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 A young woman cutting into a human head for a slice of meat to be placed on her dinner plate DIY Costume Adult costumes for Halloween celebrations and other costume events need not be expensive to make. Many adults have art and craft skills to make their own Halloween or special events costume. Hand or machine stitching, glue, and paste are the basic fasteners. Props and accessories may be made, borrowed, or purchased. Creativity and imagination are the magic ingredients. Tap your talents and skills to imagine and make the costume of your choosing. The most time-consuming step of costume preparation is deciding what to wear. Once decided, completing the rest of the design is easy and fast. Are you confused or undecided? I recommend looking at books, magazines, and other alternative sources of visual aids to spark your creativity and imagination. Do not copy every detail.
Traditional Costumes
An original costume is a one-of-a- kind fantasy. The mask disguises the wearer and provides fun for others to guess their identity.  Spider woman Benefits: Original and self-expressive Individual or theme designs Use your art and crafts skills and talents Memories Creature and weather comfortable Use as everyday attire Recycle for alternative uses Eliminate waste  Individual Examples:
 A couple wearing old-fashion dress with horror makeup. Couple Examples:
 Men and a boy dressed in military garb. Group Examples:
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A decision has been made to explore the hobby of painting. As you review paints, brushes, and surfaces it becomes rather puzzling. My personal opinion is use acrylics as a first choice. Acrylics are versatile. They are used as watercolors, acrylics, or oils. After experimenting with this paint, you will become familiar with brush stroke techniques and assorted surfaces. This inexpensive trial and error, will help you choose your medium.  Painted Outdoor Sculpture What are you painting?
Oil Paints Oil painting of a man Both oils and acrylics use the same techniques. One of the main differences is that acrylics dry fast and oils dry slowly. Acrylics are water based, easy cleanup with soap and water, and non-allergic. Oil paints are oil based, clean with mineral spirits, turpentine, or acetone. Many of today’s oil paints are odor free and nonallergic, but the cleaners may pose problems for people with skin and breathing sensitivities. Oil paintings have been around for hundreds of years and have proven to have a long life. Acrylics came into popular use in the 1960s and their longevity has yet to be determined. Oil paints are ready to use from their containers. If you wish to paint with acrylics and create the illusion of oil paint texture. Buy the more expensive acrylic as they will contain more pigment, have a thicker texture, and will require fewer layers of paint. Use the same oil brush techniques as in painting with oils. Oils require high quality animal hair bristles. Pigs' hair is commonly used. However, new technology has created synthetic brushes for oil paints. You may want to experiment with both. Synthetic brushes are the choice for acrylics. Regardless of which type of brush is used. I recommend separating the brushes and restricting their usage. One set for oils and another for acrylics. Acrylics A simplistic acrylic panting of the sun rising over a hill. Acrylics can be applied to paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, wood and wood products, fabrics, and metal. However; some surfaces may require cleaning, or other special preparations, such as a priming agent, before covering with these paints. After completing your artwork, spray or brush a polymer varnish to seal and protect the painted surface from dust, dirt, and other unwanted damages, fading, and chipping. Varnishes are manufactured as satin, matte, and gloss. Store finished work away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not stack pictures face to face. They will tear when separated from each other. I place my work in manila folders. One picture to a file. Craft people who use acrylics in their decoupage and scrap booking projects may use a solution of white crafting glue and water to glue, seal, or varnish their porous projects. Watercoloring Watercolor painting of birds in a lineup across a street light pole. Watercolors have a different appearance from oil or acrylic paints. Painting techniques are unlike oils or acrylics. Artists like to apply their skills to painting portraits, landscapes, and still life with this medium. These paints are limited to watercolor paper. The paper is heavier and stronger as they are composed of cotton, linen, and plant fibers. It does not pill or tear and absorbs water. Acrylics reduced to watercolor consistency can be applied on watercolor paper. Colored and graphite pencils, ink, and watercolor pencils may also be used. Watercolor paper is textured. The manufacturer recommends which side of the textured paper is to be used. Keep paper towels handy to clean unwanted paint drips from this type of paper. These paints are non-toxic and contain no caustic solvents, However; their pigments contain heavy metals which will pollute soil and waterways. Check your state requirements for proper disposal of unused paint and its water. READ More: Employment for Artists and Craftsmen
 A sample of a woodshed at a home show convention. Legal requirementsConcrreThere are legal requirements to build a shed. They include contacting your Homeowners Association (if applicable) then your local government office to apply for site evaluation, zoning clearance, or building codes and permits. After you complete legal obligations and build the woodshed, the proper authorities will inspect it. What happens if you ignore your local laws?
Concrete slab or wood foundationThe concrete slab or wood foundation of the building may not be the most exciting part of the construction to set up, but careful leveling and correct dimensions will provide an essential guide for the remaining parts of the building.  Interior view of frame work, window, and shelving. Attach the wall framework to the foundation. The skeleton-like frame serves to add strength and support. Follow plans, regulations, measure, and check plumbing. Install window and door frames. Attach the exterior walls with your choice of wood using nails or screws. roof rafters A woodshed with a slant roof. Install ready made roof rafters or build your own. Add the fascia boards to the rafters. The fascia boards prevent water from entering the shed. Attach roof sheeting to the rafters. Finish the roof with waterproof tiles, asphalt shingles or other roofing favorites. Paint your shed to match your house. Or use another color to suit the shed’s purpose. Use the stain to enhance the natural color of the wood. It is your choice to paint or stain. Furniture and accessories A workbench for the shed. Wood is a natural product which anyone can use to build any article. Build a table, chairs, workbench, shelves, stools, a swing, and other shed decor.
 Replica of a log cabin with two doors used as a retail shop. Paper crafts diyDo you want a more challenging paper craft hobby or interest? Have you considered making any object using paper products? Any object originating from your imagination to copying a current object can be duplicated with a variety of papers. partial model list A miniature representation of the Statue of Liberty.
4 paper construction ideas Paper-mache of a man with a hat and scraf.
paper choices An array of colored papers and their designs. Paper products are available with surfaces that may be smooth, rough, painted, or decorated. There are many choices to choose from and use in the actual construction or decoration of the model or object. Cardstock Modeling for Model RailroadsA note from Tricia Deed
You may wish to check out our recreational List for additional ideas. An adult taking lessons in a community swimming pool. Swimming LessonsYou have finished taking swimming pool lessons and you want to try other bodies of fresh water adventures. Swimming in a pool teaches us not to fear water. It provides a structured environment for studying and practicing strokes and kicks. We learn how to propel above and under the water. We float on water as easily as lying down on a bed to relieve tiredness or to relax with the gentle rocking motion. It is a secure environment in which to study, practice, and build up our self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many pleasures swimming in a pool. But when the pool becomes more crowded than we wish our adventuresome self is ready to explore other options.  Swimwear for men, women, and children Open Waters: These options include open waters of ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Nature’s ponds and lakes invite our swim-suit bodies to jump in and cool off from the summer heat. This is a lot of fun, but there are common sense rules to follow. Wear appropriate body wear. For instance, wearing a stringed bikini is not a strong garment if you find your body snagged by weeds, grasses, fishing lines, and drifting tree branches. Lake water has the temperament to create wind blown choppy waters that may rip away the bikini top.  Families swimming in a natural lake settng. 1. Ponds and lakes have water critters. Check with your local and state departments asking if they have conducted bacteria studies and other safety measures to guard against infections or hazards in the pond or a lake you are considering using. The state monitors a local natural springs site in our area. If you leave this safe area and swim downstream towards the river there is trouble. The stream welcomes fish, turtles, water moccasins, and alligators. All ponds and lakes have microscopic life, plants, and animal life. Wear goggles to shield your eyes and do not breathe or swallow water to prevent bacterial infections. Bathe after being in these waters. I experienced one lake which had a soft boggy bottom; I recommend wearing lightweight shoes to protect feet from wood splinters, cracked glass, rusty metal, and other unsafe objects. Swimming in ponds and lakes is a wonderful experience, think safety factors before entering these waters. 2. Rivers present the calmness of ponds yet may change into rough or fast-flowing waters demanding a unique challenge to swimming strokes. Check all safety factors similar to ponds and lakes. There are other things to deal with such as, Is there a waterfall or rapid waters section or other known peculiarities? Sight a tall object to know of your whereabouts. 3. Oceans present different challenges. I recommend swimming in view of a lifeguard station. Swim in a straight line parallel to the shoreline. The life guard station acts as a marker for sighting to avoid getting lost. Your swimming strokes will be a bit out of rhythm and irregular to swim in rough water or surviving a wave which may hit your body or slap you across the face. We need powerful arms and leg kicks for salt water propelling. Breathe when you can and remain relaxed but prepared for the unexpected. Swim with the wave, not against it. Salt can be an irritant to eyes; wear goggles. As a child they instructed me to never turn my back to the ocean. Till today, I continue to follow this rule. The reason for this rule is to be aware of wave patterns to avoid unforeseen and unpleasant wave battering. We can swim in any waters giving you a refreshing sport hobby. Safety first, relax, and have fun. Tips to safely swim with waves Read more Operating a belly dance studio is an interesting and rewarding enterprise. However, revenue needs to support future expansion, increased rental fees (unless you own the building and have a set mortgage payment), an increase in operating expenses, unexpected expenditures, and unforeseen emergencies. 1. Filled Classroom Excellent teaching, steady enrollment, and regular attending students will provide a steady income. Provide an additional variety of interesting services and students will follow. Structure classes with different achievement levels. Award each achievement level with a certificate of completion. After pupils graduate all levels, celebrate with a graduation ceremony and a party. Present a show featuring graduating students. Video tape performing solos, and group dance performances. Do not allow video cameras by attendees as you will film the program and sell these videos. 2. Introduce other teachers. Your pupils will look forward to new instructors and are inspired to keep studying this dance. This is a source of additional income and advertising on your behalf.
3. Entertainment Training There are students who wish to become entertainers. Provide entertainment training. Invite students to watch your performances, review, and critique. Provide these classes for other students who do not attend your school. 4. Private Sessions Teach private individual, or group sessions in clients’ homes, Other dance studios, and other locations. Both services offer opportunities for revenue, advertising, and enrolling fresh students. Are you an exceptional instructor? Give instructions in workshops and seminars. These group sessions may influence fresh students to attend your classes. Advertise to teach in America or international countries. 5. Rent out space Rent your studio space by the hour to other instructors, musicians, and specialty groups’ This is another source of revenue. Select renters who can use your studio as is. Provide security for party events. 6. Retail Merchandise Arrange a retail space to sell costumes, accessories, musical instruments, DVDs and CDs, adornments, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items to students and the public. Sell merchandise at other workshops and seminars. These are outlets to sell your merchandise and advertise and market your school. 7. Promote Shows Be a show promoter. Gain a reality check by attending other seminars and workshops. Gather information from other sponsors. Watch, participate, and take notes. Talk to attendees for their feedback. Stop, think, organize, and promote your own seminars, workshops, and retreat camps. Do you need more tips? Visit https://toughnickel.com/starting-business/Belly-Dance-Studio-How-to-Increase-Revenue.  Red Quartz Photo by Jason-d https://Unsplash.com Rockhound, a Collector of Rocks, Minerals, Gems A geologist is a professional rockhound. Amateurs or hobbyists who collect rocks, minerals, gems, and whatever mystery a rock unfolds is also known as a rockhound. The pursuit of collecting rocks is a physically demanding hobby requiring outdoor investigations of climbing, walking, or digging into mountains, earth slides, forests, river beds, mines, caves, seashore, desert, volcanoes, and in the ocean. The second pursuit is research and record keeping. There are many outlets for finding rocks, minerals, and gems. It is difficult to know where to start or how to become a rock hound. Each person searches for their own personal reasons. Interest ranges from educational to treasure hunting for profits.  Green and yellow stone fragment Photo by terriell-scrimager https://Unsplash.com Before Picking Up the First Rock
The Collection Kit
 Clear Crystal Photo by Jason-d https://Unsplash.com The Rock Collection
 A purple and brown geode being held in a person's cupped hands. Photo by fogografierende-https://Unsplash.com Splitting and Cutting Stones There are mechanical and electrical equipment for breaking or cutting rocks. Mechanical
Electrical The electrical wet saw is the preferred tool for cutting rocks apart.  Example of an Oncidium orchid Orchid GiftWe received a gift of an orchid plant from friends. Orchids represent flowers of love, beauty, and luxury. That one orchid created a hobby passion. We got caught up in the beauty of these flowers and kept buying without thought to their maintenance. This reckless purchasing style created problems in orchid care. Our purchasing may have been haphazard, but we learned about all the things that one should not do. These were costly mistakes, but we learned valuable lessons. Other orchid enthusiasts introduced us to orchid shows. These shows allow people to take advantage of on-site knowledge work shops. The classes help to become familiar with the different orchid plant families and how to care for them. We kept speaking with different vendors at these shows gathering more tips for plant care and for building a greenhouse. We also visited commercial orchid houses to get their ideas for our backyard orchid building. There are many assorted types of greenhouse plans. We have found that after you build the first one there will be changes for future buildings. As you gain knowledge working with your orchids, the building will need to suit the plant types and your personal needs for a sturdy, friendly, and workable building that suits both plant interests and personal working habits. There is the option of ordering manufactured greenhouses or building your own. It is a personal and financial choice.  Potted Lady Slipper in a greenhouse. Eleven Tips for Raising Orchids:
 Orchids growing in their natural setting of a rain forest. Growing Orchids Hanging and potted plants of orchids growing in a greenhouse. Orchids are naturally found growing in rain forests around the world. However, conditions can be created indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses regardless of where you live.
There are thousands of species. Most people will specialize in one category, possibly another two or three. Orchid growing interests are determined by affordable artificial setups and availability of supplies to keep plants happy and thriving. South America is known to be the largest arena for a variety of orchids. Many of us are familiar with tropical islands having many varieties. Tourists are welcomed in Hawaii by receiving orchid leis. Leis are necklaces of fresh flowers placed around the neck of visitors to the islands. Our favorite vendor brings orchids from Thailand. We always look forward for her supplies at the orchid shows.  Modern sculpture of musicians playing their favorite instruments. Selling Arts and Crafts Most artists and craftsmen have a general idea of where to sell their works of art. But a list would be helpful to refresh or learn new markets. The best list is to identify target buyers for your product line. Target buyers are excellent as long as this list never ends. Another helpful outlet is for customers to order their products before production. This list foretells the exact number of buyers who like your product and will include a deposit or a down payment. A business person is always looking for other outlets to maintain an ongoing business and to provide future customers. Never assume that regular customers or repeat customers will be with you for the length of your career. Another important consideration for other markets is to research trends and keep ahead of competitors. Artists and craftsmen never depend on one product. Producing a variety of products is essential for success. Three research considerations for future products include:
 Two young ladies performing at an outdoor festival as American Tribal Style dancers. American Tribal Style and American Tribal Fusion have been developing since the 1960s in America. American women wanted something different from traditional Egyptian and Turkish styles of Middle Eastern dancing known as belly dancing. Another reason for designing these newer dances is the many folkloric and ethnic public performances. Renaissance festivals inspired belly dancers to make costume adjustments to fit in with the medieval theme. The original Medieval gypsies were street dancers. However; their costumes of black and white or shades of gray is boring to an audience. Dancers made their costumes more colorful and created original designs to attract interest for their stage performances. Costume style, dance steps, and body movements are the main elements of ATF. “Fusion“ is the key word in ATF. The dominant movements of the borrowed movements of a dance are combined or fused to belly dancing movements. For instance, the characteristic flamenco movements are merged or fused with Turkish style belly dancing. Asian influences are integrated or fused with Egyptian style belly dancing movements. In each of these examples, choreography is interesting and challenging for dancers. The audience finds the performance interesting and entertaining. Audience reactions are mixed. Music and dance are living arts and change as people’s interests evolve. It creates other changes from other world dance styles and American women make changes as needed. The creators design and incorporate the new style arrangements into folkloric or ethnic dances that attract women of all ages and sizes who feel comfortable wearing the new costumes and dancing to their favorite music. There are influences from Spain, India, Asia, Africa, Middle Eastern countries, tropical islands, and more. These two styles of dancing are still changing as they attract other sub-culture groups. Examples like underground, dark side, burlesque, and tattoos are finding comfort in the new styles.  ATS performers wearing dark colored foundation garments accented with bright colorful skirts and accessories. Their hairstyles are adorned with flowers and ethnic jewelry headbands. American Tribal Style (ATS) ATS:
ATS vs ATS Dancing ATS or American Tribal Style, developed by Carolena Nericcio and Fat Chance Belly Dance, is the first tribal dance invented by American dance artists. These ladies perform duets or troupe choreography. Solo performances are rare. Public performances welcome their presence for their colorful modest costumes and upbeat troupe dances. American Tribal Fusion or ATF by Jill Parker and Ultra Gypsy followed ATS, but it permits other dance cultures, thus the word fusion. They draw attention to their bodies as they perform their dance movements. Tattoos are popular among American Tribal Style Enthusiasts. The majority performances are solos. Performing as a troupe is rare. Choices: Students have a choice of learning two different American tribal originals. The ladies enjoy this style of dancing for group fun, exercising, dance interest, and social activity. Teachers, performers, and students borrow music and costume inspirations from the Middle East, India, Asia, Africa, Spain, and many other countries. The creative imaginations of the participants are endless. There are many peoples in America with many ideas of dance and it is these elements which are entering the “fusion movement”. Many music types such as jazz, electric, and pop, are being added. There are seven types of popular styles in the tribal category. Read more about 3 styles of belly dancing.
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