Make An Impression In A Dance Audition

Let your talent lead you to success.

Performing at a dance audition is one of the highlights in a dancer's career. For professional dancers, auditions are essential to getting work and being recognized in the craft. For aspiring dancers, the audition is often the gateway to getting admitted to the school of their dreams. Whether it's for a Broadway show, traveling troupe, dance academy or music video, auditions give dancers the opportunity to be seen and to compete against others for a coveted spot. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count.

Instructions

1. Research the exact requirements of the audition. Perfect the dance style expected from the judging panel long before your audition date, if possible. Know your audience. An admissions judge at Juilliard may hold you to higher standards than a low-budget music video casting director. Give it your all even when practicing. "Perform" even when learning a routine. You will be penalized if you are just marking or spotting steps in rehearsals, as much as when you formally audition.

2. Dress appropriately for the audition. Casting directors and judges will be impressed if your style is appropriate to the piece. Don't wear tights and leotards, for example, to audition for a hip hop casting. Conversely, don't wear baggy jeans, sneakers or other urban attire to a classical dance audition.

3. Arrive early. Show up at least an hour before the call time. The worst thing you can do is show up late for an audition.

4. Energize yourself before entering the audition hall. Attitude and enthusiasm are as important as dance technique. Let your confidence shine through. Don't stress over the audition. Focus and stay relaxed. Appearing self-assured goes a long way in helping you display confidence.

5. Maintain a sense of professionalism at all times. Be respectful and exude a positive attitude. Choreographers and directors watch a dancer's demeanor even when she isn't dancing.

6. Engage with other dancers in a positive and friendly manner. Casting directors will be watching to see how well you work with others. A dancer who is supportive and positive toward competitors is highly sought after.

7. Make eye contact with the judges while performing. Express your personality and "perform" the piece, rather than just technically executing it. Casting directors and admission judges look for dancers with personality and personal style as much as good technique. Part of performing is connecting with the audience. if you don't connect with the judge, you won't connect with an audience.

Make An Entrance In Acting Class

Make a grand entrance, even if it's a small stage.

An aspiring actor must master the art of making a good entrance. Even in the context of an acting class, good entrances for the start of a skit or scene are a useful skill to work on with the help of classmates and teachers. They are a good way to impress and improve your grade and showing in class. Improve your entrance by considering both dramatic and visual factors.

Instructions

1. Look at the layout of the space in your classroom and imagine your scene from your audience's perspective. Sit in the audience chairs (sample different seating spots) and look at the stage (or designated area for scenes) and observe what objects in the space look like from these vantage points. Make a note of what areas the audience can and can't see and how large or small objects look. Note the lighting and how it affects what you can see. Imagine yourself making an entrance into this space and imagine what you think a good entrance will look like in this space to an audience member. Keep this in mind while you practice.

2. Imagine the scene itself from the point of view of your audience. Picture the events of the scene that occur before your entrance and think about how you would perceive them if you were an audience member watching for the first time. Imagine your ideal version of the scene, then imagine what an ideal version of your entrance will convey according to the dramatic dynamic of the scene. Write down any impressions that come to mind and consider these as you plan and practice.

3. Master an impassive, out of character expression for before your entrance. If the space you're acting in requires you to be visible to your audience before your entrance to the scene area, practice an emotionless, calm stance that won't distract the audience from the rest of the scene. This will also make your entrance more dramatic when you suddenly break into character and start.

4. Practice and plan the physical movements of your entrance. Decide what path you'll take from where you enter to where you stop walking after entering. Make sure your back is turned to the audience as little as possible, and make sure you're standing three-quarters turned towards the audience (meaning they can see most of you) when you speak. Remember the positions of your fellow actors and any set pieces so that you can plan to be standing in a position where you are neither blocking the view of someone else or having your image blocked from the audience's view when you're speaking.

5. Plan the entrance according to the character and narrative of the play. Once you have the practical aspects of physical movement planned, think about your character's body posture and manner of walking and what they're likely to look like at this moment in the narrative. Think about what your character's current objective is when he's walking and how this will affect pace and gesture. Layer these discoveries over your practical movement requirements.

Paint Custom Graphics On A Motorcycle Over A Clear Coat

Paint Custom Graphics on a Motorcycle Over a Clear Coat

Painting custom graphics on your motorcycle is a definite way to spice up your ride and add a touch of your own personality. One of the best ways to add your own custom graphics is to paint each of the graphics by hand yourself. This allows you to place the graphic essentially wherever your hands can reach and cuts down on expense and preparation time. The only thing that limits you is your imagination. A classic motorcycle graphic includes a skull with wild horns sticking out of it.

Instructions

1. Clean the area on your motorcycle that you are adding the graphics to. Use a product like Windex to thoroughly wipe away all the grime from the area.

2. Lay down the line work first with a very soft graphite pencil. Draw a circle for the top section of a skull. Add a curved line directly below this for the jaw. Add the horns with a set of curved parallel lines that start on the upper left and upper right of the skull, curve down around the face and then point out away from the skull.

3. Draw the eye sockets and nose with triangle shapes. The eyes should be two large triangles with the inside angle pointing toward each other. The nose should be a smaller triangle directly below the two eyes. Use an upside down "Y" shape to create the forked tongue of the skull.

4. Flesh out the details in enamel paint with a small detail brush. Paint just outside the graphite guidelines. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the clear coat on your bike. Darken in the eyes, nose and mouth with black enamel. Let the paint dry for 2 hours and gently wipe away the graphite.

5. Paint the skull white, the tongue red and the horns blue. Add light brown around the edges of the eyes of the skull, the teeth and the bottom of the skull for shadows. Add light blue to the tops and side of the horns.

6. Spray over the area with high gloss enamel sealer. Enamel is sturdy paint and should hold up on its own, but a quick coat of sealer will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.

Make An Autumn Leaf Wreath

Create a wreath to preserve the look of autumn leaves as they fade away outside. They're simple to make and add a sense of elegance to any home.

Instructions

1. Collect a wide array of colorful leaves throughout your yard. Full and undamaged leaves bring the best results. While you're at it, look for those little things that can enhance your wreath, like acorns, twigs and nuts.

2. Straighten a coat hanger so that it is just a long piece of metal. Curl the rod so that it forms a circle with the two tips touching.

3. Use pliers to make one rod tip wrap around another and secure the hanger’s circle shape.

4. Plug in a hot-glue gun. Take the first leaf and place it at the top of the circle, with the bottom of the leaf touching the hanger and the stem hanging in the middle. Dab on a little bit of the glue and secure the leaf.

5. Place the next leaf slightly over the first leaf so there is a little overlapping. Add the hot glue and continue this process until you have made it all the way around the circle.

6. Repeat until there are three to four layers of leaves on the wreath. As each new circle begins, start out the leaf a little lower then the one underneath it so that almost all of the leaves are visible.

7. Glue on some random acorns, twigs and other things to add a little more elegance. You can arrange these in a pattern or just place them randomly.

8. Gently coat the wreath with floral spray to ensure that the wreath does not fall apart quickly.

Make Trompe L'Oeil Curtains

Murals painted on bedroom walls create the illusion the bed is elsewhere.

Trompe l'oeil means "fool the eye." Usually this type of painting is done with perspective tricks so that the viewer initially thinks she is looking at a real landscape or object and it isn't until she is close up that she realizes it is a painting. Draperies or curtains usually hang next to windows or at the side of openings. To make good trompe l'oeil curtains, they have to look like they are working with another structure like a window or even the corners of a pergola.

Instructions

1. Empty your room and tape off all of the trim moldings or other features that you do not wish to paint. Place a drop cloth over the floor. Paint the walls a soft blue color and the ceiling a white canvas color. Allow the paint to dry completely.

2. Apply painter's tape on the ceiling at the corner of the ceiling and wall. Measure down 6 inches and apply a parallel tape. Paint between the tape a rich brown wood color to replicate a wood beam. Allow the paint to dry for 4 hours before removing the tape.

3. Tape vertical lines 6 inches from each wall corner and repeat for all corners in the room. Paint between the tape the same rich brown color paint that you used for the ceiling beams. You are painting pergola posts. Allow the paint to dry for 4 hours before removing the tape. When you remove the tape you should have posts and cross beams framing a blue view. You want your room to feel like a patio.

4. Draw curtain vertical lines starting 3 feet from each corner. You can taper the curtains back toward the post as if the curtain is tied back, or they can hang straight down. The curtain will appear to attach to the underside of the ceiling beam, and it should have a serpentine line across the top to represent how the fabric is gathered. If you need help visualizing this, use a real curtain for ideas. Draw all of your curtains on each side of your posts around the room.

5. Paint the majority of each curtain canvas white. Paint the shadows gray and blend the gray and white together to create a realistic look. Add highlights to the areas of the curtains that are opposite the shadows. If you designed tiebacks, paint in the posts and the tieback fabric or rope. Once the paint is dry, add in details like curtain hooks between the curtain and beam. You can also add wood grain to the beams.

Make An Airbrush Stencil Template

Airbrushed flames, made with stencil templates, are a classic design.

Stencil templates can transform an airbrush project from simple to special. Having the ability to control the placement of color and spray in a uniform and identical pattern gives the painter an edge and a way to duplicate an image reliably from project to project. Airbrush stencil templates may take you from amateur to professional, and your project from mediocre to over-the-top.

Instructions

1. Wrap all edges of a piece of heavy-weight glass, at least 8 inches square, with masking tape to avoid injury from cuts. Working on top of the glass makes cutting easier and ensures smooth, fluid cuts for professional-looking stencils.

2. Draw or transfer your stencil design directly onto the center of a manila folder, cardstock or poster board of similar weight. Keep sufficient borders around the stencil cuts to avoid over-spray damage to the item.

If you are not comfortable drawing freehand, find a picture of the object and transfer it onto the stencil medium with carbon paper. Lay the ink side of the carbon paper face-down on top of the stencil medium, place the image on top of the carbon paper, and use a pencil, pen or stylus to trace all necessary lines to transfer the picture onto the stencil material.

3. Position your stencil on top of the piece of glass and cut out all areas of the stencil with a sharp craft knife. Work from the inside of the stencil out toward the edges. Move the blade in a fluid motion, moving the stencil rather than the knife to cut smooth curves. Cut sharp points by picking the blade up from the glass and cutting toward the point from each direction.

4. Repair any slips of the knife by encasing the area in a masking tape sandwich on either side of the stencil and cutting the area out again, taking care to replicate the original design.

Make Antique Wash Acrylic Paint

A wash in painting is when an artist uses a wet brush and a tiny bit of paint to achieve a specific look on the overall appearance of a particular painting. Washing is typically done in water-based paints, such as watercolors and acrylics. Many artists are famous for adding washed or stained effects to their works, including Friedel Dzubas and Ronnie Landfield. Making an antique wash with acrylic paint will add depth and subtle variations to your work.

Instructions

1. Mix light gold and tan acrylic paint in a bowl. Use a ratio of three parts of tan to one part light gold. The amount you make depends on how much paper or canvas you have to cover. Add any solvent (such as turpentine) to the mixture and blend it thoroughly to avoid any heavy pigment accumulation on your brush.

2. Use a large brush and dip it in the wet paint mixture. Wipe the wash over your canvas with long, even strokes that will create a smooth, uniformly colored area that lacks the appearance of brush strokes. This is called washing. Wash the entire canvas with the tan and gold mixture, then add a highly diluted white to thin the wash down. You can always add more solvent to your brush and wipe it over the canvas, if your paint appears too dark. A few strokes of highly diluted black, brushed into the wash, will add a deeper, more appealing effect.

3. Mix cream-colored paints with pale yellow to achieve a second type of antique wash. This one leans more toward a parchment paper look. Mix the cream and pale yellow at a ratio of three parts cream to one part pale yellow. Be sure your cream color is almost a white/tan combination. Mix these colors in your solvent of choice and brush onto the canvas with diagonal strokes. Cover at least half the width of the canvas with each stroke. Continue to do this until you've washed the entire canvas.

4. Paint your picture on top of the washed canvas. Use thick colors so the painting stands out from the wash. The wash should highlight the subject of your painting, so the lighter your wash, the better the effect will be when you start painting.

Make Airbrush Templates

Airbrushing is an art form that has been around since the 1970s, which has been popularized by people airbrushing scenes onto the sides of vans, cars and motorcycles. An airbrush is simply a compact blower that resembles a tattoo needle. There is a small cup which houses your paint. The airbrush is connected to a hose that is plugged into an air compressor. When turned on and the trigger pressed the air shoots through the airbrush taking a mist of paint with it. Somethings require freehand airbrushing but other things, like fire, are so common and easily done that a template can be made and used in order to lay it down on whatever material you are airbrushing. This article will show you create an airbrush template of fire.

Instructions

1. Go online and search for images that you would like to airbrush. For this exercise will be using fire so do a Google images search for fire or flames. You can also look at tattoo sites online.

2. Save the fire image you would like to use and open it up in a graphics program. Change the image property to index color and save.

3. Print your image out onto normal printer paper but under the printing options change the output to black and white.

4. Place the plastic on top of the design and tape them together.

5. Use your knife and slowly trace the pattern. Notice how the flames are reduced to different shades and only cut out one shade. Remove the plastic from the paper and affix another and cut out another shade. Continue doing this until each shade is cut out.

6. Place the top stencil on top of your work area and spray it with paint in short, controlled bursts. Place the second part of the template slightly below the first and repeat the technique with another color but slightly and light spray just beyond the template. Continue until all templates have been used. You are then free to freehand corrections.

Mix Polane Paint Using Catalyst & Reducer

Polane paints are best applied with a paint gun.

Polane paints are two-component enamels designed for use on metal, plastics or wood. They dry to a hard finish and were designed for maximum durability. Although some paints of this type are pre-mixed with the catalyst before purchase, Polane paints are mixed by the consumer just before use. Because Polane paint is best applied with a paint gun, a reducer is also necessary. Different finishes of the Polane line of paints have different ratios of paint to catalyst. Find the proper ratio for your paint on the paint label or the paint's technical data sheet. The percentage of reduction is also listed.

Instructions

1. Check the ratios on the paint can or data sheet. Polane T paint is a low-gloss textured paint and is mixed 6:1 with catalyst, then reduced 25 percent. Polane High Solids, or HS, paint is mixed 2:1 with the catalyst and then 2 to .75 parts reducer.

2. Pour the paint into a clean bucket or empty paint gun bottle. Stir with a stir stick for several minutes until the paint is a uniform color.

3. Pour the catalyst into the paint slowly, stirring as it's added. Mix well. Add the reducer in the same manner.

4. Add paint to the paint gun pot if you mixed a larger amount of paint in a separate bucket. Apply paint to the surface with a paint gun. Allow it to dry for at least 20 minutes or until dry to the touch before recoating. The paint cures fully in eight to 12 hours.

Paint Bluebells

You do not need to be a expert to paint an accurate bluebell flower.

Bluebells are lovely flowers wherever they're found around the world, but people often think of them as particularly British because such great numbers of them -- of the common bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, at least -- are found in Britain. English bluebells traditionally symbolize humility and gratitude. Whether you are a novice or a beginner, tackling this beautiful flower in paint can seem like a difficult task, but really just about anybody can draw and paint bluebells accurately.

Instructions

1. Get something to work from; it is almost impossible to paint a bluebell without a freshly cut one in front of you. If you do not have access to a bluebell wood or good florist, a detailed photo will suffice.

2. Draw, accurately, the basic outline of the bluebell with a 2B pencil. Bluebell flowers are constructed basically of a cylinder shape on a stem. Once you have got the bend of the stem and the cylinder shape of the flower correct, then you can add in the curved petals. Don't worry if you make a mistake; it is far easier to rub it out with an eraser now than it will to correct it with paint later. Prepare your palette with your oil paints.

3. Brush in the darkest shades of paint onto your bluebell flower with a paintbrush. Look closely at where the shadows are. On a bluebell flower these will usually be inside the cylindrical tube and on the underside of the flower head, where the flower meets the stem. Dark browns, purples and blues are the best colors to use for painting in the darkest shades.

4. Paint in the midtones of the bluebell next by mixing your paint with a hint of white to lighten it slightly. These are the colors least affected by light and shadow. Bluebells may appear to be mainly composed of blue and purple shades, but if you study the flower carefully you will see a spectrum of colors. Do not be afraid to paint these in.

5. Mix your paint generously with white and brush in the lightest shades of your bluebell. Where the light hits the bluebell directly paint it in with pure white to emphasize the contrasts in tones. Wait for the paint to dry.

6. Stroke in smoothly, using a thin paintbrush, the veins of the bluebell petals with dark brown or purple paint. Paint in the direction of the vein to ensure accuracy. Paint in the bluebell seeds to finish.

Interpret The Art Of The Guerrilla Girls

Interpret the Art of the Guerrilla Girls

The Guerrilla Girls are a radical feminist art group from New York City. Since forming in 1985, the group has staged many events and created many works preaching their critiques of what they feel is an imbalanced and gender-biased society. Interpreting their work involves understanding a few of its key recurring themes. Read on to find out more on interpret the Guerrilla Girls.

Instructions

1. Understand the symbolism behind their name. The term "guerrilla" signifies a type of unconventional warfare enacted by small groups to fight against a much larger army. The Guerrilla Girls see themselves as the minority, fighting against a socially corrupt and sexually prejudiced world.

2. Become familiar with the tenets of feminism. Feminism advocates equality for women and equal rights. The Guerrilla Girls embody this idea by calling into question accepted standards, like the gender imbalance in classic and contemporary art. They strive to let women have equal opportunity and representation in the world of art.

3. Reconsider the "f" word. The Guerrilla Girls' slogan is to take back the "f" word, which they want to be "feminism." Their goal is to have people who follow feminist ideals to wear their feminism as a badge. Instead of shying away from negative associations of feminism, the Guerrilla Girls want feminism to be something that people should be proud of and respected for following.

4. Consider the significance of their image. The Guerrilla Girls wear gorilla masks when they perform. This is not necessarily to hide their identities, but to make a statement that women should not be judged for their looks, but for the thoughts and ideas they express. The gorilla masks help put aside superficial qualities and remind their audience that what's important lies within. Also, the gorilla masks are not at all dainty. They are angry and combative, just like the Guerrilla Girls.

5. Take a look at their individual works. One of the Guerrilla Girls' most well-known works is a poster displayed within the New York City public-transportation system that posed the question, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" This question was designed to call attention to the fact that women in classic and contemporary art are often portrayed only as sex symbols.

Make A Reverse Glass Painting

Reverse glass paintings are a fairly simple craft with a surprisingly sophisticated look when completed. They're a great project for older kids, although younger kids can make reverse glass paintings with a bit of adult help. Make a reverse glass painting, hang it in the window and let the sun light it up.

Instructions

1. Use the inexpensive drawing paper to experiment until you have a drawing that you want to replicate on your reverse glass painting. Make the drawing simple with bold, clear lines that are easily seen. Don't include a lot of detail.

2. Put the acetate or clear plastic over the drawing and trace the outlines with a black permanent marker.

3. Turn the acetate or clear plastic over. This is essential, because otherwise the black outline will rub off and disappear or get smudged into the colors.

4. Use the colored permanent markers to fill in the drawing and allow it to dry. Complete the picture with paint sticks, gel markers and glitters markers, if desired. If you make a mistake, erase it with a tissue or cotton swab.

5. Frame the picture or create an inexpensive frame from black construction paper and craft glue, using four strips of paper on the front and four strips on the back. Punch a hole near the top.

Make 3d Stereograms

Stereograms were a popular way to view photos in the past, and interest has increased again over the last few years. You can easily create your own 3-D stereograms using basic photography. You can choose to photograph anything that is interesting to you, including landscapes or even people.

Instructions

1. Select the person, object or view you would like to capture as a 3-D image.

2. Find or create a stable, flat surface where you will place the camera. Draw a straight line on the surface, 3 inches in length.

3. Place the camera vertically at the left end of the line and take the picture. The camera needs to be oriented vertically, or placed on its side, to keep the photographs narrow enough for the effect to work. Slide the camera to the right end of the line and take a second picture.

4. Print the photos. You will need the images to measure 3 inches wide by 5 inches tall.

5. Tape the two images together down the middle. Make sure to keep the right view on the right and the left on the left.

Make 3d Signs

One of the most important principles of signage (the craft of creating signs) is that if you want to sell, you have to attract and hold the viewers' attention long enough to convey your message. And to do this, you will want to have graphics, text and images that pop out the second the viewer sees them. There are few better ways to do this than with 3D text. In this article, Photoshop will be used, but the principles will apply in other graphics programs such as PaintShop Pro or GIMP.

Instructions

1. Open Photoshop. Create the background and other aspects of the sign you want to make, importing any images you need, but do not create the text. Save this file as "Sign."

2. Create a new document by selecting "File" and then "New." In the dialog that opens, you should make the pixel height and width of the document whatever you need for the text you will be adding to your "Sign" sign document. For the background select "Transparent," name the file "Sign Text," and click "OK."

3. Select the "Text" tool. Then go to the "Text" options at top at choose the font you want, select the size of the font and the color. Now type in your text, making sure to proofread carefully. Use the "Move" function to center the text on the canvas after you have typed it. Select "Layers" in the menu and click "Rasterize Text."

4. Go to the "Layers" panel and click on the "FX" button to bring up the "Blending Options." Rather than clicking on a specific option, just select "Blending Options" from the top. In the dialog that opens, select the "Bevel and Emboss" tab. Now give the text a slight bevel and emboss effect, adjust the "Size" to about 30-40, and the "Softness" to about 3-5. Then select the "Drop Shadow" tab and accept the default settings. You now have your 3D text-layer effect. Click "OK" and save your document.

5. Select the layer in the "Layers" panel and right-click it. Select "Duplicate", and in the dialog that opens, make the "Main" document the destination document. Now go back to the "Main" document and you will see that the 3D text layer is now the top layer in your document. Use the "Move" tool to place it where you want it, and save your work.

Paint Waves For A Sea

Paint the waves for the sea using watercolors.

Watercolor paints are the ideal medium to use for painting waves on the sea. Watercolors create a translucence that will compliment the light coming through waves, and create a watery swirling effect that will echo the flowing of the waves. Waves are sometimes considered difficult to paint and draw, because they do not have defined shapes and forms. By finding the shapes that are within the waves, rather than looking at the entire span of the sea, you can work in small sections at a time to create realistic waves.

Instructions

1. Locate a photo of the sea for reference. Your photo can be a close-up of waves, or a photo that includes a broad view of the sea.

2. Sketch the ripples, arch and foam of the waves onto the cold-pressed paper using a drawing pencil. Look at different sections of the water and the shapes that the waves create at different stages. Sketch the shape and direction of the ripples, the height of the round arch of the wave and the curls it creates as it arches. Then sketch the shapes that are created after the wave crashes.

3. Paint the outline of the sketch with a light blue watercolor paint, using a thin watercolor brush. This will establish the sections to paint within. Outline the areas where the water is foaming to establish boundaries. The white of the paper will be used to fill the white foam areas of the waves, not white paint, so do not paint within these boundaries.

4. Paint the first wave section. Waves are typically the lightest and most translucent in the top and center, where they are arching, because this is where the light shines through. Dip the paint brush into the water, and paint the water onto the paper to fill in the top and center area of a wave. When watercolor painting, paint the water on first and then add the paint. Dip the paint brush into a light blue color, and dab the paint onto an edge of the wet area of the paper and allow the paint to flow across the paper.

5. Paint the other areas of the wave using the same technique to fill in the lower base and front area of the wave. Reference your photo to find the darker and lighter areas, and use whatever colors you see to fill these areas. Paint all of the other sections of the water that you sketched to create your waves.

6. Paint the shaded area of the foam of the waves using a watercolor fan brush. The foam area will be a mix of pure white, which is the paper untouched, and light to medium blue-gray colors. The gray foam will pick up on the surrounding hues of the water, so mix a small amount of those hues into some gray paint. Paint the shaded foam areas using the technique of painting water and dabbing paint to the edges of the area to flow.

7. Add highlights and details to the waves by dry brushing the edges of the waves. Use a fan brush for highlighting and a small thin brush for detailing. Use light blue and gray for highlighting and dark blue and gray for detailing. Dip the paintbrush into the paint and brush it onto a paper towel until it is almost dry; then fan brush the highlights and details to add depth to the painting.

Lay Dolly Tracks

Lay Dolly Tracks

Dolly track is used to move a camera without up and down movement during film production. The dolly track is laid on the ground and then the wheeled dolly is placed on the tracks. A tripod and camera are mounted on the dolly and then pushed along the track. Choose a dolly track system that is quick to install and take down, and will support the weight of your camera. Read on to learn lay dolly tracks.

Instructions

1. Bring wrenches or other necessary tools for assembly of the dolly tracks to the filming site. Some dolly tracks just slide together and others are screwed into place.

2. Choose a level surface to lay the tracks. Place down a pad first over uneven surfaces such as snow, sand or grass.

3. Slide the pieces of pipe together to create two parallel rows of track.

4. Assemble the dolly. It is usually two pieces that connect together to form a T-shape.

5. Set the dolly on the track and test it to make sure it slides smoothly along the entire length of the track. Place shims under any section of the track that is uneven.

6. Lock the tripod on top of the dolly, then mount the camera on the tripod.

Magically Repair Torn Paper

Magically Repair Torn Paper

With a little magic, you can tear up a piece of paper and repair it in front of your friend's eyes. Impress your family, friends or coworkers with this entertaining trick. The following will show you magically repair torn paper with a little slight of hand.

Instructions

1. Choose two identical pieces of paper.

2. Ball up one of the pieces of paper tightly and place it deep into the palm of one of your hands. Play with this method until you can use your hand so that it looks natural and that there is nothing in your hand.

3. Hold up the other piece of paper by the corners. Tear it into pieces in front of your audience's eyes.

4. Press the torn pieces up together in a tight ball.

5. Maneuver the paper as you are balling it together so that you place it into the palm of your other hand while switching it out with the ball of paper in your other palm. Play with this a while until you can get it to look natural.

6. Open up the ball of paper into a fully-restored piece of paper. Hold it up so your audience can see that it is in fact totally repaired.

Paint Waves With Water Colors

To paint realistic waves, you'll want to have a picture in front of you for reference.

Painting images that look real can be tricky, especially when you're using watercolors. And water is one of the hardest things to paint accurately, because waves are really just a form of motion. But whether you plan to paint a picture showing one big splash or a whole churning ocean, waves are not impossible to paint. With the right materials and a little preparation, you'll be able to make your waves look very good without a lot of effort.

Instructions

1. Set the picture or photograph where you can see it while you work. Sketch the outline and some minor details of the waves you want to paint, using the picture as a reference. Alternatively, you can trace the picture onto tracing paper and then transfer it onto the watercolor paper with graphite paper.

2. Use the pencil eraser to smudge and lighten the lines of your sketch, but be careful not to erase them. You still need to be able to see them when you start to paint.

3. Apply masking fluid to the tops of the waves with short brush strokes in the direction the water is moving. Splatter a small amount of masking fluid at the top to create the impression of spray. This will protect the white color when you start to paint on the watercolors; later on, you remove the masking fluid and the tops of your waves will be white. Allow to dry according to the directions.

4. Apply a light blue wash across the area you want to be the water using a 2-inch wash brush (a "wash" is simply terminology meaning you should color in the picture). Make it realistic by rinsing the brush with water and dabbing it along the bottom of the paint, so the paint runs a little into the water and it creates a graded look. Let it dry.

5. Paint details on your waves using different sizes of brushes and different shades of blue. Use shorter strokes for darker colors, always paint in the direction the wave is moving and don't be afraid to play around. Always apply masking fluid in areas you want to protect from getting darker paint on them as you paint. Allow the painting to dry between layers of masking fluid and different colors.

6. Allow the painting to dry completely. Remove the masking fluid by carefully rubbing it off with an eraser. Your lighter-colored areas will be exposed as you remove the dried fluid.

7. Add details or touch up the painting now that the masking fluid is gone. Remember, if you paint over a light-colored area it will not be protected now.

Paint With Aquarelle

Aquarelle pencils provide more control than watercolor brushes.

If you ever painted watercolor with brushes, here's a tip: Using aquarelle pencils give you more control over your strokes. Aquarelle is useful in creating the shapes and color in the background while later applying water with a brush to the entire painting. It is a great way for beginners to learn watercolor.

Instructions

1. Draw the design of the finished picture with the No. 2 pencil on watercolor paper. Do not push too hard with the pencil so you can erase if mistakes are made. Finish the entire design before moving on to the aquarelle pencils.

2. Tape down the watercolor paper to a solid surface so that it does not move or wrinkle once water is applied.

3. Use your selected aquarelle pencils and draw the outlines of the shapes that you previously drew with the No. 2 pencil. First, decide on the colors that would best fit the areas.

4. Fill in the shapes and background using the aquarelle pencils. Do your best to stay within the lines.

5. Wet the painting, one area at a time. Dip the brush in the water container and start to fill in the different areas of the painting. Smaller brushes, such as the Nos. 1-2, are better for small areas while the No. 30 is better for larger areas. Do not apply water to more than one color at a time or you will mix the colors. Dip the brush in the water container until it is clean and wet before moving on to the next color. Do this until you have finished wetting the entire painting.

Paint Clouds On A Bedroom Ceiling

Use photos to decide the cloud shapes you plan to paint.

Faux painting a ceiling is a little challenging, mostly because the ceiling is over your head -- and whether you use rollers, a brush or sponges, your arms still get tired. The reward for your hard work can be a bedroom ceiling that looks like someone took the roof off the house to reveal the sky on a bright and sunny day. Such a ceiling is likely to lift the spirits on glum days. To create a good sky takes some work but when you finish, your child will love it.

Instructions

1. Collect a group of photos of the type of clouds you want to paint. This is very helpful since most people never closely look at clouds. Clouds have a direction, which means they have a leading edge and a trailing edge. Clouds look darker underneath and lighter on top. Some streak. Some are fluffy. Tape your cloud photos to a large piece of cardboard and tape that to your wall so you have easy reference once you start.

2. Remove everything from the room. Place plastic sheeting on the floor and tape over anything you can't remove. Use tape and paper along the corner from the ceiling to the top of the walls to protect the walls from paint drops and help create a straight edge. Bring in a tall ladder. If you removed the window coverings, look out the window to see what direction the clouds are moving in relation to the room. Note this direction and keep it in mind for when you begin to paint clouds.

3. Set up a folding table (with plastic sheeting over it since you will be mixing paints). Select a dark shade in a color of blue you like. Pour the blue into an empty quart can until the can is about half full. Pour the same amount into a second can. Use a disposable plastic cup to scoop up a cup of white paint; add that to the second can. Mix it well with a stir stick.

4. Paint the ceiling so that it is darker toward the edges and lighter toward the middle of the ceiling. Paint with the darkest blue starting in a corner. Use a 3-inch brush. Brush away about 18 inches from the corner and 6- to 8-inches from the wall. While the dark blue is still wet, pick up the second can and paint the lighter color in another 18 inches or so. When you have painted what you can easily reach from the ladder in that position, take your brush and blend the two colors so that it is hard to see where one starts and the other stops. Repeat this around the entire room.

5. Mix two more quart cans with the dark blue base adding more white to each mixture. Repeat your painting technique of painting from dark to light inside the area you already painted. When you reach the center of the ceiling, work with two colors and blend them well. This will provide a backdrop for the clouds.

6. Mix white paint with glaze at a ratio of three parts glaze to one part paint. Mix gray paint with glaze using the same ratio. Pour gray/glaze paint into one half of a roller tray and white/glaze paint into the other. Recall the direction of clouds you noted earlier. Look at your reference clouds to see how the front edge looks.

7. Moisten the sea sponge with water and squeeze it dry. Dip it into the gray paint and squeeze it until it has paint but isn't drippy. Press the sponge against the ceiling and sponge out the shape of your cloud. You want the cloud to be somewhat random with darker and lighter areas, so move your sponge around and let some of the sky shine through. Pick up some white paint on the same sponge and highlight the cloud. It doesn't matter where you start on the ceiling. Move around and paint big and small clouds. If you don't like how one looks, cover it with your sky color mixtures and try again.

8. Go up and down the ladder to check your progress. Add highlights with unglazed white paint. Add shadows with unglazed gray paint. There will be a point where you understand how the clouds in your room should look. They should be puffy here, and streaky there and brighter here and darker there. After you are reasonably satisfied, it's time to finish.

9. Pick up the can of pink spray paint. Spray the pink on some plastic sheeting to get a feel for how big the spray pattern is. Then, pick a spot and while standing back from the ceiling (at least 2 to 3 feet), spray some pink. It will look as if bits of sunlight are splattered about. Add a few other bits of pink around the ceiling. Use white spray paint to soften the edges of some of the clouds. The more color layers you apply, the more brilliant your sky and clouds will look.

Locate Old English Movies

The British cinema made an important contribution to the history of filmmaking. The Lumiere brothers are credited with the first public display of moving images. This was in France in 1895. They showed 10 films that lasted a total of 20 minutes. The Lumiere brothers showcased their technology in Britain the following year. Britain become an important leader in the evolving film industry with films such as "City Lights," featuring Charlie Chaplin, and "The 39 Steps," directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Filmmaking in Great Britain was eventually eclipsed by Hollywood. Finding old English movies is now easier that ever because of the Internet.

Instructions

1. Read about the history of the British cinema. Jot down important information and movies titles in a notebook. Use the information to research and make informed decisions about English movies.

2. Visit Britishcinemagreats.com. Read about the history of the British cinema to acquire an overview about the history of English filmmaking. Make a list of old English films such as "The 39 Steps," "A Man For All Seasons" and "Hamlet." Make a list of important directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Alexander Korda. Compile a list of English actors such as Laurence Olivier, Alec Guinness and Basil Rathbone.

3. Search the "Classics" section of the local movie rental store. Classic movies are usually listed alphabetically by the name of the movies. Some movie rental stores categorize movies by the director's name.

4. Visit online sites such as the Internet Movie Database(IMDb) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM.com). Search for English movies by title, director and actor. Use other search methods such as genre and decade.

5. Search cable television channels that feature old movies.

Make Easy Balloon Animals

Balloon animals have been a huge hit at children's parties for years. Whether used to decorate the party, or made by clowns, they are a lot of fun. They are colorful, cute, and fun to play with. Children are impressed by the process of creating a balloon animal as well as playing with the finished product. The easiest balloon animal to make is the balloon dog. The technique used to make the dog is used in a variety of other animals, so mastering the dog will allow you to move onto more complex animals.

Instructions

1. Blow up a 260 balloon with your own breath or helium. Leave four inches at the end of the balloon not blown up. This part will be the tail of the dog.

2. Bend the balloon about six inches from the knot at the end of the balloon.

3. Squeeze together the two parts about two inches from the edge of the fold.

4. Twist the balloon two or three times where you squeezed it. You have just made the ears of the dog. The knot at the end of the balloon is the dog's nose.

5. Fold the balloon an inch away from where you made the ears and twist in the same way that you made the ears. These are the dog's front legs.

6. Repeat the folding technique for the ears and legs two inches away from the front legs. These are the back legs. With three twists of the balloon, you have made your balloon dog.

Load A Scotch Brite Sanding Pad To A Square Buff

Square Buff floor sanders are small square machines that are designed for the average homeowner to use. Because they have two wheels in the back and hand control for depth, they are easy to use. They take a little longer to do the job than an orbital sander, but they are much easier to control and will create less damage than an orbital if you lose concentration. Applying the pad is even simpler than applying the orbital sanding disk.

Instructions

1. Lay the sander on its handle. Tilt it back over the wheels, because this will make it easier to raise the machine once the pad is applied.

2. Locate the opening at the bottom of the sander. You'll see a series of little teethlike spikes. Push the foam-backed pad with the peel-off adhesive surface onto the teeth. Make sure it is adhered firmly to the spikes.

3. Remove the backing from the foam padding under the sander. Push the sanding pad onto the adhesive with the grit side out. Make sure that it is firmly affixed. Flip the sander back to an upright position.

Load A Dip Pen

Dip pens provide the most personal form of writing.

Dip pens -- also called nib pens -- are used for map drawing, illustrations, calligraphy and occasions when a strongly personal effect is required in writing or drawing. Unlike fountain pens, they have no reservoir of ink apart from what is held in the nib. Originally developed at the end of the Eighteenth century to replace quill pens, the first dip pens were sharp pointed. Oblique nibs became more popular in the middle of the Nineteenth century and nowadays nibs of all shapes and widths are available. The technique of dipping them in ink is all the same, although the technique of writing with them differs greatly.

Instructions

1. Wash the new nib in warm soapy water. This removes the protective coating provided by the manufacturer to prevent rusting. Be careful not to damage the tines -- the two prongs that form the tip of the nib -- when drying.

2. Place the nib in the wooden or plastic handle without damaging the tines. Make sure you do not force it into the holder as it is important to keep the rounded shape.

3. Use waterproof, indelible, India ink or the traditional iron gall ink for the best results. Neither can be used with a fountain pen because they would either clog or corrode it. The depth of blackness and quality of the ink is distinctive of the dip pen.

4. Dip the nib only in the ink, as any on the holder will be transferred to your fingers and could end up smudging your work.

5. Use a nib reservoir if you want to write or draw for a longer time without re-inking. The reservoir is a narrow piece of metal with flanges that slide over the nib. It has a point which should lie centrally and flat just behind the tip of the nib.

6. Use a medical dropper to apply the ink to the reservoir if you are doing very fine work. This allows greater control over the amount of ink that is taken up and reduces the risk of a too thick line, or even blots, appearing on the page.

7. Wash the nibs after use, especially if you have used pigmented ink, as that dries to a solid mass and will stick the tines together or prevent the maximum ink to taken into the reservoir.

Paint A Rusted Car

A car pocked with rust spots doesn't have to remain branded with these unsightly signs of age and decay. It's possible to successfully give your rust bucket a stellar paint job by removing rust and priming your car for a whole new look and feel. Painting your rusty car will take a little patience and grunt work, but it's more than possible to accomplish this task without an expensive trip to the body shop.

Instructions

Remove the Rust Spots

1. Use the painter's tape to section off the rusted parts of your car's body, then cover the surrounding surface (at least one side of the car) to ensure dust particles and paint remain localized to the rusted area.

2. Use a metal sanding wheel, to slowly sand down the rusted area and a few inches around it right down to the metal, removing all paint and primer.

3. Apply rust remover (available at most auto or hardware stores) to the sanded-down area and, if necessary, continue slowly sanding until you have a smooth surface.

4. Use the metal sander to remove the rest of the paint if you're painting your entire car.

Prime and Paint

5. Be sure each area you are repainting is properly sectioned off with painter's tape and a covering for the surrounding car area if you are repainting the once-rusted areas of your car to match already-existing paint.

6. Use the paint sprayer to apply a coat or two of primer. Allow to dry for at least 12 hours.

7. Spray on the paint color of your choosing as many times as it takes to achieve a smooth finish. Let dry for at least a day.

8. Remove the painter's tape around the former rust spots and, using the buffer, buff the edges to achieve a clean blend with your car's original paint finish.

Light A Play

Light a Play

Stage lighting is a key element in production. Lighting is used for plays, film, television, marketing, performance art and concerts. Most training for lighting takes place in the arena of theater, but the learned concepts can be carried through to other art forms. Follow the tips below for lighting a play.

Instructions

1. Read and analyze the play. It is very important to understand the play on a deep and involved level. Much of this will come with the help of the director of the play in meetings. Be familiar with the tone and speed of the play, and the courses of action.

2. Work with the other designers. During the production of a play, it is very important to be on the same page as the costume and scenic designers. All of the designs should work together, and if they do not, it can make or break the success of the play.

3. Have the correct equipment. A play can be lit with minimal equipment. Even before electricity, the effects of the sunlight and candlelight were considered while doing plays. Know the proper use and capabilities the equipment you have, no matter how simple it may be.

4. Consider visibility. The main purpose of lighting is to make sure the actors and the action on stage are able to be seen. No matter how dramatic and cool the lighting effects may be, in the end people are coming to watch the actors and want to be able to see them easily.

5. Represent the mood of the play. While analyzing the play, think about things like the tone, the speed of the action and the location. Lighting will be much different for a funny children's play than for a Shakespearean tragedy.

6. Use lights for focus. This means that the lights should guide the audience to look where they should. With lighting, focus on the action that is taking place onstage at the time. If the light is shining in the background while an actor is delivering an important monologue, the audience will be looking at the background.

Make Your Painting With Gesso

Gesso is a liquid primer used to prepare a canvas for the application of paint. You can find gesso in a variety of colors for your painting needs, but the most commonly used color is white. If you want to paint on an unusual surface or need to prime a canvas, you will need gesso to ensure the paint stays in place and your colors show up as vibrantly as possible. Preparing a surface with gesso is a relatively simple process.

Instructions

1. Shake the gesso container to ensure it is evenly mixed.

2. Apply some gesso to your paintbrush.

3. Coat the canvas or painting surface with a thin layer of gesso. Try to apply gesso as evenly as possible across the entire surface of the medium.

4. Coat the canvas or painting surface with a thin layer of gesso. Try to apply gesso as evenly as possible across the entire surface of the medium.

5. Apply a second or third coat of gesso depending on your desires. One coat is usually enough, but some painters may opt for several coats to ensure the deepest, most even tone.

Mix Oil Base Paint

Mix Oil Base Paint

Until oil paint tubes were invented in the mid-nineteenth century, painters mixed all their own oil paints by hand. Oil paints are essentially just powdered pigments suspended in linseed oil, and can still be made today. Some artists will enjoy mixing these paints by hand. Mixing the paints personally gives one a greater appreciation and understanding of the oil painting process.

Instructions

1. Prepare linseed oil ahead of time by heating it in a double boiler (with water in the bottom). Add 2 percent pure beeswax. Mix the linseed oil thoroughly and allow to cool for one day. Store in an airless container.

2. Put on safety gear (mask, goggles and rubber gloves). Set up all materials so they are located within reach.

3. Place a small amount of linseed oil (or walnut oil) on the grinding slab.

4. Add a very small amount of pigment to the linseed oil.

5. Mash the pigment with the linseed oil, using the muller.

6. Add powdered pigment and linseed oil as the mixture begins to combine. You'll have to use your own judgment about the proportions--different types of linseed oil and different types of pigment will react together differently. It helps to have an inherent idea of what the paint should look like, so previous exposure to oil paint is recommended. Use a spatula to bring in the mixture when it becomes dispersed over the grinding surface. Continue to grind the paint until it is the desired consistency and the mixture is smooth.

7. Use a spatula to gather the paint when this process is finished. Store the paint in an airtight container.

Make Japanese Fans

Make Japanese Fans

Japanese fans are beautiful creations with function. They are an ancient Japanese art. You can have fun teaching your kids make these Japanese fans and keep the whole family a little cooler. You can also have a lot of fun creating your very own Japanese fan by choosing the colors, patterns and designs. You can experiment with different ways to make your Japanese fan and find the best way for you. Begin with these simple steps to creating your very own Japanese fan.

Instructions

1. Assemble the fan bones. Find the middle of the bamboo sticks width wise and mark 1 inch from one end. This will be the point at which the fan pivots when opened and closed.

2. Use the needle to create holes where you marked the middle of the bamboo sticks.

3. Use the 2-inch head pin to thread through the holes you have just made. Gather the bamboo together as if the fan was in the closed position.

4. If you want the bones of the fan to be a different color, or to be decorated, now is the time. Take out the head pin and sand them down with the fine sandpaper and paint if so desired.

5. Thread the head pin back through the holes. Use the needle nose pliers to twist the other end of the head pin closed just enough to allow for pivoting, but keeping it tight. Use scissors to cut off any extra wire.

6. Spread the paper out and set the bamboo down on the paper. Make sure the bamboo bones are spaced out evenly. Use the tape to secure the bones to the paper.

7. Mark the paper a 1/2 inch above the top of the bones and 1 inch on each side. Cut the bottom and the top of the paper in an arc.

8. Remove the bones carefully to paint or draw on the paper to add a design to the fan. If you paint it make sure it is completely dry before finishing.

9. Use the glue to permanently attach the bones to the paper. Allow the glue to dry completely.

10. Start at one end and begin folding the fan by bringing the first bone to the second and folding the paper in. Continue in this manner, taking your time folding the paper. Once finished cut any paper that is not needed. You now have your own Japanese fan!

Learn Ventriloquism

Give your puppet a strong separate identity from yours.

Ventriloquism is the art of manipulating your voice so it would appear that it is coming from another source, such as a puppet. Ventriloquizing is often described as the ability to throw your voice. The ventriloquist, however, is not changing the origin of his voice and making it go through the puppet. On the contrary, throwing your voice means changing it so the puppet does not sound like the ventriloquist's own voice. There are many ways to learn and practice ventriloquism, but according to Burgher's Entertainment, the main advice is to practice substituting letters as you talk and learning naturally manipulate the puppet.

Instructions

1. Purchase a puppet. Dummies can be made out of different materials, but classic ones are wooden. You can find them online sold by specialized stores at different price ranges.

2. Name your puppet and establish its personality traits. In order to make it seem real you will have to think about its main human characteristics, goals, dreams, perhaps its past and other traits that would help make it come alive before the audience.

3. Practice a different voice. The puppet's voice needs to be different compared to the ventriloquist's voice. Think of a type of voice that matches your puppet's personality. It could be higher or lower voice than yours, such as grave or raspy. It is up to you to decide, but make sure you practice it daily, so during a presentation, when you switch between your voice and your puppet's, the process will go naturally.

4. Practice moving your puppet naturally. It does not need to imitate your movements. For example, if you are looking one way, make your puppet look at the other direction. Practice in front of a mirror to study your own movements and how you manipulate your puppet. It should look natural, so your puppet will give the impression that it is independent from you.

5. Practice talking without moving your lips. The sounds you make, however, need to be made with your lips slightly separated. When you talk, certain labial sounds will invariably make your lips come together. In order to solve this, then, substitute these letters when you speak, and with practice the audience will not notice the sound differences. According to Burgher's Entertainment, for B, use the letter D. For F use TH (as in "thought"). For M use N. For P use T. For V use TH (as in "the"). And if you need to say W, pronounce it "duddleyou."

Learn Tricks To Remove Handcuffs

Escaping handcuffs takes some skill and practice.

Escaping from handcuffs is a classic magician's trick that was popularized by Harry Houdini, who was known as the "Handcuff King," in the late 19th century. If you use real handcuffs you will need to learn pick the lock, or prepare your wrists in such a way as to allow yourself room to escape the cuffs. If you are using a magician's trick handcuffs, or handcuffs made of a soft material, escaping the cuffs will simply be a matter of releasing a catch or simple fastener. Edible handcuffs are the simplest cuffs to escape, as they may be eaten or easily broken.

Instructions

1. Use a key to escape from handcuffs.

One way of escaping from locking handcuffs is simply to open them with a key. You will need either the key that belongs to the specific handcuffs, or a universal key. This is simple to perform with a single handcuff, but takes a lot of skill and practice if you are escaping from double handcuffs.

2. Use a bobby pin to pick the lock of police handcuffs.

Escape police handcuffs by picking the lock with a bobby pin. Remove the plastic from one end of the bobby pin and bend it into the shape of a Z. Put the pin into the lock and bend the pin down toward the direction of 10 o'clock to release the lock mechanism.

3. Have the handcuffs placed over wristbands to give you room to escape them.

You can also escape handcuffs by preparing your wrists in such a way as to create extra room through which to wriggle out of the cuffs. Place padded wrist bands around your wrists before having the cuffs put on, or have the cuffs put on over thick shirt or jacket sleeves. Then you will be able to work the cuffs down past the padding and wriggle out of them. Some magicians wear a wrist prosthesis over their wrists when they use this escape method.

4. Coat your wrists with butter or oil to help slide off handcuffs.

Coating your wrists with a grease such as butter or colorless cooking oil is another way in which you can remove handcuffs. The grease will allow you to work them off in the same way that one works a too-tight ring off a finger.

5. Trick handcuffs may have velcro closures.

Trick handcuffs are fairly simple to remove, since they usually have a button release on them. These are perhaps the most common kind of trick handcuffs, and can be found at magic supply shops. Handcuffs with velcro or snap fasteners are also simple to undo, by using your mouth to grip the end of the cuff and pull.

6. Edible handcuffs can be made of sugar, chocolate or gummy candy.

Edible handcuffs are usually made of candy and are simple to escape from, as they can be chewed off. "Bridge jumpers," or handcuffs molded from sugar or chocolate and painted to look like real metal handcuffs, can be dissolved in water or bitten off. Gummy handcuffs can be purchased from specialty candy stores.

Learn To Sword Fight Using A Katana

Several styles of swordsmanship can teach an individual fight with a katana.

The sword most commonly associated with the samurai class of Feudal Japan, the katana, can be identified by its long, curved, single-edged blade. Samurais would spend a lifetime refining their swordsmanship with the katana, and often duels between rival samurais were determined by who exhibited the greater skill with his sword during combat. Multiple sword-fighting techniques exists that can teach an individual fight with a katana, and each style has schools dedicated to teaching that particular art. Iaido, Kenjutsu, Kendo and Shinkendo all teach the art of Japanese sword fighting using traditional methods passed down through the generations.

Instructions

1. Determine which style of sword fighting best suits your individual needs and interests. For example, Kenjutsu emphasizes a strong first attack that cripples your opponent, while Iaido teaches counterattack your opponent by turning his own strikes against him.

2. Study the basics of your chosen sword-fighting technique to learn properly handle your sword. Become comfortable enough with your blade that it becomes an extension of your arm.

3. Practice drawing, swinging and sheathing your weapon.

4. Focus on using precise, controlled movements while wielding your sword. For example, Shinkendo kata emphasizes fluid movements, balance shifting and effective sword and body mechanics.

5. Spar with a partner using wooden swords to test your technique in simulated combat. Determine what areas of your swordsmanship need strengthening and at what areas you excel.

6. Test your accuracy and form by participating in cutting drills using a sharpened katana. Test-cutting requires students to slice through practice dummies by using proper technique that allows a swordsman to sever an object using a single cut.

Learn To Read In Kindergarten Through Poetry

Teach reading with poetry books.

Poetry is a useful tool in teaching children to read. Poetry often contains rhyming patterns and sight words, which are both necessary in teaching reading. Another benefit to using poetry for reading instruction is children enjoy reading poems. Kindergartners enjoy the predictable text and silly words in poems. Reading short poems helps to build confidence in early readers who are unsure of their reading skills.

Instructions

1. Decide which poems are appropriate for your pupils. Look for poems that are short, have a rhyming pattern and contain easy kindergarten sight words. Consider the interests in your class -- if some of your children like cats, a poem about cats would be a good fit for your group. Another focus is to tie in social studies or science concepts.

2. Introduce the poem to your class. Display the poem so the children can see the words. Read the poem out loud to your class, pointing at each word as you read. Include motions to parts of the poem where appropriate.

3. Invite students to practice the poem with you. Guide your class through a choral read of the poem. Continue to point under the words each time the poem is read to your class.

4. Provide students opportunity to practice the poem with you. Read the poem over several class periods, providing familiarity with the words.

5. Distribute a paper copy of the poem for your pupils to illustrate. The children should maintain the poem in a poetry folder so they can use and practice it later.

6. Present a new poem to your class each week. Include new sight words each week for children to practice. Continue to revisit previously introduced poems on a regular basis, helping the children practice.

Learn To Play The Bluegrass Banjo

Bluegrass banjo music is upbeat and fun to play.

Upbeat and fast-paced bluegrass music combines elements of folk and country styles. Banjo is one of the key instruments in bluegrass music, often providing both the melody and a rhythmic foundation. Banjo players use picking techniques and chord strums to drive bluegrass music. Learning to play bluegrass banjo well can be challenging. but with practice and a little patience, you can master the techniques that make this music come alive.

Instructions

1. Tune your banjo. Learn the "G" tuning. It's the most common tuning for bluegrass banjo. This means the strings of your banjo, when strummed open (no fingers on the frets) form a G major chord. The strings should be tuned (from thinnest to thickest, with the fifth string being the short string) D-B-G-D-G. Use a digital tuner or reference tones to ensure you're tuned correctly. The digital tuner is best for beginners because the tuner lights up in green when you are in tune. A properly tuned banjo is essential for learning to play.

2. Hold the banjo properly. When you begin playing, it's best to sit comfortably and place the body of the banjo in your lap, with the neck titled at a slight angle. Later as you become more comfortable, you can put a strap on the banjo and stand. While you learn, sitting is typically more comfortable and allows you to focus on playing techniques.

3. Experiment with picks. Bluegrass banjo players do a lot of picking techniques. Buy a pick for your thumb and at least one pick for a finger. Most bluegrass players wear a pick on at least two fingers in addition to the thumb pick. To help you get used to wearing picks and using them, put picks on your first, second and third fingers while you're learning.

4. Familiarize yourself with banjo tablature. Many bluegrass banjo players prefer this method of reading and writing banjo songs. You can find most banjo music notated with this method, so learning it will allow you to communicate with other banjo players. Banjo tablature is simply a graph featuring four or five horizontal lines (depending on the type of banjo it's written for), with numbers placed on the lines to indicate which frets you should play.

5. Learn chords. Purchase a banjo chord book or use one online at no charge. There are many different chords and you won't learn them all at once. The more you play, the easier memorizing chords becomes, but in the beginning, a chord dictionary can be helpful. To start with, focus on simple chords such as C, G (which can be played by strumming the strings of your banjo open) and D. You'll add more chords to your repertoire later.

6. Practice the roll technique. You can do this technique on every chord change to create one of the signature sounds of bluegrass banjo. To perform a roll on the banjo, form a chord and pick the strings of the chord individually. You can strike all of the notes in the chord or just the first, third and fifth notes. The roll may be a forward roll or a reverse roll, depending upon which order you strike the notes. To get familiar with the roll, play a chord progression featuring the basic chords you're familiar with, but instead of strumming the chords, play a forward or reverse roll pattern on each new chord you play. Perfecting the roll technique immediately enhances the bluegrass feel of your playing.

7. Play as much bluegrass as you can. You can purchase bluegrass music books or find bluegrass sheet music online at no charge. Playing is the best way to increase your skills. Focus on the roll technique as you practice new songs. You'll notice the more songs you play and the more you practice the roll technique, the smoother your chord changes and rolls will sound. You may need to start off playing slowly, but as you increase your speed, you'll find your bluegrass skills improving quickly.

Layer Encaustic Paint

Use wax to prime your wood or canvas.

The word encaustic is derived from the Greek, meaning "to burn in" and refers to the process of melting and fusing. The technique of encaustic painting dates back to the Greeks in the 5th Century B.C., when wax and resin were used on ships. In later years, encaustic painting was used during the mummification process when a portrait of the deceased was painted and placed over the mummy. Encaustic painting involves using wax mixed with pigment, which is applied to a rigid canvas in multiple layers. The technique of encaustic painting relies heavily on texture, but it can be difficult to work with because the paint is a difficult medium.

Instructions

1. Purchase your encaustic paint and wax from an art supply store.

2. Prepare your surface, such as a plank of wood, by making it smooth. Although you can use canvas, it normally sags under the weight of the encaustic paint, so you may want to stretch the canvas over a solid wood panel.

3. Lay your stretched canvas or plank of wood on a flat surface to ensure that the wax does not drip.

4. Prime the piece of wood with a coat of wax and let it dry. If you want to create an even coat for the background of your painting, you may want to melt the wax by blowing the wax with a hair dryer on low heat.

5. Paint using a heavy, heat-resistant paintbrush, pastel pencils or paint to draw your artwork and try to work quickly. Layer the paints differently in desired areas to create different hues. Keep in mind that the wax will make the paint appear more translucent than regular paint.

6. Melt the wax as desired or scrape it away using a painter's knife to create raised areas on your painting.

7. Let the layer harden before you continue painting the next layer.

8. Burnish the surface using a cotton cloth for a satin-like appearance.

Make A Scene Tutu

Make a Scene Tutu

The vibrant colors and eclectic style of the alternative "scene" culture can be incorporated into many accessories. Tutus are fun and easy to make, and can be customized to fit perfectly into any scene wardrobe. Tutus can be worn over tights, leggings, skinny jeans or shorts, creating a bold, flirty fashion statement. This tutu requires minimal sewing and is an ideal craft project for a tween or teen.

Instructions

1. Measure your waist or hips with a flexible tape measure. Placement of the tape measure will depend upon where you want the waistband of the tutu to fall.

2. Purchase and/or gather these supplies: two yards of one half to one inch wide elastic in desired color, needle, thread, one yard of each desired color of tulle (netting) or two yards if using only one color (you can use more tulle, depending upon how much volume you want the tutu to have), and one half yard of ribbon if bow is desired.

3. Cut elastic to one inch longer than your waist measurement.

4. Overlap ends of elastic by one half inch and sew together so that you have a circle of elastic.

5. Cut tulle into strips of the desired width and length—four inches wide by 18 inches long works well. To make the cutting easier and faster, you can fold the tulle in half, bringing the two short sides together, then fold accordion style from side to side. Cut along the accordion folds to make strips.

6. Lay the circle of elastic on a flat surface. Fold a strip of tulle in half and lay vertically underneath the elastic. Wrap the two loose ends of the fabric strip over the elastic and pass them through the looped end of the tulle in a half-hitch knot; pull tight. Repeat around the elastic until the tutu is puffy enough.

7. Tie the ribbon into bow and sew to front. Trim edges of tulle at bottom if desired.

Learn The Banjo Online

There are a number of resources online to help banjo beginners carry a tune.

The Internet makes it possible to learn any musical instrument anywhere at any time. There is a wealth of information online about the folk and bluegrass mainstay, the banjo. It can be an easy instrument to pick up with a little guidance, although it will take even naturally gifted musicians some time to master. After you have chosen a banjo from a music shop or an online retailer, boot up your computer for some resources to get the tunes flowing.

Instructions

1. Learn the basics. See Get-Tuned.com for a banjo tuning device that plays a tone to match up to the sound of each string. Banjo Hangout is another site that will help new players learn the various tunings. One standard banjo tuning arranges the strings G-D-G-B-D (with the shortest string, the one that would be at the top of the instrument when you hold it, being the first G note). That tuning flows naturally with songs in the G and C keys.

2. Learn chord formations. Check the BanjoTrain website for a comprehensive listing of four-string chords. Guitar Noise has a listing of chords for the five string banjo. Practice by arranging your fingers on the fretboard the way the diagrams advise. Then strum away or pick the strings individually with your fingertips.

3. Learn a little theory. Chords for C, D, and G will sound harmonious together, as will chords for A, E and B. Check for basic chord progression lessons at Folk of the Wood.

4. Develop your finger-picking technique. There are written directions online but you may do better to watch a professional in action. Check out the video lessons at the Free Guitar Videos subsidiary site, freebanjovideos.com. There's always YouTube, as well, where you can find a wealth of lessons from banjo players.

5. Practice some tunes. Ross Nickerson Bluegrass Banjo has tablature for a number of classics, such as "I'll Fly Away" and "This Land is Your Land" on its website. Tablature is sort of like a cheat-sheet for musicians, as it shows finger fretboard arrangements instead of notes.

6. Chat about your new hobby. Banjo Hangout has forums for banjo players to talk technique and debate instrument quality.

Learn Sword Tai Chi

Before learning tai chi sword, you should first learn empty hand tai chi.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art with mostly slow, fluid movements. Tai chi sword employs tai chi techniques while using a sword. Tai chi is widely practiced in Asia because of its ability to reduce stress and joint pain, and increase flexibility and balance. Although it has numerous health benefits, many people forget its martial applications. Tai chi sword can be very effective when used masterfully.

Instructions

1. Choose a tai chi school or master. Judge the quality of the school by the skills and legitimacy of the master. Most Chinese martial arts, or kung fu, are handed down from master to master; so a true master should be able to provide his kung fu pedigree, which includes the names of his master and grandmaster. Some tai chi masters do not have a school and teach private or semiprivate lessons at the student’s home or in a nearby park. Do not discount these masters-they can often be just as legitimate as masters with schools.

2. Learn tai chi. If you haven’t learned the basic movements of tai chi without a sword, it will be more difficult to learn tai chi with a sword in one hand. Movements are more complicated with a sword, so normal breathing and fluid movements will only be more difficult to maintain. Many new students hold their breath when performing tai chi, because they are focusing on their movements.

3. Purchase a sword. The traditional tai chi sword, or "tai chi jian," is a double-edge sword with a slightly flexible tip. It should be light enough to enable quick movements and keep your arms from getting tired. A quality sword will be made of steel and be well-balanced, which means that the blade should weigh the same as the handle. You can check balance by placing two fingers no more than one or two inches from the guard. The sword should balance perfectly.

4. Learn tai chi sword. Listen to your master. He has the title of "master" for a reason. He will teach you basic foot work and the practical use of each movement. He may have you begin with basic sword movements, so that you can get used to having a sword in your hand. He may teach you more balance, if the tai chi form you are studying requires it.

Mix Paint Colors Into Brown

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

Instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Stone Tiles

Paint Stone Tiles

Stone tiles are popular among homeowners because they are so sturdy. Stone holds up better to constant traffic than hardwood or carpet and is often more attractive than linoleum. Unfortunately, stone can stain and grow blotchy over time from constant moisture, spills and aging. Painting your stone tiles is much easier and less expensive than replacing them. You'll still have a sturdy attractive floor that may repel stains and wear if you seal it properly.

Instructions

1. Find stone or masonry paint at your local hardware store. This paint is thicker and coats the stone more evenly than wall paint. Wall paint soaks into the stone's porous surface and requires more coats. Purchase two colors; white and your final color choice. Wash and dry your floor thoroughly.

2. Cover counters, cabinets and immovable furniture with plastic drop cloths. Tape off baseboards and molding to avoid splashing paint onto them. Use a paintbrush to cut in the edges of the floor with white paint. The white acts as a base coat and will make your final color look even and bright.

3. Pour a little paint into a paint pan and roll a long-handled roller through the paint, getting just a little on the roller. Roll in long, parallel, even strokes over the floor, working from the corner furthest from a door to the doorway itself. This way you won't paint yourself into the room.

4. Allow the base coat to dry for three to four hours. Rinse your brushes and change your rollers in the meantime, applying the final color the way you did your white base coat. Allow the second coat to dry overnight so both layers of paint have time to cure.

5. Apply a coat of stone sealer after the paint dries. Choose a sealer specifically for stone, picking one for exterior stone if your tiles are in a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen, hallway or foyer. Allow the sealer to dry for at least four hours before setting anything on it.

Paint Pictures Of Mountains

Mountains are some of the most commonly drawn pieces of nature.

Throughout the years, mountains and landscapes have been some of the most widely painted natural elements.You can create landscape paintings using almost any form of paint ranging from oil paints to water-based paints. Each form of paint provides different color styles that enhance different elements of a painting's quality. By properly planning your painting, and acquiring the necessary supplies, you can paint a picture of a mountain.

Instructions

1. Acquire a reference picture of mountains similar to the style of mountain you will be painting. For example, if you will be painting a picture of sharp-tipped mountains, acquire a picture of similar mountains to use as a reference picture. This will aid you during the design process.

2. Prepare to paint the picture. Decide on the medium you will use to paint your picture. Determine whether you would rather use oil paints, or acrylic paints. Gather the necessary supplies and organize them around your place of work, allowing for easy access. For example, place all paint brushes, paints and paper towels together in individual groups.

3. Sketch a rough outline of the picture onto the canvas. Use the reference picture to help you sketch the mountain range. Include the outline of every aspect of your picture in the sketch. For example, sketch any trees, the mountain line, and the ground. Lightly shade in any lines so they are clearly visible during the painting process but don't appear in the final image.

4. Determine the time of day and lighting for the picture. The time of day heavily influences the types of colors you use in the painting. For example, if the picture takes place during the evening, you would use warm colors such as orange, yellow and red. If the picture takes place on a cloudy day, you would use dark colors such as gray, teal, and black.

5. Lay out each color onto the color palette. Evenly space each color about two inches apart to avoid mixing colors.

6. Color in each bulk aspect of your sketch. Dab the 10-millimeter flat paint brush into one of the colors laid out on the color palette. Evenly stroke the paintbrush across the canvas to color in each specific aspect of the sketch. Avoid painting outside the sketch lines.

7. Add details to your painting. Dab the 1/2-inch round paint brush into the paint and add small details to the objects in the painting. Paintings are much like pictures, in the way objects that appear closer have more detail, while objects farther away tend to be much less detailed. Add extreme detail to close objects, while adding less detail to farther away objects.

8. Place the canvas on a flat surface away from any debris and allow it to dry.