Make Graffiti On The Web

Create your own graffiti online.

Graffiti is the ancient activity of unofficially drawing, writing and painting on walls. It proliferates especially in urban areas. It has become a key part of hip-hop culture, in which styles of graffiti abound. Using familiar paint-software tools, several websites allow artists to create their own graffiti designs online. This gives artists a chance to practice their art while inside at their computers. It also allows for artistic expression when the graffiti artist is unable for some reason to practice the actual art of painting. Using these same websites, you can create your own digital graffiti.

Instructions

1. Visit a graffiti creation website. A link to one such website, Graffiti Playdo, is in the Resources section.

2. Familiarize yourself with the palette layout. While the commands are the same across platforms, each website has a different appearance with the controls in different places.

3. Choose a paint color. You can choose from a variety of grays, white and black, and diverse other colors. You will change colors to mix and match as you go.

4. Choose a spray area. You can choose a pinpoint stream, a wide circle or anywhere in between. Different spray areas are useful in different situations. For example, a wide spray area is good for bold strokes or for painting large areas at a time. A narrower area is good for detail work.

5. Choose the paint density. This affects the transparency of the paint. At maximum density, the paint is totally opaque, and none of the underlying colors or wall textures will show through. At lower densities, the paint is more transparent, allowing the colors beneath to show through. This allows for the actual mixing of colors.

6. Paint on the virtual "wall." Use your mouse pointer to paint your designs, switching color, area and density as you wish.

7. Experiment with your own designs. The point of graffiti, online or off, is to express yourself with your own artistic ideas.

Make A Tattoo Stencil Stick

Tattoo stencils need to be applied properly in order for them to stay stucks during the inking process.

It is important to have a tattoo stencil stick to the skin in order to complete the work as it originally appeared during the design process. Tattoo stencils allow a tattoo artist to have an outline of what he or she is tattooing on a client. By applying deodorant to the skin before applying the stencil, you can ensure that the design will stay intact throughout the entire tattoo process.

Instructions

1. Clean the area of skin that you are going to apply the stencil to with green soap. Green soap can be found at any tattoo supply retailer.

2. Shave the area you are planning on tattooing with a razor. Dry off the area with paper towels once you have completely cleared the hair from the tattoo site.

3. Apply the roll-on Speed Stick brand (or generic equivalent) deodorant to the shaved area of skin. Be sure to cover the entire area, so that all parts of the stencil drawing will come in contact with the deodorant. Speed Stick is recommended because the ingredients in this particular type of deodorant trap the ink from the stencil in the skin's pours, making it stay in place for the duration of the tattooing process.

4. Apply the stencil to the skin carefully. The stencil should be face down, so that the ink comes in contact with the skin. Use the palms of your hands, then your fingertips, to apply pressure to the stencil and skin. Be careful not to stretch the skin when applying the stencil, because when the paper is removed, the design may appear different than on paper.

5. Remove the stencil paper from the skin carefully. Look at the design that remains on the skin as the paper is removed to verify that the ink has bonded to the deodorant and skin.

Make Your Own 50x50 Avatar

Avatars should be creative and represent you in some way.

Avatars have become standard for just about any Web application where the user can comment or post messages to one another. Avatars represent the poster in some way, usually a graphic that they created or chose from an existing image or a photograph of themselves. Avatars also vary by size depending on the website's size restrictions, usually 50-by-50 pixels at their smallest. While small and seemingly hard to create because the small amount of workspace, 50-by-50 avatars aren't very difficult to make.

Instructions

Creating a 50-by-50 Avatar

1. Select an image or photograph that you like to use for your avatar. Open the file in your image-editing software.

2. Crop the image until it is even on all sides, if necessary. Edit the canvas size so that it fits to the size of the image. The image must be perfectly square to resize correctly later in the process.

3. Customize the image to your liking by adding text using the "Text Tool" which is either the "A" symbol on your software's toolbar or the "T" key.

4. Save your work as a JPG or PNG and as a PSD file (for future editing) when you are satisfied with your work.

5. Load the application you are using your avatar on and upload your avatar from your computer. The program will usually automatically resize the image to 50-by-50 pixels if it is larger.

Learn Hand Engraving

Learn Hand Engraving

Hand engraving is the art of using chisels, gravers and other power tools to carve intricate designs in hard substances, like marble or wood. Learning hand engrave requires taking some lessons, buying engraving tools, engraving materials and practicing. Lessons range from taking classes, learning online or even being an apprentice. Apply your engraving lessons to each new engraving you make in order to practice new techniques.

Instructions

1. Buy hand-engraving tools and materials to practice your craft. Tools include chisels, drills and even lathes. Your material should be hard but capable of being carved, like wood or marble. If you want extra help, attend local engraving classes from a community college or get lessons from a local engraver.

2. Continually attend any classes you may take and read all reading materials. These books can prepare you for the more complex methods you will utilize as you advance. You can also obtain help from your teacher by attending lessons regularly.

3. Practice your lessons regularly as you learn. Buy new materials or tools as necessary and continually practice all your techniques. Simple techniques will be learned first, such as basic engraving and specific engraving patterns.

4. Apply your simple techniques to learn more complex engraving methods, such as engraving names or specific shapes. Practice these techniques regularly on your materials until you have them mastered.

5. Periodically test your abilities by engraving something specific. Start with a simple engraving like a square or a series of parallel lines. Move on to more complex engravings such as words or even shapes. Once you have mastered those abilities, move on to more complex methods.

6. Engrave complex pictures that utilize as many techniques as possible, such as shapes, parallel lines, words and detailed pictures. If you have a teacher, show these to her to get her critique. Keep practicing regularly to improve your skills.

Etch Copper & Brass

Acids and bases can etch into brass and copper.

If you have seen metallic artwork with intricate designs, you might have witnessed the art of etching. Etching removes a layer of the surface of a metal. Instead of using tools and fire to melt and bend copper and brass, the corrosive liquid eats away at the surface making indents and grooves. In ancient times, artisans were the only people who knew the techniques of etching. Now, you hold the information in your hands. Expand your horizons by etching some copper or brass.

Instructions

Copper

1. Rub petroleum jelly over the areas you do not watch to etch. It protects the copper from the corrosive materials or liquids.

2. Mix a solution of 4/5 cup of vinegar with 1 tbsp. of salt in a glass container. Mix the solution with a spoon.

3. Submerge the piece of copper into the solution. Use tweezers.

4. Let the solution etch the copper for 2 hours. Remove and check the copper. It could take up to 10 hours to etch the copper.

Brass

5. Melt wax in a glass container using a microwave. Pour the wax over the surface of the brass. Remove wax with paper towel in areas you do not want to etch. To make intricate designs, remove wax with a sharp-pointed object. The wax protects the brass from the corrosive materials or liquids.

6. Mix a solution of 2 cups of perchloric acid and 1 cup of distilled water. Mix the solution with a glass stirrer.

7. Submerge the piece of brass into the solution. Use tweezers.

8. Let the solution etch the brass for 1 hour. Remove and check the brass. Repeat until the brass is etched.

Learn Calligraphy Online

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting.

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting. Many calligraphy classes are offered in design and art schools, and some private instructors teach classes as well. Calligraphy classes are considered specialty classes and they may not be offered in every academic institution. There is a repository of calligraphy lessons online that you can take advantage of to learn calligraphy. The combination of online tutorials, resources and videos allow you to master calligraphy at home.

Instructions

1. Pick a calligraphy site online among the different portals available to help get you started in learning calligraphy online. Many websites have different styles of teaching, and selecting one will help you focus and finish a particular program or lesson at a time. You can then move on to other websites once you have a grasp on the basics of calligraphy. There are many websites out there that can teach you calligraphy, and some can even teach you calligraphy in other languages. You have to narrow down your choices to the ones most suitable for your needs.

2. Buy materials that are needed for your calligraphy studies online. You will need calligraphy paper, which are ruled to help guide you as you create calligraphy strokes. You will also need a calligraphy pen, which has a unique edge to help you create strokes. You may also buy a fountain pen, but that will be more useful when you are in a more advanced stage. For beginners, a felt tip marker, fine point pen or calligraphy pen will do.

3. Copy the letters based on the letter formation guidelines of basic calligraphy. StudioArts.net has a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on start letter strokes. Make sure that you are working within the boundaries of the ruled calligraphy paper, and you should focus on writing each letter successfully in the way it's supposed to be written.

4. Watch online video tutorials to help you gain more techniques in writing calligraphy. Videos allow you to see how each letter is formed in real time. It also helps you gain tips on write in a more fluid way as you observe professionals create strokes. YouTube has a vast collection of calligraphy videos online. Type the word "calligraphy" on Youtube.com to see the calligraphy tutorials available.

5. Practice your strokes in order to master a steady and uniformed writing style. Mastering calligraphy takes practice. Take a clean piece of calligraphy paper and practice copying the calligraphy letters while keeping in mind the steps of the strokes. Do this repeatedly until the steps of the strokes are second nature to you and you can focus on adding your style and learning more about other calligraphy styles.

Learn Calligraphy For Wedding Invitations

Hand addressed envelopes

Learn to address wedding invitations in calligraphy using special tools that help create a beautiful writing style. It takes a little practice and understanding of the technique when using a calligraphy pen (very different from writing with a ballpoint pen). Guests receiving a lovely hand-addressed wedding invitation will appreciate the time and effort taken to make the event very special.

Instructions

1. Use correct technique. Using a pen with a wide nib, hold the calligraphy pen so the nib is at a 45-degree angle. Rest your palm on the writing surface and move your hand so that letters are written with wide and narrow features. This requires a consistent writing angle. Keep the pen rigid between your fingers and do not turn the pen or you will lose the angle needed to write pretty letters.

2. Practice writing individual letters like "X" and "O" before you write words. These lend themselves to wide and narrow thicknesses, the essence of calligraphy. Letters should be written at the same angle, stay equal distance apart and stay within the proper proportion. Study calligraphy books to understand the basic technique. It may help to photocopy a page or two in Italian italics, one of the easier calligraphy writing styles to learn, and trace the letters. The more practice, the better.

3. Follow the Italian italics lettering style in a guide book and write the alphabet in lower case. Write slowly, carefully and large. Do the same with capitals. Writing with a large nib makes it easier to acquire a consistent calligraphy style.

4. Switch to a medium nib pen and write the italic alphabet again (lower case and capitals). There is a distinct difference in letters now that you have a little experience writing with a wider nib and have learned to hold your hand properly.

5. Make an insert on white card stock with lines wide enough to be seen through an envelope. This is a guide to address envelopes evenly and on a straight line. The insert can be used for all envelopes addressed for the wedding invitations.

Learn Calligraphy

Calligraphy, literally translated, means "beautiful writing." Heralded as an art form above and beyond a means of communication, calligraphy is a wonderful way to express yourself.

Instructions

1. Choose professional calligraphy pens and ink. The best choice for beginners is a chisel-point pen with a width of approximately one and a half millimeters.

2. Take the time to relax and meditate. Calligraphy is an age-old art form that draws on a steady hand and inner peace.

3. Begin by finding a copy of the uncial alphabet. This is one of the more common calligraphic alphabets, and was utilized by the early Christians.

4. Trace the letters of the uncial alphabet slowly and carefully several times to get a good feel for the curves of the letters and the pen strokes.

5. Focus on keeping your letters straight and uniformly sized. You can move on to the fancy maneuvers later.

6. Research local beginning calligraphy classes at a junior college or art institute. Nothing can replace the helpful guidance of a trained calligraphy professional.

Learn Byzantine Music

Good composition is one of the foundations of Byzantine music.

To learn Byzantine music, you must understand proper uses of good composition, such as vocalization and intervals. Byzantine music is used for festival or church music, and it is based on textual intonation. It has a series of melodic lines that match a particular syllabic pattern. Here you will learn basic music elements for Byzantine music.

Instructions

1. Learn Byzantine music notation for chants. Byzantine notation is a neumatic system, using notational symbols to interpret Byzantine chants into written form. You will use this system to add intervals, to add duration to music, and to show divisions of beats.

2. Use Martyríes Greek signs to show the first chanting note of the Byzantine melody. Martyríes are divided in three groups: diatonics, enharmonics, and chromatics.

3. Familiarize yourself with traditional hymns of the Byzantine music. There are three types of hymns for Byzantine music that are very influential in the Greek culture: troparion hymn, kontakion hymn, and the tropaia. You can choose to purchase the music or visit your local library to either borrow or listen to Byzantine music of the Greek Orthodox church.

4. Study musical instruments of the Byzantine Greek culture, such as the kithara and the aulos. The kithara is a stringed instrument in the lyre family. The aulos is a wind instrument made of two reed pipes that are not joined except at the mouth band. Although many Greek instruments were used, the main instrument of Byzantium was the organ.

Laser Etch

Laser Etch

Laser etching is done with a laser engraving or cutting machine. It is a very simple process to learn and can be done on a variety of materials. Some examples of possible materials include wood, plastics, metals, coated metals, stone, and glass. Laser etching is a very quick process allowing for production at a high rate.

Instructions

Laser Etching Steps

1. Start by making a vector or pixel based artwork. A bmg, jpg, tif, or dxf file will work. The higher the resolution the better your final outcome will be. A vector image allows for much finer details.A vector image can be made with Adobe Illustrator or a similar program. A pixel image can be made with Adobe Photoshop or any similar program. There is also the possibility of finding a picture on the internet that you would like to use, however remember that a picture with poor resolution will not come out well.

2. Find a laser cutter or engraver. Each machine has different setting based on how deep you would like the engraving to be and what type of material you are engraving on. Read the manual of your machine to find the correct settings.Laser etching works with a high power laser that is programed by a computer. The material that you put under the laser to be etched then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas. This process leaves you with a very high quality finish compared to other methods of etching.Because you are using a high powered laser it is very important that you read all the instructions carefully!

3. Allow the machine to run and hopefully you will have a beautiful outcome in minutes...if not, try and try again!

Lace A Drum

A traditionally laced drum is still used today.

The drumskin or drumhide is the surface of the drum that is hit or struck to produce a sound. In traditional drums, such as Native American drums or African Djembe, this skin is made of rawhide and is evenly stretched over the frame of the drum with lacing or pegs, ensuring a consistent sound. Lacing is a gradual process that draws the drumskin tight around the frame, using a wooden hoop with a perfectly circular shape.

Instructions

1. Soak rawhide skin in cold water for 24 hours to make the skin stretchy and pliant.

2. Lay the drumskin rough side up on towels or other protective cloth on your work surface and place the drum frame in the center of the skin.

3. Lace the drum by drawing the lacing through opposing holes in the skin so that the string runs over the bottom of the drum in a crisscross pattern. Work back and forth so that all strings cross in the middle in a star pattern, ensuring an even and gradual stretching of the skin that draws it tight. When all holes are strung you are ready to make the handle.

4. With the end of the lacing, wrap around the center of the crossed laces repeatedly to further tighten the drumskin. This will create the first part of the handle and temporarily stretch the drum into a slight oval shape.

5. Repeat the wrapping perpendicularly, making sure to stay within the center of the drum. This will complete an X-shaped handle and return the drum to an even, round shape. Tie and trim the remaining lace.

6. Allow the drum to dry for 24 hours.

Know Byzantine Architecture

Every architectural movement took influences from the designs and artwork of previous periods. Byzantine architecture is a classic example of borrowing from past iconic styles and creating a brand new movement. There are crucial components that allow one to know, recognize and appreciate Byzantine architecture.

Instructions

1. Observe key works. Any study of most architectural periods will reveal that churches and other religious monuments comprise the significant designs of a specific period. For Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene are two of the many key works of this movement.

2. Understand the influences. Byzantine architecture owes many of its major components to Roman architecture. Understanding the Roman influence will help to define what makes Byzantine architecture distinctive. The use of arches and brick, for example, comes out of Roman architecture.

3. Review the structural advances. Byzantine architecture is known for a particular design that transitions square spaces into circular dome ceilings. That design is called the pendentive. The study of the pendentive and the squinch, among other advances, is key to finding the hallmark of Byzantine design.

4. Connect design to history. Changes in architectural movements often correlate to changes in ruling parties, wars and ideological movements. Art imitates life in the design of buildings, as much as it does in literature and art. Becoming a historian is often advantageous for ramping up on architectural periods, including the Byzantine.

Keep Your White Air Force Ones Clean

Air Force Ones are a line of athletic shoes manufactured by Nike. The leather shoes are available in a variety of colors, such as white, black and red. In order to keep your white Air Force Ones looking clean and new, you should wipe down the shoes after wearing them to remove any dirt and dust. While wiping them down, examine the shoes for any stains. If stains are noticed, the shoes should be deep cleaned. Deep cleaning should also be done if the shoes are beginning to look dingy or if wiping down the shoes doesn't remove all residue and dirt.

Instructions

1. Wipe down the Air Force Ones with a baby wipe after each use to remove dirt and buildup.

2. Remove the shoe laces. If needed, the shoe laces can be laundered in the washing machine with other white laundry.

3. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a squirt of a mild liquid soap, such as dish soap, hand soap or laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can use a foam athletic shoe cleaner.

4. Rub the cleaning solution into the shoes using a medium-bristled cleaning brush.

5. Dampen a soft cloth in cool water. Wipe down the shoes to remove soap residue. Do not allow the soap residue to dry on the shoes, as the residue will leave the shoes looking cloudy and dirty.

6. Dry the surface of the shoes with a towel to prevent water spotting.

Keep Washable Paint On Glass

Give your painted glass project a durable finish.

You can obtain beautiful effects by painting on glass and glassware. Washable varieties of paint are easy to use, easy to clean and come in a wide variety of colors, but there are some drawbacks to using it in glass painting projects. Washable paint will wear off glass with time and handling, and if it gets wet it will wash away. Take precautions to make your washable paint artwork more durable on glass objects.

Instructions

1. Wash the glassware thoroughly with soap and water. The paint will not stick if there is dirt or skin oil on the glass surface.

2. Rinse the glass well and dry it completely.

3. Wipe the glass down with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Wipe the surface again with a plain paper towel to ensure that the surface is completely dry.

4. Paint a base coat of glass and tile medium over the area of the glassware you are going to decorate. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface and make your design more permanent. Allow the base coat to dry for at least one hour.

5. Place a dab of washable paint about the size of a quarter in a mixing cup and blend in three or four drops of glass and tile medium with a mixing stick. This makes the washable paint more durable on the glass. Mix only the amount of paint you will use immediately, so that it does not dry out.

6. Paint your design on the area of the glass primed with the glass and tile medium. Be sure to let the paint dry completely between coats.

7. Allow the entire project to dry thoroughly, for a minimum of one hour or overnight, when your design is done.

8. Spray the entire painted surface with spray varnish to seal the project. Spray lightly and quickly so that the varnish does not saturate the paint. An overly heavy layer of varnish may run and mar your design.

Keep Nike Air Forces Like New

Nike Air Force 1 sneakers -- for men, women and kids -- have been produced in more than 40 styles and over 1,500 various color combinations. Because they are fully or partially made from leather, you should know clean and take care of them. Nike Air Force 1s can be costly, so you'll want to wear them for as long as possible to get your money's worth. That means you have to keep them looking like new.

Instructions

Caring

1. Keep paper stuffing inside your sneakers when not in use. It will retain the form of the sneakers, and prevent the leather from cracking and creasing. Avoid using newspaper stuffing; ink can get on the sneaker.

2. Spray the sneakers with a leather shoe protector spray; Foot Locker Leather Protector Spray works well. Keep the paper stuffing inserted in the shoes while spraying. Place the sneakers on a flat surface, preferably outdoors.

3. Hold the spray at least 5 inches away from the sneakers and lightly spray all over them. Do not saturate with the spray. Let them dry for about 20 minutes.

Cleaning

4. Clean the sneakers with a solution of laundry detergent and water. Fill a small cup with warm water and add 1 tsp. of detergent.

5. Get a toothbrush and dip it in the soapy solution. Gently scrub the outer surface of the sneakers with the toothbrush using a circular motion.

6. Take a clean wash cloth and wet it with clean water. Wring it so it is damp and not completely saturated. Wipe the soapy solution off the sneakers. Wipe with a small, dry towel. Let it completely air dry for 15 minutes.

7. Spray the Nike Air Force 1s with leather protector spray after cleaning and allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.

Keep Dogs Out Of Flower Beds And Gardens

Training and barriers will keep your dogs out of the flower bed.

Dogs wreak havoc in flower beds and gardens by damaging the flowers that were once a gardener's pride and joy and leaving a trampled mess. Canines view flower beds as an opportunity to dig. Whether your dog digs out of boredom or to expose cool soil for relief from a hot summer's day, stop it immediately before it becomes a habit that is hard to break. Besides training your dog, you can erect barriers and apply repellants to keep your garden and flower beds safe.

Instructions

1. Walk your dog frequently during the day to expend its energy or direct it elsewhere. Some dogs are more energetic than others and consider digging a form of play. Consider a few short strolls throughout the day instead of one long walk. Take a ball or throwing disc along so your canine jumps around and exerts itself.

2. Fence your garden to create a physical barrier between your dog and the flowers. Depending on personal taste and allocated budget, install wire, mesh or wood fencing that prohibits access to the garden. Keep it 5 to 6 feet high, with its bottom end buried in the soil to prevent the dog from digging and sliding under.

3. Install a motion-activated sound, sprinkler or light system. These easy-to-install systems startle and drive away your dog with sudden light, sound or activity. Startling the dog with a light spray of water from a hose also can discourage it from going near the flower bed or garden.

4. Install an invisible fence around the perimeter of your flower garden and a special collar around your dog's neck. Every time your canine attempts to go near the garden, the underground sensors in the fence send a signal to the sensors in the collar that gives the dog a mild shock. This teaches the dog not to go toward the flowers.

5. Spray cumin and crushed red pepper throughout the garden, or spray flowers with a mixture of cayenne pepper and alcohol. The mixture causes the canine to sneeze, which discourages it from going into the garden.

6. Plant cactus, thorny roses or other plants with thorns around the edges of your flower bed or areas you want the dog to stop visiting. Crossing the sharp barrier once will teach the dog not to go over it again.

7. Create a digging pit where your dog can divert its energy. Dig a trench in a corner of your yard and line it with sand that assists in drainage. Place a few of your pet's favorite toys there to encourage it to play, roll, jump and dig. Hide some toys under the pit's dirt and give the dog a treat every time it finds them.

Keep A Sketch Book For High School Art

Do not use wet mediums in a sketchbook designed for dry mediums.

Whether it's for a class or for fun, keeping a sketchbook is a worthwhile project that will help preserve your artwork and track your development as an artist. If you previously kept drawings on individual sheets of paper, a sketchbook will help you stay organized by centralizing all of your creative activities in one place. Even if you work in a medium incompatible with sketchbooks, such as ceramics or oil paint, you can still benefit from maintaining a record of ideas and doodles.

Instructions

1. Purchase a sketchbook that meets your needs from an art supplier; you may find that the texture, weight or binding of particular sketchbooks interfere with you creative process. Experiment with different brands and styles before settling on one.

2. Attach your drawing medium to your sketchbook. Slide pencils or pens into the rings of the binding. Rubber band loose materials to sketchbooks that have glued or sewn bindings to avoid weakening the spine.

3. Clip the rubric for your sketchbook to the interior of the back cover.

4. Sketch for 15 minutes at least once a day. Draw from life or sketch imaginary subjects. Sit in a public place such as a cafeteria or library for a dynamic set of live models.

5. Sign and date each sketch and review the sketchbook periodically to note improvements or declination of technique. Consult the rubric to ensure all project requirements are satisfied.

6. Store full sketchbooks in a dry environment. Consider wrapping books in a plastic sleeve to protect them from pests and dust.

Keep 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.

Make Animal & Heart Designs With Your Keyboard

You can add cute designs to your email by using your keyboard.

Making animal and heart designs with your keyboard is a fun way to liven up your emails and other correspondence on your computer. Sometimes a cute animal picture will add a touch of levity to an otherwise dull email or one that seems a little stern. Adding a heart shape will add a touch of affection to your correspondence or express love. You can add these types of designs to your permanent signature or just throw them in occasionally when it seems appropriate.

Instructions

Heart Symbol

1. Press the "alt" key on your computer and press the number "3" key on the number pad at the right side of your keyboard at the same time. Once you release the two keys, you will have a ♥ symbol on your screen. This does not work if you use the number keys on the top of your keyboard.

2. Press the "less than" and "shift" at the same time, to form the "<" symbol.

3. Add a number "3" after it to form a sideways heart symbol, "<3".

Cat Symbol'.'<)

( uu )

Keep A Drawing From Smudging In A Sketchbook

Prevent smearing of your artwork and preserve it for years to come.

When drawing with pencils or pastels in a sketchbook, use a workable fixative to keep your drawings from smudging when the book is closed. Workable fixative is an alcohol-based spray that binds and fixes graphite and pigments to prevent them from smearing across the paper. The spray is "workable," letting you continue to draw or color the art after spraying. Workable fixative is acid-free, so the paper in your sketchbook will be preserved and free from discoloration over the years.

Instructions

1. Place a drop cloth over your surface outdoors. Cover a table or the ground to protect the surface. The fixative spray has chemicals that can be toxic to your health when inhaled, so spray outdoors only.

2. Place your sketchbook, open to the page you are spraying, on the protected surface. Place a piece of newspaper over the opposite page to protect it from the spray.

3. Shake the can of workable fixative well, according to can instructions.

4. Hold the can of workable fixative over the page in the book you are spraying, at least 18 inches from the surface, or the distance recommended by the instructions on the can.

5. Spray the fixative, using broad strokes, to create a thin layer of spray on the paper. Keep the can moving while you spray to avoid saturating one area. Spray a small amount at a time to avoid dripping. Avoid spraying thick layers, as this can harden the surface and make the area unworkable. Keep the can upright when spraying, but avoid spraying along the edges of the book.

6. Allow the fixative to dry for at least one hour before closing the book, and two hours before you continue working on the drawing.

Keep A Daily Sketchbook

Daily sketching exercises encourage your creative spirit.

To improve their skill, artists spend time practicing their craft. When life grows busy, many artists struggle to balance their responsibilities with their artistic intentions. A daily sketchbook helps keep an artist on track, forcing her to spend a few minutes improving her craft everyday. Since the only rule governing a daily sketchbook is to sketch every day, your imagination serves as the only limit for design and drawing possibilities.

Instructions

1. Purchase a sketchbook with a design that inspires you. The more you like the sketchbook, the greater your motivation to use it. If you plan to sketch while out and about, purchase a small, portable sketchbook.

2. Place a set of art pencils, or pens, next to your sketchbook.

3. Set aside a portion of your day and devote it to sketching. For example, sketch for 15 minutes after dinner.

4. Create a list of drawing ideas and place it in your sketchbook. Start with a list of topics, such as "flowers" or "cars." Under each topic, write several possible drawing ideas, such as "bouquet of roses" or "prom corsage."

5. Draw a visual diary, as an alternative to a drawing idea. Draw several shapes, spaced along the paper. Inside one shape, draw an object that represents your day. For example, if you went to the beach, draw a picture of a wave. The next day, draw a new picture in a new shape.

6. Place your sketchbook in an easy-to-access location, such as a desk. If you need to encourage yourself to sketch more often, place the sketchbook next to the phone, TV or computer. Sketch as you talk to your friends, watch TV or browse the Internet.

Join Cosplay

Cosplay, a combination of the words "costume" and "play," is a culture in itself. Cosplayers dress up as their favorite anime, game, sci-fi and fantasy characters and attend conventions and events all over the world. Follow these steps to learn join in on Cosplay and all the fun.

Instructions

1. Immerse yourself in the culture. Watch anime, sci-fi and fantasy movies and television shows. Play popular video games and dive into the popular Cosplay websites.

2. Choose a character. Find a favorite character that you would like to embody. Choose someone who looks unusual with a fun costume. You do not have to look like the character you will Cosplay.

3. Make or buy a costume. The better your costume, the more attention you will get. Research your character thoroughly and find pictures to use as a guideline. Choose a costume and put pieces together to create your look. Find used costumes on Ebay or have a costume custom made.

4. Know interact with other Cosplayers. Ask permission before touching or photographing another Cosplayer. Respect other players' props and be gentle with their accessories. Be kind and only say positive things about other players' costumes. Cosplay is considered art, and as such it is subjective.

5. Go to Cosplay events. People Cosplay in many places, such as video game shows, Cosplay parties, nightclubs and conventions. Find a list of events on Cosplay websites.

Make Pictures With Typed Text

Overlapping text can help give the picture definition and highlights.

The art of typography, which involves mastering all aspects of type or text, from the size to the shape to the style of the letters, can be used to create actual pictures and images. While design software programs such as Adobe Photoshop enable you to do this cleanly on a computer screen, pictures can also be created by text or drawn by hand. Text can also be typed in Microsoft Word, printed and then cut out to form shapes and images. The manner in which you create the pictures is reliant on your personal preferences and the intended look for the artwork.

Instructions

Adobe Photoshop

1. Open a new Adobe Photoshop document, setting the size perimeters to the desired size of the overall picture, such as the standard page size on 8.5 by 11.

2. Select the text tool in the tools palette on the left-hand side of the screen. Edit the color of the text by clicking in the square at the bottom of the tools palette and selecting the color from the window that opens.

3. Edit the typeface, size and style of the font at the top toolbar that opens when the type of tool is selected. This can be changed between each new word or letter that you add onto the page.

4. Click and drag on the screen to open a text box. Type in the text book. Select the arrow tool in the tools palette to move the text around the page or rotate it.

5. Continue adding text to the page and insert it in the appropriate place to form the shape of the picture.

6. Layer text over other text to add shading into the picture. For example, if you are drawing a face and want to add shadowing to the cheekbones, overlap text in that area to create a darkened appearance.

7. Save the file when you have reached the desired layout and print it.

Microsoft Word

8. Sketch the outline of the picture you intend to make on a piece of paper or poster board.

9. Open a new Microsoft Word document and type to fill the page. You may need to fill several pages with type in order to fill the picture, depend on the size of the picture. You can do this by typing new pages or simply printing extra copies of the initial page of text.

10. Print the page or pages of text. Cut out each word of text with scissors or a retractable-blade knife.

11. Glue the cut-out words and letters onto the sketched page, filling in the lines with letters to form an image.

Interpret "Guernica"

"

Guernica" was painted by Picasso, who also created the work shown in this photo.

In 1936, civil war broke out in Spain between royalist forces led by General Franco and the elected republican government. The artist Pablo Picasso, who sympathized with the republican side, painted "Guernica" in 1937 to commemorate a notorious event that occurred during that conflict, when German airplanes allied to Franco bombed the town of Guernica.

Instructions

1. Look for the painting's three key symbolic figures--the bull, the horse and the lady with the lamp. The bull represents brute force, the horse suffering. The lady with the lamp is a more ambivalent figure, which combines a feeling of desperation in the urgency of its movement with a suggestion of hope in the lamp itself.

2. Note that Picasso has chosen not to represent the attack on Guernica literally--there are no airplanes or bombs. Instead, there is a stylized representation of fire in the top right corner, and towards the bottom of the picture you can see a figure clutching a broken sword. These are timeless representations of the cost of conflict. Combined with the figures of the bull and horse, they give this painting a mythological power.

3. Observe the electric light bulb and shade which overhang mayhem. For all its terror, the scene is not happening in complete darkness. This cold, factual light gives the painting a documentary feeling and is a warning to those who commit atrocities that their actions will not go unobserved or unreported.

Insult People Back After An Insult

It's unfortunate, but people can be insulting. Sometimes they insult on purpose, at other times it's unconsciously. Learn to insult people back after an insult and be ready the next time an insult is hurled your way. Use wit and cleverness and make people think twice the next time they want to insult you.

Instructions

1. Memorize some basic insults from a good joke or humorous resource. Alternately, you can come up with your own insults by commenting on a person's looks, intelligence level or personality. Insults based on truth have the most effective results.

2. Pay attention and listen to people when they're talking to you. There's nothing worse than being insulted and not knowing about it.

3. Recognize when you're being insulted. Some people can insult subtly, although most people's insults are blunt. However, it's hard to insult people back when you fail to realize you were being insulted.

4. Respond immediately when insulted by insulting people back. Use a memorized insult or come up with a new one. Think fast and notice the insulting person's most obvious characteristic or anything out of the norm, which is a good basis for an insult.

5. Comment to friends on how well you responded to the insult. Walk away from the insulter to show you intend to rise above the fray and stay there.

Install Vst Plugins In Pro Tools

Install VST Plugins in Pro Tools

A commonly cited problem with Pro Tools, an audio creation and production software, is that it will not work with third-party developers. With thousands of Virtual Studio Technologies plug-ins (or VSTs) to choose from, many Pro Tools users want to expand their workstations by adding them. However, Pro Tools will not recognize VSTs as usable content. Thanks to FXpansion, there are ways to add VST plug-ins into Pro Tools.

Instructions

Computers with Mac OS X

1. Download the VST to RTAS Adapter pack. Remember to match the adapter with your version of Pro Tools.

2. Click on the VST to RTAS Adapter disk image located on your computer. Drag and drop the folder to your Applications folder. Run VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

3. The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following three areas for VST plug-ins:

/Library/Audio/Plugins/VST

/Users//Library/Audio/Plugins/VST

/Applications/VST to RTAS Adapter /VST

If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, then press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

4. Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will now appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

Computers with Microsoft XP and Vista

5. Purchase the Fxpansion VST to RTAS Adapter pack. Remember to match the adapter with your version of Pro Tools. Once you have the appropriate version, run the VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

6. The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following two areas for VST plug-ins:

C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugIns

C:\Program Files\FXpansion\VST to RTAS Adapter\VstPlugIns

If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

7. Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

Install Kinetic Art

A kinetic goose mobile is designed to capture the movement of birds in flight.

Kinetic art depends on motion to operate and deliver the full effect of the art. Often, a small piece might include a mobile for a baby's crib or a wind chime. Larger kinetic pieces can be installed outside in areas with frequent wind or in large rooms where the piece can be showcased. Usually, a kinetic art piece involves motion coupled to other elements such as water, sound and motion. Installing the art requires precision.

Instructions

1. Install simple mobile-style kinetic sculptures by finding a position in a room where the mobile can move without encountering obstructions. Homes with vaulted or two-story ceilings often have locations above the touch of residents and away from open doors or windows.

2. Measure the dimensions of the space and the width of the artwork. Position the artwork with additional space between the art and any surface. This prevents the art from swaying into the surface such as when a door is opened suddenly. It is usually OK for the art to sway slightly, but not violently.

3. Install ceiling hangers in the weight load described on the packaging. Any ceiling hanger should be mounted directly into a ceiling joist, and the hanger should exceed the expected weight of the art piece. Some art pieces have additional installation requirements -- such as electrical and water sources -- that must also be addressed during installation. Usually this type of artwork will be installed by the artist.

4. Install wall-mounted kinetic art, such as roller ball sculptures, using the brackets provided by the artist. This type of art will require precise leveling during the installation so that the balls operate exactly as designed. Usually, the artist will oversee larger installations or provide detailed instructions on check the level of the piece during installation.

5. Position stand-alone kinetic art in locations where it will not be touched by children or other people. Usually, this type of art will require a level floor surface, and the piece may be mounted by brackets or other techniques. Some art is mounted outside where the operational elements are well above touch range. These can be heavy pieces that require commercial installation techniques.

Make An Origami Orchid

Learning the Japanese art of origami allows you to make beautiful paper projects by following folding patterns. You can even learn to make an origami orchid. Follow these folding directions to create a delicate, beautiful flower.

Instructions

1. Fold a square sheet of origami stock paper into a triangle, bringing both points together. Use this as your flower base.

2. Fold the paper again bringing both corners together. Rub your finger along the crease of the fold to make sure that it stays put. This step completes the triangle base.

3. Begin making the flower base by taking the triangle base folded over twice and adding a third piece, folding it over as well to meet with the opposite corner point.

4. Open a top section of the fold and crease it so that it remains in place. Open it up and repeat with the other flaps. Once you finish all of the flaps you will have the flower portion of your orchid.

5. Move on to create a frog base, taking the flower base and folding part of the corner toward the center, opening it, then folding it back in on all four sides until you get a petal bend.

6. Finish by folding the corner of your petal points and smooth along the crease. Then flip it over and open it up to spread open the leaves to reveal the shape of the orchid flower.

Install A Gauge Pod On A 1967 Mustang

Replacing the gauge pod takes time, but a new pod can dramatically improve the appearance of the Mustang's interior.

The 1967 Ford Mustang featured a newly-designed gauge pod, with three gauges at the top of the pod and two at the bottom. With the exception of the speedometer, which used a cable connected directly to the transmission, each of the gauges was electrical. Protecting each gauge is a plastic bezel. Over time, these bezels tend to get cloudy and sometimes crack. The bezels cannot be removed or repaired, but the gauge pod can be replaced.

Instructions

Removing the Gauge Pod

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable with a wrench.

2. Place a shop rag on top of the steering column to prevent scratching the paint while removing the gauge pod.

3. Remove the four screws, while holding the heater control panel in place, with a Phillips head screwdriver, then pull the panel out of the dashboard, taking care not to disturb the panel's wiring.

4. Reach through the opening left by the heater control panel with a wrench and unscrew the speedometer cable from the back of the speedometer.

5. Open the ashtray and press down on the tab at the back of the ashtray. Pull the ashtray out of the dashboard.

6. Remove the three screws which hold the ashtray's housing in place in the dashboard with a Phillips head screwdriver, then pull the housing out of the dash. Pull the single wire off of the back of the housing.

7. Reach through the opening left by the ashtray housing with a wrench and remove the nut from behind the right side of the gauge pod.

8. Remove the six external screws which hold the gauge pod in place with a Phillips head screwdriver, then pull the gauge pod out of the dashboard and position the pod on top of the rag covering the steering column.

9. Wrap each wire connecting to the back of the gauge pod with masking tape and label the position of each individual wire.

10. Pull each wire off of the back of the gauge pod. Note that the instrument lights must be rotated 90 degrees before each light bulb can be pulled out of the gauge pod.

11. Remove the gauge pod from the vehicle, then remove the screws which hold each gauge in place with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull the gauges out of the pod.

Installing the Replacement Gauge Pod

12. Insert the gauges into position in the back of the new gauge pod then install each gauge's retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

13. Position the gauge pod on the rag resting on top of the steering column and plug each wire and instrument light into position as noted by the masking tape wrapped around each wire. To install the instrument lights, align the two tabs on the side of the light's housing with the two slots on the gauge pod then twist the housing 90 degrees. Remove all masking tape pieces from the wires.

14. Position the gauge pod into place against the dashboard then install the pod's six external retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

15. Reach through the opening left by the ashtray housing with a wrench and install the nut onto the right side of the back of the gauge pod.

16. Plug the ashtray's single wire onto the threaded rod at the back of the ashtray's housing then position the ashtray's housing into place in the dashboard. Install the housing's three retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

17.Insert the ashtray into its housing with the ashtray in the open position. The thick horizontal bar at the back of the housing must fit in the slot at the back of the ashtray. Raise the ashtray to the closed position until it clicks into place.

18. Reach through the opening left by the heater control panel with a wrench and screw the speedometer cable onto the threaded fitting on the back of the speedometer.

19. Press the heater control panel into place against the dashboard then install the panel's four retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.

20. Connect the battery ground cable to the battery with a wrench.

Insert A Tattoo Needle

Demand sterilized equipment to keep yourself safe from disease.

Many cultures practice tattooing and have for many centuries. The techniques range from traditional instruments of wood and inks derived from plants to the current synthetic inks and automated tattoo guns. The modern art needs safeguards to prevent it from being a source of disease transmission. Most tattooing guns use disposable needles and guns that can be autoclaved between uses. Replacing the needle for each customer is not difficult but is a necessary task to keep the customer safe from infection.

Instructions

1. Adjust the tattoo gun to provide its optimum performance. This involves adjusting the power to provide a strong smooth sound, high speed operation and powerful torsion. Actuation of the tattoo gun gives a skilled tattooist the ability to hear most of these things.

2. Check the tip of the tattoo needle for damage. Make sure that the tip is not bent or otherwise unusable.

3. Use the special tool to remove the top hat grommet, allowing the removal of the needle if it is already present.

4. Insert the new needle from the top of the gun and through the grip. Lower the head of the needle until it is just above the armature arm. Fix the needle in position by replacement of the top hat grommet.

5. Check the operation of the gun to ensure that the needle is extending past the grip and able to generate the skin punctures required for a tattoo.

Increase Your Odds Of Winning Scratchoffs

You can make some money with scratch-offs with the right strategy.

Scratch-off lottery tickets are popular for their instant payoff, as well as ease of use. Some people may scoff at scratch-offs as piddly amounts of money to win, but other people are aware that scratch-offs provide the best odds to win of all the lottery games. Though you may not always hit on a $10,000 winner, you have a chance of winning your money back and even more.

Instructions

1. Log on to the Internet. Go to your state's lottery website homepage. Click on "instant win" or "scratch off" lottery games. Check the current games for the best odds, as well as which games have the most available prizes left to be won. (This is updated weekly in most states.) Choose games to play that still have thousands of prizes left. Avoid any games that have less than 1,000 prizes in any category, as many of these prizes will already have been won by the time you see the prize tally.

2. Refrain from playing any games that are seasonal and are past their peak month. For example, do not play a Christmas-themed scratch-off game in March or April, even if it is still available. These games will not have many, if any, prizes left.

3. Go to your local gas station or store that participates in the state lottery. Look at the scratch-off games offered at that store. Compare the games at that store with the best games you saw on the lottery website.

4. Buy scratch-offs that cost more to further increase your odds of winning. A $20 scratch-off typically has a 1 in 3 chance of winning, while $1 games have a 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 chance of winning.

Increase Your Odds Of Winning Hgtv Sweepstakes

win HGTV sweepstakes

Increase Your Odds Of Winning HGTV Sweepstakes

Everyone loves winning a contest, especially the prizes given away in the HGTV sweepstakes.

Everything from brand new homes and vehicles to specialty decorators can be won.

With this type of motivation to win sweepstakes, you're going to need to know increase your chances of winning.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Instructions

1. Go Online - Going online to enter can really help to increase your odds to win sweepstakes. This is due to the process being more efficient, quicker, and cheaper since you don't have to pay the cost of a stamp on an envelope. Online entries are also immediately received, so if you need to get one in right before the deadline, you can.

2. Mailing In - One tried and true method of entering the HGTV sweepstakes is by hand writing and mailing in your entries. The key to increasing your chances of winning here is by the actual number of entries that you are sending. The more envelopes you mail in, the more your chances increase to win sweepstakes.

3. Watching - Out of all of the different ways to increase your odds to win a HGTV sweepstakes, one of the easiest is to watch the channel. This is one of the ways that you will be able to see the announcements for the contests that you want to enter. Also, you will be aware of the deadlines so that you do not miss your chance to win sweepstakes.

4. Visit the Website - By going to the HGTV sweepstakes section of the HGTV web page, you can do everything from check names of winners to putting in more entries. Also, the page has information on the exact prizes and all of their information. There is a section which will allow you to receive an email with new information on HGTV and other contests which tells win sweepstakes.

5. The basic rule of thumb when attempting to win sweepstakes is to make sure that you put in as many entries as you can. The more entries you put in, the higher your odds of winning. Keeping informed about the new and upcoming HGTV sweepstakes is very important when trying to win as well. If you are an avid viewer of the HGTV channel, then you already know that they have some great contests and prizes. Now you know win sweepstakes on HGTV.

While you're here be sure to take a look around for more tips and information on winning sweepstakes.

Enter An Art Contest

Entering an art contest can be a great opportunity.

If you are a budding artist, entering art contests is a good opportunity to get your work viewed and critiqued by professionals in the art world. Some contests offer prize money, while others offer the chance to be published, to have your work marketed, or to study with other professional artists. Most contests charge an entry fee.

Instructions

1. Follow the contest guidelines. Be sure to enter work done in the media specified that is the correct size. Entering a "water media" contest may include works in watercolor, acrylic and gouache, or it may include only watercolor and gouache. Read contest guidelines carefully. Many contests specify a size or range of sizes of work that will be accepted. Stay within the size range as directed. If you have questions about the work you intend to enter, most contest applications provide a contact phone number or email address for inquiries.

2. Use the proper format when entering art work. Many art contests are available on the Internet, and most of these ask that work be photographed or scanned and entered in jpeg, tiff or gif format. If you are not computer savvy, or do not have the proper software to accomplish formatting your work correctly, you may have to hire a photographer who can provide this for you. Entering work in other formats may get you disqualified from the contest.

3. Submit physical entries appropriately matted or framed as stated in the contest guidelines. If a contest specifies work must be matted for submission, adding a frame does not get you extra points with the judges and may get you disqualified. Following the guidelines to the letter is the best way to keep submitted work in the running.

4. Fill out all sections of the application as instructed in the contest rules and guidelines. Many applications will ask for a short bio. When writing your bio, include all information requested while sticking to the word count specified. Sign and date your application prior to submission. Online applications may require an electronic signature.

Make Disco Lights

Best known for their use in 1970s disco clubs, disco lighting effects were used to add warmth and excitement to a dance room. They often consisted of a stationary light shining on a hanging mirror ball, flashing multicolored lights, strobe lights and a smoke machine, which created a surreal effect. While lighting effects today are often controlled and produced by complex computer programs hooked up to lighting equipment that sync the lights to the music, those hoping for an easier method can also re-create the look of the disco. Whether you're making lights for a home disco, teenager's dance night or child's party, these lights are a simple way to jazz up a room. To learn make disco lights, follow these guidelines.

Instructions

The Mirror Ball

1. Create a mirror ball to hang from the ceiling or any high point in your house, such as a staircase railing or balcony. Choose a rubber ball of any size to use as your mirror ball. Glue a plastic hook, such as the kind used to create temporary wall hangings, to the top of the ball. Make sure that the hook and the glue can hold the weight of the ball.

2. Spray the ball with silver spray paint, covering the hook as well, and let it dry. Buy a selection of mirror chips, which can be found in any craft store, or look for other reflective surfaces that are eye-catching. Measure the shape of the chips, and using the pencil, map out on the ball the placement of each chip. Make sure that the rows are as straight as possible to get the best effect.

3. Glue the mirror chips to the ball markings, working from the center outward. Make sure to let the top section dry before flipping the ball over to work on the bottom section, otherwise the chips may slide out of place.

4. Hang the ball in the room you would like to hold your disco in, and determine the best place from which to shine a stationary light on it. Experiment with a few different distances to get a clear picture of your options.

Disco Atmosphere

5. Create a set of flashing, multicolored lights. This can be done in several ways. You can purchase many colored LED lights, like the type used in Halloween pumpkins, or flashing strings of Christmas tree lights. Put the lights into clear jars or string them around the room. Alternatively, you can use your computer monitor to create the flashing lights by downloading programs like Disco 1.1.0. You can also purchase a disco light machine.

6. Set up a party strobe light. You can either purchase a party-style strobe from a store, use a computer program, or create your own strobe light the old-fashioned way by placing a spinning wheel in front of a stationary light. The strobe effect is created by putting a pinhole in the wheel.

7. Make fog through which the many colored lights can reflect. This can be done either by purchasing a party fog machine or by using dry ice inside of an insulated container. Put hot water into the container and add dry ice to create the fog or smoke. Put a fan behind the container to blow the fog into the room.

Incorporate A Picture Into An Encaustic Painting

Encaustic painting is done with beeswax and pigments.

Encaustic painting is an ancient art form that uses colored waxes. The portraits of mummies demonstrate that the technique was used more than 3,000 years ago by the Egyptians. In those days, artisans used pokers to apply and model the wax, but improvements to the technique made it possible for amateur artists to create encaustic paintings using an encaustic pen. Incorporating a picture into an encaustic painting is a simple project if you have the necessary materials and tools.

Instructions

1. Select the picture you want to incorporate into your painting. Decide on the painting surface. Encaustic painting is suitable for surfaces such as canvas, paper or wood.

2. Sketch the contours on your painting surface, or enlarge the picture to the size of your painting and use tracing paper to transfer the design on the canvas. Alternatively, glue the picture on the working surface. The wax will protect the picture from mold and moisture.

3. Prepare wax using 95 percent beeswax and 5 percent damar resin, which prevents the painting from whitening when exposed to cold temperatures. Heat the wax on the electric encaustic pallet. It will keep the temperature of the wax between 160 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for painting. If the temperature falls under 160 degrees, the wax is difficult to work with. If you don't have an encaustic pallet, use an electric pancake griddle or a pan over a heat source.

4. Decide on the colors for each section of your picture. Prepare each colored wax by adding the tempera or natural pigments to the wax. Put each color in a section of the encaustic pallet. If using pans, use a different pan for each color and keep an eye on the temperature of the wax.

5. Apply the first color of wax using one of the slotted brushes that comes with an encaustic pen. Model, smooth and scoop the wax with the pen. Experiment with each of the tips to see what type of textures and effects you obtain using them. Fill each individual section of your picture with the colors you prepared in Step 3. If you glued the picture on your painting surface, you can apply colors over it or simply apply transparent wax so the picture will be visible under the wax layer.

6. Mix clear wax with 5 percent damar resin and 5 percent turpentine to make a glaze for your painting. Apply the glaze using a brush.

Improve Your Time Management

Make lists of all the things you must do.

If you feel like you never have enough time to get everything done in a day, take some time to evaluate how you spend your time. If you find that you aren't getting things done or spending time on things that aren't necessary, you'll need to strategize and find ways to better manage your time.

Instructions

1. Make lists of all the things you must do every day. Prioritize those items so that you do the most important things first before moving on to things that are less important. Check off each item on the list as you complete them. .

2. Use an appointment calandar, or a scheduler on your phone or computer to manage your tasks throughout the week. Set up a timer that alerts to when you must do things.

3. Say no if you can't do everything. It's okay to decline an offer or ask someone else to do something for you -- delegate tasks to others. Stick to the most important tasks that you must do each day.

4. Improve your time management skills by managing stress. You can best manage stress if you're energetic and healthy. Get plenty of sleep at night, exercise and eat right so that you can quickly and efficiently handle your to-do-list every day.

5. Break larger tasks into smaller tasks and work on a big project in little bites. You may find that you're able to breeze through the project if you're looking at as small, five minute tasks.

6. Step away from distractions. Turn off the phone and don't check your email while you're working on a project.

Hang The U S Flag On The Wall

There is proper etiquette for hanging a U.S. flag on a wall.

The U.S. flag is a sacred and respected symbol of the American people's freedom and liberty. There is a certain etiquette for hanging the flag on a pole outside, as well as inside on the wall. Hanging the flag improperly can seriously offend some. Always pay attention to the flag's condition, as well: Never hang a dirty or worn flag. Replace the flag when necessary and take the old flag to a local veteran's society for proper disposal.

Instructions

1. Hang the flag on the wall using hooks slotted into the hook holes in the flag. Find a flag that was manufactured with hook holes instead of ripping holes in the flag yourself.

2. Hang the flag with the union--the blue portion with stars--in the upper left hand corner. The flag should be hung this way whether displayed horizontally or vertically.

3. Place the flag in a location that is prominent over all other flags in the room. It should be hung the highest. Hang any other country's flags at the same height as the U.S. flag if the two nations are at peace.

Find Out How Much Collectable Comic Books Are Worth

The market value of a comic book greatly depends on its current physical condition.

To determine the value of collectible comic books, you need to understand grade the physical condition of comic books and then determine its current market value accordingly. Fortunately, this process is fairly simple if you know spot flaws in a comic book.

Instructions

1. Examine each of your comic books very carefully for noticeable flaws. Any small tears or slight cosmetic blemishes (that are not a result of printing errors) will slightly decrease the value of the item. Damage to the spine of the comic book, whether from wear and tear or bending, can also affect its value. Moderate water damage, large tears and significant discoloring (as a result of poor storage conditions) will considerably decrease the value of the item.

2. Examine a comic book grading guide and estimate the current quality of each comic book. Grading guides typically score comic books on a scale of "0" to "10" with a score of "0" indicating poor quality and a score of "10" indicating gem mint quality. As a general rule, any comic book with an estimated rating of "4" or lower is considered a "reading copy" and, with few exceptions, will not be highly valued.

3. Research the current estimated value of comics books using a comic book price guide. A comic book is valued on a sliding scale dependent on the physical condition of the item. Comic book values are generally not static and tend to fluctuate depending on perceived demand.

4. Send comic books to a professional grading service for an exact determination of its value. Please note that if you intend to sell high-value comic books, most buyers will not make an offer until a professional grading service has been used to establish its precise physical condition.

Identify The Signature On A Japanese Print

Signatures on Japanese prints can be difficult to locate.

Identifying the signature on a Japanese print can be difficult as Japanese prints contain many marks. The signature can contain a series of figures. However the signature may not refer strictly to the artist, but the artist's studio. There are special symbols for students, indications of who the individual studied under and more. There are also many prints that are unsigned. It can take some time to determine where the signature is on the print. You will need to have an understanding of Japanese characters.

Instructions

1. Look for a combination of characters that are arranged in vertical groups. Many times the signature will only have one vertical group. The signature is read from top to bottom and right to left.

2. Search for an artists' seal in place of a grouping of vertical characters. This is similar to a writers seal and will contain a distinctive mark or design that is used in place of the artist's signature.

3. Identify the common prefixes and suffixes used with signatures. Many artists will use the "go aratame" before the name, which translates to "changing to." This is common as many artists will change the name used for the signature. The character "oju" is used as a prefix to show that the piece was requested. The character "ga" or "hitsu" is used after the signature as this means "picture by" or "painted by." Looking for these prefixes and suffixes can help distinguish where the signature is located.

Identify Postmodernism In Literature

There are distinctive features which will help you identify postmodernism in a novel.

Postmodernism is a broad philosophy which focuses on the idea of truth and reality as social constructs, rather than fixed absolutes. In literature it is, as the name suggests, a genre following on -- and moving away -- from modernism. Modernism was a literary movement of the early 20th century which attempted to break the bonds of realist writing by experimenting with form and style. There are many postmodernist authors, some of the most renowned include Thomas Pynchon and Italo Calvino. Although the genre is wide-ranging, it has some common features which will help you to identify it.

Instructions

1. Identify any of the features from Steps 2 to 6 in your novel. A postmodern novel may contain all of these features, but it does not have to. Any novel that uses at least one of the following devices could be classified as postmodern literature.

2. Look out for experimentation with the form of the novel. This could be less character development, non-traditional narratives, playing with perspectives and point of view or strange layout or typographical choices.

3. Identify any inference to metafiction, when literature self-consciously exposes itself as a work of fiction. There are several literary devices for achieving this, including narrative footnotes that comment on the story, such as those in "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski, or a book which contains another fictional work inside it, such as Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49."

4. Check for a sense of discontinuity, which may be shown via an unconventional conveyance of time throughout the story. A prime example of this is in Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five," where the narrative -- and the main character -- shift back and forth through time.

5. Observe any instances of intertextuality, that is when an author interweaves or makes reference to another text entirely. For example "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco references the works of Aristotle and Borges.

6. Watch for black humor and irony in a novel, as it is often found in postmodern literature. The term "catch-22" comes from Joseph Heller's novel of the same name, the central theme of which is the irony of being in such a situation.