Arts and Crafts
May 17th, 2010 at 09:43am
Under Arts and Crafts
Telekinesis has been described as the ability to move objects using the mind or thoughts. We already know that energy never dies but merely changes form. We also know that one form of energy can physically move another form. Using this logic, thought waves produced by the brain, which are forms of energy, should be able to affect another form of energy.
Often described as “becoming one with an object,” or allowing one’s thoughts to leave the mind and literally permeate the object they are trying to move, telekinetic powers can be developed by finding the right technique and practicing them time and time again. The way you practise telekinesis as well as how often and with what intensity will all dictate how successful you will be in your endeavours.
For the brain to manipulate the energy needed to perform telekinesis one must first discover their own unique psychic strengths. Telekinesis is something that is very rarely achieved soon after trying as it often takes hundred, if not thousands of attempts before success is realised; and what works perfectly for one person may not bring about any results for another.
But before telekinesis is even attempted, you must first learn the great art of complete and total concentration; as without it, you will never be able to tap into the part of the subconscious mind that’s needed to hone psychic abilities. Many people make the common mistake of getting discouraged, thinking they aren’t doing a certain technique correctly or that they simply don’t have any psychic abilities, when in reality, they simply gave up too soon.
One of the simplest concentration exercises to try is to practice until you are able to hold one single thought in your mind for a minimum of five minutes. To begin with what sounds as if it would be a rather simple task, use a piece of paper with one single black dot in the centre of the page. Sit in a quiet room where you will be undisturbed for at least a half hour and start by doing some deep breathing to relax both the body and the mind.
Have a clock nearby so you can note the time. Stare at the dot, concentrating on its shape and nothing else. When your concentration breaks or when your mind tries to wander away to other thoughts, which it will, simply push them away and refocus on the dot. As you practise this one exercise over and over again you will soon find that it takes 10, 20 or even 30 minutes or more before your concentration is broken.
Much like some people cherish the early morning hours while others aren’t able to get motivated until much later in the day, telekinetic powers are more on target certain times of the day. It is, naturally, up to you to discover when your best time of the day or night is for honing your own powers and there is no one method that has proven successful for all who have tried it.
Keith Ward is the Founder and Director of the Circle of Professional Clairvoyants, which offers Psychic Readings with fully qualified Senior UK Clairvoyants and Psychics.
By KeithWard
May 17th, 2010 at 09:29am
Under Arts and Crafts
Psychic readings have a long and illustrious history that spans several millennia. In fact, the evidence of psychic powers can be traced back as long as mankind itself. Psychic readings, in all of their many various forms, have been looked upon by many people as a way of solving problems here in the current physical world. Alternately, they have also been vehemently dismissed by sceptics perhaps equally as often.
A professional psychic may do readings with the aid of one or more “mediums,” so to speak, such as tarot cards, numerology, distant readings, psychometry readings, which is a form of the practice often used in missing person cases, astrology, and a number of other different variations on the core theme.
Distant readings are done without the psychic and client ever actually meeting face to face, or in some cases, even speaking to one another. Much of the same psychic powers used in distance or remote viewing and healing are utilised in psychic distant readings. This form, naturally, has evolved along with technology as psychics use the telephone, email, and the Internet to do readings answering questions from the curious about matters such as love, money, health, and what the future might possibly hold for them.
The allure of the unknown has long intrigued man who often seeks guidance and advice from powers he deems more knowing than himself, which in this case, is testament to the great attraction of psychic readings in modern society.
Portents and omens, both the good and the bad, as well as superstitions have dictated the thoughts and the actions of countless people through time and in all walks of life. In some ancient civilisations, psychic powers were highly regarded, while just a few thousand years later people were regularly persecuted for being “witches.” Those who practiced their psychic powers were often referred to as occultists, witches, and even devil worshippers, as the psychic sciences were not yet understood by primitive people.
Societies such as the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans were all known to utilise amulets, charms, spells and talismans to channel information and seek predictions and advice about the mysterious future. We know that the very first deck of tarot cards was created in Italy during the fifteenth century and featured Christian meanings and symbols. However, throughout the next few centuries, Christianity was slowly removed from tarot cards. The first evidence of a tarot card reading as we think of them today occurred later in the eighteenth century.
Medicine men and shaman have long relied upon psychic powers and alternative methods of harnessing energy in their rituals and ceremonies either to bring about physical or emotional healing. Divining rods, jewels, stones, and crystals are just some of the tools used psychically throughout history by man trying to discover the answers that elude him.
Now in modern times in the UK and throughout the rest of the world, psychic readings continue to amaze, enthral and puzzle those who are curious or interested in this rather fascinating practice.
Keith Ward is the Founder and Director of the Circle of Professional Clairvoyants, which offers Psychic Readings with fully qualified Senior UK Clairvoyants and Psychics.
By KeithWard
May 16th, 2010 at 07:26pm
Under Arts and Crafts
For anyone that has thought about learning how to paint, or has started to learn how to paint; there usually exists some degree of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability issues. This is natural but debilitating, and it need not be.
Oil painting is the best, but the hardest medium to work with. But don’t be afraid of it. It’s an amazing medium. Very sensual and versatile. Once you get a feel for its characteristics, you will be able to get the most out of it and discover how wonderful it really is.
So, it’s important to understand that you should enjoy the process of oil painting instead of just the final result. Oil painting requires a lot of patience. Which brings up the point of don’t be so worried about what it looks like at the early stages.
A good oil painting will look like crap until it’s about 65 - 75% finished. The painting needs to be built up on many semi-transparent layers of paint and brush strokes. Good, simple oil paintings can take 6-8 weeks and the really good ones up to 8 months to finish.
Part of the reason for this is that there has to be a fair amount of paint on the canvas as well as a good variety of color values, and properly placed color values to get a good sense of depth. So relax, because it’s impossible to get to that stage quickly, but it is worth all the effort!
Another important point is that the desire within you to paint is there for a reason. So chances are that you’re pretty good or even amazing at it. I would also suggest allowing yourself to be guided when you paint. Some pretty cool stuff happens when you’re in that frame of mind and not trying to control the process. Go with your gut and don’t over think it.
I can understand the fear most people have about oil painting because I put it off for 20 years. I have been kicking myself for waiting so long, so don’t make that mistake.
It’s also vital to understand that you are painting for yourself first and only. Paint your vision and enjoy it. There are so many people in this world with different tastes that it’s impossible to have all of them like your work. So if a bunch of people could care less about your painting, its no big deal. Try not to replicate other commercial paintings you see. Paint YOUR vision because it’s going to be the only way you get to discover your greatness.
I also believe that there is an audience for every artist and all you have to do is find each other, and you do that by painting your visions of what’s true to you and then getting your work out there. You will find your audience and they will find their artist, and that’s a cool ride.
Also know that it’s impossible to make a mistake in oil painting. Every brush stroke is additive towards the end result in some way, shape or form. But if you really think you blundered something, then you can simply wipe the paint off, if it’s still wet and the layers under-neath are dry. You can also wait till that part dry and simply paint over it. I do this quite a bit, that’s just part of the process of oil painting and discovering what works and what does not, so it’s all good.
Don’t be afraid to oil paint, don’t give up, and be true to your visions. You are the artist and you have your own voice to share.
Michael Orlando is a veteran motion picture visual effects artist, and most recently has been concentrating on his oil painting career and building his art business. His original fine art oil painting can be seen at http://www.etsy.com/shop/orlandoart
By MichaelOrlando
May 15th, 2010 at 11:12pm
Under Arts and Crafts
Imagine this, someone sets up their loom or spool with the finest cashmere wool from Peru. They create a beautifully made and designed sweater which you buy and wear for several loving years. After some time, the sweater style is out of fashion, the color has faded or it has shrunk and you have grown. This is the lifetime of a well made and loved cashmere sweater. Now, what’s next? You recycle it, right? Well, yes you can recycle it, but what about repurposing it? Repurposing in fabrics and textiles has taken on a new name and action called ‘craftivism’.
Recycling old textiles is not a new concept. The origination began in England 200 years ago. It was referred to as the ‘rag and bone’ industry where old textiles were collected then sent to wiping and flocking businesses for the wool and other fibers were sent to be reclaimed into new garments. All textiles were recycled, both man-made and natural. You may ask why? Well, think about it. It’s estimated that over a million tones of textiles are thrown away every year, over 50% are recyclable, yet only 20% is actually recycled. Reduce, reclaim, recycle has been an eco-phrase for many years now in North America. People are thinking about where and how products are made and what happens after its use is depleted. Business and personal accountability and responsibility are in the forefront of most minds and the progression of it is moving the emphasis from the object itself to the action taken. In other words, activism plus crafts equals craftivism.
Many textile and fiber artists have been aware of this insurgence since their early 101 courses. The concept of craftivism is now a common phrase used by people who have little or no training to make and alter existing materials into new products. It is referred to as a ‘socially engaged art practice’- a call to question and interrupt the prevailing codes of conduct in regards to mass consumerism. Craftivism’s approach to the recycling of post consumer fabric and textile waste is the activity of re-purposing. For example, taking an old wool sweater and cutting it into a new pattern and changing it from a wool sweater, into wool oven mittens, woolen puppets, etc. Taking a previous fabric craft, i.e. knitted, crocheted, macramé and finding a new purpose for the materials, skipping the great big process of recycling. It’s an activism which can be taken all over the world, by crafts people, artists and imaginative people alike.
Alternately, the Textile Recycling Association has started its own movement to stop the waste of old textiles and fibers into landfills and sending it to merchants for re-sale. The TRA is not taking the carftivism approach yet, since there is no money changing hands. Capitalism does need to lead to consumerism, which is not the case with craftivism. TRA controls the majority of post-consumer textiles which are collected by charities such as The Salvation Army and Oxfam. The process of the TRA is to recycle and reuse textiles.
For example:
-Still wearable shoes are resold in places like India, Africa and Eastern European countries. Wearable clothes are recycled and provided to African countries for emergency use, also sent to other colder countries to provide warm winter clothing.
-Unwearable clothing is recycled in different ways. Pants and skirts are sold to the flocking industry where they are shredded for fillers in car insulation, roofing felts, panel linings and furniture padding. Unwearable woolen fabrics are sold to fiber reclaiming companies to make yarn or wool. Unwearable cottons and silks are sorted into grades for cloths and paper.
The world has changed over the past few decades. People are starting to think about the products the buy, how they were created and where, and what to do with them once they have served their purpose. Companies have been created within this new environmental approach to consumerism, but what about the everyman/woman? People now have a cleaner more pro-active choice when considering what to do next with their used clothing and textile. Get active in your own home, community and environment. Recycle, reuse, reduce and now re-purpose. Get active, you just may create a new sought after product, just from re-purposing your clothing in the donation pile.
Visit www.janestaffordtextiles for a wide selection of yarns, weaving equipment and for scarf and throw kits.
By PatMunro
May 15th, 2010 at 09:41pm
Under Arts and Crafts
Umpteen songs just couldn’t help but be Contentious. Whether these vocals and their Lyric Poems were meant to be Controversial or not, they contended to pull in attention and Critique due to their lubricious subject matter, sensual flat, or purportedly leering aims. The Unfavorable Judgment it Drawn impressed the peculiar regime to ram the record callers to alter minute parts of the Words in order to forbid further complaints.
A last case of this is Britney Spears’ “If You Seek Amy.” When one reads the Lyrics nearly, the supposedly offense message isn’t weak. Find how the formulate “if you seek Amy” was introduced into the Lyrics: “But all of the boys and all of the girls are soliciting to if you seek Amy.” The Lyric Poems do not make sensation; but one can decrypt its real meaning if the word was appraised phonetically. Of course, many parents and relates souls have covered the Lyrics of this song, especially since it received tight airplay during its release. The citizenry behind the album have expressed their purposes to change the Lyric Poems to “If you see Amy,” at least for the wireless.
Other vocal Words are not as traitorous in damage of dark meanings and frisky wordplay, but they taken Critique and aid due to their aim. vocals that aim to knock the regime or any form of last power tend to accept this form of care—specially during the earlier years. Inscribed by Bob Dylan, this song has Words that openly criticize the Vietnam Warfare during the 1960s and, in turn, the governing. The Lyric Poems urge somebodies to treat peace rather than war, with the Lyric Poems needing that “the respond, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.” This part of the Words is indeterminate and vague —and it has a number of renditions. It’s either the serve, like the wind, is easy to reach since it is obvious and long; or, like the wind, it is unclassifiable.
A further look at the songs from the 70s and the 80s would point how a number of their Lyric Poems supposedly character sex, doses, and other depicted objects that were considered out then and are still advised religious now by careful sectors. An object lesson of this is Cyndi Lauper’s “She Bop,” a song that supposedly have-to doe with to self-sexual foreplay. “They say I better stop—or I’ll go blind” in the Lyrics of the song show that this version can be right.
Of course, there are Moot vocals that do not needed have purportedly malevolent Lyrics. Sometimes, they became Disputable because of the personal nature of the song and the revelations taken in the Lyrics. An example of this is Taylor Swift’s “Forever and Always.” The song is apparently a break up song, with its Lyric Poems adverting to her break up with fellow singer Joe Jonas. Matching to news reports online in the amusement presses, Jonas broke up with Swift over the phone, in a conversation that lived less than a minute. The Lyric Poems of “Forever and Always” slightly touch on that story, although it Curled Up more aid because of the mantic and healing nature of the song.
Get the latest Music Lyrics available at http://www.musicsonglyrics.com
By TonyShapiro
May 15th, 2010 at 09:27pm
Under Arts and Crafts
Euphony can be utilized as a fundraiser or to crusade a Grounds. This has been proven a issue of times by artists and musicians who created Euphony and dropped a line Lyrics established on their attached makes and sold them as singles, with the proceeds going to Polemonium Van-bruntiae. For a Charity exploit, this type of fundraiser is really very operational. After all, who can refuse the advocate of being efficient to help by purchasing a only by one (or some) of the best creative people, singing Songs that encourage their causes and their charities. These singles, peculiarly when they are done decently and impeccably, are minute to hit the graphs by force. Although they may not reach the count one position all the time, they are surely strikes that can at least hit the top 50 of the Billboard graphs, for illustrate.
Take, for exercise, the newfound song done during the bear Up To Cancer telethon in America. Titled “Just endure Up!,” this vocal was didst by some of the most favorite and the best female creative people in America, including Beyonce Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, and Miley Cyrus, among others. This vocal reached the 11th touch of the Billboard Top 100—a feat for a Polemonium Van-bruntiae attempt. But while it is a Polemonium Van-bruntiae song, this does not mean that the vocal isn’t any good. With Euphony and Lyrics created by Antonio Reid and Kenneth Edmonds, this song is just as good as any song on the airwaves today. The Words of the vocal address of resilence and force during a time of hard times and troubles; while the Words did not now mention cancer, it alludes to it. Observation the kind of hope the Words what to impregnate, aptly concord the designs of the fundraiser: “I’m tellin’ you matters get better through whatever / If you fall, dust if off, don’t let up / Don’t you know you can go be your own miracle / You need to know!” The Words pertain to how the Charity of other mass can help fund cancer research, although the standard signified of the Words can also suffer on its own.
Other similar song is “What’s Going On,” recorded in 2001 by a number of artists duck-billed using the name “Artists Against AIDS Worldwide.” The song was in the beginning recorded by Martin Gaye in the 1970s, so its AIDS advocacy was not intended. Yet, the Lyric Poems of the song have a theme that can work for the Movement. For example, this part of the Words is general, but it can have completing deepness when placed in the context of AIDS: “You see war is not the answer / For only love can conquer hate / You know we’ve got to find a way / To bring some lovin’ here today.”
An earlier attempt of this is the song “Voices That Care,” featuring some of the hottest creative people during that time, accepting Will Smith, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Kenny G, and others. With Lyric Poems getting to boost the flavours of the promenades during the Gulf War, this gained top touches in assorted graphs in the country—and the world. This goes to show that a sincere song with serious Words and good aims can go a easy way.
Music Lyrics are very recent available at http://www.lyricsbay.com
By TonyShapiro
May 15th, 2010 at 06:57pm
Under Arts and Crafts
Getting a gift for someone can be very strenuous. However, it is a process that many people overcomplicate for no reason. Buying a gift for someone requires adequate knowledge of what is available and the type of person. For example, a person that lives in Alaska cannot be attempting to look for gifts such as a nice beach for their loved ones because those are not the same as the ones in Hawaii. Also, getting a gift for someone requires adequate knowledge of them. If you know a person, you should not have a hard time getting them a gift that they will love and cherish. A gift is an item that is given out of love, from one special person to another. Once a person has received a gift, it is very unusual that that person would reject the gift or denounce the person who gave it to them. Most of the items, it is the thought that counts. A reason why the gift procedure is one of the most overcomplicated is because people tend to think past the original goal. The goal is to get someone or something a time that they will like. The best gifts are not the most expensive, but rather the ones that mean the most. For example, a car is a great gift, but something as simple and relatively inexpensive as a rose may be enough to satisfy a lover. When getting a person a gift, these are the main things that one must know. Gifts can be expensive if one wants to be. However, great scouting will enable people to find the best gifts at a reasonable price. Gifts will definitely vary depending on the situation. If it is Valentine’s Day, Lovers will usually expect the usual, which is somewhere between roses, chocolate, or anything that has to do with love.
However, it is not unordinary to see people go out of their way to get their lovers something elaborate as a cell phone, car, or an iPod. Usually, it is not the same for all holidays. On Christmas, lovers may exchange the same thing but not kids. On such a holiday like Christmas and Easter, but the former more than the latter, children will expect toys and a lot of superficial items that should keep them happy temporarily. On a holiday like St. Patrick’s’ Day, people will usually exchange a lot of items that are green. There are also a lot of items that can be given on multiple holidays. For example, candy has never let anyone down, whether it is a mere child or a lover on Valentine’s Day. There are also many gifts depending on the age group. For example, one would never dare give an eight grader a condom as a birthday present. Likewise, one would be foolish to give a forty year old man a new deck of vintage Nintendo video games. Gifts are a simple concept that can be mastered by usually anyone. The only point is to be confident and not over complicate.
Are you looking for the best deals on unique gifts? Visit http://www.shopheaven.com today for more information!
By RobertCorter
May 15th, 2010 at 05:13am
Under Arts and Crafts
It used to be that if you wanted to buy a musical instrument, you had to find a nearby music store and find time to get there. This traditional method can be inconvenient and sometimes even impossible with busy schedules and limited local options. The music store may not have your preferred instrument in stock, it may be too far away or you simply may not have the time to get there.
Fortunately, the Internet makes it very simple to purchase musical instruments online. However, it may feel like you are taking a leap of faith by purchasing such a costly item without first playing the instrument, listening to it or even holding it in your hands.
Other issues can arise once you make the step to purchase — the instrument could arrive at your door damaged, the music store might charge you the wrong amount or send you the wrong item. It is imperative to be able to trust the source that you are buying from before you make the purchase, so that if a problem does arise, you can be assured that it will be resolved.
Here are 10 questions you should ask in order to ensure satisfaction with your online musical instrument purchase:
1.How long has the online music store been in business? There are many “fly-by-night” stores on the Internet. One way to make sure you are not ripped off is to find out how long the store has been conducting business online. It’s common for a company to list how long they have been providing services on the “About Us” section of its website. If you cannot find the answer on the website, try calling the store to find out.
2.Does the online music store have a phone number? If a company does not list a phone number on their website, it’s a sign that they may not make contact with their customers over the phone. Communicating solely through email may complicate your purchase should any problems arise down the line.
3.Is the website secure? If the website does not have an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, you may want to think twice before sending your credit card information to them. Digicert is a trustworthy company that provides SSL certificates to websites that meet encryption and authentication guidelines. McAfee Secure is another company that protects websites from hackers, identity theft, credit card fraud and viruses. Look for these badges — they often include a check mark or lock icon — on websites for peace of mind that the online music store you are purchasing from is taking all possible steps to ensure their website is secure, which will keep your personal information safe.
4.Does the online store have a physical location? Music stores that are experienced in servicing in-store customers directly tend to have more developed service policies, which will serve you as the customer better. Check the “About Us” section of the website for information about the music store’s physical location.
5.Does the music store have good customer service? One way to find out is to call the music store before you purchase an instrument or piece of equipment. By speaking with a store employee, you will get a better sense of how knowledgeable the store and its staff is, should you have any questions about your instrument once you purchase. N’ Stuff Music is a musical instrument store based in Pittsburgh, Pa., that focuses on providing great customer service. As Justin Sarra, N’ Stuff Music’s Sales Manager, explains, “We try to make every online customer feel as though they are getting the same service online as they would if they walked through our doors.” If you plan on purchasing an instrument online, the buying experience should be just as personal as if you went to the brick-and-mortar store.
6.Does the online music store have referrals or testimonials on their website? Typically, an online store will not post any bad comments about themselves on their website, for obvious reasons, but having some recommendations and testimonials available for potential customers is a good indication that the store is valued by its current customers. If the online store has a forum, allowing website visitors to post comments and ask questions about certain instruments, you can tell that they are open and honest, and value customer opinions.
7.Does the store respond to email? If you send the store an email with a legitimate question about a particular instrument in their inventory and they do not respond to your email within a reasonable timeframe — one full business day — you can safely assume that your business is not their priority.
8.Does the music store have a good social media reputation? Check to see if the store has an active profile on Facebook or Twitter and if the store has a decent number of “friends” or “followers.” Do they interact with customers online, and do these interactions seem helpful? You might consider contacting someone through a social media channel that has made a purchase from the music store and inquire about their experience. At the very least, you should perform an Internet search on the store to see if anyone has published complaints about them online or in blogs and forums. For example, searching “Music Store Name” and “complaints” may provide you with details about the level of service the store offers.
9.What is their return policy? The music store should list its return policy in clear detail on its website. If you change your mind about an instrument or if it is slightly damaged, you should know what the policy of the store is before making your purchase.
10.Can you listen online? Does the store make it possible for you to hear what the instrument sounds like online? Check for videos on the music store’s website or on YouTube that may feature the particular instrument you are purchasing.
If you can find the answers to these questions, then online shopping for the perfect guitar, drum set, keyboard or other musical instruments will be a more positive experience. Do some comparison shopping — often you can find instruments at a better price through online music stores, but remember that prices vary greatly from store to store.
Justin Sarra is Sales Manager at N’ Stuff Music, an online music store and brick-and-mortar music store in Pittsburgh, PA, that sells various musical instruments such as guitars, keyboards and drum sets, as well as pro-sound, recording, and DJ equipment.
By JustinSarra
May 15th, 2010 at 04:57am
Under Arts and Crafts
Scores of people want to take their love for music to the next level by learning how to play an instrument. However, too many feel that they don’t have a natural ability or lack musical talent, and ignore the urge to sign up for music lessons. They might be intimidated by the hours that are required to be proficient at a musical instrument or be put off by the stereotypical lifestyle of a musician. In spite of all that, they might pick up a guitar and learn a few chords to sing songs to their children, or express their creativity by banging away on a drum set in a weekend garage band.
If you have a deep love for music — no matter if you are a senior, adult, teenager or a child — music lessons can be a boost to your self-esteem and your social life. Making music can be a solo act, but it is often contingent on playing with other musicians and connecting with other people. It is often more fun, too! Learning a popular guitar riff or piano jingle comes with great satisfaction, but to be able to break out your guitar as you gather with friends around a campfire is priceless. No one ever said you had to quit your day job in order to be a musician.
Music lessons also can bolster your cognitive thinking and boost your brain power. Research published in 2009 by the Institute for Music and the Mind at McMaster University in West Hamilton, Ontario, shows a strong correlation between musical training for children and certain mental abilities. According to the study, a year or two of musical training can lead to higher levels of attention and memory.
In addition to stimulating your thought process, the style and genre of music you prefer adds a little excitement to your social life by bringing you closer to people of similar interests — those who share your same passions and intricacies. Once you get started with guitar lessons and are able to strum a few notes, you can learn and practice full songs with your friends. You may even head out to concerts and musical events together for inspiration.
Have you always had a secret desire to play the drums but figured it wasn’t worth driving your neighbors — not to mention your housemates — completely batty? Learning to play the drums doesn’t have to be a noisy experiment; try an electric drum set or practice pad, and find a local rehearsal space to practice what you’ve learned from your drum lessons. If your child has a strong interest in being the next Travis Barker, you’ll want to consider drum lessons, a practice pad and two sticks first, before going all out with a full drum set that he or she may lose interest in quickly.
Of course, music lessons need not always involve an instrument. Music lessons with a voice instructor can be just as rewarding as having a guitar lessons or drum lessons. Who doesn’t want to wow the crowd by hitting that high note in their favorite song on karaoke night? Even if you don’t feel comfortable performing for an audience, it is nice to carry a tune while singing along with your friends or alone in the car.
Music brings people together and inspires self-confidence. This is just as true for children and teens as it is for adults. If you have always had a hankering to learn a musical instrument or improve your voice, you have little to lose and much to gain. Go for it.
Justin Sarra is Sales Manager at Pianos N’ Stuff Music, which offers music lessons in Pittsburgh, PA, including voice lessons, guitar lessons, bass guitar, drums and piano lessons by Pittsburgh’s best and well-respected music instructors!
By JustinSarra
May 14th, 2010 at 07:27pm
Under Arts and Crafts
As a miniature dollhouse builder, you are acting as an architect. Perhaps you are an architect! Whether you’re a long time professional or a first time amateur, it’s vital that you recognize and understand the authentic style of the house you are trying to build. If you’re going to build or decorate a Victorian era doll house, research the construction, architect and design of these homes to ensure that your doll house is as accurate as possible. If you are going to participate in miniature dollhouse building or decorating competitions, judges will dock many points for simple errors in authenticity.
If you are going to purchase doll house kits rather than building your own, it can still be very helpful to understand the design of the home to aid you in your decorating process. If you purchase dollhouse kits, you can be certain that the design will be accurate, assuming you purchase from a credible manufacturer. Doll house miniatures are available from every era and time period so there’s no reason why your miniature dollhouse shouldn’t be authentic.
In this article, lets review the construction and interior design of a Victorian style home, starting with the architecture. Victorian homes are from 1840 to the 1900s and tend to be one-of-a kind and creative. This is because architects often designed the buildings as they went and mixed and matched according to their tastes. There are many variations of this home, primarily because during that period, architecturally speaking, it was “anything goes.”
Victorian style homes are known to have irregular sides, steep roofs, unique chimneys, extensive porches and uneven floor plans. This is what makes them one-of-a kind and your miniature doll house should reflect this charm.
The roofs tend to be not only really high, but also pitched with beautifully patterned shingles. The porches often wrap around the entire home and sometimes feature outdoor rooms or gazebos. Fireplaces are almost always present in this style of house (and miniature doll house) because they were built before gas or oil heating features. Wealthier Victorian Home owners generally had more than one fireplace, typically in the kitchen, living room and/or master bedroom. The irregular sides come from a combination of the porches, bay windows and fireplaces.
Interior design in a Victorian home is another important feature to consider when furnishing your dollhouse. The décor was used to express femininity and wealth. Wallpapers and furniture was generally elaborate and very decorative. They included a lot of feminine colors and details. Decoration is inspired by the British Empire and Egyptian and Oriental styles. Popular wood included mahogany and teak and furniture was made from thick, heavy, wooden designs and accented with velvet or leather.
These are all important things to consider during your building and decorating process. Because the Victorian era boasts such elaborate homes, it may be a good idea to start with Victorian doll house kits rather than building your own. Either way, there are dollhouse miniatures available in retail stores and at many online sites.
Jade Greene is an expert on doll house miniatures and doll house kits.
By JadeGreene
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