to round out all of the edges. With the glass removed, feel free to stroke downward toward the table covering.

4. Use the letters and trinkets, if you'll be using them, and paint them now. Usually an opposite color of the frames is best. Set these out to dry overnight.

5. Wait a few hours before turning the frames over and painting the back, if you choose to do so.

6. Allow the frames to sit overnight. Once the paint is completely dry and to your liking, you can start to let your imagination run wild. If you would like to have polka-dotted frames, now is the time to create them using another color so that it may sit to dry. Follow the same tip for lettering, although a stencil is suggested.

7. Taking any trinkets and letters you might have painted the night before, and assuring they're dry, start to figure out where you'd like to place them. Now, using a toothpick or cotton swab to control the amount, take the wood glue and put them on the opposite side of the piece. Secure them in place and allow them to sit for three hours.

8. For fine detailing, such as flowers, use a decal or the smallest brush in the set to create your own designs.

Create A Musical Playbill

Playbills signed by established or upcoming stars fetch a lot of money from collectors.

Playbills are free informational booklets given to audience members upon entering a theater to familiarize themselves with the details of the performance they are about to see. Though there is no set formula for the length or layout of a playbill, as that is determined by the size of the cast and crew, certain details must be present in all playbills to give everyone involved their deserved credit. Afterward, playbills are often cherished keepsakes for members of the cast and crew as well as their families.

Instructions

1. Create an eye-catching cover page. Feature the words "Playbill" across the top, followed by the title of the musical, and some kind of cover art, such as the lead actors in costume. Credit may be given to the director, composer/musical director and, if applicable, a choreographer on the cover page in smaller text beneath the musical's title. In a footer at the bottom, list the venue's name, website and phone number, and the dates of the musical's run at the venue.

2. List the entire cast and crew on the second page. Begin with the venue or the sponsor's logo at the top. Follow it with "Presents" and the title of the play. Begin the credits with the same names from the cover page: the director, composer/musical director and choreographer. Follow that with a list of the lead actors, the dancers and the live band, if applicable. List the stage crew below. Any leftover space may be dedicated to "Director's Notes" or a welcome from the venue management or a member of the sponsoring company.

3. Begin the next page with the heading "Musical Numbers." List the names of the songs in chronological order and the name of the actor or actors who sing each song. Indicate when the intermission occurs as a part of this list as well.

4. Start a new section headlined "Featured Singers" either on the same page as the listing of musical numbers or the following page. Introduce each singer/actor with a short paragraph bio, including past performances the singer has had a part in. Singers usually write and submit these bios themselves. Include a thumbnail image of a black-and-white headshot next to the singer's name if you like.

5. List the dancers under the "Dancers" headline, if applicable, and follow with bios in the same format as the singers.

6. Headline a final section with "The Creative Team." This follows the same format as the previous two steps, but features paragraph bios on the director, musical arranger, choreographer and those who work behind the scenes in props and stage management.

7. Design a colorful back cover. It could possibly feature upcoming plays at the venue. You could also sell the back cover space to local businesses offering "after theater" dining that would be of interest to audience members. This would help offset the costs of design and printing the playbill.

Height Of The Leopard Tortoise

Leopard tortoises have tall shells that continue to grow with age.

The leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is a common tortoise found in Africa. Named for their high-domed, brightly colored shell, leopard tortoises are well-protected from predators. Leopard tortoises are popular as pets.

Shell Morphology

Leopard tortoise shells are their primary defense against predators. The shell of a healthy leopard tortoise is covered in smooth scales and is high-domed, with a height greater than half of the body length---up to 15 inches tall.

Behavior

When threatened, leopard tortoises will retract their head and limbs into the shell for protection. They have a hard beak and stumpy appendages with long, clawlike nails that protect exposed portions of their bodies.

General Biology

Leopard tortoises are herbivorous and rely on a variety of grasses to grow and keep their shells strong and healthy. They live for up to 100 years in the wild and never stop growing. Though there is great variety among leopard tortoises due to their large geographic range, some older individuals grow to lengths of more than 30 inches.

Create A Variety Tabletop

Design your own mosaic tabletop.

One way to add color to a plain-looking table is to use a mosaic technique. Use small pieces of tile, glass, stones, shells or other materials to create a unique top to your table. Although time-consuming, mosaic is easy to do. Mosaic art can last forever, and when you are finished, you will own a beautiful piece of furniture that your friends will envy.

Instructions

1. Choose a style and color scheme. Limiting your design to two or three colors, smooth materials (no stones or broken glass) and simple, repeating lines will create a more formal feel. A picture such as a flower, hearts or other familiar pattern will set a casual tone. A more random explosion of color and texture will make a table fit for a party.

2. Depending on the shape of the table, you may want to create a frame for the table to sit in. You can do this with 1-inch strips of wood that you nail or glue to the surface before you begin tiling. If you do add a frame, make sure to stain or paint the frame to match the rest of the table before you begin tiling.

3. Select and cut a piece of cardboard to match the size of the area of the table that will be tiled. Lay your pieces on the cardboard, working from the middle and moving toward the edges. The design should feel similar to a puzzle, but the pieces should not touch; a piece can be as close as 1/4 of an inch to another.

4. Step back and examine your design. If you wish, place the cardboard on your tabletop and lay your pieces there, so you get a better view of how your table will look when completed. Look for obviously glaring errors of color or design, or areas that don't seem to flow. Make sure the parts of your design are even; you don't want a lot of color on only one side of your table.

5. Lift the cardboard (with the pieces still intact) off the table carefully and lay it to the side. Make sure the surface is free of dirt, dust or other debris. Spread tile adhesive on a section of your table and begin to transfer your design from the cardboard to the table. Spread only as much adhesive as you will be able to cover with tile at one time. Once the adhesive dries, it will be difficult to remove. Allow tile to set for 24 hours.

6. Apply grout to the table, smoothing it between the pieces of the mosaic. Make sure you extend the grout to the very edge of the table. White grout is striking, but harder to keep clean. Black grout will give you a more formal look, but some of the mosaic pieces may not show up as well, depending on the color. When finished, wipe off the extra grout with a damp cloth.

7. Once the grout has dried, wipe the tiles with a dry cloth to remove any haze left behind by the grout. Then apply a spray sealer to keep your grout from staining.

Homemade Hydroponic Light Reflectors

Hydroponic light reflectors optimize your light source. For plants that enjoy full sun, this can be crucial to an ideal hydroponic growing situation. In addition to maximum light, these reflectors can also dissipate some heat and thereby help with air quality and decreased fungus growth. There are many options available in this light reflecting world; your choice depends on your growing space size and your budget. Basically, light and dark are the keys to success; keep the light sides reflecting on the foliage and the dark sides on the outside to prevent fungus.

Instructions

1. Obtain sheets of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Mylar, Astrofoil or Foylon. White sheets are best for their reflective properties. PVC also makes ceiling tiles that may be used depending on your grow space.

2. Paint the sheets with white (titanium oxide) paint on the surface that will face your plants.

3. Paint the reflector black on the reverse side to prevent the growth of fungus.

4. Bend reflectors into wing shapes and secure in this form with twine. This shape generally will be more reflective depending on the light placement.

5. Study the light spectrum needs of the plants you are growing for proper distance placement of your reflector.

Create A Model Dodo Bird For Any Project

A model for any project can be approached in many ways, though the most effective may be to make the model out of clay. This is because clay can be molded without tools, and is relatively easy to manipulate. Modeling tools can be used if you choose, though a more simple shape like a dodo bird can also be sculpted using household items like toothpicks, a butter knife and an old pencil. Whichever tools you decide to use, clay from an art supply store will be most responsive and easy to work with.

Instructions

1. Put down the wax paper, completely covering your workspace. Tape down the edges of the paper.

2. Separate a section of clay as large as you want the body of the dodo to be. Roll this piece into an even sphere, then roll back and forth on one side to form an oval shape.

3. Pull one of the points of the oval gently upwards and back to form the neck. Set this piece aside, but upright so the sides do not flatten under the weight.

4. Separate a second piece of clay, approximately 1/5 to 1/6 the size of the body. Roll this piece into a sphere as well. This piece will form the head.

5. Separate a third piece of clay slightly larger than the piece used for the head. Pull this piece into the beak shape, rounding the front into the point of the beak.

6. Pull two final pieces of clay from the main block and form these into the feet. If your dodo model is so large that the feet may not hold the weight of the piece, mold the legs so they double over into a sitting position. This will help to keep the model stable.

7. Score diagonal lines onto the back of the beak piece with a toothpick. Do the same to the front of the head. Gently press the two together, then blend the beak into the head by dragging the sides of the beak up onto the head. Smooth the edges until they sit flat. If your beak is too heavy to stay attached, break a toothpick in half and insert one half into the beak, and the other into the head.

8. Score the top of the neck and the bottom of the head in the same way, then attach the two by blending the edges together. Use a toothpick inside the neck and head if needed to brace this joint as well.

9. Score the bottom of the body and the top of the legs, then attach these using the blending method. If the model is crushing the legs because it is too heavy, wait until the legs are partially dry to attach the model.

10. Use a toothpick or sculpting tool to engrave the details on the head and body, including the eyes, beak details, bumps on the legs and feathers. You can be as detailed as you choose.

11. Let the model dry and harden completely. Paint the model if desired.

What Chemicals Create A Sharpie Permanent

The Sharpie marker dates to the mid-1960s.

Permanent markers come in handy when you want to leave a lasting ink impression on a smooth surface. One of the most popular brands of permanent markers, the Sharpie, is widely used around the world and is easily identified by its trademarked name.

Although Sharpies are referred to as permanent markers and contain a water-resistant chemical that makes them permanent in ordinary use, the ink can typically be removed with a little effort.

History

The Sharpie black marker was introduced to the world in 1964, while color Sharpies hit the market in 1979. The Sharpie was the first permanent pen-type marker advertised to write on almost any smooth surface; its early celebrity endorsers included Johnny Carson and Jack Parr.

Ingredients

While most washable inks are water based and designed to break down easily, Sharpies use water-insoluble ink that contains Permachrome, a pigment used in ink for ink-jet printers, and xylene and toluene as binding agents to give the ink longevity. Xylene is a clear solvent used in paints and varnishes, and toluene is typically found in crude oil and gasoline. The chemicals are relatively safe in the small amounts used in Sharpie markers but can be toxic if inhaled in larger amounts.

Uses

Permanent markers are ideal for writing on a variety of surfaces, such as paper, metal, plastic and stone. They are also used in laboratories for labeling microscope slides and for marking bacteria samples, because the ink stains the background and not the bacteria.

Removal

While permanent markers are convenient, ink sometimes stains surfaces where you don't want it. Most types of permanent marker can be removed by using a non-acetone nail polish remover (remover with acetone may damage the surface), rubbing alcohol, hairspray or baking soda. Apply one of these compounds with a clean cloth and press it in to remove the stain.

Lengthy Hair To Pictures

Adding long hair to pictures is simple if you have a powerful image processing program, such as Paint Shop Pro. The trick is to use the clone tool, which allows you to use a part of an image as if it were a paint color. In any picture, hair is just a mass of color and texture which can be easily reproduced and worked in to seamlessly blend with other areas of hair.

Instructions

1. Gather together several pictures which were taken on the same day and in the same lighting conditions. Scan them all into your computer, or download them from your digital camera.

2. Import the pictures into Paint Shop Pro by clicking the browse button, which looks like a file cabinet. Then click the clone button, which looks a little like two people joined by an arrow going to the right. Open all the pictures which you scanned or downloaded. If you're planning to work from the same picture, save the picture using two different file names. Open both copies of the picture in Paint Shop Pro.

3. Find an area of the hair that looks like it's flowing in a downward direction. Right click on the copy of the picture which you intend to leave intact. Left click on the destination picture, and begin to paint the hair in, carefully watching your source picture to avoid getting outside of the hair boundary. If you do overstep the hair boundary slightly, however, it can be fixed later by cloning in the proper texture for that area.

4. Add some hair volume in different areas so that the two masses of long hair don't look like perfect copies of one another. One trick is to reduce the size of the brush in the Tool Options Palette, then draw the hair in strands. Try a few different things, and click Edit > Undo if they don't look right.

5. Right click on the original ends of the hair in your source picture. Use the clone tool to add these ends to the ends of the added long hair strands to make them look real.

6. Select the soften tool from the toolbar. Zoom in on the edited image with your mouse's scroll wheel and look for any area which seems to have a hard, harsh edge. Stipple over these areas with the soften brush. Do not attempt to drag the cursor across the sharp areas, as this will not have the desired effect.

7. Save your image with a new file name.

Funny Rules Of Safety

This sign needs a little humor

Staying safe at the workplace is a very serious matter. The seriousness can be lightened up a bit by posting the safety rules as amusing slogans around the workplace. Not only will they make people chuckle, but they will stick in folks' heads better than some ominous sign simply telling them to be careful. There are different strategies that can be used for making these rules effective.

Rhyming

Rhyming rules will dance through your head like a little safety reminder jingle. Some rhyming slogans include: "Those who work the safest way live to see another day;" "A spill, a slip, a hospital trip;" and "Those precious fingers don't ignore, or they could end up on the floor." Others are: "If you mess up, 'fess up;" "Keep safety in mind; it will save your behind;" "Chance takers are accident-makers;" and "Falling objects can be brutal if you don't protect your noodle."

Brutal Warnings

Brutal, honest warnings are another way to go about making safety rules funny. The mention of money, common sense and the threat of bloody bodily harm are some themes in the following warning slogans. These include the brutal and rhyming "Your wife will spend your 401K if you get killed at work today;" and another reminder about cash: "Protect your hands; you need them to pick up your pay check." Common sense and mutilation are used in these three rules: "While on a ladder, never step back to admire your work;" "Hard hats, they're not just for decoration;" and "Let's all keep our heads, and other body parts, together."

Word Play

Using puns or word play is another way to get safety message across. These rules can range from general safety tips to those needed for specific equipment. Some examples include: "Safety glasses: All in favor say "Eye!" and "Safe crane operation is uplifting." More word play can be found with: "Unsafe acts will keep you in stitches;" "Shortcuts cut life short;" and "When you gamble with safety you bet your life."

Create A Minimalist Poster

Minimalism is, in a sense, the artistic technique of saying a lot with a little. In minimalism, space and the "undrawn" or "unpainted" weighs heavily. The act of reducing a work of art, such as a poster, to its most essential features can be visually striking -- when done well. If you're designing a poster, you can incorporate minimalist techniques to create a work that is both streamlined and aesthetically pleasing.

Instructions

1. Extract one or two telling symbols, features or images from the overall content, and build the poster around that. In other words, if you're advertising a music festival, you don't have to crowd the poster with images of bands, the venue and instruments. A stripped-down symbol -- such as a lone guitar -- or even a solitary amp, can communicate the same message.

2. Use the technique of portmanteau, the contrast of two simple, stark, juxtaposed objects. Portmanteu is a common motif in minimalism.

3. Limit your use of colors. Choose only a few colors; or even reduce it to primary colors, like red, blue and yellow. The DeStijl minimalists of the early Twentieth Century were known for their reductive application of color.

4. Include text as needed, but don't crowd the poster with excessive text. Say only what needs to be said. You can communicate additional details by leaving a phone number or website -- depending on the nature of the poster.

5. Use close-up imagery. Zooming-in -- either photographically, painting or drawing -- on an object, or part of an object uses the component to say something about the broader whole, without having to explicitly state "the big picture" -- literally, in this case.

Create A Mannequin Sketch

A sketch is a quick drawing that captures the essence of a subject without emphasizing accuracy. The complicated part of drawing a sketch of a mannequin is in making the mannequin look like a mannequin and not a person. Success in this task may take a few tries. Remember to emphasize the mechanical, featureless nature of a mannequin, devoid of individuality or spontaneous movement.

Instructions

1. Draw the line around the head. The head will be rounder on top and more pointed on bottom, similar to an egg in shape.

2. Draw the segment of the body. Although it will be wider than the head, the shape of the body will echo the shape of the head somewhat, because it will be wider on top than on the bottom, but it will still be somewhat rounded.

3. Connect the body to the head by two vertical lines extending from the bottom of either side of the head. This will form the neck.

4. Draw the segments of the upper arms attached to the top of the body at the shoulders. The upper arms will be elongated ovals, slightly longer than the length of one head.

5. Draw the segment of the lower arms attached to the upper arms, and slightly longer than the length of one head.

6. Draw the segments of the upper legs attached to the bottom of the body at the hips. The lower legs will be elongated ovals the length of a head and a half.

7. Draw the segments of the lower legs, attached to the upper legs. This segment will be a head and a half long.

8. Draw a knob at the end of each leg and arm to symbolize the hands and feet.

Make Use Of A Camera Having A Strobe

Digital photography takes on a whole new dimension once you learn add flash to your work. It isn't as easy as popping a flash on a camera and shooting. But it can make your photos much better in a variety of shooting situations.

Instructions

1. Get a strobe flash that fits your work as a photographer. If you are shooting basic snapshots with your digital single-reflex lens camera, the popup fill flash will suffice. The moment you move beyond snapshots, however, you will want a flash for your type of photography. It is easy to overpay for strobes, however, so you need to think about how you shoot. Are you shooting weddings? Then you need a top-of-the-line strobe, preferably one that can be placed on a bracket a foot above the camera. Are you shooting portraits? Then you will need a good flash with a pivotal head. For portraits, too, you might need more than one strobe and flash filters.

2. Use the strobe attached to the hotshoe on top of the pentaprism of the SLR. The hotshoe connects directly to the camera's electronics and built-in computer, so it can sync with the shutter-and-aperture combination you or the camera's auto function have chosen. When shooting with the strobe on the hotshoe, however, remember to shoot farther away from people, especially because direct flash can cause red eye in dark areas and harsh shadows that are not very flattering.

3. Use bounce flash whenever possible. Tilt the flash head up to bounce the flash off a ceiling---or wall when shooting vertically---so you can get the advantage of the flash without the harsh shadows. Bouncing the flash will give you a wider, more diffuse light that is more effective in scenes. Most tilt-head flash units will swivel from directly in line with the lens to straight up (a 90 degrees difference), with stops in between.

4. Take the flash off the camera for more professional results. Most wedding and other pro photographers use a bracket to get the flash up and away from the camera. This generally will prevent red eye, and gives you more control over your image quality. The flash can be connected with the bracket to have hotshoe sync, or you can connect it with a cord.

5. Get flash even farther away by holding it out to either side of the camera and pointing it at an angle toward your subject. This takes some practice to get it right, but it can add depth to an image. You also can get a remote trigger for most mid-to-upper-level strobes so you can set the strobe on a tripod or light stand to get it closer to your subjects without being directly attached to it.

Create A Lizard Keychain

Pony beads can be used in a variety of ways.

Just a few pieces from a craft store, including colorful beads, can create a lizard keychain both kids and adults can make. Color choices are limited only by the available bead selection; however, you can find pony beads in a large variety of colors. The project will take a couple of hours to make, depending on the age of the person making it. Older kids can help younger ones, making this a project suitable for families to work on together.

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Fold the plastic cord in half, pinching the bend together. Slide one dark green bead on the cord to the halfway point. You should have equal amounts of cord on either side of the bead.

2. Take two more dark green beads and slide them onto the left cord. Fold the left cord to the right, then run the right cord through the beads. Basically, the cords have traded places. This is the basis for weaving the beads onto the cord. Now, the overall shape should look like a triangle.

3. Add a black bead, a dark green bead and another black bead to the left cord. Bend it up to the right, then run the right cord through the beads. This is the head of the lizard.

4. Add two more dark green beads to the left cord, raise it to the right and run the right cord through. This is the neck.

The Body and Legs

5. Place two dark green and three light green beads onto the left cord. Thread the left cord through the dark green beads, skipping the light green ones. This turns the light green ones into the foot of the lizard, while the dark green beads form one of the legs. Repeat this procedure with the right side.

6. Using the left cord, string one dark green bead, one light green bead and one dark green bead onto the cord in order. String the right cord through these beads.

7. On the left cord, slide on one dark green bead, two light green beads and one dark green bead in order. Run the right cord through the beads. Make another row just like this one.

8. Place one dark green bead, one light green bead and one dark green bead onto the left cord in order, then run the right cord through. This is the final row of the body.

9. Make another set of legs, just like in the first step of this section. Now you are ready for the tail and finishing.

The Tail and Finishing

10. Slide two dark green beads onto the left cord. Thread the right cord through the beads.

11. Slide one light green bead onto the left cord and thread the right cord through. Repeat this step, alternating bead colors, until the tail is as long as you like, or you run out of beads.

12. Tie the cords tightly together and attach the key ring, then tie the cords again.

Make Pottery Clay In Your Own Home

There are numerous different recipes for making clay at home. Many simple clay recipes have been created using ingredients that can be found in your own kitchen. These clay recipes are fine for basic activities and homemade decorations, but to make a long-lasting clay body that can be fired into pottery, you must use a legitimate pottery clay recipe with ingredients that can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate clay body recipe for the type of clay you want to make and gather the ingredients. Clay body recipes can be found at several retailers and are generally broken down by clay type, color, surface quality and firing type, such as low-fire, mid-range or high-fire clay recipes (see link in Resources).

2. Scoop each material into a measuring container on a scale until you have the required amount of material. Carefully dump the weighed material into a bucket if you are making a small amount of clay or a barrel if you are making a large amount of clay.

3. Mix all the dry materials together thoroughly. Put the lid on the bucket tightly and gently shake it. If you are mixing larger portions, the bucket or barrel can be rolled on the floor. Do this for several minutes to ensure the materials are well mixed.

4. Add water slowly to the mixed ingredients until they are completely saturated. Let the mixture sit in the water for several hours to a day to let the water sink completely into the materials.

5. Mix the water into the clay. This can be done by hand, using a long wooden mixing instrument or with an electric drill with a mixing attachment. The clay mixture will have excess water in it.

6. Spread the mixture out onto a flat surface. A porous surface that allows moisture to leak through, such as plaster, will work best. Let the clay sit until the excess water has evaporated, leaving it the typical consistency of pottery clay.

7. Knead the clay to get all remaining lumps out. Separate the clay into manageable pieces. Knead each piece on a non-stick surface, such as canvas.

Write An Adorable Love Scene

A cute sign of intent

Love is blind, love is passionate. Cute is pretty, dainty or delicate. As a character trait it signifies being clever or shrewd, and when someone has a cute way of getting noticed, it means they're straining for effect. These are all tools that can be used to build a cute love scene that, although may not true, must be believable. A cute love scene does not reveal a deep understanding of a character's feelings but shows a clear set of actions that an audience interprets as love.

Instructions

1. Cast two attractive people to play the main roles in your love scene. Age doesn't matter; this could be a love scene between two nine-year olds, a couple of teenagers or two octogenarians. It probably won't be a scene between two divorcees as they will be carrying too much emotional baggage. Make sure at least one of them is dainty or delicate, and the other is perhaps straining for too much effect.

2. Decide who is driving the scene and what he wants to achieve by the end of the scene. This will be the character with the most motivation shown through his actions. Decide what's to stop him from getting it and add this character trait to your second character. By the end of the scene, both characters will have changed to fit in with the other person's needs, which is cute. Start from one point of view and arc your scene so it ends with the opposite point of view.

3. Say it with flowers.

Establish a gift that one character offers to the other. This may be a dozen roses or an admission that, over a previous difference of opinion, the other character was actually right. Now take this gift away. For example, the person being offered the gift might sneeze into the roses or, not wanting to upset the dignity of her partner, refuse to accept that her own opinion was right.

4. Struggle to keep the gift. Now each lover only wants to please each other. "The roses are really nice, honestly" or " I insist you were right and I was wrong." These two people are trying so hard to please each other and at the same time be noticed for their good-natured gestures that all their expression and need for love begin to fall apart.

5. True love prevails.

Toss this struggle backward and forward until the two characters, who at this point are about to walk away from each other, realize there is something of more value -- the fact they love each other. Whatever your scene is about, a cute love scene will create turmoil in the lovers' hearts before true love prevails.

Painting Flowers As Still Existence Art

"The Hibiscus"

Flowers are a classic still life subject in art. Many of the masters, such as Jan Van Huysum and Georgia O'Keeffe, used flowers as their main subjects in paintings. To make a flower painting interesting, the artist has to consider the flowers, props, shapes, composition and colors. These tips will help you to use flowers to create a fascinating painting.

Instructions

1. Decide whether or not you want to use a bunch of flowers or just one spectacular bloom.

2. Take into consideration the colors of your flowers. Some artists like to do monochromatic color schemes with their flowers and others like to add various colors to the palate. If you do not use a monochromatic color scheme, the colors should complement each other or contrast. If a color of flower is not working with the others you should edit it from the still life.

3. Set up your background and props. If you chose to paint just one bloom, you may want just a simple vase so that the bloom has no competition in the painting.

4. Rearrange the flowers and props for the best composition. Follow the Rule of Thirds for a composition that includes several objects. If you chose one bloom, you may want to zoom in on it and include little else.

5. Sketch your composition onto your canvas and start to paint. You may need to refine your composition further, as you paint, to accommodate the direction you feel the painting is going.

Create A Kaleidoscope

"

Kaleidoscope" is derived from Greek words meaning "an instrument with which we can see things of beautiful form." The kaleidoscope was rediscovered in 1817 by Sir David Brewster, who published a treatise on it two years later. These instructions are for its simplest form, which consists of three mirrors taped together to form a hollow triangle. Placing these mirrors inside a hollow tube and rotating lets you see changing patterns.

Instructions

The Viewing Tube

1. Cut tubing to desired length and smooth any rough edges.

2. Trim the mirrors so that their length is the same as that of the tubing and their width is less than its diameter. Make a cardboard model of the mirror before cutting the mirror itself to be sure your mirrors will fit in the tube.

3. Arrange the mirrors, reflective sides in, to form an equilateral triangle and wrap duct tape around the outside to hold them together.

4. Insert the mirrors into the tubing. Pack them in place with foam rubber or foam peanuts, if necessary.

5. Make a cardboard disk the same diameter as the tubing and poke a hole in its center. Glue this to one end of the tubing.

The Object Chamber

6. Cut two lenses of clear plastic the same diameter as the tubing.

7. Make a one-inch wide strip of cardboard slightly longer than the circumference of the tubing. Glue the ends together.

8. Glue the cardboard ring to one of the lenses.

9. Place the objects to be viewed on the lens with the ring attached, enough to cover the bottom, but not enough to prevent them from tumbling around after the other lens is glued to the ring.

10. Affix the other lens to the cardboard ring.

Final Assembly and Use

11. Attach the object chamber to the open end of the tubing.

12. Hold the assembled kaleidoscope to the light to view the patterns created by the mirrors.

13. Rotate the kaleidoscope to see the patterns change.

Create A Jewellery Catalog

Make a Jewelry Catalog

Selling your handmade jewelry can be a satisfying and financially rewarding pursuit, but it isn't easy to promote your goods without a superior catalog. Even if your sales are good at art shows and craft fairs, a jewelry catalog continues to sell your products 24 hours a day. Buyers peruse your jewelry and frequently buy matching products (like earring and necklace combinations) after your display is taken down. If you are ready to grow your business with an effective catalog, here is put it together.

Instructions

Make a Jewelry Catalog

1. Take photos. Photos are what sell your stock, so take great images of your jewelry or have them taken by a professional. Look at other jewelry catalogs to get an idea on display your jewelry for photos and copy setups. For example, you may want to photograph earrings by hanging them in a tree and doing a close-up shot. Necklaces can be draped over vintage books or laying upon sand.

2. Create your descriptions. Once your images are done, number them and then write up a description for each unit. Talk about what materials were used as well as the dimensions and any additional stories that make the jewelry more appealing. Again, refer to other catalogs to get an idea of how it's written.

3. Organize your pricing. If you don't already have solid pricing, go ahead and determine prices for each item. Keep in mind the cost of materials (if you are making the jewelry yourself) as well as the amount of time and effort each unit required to make.

4. Choose a template. Open your writing or desktop publishing program. Whether you use professional software like Adobe Pagemaker or just put the catalog together in Microsoft Word, you are sure to find a template for a two-page brochure or newsletter. Decide on the dimensions of your catalog and use a template that matches your needs.

5. Insert your images and text. Begin your catalog with the cover and back page. The inside cover should have some information about the jewelry company or business and a personal statement from the CEO. Then group your jewelry together by materials or themes and begin inserting your information and photos. Create an item number and order number for each unit.

6. Include an order form. Develop the order form to insert in the middle of your catalog. The typical order form will be a grid with sections for quantity, item number, description and cost. Include information on shipping and taxes, as well as an online or phone ordering option.

7. Print on good quality paper or take your digital files to a print shop. Printing the catalog from a home computer/printer will be costly, so it's best to consult with a professional at your local print shop to determine the best type of paper and further setup required for your catalog.

8. Get it made. Once you have seen proofs provided by your print shop, go ahead and order your catalogs. Collate and distribute and wait for those orders to start pouring in.

Know A Vehicle Has Original Fresh paint

know if a car has original paint is not an exact science but with a few tips and tricks of the trade, you can come to a pretty firm conclusion either way. Boasting that the vehicle has its original coloring job not only raises the coolness factor of a classic but it can raise its value as well.

Instructions

1. Pop the hood and the trunk. These can be one of the most commonly replaced parts on a vehicle. Everything from hail damage and other forces of nature to fender benders can cause damage. If the color underneath doesn't match the color on top, the owner might have repainted the whole body to get a seamless match. However, it could mean that he just had them color matched or else re-painted the whole body with a matching color. A little further investigation is needed before deciding one way or the other.

2. Find the "cowl" tag. While you got the hood open, one trick on know a car has original paint is to find this tag. Many older models have it. It is usually located on the area between the hood and the windshield on the firewall on the driver's side right at the top. If it is on your vehicle, it should list the paint code. If your ride does not have it, there are other places you can look for the same information.

3. See if the driver's side door jamb has a tag as well. This should have the paint code too. However, this is also a part of a vehicle that is commonly replaced due to damage so it isn't a sure way of know if a car has original paint. So, even if your vehicle does have the tag, check the VIN number against the one on your dash to make sure that they match.

4. Call the dealership with the VIN number on the vehicle. Make note of the vehicle identification number off the dashboard tag and call a dealership. If you give them this information, they should be able to tell you the color code of what the vehicle was first painted off the line.

5. Look under the dash. Removing a small piece of the dash in a vehicle to see what's underneath can be a great way for know a car has original paint. Especially on older vehicles, the metal parts may be painted. If they are, they should match the body. If they don't, it's a good sign that the vehicle has been repainted at least once in its lifetime.

6. Look closely at the trimmings of the vehicle. Thoroughly examine the edges of any of the body trim and rubber around the doors and windows. Even the best body man may get slight bits of over-spray onto these areas when painting a vehicle. A vehicle is painted on the assembly line before any of these trimmings are added on, so if there's over-spray, you can bet that there was a coloring job done at some point after the vehicle was first painted. This trick is the best way to check if a car has original paint.

Whiten The Teeth Inside A Picture

Getting white teeth is easy to accomplish with modern photo editors.

Whitening teeth is one of the most commonly edited aspects in portrait photography. Thanks to today's quality image editors like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP and Corel Paintshop Photo Pro, whitening teeth is a fairly simple process. The easiest way is to select a white-colored brush with a low opacity and paint over the teeth, but this doesn't give a great deal of control. Using a hue/adjustment layer can lead to much better results. For the purposes of this tutorial, instructions are for Adobe Photoshop. Other programs operate similiarly, however, and you should be able to adapt these instructions.

Instructions Fill" from the menu at the top of the screen. In the "Contents" drop-down box, select "Black." Click "OK" to accept. It will appear as if the work you have done has disappeared.

5. Select the brush tool and choose a small, feathered brush size that you can use to paint over the teeth. Make sure the foreground color is white and the background black. Use the brush tool to paint over the teeth. Lowering the opacity of the brush will lower the level of whiteness when painting. Increasing the opacity will have the opposite result.

6. Change the opacity of the Hue/Saturation layer in the layers palette if you want to make further adjustments to how white the teeth appear. As when using the brush, increasing opacity will increase whiteness and lowering the value will decrease it. When finished, save your work.

Designing Suggestions For A 80s Theme Party

Any 80s party worth decorating for is worth over-decorating for. The 80s brought fashion and music to a visual extreme. Everything was big, bright and colorful from women's makeup to fashion. When you decorate for your 80s party, accessorize as much as you can and then add more. When you think you're done decorating, add a few more decorations. No wall should be left bare and overlap images and decorations when you can. Make your 80s compilation playlist ahead of time, and gather your favorite 80s movies to play at the party.

Instructions

1. Accessorize the party with excessive decorations and extreme color combinations. The 80s was a time of excess and frivolity. Popular colors included neon yellow, neon pink and neon green. Use those colors for balloons, streamers and party candles. Add other popular 80s color combinations including dark aqua blue and red, or light blue and pink (think Miami Vice).

2. Hang up movie posters of popular 80s movies, such as "Top Gun," "Sixteen Candles," "E.T.," "Indiana Jones" and "Back to the Future." Decorate with inflatable guitars, fedoras, Pacman cut-outs and mini boom boxes (party favor size or draw some and hang them up). Old band T-shirts can also be hung up on the walls. Use your own 80s photos to decorate the walls.

3. Ask the guests to dress up as their favorite 80s movie star, TV star of MTV icon. Madonna, Billy Idol, Boy George, Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, Prince or Michael Jackson (circa 1982) costumes will add to the 80s ambiance.

4. Cover tables with animal print tablecloths and tableware. Look for black-and-white combinations, including zebra prints. Leopard prints and tiger stripes are also encouraged. Decorate with polka dots, too, another popular design used in the 80s.

5. Set up a hair station in the bathroom complete with large cans of Aqua Net hairspray. The 80s were all about big hair and your guests can primp up their hair while at the party. Also supply colored hair glitter, head bands and extra shoulder pads for party goers.

6. Place 80s party favors around the room. Purchase cheap Rubik's cube keychains, neon or black rubber bracelets, neon sunglasses, or black Ray ban-style sunglasses (like those worn by Tom Cruise), and Pee Wee Herman toys around the room.

Create A Home Photography Studio

As a budding photographer, you love the look of studio portraits but the cost of equipment and lights is prohibitive. If there was a way you could create your own studio at home, you know you could produce great shots of the family and save the expense of a professional photographer. With a few readily accessible items from the local hardware store, you can soon have your home photography studio.

Instructions

1. Choose a room with white, or light-colored, walls. Alternately, hang white sheets on dark walls to reflect light back onto your subject. However, if the walls are more than 8 feet away from your subject you must alter your tactics. Try running a clothesline on either side of the model and draping it with white sheets. Use different-colored sheets as backdrops or paint your own canvas scene.

2. Turn up the lights. Photography is all about light and you can purchase work lights on tall tripods from your local do-it-yourself store. Because direct lighting can make facial features appear harsh, aim your lights at the white sheets, allowing the illumination to bounce back on your subject in a softer form.

3. Place your lighting in a flattering pattern. Experiment with various angles, but for a traditional look place your camera directly in front of the model with your main light a few feet away on one side that reflects at a 45 degree angle off the sheet onto the subject. Add fill lights on the sides to soften features.

4. Use a backdrop light to remove shadows. On the floor behind your model's seat, place a work light so it points upwards towards the backdrop. This will erase any shadows the model casts. Be sure to use a soft bulb to keep from creating a light streak on the backdrop.

5. Add a hair light. Above your subject's head, affix a light to a cable, or on a high tripod that shines directly down on her hair. Hair lights, used extensively by professional photographers, create a flattering look. Use a bulb that illuminates the top of the hair without creating downward facial shadows.

6. Experiment with your lighting by bouncing if off various colored poster board sheets, and shining it through gauzy fabric. Move the lights and camera during a shoot to achieve different effects.

Artist Tools

Sculptor tools have been many and varied throughout human history, from sharp rocks used to carve petroglyphs in massive stones or cliffs to the mallets and chisels of marble cutters, the tempered steel blades of whittling knives, the calipers of clay modelers and the welding torches of metal sculptors. Each material responds to different sets of tools, limited only by the artist's imagination.

Tools for Sculpting Stone

Michelangelo might have used the same simple tools a carver of marble still uses today. Sculptors shape stone with chisels. The four basic types types, flat, round, gouge and tooth, handle everything from making grooves to refining detail. Rifflers and rasps are files for smoothing the surface of the stone. A riffler is a curved file used for concave surfaces. A rasp is any rough file used for flat surfaces. Soft iron hammers tap the chisel into the stone. Goggles and face masks offer protection from flying stone chips and marble or stone dust.

Tools for Carving Wood

Chisels and rasps or files work on both wood and stone and are selected based on the grain or the hardness of the wood. Wooden mallets have a better "give" for tapping chisels into wood than the metal mallets used for stone. Whittling knives with tempered steel blades remove large sections of wood, shape forms and create fine detail as the work progresses. Sharpening stones are essential for restoring the cutting edges of knives. Goggles and filter masks protect against flying wood chips and clouds of sawdust.

Tools for Sculpting Clay

An armature is a base holding a metal skeleton that supports the clay as the sculptor forms it. Sculptors use calipers to measure and calculate proportions from life models and translate them to the figure being created. Wire loops have sharp wire ends bent in various shapes that a sculptor uses to carve designs into the clay or the glaze before firing. Dental picks, ball- or round-end tools and piercing tools are used to mark, pierce, shape and decorate the clay. A potter's wheel, foot-driven or electric, is a spinning disk, supported by a base, that turns the clay as a sculptor shapes it. Kilns are brick-lined ovens used to dry or fire clay at extremely high temperatures.

Tools for Sculpting Metal

Welding torches and plasma arc cutters are standard equipment in metal-work studios. Welder's chalk marks metal for precise cutting. Safety gear is not optional when working in metal. Use goggles, heat-protective aprons and gloves, steel-toe boots, helmets, face mesh and other safety clothing. Metal wheel grinders smooth surfaces more effectively than sandpaper. Solid metal stakes are used for bending sheet metal. Various hammers and mallets are chosen, project by project, for shaping different metals. Engraving tools and metal stamps add design to the sculpture's surface. Molten metal is poured into casting molds to achieve the desired shape. One of artist Richard Serra's favorite tools is oxidation. The rust covering many of his giant metal installations is an organic part of his design.

Create A Homemade Scrapbook

Scrapbooks have grown in popularity. It is a lot of fun to sit down with a stack of pictures and be able to put them in books for lifelong treasures. Scrapbooks in the store can be expensive, but with a little creativity, you can put together a beautiful handmade book and add your own touches.

Instructions

1. Cut your foam core to 6-inch squares. Make sure to measure them evenly, and cut them with precision with a razor blade.

2. Cover the foam core sheets with matching paper. Fold the corners like you were wrapping a gift; it will give a nice clean edge. These two sheets of foam core will be the covers of the book, and you can decorate them as you wish. Trace and cut out letters to name your book, or give it a date.

3. Cut a ribbon about 15 inches long. Pick a color that matches your front cover. This will ensure your book stays together when you are not showing it off. You want the ribbon to be long enough to wrap it around and make a small bow.

4. Fold three sheets of 12-by-12-inch matching scrapbook cardstock in half. Then, fold them the other way in half. Open all three sheets of cardstock and fold them all once diagonally. Once you have all three sheets folded, you can begin to assemble the scrapbooks.

5. Glue one sheet of cardstock to the backside of each cover. Use the third sheet of cardstock to attach the two sheets with covers together. Make sure that the diagonal folds are all facing the same way so that the book will fold up together like an accordion. Once you have the three sheets together, you can fold the book up together.

6. Embellish your scrapbook with photos, stickers and your favorite embellishments. Make sure you add some journaling so that your scrapbook tells a story to everyone who looks at it. Remember to use acid-free scrapbooking supplies so that it will not ruin your pictures over time. It will be something that you will look back at for a lifetime of memories.

Air carriers That Fly From Dfw

Fly through Dallas/Fort Worth on 18 different airlines.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers flights with carriers from North America, South America, Europe and Asia, but the greatest variety in carriers at DFW are those that offer flights from the U.S. to Mexico and the Caribbean. The airport has five terminals and is a hub for American Airlines, with Terminals A and C being solely dedicated to that airline.

One World Airline Partners

American Airlines flights take off from Terminals A, C and D, with A and C being only for American flights. American Eagle uses Terminals B and D. British Airways, another One World partner airline, flies from Terminal D at DFW. Alaska Airlines, another partner, has gates at Terminal E.

SkyTeam Alliance Airline Partners

Passengers on Delta Airlines, the American flagship for the SkyTeam, take off in Terminal E, while their international Sky Team partner airlines Korean Air and KLM both have gates in Terminal D.

Star Alliance Airline Partners

United Airlines, U.S. Airways and Continental Airlines, all Star Alliance partners, fly from Terminal E at DFW. International partners Air Canada and Lufthansa fly from Terminal D.

Low Cost and North American Airlines

AirTran is a low-cost airline that flies across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean from Terminal E. Frontier and Midwest, partner airlines, also fly from Terminal E and cover locations across the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica. Sun Country Airlines, located in Terminal D, also covers the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, with one seasonal flight to London, England. Taca, which covers North, Central and South America, also flies from terminal D.

Create A Homemade Cork Board

Make a Homemade Cork Board

Gather reminders, favorite photos, memorabilia and notes on a framed corkboard that's as attractive as it is handy. Turn an inexpensive cork sheet and a wood or metal picture frame into an organization center or memory board for your kitchen, bedroom, family room or garage. Designing your own corkboard will let you add dimensional embellishments or hand-painted designs to the cork or the frame itself to customize the look to suit your home decorating style.

Instructions

1. Measure the wall, door, shelf or countertop where you plan to display the handmade corkboard and write down the measurements.

2. Rest a picture frame that suits the size of the space and the style of the surrounding room decor face down on a solid surface. Use a screwdriver to lift the flat metal prongs that secure the backing to the frame.

3. Lift the glass and particle board out of the frame. Discard or recycle the glass piece because it will only add unnecessary weight to the corkboard.

4. Place the open frame onto a 1/2-inch-thick sheet of cork. Use a pen to trace the opening of the frame onto the cork. Cut the piece of cork out using a craft knife or sharp scissors.

5. Replace the particle board backing in the frame and use a screwdriver to flatten the metal prongs to secure it.

6. Sit the frame face up on a solid surface. Affix the cork to the particle board backing with double-stick tape so it sits securely inside the frame.

7. Embellish the cork, if desired, by placing stickers or self-adhesive foam shapes in random spots on the surface. You also can use acrylic paint to apply text, patterns or decorative flourishes on the surface of the cork with a paintbrush.

Create A Homemade Comic

Every comic book fan has thought about creating his own comic book from scratch. New design software makes it much easier to make a homemade comic book, and as you practice, you'll discover the tricks and methods the pros use to make their comic books look so great. The process can be a lot of fun, and it allows you to stretch your imagination by devising great comic book stories of your own.

Instructions

1. Come up with a good story for your comic book. It can involve one of your favorite superheroes or a superhero of your own creation. In fact, it doesn't have to be a superhero story at all: You could tell a story about pirates or a soap melodrama involving modern characters. The only limits are your imagination.

2. Write out your script for the story, breaking the action down page by page. Each page should have a certain number of panels--anywhere from 1 to about 9--and your script should provide a brief description of the action in each panel. Keep dialogue short--it will need to fit comfortably in word balloons--and make sure it corresponds to the action you're describing. Most professional comic books run either 32 or 64 pages long, but because you're making this from home, you can make yours as long as you like.

3. Sketch out pages to match your script, using boxes to separate the action. Each box should be separated from the others by a uniform length of white space (usually no more than 1/8 inch). Make sure each box includes room for the word balloons: spaces that match the action but contain uninteresting or unimportant elements that can be covered by the dialogue.

4. Finalize your sketches by inking them, setting their lines indelibly in place. Add word balloons and text boxes in the appropriate locations, then fill them in with the appropriate dialogue from the script.

5. Once the ink has dried, color in the white spaces to bring your imagery to four-color life. Be careful not to color in any of the word balloons.

6. Design a cover for your comic book, containing an eye-catching title and a single image encapsulating the action contained within. Sketch it out, then ink it and color it in as you did with the interior pages.

7. Scan each page into your computer, then print them out using a color printer. If your printer allows, consider printing the pages double-sided--or, if you're really ambitious, use double-length printing paper and print two pages on each side. You can then gather the pages together, fold them in half and staple them through the middle just like the pros do. Barring that, you can simply staple your comic book together along the left-hand side, then read it or distribute it to your friends as you wish.

Become An Animator For Wally Disney

Probably no other company is as readily identified with an artistic medium as Disney is to animation. It is no surprise that aspiring animators naturally look toward the mouse ears when contemplating a future in animation. Disney willingly fosters new talent through traditional employment methods. It also boasts apprenticeship programs that serve to cultivate raw talents. Whether it's through the front or back door, it's possible to become an animator for Walt Disney Studios.

Instructions

1. Use your experience. If you already are an animator, go knocking on the castle door. For truly skilled animators, Disney will likely have job opportunities. If you’re new to animation, Disney is willing to teach their art form.

2. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in an artistic discipline from an accredited college or university.

3. Build your portfolio. Before you shoot for the moon, make certain that you have a body of work that will fully reflect your talents. If you do not, keep working and adding to it until you are ready for the big leagues.

4. Create a resume that appropriately reflects your past work and accomplishments as it would most relate to an animation or artistic position.

5. Apply to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Talent Development Program. Fill out their application and submit your resume. Upload artistic samples of your work. Do not send original artwork; send only copies. What you give to Disney will not be returned.

6. Once accepted into the development program, take full advantage of your three to six month exposure to all things Disney. Learn from your Disney Animator mentor and the others with whom you will be working. This is your chance to shine and carve out your own niche in animating history.

7. Seek alternate routes to Disney by first trying to work at one of their subsidiaries. Club Penguin, a recent Disney acquisition, offers flash animation postings that can potentially lead to work with its parent company.

Write A Bestseller Story

Writing graphic novels or comic book stories is a bit different from writing a novel or play, since the visual qualities are more amplified. Thus structuring the story is slightly more difficult. Learn to write a good book story and capture the essence of this colorful genre.

Instructions

1. First determine the focus of your audience and if you are writing a comic book or graphic novel. Meet with the artists of your project, or confer with yourself if you will be doing the illustrations, to brainstorm ideas for what you want the project to look like as a final product.

2. Do a brainstorming exercise where you write down ideas for plotlines. Utilize lots of visual cues to structure the story, since you will be doing writing that reinforces what the artist is rendering in the book.

3. Let your imagination run wild, and remember that you can be as fantastical and whimsical as your mind allows you to be. Write a rough draft where you outline the overall plot of the story and detail the characters, action development and the major conflict.

4. Write the story to a visual storyboard in conjunction with the artist so you can visualize the progression of the plot. Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle and end. Use action words throughout to show your audience the action, and don't just simply describe the characters' personalities.

5. Move the action along with plot progression, and spend less time developing characters or setting scenes, since that will be done for you by the artist. Use economy of language. Remember to use smaller words so the reader can easily digest the material.

Fresh paint With Acrylic On Tshirts

Acrylic paint shows up well on light-colored T-shirts.

Men originally designed T-shirts as an undergarment to protect their skin from itchy, rough clothing. At the beginning of the 20th century, Southern European men began wearing T-shirts on hot summer days. United States Army personnel stationed in Europe brought home the popularity of the T-shirt after World War I. T-shirts eventually transitioned into appropriate women's clothing. Today, you can create your own custom T-shirt design using acrylic paints. In as little as 30 minutes, you can make an art project you can wear and show off to your friends.

Instructions

1. Pick out a shirt. If this is your first time painting on a T-shirt, experiment on an old shirt. Although any color shirt will work, white allows you the most versatility in paint color selection. Stick to light-colored shirts, as light-colored acrylic paint on dark shirts may not show up as well as you would like.

2. Iron the T-shirt to get rid of any wrinkles, taking extra care to make sure the material is smooth where you will paint.

3. Sketch out a design for your T-shirt on a piece of paper.

4. Place a piece of cardboard between the front and back of the T-shirt, so the paint does not soak through to the other side.

5. Draw the design lightly onto the shirt with pencil, so you know where to paint.

6. Paint the design onto the shirt. If you like, you can paint on a foam stamp and stamp directly onto the shirt instead. Use larger stamps that don't have too much detail, as the detail might not show up well or might wash out easily. You can also use stencils, although these can smudge and be trickier to work with on T-shirts.

7. Allow one color to dry before using another color.