Making Fake Bloodstream Look Real

Adjusting the Consistency

In many cases, fake blood is simply too thin and looses any realism that it might have had because it flows more like water than blood. This can be corrected by adding clear corn syrup to the fake blood a little bit at a time. If you accidentally make the blood too thick, it can be diluted with water until you reach the desired consistency. Because corn syrup is a natural food ingredient, it will not add toxicity to any fake blood that is to be put into the mouth.

Adjusting the Color

When problems occur with the color of fake blood it is generally because it is too red. Adding food coloring to the fake blood is an easy way to adjust the color, but it's important that you understand exactly which colors to add. Begin by adding a few drops of blue food coloring to adjust the color of fake blood that is too red, mixing it well in order to make sure that the color is consistent. If the blood appears a bit too purple after adding the blue, begin adding red food coloring by the drop (making sure to mix well between each addition) until you reach the desired color.

Adjusting the Richness

Another common problem with fake blood is that it is often too bland looking, even when the color and the flow are correct. Real blood has a certain richness to it that can't be emulated by clear liquids and food coloring; the fake blood will still appear watered down even if it flows correctly. This desired richness can be added easily, though, by mixing in cocoa powder a pinch at a time. Make sure that you mix it very well between additions, checking the fake blood to see if it looks the way that you want before adding more. The cocoa powder not only helps emulate the richness of blood cells, but if the fake blood is designed to go into the mouth then it will also add a slight chocolate flavor to make it more pleasant.

Correct Way To Hold A U S Flag

The U.S. flag is an important symbol of freedom and liberty for the American people. Fly your flag proudly if you wish, but be sure to follow the rules for doing so. These rules regulate all aspects of flag flying, from which direction it should face, to how it should fly when accompanied by other flags, to when it should be flown at half-staff.

Basics

If you do not have a standard flagpole, you'll have to find an alternative method of hanging your U.S. flag. If you hang the U.S. flag banner-style over a street, make sure the top of the flag faces north on a street running east to west, or east on a street running south to north. When hanging the flag from a horizontal or diagonal pole off the side of a building, make sure the flag is at the top of the pole. If you display the U.S. flag during a public speech, the flag should be to the speaker's right and in the foreground. If you hang a U.S. flag in your window, make sure the blue field of the flag is in the upper left corner (as seen from outside). Never let your flag touch the ground.

Other Flags

If you fly a U.S. flag with an international flag beside it, be sure the flags are on separate flagpoles and one flag is not above the other. When you fly the U.S. flag with a state flag, put them on the same flagpole with the U.S. flag flying at the peak and the state flag below. If you display the flag on a wall crossed with another flag, ensure the U.S. flag is on the viewer's left and crossing in front. When marching the U.S. flag in a parade with other flags, it should be in the front and center of a group of flags or on the right side if it's only marching with one other flag.

Half-Staff

Guidelines from the Department of Veterans Affairs state you should fly your U.S. flag at half-staff during times of national mourning and after the death of an elected official. For example, fly your flag at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a former or current U.S. president, or 10 days for a former or current vice president. In some instances flags will be flown at half-staff only in certain states or cities. For example, the death of a senator only requires flags on federal or military structures in Washington, D.C., to fly flags at half-staff, and governors' deaths only impact the state they governed. Additionally, the U.S. president can order flags at half-staff to mark the death of an important figure or a national tragedy such as a terrorist attack.

Sell Works of art Online

Never before in history has it been easier to make a living as a visual artist. Rather than waiting to be "discovered" by an art gallery or dealer, many painters are now taking matters into their own hands by posting and selling their paintings online. Some popular websites are making it feasible for almost any artist to offer their wares to the general public.

Instructions

1. Choose the site you want to use. Of course, you can post your artwork on more than one site, but this will require more time and work on your part. While eBay has been the quintessential online auction/marketplace for more than a decade, there are sites that focus solely on art. A few of these are Etsy.com, Art.com, Imagekind.com and BoundlessGallery.com.

EmptyEasel.com is a blog that reviews several of these sites and contains several articles on tips for selling your art online, so it is a good resource to help you choose the site that is right for you. Keep in mind that each site has a different method of making money: Some take a small percentage of your profits, and others charge an upfront membership fee. Take this into account before choosing a site. Also, Compete.com will allow you to enter the addresses of the sites you are considering in order to see which ones have the highest traffic and thus the potential to make you more money.

2. Click on the sell tab of the site you've chosen (usually on the home page in the navigation bar or somewhere else highly visible). Each site has different rules and policies, so read through these thoroughly before you sign up. Some sites might require you to have a PayPal account to accept payments or pay fees to the site. If this is the case, or if you choose to use PayPal to accept payments, visit PayPal.com to sign up for an account if you don't already have one. You will need your checking account information to do so.

3. Personalize your "store" page, if the site you're using allows this. Don't worry; you don't have to be a programmer to do this. As you begin to set up your account, you'll find instructions on setting up your "store," with no HTML required. Remember that this virtual storefront is your connection to potential customers. Use it to express who you are and what you're about as an artist.

4. Post high-quality images of your artwork. This is very important, as these images will sell your artwork. If the image misrepresents your work, you could lose a sale or end up with an unhappy customer.

5. Keep up to date on your account to ensure you know when orders are coming in and can ship them promptly. Posting items to sell is only half the battle. You need to get your art to your customers in a timely manner.

Have A Sketchbook

Keep a Sketchbook

Artists who care about developing their skills keep a sketchbook. Like a writer's notebook, it's a place to record inspiration and try new things. Saving old sketchbooks can also jog your creativity years later and provide a record of your artistic development. They just might inspire future relatives to take up a drawing pencil and see if artistic talent runs in the family.

Instructions

1. Buy sketchbooks in a variety of sizes. Smaller ones that measure 5 by 7 inches or 5 by 8-1/2 inches are fine for your purse or the car. For more serious sketching, however, choose an 8-1/2 by 11 inch or 9 by 12 inch sketchbook.

2. Create a "sketch-to-go" package so it's always ready to go when you have an inspiration. Include your sketchbook, lead pencils of various softness so you can draw defining lines and do shading and an eraser with sharp edges.

3. Choose simple subjects to start. Go out into a garden and concentrate on a single flower or leaf. Notice how the light plays off corners and textures.

4. Move on to more complex subjects such as people, landscapes and groups of objects. You don't have to get every detail right. Follow your instinct about when a picture looks "done."

5. Record your thoughts about art, your work and the work of others. A sketchbook doesn't have to be strictly visual. Reflecting on your craft often helps you grow as an artist, which is what the sketchbook is for anyway.

6. Collect pictures and drawings from magazines and marketing materials that inspire you. Photographs and drawings in library books or periodicals can be photocopied. Paste these into your sketchbook.

7. Set aside time each week to examine the materials in your sketchbook. Play with variations of things you've drawn or pictures you've pasted from other sources.

Draw Cheese

Draw slices of cheese into any picture quickly and easily.

People who work in art draw a lot of common household items in cartoons, animated drawings and still-life drawings. Sign painters or people who create menus commonly use food items on signs or menus for restaurants. Cheese is a common household food that is used in many homes and restaurants, so understanding the basic concepts for drawing cheese is a good idea for professional or amateur artists. Drawing a round cheese or a large slice of cheese is simple for anyone using a few basic techniques.

Instructions

Round Cheese

1. Draw a 6-inch oval on the center of the page using the dark lead pencil with the long sides horizontal. Draw a 3-inch vertical line coming down from the left side, and a second 3-inch vertical line coming down from the right side.

2. Connect the bottoms of the 2 vertical lines using a curved line that follows the shape of the bottom of the circle above it. This creates the bottom of the cheese and gives the cheese a rounded shape.

3. Shade around the bottom of the cheese in a curved motion with the dark lead pencil. Make it darker on the left side and lighter on the right side.

4. Draw several different-sized circles all over the top of the first circle's surface. This gives it the look of Swiss cheese. Shade in the left half of each of the circles with the light-colored lead pencil. Let the shading get lighter as it gets to the right side of each circle. This makes shadows, so the drawing looks 3-dimensional.

Cheese Wedge

5. Draw a 2 inch by 4 inch rectangle on the center of the page with one of the 2 inch ends tilted towards the left corner. If the rectangle is a little crooked, it's okay.

6. Place the pencil on the top left hand corner, and draw a triangle on top of the rectangle shape. Make the peak of the triangle about 2 inches above the left-hand side of the rectangle. Shade inside the triangle shape, making it darker at the top and lighter at the bottom.

7. Draw a bunch of different-sized circles around the cheese shape. Shade in the left half of each of the circles with the light-colored lead pencil. Let the shading get lighter toward the right side of each circle. This makes the cheese look 3-dimensional.

Projects With Clay

Projects with clay teach children to use their imaginations while creating art.

Experimenting with clay is an effective way for kids to literally get in touch with their art education. Clay projects are entertaining, inexpensive and let children create just about anything their imaginations can conceive. Be sure to follow all instructions on the packages of clay, as different kinds of clay require special drying and firing techniques.

Types of Clay

There are two types of clay typically used in art projects. The first is traditional clay, the brown-toned clay that needs to be fired in a kiln after sculpting and glazing. If you decide to use this type of clay, you will also need glazing paints and a place to fire your projects in a kiln. Many art schools and pottery studios rent out kiln time to the public, so contact some local pottery venues before you get started. The second type of clay, polymer clay, comes in different colors and does not require glazing, and needs to be baked in the oven to harden. With all clay projects, you will need a flat nonporous surface on which to work; clay residue can be tricky to remove from wood and tile surfaces.

Thumbprint Pots

Thumbprint pots are one of the simplest clay projects to make and can be created with either type of clay. The finished look of these pots is not precise; a thumbprint pot is meant to look homemade and earthy. Take a piece of clay and roll it into a ball between your hands. The piece can be any size you choose, depending on the desired size of the pot. Set the ball down on your work area and push your thumb into the middle of the ball so it looks like a thick doughnut. Pinch the sides of the ball gently, leaving your thumb in the center hole as you create the sides of your pot. When your pot is the desired size and shape, follow the finishing instructions depending on the type of clay you used.

Coil Pots

For a unique-looking project, coil pots are an easy undertaking with quirky results. Like thumbprint pots, coil pots can be made from either type of clay. Roll several pieces of clay into long strands. At the center of your work space, begin coiling one strand to make a flat spiral. This will be the base of your pot. The bigger the spiral, the larger your pot will be. Using a new strand, begin building the sides of your pot by coiling upward off the base. Continue coiling strands onto the pot until it reaches the desired size and follow the clay directions to finish.

Beads

Beads can be used to make jewelry and decorate crafts. Instead of buying beads, create your own. To make beads you will need polymer clay -- the type of clay that can be baked at home in an oven. You will also need a sharp knife, toothpicks, aluminum foil, a baking sheet and a small rolling pin or non-textured drinking glass. Pick out several colors of clay and roll a small piece of each color into a long strand. Combine the strands and pinch at the ends, creating a rope. Choose a new color for the outside of your beads and roll it into a thin, flat sheet. Wrap the thin sheet around the rope, squeezing gently to ensure the parts stick together. Slice the roll into 1/2 inch thick pieces, discarding the end pieces. Reshape the beads as needed; cutting the beads can flatten them out. Place the beads on a foil-lined baking sheet, flat side facing upward. Poke holes through each bead using toothpicks. Bake the beads according to the directions on the package.

Talk To Stars Inside A Film

While directing a movie, something that seems to give most amateurs trouble is figuring out exactly talk to an actor. What type of direction will help them? What type will hurt them?

Read this tutorial and you will understand get the best out of your actors.

Instructions

Speak to Actors in a Film

1. Everyone is different. There will never be one solid solution on deal with every single person. Get to know the actors well before the shoot so you learn about their sensitivity levels and how their psyches work.

2. Never use the words "more" or "less." Actors hate hearing lines like "Be more upset" or "Be less enthusiastic." That does not tell them how much or little to do something.

3. Be specific. If you need a specific emotion, tell the actor what you specifically need. Time is money when it comes to movies and the more you waste trying to be nice, the less producers will like you.

4. Always be honest. Saying things like "That was good, BUT I want ______ instead" does nothing but show a lack of respect. It tells the actors that you are smarter than them and need to baby them rather than work with them.

5. Make sure an actor understands the meaning of each line and each word in that line. If he cannot nail it, it is very likely he does not understand the meaning.

6. If an actor wants to try something differently, compromise with her. Do a take of it her way and a take of it your way. Collaboration is the key.

7. ALWAYS COMMUNICATE. Communication is not only the key to good working relationships but bad usage of it can also be the downfall of one.

Draw Famous Cartoon Figures

Find one of your favorite poses of Spiderman, Bugs Bunny, the Joker or any of the hundreds of awesome cartoon characters out there, and choose one of the methods below to try your hand at drawing one. Go slowly and have patience. In no time at all, you'll have a book full of your drawings.

Instructions

"Eyeball" Method

1. Choose the character you want to draw. Place a comic book or colored print of the character on the work area at your left.

2. Place your drawing pad or sheet of paper directly in front of you on the work surface. Keep "eyeballing" or glancing at the character and lightly sketch the outline of its shape with a soft, dull pencil lead.

3. Sketch in the outline of clothing and shoes if the character wears them.

4. Choose a second pencil with a sharper lead and begin to fill in more detailed lines in the face and clothing. Sketch in the eyes, nose and mouth. Be sure to keep glancing at the picture at your side to make sure you are keeping things in proportion.

5. Continue filling in with the dull pencil and shade in areas for dimension. Hold the pencil and rub sideways for shadowing.

6. Lightly color in with colored pencils if desired. When you are comfortable with your drawing, repeat it using the colored pencils and a black pencil for the outline.

Trace Method

7. Place a cartoon character print on to the surface of a light box or use a window to trace the outline of the character. Tape the character print to a window during daylight hours. Place a piece of drawing paper over the cartoon character print.

8. Hold drawing paper in place and use a pencil to trace around the entire outline of the character and its clothing.

9. Remove papers from light box or window and sit at a drawing work space. Use a dull pencil to fill in shadows and define details on the drawing.

10. Add details to eyes and facial features with a sharpened pencil.

11. After you practice the trace method a few times you will be able to use the eyeball or grid method quite easily.

Grid Method

12. Take a pencil and ruler and mark a grid over your cartoon character print. A grid can and should be 9 to 12 equal squares drawn over the picture.

13. Take a ruler and create a light grid with a dull pencil directly on to your drawing paper.

14. Look at square one and draw the outline of the portion of your character that is in the first square on the cartoon print.

15. Continue drawing the character outline in each square section of your drawing paper grid that coincides with the cartoon print.

16. Erase the grid lines on your drawing paper with an art eraser.

17.Use a sharpened pencil to draw in fine features of the cartoon character and a dull pencil to sketch in shadows or softer lines.

Primary School Art Projects

Art enables primary school students to have fun and learn.

Art is a beneficial subject to engage primary school students in. Through art activities, children of this age learn about colors, shapes, patterns and textures. Art activities also help young children develop fine motor skills. In addition, children of this age learn to think creatively and critically, express themselves and appreciate others' ideas when they are exposed to the arts.

Emotional Art

When teaching primary school students about emotions, art is an ideal way for children to convey the different emotions they feel. Have a discussion with your students about different emotions--happy, sad and mad, for example. Place a variety of different colored paints, paint brushes and artist paper out for children to use. Inform them that you are going to name an emotion and that you would like them to use the paints to create a picture to show what they think the emotion looks like. Once they have completed their pictures, compare them to see if there are any similarities among students. It is interesting to see what colors and images children use to express their feelings and how specific colors are generally associated with different feelings.

Shape Art

This art activity reinforces shape recognition. Out of oak tag, create a variety of different shaped stencils--squares, triangles, circles, hearts, ovals, rectangles, octagons and hexagons, for example. Distribute the stencils, colored construction paper, crayons, markers and colored pencils to students. Ask students to use the stencils and art supplies to create pictures. Inform them that the pictures don not have to be about anything in particular, that they just need to use their imaginations. Once they have created their artwork, have them share with the class, explaining what they drew and the different shapes they used to create their masterpieces.

Textured Art

Allow children to get creative with different types of textured materials. Set out a variety of materials--for instance, construction paper, crepe paper, newspaper, lace, cotton, wool, tin foil, sandpaper and cotton. Provide children with glue, tape, crayons, scissors, markers, crayons and artist paper. Instruct them to use the materials to create their own unique works of art. The collection of materials provides a sensory experience, as not only are they visually interesting when combined, but children will also enjoy feeling the different textures. Display the completed artwork on a wall that children can reach and allow them to observe their classmates creations, not only with their eyes, but also with their hands.

Vatican Museums Information

The Vatican and Vatican Museums are one of the most essential stops on any trip to Rome. Tickets to the museums and information about special events and lectures are available online through the Vatican Museum's website.

History

The first Vatican Museum was founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II, and consisted only of sculptures. Since then, popes have commissioned works by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Features

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world's most treasured masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Stanze and works from Greek and Roman antiquity.

Cost

Regular admission to the Vatican Museums is 14 Euros, 8 Euros for children and students and you can receive free admission on the last Sunday of the month. Tours are usually 25 to 35 Euros per person.

Tours

You can receive guided tours, usually lasting 2 to 3 hours, of the Vatican Museums along with the Sistine Chapel or Saint Peter's Basilica, or of the Vatican Gardens.

Considerations

The Vatican Museums are usually closed on the first three Sundays of the month, as well as during most Catholic holidays.

Praying To Invoke The Holy Spirit

Praying to Invoke the Holy Spirit

Many religions believe in forms of prayer and somehow getting in spiritual touch with their god through prayer. Praying to invoke the Holy Spirit is known specifically to Christianity. This method of prayer is truly known to few and can provide a truly unique experience.

Instructions

1. Eliminate distraction from your immediate vicinity. Find a spot that is free from the roar of voices if possible where you will be able to truly meditate. This is critical to bolstering your spiritual sensory in being able to detect the slightest changes in your environment and yourself. The amount of people where you are does not matter if your purpose is united or they wish to observe without interruption.

2. Clear your heart and mind. This is done by simply letting go of worries such as mental and emotional distractions. It will be hard to do it all at once but the more clear you feel before you actually start the prayer, the better spiritual receiver you will be. A clogged connection is difficult to get a signal through to, so clearing and cleaning out anguish that can block the connection will heighten the senses and strengthen the signal.

3. Confess wrongdoing in order to become a humble vessel. Those who are too proud and not meek in their hearts can not be told differently than what they believe. Confessing your sins to the creator will allow you to step into his presence with a clean heart. When you ask for forgiveness, you are also admitting guilt and imperfection. This can be a tool to humble and signals that you at least acknowledge that you are not the omnipresent deity.

4. Worship the Holy Spirit through an offering of praise. Praise can come in many forms but the purposes are all the same; to exhalt the Holy Spirit. Whether through silent word, spoken word, music, song, or simply lifting your hands up, praise has always been a form of flattery. In other cultures such as in ancient Greece, praise and sacrifice has always been a part of gaining something from the gods. Although Christianity is different, this is true for this religion, too.

5. Wait patiently and allow the Holy Spirit to take control. Continue to offer up prayer but after an extended time of prayer and worship you have paved the way to invoke the Holy Spirit. Now you must usher in the Holy Spirit through deep meditation. After you have prayed and worshiped awhile, listening and recognizing changes in the way you feel and the atmosphere will alert you to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gouache Painting Tips

Gouache paints are very similar to watercolors but have some significant differences.

Gouache is a style of painting that was first used to lighten documents because the paint contains white pigment and can make things lighter. This has evolved into a painting medium similar to watercolor. Gouache is often favored over watercolor because the use of gouache does not require a person to protect the white area of the picture like watercolors do.

Canvases

Since gouache painting is water-based, the canvases must also be able to handle water. For example, a person should not paint with regular sketching paper because it will not be heavy enough to withstand the water used. Anything that says it is safe for watercolors will work with gouache, so look for this when buying canvases. Clayboard is another option as it will soak up the paint and color used. If you want to use paper, use thick paper, like watercolor paper.

Watercolor Combination

You can combine gouache and watercolor in the same project. The main difference between the two is that most gouache paints have white pigment mixed in, so the use of watercolors can darken the picture because they contain no white. If you are using more watercolors than gouache, consider protecting the areas you want to keep white even though you are using gouache. This is because the watercolor may overwhelm the white pigment contained in the gouache, allowing the white areas to be polluted by the colors.

Layer Thickness

Using layers that are too thick may cause the picture to crack and peel because the binder from the many layers dries at the bottom and weakens them. However, using too little paint will make the picture a lighter color. Aim to have a mixture of color so that the desired shade can be reached in a few coats of paint. Add paint and water as needed to achieve this.

Rewetting Paintings

Like with watercolors, gouache paintings can be wetted again once they are dry. This provides you ability to smooth out lines between colors that you may not have wanted. It gives the artist a choice to go back and touch up the picture later without having to add too many extra layers. Don't make the painting too wet though, or cracking and peeling may occur.

A Brief History Of Broadway Theatre

Amateur plays and concerts were the first theatre in New York. Performances were censored under the control of the British colonial governor and the Common Council. No professional performances were licensed prior to 1699. In the 1700s in England, monopolies were granted to government-approved theaters. As unlicensed theatres were closed down, some English theatre professionals looked toward the Americas.

New Theatre

In December 1732, "New Theatre" opened in New York with a performance of "The Recruiting Officer," British playwright George Farquhar's satire of deceptive recruiting during the "War of the Spanish Succession." In North America, that was "Queen Anne's War," second of four "French and Indian" frontier struggles. Rip Van Dam, a New York politician who had clashed with the British colonial governor, opened the theater in his warehouse on Nassau Street, adjacent to Broadway. Van Dam was a friend of radical journalist Peter Zenger. City maps of this era also identify a theater in a tavern on Broadway east of the Commons (City Hall Park).

John Street

In July 1753, the London Company of Comedians publicized the colonial governor's refusal to issue them a license to perform. Later, they opened in a new building on the site of Van Dam's warehouse. In 1767, under new management, they were called the American Company of Comedians and began a 30-year tenure at John Street theatre near the intersection of John Street and Broadway. The Continental Congress banned theater during the Revolution, so the company worked in Jamaica. British officers occupying New York gave amateur performances at John Street Theatre, which they temporarily renamed Theatre Royal.

The Park

In 1797, elegant Park theatre was built on Broadway near current City Hall by a group of investors, who sold it to merchants John Jacob Astor and John Beekman, Although the Park was built for the city's wealthy elite and relied on Astor and Beekman's patronage, performances were staged by professionals and were open to the public. The Park introduced Italian opera to New York in 1825. When the Park burned for the second time in 1848, the Astor family built retail property on the site.

Anthony Street

In 1813, actors from the Park moved to Anthony Street Theatre at the current intersection of Broadway and Worth. They opened with "The Midnight Hour," a 1787 farce by French actor Antoine-Jean Dumaniant. Their second season opened with a patriotic play, "Bunker Hill." The theatre sold in 1820 and re-opened as the Pavillion with a fresh repertoire that included "The Vampire."

Riot

In 1856, twelve New York theatres were taxed to support a boy's reformatory, on the assertion that theatres created juvenile delinquents. This sentiment was supported by occasional riots at theaters. For example, when a black venue opened in the same block as the Park in 1822, theatre owners hired gangs to disrupt performances. In 1849, rival performances of Macbeth by an actor with lower class fans and an actor with upper class fans sparked a riot outside Astor Place Opera House that police dispersed by firing cannon into the crowd.

Compute Aperture

Some early cameras had fixed or extremely limited aperture settings.

The aperture of a camera is the size of the opening in the lens through which light passes to imprint the photograph onto the film or digital recorder. Knowing the aperture at which a photograph was shot can help you re-create similar effects in later photographs, and can help you to better understand the technical qualities of photography. A photo taken with a small aperture, for example, will have a larger depth of field than one taken with a large aperture. Calculating the aperture on your camera is a simple equation.

Instructions

1. Determine the focal length of the lens by reading the file's metadata, consulting your camera's on-screen information, or simply looking at the lens itself if it has an indicator on it.

2. Find the f-stop value for the photograph by consulting the file's metadata, or simply looking at the setting on your camera. Film cameras will have a knob for the f-stop, and digital ones will display this information on the LCD screen.

3. Divide the focal length of your lens by the f-stop at which the photograph was taken to get the aperture of your lens for any given photograph.

Clean Canvas Material

Canvas is an umbrella term that refers to any heavy fabric that uses an "over-under" weaving pattern. This makes the fabric's thread appear checkered and also contributes to its heft. Canvas can be made of hemp, linen, jute, or polyester. Cleaning canvas can be done in a number of ways, depending on your preference for cleaning products.

Instructions

1. Allow stains and other accumulations to dry completely before attempting to clean. Once the accumulations have dried (for example, mud or plaster) knock them off by beating the fabric against the ground, or scraping at it with a flat head screwdriver, butter knife or similar object.

2. Spray the canvas with your preferred cleaning product. If you want to use a non-chemical, non-toxic substance, vinegar works well. Using a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water, spray the material thoroughly using a spray bottle. There are many cleaning products designed especially for canvas (see Resources). After spraying the canvas with your preferred product, dip a scrub brush in warm water and scrub any stains. You can also use a powdered or liquid laundry detergent. Do not use a laundry detergent that contains bleach, even if the canvas fabric is white. Bleach will cause a yellowing on white canvas, and will bleach the color from colored fabrics.

3. Allow the canvas to air dry. In the case of canvas sneakers or other canvas made products with rubber or other materials attached, do not put them into a dryer. This will cause unnecessary wear and tear and can melt the rubber.

Famous 16th Century Canvas Works of art

Venice, Italy, was a mecca for 16th century artists.

The Renaissance (French for "Rebirth") was a dynamic era that stretched from about 1450 to 1600. Paintings of this period are characterized by classic balance, controlled movement, effects of light, color and texture as well as heightened realism. Renaissance art saw a dramatic shift to the human figure, idealization of nature, landscapes, cityscapes and still life. While religious themes that dominated 15th century art continued into the next century, the 16th century is known for its paintings of secular subjects and classic Greek mythology.

Religious Themes

The High Renaissance took place between 1500 and 1525. Raphael (1483 to 1520), was one of the three preeminent artists of the High Renaissance, along with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Raphael's oil on canvas, "The Sistine Madonna," painted between 1513 and 1514, is an example of one of the most recognizable works today due to mass publishing of the two small cherubs gazing upward at the base of the canvas that have been reproduced today as print wall art as well as on greeting cards and stationery.

Greek Classicism

Venetian painters enjoyed a position of artistic supremacy throughout the 16th century. Giovanni Bellini (1430 to 1516) was the founder of the "Venetian School" of painting. His "Feast of the Gods," an oil on canvas painted in 1514 that exemplifies this style, is famous for its portrayal of outdoor light. Tiziano Vecellio, known as Titian (1490 to 1576), was one of Geovanni Bellini's famous students. Titian is considered by many as the preeminent artist of his time. His "Venus and Adonis" (1560) is an oil on canvas depicting the famous Greek myth of the same name from Ovid's "Metamorphoses." It was the first in a series of eight depictions of Greek mythology, a theme that became extremely popular in the 16th century. Another in the series, "Rape of Europa," painted in 1559 to 1562, is famous for Titian's brilliant blending of realism and idealism.

Mannerism Movement

Mannerism was an artistic movement in the 16th century characterized by its elongated figures, complex poses and unrealistic settings. El Greco"s "Madonna and Child with St. Matina and St. Agnes" is a famous oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Mannerism movement. Jacopo Tintoretto's "Miracle of the Slave" and Descent from the Cross ("Pieta") are renowned examples of Late Mannerism. Both are oil on canvas paintings; "Slave" was painted in 1548 and "Pieta," in 1559.

Portraiture

This portrait of Queen Elizabeth is not signed but is widely attributed to Zuccaro.

The 16th century ushered in a trend of portraiture commissioned by royalty and wealthy patrons. Federico Zuccaro (1541 to 1609), a highly successful Italian painter who became one of the most famous and influential artists after Titian's death in 1576, painted a famous oil on canvas portrait of the iconic Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. The portrait, one of many portraits painted of her by artists of the period, depicts the queen in a black velvet ceremonial gown and is titled simply, "Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I."

Develop A Silk Screen

Getting professional silk-screening work done is expensive, and it can be a complicated process involving a lot of machinery. But for basic single-color designs, it's relatively easy to make a simple silk screen at home and apply the design yourself. You can even attempt multicolor designs, if you are ambitious.

Instructions

1. Stretch the sheer curtain into the smaller embroidery hoop as tightly as you can and fasten it. Make sure there is no give in the fabric. Cut around the edges of the hoop and discard excess fabric, but leave a little extra to make sure it won't slip out of the hoop.

2. Print or draw your design onto a sheet of paper. Make sure the design is smaller than the hoop. Simpler designs work better, unless you are a skilled artist.

3. Place the printed design underneath the stretched sheer curtain. Tape it in place.

4. Trace the design onto the fabric, using the fabric pencil. Pay attention to which areas you want ink to go through and which should be covered. Try marking the areas that should not get ink with the pencil.

5. Using a paintbrush, carefully paint craft glue over the sections that are not intended to get ink---the white areas of your design. You will be leaving space for the ink to go through. Make sure all the white areas are completely covered.

6. Remove the paper, and allow the screen to dry completely. This may take a day or more.

7. Place a plastic grocery bag or any other thin, waterproof, disposable material between the layers of the T-shirt, then fasten the larger embroidery hoop around the bag and the top layer of the T-shirt. This is to prevent ink from leaking through to the other side, and to hold the fabric in place.

8. Place the silk-screen hoop on top of the hoop with the shirt in it. Make sure the silk screen is touching the fabric of the shirt, with the plastic layer on the other side.

9. Carefully dab screen-printing ink onto the shirt through the screen with the stencil brush. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting the ink.

The Easiest Method To Store Toys

The Best Way to Store Toys

Toy storage can be a complicated issue in some households, because the toys should be within easy access of the children who play with them. This often means they must be in a bedroom or main part of the home. The best storage systems allow for toys to be both easily accessed and picked up. The receptacles for storing them should be both attractive and functional. A number of options available for toy storage are fairly inexpensive.

Baskets

Baskets work for toy storage. They are attractive for use in a living room or family room. Small pieces of games or toy sets can easily be corralled into baskets, and larger items like trucks and dolls can be stored in larger baskets that are often kept right on the floor. Matching the baskets to the room's decor makes them even more attractive, thus camouflaging the toys when not in use.

Some storage units made for living rooms and/or family rooms feature "cubbies" for use as DVD or CD storage. Sliding baskets full of toys into these cubbies instead makes for an aesthetically pleasing means of storing toys while keeping them easily accessible.

Toy Box

Toy boxes are a tried and true method for toy storage, but these work best in a family room or child's bedroom, because the decor is most often conducive to a juvenile theme. High-end toy boxes are made of wood and have heavy lids that may be secured with latches to keep them safely raised. Less expensive but perfectly functional toy boxes are made of heavy plastic, which is very easy to keep clean. A wipedown once a week with a disinfectant cleaner will keep the toy box looking new.

Some toy boxes come cleverly disguised as toys themselves and may be found in the shape of a football, soccer ball or dollhouse. These are fun to use as decorative pieces in children's bedrooms, as they lend themselves to a decorating theme while stealthily hiding away the toys.

Plastic Bins

While not particularly attractive, plastic bins with lids work perfectly well for storing toys. Whether clear plastic or a solid color, they effectively house toys that would otherwise be strewn all over a room. Most of these plastic bins will stack neatly one atop another, and some are specially designed for sliding underneath a bed. These help keep the room neat and tidy and the toys easy to find.

Draw Landscapes

Setting out to draw a general landscape poses one particular dilemma. What do you want to draw? Possibilities include cities, villages, mountains, woodlands, waterfalls, spectacular cliffs or even the moon. Perhaps you want to draw a view from another planet. These represent just a small selection of possibilities. Any time you draw a landscape, though, there are just a few basic things you need to do. Following these steps, any kind of landscape, real or imagined, can be put onto paper.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of landscape you want to draw, and how the main objects in the scene will be oriented.

2. Draw an outline of the main features. If your landscape’s main features are mountains, buildings or a road, start with an outline of those first. Don’t forget to draw in lines for the bottom, whether it’s ground or water. Make sure lines that need to be straight are so by using a ruler. Use horizon lines and vanishing points if the picture is going to have objects that extend into the distance.

3. Start drawing in details of objects in the foreground. Draw elements that give them depth, and add detail to components drawn in Step 2.

4. Draw additional things that would block the view of stuff in the distance, such as trees. Add outlines of features in the background.

5. Start filling in shading and contour details of foreground elements. Draw details of objects in the distance.

6. Complete shading and surface detail of all elements in the drawing. Erase any guidelines, if you’ve drawn any, which may still be visible and not supposed to be part of the scene.

Places To Salsa Dance In Dallas Texas

Latin styles of dance, like Salsa, are popular in Dallas, Texas.

The saying "Everything's bigger in Texas" remains true when it comes to the Dallas, Texas, dance scene. And with a large Latino population, the infusion of Latin dance styles are prominent on club floors. Salsa is one of the most popular styles, though traditions like Cha Cha, Merengue, and Mambo can be spotted, too. Most venues offer free salsa lessons throughout the week. Check the venues' websites for up-to-date information on salsa lessons and other dance events.

Mambo Cafe

Mambo Caf began in Mexico, but its first U.S. location opened spring 2007 in Dallas on the west end. Its website describes its style and ambiance as "the newest concept of Caribbean style venues with a marine tropical ambiance and the very best live Latin music." Free salsa lessons are available Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30-9:00 pm and no cover for ladies until 11:00 p.m. Food prices average between $11 and $30.

Mambo Cafe

2020 North Lamar Street

Dallas, TX 75202-1763

214-999-0935

mambocafedallas.com

Gloria's Restaurant

Gloria's Restaurant is, as its name indicates, more of a restaurant than a club and therefore the atmosphere is slightly more refined than your average club/bar scene. The "Dallas Observer" voted it the city's Best Latin Dance Club in 2008. According to one reviewer on Yelp.com, prime-time Salsa dancing is on Fridays and Saturdays after 10 p.m. Dining prices range between $11 to $30.

Gloria's Restaurant

5100 Belt Line Road

Suite 852

Dallas, TX 75254

972-387-8442

Gloriasrestaurants.com

Escapade 2009

Escapade 2009, in Dallas' northwest section, is another popular Salsa destination. Its MySpace site claims it's the "largest Latin club in [Dallas/Forth Worth]." Its upstairs floor, Club Arriba, is dedicated to Salsa dancing and other traditional Latin styles. No cover charge on Fridays; Saturdays are free until 9 p.m.; Sundays are free for women while men must pay after 9 p.m.

Escapade 2009

10707 Finnell St.

Dallas, Texas 75220

214-654-9595

myspace.com/escapade2009

Pinup Tattoo Ideas

A pinup tattoo is a classic choice many artists have experience inking.

Pinup tattoos generally refer to the wartime coy, yet sexual poses of superstars like Jane Russell and Bettie Page. Seductive and yet tasteful, pinup tattoos celebrate the female form with all her power and beauty. Put your own spin on a pinup tattoo by finding inspiration with classic Vargas art, modern day anime characters or by mixing old and new with a science fiction take on the genre. Whatever the choice, finding a talented artist and taking time to develop the image is vital in designing a tattoo image you will love for a lifetime.

Vargas Inspired

A prolific artist and illustrator from the 1940s, Alberto Vargas may be most well known for his sensational pinup girls. Colorful and voluptuous, these classic gals embody both sexuality and innocence. Browse through the Vargas catalog of pinup girls and use his artwork to inspire a tattoo that either replicates his work or is inspired by it.

Cartoon

Although maybe not the first thought you'd have when considering a pinup tattoo, a cartoon image is an appropriate tattoo idea for a younger man or anyone who does not want to offend viewers with a racier image. The pinup tattoo sexy-quotient can go up depending on what decade-style or cartoon sub-genre you choose such as modern anime vs. 1950s "Playboy"-style cartoon imagery. Personalize the tattoo by asking your artist to create an original cartoon image featuring your wife's image or favorite movie star's face.

Objects

Include an object such as a motorcycle, special car or even a beloved pet in the pinup image to make it more personal. Although your pinup girl may look vintage, asking your tattoo artist to drape her over your new Harley will produce an interesting contrast and great conversation starter. Bring plenty of reference material and consider making the pinup girl in black and gray and the object in color to differentiate the eras.

Science Fiction Pinups

Put a new twist on a pinup classic by turning the face and body of the pinup into an alien figure. Consider a classic pinup costume and pose, and then let your tattoo artist construct a sexy humanoid alien, reptilian or Hollywood movie monster to fit the scenario. Ideal for a large color tattoo, take your time creating the image to be sure it implies the emotions you want it to when complete. Whether frightening or seductive, a science fiction pinup will turn any geek into an uber-edgy guy.

Make An Autograph

Developing an expressive autograph is a good way for celebrities to connect with fans.

An autograph is your signature, but the word autograph is frequently associated with celebrities. You might want to perfect your own autograph to make it distinguishable so it's hard to copy. If a flashy, distinctive signature is something you've always aspired to, then use a little imagination to turn the ordinary into something with flair and artistic expression.

Instructions

1. Sign your name in different ways, combining assorted styles to find something that suits your personality. Sign your first and last name side-by-side and then try signing with your last name beneath your first name. Consider making the first letter of your first and last name much larger than the rest of your signature. You can also try linking the first letters of your first and last name. There are endless possibilities. This is an autograph, so you want something that stands out.

2. Practice the signature you like the most. When a celebrity signs an autograph, it's usually very quickly, with tons of panache. A celebrity's autograph technique is so ingrained that it comes naturally-after all some celebrities have signed their name thousands of times. You should practice your autograph so it becomes second nature. You might find as you practice the autograph that it takes on a slightly different shape than what you designed. If this is the case, consider executing the most natural flow of your writing and how your hand moves across the paper.

3. Scan your finished autograph to your computer and open it in any graphics editing program available to you. Crop the image using the "Edit" menu so the border isn't noticeable. Save the autograph file for use with electronic documents or email.

Picasso Art Techniques

Picasso's style is among the most recognizable.

Spanish painter Pablo Picasso transitioned between four distinct styles during his career, exploring different techniques in each. These styles coincided with major personal and world events during his lifetime. Picasso was an accomplished multimedia artist, having worked primarily with oil paint, sculpture and collage. Expressive abstract paintings of the human figure are among his most famous works.

Blue Period

Picasso's Blue Period began after the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas in 1901 and lasted until 1904. He began depicting images of common people and the poor, bathing them and their surroundings in overt blue tones. Most of the figures in these paintings wore solemn facial expressions and were shown hunched over, sulking and defeated. Paintings like "The Old Guitarist" and "La Vie" are among the most famous from this period.

Rose Period

Settling in Paris in 1904, Picasso discovered the Medrano circus and was inspired by the performers' bohemian lifestyle. He depicted them and their children in extravagant costumes using warm golden tones and rosy pinks. Clowns and harlequins were lively and expressive in these paintings, which contrasted with the somber figures in his earlier work. Some of the most notable paintings from this period include "Boy with a Pipe" and "The Actor."

Cubism

Inspired by African tribal masks and the art of Georges Braque, Picasso began using geometric shapes in his art in 1907. He deconstructed the complex shapes of his subjects and reduced them to simpler forms vaguely resembling the original. Figures in these paintings and sculptures took on extremely distorted proportions and expressions. Both monochromatic, neutral tones and rich, vivid hues were used in these pieces. "The Young Ladies of Avignon" and "Three Musicians" are among the most famous works from this period.

Post-Cubism

Picasso's work beyond Cubism took on more symbolic elements and was influenced by Surrealism and the art of Salvador Dali. Rather than moving on to a totally new style, Picasso instead combined many of his previous techniques. A painting titled "The Dream" depicts Picasso's mistress at the time and incorporates subtle erotic symbolism and lush, vivid color. Painted in a monochromatic color scheme, the mural "Guernica" is a response to the tragedies of the Spanish Civil War. It features rigid figures in anguish and abstract symbols. A minotaur is also present in the piece, which became an important symbol for Picasso. Referring to the symbol, he said, "If all the ways I have been along were marked and joined up with a line, it might represent a minotaur."

Job Description Of The Special Needs Assistant

Special needs assistants support teachers.

Special needs assistants are an essential part of the school system, and need for them has risen since the turn of the century as schools have become more inclusive of special needs children. Special needs assistants do not generally need a college education, and this kind of work is therefore excellent for those who enjoy working with children but do not necessarily have the formal qualifications to be a teacher.

Duties

The primary duty of a special needs assistant is to make education inclusive to special needs students. This is generally done on a one-on-one basis in a classroom. The teacher teaches the class as a whole while the special needs assistant works exclusively with a child with special needs. The specific duties vary widely depending on the child--some children need comprehensive help from teacher's aids, while some simply need a little bit of supervision or support.

Reasons

Three groups of people benefit from the existence of special needs assistants. The first is the special needs student. With the help of an assistant, a child with special needs can still attend school and learn, an often impossible task without help. The second beneficiary is the teacher. Since special needs children often need a very specific teaching style and curriculum, it is difficult or impossible for a teacher to teach both her class and the student at the same time. The presence of a special needs assistant means the teacher is not spread too thin and is therefore better-equipped to do his job. Finally, the other students in the class benefit from the teacher's ability to give them his full attention and from the special needs assistant's ability to keep the special needs child from being too disruptive.

Academic Qualifications

Special needs assistants require only a high school diploma. However, schools give preference to applicants with at least some college education in a related field, like education. Associate degrees exist that prepare graduates for special needs assistant jobs.

Personal Qualities

Special needs assistants must be able to pass a background check, and they often must have a driver's license. They need to be patient and often physically fit because of the lifting that is involved with special needs children. They need to be familiar with a school system's rules and procedures, and prepared to abide by them. Finally, they need to be able to do clerical work, as special needs students generally require a great deal of documentation to track their progress.

Job Outlook

As of 2010, special needs assistants had an average job outlook. The amount of children with special needs is not necessarily on the rise, but turnover is high and the population as a whole is growing, which means that the special needs population is also growing.

Compensation

As of June 2010, the lowest 10 percent of special needs assistants earned less than $15,000 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned over $33,000 per year. The middle 50 percent earned between roughly $18,000 per year and roughly $28,000 per year. It is very important to note that special needs assistant jobs are not generally full-time. This means that not only do they not provide 40 hours a week worth of work, but they also generally do not come with benefits like health insurance.

Historic Fiction Books Occur The Second World War

Historical fiction combines truth and fantasy.

Historical fiction attempts to capture both historical nuance and dramatic tension. Although works of historical fiction often contain invented personalities, authors try to maintain a fidelity to realism. Novels in this genre about World War II range from Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha," which details the life of a geisha in Japan during the war, to P.K. Dick's "The Man in the High Castle," which invents an Axis victory in the war.

"The Thin Red Line." by James Jones

James Jones' "The Thin Red Line" re-creates the brutal Guadalcanal campaign in the Asian theater of World War II. With more than a dozen major protagonists, including Pvt. Witt, this novel details the emotional and psychological consequences of combat, including the frustration, anxiety, terror and anger it causes. The novel has been twice adapted for film, in 1964 and 1998. The latter, directed by Terrence Malick, was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

"To the White Sea," by James Dickey

"To the White Sea," by James Dickey, combines philosophical reveries and militaristic action. Over the course of the novel, the American gunner Muldrow parachutes into and attempts to escape from behind enemy lines in Japan. As American forces fire-bomb the country, the lone soldier must survive the elements and conceal himself from Japanese forces. This 1993 work was Dickey's third and final novel.

"Gravity's Rainbow," by Thomas Pynchon

Published in 1973, Thomas Pynchon's "Gravity's Rainbow" is an experimental 760-page novel. Set in the final year of World War II, the story follows Tyrone Slothrop, who has been biologically conditioned to detect the detonation of V-2 rockets. Pynchon's novel draws on conspiracy theories, numerology, movie history and literary sources. It was chosen by the Pulitzer Prize three-member jury committee for the award but the decision was overturned by the prize's board members. No prize for fiction was awarded that year.

Do Football Methods Throughout Action

Football trick plays are designed to catch the defense by surprise.

Trick plays in football can be game-changing and affect the flow of any game. Coaches need to be careful to not call trick plays frequently because such plays can lose their effectiveness if the defense knows what play is coming. Trick plays generally work best when they can be disguised as part of a team's standard formations and play types.

Instructions

Setting up Trick Plays

1. Designate the standard plays and formations to be used in the next game. Design one or two trick plays based on the standard plays and formations. Introduce these trick plays to players when practice begins for the upcoming opponent. A trick play can take a wide variety of forms, but typically involves passing the ball when a running play is expected by the defense or throwing the ball when a running play is expected.

2. Use the trick plays during each practice so each player becomes accustomed to his role. Reinforce to the players the need to avoid any actions during the game that could alert the defense to the trick play. The element of surprise is the key to a successful trick play.

3. Call the standard plays and formations during the game, but pay particular attention to the defense's reaction to those plays on which the trick plays are based. The trick plays should be saved for a time in the game when the defense is likely to expect another standard play. For example, a good time for a trick play that uses a pass is when the team has a short-yardage situation that typically results in a running play.

Illustrator Retouching Techniques

Even good photographs can benefit from retouching in Photoshop.

Using Photoshop to retouch photographs used to be considered cheating by professionals. But it was soon embraced as a tool to make good photographs even better. Retouching photographs can bring out the areas you want viewers to focus on while removing any unwanted elements in the photograph.

Correcting Red Eye

Photoshop has its own red-eye tool, but there are a few tips to make it more effective. First duplicate the main photo's layer. Select the red-eye tool. The best settings to apply for this tool are 50 percent for pupil size and 70 percent for the darken amount. This will perform a basic red-eye correction. Change the copied layer's blending mode to "Difference." Merge all visible layers into one new layer so that you have a total of three layers. Delete the background copy layer. Now set the black and red layer's blending mode to "Difference."

Straightening Photos

There are many occasions when you might want to straighten a photo. Either the photo was taken at an awkward angle or perhaps it was scanned slightly skewed. Straightening in Photoshop CS 5 is extremely straightforward. Open the photo that you need to straighten and crop. Select the ruler tool. Now find a line that should either be straight horizontally or vertically. Click at one end of the line and drag as far to the other side as you can. Photoshop will then straighten the image and crop any left over white space at the corners.

Improving Skin

This is especially good for high-resolution portraits. Duplicate the background layer. Apply a 10-pixel radius to a gaussian blur effect. Open the Blending Options window. In Advanced Blending, disable red and green blending options, leaving only the blue channel. Duplicate the layer again and use the healing brush tool to remove any obvious marks or blemishes. Create a new layer and select all of the skin. Hold "Alt" and deselect the lips, nostrils, eyebrows and eyes. Apply another gaussian blur at 75 percent opacity, this time with a 20-pixel radius. Apply a "High Pass" filter with a radius of four. Activate the linear light blending mode, and set opacity of the active layer to 40 percent.

Reducing Wrinkles

This can be used to remove any wrinkles caused or worsened by bad lighting. Create a new empty layer. Choose the healing brush tool, not to be confused with the spot healing brush tool. Change the tool's layer sampling settings from "Current Layer" to "All Layers." Uncheck the "Aligned" setting. Hold "Alt" and click on an area of skin to sample from. Release "Alt" and use the healing brush to color the wrinkle to be removed. Photoshop will automatically blend the colors.

Create A Kite Bridle

A kite bridle consists of strings attached to the kite frame. The bridle gives a range of adjustment to balance the kite during flight. Most kites use a two- or three-point bridle. A three-point bridle provides a wider adjustment range than a two-point bridle, which is why it is commonly used on fighter kites. Traditional kites use a two-point bridle.

Instructions

Two-Point Bridle

1. Tie a 30-inch long piece of flying cotton line to the point where the bow and spine of the kite meet. Tie the opposite end to the spine 6 inches from the end. This is the bridle line.

2. Fold a 7-inch piece of cotton flying line in half and tie the ends together. Tie the 7-inch piece to the bridle line with a lark's head knot. This is the tow connection loop.

3. Attach to the flying line to the tow connection loop.

Three-Point Bridle

4. Tie a 12-inch piece of cotton flying line to the bow. The line should be on the front of the kite. Tie the other end to the bow on the opposite side of the spine to form a loop across the front of the kite. This is the upper bridle yoke.

5. Tie an overhand knot in the end of a 28-inch piece of cotton flying line. Fold the end of the line over 5 inches and tie the knot to form a loop. Attach the loop to the center of the upper bridle yolk with a lark's head knot. Pierce the skin of the kite and thread the lower bridle line through the hole and around the spine. Push the end back through the hole and tie it to the spine 6 inches from the tail. This is the lower bridle yoke.

6. Fold a 7-inch piece of cotton flying line in half and tie the ends together. Tie the 7-inch piece to the lower bridle line with a lark's head knot. This is the tow connection loop. Attach the flying line to the tow connection loop.

Instructions For Setting Rhinestones

Rhinestones can be applied several ways. There are a variety of heat setting tools available to choose from as well. Manufacturers might opt to use a heat press machine, which allows them to control the heat setting with the use of a temperature gauge. Avid crafters, might select from a variety of hand-held heat setting tools, which will make embellishing with rhinestones or crystals much easier. For the beginner, a home iron and some extra time will also do the trick.

Rhinestones: Motifs and Application

When selecting a rhinestone motif for application, measure the fabric area where you would like to set your design. This will help you determine what size and type of design you want to apply and will give you a rough idea of many rhinestones you will need. Your design can incorporate one color or multiple color rhinestones. It is best to roughly sketch the pattern, cut it out and lay it onto the fabric area. It will make the rest of the process much easier and will give you the opportunity to make adjustments to your design before setting the rhinestones. Keep in mind when selecting your pattern that rhinestones are available in a variety of sizes and colors

You might opt to purchase premade rhinestone motifs. When purchasing premade motifs, make sure it has a protective white backing, a clear heat transfer film and, for intricate designs, a nonstick sheet might come along with your purchase. Without these sheets, you will not be able to proceed with application.

A nonstick sheet comes in a variety of sizes in accordance to the size of your application. Normally for mini-motifs, the nonstick sheet is attached to the instruction sheet. If it is not available, purchase one. This protective sheet acts as a cover over the heat transfer film. It will help avoid any fabric discoloration if the heat temperature is too high. The transfer film is extremely hot when heat is applied and the nonstick sheet will act as a protective sheet as well.

The motif protective backing usually is white in color and is separate from the nonstick sheet. It will protect any loose rhinestones, and the motif will remain intact during the placement process. If the premade motif selected comes in sheet form, it is best to cut away excess backing as close as possible to the design. This will help you when handling the motif and placing on the selected fabric area. Remove the protective backing once you have placed the motif.

Always leave the rhinestones set on the clear heat transfer film. This film has a preset invisible adhesive agent and is tacky to the touch. During the rhinestone application process, the adhesive side is always facing the fabric.

When designing your own motif, it is important to remember that the pattern designed must be printed on its reverse side. Make sure the graphic design software being used features this application. The reversed printout will be placed underneath the clear heat transfer film with the adhesive side facing you. Rhinestones will be dropped into your design individually. It is best to cut away any excess heat transfer film to make the process easier. You can place a small piece of removable tape or heat transfer tape to hold the film and printout in place. It is important to remove the tape before starting the heat setting process to avoid any damage to the heat setting tools or fabric area. Each rhinestone dropped into the design will have the flat backing surface facing you and the faceted surface facing the adhesive side. The rhinestone's flat surface has the adhesive preset and is only activated when applied with heat.

Selection: Heat Press Machines vs. Rhinestone Setting Tools

Once the rhinestone design has been selected, it is important to select the right heat setting tools. Manufacturers can opt to use industrial heat press machines, but there are also a variety of low-cost presses that provide professional results for the at home user. It is important to note these machines have different heat plate dimensions, are very heavy and require specific electrical capacity.

When beginning the rhinestone application process with a heat press machine, remember that the temperature must not exceed 250 degrees. A nonstick sheet will aid in not having the heat transfer film melt or adhere to the fabric if the temperature surpasses the recommended degrees. Normally these machines include a timer and have their own recommended heat setting times per project application. The swing away arm will allow you to properly place your design and fabric. Once the arm clamps down, be aware of the time and temperature.

Once the appropriate set time is complete, allow the heat transfer film to completely cool. The rhinestones will not properly set if the heat transfer film is removed before the cooling period. Gently remove the film from one corner only and make sure the rhinestones are set in place. If one stone adheres to the heat transfer film or appears loose, repeat the process and keep taking note of the time and temperature.

There are also a variety of hand-held heat setting tools. When purchasing a hand-held heat setting tool, it is very important to know if the heat setting tool is adjustable to hold several rhinestone sizes or is only made for one particular size rhinestone. You also might consider working with crystals incorporated with your rhinestone design, and some hand-held heat setting tools offer this option.

Heat setting tools aid you to manually pick up each stone individually and heat the preset rhinestone adhesive surface. Once you are satisfied with the rhinestone placement, use the stone release button to drop your rhinestone. The tool releases the rhinestone and adheres to the fabric.You also will be able to apply the rhinestones without the use of a nonstick sheet or heat transfer film. The tool allows you to set the stones directly onto the fabric area selected. Usually the tool inserts the rhinestone with the faceted side facing the tool. The flat surface will be facing the fabric for easy application. It is important to read instructions because each tool has different application features.

Application: At Home Rhinestone Setting

The beginner might opt to use his home iron to learn the rhinestone setting application process. You will be able to purchase premade motifs or design your own pattern. It is important to note that when using your iron, a nonstick sheet is highly recommended to avoid damage. When purchasing premade motifs, read the instructions for recommended iron settings. Usually the iron setting is placed on high.

Remove the protective backing and place the motif with the heat transfer film adhesive side facing fabric. Once the iron is at its appropriate setting and temperature, place the nonstick sheet to cover the heat transfer film. Gently iron and hold it for a few seconds. Do not leave the iron unattended. The film becomes very hot once the adhesive is activated. Allow it to completely cool before checking the rhinestone application. Remove the film from one corner gently and make sure that the rhinestones are adhered properly. If the stones are visibly loose or remain on the heat transfer film, reset film and nonstick sheet and repeat the process.

Rhinestones add color, design and excitement to your garments. Select the application process and heat setting tools that are right for you.

Evaluate Antique Books

Evaluate Antique Books

Not all old or antique books are valuable. Value depends on a variety of factors such as the importance of the work, the book's scarcity and collectors' interest in it. But when buying or selling books, collectors often use a system called "grading" to help estimate their value. Grading a book can be a rather difficult thing to learn, since one collector's idea of what grade a book is may be different from the next but there are some things you can look at to help evaluate antique books.

Instructions

1. Investigate how scarce or rare the book is. Check the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) site, where you can search for books by author, title and binding and whether signed or not. The site also features many helpful articles on rare books and evaluation. You can also check for the book on used/out of print books sites such as addall.com.

2. Determine if it is a first edition. Since each publisher has their own system to identify first editions, knowing whether a book is a first edition can often be difficult. Use a reference guide such as "Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions," by Bill McBride to research which edition your book is.

3. Check the binding of the book. The binding of the book is the way the book is held together. Damage to the book such as pages falling out and a loose spine (the edge of book where the pages are held together) can all greatly affect the value of a book.

4. Study the condition of the book. Although a rare book can be in poor condition and still be worth a lot of money, most antique books lose value if the cover is too tattered, the book has marks in it or cover pages have been torn out.

5. Authenticate autographs in signed books. Some booksellers who buy and sell rare books also authenticate autographs. Check your local yellow pages for a bookseller in your area or contact a member of the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America) for a member that specializes in the type of book and autograph that you have. Make sure to inquire about pricing beforehand, since prices can vary depending on the amount of research that might be involved.

Phosphorescent Lighting Information

Colorfully glowing phosphorescent materials are often neutral in color under normal light

Phosphorescent, or glow-in-the-dark, materials are widely and commonly used in novelty items. However, they have other, potentially more important uses, largely as safety equipment or signage.

Definition

Phosphorescent lighting is a lighting system that functions by absorbing light energy during the day or when other nearby lights are shining, then releasing it gradually at night or in other dark conditions.

Uses

Phosphorescent lighting is useful for marking object edges, pathways and stairs that might otherwise be hazards for anyone moving around in the dark (during power outages, for example). They are also used to make glowing signs, such as exit signs, that can be read without any other light source or a power supply in the event of an outage.

Limitations

Phosphorescent light sources do not shine as brightly as traditional incandescent bulbs and are of limited use as general light sources. They can also only release what light energy they have previously stored, after which they will cease glowing until exposed to light again. Phosphorescence is also dependent on thermal energy for the release of stored light and as such is not useful for cold-weather applications. Because of this, it is largely restricted to indoor use.

Copyright Laws and regulations For Art Portraits

Art portraits are protected by copyright law.

Although many copyright issues are clear, in cases between artists and those who purchase or commission their art, things become a little more complicated. Artists and patrons need to understand copyright issues from the beginning of any project or purchase to avoid problems that may arise later on from the sale or reproduction of the work.

Art Copyright Basics

Any artist who creates an original work is automatically granted copyright protection that enables him to seek remuneration for actual damages that arise from unauthorized reproduction. Artists who register their portraits with the U.S. Copyright Office receive additional copyright protection, including the ability to seek punitive damages for up to $100,000 for copyright violations. In many cases, purchasing a piece of art doesn't transfer copyrights to the owner unless rights are specifically negotiated in the sale.

Work for Hire

An artist who is hired to paint or photograph a subject for a portrait is making a work for hire. Under these conditions, the copyright is owned by the commissioning party, who may then use the portrait in any context. Some photography studios and painters negotiate ownership of rights before the project begins so they retain copyright on the work after it's produced. To retain copyrights on work-for-hire portraits, artists should delineate the rights granted by the scope of the work in a contract before beginning the work.

Art Portraits

Artists who use models to create uncommissioned portraits or as fine art maintain the copyright to their pieces. In most cases, purchasing these works of art doesn't transfer ownership of copyright of the painting to its owner. Owners of portraits purchased from an artist may not use the work in a commercial setting without permission of the painter or photographer, unless at the time of purchase, they secured copyright rights from its creator in writing.

Length of Copyright Protection

Portraits created after 1978 are copyright protected for 70 years after the artist's death, while work for hire agreements maintain copyright protection for 95 years from publication, which in the case of portraiture, is usually the date the client took possession of the portrait.

Phantom From The Opera Details

Phantom of the Opera Facts

"The Phantom of the Opera" exists as a novel, silent film, theater musical and popular movie. This classic work enjoys worldwide fame as a tragic love story containing amazing special effects on film and on stage as well as stirring music. The story of the phantom has French origins dating back to the late 1800s, when its author first heard tales about strange occurrences at the Paris Opera House. For more than 100 years, the story of the Paris Opera House's phantom has entertained millions of people worldwide.

The Story

Gaston Leroux wrote the horror novel "Le Fantome de l'Opera," published in 1911. Leroux had long heard stories of ghosts haunting the Paris Opera House and decided to base a novel around these tales. He even boasted having researched the opera house and finding evidence of bodies in the cellars. The novel features an innocent young girl, who having lost her father attempts to become a star at the Paris Opera House, much to the disappointment of her boyfriend, who wishes she would quit. Her father promised an angel of music would watch over her and help her. She meets a man, the phantom, living under the opera house in the catacombs with a half-hidden, disfigured face. He becomes her angel of music, tutoring her while terrorizing others. His obsession leads to a tragic love story triangle and eventually to his death. The novel had mixed reviews and moderate sales.

First Film

After receiving only mixed reviews, the novel was run as a series of short chapters in newspapers with accompanying illustrations. This garnered more success. Eventually, Universal Pictures became aware of the story, and in 1925, the company created the first film version of the novel under the title "The Phantom of the Opera." The silent film created a star of Lon Chaney, who starred the tormented phantom. Some consider this early film version to be the most true to the novel. However, the director changed the ending from one where the phantom dies of a broken heart to one where he attempts to escape with Christine, his young protégé and love interest, but instead becomes victim to an angry mob that kills him.

The Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber created the most successful stage version of "The Phantom of the Opera" in the mid-1980s. The musical opened in 1986 at London's Her Majesty's Theatre as a huge success. "Phantom" won every major British theatre award, and since its opening, every seat has consistently been sold out. When the music from the theater version was released in London, it went straight to No. 1 on the charts. The musical opened on Broadway in New York in January 1988 and has set many attendance records since that time. In the theater version, Webber took the character of Phantom, created by Leroux as a menacing horror character, and turned him into more of a tragic, hopelessly in love character.

Later Film Version

"The Phantom of the Opera" found further success in 2004 with a Warner Brothers film adaptation released to huge success. This film adaptation was in the works since 1988, when Webber contacted Joel Schumacher, the eventual director of the film, about a possible adaptation for the big screen. Although they spoke of it from time to time over the years, not until 2002 did work began in earnest on the film adaptation. Webber had a large part in the development of the film adaptation. Though his principle role concerned the musical score of the film, he assisted in the development of plot lines that explained the histories of the main characters as well as some of the minor players such as dancers and stagehands.

The Numbers

Many numbers and statistics exist concerning this record-breaking musical. Throughout 18 countries, 65,000 performances of "The Phantom of the Opera" have occurred. Its overall ticket sales worldwide consistently sell out 99 percent of the existing seats. As of 2008, since it opened, over 52 million people have seen the Webber version of the musical. Broadway has shown "The Phantom of the Opera" continually since 1988. As the longest running musical in history as of 2008, "Phantom" broke "Cats" record of 7,485 performances, with more than 8,000 performances on Broadway. It holds the record as the first srun for longer than 20 years. As the highest-grossing musical ever on Broadway, more than $600 million in ticket sales had been achieved by 2008. Worldwide sales as of 2006 had reached $3.2 billion, making this tale the highest-grossing entertainment phenomenon in history.

Exactly What Does Graphic Creating Involve

According to The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), graphic design "is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas." Using imagery and type, designers take a client's message and present it in such a way that the audience can easily access and understand the message.

Elements

All graphic design projects make use of images and type. Imagery can take on many forms including photography, illustration, paintings and drawings. Type involves not only the chosen typeface, or font, but also includes the words themselves. Connecting the words and images to tell stories is the main purpose of graphic design.

Tools

Depending on the message and purpose of the project, designers can use a variety of tools to complete the project. Most printed design projects are created on a computer using software packages such as Adobe InDesign for page layout and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for photo manipulation and image creation. These projects are then printed. Video projects utilize video cameras, audio equipment and editing software, while web design projects rely on image creation software and computer code. Based on the imagery selected, designers may use cameras or create artwork by hand using any number of artist mediums.

Education

Those seeking education in graphic design can obtain an undergraduate degree from a college or university or trade school, a masters degree from a university or on the job training. Aside from the technical skills necessary to use the graphic design software and hardware, successful designers need to understand a multitude of topics and theories including form and structure, composition, visual metaphor, signs and symbols and persuade and inform people.

Applications

The art of graphic design can be seen almost anywhere. Designers work on projects ranging from every day things such as the design of your cereal box or the artwork on your t-shirt to the way-finding system at a major amusement park. Graphic design projects span from tiny business cards to large billboards and from the logo on your toothbrush to the designs on the side of airplanes.

Do Stopmotion Animation

Stop-motion animation is the kind of animation that makes inanimate objects come to life on the screen. Stop-motion animation is not only interesting to watch, but it can be fun to make. However, a would-be animator should not assume the work is quick to do. These videos require a lot of patience.

Instructions

Stop-Motion Animation

1. Place the camera in position in front of the object you want to animate. It will be important to the final product to make sure the camera does not move. It can be placed on a tripod to keep it steady.

2. Click the first picture with the digital camera. Then move the object or objects very slightly and shoot the next picture with the camera. Be careful the camera does not shift each time the button on the camera is pressed.

3. Repeat the actions involved with step 2 for as long as you need in order to produce the desired effect. Because each move of the object is slight, you almost certainly will take at least 100 photos for even a 25-second video.

4. Go to the "Start" menu on your computer and then click on "All programs." Double click on "Windows Movie Maker." When this program opens, go to the "Tools" menu and click on "Options," and then "Advanced." In the "Picture Duration" box, set the value to 0.125 seconds. In the "Transition Duration" box, set the value to 0.25 seconds.

5. Plug your digital camera into your computer's USB port and save your images in a folder. In Windows Movie Maker, select "Import Media" and select the folder in which you have saved the photos. Thumbnails of these photos will now open in order in Windows Movie Maker.

6. Select all of these images and drag them to the storyboard on the bottom of the page. Go to the "File" menu at the top of the page and select "Publish Movie." Choose where you want the movie saved and click "Next." Find the saved file and click on it to view the completed stop-motion animation file.

Draw Old-fashioned Graffiti

Old school graffiti starts with a tag.

Graffiti culture reached its heights in the 1980s with the explosion of hip hop culture. Fueled by music and movies, images of New York Street culture traveled around the world. Today, graffiti has made its mark in graphic design, photography, advertising, fine art, and walls around the world. Modern graffiti wall art has evolved to incorporate some stenciling unlike old school graffiti artists, whose work is purely freehand.

Instructions

Working on Paper

1. Sketch a classic background--a brick wall--in pencil. Keep the bricks symmetrical and evenly shaped. Adding cracks creates an aged feel.

2. Use markers in grays and earth tones as coloring for the bricks so that your letters stand out. Additional shading and highlights can help the bricks look distinct.

3. Sketch your tag using bubble letters. Bubble letters are easy to read and create and serve as the starting point for every new graffiti artist. All letters are lower case. Put a lot of thought into your tag, it's your name and symbol that will be your signature.

4. Draw with a distinct circular motion from the wrist in creating the letters. They overlap, but are not connected. 3-D effects can be added at this stage by adding shadows in black behind the letters.

5. Use three colors when filling in your piece: outline, fill, and glow. Since the letters are fat, there is room to add extra writing or symbols of significance once the fill color has been applied.

6. Only ink the outline in black marker once you are happy with the entire piece. Once it's been outlined, erase all the pencil sketch marks.

Harden Toning Clay

A harder clay surface makes adding detail easier.

Most sculpting clay is fairly soft, allowing you to push it around and create forms quickly. This softness is a benefit when roughing out a sculpture, but can be a problem when it comes time to add fine detail. Fortunately there are two easy ways to temporarily harden the surface of your clay, allowing you to do detail work without the risk of smearing. The first is through the use of powder, the second uses temperature.

Instructions

Baby Powder

1. Pour a small amount of baby powder into a bowl.

2. Load a fluffy makeup powder brush with a generous amount of baby powder.

3. Brush the powder against the clay using small, circular motions. You can be aggressive: the brush is too soft to damage the clay. This works well for water-based clay, and is adequate for oil-based clay.

Freezing

4. Purchase a can of compressed air from a computer shop. This product is typically used to clean electronics.

5. Hold the can upside-down.

6. Squeeze the trigger, allowing the liquid from the can to spray over the clay. This will rapidly cool and harden it for a short time.

7. Reapply this liquid as needed. This technique works well on oil-based clays, but can damage the surface of water-based clays by creating ice crystals in the clay.

Form A Production Team

Forming a production team includes hiring a director.

Filmmaking is an exciting field for young entrepreneurs who want to work within a team of individuals dedicated to a particular vision. The aspiring maker of movies needs key persons to join together to complete the work involved in creating cinema. Forming a production team requires an extensive knowledge of the business, a concrete business plan, a hiring strategy and discernment in choosing the right individual for each role. Keep in mind the goal of creating the films you want to share with the world, as you put together a dynamic production team.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a specialized program to learn about the creation and business of making films. Research the schools with film programs in your community. Many four-year universities offer degrees in filmmaking. Alternatively, you can attend shorter training programs on the basics of filmmaking. Learn all you can prior to actually forming a production team.

2. Determine your basic needs for the team you want to form. Start small with the goal of teaming with a few key individuals. According to the Media Awareness Network, production teams often consist of producers, writers, directors, camera persons, gaffers, the grip, sound and picture editors. Consider whether positions such as producing and writing, or camera person and picture editor, can be combined.

3. Create a business plan that details your vision for the production team. You need a solid plan if you want to attract investors or secure a loan to aid you in getting films made. Remember, you will need funds for hiring, equipment use, marketing and miscellaneous items and services. Learn draft your plan with help from the government's Small Business Administration.

4. Obtain funding for your future production team, so you will be able to start making films once it is in place. Consider a small business loan from the government or a bank. Look into the possibility of obtaining a grant, or contact established business leaders with investor proposals. Or determine whether you have sufficient personal funds to use in this endeavor.

5. Advertise your desire to form a production team in trade magazines, online classifieds and at film schools. Instruct potential applicants to bring their resumes and portfolios with them when they interview with you. Explain your vision of the types of films you will make and how the team will work, when talking with candidates. Be upfront regarding how, when and how much team members will be paid. Choose individuals you fit well with and believe can add to the team in terms of abilities, talent and ideas.

6. Gather your fledgling team together for an organizational meeting. Present your ideas for the first film to be made, create a time line, define individual roles with each member, and allow them to express their ideas, concerns and questions.

Poetry Clubs In Chicago Illinois

Finding poetry clubs these days is not always the easiest thing to do, but in a city like Chicago, where every art medium is represented, there are several to choose from. Poetry events within the city limits include a mix of amateur poetry slams and more traditional readings, in venues ranging from coffee shops to nightclubs.

Green Mill

The Green Mill cocktail lounge, which has hosted the Uptown Poetry Slam every Sunday since 1986, not only has one the oldest freestyle poetry nights in Chicago, but is the venue where the term "poetry slam" was created. The club itself, on the north side of Chicago, dates back to the early 20th century when it was known for being frequented by Al Capone. The weekly Uptown Poetry Slam gives amateurs a chance to take the microphone with an in-house band for background music. The rest of the week, the Green Mill is primarily a local jazz venue.

Green Mill

4802 N. Broadway Street

Chicago, IL 60640

773-878-5552

greenmilljazz.com

Cafe Ballou

Cafe Ballou, located right down the street from Humboldt Park, just north of the center of Chicago, offers live poetry the first Monday of every month. That night, called "Waiting 4 the Bus," features club-booked poets and welcomes amateurs to try the open mic as well. Although Waiting 4 the Bus is mainly for poets, the club also allows acoustic singer-songwriters to take the mic. Unless otherwise posted, each poetry night is free, and although Cafe Ballou only serves coffee, patrons are allowed to bring their own beer or wine if they wish.

Cafe Ballou

939 N Western Ave # 1

Chicago, IL 60622

773-342-2909

cafeballouchicago.com

Butterfly Social Club

Located just outside downtown Chicago, the Butterfly Social Club, also known as the Funk Buddha Lounge, is home to the Mental Graffiti poetry slam night. This event takes place the third Monday of every week and features local slam poets as well as nationally known artists. Amateur contests are also held, with winners chosen at the end of the night. Mental Graffiti also has its own in-house poetry collective, which entered into the the National Poetry Slam championships. The club features a full bar and has drink specials for each night of the week.

Butterfly Social Club

722 W Grand Ave

Chicago, IL 60654

312-666-1695

funkybuddha.com