#painter will depend on if i can afford two sets

[nikkiissleepy]

pull interface for the new cny hell. the format is kind of tiered but adjustable. first you pick a preferred suit between winter and mirror for increased drop rate, then pull currency to reach tiers for suit items like in wfsm/movo. after you finish one of the suits you can pick increased drop rates again, this time between the suit you havent finished yet/didnt pick last time and painter. finish one of those and can pick increased drop rate between the other one and garden.

so if you want winter or mirror you can just pull for them from the start. if you want painter you need to finish at least one of winter or mirror first. if you want garden you need to finish any two of the other suits first (might be cheaper to go for winter+mirror if youre just trying to unlock garden?)

its about 4k for your first suit and 15k for all of them. minor suit pieces drop alongside main suit currency. drop rates are 50% rate up set, 10% other set, 40% minor suit pieces. live2d pulling starts after finishing all the main suits.

[moldygreenblue]

headcanons regarding the man over there + some others

When I wrote this fanfic of TMOT's perspective of the beginning of the Jellicle Bal and this semi-related fic that includes Old Possum lore, I also wrote half-baked headcanons for him and others as minor background/character details. I ended up expanding on them, and I like what I came up with.

The Man Over There

Name: Thomas [Frank] Stephens. He doesn’t like it when people call him Tom or Tommy, unless said people are family or his close friends.

Age: ~40

Family: Younger sister Anne (~36, nurse), and his mother Esmé (~74, retired actress). Anne has a cat, Apricot. Thomas considers Apricot family, depending on who he’s talking.

Occupation: Veterinarian. Thomas enjoys taking care of animals and seeing their owners’ happy faces (if the owners are pleasant and actually care for their pets).

Due to being a vet, Anne jokingly asks Thomas if she ever goes to his workplace, he should give her a discount (Anne actually takes Apricot to a different vet clinic).

Is the man who threw the boot down during Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats. How did Thomas get the flat that resides over/near the Junkyard? The price was a steal and affordable, sold to Thomas by Mr. Farber, a Man in White Spats…

Frequents pubs. Main two are The Victoria and Westminster Arms (but Thomas met Mr. Faber at The Princess Louise). At any pub, he asks for gin (neat), a gin fizz, gin and tonic, or a Freddie Bartholomew mocktail (he doesn’t care if he gets stares).

Originally wanted to be in theatre (acting, singing), but Thomas eventually realize it wasn’t for him. His preforming skills are as good as he was back in the days.

Headcanons Regarding The Man Over There's Sister, Anne

Name: Anne [Helen] Stephens. Anne doesn’t have a nickname. While her family does call her ‘Annie’ it’s said when the situation/topic is serious, or to help calm her down.

Age: ~36

Family: Older brother Thomas (~40, veterinarian), her mother Esmé (~74, retired actress), and cat Apricot [Jellylorum].

Occupation: Nurse. Anne told her family when younger due to her fear of blood, she will never work in a medical feel. Anne grew out of said fear, and here she is now.

Anne is something of a ‘no hesitating’ sort of person. She will do or jump into action without any second thought (most of the time).

Knows how to play the guitar and piano. Anne loves to play covers of pop songs, mainly from the 60s and 70s, though she can play older (and newer) songs if she tries.

Anne loves a good story, be it told to her at a pub or café, or reading said story in a book on the sofa or bed. Anne could be caught up in a book for hours if she doesn’t set an alarm that limits her reading time.

Anne is 100% certain Apricot is supernatural, having once her heard talk on a full moon.

Headcanons Regarding The Man in White Spats

Name: Faber [Andrew] Faber. Yes, his first name is the same as his last name. This is not a joke. There was a communication error between the nurse and his mother.

Age: ~80

Family: Younger sister Georgiana Verdure née Faber (~75, retired nurse, amateur singer), brother Henry (~70, retired banker, amateur artist/painter), brother-in-law, Elias Verdure (~76, retired retail purveyor of ales and beers, amateur chef), a nephew Isador (~41, took over his father’s job as purveyor of ales and beers), niece-in-law Jacqueline (~38, teacher), and one grand-nephew name Donaghue (~8, student).

Occupation: Currently working as an agent of small furnished flats and has yet to retired.

Owns the Junkyard that the Jellicles gather to and/or live and call home if strays. Old Deuteronomy knows of this fact, and is grateful for this.

Really enjoys eating fried gammon and peas. There’s something about the combination that Faber likes. Funny enough, this combination is the only way he’ll eat peas.

Loves hot air balloons since he was a child. Faber rides in a balloon once every year, even if it means he has to travel outside the city to do so.

Wears the white spats as a weird fashion statement from an argument he had with his siblings when children. Faber likes his title of ‘The Man in White Spats’ very much.

Faber is worried that the Junkyard is at risk of getting destroyed by outsiders. For the last few years, he been trying to find his replacement, but it’s been troublesome.

Faber thought about giving his title of replacement to Isador, but he lives outside of London. The traveling makes it an inconvenience.

[inreallifedesign12]

IRL Design And Build

We are experts in the field of artificial structure design. The 3D models will astound you, we guarantee it. We offer photorealistic 3D floor plans that might be useful for clients, builders, architects, and decorators.

Los Angeles-based general contractor well-versed in cutting-edge 3D modelling

In the greater Los Angeles area, no general contractor can match IRL Design And Build when it comes to 3D designs. The company was established in Los Angeles Bathroom Remodel West Hollywood Painting both the inside and outside of buildings is just one of many possible duties for painters in this industry. Their expertise lies in creating cutting-edge three-dimensional structures, modern hardscapes, and landscaping. Those are all available on their extensive menu. Any structure you can think of can be rendered in three dimensions by our team of skilled designers and illustrators. These models are really useful in the real world. When it comes to creating architectural marvels, we are experts in fusing novel ideas with cutting-edge technology. That it is within our grasp fills us with joy. We are able to serve a wide range of customers because we are committed to offering affordable solutions that do not sacrifice quality.

By making use of state-of-the-art technological developments

Your first priority should be to acquire dependable 3D rendering software if your project calls for photorealistic outcomes.

Given that no two businesses are the same, we modify our offerings to cater to the unique requirements of each client. Separate sets of experts reviewed the results.

Our skilled construction crew has extensive experience in the graphics sector, making them the best in the market. Enjoyment Amidst Achieving Objectives It Looks Like We've Gleaned Some New Knowledge From This.

We have assisted countless individuals in accomplishing extraordinary feats, all because of our impeccable track record and unwavering commitment to our clients' satisfaction. Our track record shows that we have been successful in assisting a number of clients in reaching their objectives.

Anyone can see that these huge problems are not going away anytime soon.

You have always had remarkable ability to estimate how long and how much money will be required to finish a project. Make sure it suits your requirements before proceeding.

We guarantee your complete happiness so you can rest easy. Priority number one at our company is making sure customers are happy. We can't tell if our efforts were fruitful without your comments.

Get People Talking About Your Brand by Introducing Ground-Breaking New Products Buying unique, handcrafted goods can elevate our quality of life. Your digital artwork will appear far better if you seek our assistance.

A more realistic look can be achieved by expertly arranging flat artwork and furniture. If it is not possible to obtain a full-body 3D model, proceed with the purchase. When you need assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team of specialists.

Change the way your home's interior looks.

Use our photorealistic 3D models to showcase your company's exceptional interior design work. Our professionals will pay great attention to detail, ensuring that every shot highlights the unique features of each participant.

Never in a million years would any of us think about renting an office. I am completely bewildered.

At this time, the vast majority of architectural research focuses solely on single-family homes.

As we learn more about your request, we are growing increasingly confident in our capacity to meet your needs and provide error-free 3D models project design Our target market consists of design firms, construction businesses, and homeowners considering a remodel. We meticulously constructed cutting-edge computer models to investigate complex topics. 

The Views We Have on the Matter

Provide me with a rough estimate if you'd like.

Drafts, specifications, blueprints, and drawings are all kinds of project documentation that can be created. Feel free to call or email us with any inquiries or for a price quote.

Get a model ready to go by making it.

Our professional team can make a basic 3D model that fits your exact specifications. Please have a look at the prototype and let us know what you think before we go on to the finished product. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Perhaps by discussing it, you two can come to a mutual understanding.

Up until now, nothing more than adjusting the 3D model has been done. Make a note of everything that needs fixing after you've read it thoroughly. Providing further information will allow us to better address your requirements.

Verify its efficacy before recommending it to clients.

We will be happy to provide you with the URL once you let us know when the final render is finished. If this happens, please know how deeply sorry we are. Alternatively, if you are still dissatisfied with the outcome, we are happy to make revisions to the previous work until you are satisfied. Our number one goal is your complete satisfaction with our services.

The certification of the final plan means that construction can now begin. If you want your most extravagant desires realised, contact us. Everyone is pleased and fulfilled since everything is going according to plan. Our continual reporting and updates will ensure that you are never in the dark again. 

[translations-by-aiimee]

Dig a Grave to Dig Out a Ghost - Chapter 26

Original Title: 挖坟挖出鬼

Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Yaoi

This translation is based on multiple MTLs and my own limited knowledge of Chinese characters. If I have made any egregious mistakes, please let me know.

Chapter Index

Chapter 26 - Photograph

From the South Third Ring Road overpass, turn right and cross a small road covered by empress trees to reach Shenjiayuan.

The fragments of low-rise buildings and the chaotic street stalls on both sides of the street were standoffish in such a modern city. However, this was one of the country's famous antique marketplaces, and tens of thousands of people came here every day with lots of money to spend, risking being baked by the sun and getting heatstroke by lingering around each of the stalls, hoping to find one or two hidden treasures stashed away in a corner somewhere. It was an industry gaining some traction. There were many speculators, collectors, tourists, calligraphers, painters, and even gamblers among them. They firmly believe that a city thousands of years old hid unknown wealth somewhere. It was this mentality that gave them a similar look; intoxicated and wild-eyed with a long outstretched tongue, drooling over the crude high antique imitations on the stalls.

This was the place where Lin Yan made countless memories when he was a teenager. The middle school he went to was nearby. After school, he often came here alone with his schoolbag on his back. Back then, there weren't as many people. There was a very polluted river nearby that hadn't been turned into a landfill yet. The air was always filled with the smell of stinky salted fish. The vendors who set up stalls hadn't yet learned to casually laze about while sneaking glances at the faces of customers to judge how much money they could cheat out of them.

The old days were like rolls of yellowed newspapers. A young man in a light blue school uniform walked through it, exchanging his pocket money for a piece of colored glaze from the late Qing Dynasty. He squatted in front of a stall to sift through the options. The old man at the stall was smoking a cigarette while telling the story of Liulichang in the late Qing Dynasty. Lin Yan didn't know why he was only interested in street stalls when kids his age were saving up to buy posters of celebrities. Just like when they were gushing over the Belgian chocolates their relatives brought home, he was still obsessed for years with the pot full of honey hard candy the old lady in front of the school had.

The wood, rice paper, and the dusty rusticity of the old objects held a taste of time, and teenage Lin Yan couldn't help but be immersed in it. Like a lone fish in the stream.

The sun was shining on the ground at 3 o'clock that afternoon. Lin Yan carried a bulging bag in his left hand and a cup of roasted sencha milk tea in his right. He paced slowly in the crowd, the grass green V-neck T-shirt and cotton calf-length pants standing out. He didn't know why antique hunters liked to wear black, the dust on their clothes making them look like they had just crawled out of the ground.

"Here, it's weirdly hot. Do you want a sip?" Lin Yan shook the milk tea, the ice cube hitting the wall of the cup with a soft thud. Onlookers thought he was talking to the air when actually there was an invisible person next to him helping take off some of the weight of the bag. That mean, even though Lin Yan was carrying a lot of things, it didn't take much effort.

Xiao Yu lowered his head and took a sip where Lin Yan had touched. He bit on the straw a few times and turned his head.

Lin Yan wanted to laugh a little, and brought the cup back to the corner of his mouth.

A-Yan said that Xiao Yu might remember more following him around, so Lin Yan took him to the antique market after breakfast, hoping that something from his own time period might bring something back. Who would've guessed that, after going through all these stalls, lots of purchases were made but there was no progress with the ghost's memory. Lin Yan glanced at the bag in his hand. It was stuffed with clothes bought from a well-known Hanfu store in Shenjiayuan. They were well-made and expensive. Most people only bought them to complete a Hanfu set for their collection. For Lin Yan to buy these kinds of clothes on a daily errand, that was really a rare sight. Even the clerk couldn't help but do a double take.

Xiao Yu didn't understand the time they were currently living in, so he stood his ground and refused to adapt his style to the times. Lin Yan rolled his eyes and glared at him bitterly. He thought, you're the boss here making me throw away my money while I'm just your servant who follows behind you and pays.

Right after they left one store, before he could recover from the purchase, Xiao Yu suddenly stopped when he passed a woodworking shop. Lin Yan looked at the store’s gorgeous decorations and pieces of pearwood and red sandalwood furniture, whining that he really couldn't afford this stuff. Xiao Yu ignored him and dragged him inside. Thirty minutes later, Lin Yan swiped his card to check out under the watchful eye of the clerk and bought a beautiful Tongzhi wood guqin.

"Oh great ancestor, what more do you want?" Lin Yan tucked the order slip from the woodworking shop into his pocket and glared daggers at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu shook his head nonchalantly.

There were more people on the street. Some of them didn't know the treasures that they had found, and they couldn't hide their excitement, sneaking a peek at what they have just bought. Some of them had grim faces, looking like they had been ripped off. There were also groups of foreign tourists wearing Lei Feng hats gathered at the roadside to buy shadow puppets. Occasionally, they turned around and curiously look at the antique city, which was built in the traditional Chinese-style.

In the market area to the south, there were large ancient buildings imitating Ming and Qing style architecture. The bustling narrow street seemed like scene straight out of the Water Margin. The wooden window on the second floor were pushed up, supported by a short stick. Looking up, he could see customers sipping tea. The shopkeeper was a short man, busily carrying a large teapot back and forth.

The narrow street lead to a large emerald-green stall covered with plastic tarps to offer shade from the sun. Lin Yan and Xiao Yu walked under the shadow of the tarps when they heard a familiar voice yelling loudly.

"Look at how green the colour is and how good the water head* is! You won't be able to find another one at this price anywhere in Shenjiayuan!" The peddler selling jade pieces had a round belly, one foot on the stool, holding up a transparent fortune bracelet, spittle flying everywhere. The plainly dressed middle-aged woman in front of the stall looked hesitant. She took the bracelet and took another look at it.

*(T/N: Water head [水头] refers to how light shines through jade. Kind of like how the light would look if it were shining through water. There's a list of transparencies if you want to look at how jade is graded, but basically the best jade has a vivid colour with even transparency across the whole piece.)

"It's too expensive, lower the price a bit." The woman said sincerely.

"It's so green, so transparent, I can't go any lower. Miss, if you want a lower price, it'll affect my livelihood. Don't waste my time." The peddler grabbed the bracelet, his eyes bulging.

"I wanted to buy it for my daughter as a birthday gift. It's too expensive. It'd be a pity if she dropped it. Give me the lowest you can go."

"Here." The peddler rolled his eyes. He took out his calculator, punched in a few numbers, and showed it to the woman in front of him, "Is this all right? I can't go any lower!"

Lin Yan couldn't help but lean over and glance at the numbers on the screen. He let out a laugh.

The peddler squinted at him.

Lin Yan shook his head. He took the bracelet and said to the woman: "Don't buy this, he's fooling you."

"Hey, hey, what are you trying to say? I'm running an honest business here. If you don't believe me, go around and ask. . ."

Lin Yan smirked. He put the roasted sencha tea cup on the stall and held the bracelet at a different angle. The curved surface reflected the light from the plastic roof. He said to the woman buying the bracelet: "Look at the blurred edges of the reflection. If you look closely, you can see that there are very fine meshes on the surface." Lin Yan raised the bracelet to let the light through. "There is purple fluorescence inside, indicating that the reason this bracelet is so transparent because of acid washing and a glue filling."

"Also, notice how the green is only sitting on the surface and doesn't reach the middle. That means it was dyed after the fact. This thing is worth one or two hundred yuan. Don't buy it."

The peddler's nose and eyes scrunched up. At first glance, they looked like a dried walnut.

"Oh." The middle-aged woman hurriedly stuffed an envelope containing the money back into her bag, repeatedly thanking Lin Yan.

When she left, the peddler huffed. Pissed, he turned his head away, not looking at Lin Yan. Even his swollen belly seemed to be flatter than before.

"What else should I do when I notice that someone with money on the street?"

Lin Yan roughly flicked the peddler's forehead: "Everyone here has money. It's embarrassing to lie like this, there's no skill in it."

Several surrounding stalls burst out laughing. The peddler rolled his eyes back to normal. He grabbed Lin Yan’s milk tea and poured a few mouthfuls out of the plastic lid. He muttered while he crunched on the ice cubes: “I don't fool people in this business. It's not my fault their eyesight is poor. No refunds is the standard."

This much was true. Antique jade sales rely on good eyesight. Figuring out which store has more genuine products than fake depends on the customer. They can't return them either so the shop doesn't have to admit they were fakes. Lin Yan clicked his tongue: "These people don't know what to look for. You're just trying to make your father think you're good at this job."

The peddler rolled his eyes, knowing that he was in a bad position and couldn't say anything.

Lin Yan had been a frequent visitor to this antique market since he was a child. Since choosing his major in university, he preferred to come to the small stalls to practice his appraisal skills when he had nothing else to do. See what was selling for a high price but was bought for a low price. He was also kind and helped others pick out the best items, so many peddlers knew him. For example, Lin Yan first met this guy's father, a very honest old man. He even took out the receipt with the price he paid for it when he bargained with customers. Unfortunately, when Lin Yan graduated from high school, the old man fell ill and his son took over the business. and this was the leeching peddler in from of him.

Lin Yan wasn't polite with him. When he walked around the stall, he took out a copper box from under the table. Inside were piles of Ming and Qing paperweights. These objects were all family heirlooms that the original stall owner received from nearby residents’ homes when he was young. Lin Yan had just remembered this box of objects then dragged Xiao Yu over to look at them. Brass mirrors, jade bracelets, thumb rings, snuff boxes, tobacco pipes; Xiao Yu looked over them all and just shook his head. Lin Yan threw the last piece back into the box and patted the dust on his clothes, a little frustrated.

"That box has been there for ages and no one's ever touched it. What are you looking at it for?" The peddler kept squinting at him and was too curious not to ask about it.

"Looking for Ming Dynasty artifacts for my classes." Lin Yan actually didn't know what he was looking for. He moved on and put the box back.

"Ming Dynasty?" The peddler didn't care about the bracelet anymore. "Old man Liu has lots stashed away."

"No, no, no. . ." Lin Yan hurriedly refused, but he thought about it and sighed, "Forget it. I've been shopping all day and haven't gone there. I'll give it a try."

"Don't say the wrong thing. Good luck." The peddler made a face.

The shop run by old man Liu was quite famous in Shenjiayuan. Not just because he was the only antique peddler to sell only sell antique pictures, but also because he was notoriously grumpy. Every day, he'd leave the shop and hang up his old camera in the park to make money. Whenever he went to the shop to buy something, the owner was never there. Walking down the street, he ran into him wearing an old Mao suit, cursing and waving around. His thin mantis-like face was slanted and a pair of glasses rested on his nose at an angle. Sometimes the lens' were shattered like cobwebs, and sometimes the lens' weren't there at all.

His shop sells old photographs of the old city, hung densely from the floor to the ceiling. Because old photographs were difficult to reprint, they were also very expensive. The sub districts of Qianmen, Dashilan, old gardens in the setting sun in 1872, passers-by in long gowns with thin faces and numb eyes. The TV station came to interview him, but only half the program was filmed. From photographers to reporters, old man Liu chewed them all out without exception. The interview never went anywhere, and the shop still didn't have any business. The old man still walked around outside with his camera everyday.

The shop was in the northwest corner of Shenjiayuan and its location was considered unlucky. There was a symbol meant to ward off evil spirits designed by a famous Feng Shui master hung on the door. Xiao Yu couldn't enter and stood at the door waiting for Lin Yan.

Lin Yan looked at the ominous storefront. For the first time, he felt reluctant to part with Xiao Yu.

Unsurprisingly, Old Man Liu wasn't in the shop. A seven or eight-year-old girl in a red jacket was facing away from him. She was pointing at a photo on the wall and muttering something. When she heard someone enter the door, she turned back and grinned at Lin Yan.

Lin Yan was a little surprised. This little girl was his neighbor. Although he didn’t know where she lived, he often saw her running around in the yard downstairs in a dirty red dress. Sometimes when Lin Yan went out to buy dinner at night, he saw her playing with cats in the yard, no one coming to bring her home. He hadn't seen her often in the past month and he didn't expect to see her here.

Was it possible she was related to that strange old man? No wonder no one cared about her playing outside everyday, Lin Yan thought.

"Why are you here by yourself?" Lin Yan knelt down and asked her in a soft voice.

The little girl was lean, her eyes staring straight at Lin Yan, grinning silently. Lin Yan suddenly felt that the little girl’s smile probably made people feel uncomfortable. It didn’t seem right to call it a smile, but just a casual grin. The corners of her mouth were upturned but her eyes were dull. Wearing such an old jacket in summer, she seemed to be left behind by the times, like the rest of the photos in the room.

Lin Yan hesitated on whether he leave and wait outside for the strange old man.

"What the hell you XX, I XXXX. . ." Lin Yan was distracted, and suddenly there was a thud. Old man Liu hugging his broken camera fell through the front door. He fell on all fours in an extremely embarrassed posture, landing on the only part of the floor that had sunlight hitting it.

"A-Are you okay?" Lin Yan rushed over to help. Unexpectedly, the old man gave him a sour look. He rolled over and sat on the ground, patting the dirt on his knees, and continued his tirade of curses towards the door relentlessly. Lin Yan stood awkwardly off to the side, neither leaving nor staying.

The old man felt he had cursed enough. He grunted and got to his feet. When he turned his head and saw Lin Yan, his eyes widened like he had discovered a whole new world, and said with a quacking voice: "What are you doing here?"

"I came to buy something." Lin Yan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Shouldn't that be the first thing the shop owner thinks of when he sees a customer in the store?

"Leave. What is there to buy? Young people are clueless." The old man held his stern gaze and walked around behind the counter, irritated: "Why are you still standing there? You have no business being here!"

Lin Yan didn't want to talk nonsense with the old man, so he pat his back and turned to leave.

"Hey! Wait!" The old man yelled. Lin Yan had just reached the door and was so frightened by the voice that he came to a halt.

"You look good, I'll take a picture of you." The old man suddenly walked out from behind the counter with his camera in hand. He grabbed Lin Yan by the collar and pulled him into the room. After couple of pushes, he stood beside the little girl. He squatted down involuntarily, and the shutter sounded with a few clicks. The old man's furrowed face appeared from behind the camera and he smacked his lips with satisfaction.

After the shutter, several photos appeared from the top of the camera. The old man took one in his hand and glanced at it. He pulled one out and shoved it at Lin Yan: "You take it."

Lin Yan was shown the strength of this old man. He turned his face angrily, trying to walk out, rubbing his shoulder: "I don't want to."

"Take it!" The old man yelled in Lin Yan's ear, making his ears ring.

Lin Yan took it and glanced speechlessly. He saw that in the black-and-white picture he stood like a wooden pole, staring expressionlessly at the wall. The background was dimmed, and the entire thing looked like a horror picture people would share online.

What's wrong with. . .

Lin Yan eyes widened and a nerve in his head popped. He couldn't help taking a step back, looking at himself in the photo. When he looked at the spot where he was standing when the picture was taken, it felt like a bucket of ice water was poured over his head.

The little girl who took the picture with him just now wasn't in the photo. He was the only person in the black and white background straight out of a horror movie.

Lin Yan hesitantly looked up. The girl in red was standing where he stood, wearing an out-of-date ragged jacket, grinning at him biting her fingernail.

"Hehe, hehe." The old man held up the camera to his crooked eyes and a piece of the lens fell to the ground. "Perfect, great picture."

Lin Yan crawled out of the house.

The sun was bitterly hot and the bustling street was swarming with people. Xiao Yu was standing casually by the doorway. Lin Yan couldn't say a word, swallowing hard. He rushed over and wrapped him up in a fierce hug.

[creativerogues]

Making Your Town: The Church

When you make a Setting, you probably already have some kind of pantheon...

And let me just say this. Everyone play a Cleric just once, because having the power to command the gods once per week is a pretty cool thing...

Anyways, onto part two!

Most Gods have Temples and Churches, so I’ve separated my idea out into what Domains a Cleric can pick and choose from...

Arcana: Magic is a weird thing. But I can make this work, I think. I can imagine it working similar to a school, or even a library. They make their own books and scrolls and educate those too poor to afford any fancy-shmancy school teachings. Almost acting like a mini wizard school, except it’s a cleric school.

They’d probably work with local schools and colleges, maybe even the Wizard Schools and Magic Shops, or even with libraries and bookmakers, even giving their students and clergymen the opportunity to work with local authors, wizards, sorcerers and etcetera to really emphasize that magical feel…

Death: While there might not be a “Temple of Death”, there’s almost certainly a Graveyard of some kind for people to bury their dead.

So, if there is a Church to a Death God, it will most likely be located very close to this “Graveyard District”.

Forge: The Church of the Forge will most likely work near or even in partnership with local miners, mining companies, and local blacksmiths and metalworkers.

But don’t forget that forge can mean more than just working with metal, so local stonemasons and carpenters might also go to the Church of the Forge depending on the God, Goddess or Deity…

Grave: There are many ways to bury a body, but the most common are burial and cremation. So, some form of crematorium or graveyard will be nearby, and almost definitely looked over by the Church itself.

Knowledge: BOOKS! Of course, they have books, they’d have a miniature library of scrolls, books and just so much stuff!

Maybe they work with the local libraries, schools, or even the lumberjacks that chop down the trees that make the scrolls and papers the Church uses to write down all their knowledge.

And for all that enchanted paper and ink, they’ll need to work with local magic shops and enchanters to get the best price for the quite literally gallons of magical ink and thousands of pieces of magical paper…

Life: Life is all about home, community and healing the sick and injured. Think of it like a shelter for those that don’t have a home.

And since most Life Clerics detest Undead of any kind, they probably oversee burial rites in local graveyards.

Light: Some of these gods are portrayed as the sun itself or as a charioteer who guides the sun across the sky.

Others are tireless sentinels whose eyes pierce every shadow and see through every deception.

Some are deities of beauty and artistry, who teach that art is a vehicle for the soul's improvement.

So perhaps they use these tireless sentinels as part of Law Enforcement and the Police, and those who worship the deities of beauty and artistry might work with local builders and crafters, painters and performers, writers and musicians…

I usually describe these temples as having giant stained glass or clear glass roofs to let the sun’s light in or having just way too many candles so no darkness or shadows can be seen in the temple...

Nature: There might be a garden of some kind to care for plants, or maybe some kind of animal shelter or farm to care for local animals.

They might work with local farmers to ensure crops grow nicely, and working with fisherman and merchants to bring in new fruits, foods and trade to the city…

Tempest: Tempest is about storms and most of the time the sea, so this Church is probably located near a local river, stream or source of water. Maybe these Clerics purify the water, or help local fisherman with their daily catches.

Perhaps they even work with Sailors and Merchants to ensure safe travel.

Tempest Churches might also be located high in the mountains, ensuring safe travel for people moving through the region and stopping them from being crushed by snowstorms or avalanches.

Because what would turn people to your faith faster than parting an avalanche right in front of their faces…

Trickery: I honestly don’t think there would be a Church of Trickery. But if there was, I can imagine it being close to a lot of taverns, since Trickery Clerics are all about causing trouble and mischief…

War: They work with the military, obviously. Local Barracks, maybe even working with local Inns and Taverns to feed soldiers. The Church would almost definitely work with the Local Towns-guard and heal those wounded in battle.

They’d work with local blacksmiths and mining groups to ensure their Weapons and Armor are masterfully made from the finest metals.

[stlwindowsanddoors-blog]

10 Ways to Get the Wrong Window Replacements

There is no getting around it. Window replacement is a major renovation to your home. Besides including remarkable visual appeal, especially in an older house, window replacement has instant possible to conserve on electrical, gas and oil expenses. There is also the advantage of almost 100% recuperative worth of the expense must you choose to sell your house. 

So become informed of the ins and outs of window shopping, so you do not "break" your budget plan, and prevent these ten window wrongs. 1. Changing One Window At a Time Over the Next 10 Years. This renovation ought to not be done piecemeal. It's better to do all the windows that require replacement at the same time, and ideally all the windows in your house. Space by space window replacement is more affordable and it can be simpler if done slowly, a few at a time, but visually, your house will not convey an arranged, serene and cohesive design unless all the windows match well. What if materials are terminated or ended up being briefly unavailable, or expect there's not sufficient money to finish your home? If you can't afford them all now, don't begin up until the cash exists. But don't stress over purchasing replacements due to the fact that when finished, they should not require replacement once again. 2. Altering That Custom Window Space to Standard Window Space. There is no need to downgrade that unique customized window such as an arch, a small French door, or any uncommon configuration. Installing plain single glazed panes, because custom windows are too pricey, doesn't do justice to the unique functions of your house with its various lines, corners, and areas. Don't refrain from tailoring your windows to fit the character of the home merely to conserve money. One cost reliable way to get a custom-made appearance without the customized cost is to take several basic stock windows and combine them into a distinct style which enhances that unique space. The cost of personalizing a window versus combining standard stock windows is vast. Although the alternatives are more restricted, the client doesn't lose on their designer detailing. 3. Not Matching the Functions You Need With Available Options. You've been living in this home for 10 years so what's required is apparent, so put some brain power into the problems and document the features that are essential before checking out the websites or the display room. The choices readily available are truly endless with as lots of fashion statements on the market as any Parisian boulevard. Bare it down to the bones first. Those multi-paned, lever-operated, jalousie windows in the living room are not just an eye sore, but a thorn in your side. They do not belong in your stately Victorian on the very best street in New Orleans. Make a list of the functions you truly want and develop a principle of the perfect dream windows. Do this before browsing over the options so the focus remains on the requirements of your home first, before the glitter impresses you away. 4. The Easiest Thing Is To Buy All Vinyl Windows Within and Out and Be Made with It. Those TV commercials 25 years ago which showed how easy those replacement vinyl windows were to clean and open, did disappoint the vinyl after 20 or thirty years in a difficult sun. It holds true, vinyl replacements have enhanced, and are very energy efficient supplied the vinyl does not degrade. Nevertheless, I do not recommend all vinyl replacements at all and prefer instead a combined vinyl and wood replacement over an aluminum frame. It has the simple maintenance benefit of all vinyl, but does not depend upon the heat sensitivity of the vinyl for effective operation. Some individuals like wood at any expense. Although it needs a great deal of upkeep and regular repainting, absolutely nothing breathes and seems like wood in any home restoration. For our cash, we recommend an aluminum frame with wood on the interior side, and a vinyl covered aluminum frame outside for the maximum benefits of energy efficiency, visual appeals and maintenance ease. 5. There Are Some Good Deals On Dual Pane Windows. And if you fall for those lots you'll get a rude awakening. Something like two pieces of glass of questionable quality, without any unique coverings or surfactants, glazed together to form one window. Slightly longer than one year later on when that sub basic guarantee goes out, condensation develops between the panes and a black spotty poisonous mold begins growing all around the sides. "What a pity", says the brand-new glazier shaking his head. "This rot is anything however dry. You must have pertained to me previously." If only it truly was a bargain. The maker does not even return those calls and the specialist has left the state. Real double paned windows are pricey, and the choices are various. There is a brand-new cutting-edge version where the 2 panes are in fact blown together into a single system with a safe insulating gas sealed between them. This completely eliminates fogging, condensation, and drafts. Other types need proper sealing and ought to carry an excellent low u-factor. The U-factor is a toughness test which determines just how much interior heat gets away from the window. Conversely, a low Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient, or SHGC informs the consumer how much heat from the sun penetrates your windows. If you negotiate away your consumer protections, don't be shocked if that big restoration goes sour. 6. Customizing Into Complacency. Even the finest windows from the very best makers could position operational troubles and style flaws. Not that they were the top of the line to start with, but those advertisements for vinyl replacement windows revealing the easy tilt down cleansing system proved tough for lots of individuals to use. Don't buy any windows that you have not subjected to strenuous tests of your own. Even if a window is tailored, does not automatically make it user friendly. There isn't a maker in business that hasn't made windows with design flaws and particularly troublesome are those customized functions. Work them personally; don't simply observe the demonstration. Have the family work them. Ask concerns to the salesman. Any sticky wickets? Leave the windows at the store or at least those complex systems. Operation will only make them stickier. 7. Buying Windows Without NFRC Rating. NFRC or the National Fenestration Score Council screening has actually become an industry requirement in examination of energy efficiency and efficiency. It's a pity to acquire windows without the score considering it doesn't cost you anything however the manufacturers depend on it to sort out those less then perfect quality windows. Also makers who are less expensive however disavow their warranties after 1 year typically are those windows which don't perform well versus their better quality competitors. In fact, many states now require the NFRC scores in order to get a permit for window replacement of any kind. Contact the local council about constructing code requirements for your house. 8. All Window Hardware Is Basically The Exact same. The hardware set up with your windows figures out the ease, security, and toughness of operation. In fact, your windows are just as great as the hardware holding them together. Window hardware can conceal low-cost metal products in the locking system or sash. Attempt to get hardware that adheres to California's comprehensive anti theft and forced entry standards. They require that any closed window is a locked window and has the ability to remain locked under heavy lever type pressure. 9. Who Needs Two Warranties? You require two warranties to cover you in any eventuality and here is the information. Initially, there is the maker's guarantee. This covers the windows from manufacturing flaws, unforeseen wear, replacement parts or anything to do with the windows themselves. It is a prolonged service warranty that is released with premium windows for 10 to twenty years and often longer. It needs to not professional rate the advantages with time due to the age of the windows, and must be totally transferable should you choose to offer your house. Second, there is the assurance from the specialist who sets up the windows. This typically only extends over one year, although a professional who is sure of their work and has an excellent reputation may be encouraged to provide more protection, in some cases as much as 2 years. In any case, this service warranty is limited and covers just the work of the specialist relating to setup and nothing to do with producing flaws of the windows themselves. For example, if the surfactant is mottled on that western exposure image window in the bedroom, do not try to redress the problem with the professional. Call the maker. However, if mold is establishing on the inside of one brand-new window sill, get the contractor back over there as soon as possible before that guarantee expires. Try not to get included if there is a conflict over responsibility. Make them work it out. 10. It Will Save A Package If My Painter Installs The Windows and I Will Assist Fine, if you have the time and the painter has appropriate expertise however sadly, a lot of mistakes take place when attempting to streamline window installation. Since window replacement is a more costly and huge undertaking than it seems unless it's only one or 2 windows we're talking about, or you have actually done it previously, it's finest to leave this to a specialist. Setup is the least of the expense of window replacement so it does not pay to cut corners here. One essential tip, when you work with a professional to install those brand-new windows, besides doing all the basic evaluations of his work, such as seeing his jobs over the past three months, getting reliable referrals, not paying up front for the task, and so on, if there is a little additional money to spare, think about employing an engineer to evaluate the installation. It's a relatively affordable way to buy a lot of comfort. Even if you can't manage one, try asking the professional throughout the interview if he minds if you hire an engineer to evaluate precaution and setup. If he gets upset or declines, don't use this professional. The reason speaks for itself. If he states he doesn't mind or heartily welcomes the chance, then this contractor trusts his own work, and will no doubt work much better knowing that an expert will exist, even if he isn't. If an engineer is worked with, bring him when at the start, and once prior to the last couple of windows are finished to check for compliance before the last checks are written. Armed with these suggestions, you ought to get more for your money, and years of satisfaction looking out your brand-new "quite as a picture" replacement window.

[nvrcixv]

a narcissa black intro post

( milena tscharntke, eighteen, cis-female ) my goodness, is NARCISSA BLACK back? it’s been a while since the PUREBLOOD has been around the castle, but I’d recognize HER anywhere. rumor has it the FIFTH YEAR spent the years aligned with the NEUTRALS. but I hear they’re still DUTIFUL & ELEGANT and SEVERE & CONTRADICTORY. and the SLYTHERIN still reminds me of a mist of overwhelming perfume, the gentle clatter of fine dishes breaking a tense silence, the awed quiet that fills every corner of a museum, a lump catching in a dry throat, an ornate frame distracting from a dark themed painting, and lips plump with an unnatural red. well, then, I guess some things never change.

hey,  hey,  you guys! i’m alex and i’ll be bringing narcissa here. i’ve been rping on tumblr for a long time, marauders era has always been my favorite.  i have a lot of passion for strong, bad bitches, they’re my jam. so i’m excited to play ice queen narcissa. i’m down for all sorts of plots, especially stuff that springs up organically. mostly because i’m a terrible, disorganized mess of a planner. i’m a bartender, so weekends can get busy for me, but lbr i’m always lurking on mobile.

you can contact me on here in those dms, or my discord is @ alex //#7484

character inspiration: sansa stark (got), eleanor young / astrid leong-teo (crazy rich asians), amy march (little women)

check out her ( pinterest )

whelve: (v.) to bury something deep; to hide

the positive (+): dutiful, elegant, meticulous, thoughtful, subtle, self-assured, immovable, proud, practical

the negative (-): severe, contradictory, deceitful, vengeful, cold, bitter, haughty, petty, narcissitic

aesthetic inspiration: a mist of overwhelming perfume; the gentle clatter of fine dishes breaking a tense silence; the awed quiet that fills every corner of a museum; a lump catching in a dry throat; an ornate frame distracting from a dark themed painting; lips plump with an unnatural red; the gentle clink of pearls; lipstick smudged on the lip of a teacup; thickly gilded frames; delicate fingers brushing aside wisps of hair; pointed heels abandoned at the bottom of a staircase; forced laughter through painted lips; a paintbrush gliding over a crisp canvas; skirts skating over cream-colored thighs; half filled decanters; a thorn pricking an unsuspecting fingertip; the slow build of a concerto; hedges cut to blunt perfection

your girl’s eyeliner is sharp as knives, lips red as bluuud, nails filed to perfection, heart cold, and her smile sweet enough to eat.

you’ve heard it before, narcissa is stone cold. the world could be tumbling around her and this blonde would remain  unshaken.  she is a proud and stalwart figure in the face of chaos. she’s rather good in a crisis, she has to be with a family like her’s and in these dark days. many imagine her to be weak, a simple creature meant for beautiful things. the wilting flower of the black family tree. at one time she might have been, but those who know her properly know her to be someone to look towards in uncertainty.

but she is also a hopeless romantic gone to rot. she is distant, as untouchable as a masterpiece in the museum that is her picture perfect life. a thing more suitable for admiration than intimacy. she is cold, stoic, and strong, but also lonely.

there is a feeling that no matter your connection to narcissa, that no matter your efforts, there is always something hidden within that she is keeping to herself. and it’s true. there is nothing narcissa would willingly show that she didn’t want people to see.

she insecure and stressed about public image like that.

she is also haughty.  

if there’s anything her cousin has taught her, to bloom is to die. she pictures his  escape   and subsequent increase in happiness to be the height of abandonment, of betrayal. how dare he go one to enjoy things without her! how dare he leave. how dare he leave her wanting and missing and heartbroken. she truly misses him and yet goes to great lengths to never reveal her secrets, instead giving her true feelings the form of petty anger and feigned indifference.

the family she’d been proud to be a member of, is crumbling to ash with this war. but if anyone were to care enough to ask, she is grateful for her lot in life. a smile always quick to slide into place, polished and content for the pre-destined plan.

with her current family a shambles, she is afraid to even think of putting together a new family, the arranged marriage in her future is as terrifying as it is inevitable. she feels as though she will lose everything, her family name, the constant presence of her sisters, and her childhood.  it feels like a demotion in title and status after all the notoriety that comes with being a  black.  not to mention her own parents suffering remains fresh as a wound, she can’t imagine she shall ever be happy. why should she be?  indoctrinated as she is, she has eyes.  everything she has witnessed could never be called ideal, as much as it was framed that way. while hope is not her strong suit, narcissa is very capable of love

it’s not often used to describe her, but narcissa is rather selfless and giving towards her loved ones. it’s a redeeming quality that is almost enough to counteract her many failings as a more acceptable version of a kind person. she does, in fact, love and wants to be loved in return.

her removal from hogwarts had been a frightening prospect, as it put a big wrench in the plans that had been set out for her. she was too young and with her education incomplete all meant she was able to put off her marital duties off for the time being

with the last two years open to her, narcissa was quick to move to france to study abroad at beauxbatons. the move was good for her. freeing. the separation from her family allowed the growth of some independence and the fostering of her own interests. she was fully immersed in paris’ culture, language, food, and beauty.

as a lover of  all things immaculate, a seeker of perfection, narcissa is enamored with art. she already has amassed a collection that could rival the lourve, and often travels to find new additions. it’s a lifestyle only the sickeningly wealthy could afford. the high art, port wine and lavish hotels in distant locations are her own form of escape. the one bright spot in the dreariness that the war has driven all of london into. but “a golden cage is still a cage” and her happiness often fades the moment it comes

she’s an amateur painter herself, talented and content with the process of painting the perfect picture, figuratively and literally. but this is a secret ambition. the act unsuitable and beneath a lady such as herself. there is too much mess. stains, dyed fingertips and an acrid smell. as beautiful as the end result might be, her parents would surely disapprove of the mess she’d make to get there. so like everything else, she hides the messy parts away. it’s not much of a rebellion, but it’s as much as she’s capable of at the moment. her family just means more to her than what she sees as selfish wants rather than the productive creativity and voice to her thoughts that she really needs.

tw child abuse: her childhood was as fraught with abuse as the next black. intelligence was punishable, sharp wit was always met with a slap to rattle her teeth.

her worth was reduced to image and status from the beginning. the cruel parenting taught her to close her lips and open her eyes more. she is observant, and thoughtful. her taste impeccable and judgement rather quick.

narcissa is both good and bad in many ways. love to hate or hate to love her, she’s an anti-villian

tl;dr; narcissa a bitch but like?? the kind you would be begging to step on you

connections:

girl gang – give her all the best friends. the nicole to her paris. soul sisters. ovaries before brovaries. hymen heroines. those hoes she lives and breathes for. i think typically this would be fellow slytherins or ppl that she met through pureblood high society connections. OPEN  

ex-boyfriend/girlfriend – ew this makes me sad and emotions are hard to deAL. basically this will be all angst city. most likely narcissa would be the one to break things off since she usually caves to that familial pressure. depending on how their relationship was, she could regret it or be cold about it. or maybe they were using her? i could see either ( or both! gasp ) working. OPEN

rival/frenemies – these two are just too similar to get along. toxic pureblood society has pitted them against each other and no one is winning. okay but if they went from enemies, to reluctant respect, to almost friends?? MAYBE EVEN FRIENDS EVENTUALLY?? i would be here for it asdlk  OPEN

confidante – narcissa isn’t honest with anyone, not even herself. but this could be someone that she’s probably known for a long time who she possibly could’ve opened up to in a weak moment and now they’re bonded forever. she would feel indebted to this person for keeping her secrets and would do her best to protect them any way that she could. extra feelings if this person feels the same way and they can be sad, but also cLOSE, together. OPEN

secret school friend – maybe they were forced partners as prefects or a fateful potions class but narcissa found herself making a surprising friend in an unexpected place. they spoke for years and she couldn’t help admiring their persistence despite her reluctance and occasional snobbery. but now they’re older and she really should cut things off. for whatever reason, she just can’t let go. OPEN

banter partner – alright so this would be someone from the other side of the war that narcissa runs into all the time and they always seem to get into arguments! she’s not quite sure why they get under her skin but narcissa finds it difficult to step away from their confrontations. OPEN

muse – listennnn. this person would be someone that narcissa would just be enamored with, she would regard them very highly and make efforts to speak with them and be around them. if this person were on the other side of the war she would probably resent them a little but be unable to resist.  i’ll probably just spring this on somebody tbh?? since the relationship would be based on her own tastes. but this would be someone that narcissa would admire for their appearance– sure, but also for the aura that they project.

but yes!! promo over, thanks for reading loves! can’t wait to write with you all!

[alonatwotrees]

A Step by Step Guide to Make Handmade Awards for Amtgard (At Least How I Do It)

I enjoy making awards for Amtgard, and I’ve been doing it since I started playing back in 2001. Here is a few awards that I’ve made over the years, after doing a cursory glance at my facebook photos.

(Warlord Title, gouache on cold press watercolor paper)

(Master Rose, gouache on cold press watercolor paper)

(Master Dragon, mixed media, leather and gouche on watercolor paper)

(Time Lord Title, digital and watercolor on cold press watercolor paper, run through a printer and hand painted, and a circlet, leather with metal, and drawn on designs with a sharpie) 

(Walker in the Middle, gouache on hot press watercolor paper)

(Winter’s Edge Kingdom Elevation Scroll, gouache on hot press watercolor paper, plastic clay kingdom seals in a shadow box)

Lord Title, digital and acrylic, on cold press watercolor paper run through a printer)

(Lady Title, gouache on cold press watercolor paper)

(Defender Title, acrylic on wood, designed to resemble a shield, I erased those lines later)

(Flame Knighthood Triptych, it opens and closes)

(Yes, this last one is an award itself, for a Paragon Barbarian, the text is cut into the leather along the edges.)

(Earl Title, gouache on watercolor paper, leather and brass circlet)

(9th garber, a sewing basket with a leather inset scroll in eco flow waterstain dye and acrylic)

(Serpent Knighting Scroll, gouache on cold press watercolor paper)

I like to try new techniques, from paper to leather to metal to wood.I also have designed countless digital awards, but that is for another post.

I’d like to teach you how to make awesome handmade awards to help your corner of amtgard be more awesome in recognition of so many amtgarders who have dedicated so much to the game, that deserve to be recognized. You too can do this, and cheaply. The following is a step by step guide in how I do it for paper awards.

Preface: My Personal Goal for Awards

I’ve been doing this a long time. And for me, as an artisan and scribe, the ultimate goal is this:

To make them cry.

I want everyone who receives an award I make them to cry. Ugly cry, in front of everyone in court. It’s how I show my love. So if I make you cry, I love you! And think you deserve an awesome handmade award gift, made by me, TO MAKE YOU CRY.

Its how I stay young.

Step One: The Commission

The first step in designing awards is finding out if there are awards that need to be made. Contact your local park or kingdom monarchy and offer your services, at whatever level you are comfortable with. Personally, I like to make 8+ level awards, titles, masterhoods, knighthoods and kingdom elevation scrolls. I feel like those are the things that should be special and handmade. However, your mileage may vary, depending where you are, I happen to live close to my kingdom, and how comfortable you are making awards. If this is a new thing for you, start small if you want to.

Talk to your monarchy, see if they need anything made, and try to ask them as quick as you can, so they are thinking about it. Because nothing sucks more than an award that was commissioned three days before an event.

This is where you want to start thinking about the specifics of the award. Do you want to give them a hand painted award? A part digital, part handmade award? Something outside the normal means of what you would consider an award, like the shield defender title, or the armor/sash of the paragon barbarian, or the sewing basket 9th garber I’ve made? Think outside the box, and try something new, if you’ve done this before. This award should be special to the person receiving it, if it can be. 

Sometimes I don’t really know the person I’m making the award for. When that happens, the first place you should go is the amtwiki and find things about that person, if they have heraldry, what park they belong to, and the park’s heraldry, what kingdom they belong to, and that kingdom’s heraldry. What kind of persona they play, if they do play one. It would be awkward to make a ninja based award when they play a pirate, is what I’m saying. Find out what they like, and build from there. 

Step Two: The Materials and Tools

What are you going to make this award out of? What tools do you need? Here is some examples of things that you want to think about, a quick rundown for paper awards, but really, if you can manipulate it, you can probably make an award out of it

Material:

(When working with watercolor, watercolor pencils, or gouache)

I prefer hot press watercolor paper if I am working in gouache. This paper is very similar to cold press, except it is much smoother, harder to source locally, and more expensive. But it is, for me, hands down the best paper I can find locally. I haven’t seen pads of it at stores like Michaels or Joanns, but you can find it in single large sheets at hobby lobby. Or if you are lucky like me and live in an art school city. Amazon always has everything, as well. Arches is a good brand.

Cold press watercolor paper is a rougher feel, but much more affordable and readily available.

You can also cut down either of these papers and run them through your printer, if you prefer to design your award digitally, and then have your calligraphy be done by the computer, and you can simply let it dry, then color in your design in whatever paint/colored pencil, etc, you choose.

Leather:

I admit I love working in leather for awards, I love how Eco Flow Waterstain flows though a dip pen onto leather. It just...feels good. You can work with leather dyes and acrylics in leather, and experiment with tooling and pyrography and layering, as I did with the Master Dragon, above, as well.

Wood:

Wood is good if you want to do something more structural, like the triptych and the shield I have done above. Ideal for pyropraphy (woodburning) and acrylic. Make sure you sand and clean the piece before you paint.

Other:

 I haven’t used these materials for awards, but I’ve had ideas to build on them, maybe this list will inspire you: Plasterboard, you can carve into it to create a relief sculpture. Tile, I’m sort of in love with the geometric tessellation of arabic design, and would love to create something with this in mind, especially in tile...if I had a tile saw handy.

(Epcot, Morocco Pavilion) 

Stone, I would love to have the tools to work in stone, something like this, perhaps:

(Epcot, Norway Pavilion)  

Felt, I have played with the idea of wet felting and needle felting, combined with embroidery to create a wearable scroll. One day.

The Medium:

You can work in almost anything. Pencil, watercolor pencil, pastel, oil pastel, fabric paint, acrylic, watercolor, oil paint, gouache, tempura, pyrography, really, the mediums are endless. 

Right now, I like gouache. It has the best qualities of both watercolor and acrylics. You can paint light on top of dark, which is, just a miracle, really.

I love using gold in my work, or any metalics, really. I have some special ways to create that effect, from special paints to a calligraphy pen, to mini-fig paints.

Tools:

Brushes by the bunch. I just keep buying them when I inevitably leave one in acrylic too long, or don’t wash it well enough. 

Dip pen, which is my favorite. Especially with gouache. Like all things here, practice first. You can get a variety of different nibs. 

For paper awards I tend to use a big drawing board that I use painters tape to secure my paper to, and block out the space around the design so I don’t smudge pencil, or paint, in that area.

Step Three: Layout

You have your commission, you have your materials and tools gathered, now to put it all together in a cohesive way. I do a quick drawing of the layout, so I know what I am doing for the next step. Need ideas on how to arrange your award? 

Here is Linden’s awards.

Here is about 90 ideas on my pinterest board.

Here is an example of a layout from an award I made:

This is the first draft, the basic idea of how the award should be set up. You don’t need specifics yet. Just an idea. Don’t use good paper at this point, just some scratch to work out the details.

Step Four: The Text

This is the part that is hardest for me. I tend to find text by doing a google image search of sca and amtgard awards, and using that as a base. Sometimes its just easier to ask a friend for help with this part.

Now is also when you want to figure out your “hand” or what font you want to use. Practice! I use a dip pen and, lets be honest here, my calligraphy sucks, I tend to find a good font on my computer and emulate that. There are some good books you can use if you want to go more historical. 

A good award will have the basics:

Who is giving the award, Who is getting the award, WHY they are getting the award, The date the award is to be given, A signature for the person giving the award.

Fancy it up to your flavor level.

Here is also a neat thing to add into your award: 

http://www.electricsamurai.com/ad/ the date of the award given in amtgard dates. 

Step Five: The Cartoon

Here is where you work out the details. I spend my work life as a graphic artist, so I am much more comfortable scanning and manipulating my artwork on the computer, and it all depends on the piece, if I use photoshop, illustrator, or indesign. Here is that same image above scanned in and text added, and designed. This was done in illustrator. You can use whatever tools you prefer, digital or not. This should be your second draft, not on good paper.

This is my cartoon, and it’s ready to be printed out to size, and transferred to my good paper. If using digital means to create your cartoon, and the finished piece is going to be larger than your printer can handle, I highly recommend this website:

http://www.blockposters.com/

You can upload your design and have it print in however large you want, in 8.5 x 11 in pieces of paper. All you have to do is tape them together.

Step Six: Transferring to the Good Paper

Now is the time to get cracking. You have your good paper, you have your cartoon, you have your text. Now to transfer it. You can do it it many ways, from as simple as taping your cartoon to a sunny window and taping your good paper over it, and tracing lightly with a pencil, to using a lightbox (I prefer this) to taping your cartoon over your good paper and sandwiching in a piece of graphite paper in between and tracing. You can even use a projector to help you trace your design.

(I like the lightbox best)

Get your image onto your good paper.

Step Seven: Painting

So, despite being a graphic artist, I was not trained to paint. Airbrush, sure, but not painting. I left that to my friends who liked to smoke in the oil painting classroom in college. I just use whatever paint I am working in, and color in the lines with either a paintbrush or dip pen, and then fill it out. It’s very much like paint by numbers for me. I try to do multiple layers, with my mediums, then darks, then highlights. Whatever works best for you.

Step Eight: Calligraphy

Practice this. Over and over and over. Or....cheat, and fill it in with paint, outlining and then filling in the blanks. 

Step Nine: Sign it!

I sign every piece on the back of the frame or paper, with a <3 Alona TwoTrees, but I also tend to use my signet, usually done in gold, on the front right bottom corner.

I think they are neat.

Also, if it is difficult to have the giver of this award sign it, ask for a copy of their signature, and fake it for them. Makes it easier at court.

Step Ten: Finishing Touches

Frame your pieces. Seriously. It’s a cheap and easy way to make your award pop. You can get frames at any dollar store that are 8.5 x 11 in. It’s a dollar, and it makes it so much cooler. OR head to your local thrift store and buy a frame in the art section. 

Step Eleven: Give it Away and Drink in the Tears

Make them cry. Stay young.

[juniorformulamotorsport]

Tuesday, 18th September/Wednesday, 19th September 2018 – Kiev, Days 2 and 3

Day 2 was manic and intense work-wise, and the only sightseeing that was done was from the seat of a mini bus taking us back and forth from the hotel to the office, mostly while stuck in traffic that wasn’t much going anywhere. We did still manage to spot the National Circus of Ukraine, which has its own rather wonderful 1960s building, in grand Soviet style. Well, I say spot; it would have been hard to miss really.

Additionally, there were more of the fantastic murals to be seen (excuse the photo quality – these were all taken from inside a minibus moving at a variety of speeds). And no, I’m not sure what the significance of an inflatable dolphin is, but I was struck by how brilliantly executed it was.

Wednesday the Danish and German contingent would be flying out late afternoon, while those of us from London were not leaving for another day. Thus, we two found ourselves back at the hotel at around 16:30 with time on our hands and an ambition to keep going on the sightseeing front. We set off round the back of the hotel this time, eying up the stadium and realising just how big it actually is.

The nearby lamp posts are decorated with planters made to look like footballs, which amused us.

From there we passed a small park with what I now know is a memorial to Solomon Naumovich Rabinovic, better known as Sholem Aleichem (1859 – 1916), a Yiddish author and playwright whose stories about Tevye the Dairyman were the inspiration for the musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”. There were several other monuments in the same space so I may have misidentified it of course.

It’s fair to say that for the most part the history of the Jews in Kiev (and in the Ukraine in general) has been long but has not been easy or happy, and I did wonder if the mural we found is a a reflection of this. However, it’s an area of history that I don’t know a great deal about (so I’m going to have to go and do some reading before our next trip to Kiev).

The area we were now walking through obviously has quite a history and there are some fabulous buildings along the route we were taking, in a mixture of many grand styles.

We were heading initially for the Besarabsky Rynok (Бесарабський ринок) market hall because I wanted to take a look at it, and I know my colleague, A, likes that sort of thing too. It’s fabulous even at the tail end of the working day, and there are plenty of things to buy (including caviar which I don’t care for). In fact the caviar sellers seem to be very keen on engaging with you… I wonder why! It’s quite sizable, and was built between 1910 and 1912 to a design by the Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay, and is named after Bessarabia, claimed by Russia during the Russo-Turkish Wars and now part of the Odessa oblast. It has massive high ceilings…

And plenty of fresh produce.

It’s also fine looking from the outside.

From here we headed along the Tarasa Shevchenko Boulevard, which has a green strip running up the middle of it with traffic flowing (or not flowing depending on the time of day) on either side. We were aiming at the church we had only seen through the trees on our way to the office, Saint Volodymyr’s Cathedral. Prince Volodymyr the Great imposed Christianity on the Kievan Rus and in addition to a massive monument on one of the hills along the river Dnipro, also has a cathedral of his own, and a glorious thing it is too.

The building was completed in 1882 (30 years after the idea of it was first mooted to celebrate 900 years since the Kievan Rus’ were baptised) and it was another church to narrowly avoid being demolished under the Soviets. Instead it was turned into a museum of religion and atheism, and then remained closed until after WWII, when it was reopened as the main church of the Kiev Metropolitan See of the Ukrainian Exarchate. After the Soviet Union fell apart, it was a source of argument between two dominations, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had autonomous status under the Moscow Patriarchy, and the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchy, the latter eventually winning control of the cathedral. If you want to know more about the history of Ukrainian Christianity, the Wikipedia page provides a useful starting point, but be warned; it’s complicated. There was a service on when we went in (me with my hair covered with a scarf because it seemed unlikely I’d be allowed in otherwise), and it’s fair to say the congregation seems very diverse in age terms, and very devoted. The singing was stunningly beautiful, and A, who is also a musician and a composer was loving every minute of it.

I concentrated on taking photos (there’s a small charge if you want to take photos – I was happy to pay it). The interior is absolutely stunning, with an art nouveau feel to the work that decorates every available surface. Where there are no mosaics, there are paintings, the mosaics created by Venetian masters, the paintings the work of a group of painters under the guidance of Professor Adrian Prakhov. The frescoes were completed by 1896. The interior taken as a whole is almost overwhelming to anyone more used to the stark beauty of Western European cathedrals. It was all we could both do not to just stand and gaze an repeatedly say “Wow!” to each other.

We left the church and headed down past Saint Sophia’s, which was looking particularly fetching in the evening sunshine and stopped to take a look at the massive monument to Bogdan Khmelmitskiy, the leader of the fight for freedom against Polish oppression between 1648 and 1654. It should have been even bigger apparently, but there wasn’t enough money for the planned sculpture, only enough to create Bogdan on his horse. For six year’s they couldn’t even afford a pedestal. It ended up being mounted on some stone blocks left over after construction of the bridge over the Dnipro in 1888! He looks magnificent enough despite all of that.

Further along we stumbled across the monument to Saint Olga (Ольга), the grandmother of Volodymyr, whose cathedral we had just seen. As Princess Olga she was Regent of Kievan Rus’ for her son Svyatoslav from 945 until 960. The sculpture shows her flanked by Saint Andrew the Apostle, and Saints Cyril and Methodius (missionaries to the Slavic peoples). Olga was the first Christian ruler in Kiev and was baptized in Constantinople, though the dates are somewhat fuzzy. The monument itself, which dates from 1911, was removed by the Soviets and buried under the square in which it stands, and was restored in 1996, though using a copy of the statue of Olga. It was originally intended to be part of “The Historical Path” which would have been an alley of statues illustrating the history of Kiev.

From here we crossed the road to take a look at the beautiful blue church we had spotted on the first day. This turned out to be the recreated Saint Michael’s Cathedral (or Monastery). There has been a monastery here since the 11th century, founded by Prince Isyaslav of Kiev. It was his son, Sviatopolk (or Michael) who had a new stone church to Saint Michael built in the monastery precinct in 1108. With its golden roofs it was unsurprisingly known to all and sundry as St. Michael’s Monastery of the Golden Domes. It was added to, and decorated over the centuries, but in the 1930s the Soviet People’s Committee had the bell tower and several other buildings demolished, blowing up the monastery in 1937, leaving behind nothing but a pile of rubble. Between 1997 and 2000, post the fall of the Soviet Union, it was completely rebuilt and it looks incredible.

The Ukrainian authorities managed finally to persuade the Russians to return 18 of the 29 mosaics that had been taken from the original building, and were also able to obtain the return of the remaining frescoes from the Hermitage Museum. We didn’t have time to go inside but were able to roam the “territory” and admire the buildings, including the refectory, which is one of the few buildings that survived the Soviet period.

Behind the complex, we discovered the Kiev funicular, which takes you down to Podil (you can walk but it was a hot, sticky evening and we fancied the look of the funicular, which opened in 1905).

Having discovered that the funicular is part of the Metro system, and that it takes contactless payments for the 8 hryvnia fare (a stunning £0.24, 0.22€ or $0.29 US) we rode down to Podil just as dusk was falling. Podil runs along the bank of the Dnipro and is the old mercantile quarter. It seems to be where all of Kiev fetches up for an evening stroll, cycle ride, run or simply to sit and watch the river. There is a row of street food stalls, cafes, and hotels, with various amusements thrown in.

The Chernobyl museum is down here, but again we were far too late to go in. And we needed a beer. We chose a cafe that looked promising and sat out on the terrace watching the world go by. Shortly afterwards we noticed that there was some sort of light display being played out on one of the bridges.

Beer done with, we caught the funicular back up and headed back towards the hotel in search of dinner.

    Travel 2018 – Kiev, Days 2 and 3 Tuesday, 18th September/Wednesday, 19th September 2018 - Kiev, Days 2 and 3 Day 2 was manic and intense work-wise, and the only sightseeing that was done was from the seat of a mini bus taking us back and forth from the hotel to the office, mostly while stuck in traffic that wasn't much going anywhere.

[missimofficial]

TS4 Galaxy Legacy Challenge

Hello everyone, as promised, I present to you the new challenge I created. It’s based on ten of the galaxies within the universe with plenty of opportunity to mould it to something you will enjoy. I particularly like the tenth generation. I hope you enjoy it! I also have a PDF version of the rules. The hashtag is #galaxylegacychallenge Please tag me @missim-you-official-cc-finds or @missim-you-official so I can see.

PDF Download

The Idea

We all live in this beautiful world and it’s the same for the Sims, too. But what is beyond that beautiful night sky? Beyond the alien planet that many have claimed to have visited? Do you have a fascination with space and time? Inspired by the zodiac? This is the perfect challenge then!

The galaxies around the one within which we live are vast and glorious, but I haven’t got much knowledge about them. This is as much to learn about space as it is to have insanely fun Sims challenges. There will be ten heirs in total. There are numerous galaxies beyond those mentioned in this challenge, so you can expand your challenge if you wish.

CAS

Use the colours of the galaxies to set a colour scheme for each heir in CAS or use it more as a metaphorical approach for their traits, romantic interests or décor within their homes. It’s up to your own interpretation of how you see the galaxies.

Rules

For the sake of this challenge, I will be creating my own colour schemes, trait lists and ideal career paths, but you can edit them to your own hearts’ content.

Start your game with only a starter budget for your Sims.

No money cheats are allowed.

You may use MC Command Centre.

You can use custom content.

Spouses can be anyone, within reason or otherwise noted.

Play on a normal lifespan.

Elements like traits, colour schemes, ideal careers etc. are only a guide. You may edit them if you wish.

Name your characters whatever you wish.

Works best if your characters remain either alien or human rather than vampires. Optional.

If you undertake the challenge I would love to see it. Share your gameplay on tumblr under #galaxylegacychallenge so I can check it out. I will include my gameplay at @missim-you-official.

Inspired By

This challenge is one that has been stuck in my head for a while, but I never really got around to it because of study getting in the way. These are just some fun challenges I like that helped inspire me to work on my own challenge.

Star Signs Legacy (Zodiac) by Lifesimmerfan22.

Not So Berry Legacy by Lilsimsie.

Planet Legacy by Oxkenstead, Grnitefalls & Simbee.

Generations:

Generation One: Milky Way

Interesting Facts

We live here.

It contains more than 200 billion stars and capable of billions more.

It is a barred spiral type of galaxy.

It is 13.6 billion years old.

There is at least one supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A (which contains mass equivalent to 4.3 million suns) in the galactic centre, at a distance of 26,000 light years from Earth.

It grows by merging other galaxies, currently the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal and material from the Magellanic Clouds.

The diameter is 100,000 ly.

The distance is 0 ly (because we’re here).

Colours

Blue.

Violet.

White.

Silver.

Description

You grew up nurturing plants and learning how to garden with your grandmother, so you have a very familial-oriented perspective in life. You were a clingy toddler and now that you’ve grown up, you have a strong commitment to a work-life balance. You always wanted children and would love to have a set of twins someday. You’ve worked hard, and you can finally afford that starter home you’ve dreamed of.

Traits

Family oriented.

Ambitious.

Clumsy.

Aspiration

Super parent.

Career

Doctor.

Additional

Master parenting, cooking, handiness and gardening skills.

Have a successful marriage. (This doesn’t mean you have to stay with the first person you meet, either. Have 8 failed marriages before you meet “the one” if you want).

Develop a great relationship with your loved ones.

Master the doctor career.

Generation Two: LMC (Large Magellanic Cloud)

Interesting Facts

It is known as the Satellite Galaxy.

When the clouds of gas collapse and create new stars, they light up the gasses and result in beautiful displays of vibrant colour.

The diameter is 14,000 ly.

The distance is 158,000 ly.

It is the third-closest galaxy to the Milky Way.

Colours

Orange.

Purple.

Pink.

Description

Your mother/father/other taught you everything you know, and you grew up nurtured in the best way that your parents could. Now people are simply drawn to you, your fun-loving nature and love for all. You don’t want the same 9-5 work that your parents had, so you aspire to follow your creative nature. Your passion can be misconstrued as arrogance; however, people want to be around you regardless.

Traits

Self-assured.

Dance machine.

Flirty.

Aspiration

Soulmate.

Career

Painter/Entertainer. Optional.

Additional

Master painting, singing & musical instrument skills.

Find “the one” later in life.

Run a karaoke club.

Collect all the MySims trophies.

Complete the painter or entertainer careers.

Generation Three: Andromeda

Interesting Facts

The diameter is 220,000 ly.

The distance is 2,500,000 ly.

Andromeda and Milky Way will eventually clash in 5 billion years.

It is a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way.

Contains a bulge of matter in the middle with a disk of gas, dust and stars with an immense halo.

It contains approximately a trillion stars as opposed to the half a billion in the Milky Way, though contains less dark matter, which makes it less massive.

Colours

Orange.

Red.

Gold.

Description

Taking after your parents, you grow up being a natural magnet for people around you, but you don’t like the level of commitment that comes with it. You’re a free spirit with a love for space and science, and you live a minimalist lifestyle, only having things you need. You’re close with your grandparents and collect elements to study at your home laboratory.

Traits

Flirty.

Non-committal.

Genius.

Aspiration

Serial Romantic.

Career

Scientist.

Additional

Complete the crystals, metals and elements collections.

Discover the alien planet Sixam.

Complete the scientist career path.

Complete the serial romantic aspiration.

Have a child with your second partner.

Generation Four: M82

Interesting Facts

It is 37,000 ly in diameter.

It is 11,500,000 ly in distance.

Also known as the Cigar Galaxy.

It is forming stars 10 times faster than normal galaxies.

It was originally believed to be an irregular galaxy but is a spiral galaxy side-on.

Eventually the gasses will no longer be plentiful and in tens of millions of years into the future, it will dwindle to a halt.

There is a mystery body of material within the centre that goes unknown as to what it actually is to this day.

Colours

Orange.

Aqua.

Red.

Magenta.

Description

You’re the life of the party, creative and bright. You love decorating in bright colours and dying your hair to whatever, depending on how you feel. Tattoos are a huge part of your life, with a fun experience or important meaning to you behind each one. You enjoy visiting festivals and live a life jumping from house to house, town to town.

Traits

Creative.

Active.

Self-assured.

Aspiration

Party animal.

Career

Painter.

Additional

Master painting and athletic skills.

Own a successful art store.

Decorate your child’s room with your artworks.

Complete the party animal aspiration.

Move house at least four times.

Generation Five: M101

Interesting Facts

It is 170,000 ly in diameter.

It is 20,870,000 ly in distance.

It is otherwise known as the Pinwheel Galaxy.

You can find it in the constellation Ursa Major in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is 70% larger than the Milky Way.

The light you see of it through a telescope has travelled for 21 million years, longer than human kind has existed.

There are at least 1 trillion stars within it.

Its total mass equates to 100 billion solar masses.

Colours

Cream.

White.

Silver.

Tan.

Description

You were born into a household of bright colours and patterns that your parents loved. Your consistent moving from town to town meant it was difficult to find friends, and you enjoy solitude above all else. You find it difficult to form romantic relationships especially, and now that you’ve moved out of home you want to settle into a stable home, career and be rid of the noisy colour palette. You still enjoy some pops of colour and love computer games.

Traits

Unflirty.

Loner.

Geek.

Aspiration

Computer whiz.

Career

Tech guru.

Additional

Master video gaming, programming, logic and handiness skills.

Adopt two pets.

Master tech guru career.

Reach best friend status with one other non-related sim (do not count pets).

Generation Six: M104

Interesting Facts

It is otherwise known as the Sombrero Galaxy.

It has a white, bulbous core surrounded by thick dust lanes.

It is considered to have a black hole at the centre of the galaxy.

It has 10x more than the number of globular clusters than the Milky Way.

It is 50,000 ly in diameter.

It is 29,350,000 ly in distance.

Colours

White.

Black.

Navy.

Silver.

Tan.

Description

Like your parents, you enjoy muted colours and can’t quite shake the gloomy feeling around you from the solitude of your childhood. However, you enjoy the more expensive things in life and this leads you down a bumpy path. You think that parenthood is overrated and would rather hire people to do those menial tasks for you.

Traits

Gloomy.

Kleptomaniac.

Materialistic.

Aspiration

Fabulously Wealthy.

Career

Business/Criminal Optional.

Additional

Master the business or criminal career paths.

Master the fabulously wealthy aspiration.

If in the business career path, master logic and charisma skills.

If in the criminal career path, master mischief, programming and handiness skills.

Hire a nanny and/or butler full time when you reach a high enough income.

Generation Seven: M51

Interesting Facts

It is otherwise known as the Whirlpool Galaxy.

It is 60,000 ly in diameter.

It is 30,000,000 ly in distance.

It contains infrared light, hydrogen and a number of young and old stars.

Colours

Red.

Gold.

Blue.

Description

You were never very close with your parents but never lacked the finer things in life. You’re fascinated by smaller spaces and always wanted to live in a tiny house or apartment surrounded by books. You want to become a famous author and enjoy going to book club with your friends. Your childhood involved spending long hours with your imaginary friends, and now you want to share your stories with the world. Your nanny used to read you to sleep as a child, and you look forward to the day that you get signed by a major publishing house. You also enjoy writing to your friends and decorating your walls with photographs and postcards.

Traits

Creative.

Ambitious.

Perfectionist.

Aspiration

Bestselling author.

Career

Writer.

Additional

Master charisma, photography, wellness and writing skills.

Complete the postcard collection.

Complete the bestselling author aspiration.

Complete the writer career.

Move into a tiny house or apartment.

Generation Eight: NGC 1300

Interesting Facts

It is known as a barred spiral galaxy, where the arms do no spiral all the way into the centre but connect to two ends of a straight bar that contains a nucleus within the centre.

It is 110,000 ly in diameter.

It is 61,000,000 ly in distance.

Colours

Crimson.

Blue.

Silver.

Description

You were very close with your parents growing up and adopted the importance of caring for your wellbeing from them at a very young age. Like them, you have a raging imagination that they nurtured as you grew. They encouraged you to try many pursuits, your favourite being music. You want to embark on a journey as a musician, and you’re encouraged by the voices in your head. You often frequent karaoke nights and want to have an at-home music studio.

Traits

Creative.

Dance machine.

Insane.

Aspiration

Musical genius.

Career

Entertainer.

Additional

Master the wellness, singing, guitar, piano and DJ skills.

Master the musical genius aspiration.

Master the entertainer career.

Build an at-home music studio as you progress.

Start a karaoke club.

Marry a musician.

Generation Nine: Tadpole Galaxy

Interesting Facts

It is a disrupted barred spiral galaxy.

It is located within the constellation Draco.

It was disrupted by another galaxy 100 million years ago which created the tadpole-like shape.

The stars in Arp 188 are at least a million times bright and 10x hotter than our sun.

It is 280,000 ly in diameter including the tail.

It is 420,000,000 ly in distance.

Colours

Orange.

Gold.

Brown.

Description

You were close with both your parents and your grandparents as you grew up and you took inspiration from their dedication to their wellness. As a result, you dappled in gardening and creating beautiful spaces, but you have a quick to emotion response in life that often results in you being worked up. You combat part of this through caring for animals which led to the perfect career for you as a vet.

Traits

Hot-headed.

Cat-lover.

Dog-lover.

Aspiration

Freelance botanist.

Career

Vet.

Additional

Master the vet, pet training, gardening and wellness skills.

Care for your parents until they pass away.

Have 3 pets (doesn’t have to be all at once).

Run a successful vet clinic.

Collect all fish & frog types.

Have a garden.

Generation Ten: Hoag’s Object

Interesting Facts

It is a ring galaxy named after Arthur Hoag.

It is located within the constellation Serpens Caput.

It is unique and was mistaken for matter from dying, old stars.

It is 100,000 ly in diameter.

It is 600,000,000 ly in distance.

Colours

Blue.

Gold.

Description

You couldn’t imagine caring for others like how your parents do. You’re completely self-absorbed and you don’t care. You enjoy the meaner things in life and thrive off the considerable wealth you were handed from your deceased ancestors simply for existing. You’re a city slicker, with emphasis on the slick.

However, an issue with the botched paperwork from your deceased great-great-great-great grandparents in collaboration with the Landgrabs has come into the limelight and stripped you of all your wealth. Now it is your time to either make or break your way in life.

Traits

Snob.

Materialistic.

Mean.

Aspiration

Mansion baron.

Career

Any.

Additional

Lose all your wealth.

Start from homelessness.

Move to the city once you earn enough.

Aim to live in the most expensive apartment.

Master at least 4 skills and a career path.

[drawpaintcolor]

10 Essential Watercolor Tips for Every Beginner Artist

Are you a beginner artist and are looking for watercolor tips to get you started in the right direction? You’ve come to the right website! Keep reading to find out more!

Despite its technicality and difficulty, there are many reasons why watercolors are popular and well-loved among artists. Its ability to blend and layer colors, its transparency and its affordability are just among the reasons why even beginner artists choose to use this medium.

Watercolor is a fun medium and although it can be kinda tricky, it’s a wonderful skill to learn. You can make so many beautiful artworks with this medium and all it takes to master it is time and patience.

If you are just starting your watercolor journey, you have a lot to learn ahead of you. To help you get started and to make it easier, we’ve put together a list of essential watercolor tips that every beginner must know. We will talk about the right materials you’ll need, some basic techniques, simple hacks, and general project planning.

(Some links are affiliate links which means we earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)

Have the Right Watercolor MaterialsGet good quality watercolor paints

While you can get a cheap paint set as a beginner, investing a little bit more money for some good-quality paints can be so much more beneficial for your artistic journey. Cheap paints fade over time and aren’t very pigmented so you’ll end up using more. Good quality watercolor paints retain their color for a longer time and contain more pigment so your paint set will last longer.

Want to know our favorite watercolor sets? We have an article dedicated just to that! Spoiler: We love Winsor & Newton and Sennelier. Read more here: The Best Watercolor Set for Beginners.

Have a variety of brushes

As a beginner, you might think that having a set of brushes is too much. You’re not entirely wrong. 15 brushes is a lot. As a beginner, you’ll only need 3 brushes of different sizes to get started. Depending on the size of your project, try to have a good variety of brushes in your set of watercolor supplies. As a fellow amateur, I recommend getting one small and one large round brush, and one flat medium brush.

Looking for the best brushes for beginners? Here are our favorites: The Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners.

Get good quality watercolor paper

The last thing you need before you start watercolor painting is good watercolor paper. This is essential because watercolor won’t give you its best result if you paint it on any other paper. Getting heavyweight paper specifically made for watercolor is essential.

Some of our favorites include Canson and Fabriano watercolor paper. Read more here: The Best Watercolor Paper for Beginners

Essential Watercolor Tips For BeginnersExperiment with the amount of water

The amount of water determines how light or dark your color will be. This is one aspect of watercolor painting that you will need to understand so experiment and practice mixing your paints. Too much water will dilute your pigments and will make your paint spread easily and further on your paper, while too little water will result in thick colors that will not flow as watercolors should. Experiment to get the right amount of water where the colors are still vibrant but the paint flows well.

Paper towels or rags are your best friends

Like other paint mediums, watercolors can be messy so it’s always handy to keep a rag or some paper towels nearby while you work. Paper towels and rags (whatever you prefer) will save you from spills. You can also use them to blot out extra water from your work and wipe out extra water from your brush. Additionally, Q-tips can be helpful in cleaning up smaller sections of your painting.

Mix more paint than you plan on using

Watercolors dry fast. To avoid streaky brush strokes, you’ll have to consistently apply and blend the paint. Always make sure to mix more paint than you intend to use to avoid running out of paint when covering a large area. Mixing paint takes some time and once the area you’re working on dries, it will be hard to blend the dry layer into a new wet one.

Use masking tape for clean edges

To keep your edges and borders clean and white, a simple hack is to use tape to mask off the areas. Use a tape that won’t rip your paper, it can be painter’s tape or drafting tape. You can also use washi tapes or masking tapes. For masking tape, stick them two to three times over fabric before sticking them to your paper to get a little bit of their stickiness. Paint over the tape and once your work is dry, you can slowly remove the tape.

Test your swatches

Most of the time, the color you see on the palette is going to be different when you apply them on paper. To avoid mistakes and making the wrong color choice, test your swatches on an extra piece of paper before putting them on your project.

Start from light to dark

When it comes to watercolor, always keep in mind to work with the lighter colors first before going to the dark colors. This technique is time-consuming and will require patience and planning, but the end result will be really worth it. The thing about watercolors is that colors are easy to build up so if you don’t plan and you forget to preserve your highlights and the lighter section of your painting, it will be very difficult to adjust it.

Plan your white sections

Watercolor painting needs planning. Think of your whites and highlights before you go crazy with painting colors. Watercolor is very fluid and to preserve the areas you want to keep paint-free, control your brush and explore negative painting. Or better yet, use masking fluid to cover those areas.

Final Thoughts

Watercolor is a delicate yet versatile medium and it requires a lot of practice so you can get the best results out of it. But while there are many more techniques you can learn out there, these essential watercolor tips will help you with the basics.

Take the time to get to know watercolor and its nature. Practice, experiment, and lastly, have fun! There may be a lot of technicalities in working with watercolors but it’s ultimately up to you to make this medium work for you.

To learn more techniques on how to paint with watercolor paints, read this: Watercolors for Beginners.

[jeremystrele]

11 Affordable, Emerging Painters You Should Know!

11 Affordable, Emerging Painters You Should Know!

Art

by Sasha Gattermayr

‘Her psychologist would call this an escapist fantasy’ by Louise Tate. Photo – Matthew Stanton.

Left: ‘Garden of no time.’ by Louise Tate. Right: ‘They’re not sure what she was looking for.’ by Louise Tate. Photos – Matthew Stanton.

Left: ‘She wondered when her life had become such a vast accumulation.’ by Louise Tate. Right: ‘Too many choices.’ by Louise Tate. Photos – Matthew Stanton.

  Louise Tate

Louise Tate’s dreamy oil paintings are self-referential, drawing on her own life experience to illustrate themes relating to care, women and the natural environment. Her canvases depict an imagined utopian world, where nature and the human body flourish symbiotically. There are obvious parallels to draw between her compositions and the sunshine-hued Impressionist paintings of Monet and Bonnard, but with a thread of magic woven through its realism. Disembodied hands edge into scenes, or a pair of singlet straps dance in mid-air by themselves, hinting that the paintings occupy a a playful, otherworldly realm.

‘I often feel as though I’m nourishing the land of my paintings with my hands, just like a gardener who tends to the soil,’ Louise says. In addition to her Impressionist influences, Louise’s stories and characters are inspired by figurative artists Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Toyin Ojih Odutola, as well as Zadie Smith’s fiction and Olivia Laing’s philosophy. Her detailed, intricate works would be in good company amongst these visionary thinkers!

Price point:

$800 – $5,000

Where to find it:

Louise’s new solo exhibition titled Flowerings will be exhibited at Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane from 16th March – 10th April.

Left: ‘Retro Picnic.’ by Bethany Saab. Right: ‘The Neighbour’s Shallots’ by Bethany Saab. Photos – Claire Williams.

Left: ‘Garlic and Plate from Benna’ by Bethany Saab. Right: ‘Shadows on the Round Table’ by Bethany Saab. Photos – Claire Williams.

Bethany Saab

Looking at her work, it’s hard to believe Bethany Saab only picked up a paint brush for the first time last year. With an established career in psychology, a floristry business and three kids, it’s fair to say that util now, she just didn’t have the time! But to dwell on her lack of formal art training belies Bethany’s obvious talent. The emerging artist is already represented bye and staged her first solo exhibition in January this year – a huge feat in the first twelve months of her practice.

Bethany paints mostly still-lifes using acrylic paints, translating scenes from her home to her canvas with tight, detailed precision. She positions everyday household objects against bold-high contrast backgrounds: the fold of a Kirsten Perry ceramic against a striped table cloth, or a tangerine segment placed on a checkered platter. She often includes the shadows and reflections of objects to create tension and convey mood. Her inspirations span centuries and hemispheres, from Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele to Margaret Olley and Arthur Streeton.

If this is what Bethany’s work looks like just a year into her practice, things are looking bright!

Price point:

$1200-1600

Where to find it:

Michael Reid galleries. Her next solo show is at Michael Reid Northern Beaches in October.

Photo – Tamas Keefer.

Amalia Keefer. Photo – Tamas Keefer.

Photo – Tamas Keefer.

Photo – Tamas Keefer.

Amalia Keefer

Abstract art can be alienating for some people, but Amalia Keefer makes it all seem so easy. Her big, bright canvases are a symphony of colour and movement, inspired by static moments in her day. She captures feeling and emotion with ease, using colour combinations to express the things words often fail to articulate.

After living in Melbourne for years, working in hospitality and studying textile design, Amalia moved home to Queensland at the beginning of the pandemic. Only then did she have the time, space and financial security to properly turn her attention to painting and focus on honing her style. And how it has flourished!

Price point:

$400 – $1,200

Where to find it:

DM her here on Instagram.

See our full profile on Amalia here.

Left: ‘Cockhead’ by Mia Boe. Right: ‘Locked Up, Lockdown’ by Mia Boe.

Left: ‘The New Normal’ by Mia Boe. Right: ‘Anonymous’ by Mia Boe.

Mia Boe

Mia Boe is a descendent of the Butchulla people from K’gari (Fraser Island) in Queensland. Her compositions are politically charged, often depicting Aboriginal bodies in jail or beside slogan-like text, literally spelling out a call for action on racial injustice. 

Though frank about the bleak reality of Australian racism, her paintings are colourful and surreal, depicting scenes without a recognisable time or place. Black bodies populate these landscapes, with long fingers, swollen faces or distended bellies. They are drovers, police, bushrangers and prisoners, constantly locked in states of survival. 

‘All I know is that these strange swellings and stretchings have formed part of my response to the events of 2020, from the bushfires to the movement for black lives to the global pandemic,’ Mia says. She is inspired by iconic artist and Western Arrernte man Albert Namatjira and the ‘gaunt stockman’ typical of Robert Drysdale’s work. She is about to embark on a Masters of Contemporary Art – so watch this space!

Price point:

$1000-$2000 for smaller works, $3000-$6000 for larger works.

Where to find it:

Sunday Salon or on her Instagram here.

Left: ‘A Leg Up’ by Georgia Spain. Right: ‘Fruit Pickers’ by Georgia Spain. Photos – Jennifer Leahy.

Left: ‘Reaching out’ by Georgia Spain. Right: ‘Great Outdoors’ by Georgia Spain. Photos – Jennifer Leahy.

Georgia Spain

Georgia Spain thinks her style is always changing but describes her textured, energetic compositions as ‘loose, intuitive mark-making’. Though obviously figurative, her style is almost impressionistic – devoid of hard lines and structured, demarcated bodies. Colours bleed into one another and the boundaries of each figure are only approximate, allowing the people in her paintings to fuse into each other and their surroundings. 

The result is hazy but intoxicating. Shapes spill forth easily from her arrangements, like a flower blooming in fast-motion or metallic oily swirls moving across the surface of a puddle. 

Based in Tasmania, Georgia is currently displaying work in an online exhibition at Egg & Dart called Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It and preparing for a show through artist-run gallery Good Grief from march 12th – April 1st. 

Price point:

Varies depending on size

Where to find it:

Currently online at Egg & Dart

Left: Dusk Range. Photo – Jacqui Turk. Right: Painting in Ruby Gap.

Left: River Red, Study – Dusk. Photo – Jacqui Turk.

Amber Rendezvous (triptych). Photo – Penny Clay.

Emily Imeson

Emily Imeson’s soaring red landscapes are at once vast and intimate, beckoning the viewer closer and offering moments they might have missed. A recent recipient of the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, Emily’s paintings of the intense Australian wilderness are dynamic, combining deep ochres with burnt orange and pops of pink and blue.

Before travel restrictions were in place, Emily worked on the road, using the side of her four wheel drive as an easel and even hanging rolls of painted canvas from tree branches. This nomadic way of life gives Emily’s paintings a sense of momentum, with movement often crystallised in a single gliding bird or an ambling car which appears diminutive against a glittering inky sky. 

With an appearance at Sydney Contemporary this year, a solo show at Edwina Corlette in August, and a collaboration with social enterprise Two Good Foundation on the artwork for their second cookbook to be released in October, Emily is well on the way to moving into the ‘established artist’ category!

Price point:

$1,200 – $9,000

Where to find it:

At Saint Cloche and online at Art Annex

Read our feature on Emily here.

‘Polka Face’. Photo – Sunday Salon.

‘Hot Breakfast in Avalon’. Photo – Sunday Salon.

‘VB in Palm Cove’. Photo – Sunday Salon.

Photo – Ben Hosking,

Wes Waddell

Wes Waddell paints abstract artworks largely inspired by elements of Australian culture. Drawing on influences like Ken Done and Euan Heng, his ‘landscapes’ are snapshots of mundane Australian life: cracking a Victoria Bitters on the beach in Palm Cove, or having sunnyside-up eggs on toast for breakfast in Avalon.

Wes will be part of a group show at Brickworks Gallery Castlemaine in March.

Price point:

Varies depending on size.

Where to find it:

Sunday Salon or reach out on Wes’ Instagram here!

Left: ‘Lamia’s Super Deli’ by Luciana Smith. Right: A new painting soon to be on display at Saint Cloche. Photos – Claudia Lowe for Saint Cloche.

‘Cat Daddy’s Intuitive Wisdom’ by Luciana Smith. Photo – Claudia Lowe for Saint Cloche.

Left: ‘Grazie Milione’ by Luciana Smith. Right: ‘Concrete Lawn’ by Luciana Smith. Photos – Claudia Lowe for Saint Cloche.

Luciana Smith

Since she can remember, Luciana Smith has always been drawn to art-making, but it wasn’t until she discovered the vivid works of Sidney Nolan and Jean-Michel Basquiat in high school that she thought painting could be her medium. The surreal settings she creates now contain echoes of these original influences, searching for ways to express the absurdity and contradictions of everyday life through colour and scene. 

‘I’m interested in lived-in spaces, objects, antiques, the absurd, the human, the unseen, the overheard,’ the artist says, outlining the way she seeks out tension in fictional settings to examine the strangeness in our real world. ‘My style is a combination of what I’ve been collecting visually and mentally to create dream-like environments.’

Price point:

$600 – $3,500

Where to find it:

A solo show containing Luciana’s new work will be exhibited at Saint Cloche from April 19th.

Contact Luciana at her website here.

Left: ‘Your presence is like a warm hug’ by Ella Dunn. Photo – Ella Dunn. Right: ‘I see the ocean from the headland’ by Ella Dunn. Photo -Ruben Bull-Milne.

Left: ‘Fragile’ by Ella Dunn. Photo -Ruben Bull-Milne. Right: ‘A man and his dog’ by Ella Dunn. Photo – Jonathan Rands.

Ella Dunn

Ella Dunn grew up on a rural property on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, where she turned an old caravan into a darkroom and spent most of her teenage years honing her first artistic passion: photography. Though she discovered painting in her first year at art school, Ella’s experience with a camera proved to be invaluable training for her eventual return to the medium.

‘My paintings are often narrative based, gestural and figurative,’ she says. Now wielding a brush rather than a camera, the artist seeks to distill humorous or absurd moments in familiar everyday settings. Ella’s predilection for storytelling leads her to look outside her medium for inspiration, turning to artists like Bob Dylan and Helen Garner for new types of narrative.

Price Point:

From $500-$3000

Where to find it:

Sunday Salon

Left: ‘Black Velvet Nasturtiums II’ by Anh Nguyen. Right: ‘Primary Colours and Mirror’ by Anh Nguyen.

‘John in his studio II’ by Anh Nguyen.

‘Man and Son’ by Anh Nguyen.

Anh Nguyen

Anh Nguyen has been painting since childhood, slowly honing her style over years and years of practice. The absence of formal art training is perhaps what makes her work so distinct, learning about perspective and perception from studying the work of other ‘painters who engage with the everyday and the world around them, who look at the world with feeling and curiosity’ rather than theory.

Anh’s impressionistic style is rooted in drawing and sketches, a format which allows her to play with light and colour easily. Her paintings encompass anything from tabletop still-lifes to domestic scenery.

Anh has an exhibition at Michael Reid Studio Direct coming up and in a stroke of luck, pre-sales open today!

Price point:

$300 – $3,000

Where to find it:

On Anh’s website or via Instagram DM.

Alicia Bilyara Finlay Bennett is a Barkindji artist and doula based in Sydney.

Alicia Bilyara Finlay Bennett

Alicia Bilyara Finlay Bennett is a Barkindji artist and doula based in Sydney. With no formal art training, she paints intuitively, with a strong emphasis on storytelling.

Alicia paints with predominantly earth pigments and acrylic polymer on linen or plywood. With bold brushstrokes and sparse, monochromatic palettes, Alicia depicts stories of Country, landscape and Dreaming.

Price Point:

Varies depending on size.

Where to find it:

DM Alicia on Instagram here!

[handymanremodeling8151]

Best Carpentry Service and Cost in Albuquerque NM |Best Albuquerque Handyman & Remodeling

 More information is at: http://handymanalbuquerque.org/carpentry-service-near-me/

 Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM: Are you looking for the Best Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM ? Best Albuquerque Handyman & Remodeling, Our qualified craftsmen specialize in all aspects of commercial & domestic carpentry service. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Carpentry Service around Albuquerque NM. We serve Albuquerque NM and other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

 CARPENTRY SERVICE IN ALBUQUERQUE NM

ALBUQUERQUECARPENTRY

 Carpenter in Albuquerque NM

Handyman at your service provides best carpentry work in Albuquerque NM

Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM: Home is certainly the most special and valuable possession that every individual owns and all of us want to live in a well-furnished and well maintained house. Home maintenance is an art and even the small details need to be furnished properly and carefully as they contribute to the whole look of your home. And to avail the best carpentry services in Albuquerque NM, Handyman at your service is the only best solution to all your carpentry issues.

Our top most priority has always been to extend our quick and reliable carpentry services to our clients. Our skilled and best carpenters ofAlbuquerque NM are ready to transform your home into a showcase of elegance and that too with utmost stress on quality and affordability.  Our qualified craftsmen specialize in all aspects of commercial & domestic carpentry service in Albuquerque NM. Handyman at your service can make everything you want and with the choice of your material. Our carpenters can make anything whether it's hard wood doors, floors and skirting boards, wardrobe, shoe cabinet, toilet cabinet, window replacement and repair, barn conversions, stairs, handrails, bar top etc.

Why choose our carpenter service in Albuquerque NM?

●      Our pricing regarding the carpenter service in Albuquerque NM is just unmatchable. We offer the best price with a guarantee.

●      We offer a 90 days warranty on all parts and services.

●      Our carpentry services are available 24hour 7days. We are dedicated to extend our carpentry services anytime and anywhere inAlbuquerque NM.

●      We offer our clients special discounts and offers.

●      Any carpentry work assigned to Handyman at your service is completed within a deadline.

●      Even small jobs are welcomed.

●      Interior and exterior work undertaken.

●      Handyman at your service uses best quality products for the carpentry work.

●      We have highly trained and professional carpenters in Albuquerque NM.

●      We offer our carpentry services to both commercial and residential places.

●      We pride ourselves for our high quality work so let the best Handyman in Albuquerque NM make your home just perfect.

Commercial Carpentry Services

Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM:  Whether you need to fix a hole in the wall or build out a full suite of offices, Best Albuquerque Handyman & Remodeling can offer expert general contracting service to fit your needs. Our entire construction team is trained to handle any job from largest to smallest. Each one is given the caring and attention to detail that sets Best Albuquerque Handyman & Remodelingapart. We carry the approval of the Better Business Bureau and the Seal of Approval from BOSS (Businesses of Superior Standards). We are also members of the Green Building Council so we will work to meet any environmental concerns associated with your project.

Our services include:

●      Carpentry

●      Shelving

●      Cabinetry

●      Counter tops

●      Moldings

●      Railings (Wood and metal)

●      Carpet & Flooring

●      Drywall & Plaster

●      Furniture Repair

●      Walls

 COST

Carpenter Costs

Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM:  There are many differentAlbuquerque NM carpenter jobs, so it's always good to have someone in mind when this type of job comes up in a household. For your major woodworking and carpentry tasks around the homestead, seek out localAlbuquerque NMcarpenters for the master craftsmanship caliber that you've come to expect. Whether you have broken steps, cracked furniture, or want a new wood shed or addition to your home, carpenters in Albuquerque NM can repair or build whatever you need.

Carpenter Albuquerque NM County Costs

Knowing the carpenter Albuquerque NM costs is recommended before starting a carpenter project. While looking at national averages can give a general idea, such numbers usually do not include factors which may affect the final price, such as local labor hourly rates, material costs and any local permits required for the Albuquerque NM carpenter project.

As our numbers show in 2020 the average cost that homeowners paid for dry rot repair in Albuquerque NM county is between $427.00 and $485.00.

This Carpenter Albuquerque NM Quote Includes:

$427.00 to $485.00 per damaged area material costs.

●      Average labor costs to repair dry rot in Albuquerque NM.

●      Average costs for materials and equipment for carpenters in Albuquerque NM.

●      All project costs (surface preparation, components and machinery), and cleanup fees.

Subfloor cost

Carpentry Service near Albuquerque NM: Unfinished carpenters can also install a subfloor into your home, which is the hard and solid foundation of your floor often covered by carpet, hardwood or tile.

To install a subfloor, contractors usually conduct measurements, install the wood and fasten the parts together with screws and nails to ensure that there are no gaps interfering with the smooth surface of the subfloor. The length of time required for the contractor to complete a subflooring project can vary depending on the size of your floor and on the difficulty of the job, but the subflooring project can usually be completed within two to five days.

The contractor should also give you options for which material to use in your subfloors, the most common of which is plywood slabs or oriented strong boards. While plywood sheets feature long and solid slabs of plywood, oriented strong board sheets are instead produced from gluing several miniscule wood chip pieces together to form each sheet. Plywood sheets are beneficial because plywood is generally more strong, evenly aligned and moisture-resistant than oriented strong boards, but oriented strong board sheets are beneficial because they are significantly less expensive than plywood sheets.

The exact price of installing a subfloor depends on the size of your floor, the professional you hire and on the material you choose to use. Most contractors charge approximately $2 to $5 per square foot, which includes both materials and labor. Thus, the average cost of hiring a rough carpenter to install a subfloor on a 2,000 square foot area typically ranges from around $3,000 to $10,000.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the lead time?

It varies, depending on each vendor and the place they source materials from. It is useful to ask this to plan your schedule and manage expectations.

Most delivery dates will be confirmed once production can begin.

 Are there other materials I can work with besides wood?

It depends on individual carpenters. Some carpenters offer different types of metals, acrylic, mirrors, glass, and others as well.

 Where is my furniture made?

It will be helpful to ask your carpenter where your furniture is being made.

 At which part of my renovation stage will the carpenter’s installation take place?

It will be useful to ask this question to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Usually carpentry work will start only at the later stages of the renovation process when most of the renovation works are done and before your painter comes in for the final touch up (if any).

 When is a good time for installation?

Depending on each professional, some carpenters work during and after office hours as well as the weekends.

It is good to check with your carpenters’ schedule and availability and see when is a good time to meet them.

 How does your carpenter charge?

Project are usually charged by the following guidelines:

●      complexity of your designs

●      choice of timber use

●      colors of the pipes

●      360 swivel and brake-able heavy duty caster wheels

●      built-in light and built-in power points

Since most work is customized, carpenters may need to meet you personally for a quote. It is best to schedule an appointment so the carpenter can access the site and make an accurate judgement and estimate.

 What type of payment does the carpenter accept?

The most common methods of payments are:

●      Cash

●      Bank transfer

●      Cheque payment

However, this is a question you should clarify with your carpenter just in case.

 Does the carpenter provide delivery and installation?

Most carpenters provide free delivery and installation above a certain amount.

 How long do I need to wait for the completion of my order?

Typically, 4 to 6 weeks but it may be faster for works of smaller scale.

 How long will the installation take?

It is helpful to clarify how long the installation will take with your carpenter.

As a guide, most small scale projects take 2-3 hours, up to half a day.

 Where are the products made?

It is useful to ask your carpenter where their products are being made.

 Can I change my design after you start work?

While it is best not to change anything after the final design is confirmed, carpenters understand such scenarios may occur due to various reasons.

Depending on your carpenter and the stage your project is at, your carpenter may be able to compromise and pivot from there.

 CALL FOR US:

●      Carpenter Service Near Albuquerque NM

●      Carpenter Service

●      Carpenter Work At Home

●      Carpenter Near Me For Repair Work

●      Online Carpenter Service

●      General Carpentry Services

●      Carpentry Services List

●      Carpenters In  Albuquerque NM

●      Carpentry Labor Rates

●      Carpenter Work Rate List

●      Carpenter

●      Woodwork Cost Estimation

●      Carpenter Work Rate List

●      Carpenter Labor Cost

●      Cost Of Woodwork

●      Carpenter Daily Wages  Albuquerque NM

 BEST CARPENTRY SERVICE IN  ALBUQUERQUE NM

BEST ALBUQUERQUE HANDYMAN & REMODELING

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US NOW!

 Contact us:

Best Albuquerque Handyman & Remodeling

Best commercial residential handyman maintenance renovation professionals in Albuquerque, NM

CALL (505) 859-3902 HANDYMAN 1

CALL (505) 404-7167 HANDYMAN 2

CALL (505) 225-3810 CLEANING

CALL (505) 570-4605 JUNK REMOVAL

CALL (505) 850-3570 MOVING

Located in Albuquerque, NM

WEBSITE:

www.handymanalbuquerque.org

http://www.handymanservicesofalbuquerque.com/

http://www.serviceabq.com/

SERVICE AREA:

18 Cities within 30 miles of Albuquerque, NM

Algodones, NM | Belen, NM | Bernalillo, NM | Bosque Farms, NM | Casa Blanca, NM | Cedar Crest, NM | Corrales, NM | Isleta, NM | Jarales, NM | Kirtland AFB, NM | Los Lunas, NM | Peralta, NM | Placitas, NM | Rio Rancho, NM | Sandia Park, NM | Tijeras, NM | Tome, NM | Torreon, NM | Alameda, NM | Five Points, NM | Los Padillas, NM | Los Ranchos, NM | Los Ranchos De Abq, NM | Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM | Los Rnchs Abq, NM | Manzano Base, NM | Metropolitan Detention Ctr, NM | Public Service Co, NM | Sandia Base, NM | Univ Of New Mexico, NM | Univ Of Nm, NM | UNM, NM | Village Of Los Ranchos, NM

Albuquerque, NM - Standard ZIP Codes

87101 87102 87104 87105 87106 87107 87108 87109 87110 87111 87112 87113 87114 87115 87116 87120 87121 87122 87123 87124

[handymanmcallen]

Best Carpentry Service and Cost in McAllen TX |Handyman McAllen

 More information is at: http://handymanmcallen.org/carpentry-service-near-me/

 Carpentry Service near McAllen TX: Are you looking for the Best Carpentry Service near McAllen TX ?Handyman McAllen, Our qualified craftsmen specialize in all aspects of commercial & domestic carpentry service. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Carpentry Service around McAllen TX. We serve McAllen TX and other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

 CARPENTRY SERVICE IN MCALLEN TX

MCALLENCARPENTRY

 Carpenter in McAllen TX

Handyman at your service provides best carpentry work in McAllen TX

Carpentry Service near McAllen TX: Home is certainly the most special and valuable possession that every individual owns and all of us want to live in a well-furnished and well maintained house. Home maintenance is an art and even the small details need to be furnished properly and carefully as they contribute to the whole look of your home. And to avail the best carpentry services in McAllen TX, Handyman at your service is the only best solution to all your carpentry issues.

Our top most priority has always been to extend our quick and reliable carpentry services to our clients. Our skilled and best carpenters ofMcAllen TX are ready to transform your home into a showcase of elegance and that too with utmost stress on quality and affordability.  Our qualified craftsmen specialize in all aspects of commercial & domestic carpentry service in McAllen TX. Handyman at your service can make everything you want and with the choice of your material. Our carpenters can make anything whether it's hard wood doors, floors and skirting boards, wardrobe, shoe cabinet, toilet cabinet, window replacement and repair, barn conversions, stairs, handrails, bar top etc.

Why choose our carpenter service in McAllen TX?

●      Our pricing regarding the carpenter service in McAllen TX is just unmatchable. We offer the best price with a guarantee.

●      We offer a 90 days warranty on all parts and services.

●      Our carpentry services are available 24hour 7days. We are dedicated to extend our carpentry services anytime and anywhere inMcAllen TX.

●      We offer our clients special discounts and offers.

●      Any carpentry work assigned to Handyman at your service is completed within a deadline.

●      Even small jobs are welcomed.

●      Interior and exterior work undertaken.

●      Handyman at your service uses best quality products for the carpentry work.

●      We have highly trained and professional carpenters in McAllen TX.

●      We offer our carpentry services to both commercial and residential places.

●      We pride ourselves for our high quality work so let the best Handyman in McAllen TX make your home just perfect.

Commercial Carpentry Services

Carpentry Service near McAllen TX:  Whether you need to fix a hole in the wall or build out a full suite of offices, Handyman McAllen can offer expert general contracting service to fit your needs. Our entire construction team is trained to handle any job from largest to smallest. Each one is given the caring and attention to detail that sets Handyman McAllenapart. We carry the approval of the Better Business Bureau and the Seal of Approval from BOSS (Businesses of Superior Standards). We are also members of the Green Building Council so we will work to meet any environmental concerns associated with your project.

Our services include:

●      Carpentry

●      Shelving

●      Cabinetry

●      Counter tops

●      Moldings

●      Railings (Wood and metal)

●      Carpet & Flooring

●      Drywall & Plaster

●      Furniture Repair

●      Walls

 COST

Carpenter Costs

Carpentry Service near McAllen TX:  There are many differentMcAllen TX carpenter jobs, so it's always good to have someone in mind when this type of job comes up in a household. For your major woodworking and carpentry tasks around the homestead, seek out localMcAllen TXcarpenters for the master craftsmanship caliber that you've come to expect. Whether you have broken steps, cracked furniture, or want a new wood shed or addition to your home, carpenters in McAllen TX can repair or build whatever you need.

Carpenter McAllen TX County Costs

Knowing the carpenter McAllen TX costs is recommended before starting a carpenter project. While looking at national averages can give a general idea, such numbers usually do not include factors which may affect the final price, such as local labor hourly rates, material costs and any local permits required for the McAllen TX carpenter project.

As our numbers show in 2020 the average cost that homeowners paid for dry rot repair in McAllen TX county is between $427.00 and $485.00.

This Carpenter McAllen TX Quote Includes:

$427.00 to $485.00 per damaged area material costs.

●      Average labor costs to repair dry rot in McAllen TX.

●      Average costs for materials and equipment for carpenters in McAllen TX.

●      All project costs (surface preparation, components and machinery), and cleanup fees.

Subfloor cost

Carpentry Service near McAllen TX: Unfinished carpenters can also install a subfloor into your home, which is the hard and solid foundation of your floor often covered by carpet, hardwood or tile.

To install a subfloor, contractors usually conduct measurements, install the wood and fasten the parts together with screws and nails to ensure that there are no gaps interfering with the smooth surface of the subfloor. The length of time required for the contractor to complete a subflooring project can vary depending on the size of your floor and on the difficulty of the job, but the subflooring project can usually be completed within two to five days.

The contractor should also give you options for which material to use in your subfloors, the most common of which is plywood slabs or oriented strong boards. While plywood sheets feature long and solid slabs of plywood, oriented strong board sheets are instead produced from gluing several miniscule wood chip pieces together to form each sheet. Plywood sheets are beneficial because plywood is generally more strong, evenly aligned and moisture-resistant than oriented strong boards, but oriented strong board sheets are beneficial because they are significantly less expensive than plywood sheets.

The exact price of installing a subfloor depends on the size of your floor, the professional you hire and on the material you choose to use. Most contractors charge approximately $2 to $5 per square foot, which includes both materials and labor. Thus, the average cost of hiring a rough carpenter to install a subfloor on a 2,000 square foot area typically ranges from around $3,000 to $10,000.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the lead time?

It varies, depending on each vendor and the place they source materials from. It is useful to ask this to plan your schedule and manage expectations.

Most delivery dates will be confirmed once production can begin.

 Are there other materials I can work with besides wood?

It depends on individual carpenters. Some carpenters offer different types of metals, acrylic, mirrors, glass, and others as well.

 Where is my furniture made?

It will be helpful to ask your carpenter where your furniture is being made.

 At which part of my renovation stage will the carpenter’s installation take place?

It will be useful to ask this question to avoid miscommunication and confusion.

Usually carpentry work will start only at the later stages of the renovation process when most of the renovation works are done and before your painter comes in for the final touch up (if any).

 When is a good time for installation?

Depending on each professional, some carpenters work during and after office hours as well as the weekends.

It is good to check with your carpenters’ schedule and availability and see when is a good time to meet them.

 How does your carpenter charge?

Project are usually charged by the following guidelines:

●      complexity of your designs

●      choice of timber use

●      colors of the pipes

●      360 swivel and brake-able heavy duty caster wheels

●      built-in light and built-in power points

Since most work is customized, carpenters may need to meet you personally for a quote. It is best to schedule an appointment so the carpenter can access the site and make an accurate judgement and estimate.

 What type of payment does the carpenter accept?

The most common methods of payments are:

●      Cash

●      Bank transfer

●      Cheque payment

However, this is a question you should clarify with your carpenter just in case.

 Does the carpenter provide delivery and installation?

Most carpenters provide free delivery and installation above a certain amount.

 How long do I need to wait for the completion of my order?

Typically, 4 to 6 weeks but it may be faster for works of smaller scale.

 How long will the installation take?

It is helpful to clarify how long the installation will take with your carpenter.

As a guide, most small scale projects take 2-3 hours, up to half a day.

 Where are the products made?

It is useful to ask your carpenter where their products are being made.

 Can I change my design after you start work?

While it is best not to change anything after the final design is confirmed, carpenters understand such scenarios may occur due to various reasons.

Depending on your carpenter and the stage your project is at, your carpenter may be able to compromise and pivot from there.

 CALL FOR US:

●      Carpenter Service Near McAllen TX

●      Carpenter Service

●      Carpenter Work At Home

●      Carpenter Near Me For Repair Work

●      Online Carpenter Service

●      General Carpentry Services

●      Carpentry Services List

●      Carpenters In  McAllen TX

●      Carpentry Labor Rates

●      Carpenter Work Rate List

●      Carpenter

●      Woodwork Cost Estimation

●      Carpenter Work Rate List

●      Carpenter Labor Cost

●      Cost Of Woodwork

●      Carpenter Daily Wages  McAllen TX

 BEST CARPENTRY SERVICE IN  MCALLEN TX

HANDYMAN MCALLEN

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US NOW!

 CONTACT:

Handyman McAllen

Best commercial residential handyman maintenance renovation professionals in McAllen, TX

CALL (956) 587-3488 HANDYMAN 1

CALL (956) 587-3484 HANDYMAN 2

CALL (956) 587-3486 CLEANING

CALL (956) 587-3487 MOVING

CALL (956) 587-3003 JUNK REMOVAL

Located in McAllen, TX

WEBSITE:

www.handymanmcallen.org

http://www.handymanservicesofmcallen.com/

http://www.rgvhouseholdservices.com/

SERVICE AREA:

33 Cities within 30 miles of McAllen, TX

Alamo, TX | Combes, TX | Delmita, TX | Donna, TX | Edcouch, TX | Edinburg, TX | Elsa, TX | Garciasville, TX | Grulla, TX | Hargill, TX | Harlingen, TX | Hidalgo, TX | La Blanca, TX | La Feria, TX | La Joya, TX | La Villa, TX | Lasara, TX | Linn, TX | Los Ebanos, TX | Los Indios, TX | Lyford, TX | Mercedes, TX | Mission, TX | Penitas, TX | Pharr, TX | Progreso, TX | Raymondville, TX | Rio Grande City, TX | San Juan, TX | Santa Maria, TX | Santa Rosa, TX | Sullivan City, TX | Weslaco, TX

Starr County | Hidalgo County | Willacy County | Cameron County | 78504 | 78539 | 78540 | 78541 | 78542 | 78501 | 78503| 78505 | 78557 | 88540 |78502 | 78504 | 78539 | 78572

Waterproofing Services and Cost in McAllen TX | Handyman McAllenHandyman McAllen

Best commercial residential handyman maintenance renovation professionals in McAllen, TX

CALL (956) 587-3488 HANDYMAN 1

CALL (956) 587-3484 HANDYMAN 2

CALL (956) 587-3486 CLEANING

CALL (956) 587-3487 MOVING

CALL (956) 587-3003 JUNK REMOVAL

Located in McAllen, TX

WEBSITE:

www.handymanmcallen.org

http://www.handymanservicesofmcallen.com/

http://www.rgvhouseholdservices.com/

  SERVICE AREA:

33 Cities within 30 miles of McAllen, TX

Alamo, TX | Combes, TX | Delmita, TX | Donna, TX | Edcouch, TX | Edinburg, TX | Elsa, TX | Garciasville, TX | Grulla, TX | Hargill, TX | Harlingen, TX | Hidalgo, TX | La Blanca, TX | La Feria, TX | La Joya, TX | La Villa, TX | Lasara, TX | Linn, TX | Los Ebanos, TX | Los Indios, TX | Lyford, TX | Mercedes, TX | Mission, TX | Penitas, TX | Pharr, TX | Progreso, TX | Raymondville, TX | Rio Grande City, TX | San Juan, TX | Santa Maria, TX | Santa Rosa, TX | Sullivan City, TX | Weslaco, TX

Starr County | Hidalgo County | Willacy County | Cameron County | 78504 | 78539 | 78540 | 78541 | 78542 | 78501 | 78503| 78505 | 78557 | 88540 |78502 | 78504 | 78539 | 78572

[wallpaperpainter]

The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile

TAIPEI/TOKYO — Facebook and Sony are advancing to access achievement of accessible gaming accessories by as abundant as 50%, assuming how big tech companies are profiting from consumers’ appetite for home ball during the all-around coronavirus pandemic, the Nikkei Asian Review has learned.

How to Switch to the New Facebook Desktop Interface – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

Facebook’s Oculus, the all-around arch provider of basic absoluteness headsets by bazaar share, is eyeing advance of at atomic 50% from a year ago for its latest adaptation of head-mounted VR devices, blame assembly to 2 actor units, sources said.

Meanwhile Sony, the world’s No. 2 video bold animate maker afterwards Nintendo by shipments, has additionally aloft assembly orders for its accessible PlayStation 5 to about 9 actor units, from the almost 6 actor units it had planned in spring, sources accustomed with the amount said. The PlayStation 5 is the aboriginal absolutely new bearing of the animate in seven years, afterwards the Japanese aggregation launched the PlayStation 4 in 2013 and an advancement in 2016.

The two big tech companies’ optimism is a able-bodied assurance for a advanced ambit of suppliers in the ball articulation for the additional bisected of 2020, as abounding tech industry players are still attractive for means to account the crumbling smartphone market, the better customer electronics gadget.

Facebook’s move added underlines the amusing networking giant’s appetite to added aggrandize its brand in the arising VR market, area it is the bazaar baton with about a 35% bazaar share. Its aboriginal all-in-one VR gaming arrangement — Oculus Quest — became a hit afterwards it launched in May 2019.

“Compared with the crumbling smartphone market, VR is still a beginning bazaar but we see able advance for this year and added and added companies are advancing into the arena. The assembly anticipation for the additional bisected of this year could ability at atomic two actor units, which is already about 1.5 times added than its absolute assembly achievement aftermost year,” a antecedent with absolute ability told the Nikkei Asian Review. “The new Facebook Oculus VR angle will access accumulation assembly about the end of July.”

Facebook browser version | How to Access PC version of FACEBOOK in .. | facebook pc version on mobile

But the orders could still be accountable to change, up or down, depending on bazaar appeal afterwards the artefact launch, sources said.

Compared with the alternate and almost complete amateur animate market, which is bedeviled by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, bazaar watchers said VR was still a beginning bazaar area a lot of players are aggravating new applications. But gaming is still the best important segment.

“During the pandemic, the gaming industry witnessed a almanac cardinal of online amateur additions as added consumers are because gaming for ball at home,” Counterpoint chief analyst Karn Chauhan told the Nikkei Asian Review.

Facebook bought VR startup Oculus for $2 billion in 2014, and denticulate its aboriginal hit with Oculus Quest, which had a starting amount at $399. It was the company’s aboriginal all-in-one VR gaming device. Additionally accepted as a “standalone,” this blazon of accessory appearance chip accretion adequacy on a cordless headset, rather than relying on a claimed computer with a bond to run the device.

Facebook is attractive to added aggrandize standalone VR, which gives users a added immersive acquaintance than PC and smartphone-based VR headsets. The U.S. aggregation said in June it will stop affairs Oculus Go, its entry-level VR accessory which went on auction in 2018, to focus on the Oculus Quest and Rift offerings, its added able and higher-end products. Oculus Rift S, alien in 2019, still needs to be affiliated to a computer to function.

Facebook browser version | How to Access PC version of FACEBOOK in .. | facebook pc version on mobile

Facebook’s founding CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an balance appointment beforehand this year that the company’s acquirement categorized as “others” accomplished $297 actor for the January-March quarter, up 80% from a year ago, which was “driven primarily by sales of Oculus products.”

Other companies are jostling for a allotment of the market. HTC, aforetime a arch smartphone maker, confused its focus from handsets to VR, while Sony launched its aboriginal PlayStation VR in 2015. Google, Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies all alien phone-based VR headsets, application smartphones as the VR headset’s screens.

Apple has been alive on aggrandized absoluteness technology for years and has reportedly entered a balloon assembly for an aggrandized absoluteness accessory recently, according to tech account aperture The Information. VR puts users in a absolutely bogus agenda environment, while AR overlays basic altar over a real-world environment.

No actual winner, however, has emerged in the beginning battleground, bazaar watchers said, and the VR angle bazaar is still at its aboriginal date for gamers and bartering users in some alcove applications only. The technology relies on fast-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, and 4G connectivity does not consistently accommodated users’ expectations.

Suppliers are alive on abbreviation the weight of accessories to advance user experience. Bazaar watchers additionally said there was a charge for added agreeable providers, such as bold developers, to actualize a bigger VR ecosystem.

Android: View Full Version Of Facebook – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

The common addition of all types of VR accessories aftermost year was about 10 actor units, according to Counterpoint data. Facebook, Sony and HTC calm accounted for 69% of the market. But excluding adaptable VR, which needs to bung in a smartphone, the all-embracing VR bazaar addition was alone about 4.32 actor units, with Facebook aircraft about 1.5 actor units in 2019, analysis bureau TrendForce said.

Jason Tsai, an analyst with TrendForce, said the VR bazaar is adequate advantageous appeal acknowledgment to the coronavirus beginning but it was not yet bright whether the drive was sustainable.

“Overall, the VR bazaar will abide to grow. Facebook’s growing drive this year will be added able-bodied than Sony’s VR calendar as Facebook’s action is to advertise its VR accessories at a almost affordable amount back aftermost year to abound the ecosystem base, and it not alone targeted gamers but additionally has a bigger achievement to analyze added business opportunities and applications,” said Tsai. “Sony’s access currently is to accompany in added determined gamers to array with its own PlayStation bold animate business.”

Sony and Facebook beneath to comment.

The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile – facebook pc version on mobile | Allowed to be able to the website, within this time I will teach you regarding keyword. Now, here is the first image:

How to access the desktop version of Facebook on my phone – Quora – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

Why don’t you consider impression preceding? can be in which remarkable???. if you believe so, I’l t show you a few picture all over again beneath:

So, if you wish to acquire all of these wonderful pics about (The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile), simply click save link to download the shots for your pc. They’re all set for download, if you like and wish to get it, simply click save badge on the post, and it’ll be directly downloaded to your notebook computer.} As a final point if you like to grab new and latest graphic related to (The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile), please follow us on google plus or book mark this site, we try our best to present you regular up-date with all new and fresh pics. We do hope you enjoy staying here. For most upgrades and recent news about (The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile) photos, please kindly follow us on twitter, path, Instagram and google plus, or you mark this page on book mark area, We attempt to provide you with up grade periodically with all new and fresh graphics, love your browsing, and find the best for you.

Here you are at our site, articleabove (The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile) published .  At this time we are pleased to announce that we have found an extremelyinteresting nicheto be reviewed, that is (The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile) Many people searching for information about(The 10 Steps Needed For Putting Facebook Pc Version On Mobile Into Action | facebook pc version on mobile) and of course one of them is you, is not it?

Facebook – Download – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

How to access the desktop version of Facebook on my phone – Quora – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

How to Use Facebook, Youtube PC version from mobile – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

Open and Access Facebook Pc Version in Mobile Phone [ Video Tutorial ] – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

How to access the desktop version of Facebook on my phone – Quora – facebook pc version on mobile | facebook pc version on mobile

Painter Legend https://desktopdrawing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/how-to-switch-to-the-new-facebook-desktop-interface-facebook-pc-version-on-mobile.png

[enchantingcurse]

A Perspective on Art School (1)

There were a lot of things about art school that were and were not what I expected. I’d like to share my experience as a word of advice for any young artists out there considering going to school for Art :) This will come as a multi-part series that will be tagged as “art school”

So, here’s a short list of pros and cons to start, I’ll explain most of them briefly.

PRO: It can be amazing for improving your skills (Depending on your media)

Art school appears to be the most helpful to people without access to the facilities they need. For example, I was originally a painting major that switched to focus on Ceramics and Painting. But, I also had the opportunity to take things like glass blowing, which is a class I could never dream of affording the facilities to replicate in my own practice. Glass blowing is EXPENSIVE!  This was also true for me when it came to pottery wheels, working space, and kilns for my ceramic work. Things like drawing, digital work, and painting were almost just as easily worked on at home and self taught, but if you rely on a more expensive media with large facilities required, art school can help provide those to you for consistent access without the annoying conditions that come with community classes (like limits on work size and type, extra costs for every time you fire your work, very limited time you’re allowed in the studio)

In addition to facility access, you also are surrounded by a community setting full of both new and old artists that can give you a wide range of perspectives on your work to help you come up with ideas and critique that may have been impossible to come across on your own. 

CON: It’s VERY expensive!

Yes, there are programs for art in community colleges, but here is where a big caveat of the art world comes in. Status and reputation are, unfortunately, one of the big deciders when it comes to things like grad school later on, hiring for careers, and selling your work later on. Unfortunate as it is, the name often follows you, and companies, artists looking for interns or hires, as well as grad schools will often smile at the big expensive private schools with a name for themselves and are notorious for wrinkling their noses when they see the word “community college”. 

Because of this issue, people are often forced to go to expensive private schools to remain competitive, and these schools drain your finances rapidly and can leave you with immense debt. There is also no guarantee that these schools are actually of any superior quality in instruction or facilities. 

PRO: It is a valuable asset when it comes to networking. 

Rather you decide to work in a museum, work for an established artist, as a professor, or freelance artist, networking is VITAL to your presence in the art world. It will directly influence your ability to get hired and to sell your work. The more people you know, the more sources you have for employment or commission opportunities. These are readily available to you in art school, and you’ll frequently get additional advice from established visiting artists that can help get you started. Independent artists without this exposure often comment that the biggest hurdle to them getting started was the constant stress of needing to maintain a strong presence at all times to network and advocate for themselves. 

CON: Strict deadlines often favor those with more simplistic work and put an undue burden on people who need longer periods of time to make more detailed or long-term works. 

This is a huge problem often for those who strive for realism, intricate detail, or large scale projects. You are often pushed to small deadlines because professors feel they need a certain amount of things from you to properly grade and critique. This isn’t an issue for people who create simple, fast paced works and have no trouble meeting deadlines that can be as short as two weeks or even one week, but this is a huge detriment to your work if you strive for a complex or time consuming style that simply can’t be completed in that time frame. This was one of my personal issues. As a realist painter and someone who loves intricately detailed ceramic work, I often found myself settling for creating things I couldnt stand and felt were a poor showcase of my abilities because the deadlines forced me to create SOMETHING by the time they hit.