#specifically those because they're thin and good quality

[hms-tardimpala]

Ficbinding: A Poison Tree by @mildredmost

A year and a half ago (ish), I was getting started in bookbinding and one of my first projects was A Poison Tree, a Poldark fic I loved. I was proud of it at the time, but I've learned a lot since then and thought it was time to have another go at it. (long post ahead)

The fic: Poldark, Ross Poldark/George Warleggan, E, 50.6k

What happened between Ross and George at school that began their life-long feud?

The reason I like this fic so much is that it surprised me. I was looking for Ross/George fics and this is one, but not only. George's character is so well-explored here that you can't help but be on his side (while understanding why the things he does offend Ross) and wish him to be happy. I'm not usually into OCs, but the one in this story is so good I loved him as much as the other characters. I went in expecting something specific, the author went another way midway through, and I loved it. The atmosphere is perfect too, it's faithful to the time period and the show/books.

The bind: I kept some ideas from the original bind, such as the color of the cover, headbands and bookmark, and the paper type, but I improved the general quality and added details. I used blue and green because they're the Warleggans' heraldy's colors in the books. The endpaper is a florentine design with golden touches, the kind of luxurious-looking stuff a 1780s nouveau riche would love. I added the Blake poem the story takes its title from at the beginning because it's one of my favorite poems ever.

New things I tried:

This is the first time I combine several elements for a cover. The green strips scared me because MATHS but they turned out good in the end. I'm still not interested in putting titles on my binds, but I think I'll keep exploring decorations of that kind.

Real endpapers. Up until now, I used paper that wasn't made for bookbinding because the thinness of true endpapers scared me, but it holds up perfectly. The book still feels strudy. And look at it, it's so FANCY.

Free vector images to make decorations. There's a wealth of free resources out there!

Huge positives:

I printed, folded, sewed, glued and trimmed this a first time, but wasn't satisfied with the cut. If you've read more than one of these posts, you know I'm desperately wrangling my guillotine into compliance. The second time, I trimmed the texblock before sewing and gluing, which is scary because the signatures are LOOSE, but it worked perfectly. The result is so fucking neat. I was ready to sandpaper the edges but didn't have to.

Look at this snuggy fat boy. This is the thickest book I've made at the A6 format, and it sits very nicely in the hand. The spine is round, the leather is smooth, and it's still very light. A pretty baby.

Details:

The typesetting: I tried many fonts (what's new) before I landed on the right one. It had to have serifs to fit with the period context. I already mentioned the decorations (I looked up georgian-period books to get inspired and discovered they weren't all that decorated, so I made those up). The drop caps are very nice.

The tree: I decided to get the most out of my printer and, after fiddling with the settings a little, got it to print in color with magnificent quality (which you can't see because of the cold light. It's cloudy today, I'm sorry).

Negatives:

The cover boards should have been wider. The pages are very close to sticking out from the edge of the cover. They're not, but it's a tight fit. I think that from now on, I'll use a 5mm "overhang" (is that the word?) instead of a 3mm one like I've learned. I like my spines too round, 3mm are not enough to compensate.

That's it this time. I don't want to brag, but I'm getting good at this (it's been a year and a half jesus).

Characteristics: Fonts: Castellar (title), Colonna MT (author name), Bell MT (text), Apex Lake (drop caps) Materials: blue and green apple leather and endpapers from Schmedt, 80g/m² Clairefontaine ivory paper, pre-made headband and synthetic ribbon.

Feel free to ask me more about materialsand fonts (or whatever), it won’t bother me at all to tell you what I used, but I’m too lazy rn to write it in this post that’s long enough already.

--

Comparison (because why not):

[canonizzyhours]

#88 is basically right but it's leaving one really big piece out of the equation, which is whiteness. and, well, other normative identities - people respond the way they do to izzy because he's white AND thin AND gender-conforming etc etc etc, and there are no other characters in ofmd who fit the bill.

lots of media has villains who truly believe they're the good guys and even that they're acting in the best interests of the specific people they're abusing. that's a very common genre of bad guy. but fandoms are usually pretty capable of recognizing that characters like that are unreliable narrators.

however, ofmd is in this very unusual situation where there is NO other major character who is a thin conventionally attractive masc-presenting white man. and people are very, very used to seeing those qualities as narrative signifiers that this is the character whose pov you can trust. they aren't willing to extend the same trust to characters without those qualities, especially not characters of color (you can especially see this with ed, where people constantly don't believe perfectly straightforward things he says about his own experience for no reason. remember after season 1 how lots of people argued that he didn't really want to quit being blackbeard?)

people talk about woobification of izzy, but i really think the main thing that's going on is insistence on seeing the story exclusively through the filter of izzy's pov, and the woobification is all secondary to that.

#104.

related posts: #88

[kjmellow]

Let's talk

Magical systems

I have been considering this for some time, because I'm reading, watching and writing things that have magic in them, and I have managed to single out three categories of magics that seem basic:

Intention-based refers to the type of magic where you picture the result and it just happens. No specific rituals or magical words required.

Word-based refers to spells, when a specific spell-word yields specific results.

Sign-based is a somewhat broad category, which includes magical signs and sigils, runes, chalk circles, ingredients required to work a specific spell or a special movement that you have to do to perform magic.

And here are a few examples that came to my mind as I was making this, and I do encourage additions and speculation:

Let's elaborate!

Okay Diana Wynne Jones has probably written every single one of these magical systems, it's just that they're too confusing for me to classify each and every instance, because there are hardly any descriptions. It doesn't help that all her stories are more or less like So they usually do magic this way BUT our protagonist has their own way. But Christopher Chant aka Chrestomanci, for example, is very clearly an intention-based enchanter, because he just makes things go his way. In The Magicians of Caprona they specifically sing spells, and their quality depends on how well they are sung (written spells are still word-based spells, by the way). In House of Many Ways doing a spell is described in detail (which doesn't mean much since Charmain has her way of making magic anyway, but it's there, to show how spells were supposed to work all along), and it has ingredients and special actions and words to say or write. Then, since it's all the same universe as Howl's Moving Castle, I'm just singling out Sophie for intention+words, because what she uses is not necessarily spells, but she just magically talks things into being a certain way, so they also kinda are.

Harry Potter had brave attempts at a straight-forward wagical system, but then some spells require unnecessarily difficult and precise wand movements to move a fricking feather, while you just point at someone to unalive them. Still, sort of falls into this crossover of categories, I GUESS.

Doctor Strange was the only example of sign-based magic that came to my mind, but I think it's a very good example. They literally wave their hands around in a certain way and make glowy things out of thin air. Amazing. Wish I could do that.

The Owl House, in my opinion, is a prime example of intention+sign, because it literally said so in the show. I think it was when Luz was trying to teach Eda and Lilith wild magic, because there are only four basic sigils, and they make so many combinations, yes, but you can ALSO shape the outcome by picturing what shape you want your spell to take. And I think they do pretty much the same thing when they draw those circles and imagine what they want to happen, so here it is.

Addition that's not on the graph: Carrionites from that one Doctor Who episode about Shakespeare are word-based. That was the whole plot point.

Anyway, here's my take on a topic which I mostly cleared up into a system for myself, and I would love to see what others think about it. Maybe there's a secret fourth thing I have somehow overlooked... And I would also love to see people add their fandoms to the pile :)

[pugwitharug]

MC Petting The Ilephtas, Part One: The Fluffies

I miss having something soft and warm to pet, so I'm making this to compensate. And I also need to separate this post or else I'm never gonna finish this

GN Reader, I debated putting Anisa on here since she's half-Ilephta but I'm not sure if she would get the reaction I'm going for lol, you're dating them in the different scenarios because yes, I miss them and I want them to come home from the war, they gonna be somft......because I said so

🐱Sage Lesath🐱

He's a big physical touch guy, we all know that. He's constantly rubbing himself against you, scent marking you, smelling your own unique and lovely scent, seeing how red you can get when he inconspicuously squeezes your ass lol

And we know it's canon he likes getting his ears rubbed so

*grabby hands* gib me kibby ears

You know that special way he likes it, cupping his ears in your hands while your fingers rub against the thin skin, feeling the heat of his blood rushing through as you massage them. His eyes flutter closed and he lets out a long purr as you sit in his lap, his hands cradling your hips

He especially loves it after long days of hunting down bounties and hitting the taverns and whatnot

I think.......if you pet him before he goes to sleep he'll sleep better and I don't think this poor man has a good sleep schedule

KISS 👏 THE 👏 TOP 👏 OF 👏 HE 👏 HEAD 👏

Mess around with his hair! It helps him calm down! Just don't hit a tangle or he'll bite you. Nom nom

Do you think Ilephta hair is sort of a different quality than normal human hair? Like, I don't know, is it softer than human hair naturally? I'm gonna say yes because I can

You joke that you'd sleep better if you had a pillow stuffed with Sage's hair. He laughs but you notice him trying to push his braid behind his back

Normally touching his tail is a sign of smexy times for him but when he turns around with a smirk and wiggling eyebrows and he sees you innocently twirling around his tail fur he feels guilty

Overall 9/10, wonderful petting experience until he bites you

🐯Lucan de Bhaldraithe 🐯

I looked it up specifically for this and tigers can't purr, but you know if he could he'd be like a fucking lawnmower

He likes it best when you massage his scalp! After a long day he plops his head in your lap and you work your magic fingers on him and he's in heaven

His ears are so fluffy omg. I think they're a little less sensitive than Sage's so you can mess around with them a little more

Run your fingers through his hair...........please 🥺

His hair is so soft, it's a little sad he doesn't have long hair cuz you would have a free blanket

Also please rub his back. I headcanon he has back pain from carrying those fat badonkadonks because the human spine is an architectural nightmare so give him a massage. Rub his back as he tells you about his day. His tail will wag happily

Speaking of his tail he's constantly having it touch you. Wrapped around your leg, your waist, your wrist, your arm, even just letting the fluffy bit tickle your back

Actually I don't think tigers have a fluffy bit on their tail but...I don't care he's gonna be a fluffy boi

His hair is like, a little more smooth than soft if you rub it in the right direction. Like velvet, with a little more poof. I read that a tiger's fur gets more coarse as they get older but Lucan isn't that old

He be just..........babie

🗡️Elowen de Bhaldraithe🗡️

Look, she has a reputation to uphold. If you're out in public and you try to pet her, she will put on her unbreakable poker face

But at home? Hoo boy

Is she a mountain lion? I don't know but I'm saying yes because they can purr and I think that's adorable

She doesn't have as loud of a purr as Sage does, but it's nice and soft. Good to listen to as you fall asleep

BRAID HER HAIR! It reminds her of Lucan when they were young, when he would always mess with her hair as he tells her about every single little detail of his day. It's useful for work too :3

Her tail........it looks soft and sleek, and it is, but it's also pretty strong. Not prehensile, but she can pick up certain items that might seem too heavy

She likes shoulder rubs! It's canon now! Massage her shoulders after a long day and she'll melt into you

She's not a big snuggler but if you're having a bad day she'll offer her head for you to pet and mess with

I also think she tends to bite if you snag your fingers or your comb on a tangle, or growl at you at least but she doesn't really mean it

Or does she.........?

I love her, my wifey. I'm married to (almost) everyone in LL lol

🐇Tulsi Ain🐇

She knows people want to pet her, but when she was younger she probably had some experiences with people petting her, then swiping something of hers while she was distracted, so she might not always be up to being pet

But she'll make a special exception for you. She trusts you :3

The fur on her ears isn't super long but it can get tangled sometimes. Gently comb her hair after she wakes up. She likes it, but she might fall back asleep lol

Does she have a little bunny tail? I hope she has a bunny tail. Little wiggle wiggle

She gets embarrassed if you pat it. But please do. Do us all a service

ALSO👏 KISS👏 THE👏 TOP👏 OF👏 SHE👏 HEAD👏

I think she prefers full body cuddles as opposed to rubs on individual parts, but she won't complain if you decide to do that

But her hands.........hold them........kiss them..........cherish them................

Bumby wife🥺

[not-poignant]

Hi! I don't know if this has been asked yet. But reading falling falling stars, there's a bit where efnisien talks about how he was meant to be a culmination of the 'worst' parts of Crielle and penny (penny's brutality and Crielle's ability to control it). do you think instead he got the 'best' parts of them (beauty and brains) instead and is why he was still preferred to Gwyn, but not in the specific shape they wanted him in?

Hi anon,

I think Efnisien's assessment is understandable, but it's also like...just his thoughts about something, and not reflective of reality.

He didn't get the best or worst parts of Penny or Crielle. He was raised by abusers, and there were good things and terrible things in that household, but most of the things were terrible. Efnisien's beauty is 'fragile' because he was malnourished so badly, that's not a 'best' thing that he inherited from his family, that was something inflicted on him. His thinness is a symptom of his upbringing and abuse. His pretty face is genetics, he got that just as much from his ancestors as from Penny.

Likewise, his intelligence - as Crielle actually rightly points out - works against him often. It's not a 'best' part at all. People who are highly intellectual but raised in abusive homes often are prone to coping techniques like intellectualisation and catastrophisation, and highly intellectual people are actually more prone to mental illness. Efnisien's ability to think things through without wisdom or guidance or maturity meant he was able to convince himself that he was evil with far more complexity than what Crielle was saying, to reinforce everything she was saying.

These things are not 'best' traits for everyone, anon. Someone being 'ugly' is not the worst thing it's possible to be, and someone being intelligent isn't always the best. Crielle's intelligence was used to manipulate, torture, and sadistically brainwash Efnisien. Is that really her best quality? Her beauty was used to manipulate, deceive and convince people that she was harmless, because folks mistakenly think that 'beautiful' also means 'good' and 'pure' (they're wrong, but it's for this reason that attractive abusers are actually less likely to come to justice than 'ugly' ones). It wasn't one of her best qualities. And it also wasn't something she had a choice over. That's 100% down to genetics.

Also, he didn't inherit that from her anyway, he's Penny's son. And her beauty is also 100% down to genetics.

I'm very wary of attaching words like 'best' or 'good' to traits like beauty (subjective) and intelligence, anon. Like, philosophically, I would not say those were 'best traits' and nor where Penny and Crielle using these qualities in helpful, compassionate, useful, or caring ways. Efnisien didn't either for a long time. In fact he himself makes it clear that he used his prettiness and his beauty to deceive people, and this is why the story makes him look less pretty outside of scenes as the story goes on. He wears less handsome clothing, he wears more comfortable clothing, he doesn't make his hair fashionable any longer, etc.

The story itself is like 'uh, being beautiful and smart can still turn out psychopathic torturers.'

Not best traits, anon. Not worst traits either. Just things that exist, that are used as tools by people both consciously and unconsciously towards all ends. Be wary of thinking this way yourself anon, it sets up an unconscious bias towards believing that people who are ugly and not as smart are somehow 'worse' than people who are beautiful and intelligent.

And the world doesn't work like that at all.

[bitchfitch]

idk I'm just trying to figure out the Vibes of this settings fashion. I'm trying to avoid anything that is like, obviously from any real culture, but if you can't tell from the kimono and dhoti knockoffs, that's hard. Mostly because the rules I've decided on have to do with the sorts of looms that would be being used, what fibers are available+in what qualities, and general climate. Once you narrow down that shit you're left with only a handful of options that have all already been done. Humans been wearing clothes for a real long time. Anyways, fuck you, demon fiber craft lore time

I don't have specific earth place picked out but the gen climate for this part of the setting is very mild. Heatstroke is a concern at the height of summer, frostbite at the height of winter. jorts and a thin hoody would be appropriate clothing for the weather 60% of the year. Just gradient out in those directions from there. Very dry summers, fuck ton of snow in the winter.

Sheep are around but mostly as meat animals with fiber being a secondary product, there's just not enough good grazing land for them since most of the area is forested. There are man made clearings, but full on farms and fields aren't as common as food forests. Plus the dryness of the summer makes a lot of field centric agriculture not an option, it's too dry and there's not enough folk cooperating in the area to manage massive irrigation projects being built up.

What is an option is flax. Grown along rivers most clothing is linen with wool being used for thicker garments and silk for finer garments.

all the work that goes into fabric creation in a pre spinning wheel society means fabric is Pricey. Demonic magic helps, but not a lot. Most garments are not cut or sewn. They're made with whole pieces of cloth wrapped or folded to conserve as much material as possible and then pinned, tied, or otherwise secured.

There's also two very different sorta parts of society to consider for Esti and his outfits.

One is that of his birth. Prim and Proper Nobles who control vast resources largely through negotiation bribery and backstabbing. the Coraxes, their outfits tend to be Expensive, and very much made with a life spent indoors and away from any kind of physical anything in mind. The head family of demons are colorblind, and because of that their fashion, and thus the fashion of those who want to fit in with them, has a very limited pallette, shades of grey and natural fiber colors are the primary elements with red and gold fabric being used as an accent to keep people from thinking too long about their 'fault'. They are totally reliant on their servants to be telling the truth about what color anything is. Esti is from that noble family so his outfits were largely picked out for him when he was to be seen outside their home. big heavy layered skirts that he needs help with when he gets dressed are not his typical vibe but he does appreciate the number of places to hide knives.

Next up are the Cristatuses, Their prevalence and current top dog spot have come from ruthless conquest of nearby territories and a very militaristic vibe. For the common person this mostly just means theyre the big city folk. This is where the money is. Bright colorful fabrics and lots of thin short layers to go with a much more physically active lifestyle of sports and work done outdoors even if it's not work completely suited to being done outside. Breezy. Their wider trade network and attractiveness to merchants also means more options for basically everything to do with clothing accessories and other bits of self ornamentation.

Esti apprenticed with a war lord. His experience with the fashion had a lot more to do with what was practical while on horse back or after the third night sleeping in the dirt. Bright colors stayed but thicker, more minimal, and legged garments were the norm. Armor is a thing, he is an apprentice to a man who should be a prince, he was never supposed to see battle, and was instead kinda meant to become the sort of general who has never actually fought but who knows a lot of tactical theory.

When he finally got to start picking his own outfits he kept with the more neutral and dull colors of his heritage, but the much lighter and easier to move in outfits he was used to wearing throughout his training. Minimal and dull by Cristatus standards, unrefined and brutish by those of the Corax. Very comfortable for him.

[joe-moi]

I think the gator discourse is just like the JQ discourse the other day. People got bent because of an objective look at JQs work as if blanket support is the only way to show adoration or some shit. some of his work isn't great nor are they all great roles. Fans aren't required to like every character or performance that person does and it's perfectly fine to admit it. Blindly supporting roles regardless of movie, script or acting quality is a thin line before you do that for them as a person too.. and luckily our Joe's seem pretty genuine and unproblematic but still.

I for one like that we can typically talk like that here and be objective. That makes this a safe and healthy place for fans/fandom. And I hope that continues.

Like okay JK girlies.. do you REALLY think he was *good* in Henry Gambles Birthday Party or do you just 👀 that you got him in his swim trunks all movie, jerking off and getting fucked for a few seconds? Great for your imagination. But buddy was not breaking the sound barrier with his acting there. Nor was that movie ANY good, and it had some really fucked up storylines intersecting. Loads of heavy topics people find triggering...and It's OKAY. People are gonna definitely choose to gloss over that one because they're not interested or they're triggered by religion, self harm or any of the undercurrents there. Every actor has huge stinkers. Even the best have absolutely terrible roles and movies.

Tell me you like every single song your favorite band or artist ever made? Their entire discography is top teir? No. You skip songs and you know it. It's OKAY to pass on a piece of media that isn't for you guys! I promise!

You won't get disowned by the fan circle if you bow out of Gator because Fargo isn't your cup!

oh, you make an amazing point about that movie. Because I haven’t seen it… But I have seen those scenes and I have no idea what the fuck that movie is about. Literally not a clue. But I’ve seen those scenes all over Twitter.

And the same thing goes for that JQ movie where he’s dating the girl that falls in love with another girl. Do you really like that movie or do you like that he has like four sex scenes and a blowjob scene? because that movie was shit. I don’t even remember the name of it. That’s how much I didn’t like it. And I think that’s what happens in hoard… I don’t know because I haven’t seen it… But I’ve seen enough talk about it to get the gist that he has a great sex scene in it because he’s naked and you see his ass, but it doesn’t mean that it’s a good movie.

as fans we do watch that stuff because it feeds our imagination. It doesn’t mean that it’s good. It doesn’t mean that they were good in those scenes. We just are horny. And I see how that can correlate to when you watch gator or any other character that you don’t enjoy. you’re only watching it to feed your imagination of this actors characters, and what we’ve already built them up to be. And when they’re not great people, sometimes it can be a little tough to see. Especially if you have no idea what else is going on.

and like you said, that’s OK! You don’t have to like everything. But you don’t need to unstan or leave fandom because you don’t like one specific character.

[wellofhavoc]

Christmas Shopping for Young Traditional 2-D Artists

Hey there! I know it's early, but I'm already starting to see some posts about the common experience of being a kid artist with parents wanting to get something a little nice, and so they got a kit like these as a gift:

And one thing I never see under these is what a young artist might actually prefer to get.

These kits can range from $20-$50 depending on the quality of the material, company, and location. This kit was actually 18.6 OMR (46.76 USD) but I will be using a prince range of about $30 assuming you're going for something NICE but something they can USE.

This list is primarily of categories and things to consider getting YOUNG artists (4-12) but I don't see any reason you can't tweak some of these to be for older artists!

I'm also going to focus generally: Quality over Quantity. A good, nice set of art materials (whichever you choose) will always last longer, be more useful, be more fun, and be more loved than a cheaper set with more. I don't want to mock people who buy these sets, because I know they're purchased out of love and the want to make someone happy and tell them "I love that you're being creative," and I treasure every memory with them. I treasure less the memories of markers like those short ones in their either breaking in my hand because the plastic was too thin, or the tip snapped off, and the water colors never working- the set is just bad. It's a scam made to make you buy it.

So instead, let's find some products you can get as a nice present with the same intent. Let's be real, almost no kid ever used EVERYTHING in these sets, at least not all at the same time. Think about if your artist has ever said they wanted to try something specifically, or maybe they just have a favorite medium.

If not and you think "my young artist already has that, they use it all the time!" maybe the way to go here is by choosing an "upgrade." Type and quality of materials don't make the artist, but this is about getting something that looks or feels really nice for a special occasion, so that's what we're talking about today.

Paints:

I would not get a child of any age paint as a primary gift. I will explain more about what that means in a moment. For now, though, let's entertain different paint types- skipping past "finger paints," as any non-toxic paint really can serve as a finger paint, and into the main three types.

Watercolor- Paints activated with water! Easiest to clean, and if your artist tends to only want to paint some of the time and not every day, you're never in danger of them drying out and going bad. You can just went them and reuse them each time. Can be stored in almost any dry space, like a closet or shelf- even a tote if they seal well. Very easy to find non-toxic variants. For 10+ artists, though, watercolors can be a bit anticlimactic. They've used them before, and you might want to get them something new. In that case, go with gouache. They're like an acrylic/watercolor hybrid that can dry and layer easily unlike watercolors that usually come out transparent no matter how much of a pigment you layer on. They can be used on the same paper and even thinner paper since they're not so wet they'll warp any material. Can also go onto cardboard for school projects, which watercolors won't really work on.

Acrylic: Rubbery when it dries, easy to pick out of fibers if it gets stuck in your carpet- let it dry in chunks, do not wipe- dab if wet. It's very possible though with the right cleaning product and a little time. It dries somewhat quickly so older artists can work on projects faster rather than having to wait until layers dry to continue. Most commonly non-toxic.

Oil: Stays wet a long time. This can slow an artist down and give another artist a longer time to work and blend colors for a smoother look. Almost impossible to clean fabric without some heavy product, untreated wood is ACTUALLY impossible. Can stain clothes, lighter paint on your walls and cabinets, and even leather. I would definitely save this for an 10+ kid. Non-toxic variants DO exist, but look very carefully and closely so as to make sure this refers to accidental EATING and not just BREATHING if you're brave enough to give this to a toddler.

These are not all the paints out there, but they're usually what people are deciding between at the store. As for "primary gift," I would get a cheap set of paints for any new painters and then get some nice brushes. This means five year olds who just started and 12 year olds who only painted in art class twice a year. Expensive products can be fun surprises, but I know I was intimidated by some "nice" supplies I got as a kid. I wanted to make sure that I didn't waste it- that I used it f-or the "right thing"- because I didn't want to use nice material on something that looked bad.

Also, if you're a parent looking for this to be a long time thing, you probably also don't want to see your child mixing all of the tubes from that $80 paint set into a nice brown mess. Let them explore and be artists, but I'm sure they'd be just as intrigued by the mixing of colors and experimenting with which colors do what if you got a respectable $5-$10 set of primaries from Walmart.

Why I recommend brushes: As long as they're not the kind to pluck out the hairs, a nice set of hair brushes will last years. I still have some from my first set, and they're still my favorite. Take the time to look up how to care for them (rinsing them at the end of every session, using soap and sometimes conditioner to keep them healthy) and they'll serve you for a long time. I would stay away from bristled brushes and find something soft. In reviews, look for things like bristles falling out and the tips falling off entirely. Then look for texture. Soft brushes are better at picking up pigment and bristled brushes are better at creating texture. Even if your watercolor set comes with a brush, at least get a couple soft ones from the store.

Markers:

I'm assuming you want to go up a bit from Crayola, but stay away from Copic. They're cheaply made, overpriced, and are suspected by some users to have actually stopped filling their markers with as much ink as they used to.

I use Prismacolor personally, and they're essentially the same concept: A marker you can blend like paint using a blending tool. You can color a whole picture and then go in and blur two colors together. It works better if the color is still wet, but the alcohol in the blender reactivates it. Just like watercolor- great for those who might leave a project in the middle. If you have a child you're worried about putting them in their mouth, they use non-toxic ink, but it's probably still a risk if they were to do it continuously.

I would also suggest looking into brush markers, which act a bit more like water color pens. They do make a bit of a mess, but are easier to clean than paint pens, which just have paint in them. Paint pens are better for artists who want to draw on non-paper. They're usually used on car windows for graduations and weddings. Some brands are translucent, so look through the reviews to make sure they're opaque for an easier time for your artist. Non-toxic variants are available for both.

Crayons:

People are going to be mad at me, but pastels are just grown up crayons. Oil pastels or softer pastels can make a mess, but normal or chalk pastels are really easy to clean up and almost never make a mess in the first place. Would probably be easier to wipe off than your average wax crayon, actually. Most are non-toxic, but read the labels and do your research beforehand, as they might be harder to find from stores and brands you trust due to them not being as popular as the previously listed categories.

I suggest pastels because they're a fancier crayon-type-material and you can find pretty much any kind for any age of artist. They blend easy at any time, don't dry out, and you can replace a set pretty easily if your artist gets hooked. All of the joy and ease of oil paint with none of the sacrifice. If you're looking for accessories: get a brush or a cheap sponge set so they can play with textures.

Colored Pencils:

Gotta give it to Prismacolor again. This time, I'll even tell you they're okay for younger users AS WELL AS non-toxic. They're wax based, so don't store them in a warm place, and you can ALSO blend with these! You can buy a big or small set, and with the layering and blending abilities, they can still make any color they can think of. If your artist has SENSORY ISSUES and hates the chalky texture of pencils, the wax centers are super smooth, so they won't have to worry about that.

If you're not into Prisma, I would stay away from sets of short but plentiful sets. If a pencil is shorter than a few inches, it could be hard to grab at all, much less after many uses. You've literally cut how long that pencil could be used comfortably in half.

Paper:

I'm not going to get into paper (as that's a whole bag in its own and is unique to each medium) but if you are determined to get some nice paper for a specific thing, try asking "What kind of paper is good for 'brush markers/acrylics/pastels/ect'?" at your local art store or an online sales associate. Youtube artists also cover this a lot.

If you're getting canvases, I would also pick up a can of white gesso so your artist can prep that canvas and maybe some sealant. Canvases that are hung can fall hard and chip paint or get gouged easier while being moved, so store them properly- especially if they have something on them. Of course, this CAN happen to paper, but since it's usually in a book or stack or box.

Get a thick ringed sketchbook for the most ease of use- you can flip it over without bending the binding, you can rip out pages more easily, you can leave it in a hot car or drop it in a puddle and unless the paper's really thin most of the book will probably be fine.

Get a bound sketchbook (one with glue or string binding the pages like a normal book) for style and the ability to do "spreads' (art that uses two pages next to each other.) There are really no other benefits, and this is the worst one for any kind of paint because you have to prop it open to let the paint dry.

[royalsealy]

R: Rate these brands from your favorite to least favorite: Angelic Pretty, Btssb, A&P, Innocent World, Bodyline, and Metamorphose! S: Do you think Sugary Carnival is cute, or overrated? X: What’s the worst print or dress you’ve seen?

Thanks for asking!!

R: Rate these brands from your favorite to least favorite: Angelic Pretty, Btssb, A&P, Innocent World, Bodyline, and Metamorphose!

Top level:

Metamorphose! I love how experimental they are with prints, construction, and color scheme plus I never have to worry about the fit. Their website is very friendly to english-speaking consumers which is a plus

Mid tier: A&P, BTSSB

A&P - usually they're not in my style but I think what they come out with is really pretty, I've heard good things about their customer support and sizing so that's a bonus

BTSSB - Cotton dresses! They feel really sturdy too. Usually easier to find a nice piece second hand for not as much, my only qualm is their sizing can be a bit limiting.

Low tier: AP, Innocent World

AP - I love their older prints and designs and a few of their newer designs, but a lot of it is not for me. Their sizing is inconsistent which makes them more difficult, and they sent me a dirty headbow lol.

Innocent world - they're more classic so not as much in my wheel house but they do have some designs I love (like the chair dress). Their sizing is also very small

No opinion:

Bodyline- I feel like their stuff is never in stock or at least not the colorway/size I'd like, also their shipping is pricey. Their quality varies but what I've seen is cute :)

S: Do you think Sugary Carnival is cute, or overrated?

I think it's cute! The recent re-release for the OP being 10 cm smaller than advertised makes it overrated for me :')

But I'd still like to have it one day as it feels like on of those pieces everyone has so it'd be easy to twin

(Ideally the sax or black OP, assuming the arm cuff is comfortable )

X: What’s the worst print or dress you’ve seen?

This is a tough one! I'm going to go with the first one I saw while starting the fashion that made me go 'I don't get it'

(More under cut)

Happy Garland by Angelic Pretty.

Specifically the 2022 series and not the 2023 one (I think the skirt cut is cute and I like the black/mint colorways).

What bothers me about this release is that I feel like the print itself is overly stuffed and busy. On top of that, the yellow, pink, and sax colorways when used it makes it harder to see some of these details, as the colors of the print aren't altered depending on the colorway, all of the pink/sax/yellow elements of the print completely disappear on the dress. But the white stock photo looks both underwhelming and overwhelming to me, there's so much on there and because of that I can't make anything out so it feels like nothing is going on at the same time.

I also had the displeasure of touching this dress in person and it felt like a nightmare fabric, it was like a thin, almost translucent plastic sheet. Not only did it feel like it would rip super easy but the texture itself is horrendous. I can't imagine how uncomfortable it would be to wear it, I'm sure it gets hot too. All I can think of is how it'd be like being wrapped in a tarp or a tent.

All these things combined on top of Angelic Pretty charging 300 dollars for it, to me makes this one of the worst prints/dresses I've seen.

(I also don't blame people who got this one because they had no clue what that fabric was going to be like, it just feels disrespectful to the consumer. Not at all judging people who own this since all of our tastes are unique, I just feel like AP could have done better in a lot of ways with this one)

[littleeyesofpallas]

I have long been one to (only half jokingly) complain of a kind of ""gentrification"" effect in hentai and fanservice heavy manga and just general smut peddling circles of the internet, where some obscure fetish becomes kind of passingly popular, but then rather than see the appeal points integrated into the broader accepted definitions of attractiveness, the mainstream image of sexyiness(I dont even like calling it a "beauty standard" because it feels, like, a step removed from that... Some kind allegory of the cave bullshit but for anime waifus and porn... A pale shadow of a fetish) just sort of half heartedly dresses itself up as a malformed knockoff version of whatever the character type is: some grotesque libidinous homunculus. Until there's more, or indeed only, knockoffs and none of the real thing left.

Anyway point being that in the context of that I have the most upsetting conflict of interest where the boom of AI smut flooding Japanese artfocused socialmedia sites like pixiv are slowly but surely starting to figure out some of the prevailing trends of those subtle niche interrst groups. And while I loathe the AI art thing both in terms of artistic integrity, ethical consumerism, just the generally ugly, flat and same-y aesthetic, AND the fact that now browsing tags means wading through pages and pages of AI generated lowest common denominator waste of space in most categories... Some of the niche content is starting to look like it could actually have a positive effect on some of these weird little corners of the porn-o-sphere???

Like... At first it was funny and easy to dismiss because stuff like, I dunno, AI "muscle girls" was just churning out laughable 200Xs deviantart garbage. (You know the type, the physiologically impossible vascularity and redundant anatomy of like 100% power demon Toguro with a How to Draw Anime girl face slapped on it, but then add the patented AI color job.) Or the stock and standard twig thin animu waif build but slap some abs and no other definition on it, often too many abs even.

But now I'm starting to see stuff that --while it may not be aesthetically passable on its own-- is starting to actually nail the general mix and match of features: actual muscular definition, proportional builds and a (slight) variety of body types, and not cinched waists and stapled on waterballoon tits, etc... That it seems.to be drawing from non fetish specific sources, rather than simulating the usual inbred decay of the creative genes of those tiny insular subcultures.

What I mean is that while subjects being serviced by a large and broad body of artists can be expected to gradually innovate, and AI can be expected to only drag down the average... Some of these more specific subjects are actually serviced by so small a body of artists that the blandly middle of the road quality of AI art actually raises the average ever so slightly, and more quickly than the normal occurance rate of artistic skill and dedication otherwise overlaps with the interest group.

So now they're actually starting to shift the balance of content entirely. It's not that they're making more knockoffs of good art than there is good art (they aren't), but they're making knockoffs of the good stuff at a rate increasingly more comparable to the rate of actual mainstream low quality fetish stuff. Like.... I don't know how else to describe it but it's like, if young up and coming fetishists had to start looking to AI and human art indiscriminately to figure out what they wanted to draw and how... This would on average produce better results than aforementioned weird 200Xs era smut subculture niche stuff did? Does that make sense?

On the one hand it feels like counterintuitively a step in some kind of a right direction. But also of course this is a step that should be being taken by real artists

(Also I hope everyone knows what I mean when I start taking shots at turn of the millennium da stuff as a benchmark. I want to reference the jandrewedits startrek videos and Data's whole bad art saga, but I feel like thats almost equally lost to time now...)

Anyway this rant has no end or conclusion to it, it's just me starting down a 14 hour work day, out of my head unfed and unstimulated, staring into the digital whirlpool of porn, seeing vague harrowing visions of the future

[starrystrawb]

Guess who's experimenting with styles!

This is Pageantry Mother Nature. She is the embodiment of the beauty, rarity, and majesty of nature. She often is found gazing into her own reflection, preening her wings, and painting.

For many species, males have ornate coats and colorings. I thought that it would be fun to kind of embody that! I based her colors off of a peacock, because they're my favorite example of this!

Eco Tip Time!

Opt for paper when you have the chance. Paper is easier to recycle, and can be recycled more times than plastic. So grab that paper bag, use that paper covered notebook! When you're done, it can be recycled many ways! Including making your own paper (we've talked about this before!) or in your curbside bin.

Metal can be recycled (almost) endlessly. Because it has no break down in it's quality like plastic when it's recycled. it can be melted down and reshaped over and over and over. So sip on that can of water! Enjoy your coke in that bright red metal tube! Sip freely! And recycle after! You can also use the thin metal of a soda can to make crafts! But be very careful! Cutting metal can be dangerous.

This may be a little specific, but let's share anyways! If you have something like a Swiffer, you can use rags instead of those single-use pads! Just put your preferred floor cleaner in a spray bottle, secure the rag on there, and swiffer away! If you have the WtfJet swiffer, the one that sprays, you can re-use those little plastic tanks. Take off the cap (I've pulled mine off, it's not as hard as it seems) and refill it! Save your money and the planet!

Did you know vinegar is like, really good for cleaning? I know it's like a huge thing, but it is! Of course, it cant clean everything, but I like it! If you do your own laundry, consider switching from fabric softener to vinegar. It helps keep your clothes soft, it wont smell like vinegar, and in all honesty its supposed to be better for your washer. There are also plastic-free washing detergent now! Tide has their Evo line, there are several other companies who do this too! You can also use powder detergent like oxyclean by itself! Look at your options!

Boycott places! Boycott things! Boycott companies! It is harder and harder these days to make a true impact. Hell, just a bit ago a group of protestors GLUED THEMSELVES to a car-dealership floor and no one seemed to care they were even there. But you know where it really hurts? Profits. Do not give them your money. Tell others about it. Talk about it online. Spread the word. Even just one person can make a difference. Of course, do not harass the workers of the places you don't like. And if it's between your wellbeing and the boycott, choose your wellbeing.

Base

[ulofey]

THE ULTIMATE 2023 GUIDE TO CROWN HAIR TOPPERS FOR THINNING HAIR

Your appearance is often your pride and joy, a major factor in how you feel about yourself and how the world sees you. But when thinning starts, it can shatter your self-esteem. The good news? Advances in hair care, such as crown toppers, can now easily restore that volume and confidence.

This in-depth guide will take you into the fascinating world of crown toppers. Discover their many benefits, master the art of using them and learn essential maintenance tips. If you're looking for knowledge on how to achieve a luscious, thick mane, you've come to the right place.

To choose the best hair extensions to make your thin hair look fuller, first decide whether you want real human hair or synthetic hair. This depends on what you want and how much money you have to spend. Make sure it matches your hair colour and length for an undetectable blend. And remember to choose an appropriate base, whether classic or monofilament, to suit your hair density and the area you want to cover.

All about hair toppers

What is a hair topper?

A hair topper, sometimes called a wiglet or hairpiece, is like a mini wig. It is designed to sit on top of your head and blend in with your natural strands. Instead of covering your whole head like a normal wig, these wigs target specific areas. Like the top of your head, to help with hair loss or thinning in those areas.

You'll find these toppers in a variety of designs, lengths, and materials, such as synthetic strands, real hair, or a mix of the two. They're usually fitted with clips or combs to ensure they stay in place.

Hair toppers vs. full wigs: Key differences

Coverage: Toppers enhance specific areas of the head (usually the top or crown), while full wigs cover the entire scalp. Purpose: Toppers address localised hair thinning. Whereas wigs are for total hair loss or a complete hair style change. Comfort: Because toppers are partial, they are airier and weigh less than full wigs, providing all-day comfort. Integration: Toppers blend in with your natural strands for a fuller look, while wigs replace your entire hair. Budget: Typically, toppers are more wallet-friendly than full wigs because they use less material. However, factors such as brand and quality can affect the final price.

Why Using a Hair Topper for Thinning Hair

Undetectable: They blend effortlessly with your natural strands for an authentic look. Self-esteem booster: Toppers can be the catalyst for renewed confidence. Guard your strands: Acting as a shield, they protect vulnerable or thinning hair from external damage. Style the way you want: Especially when made from real hair, they can be styled, coloured and trimmed as you wish. Hassle-free: Their clip-on systems make them easy to apply and remove. Feels light: Their design ensures they're airy and light for everyday use.

By familiarising yourself with the nuances of hair toppers, you can choose an option that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Is a hair topper the best choice for you?

Why choose a topper over a wig?

Several situations make toppers a better choice: Localised hair loss: For thinning at the crown or top, toppers provide targeted coverage. Keeping your strands: For those who want to retain their existing hair. Toppers are less restrictive. Climate and comfort: In warmer climates, full wigs can feel overheated. Toppers are more compact and offer better ventilation. Simplicity: Toppers are often easier and quicker to put on than full wigs. Gradual transition: As hair thinning progresses. Starting with a topper provides a smoother transition. A full wig can always be considered later if necessary.

Recognising the pattern and intensity of hair loss

Before choosing a hair solution, recognise the pattern and cause of your hair problems:

Localised vs. general thinning:

Localised thinning: Loss concentrated in certain areas, such as the crown. Toppers are usually sufficient here. Uniform thinning: Even thinning across the scalp. Depending on the degree of thinning, a topper may be needed for added fullness or a wig for complete coverage.

Reasons for thinning

Hair thinning can occur for a number of reasons, including Alopecia areata: Sudden, patchy hair loss. Traction alopecia: Resulting from hairstyles that put strain on the root. Telogen effluvium: Temporary thinning due to stress or dietary changes. Androgenic alopecia: A genetic condition that causes thinning in both sexes.

Analysis of hair loss intensity

Mild: Few areas of reduced density but still substantial coverage. Moderate: Visible reduction in thickness, with some bald patches. Severe: Large areas of visible scalp due to significant loss.

By understanding how your hair is thinning and how severe it is. You can make an intelligent decision about whether to use a tonic or try another solution.

Choosing the Ideal Hair Topper: An in-depth guide

Deciphering between monofilament and traditional base types

When it comes to hair toppers, the type of base is crucial. Here are the two leading options:

Monofilament base:

Advantages: Lifelike appearance: Looks like the natural human scalp, giving the illusion of hair growth. Flexible styling: Can be parted any way you like. Airy feel: Ideal for sensitive scalps or hot environments.

Cons: Price: Generally more expensive than traditional bases. Less resilient: Requires extra care to ensure longevity.

Traditional (woven) base:

Advantages: Long lasting: Built to withstand regular use. Budget-friendly: More wallet-friendly than monofilament bases.

Disadvantages: Not as lifelike: Doesn't look as real as the monofilament type. Fixed styles: Parting is limited.

Human hair or synthetic hair? A detailed comparison

The choice between these two materials is crucial:

Authentic human hair:

Advantages: Real Feel: Looks and feels authentic. Versatile styling: Can be modified - coloured, curled or straightened. Durable: Lasts longer with proper care.

Disadvantages: Higher maintenance: Needs regular care similar to natural hair. More expensive: More expensive than synthetic.

Manufactured synthetic hair:

Advantages: Easy to maintain: Retains style even after washing. Pocket friendly: Less expensive than human hair. Wide choice: Comes in a variety of shades and styles.

Disadvantages: Limited styling: Heat can damage it. Shorter lifespan: Doesn't last as long as human hair.

How to choose the perfect colour and length

The length and colour of your topper play an important role in its natural look: Examine your hair: Choose a topper that is similar to or slightly longer than your own hair. Style choices: If you like different styles, you may want a longer topper. Maintenance needs: Longer toppers require more attention to style and care.

Colour matters:

Seek expert opinion: Professional advice is invaluable. Many hairdressers offer colour matching services. Go for highlights: Multi-tone highlights often give a more realistic feel. Colouring option: Human hair toppers can be dyed for a perfect match. Seek professional advice before making any changes.

Expert insights on wearing hair toppers effectively

Prepare your hair:

Making sure your hair is ready is essential: Start clean: Clean hair is key. If you have a human hair topper, gently wash it before use. Detangle: Make sure your hair is free of knots. Placement matters: Determine where you need the most coverage. It's usually the crown. Consider trimming: If the topper doesn't fit properly, have it professionally trimmed. Prepare the topper: Brush it gently to make sure it's smooth.

Secure your topper:

Section your hair: Use a fine comb to mark where you want the topper to go. Prepare the clips: Make sure all clips are open and ready. Position and secure: Start at the front and work backwards to ensure it sits comfortably. Blend and style: Blend with your natural hair and style as desired. Regular care: At the end of the day, store it properly and keep it clean for a natural look.

Top picks for 2023 Hair Toppers

This year, Ulofey stands out with an impressive collection: Authentic Human Hair Choices: They offer real human hair toppers in different sizes and shades. User-friendly designs: Their toppers are easy to apply. Online shopping: Available on their website. Complete with hair care advice and tutorials on their social media platforms.

Their products cater to different tastes:

Real hair toppers: Offers a real feel. Economical synthetic options: Budget friendly options available. No-Clip Toppers: Alternatives such as glue based are available. Silk-based toppers: These provide the look of a natural scalp. Three-quarter hair toppers: Designed to cover the crown area and add volume to the hair, these are versatile options.

Why choose Ulofey?

Their products stand out because of Quality of materials: Especially their human hair products. Design skills: Their bases, such as monofilament and silk, ensure a real look. User comfort: Prioritising comfort and safety. Styling range: They offer multiple styling options. Great value: Quality products at competitive prices.

Conclusion

Ulofey's range is meticulously designed with a focus on durability, authentic look and comfort. From curly to straight, short to long, their extensive collection caters for different needs. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their positive feedback.

The bottom line is that while thinning hair can be a barrier to self-esteem, modern hair solutions offer a way out. Hair toppers are a game changer as they blend in with your natural hair and provide the desired fullness. This guide aims to give you an in-depth understanding of hair toppers, from the basics to making an informed choice. With companies like Ulofey at the forefront, anyone facing hair challenges can find a suitable solution. Embrace the solution, choose your ideal hair topper and regain your confidence!

See Related Post:

Afro Hair Toppers: The Savvy Solution for Thinning Crown Issues

[scarletwix]

any tips on where to get a nice pair o' cowboy boots? >:)

You bet your sweet bippy I do!

So the long and short of it is that, unfortunately for folks like me who hate doing anything new in person, you're going to have to go into a store if you want anything worth the time or money.

Now, I'm going to start by saying that these boots, if you get them from the right places, will be an investment. I say this because you're going to walk in that store, see the price, and walk right back out. But if I may remind you of the Vimes Theory of Boots:

The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet. - Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms

But once that knee-jerk instinct of "I can't spend that much on boots" gets out of the way, you will find yourself in potential possession of the longest lasting, most comfortable pair of boots you'll be able to find. They're made for working in, even the fancy-looking ones. They're not marked up for bougie reasons, they're fairly priced because they're good quality and well-made, kind of like a crocheted blanket from someone who hand-makes them.

"But why does that mean I have to go into the store?" Well, I'll tell you: because the sizing is going to depend on your feet. 'Standard' sizing for shoes is wonky at the best of times, and if this is a purchase you're going to be spending upwards of $100 on, you want to make sure they fit.

as for the actual answer to your question: Tack shops.

Generally speaking, you can google "western shop" and generally find a couple of good options, but there are some near me that turned out to be uhh.... how do I say this... the city's idea of what country clothes look like. we're talking flannel that I could put my finger through, 150-buck jeans with rhinestones on the ass, for those moments you just decide that you never want to sit comfortably again. That sort of thing.

On the other hand! You know who's never going to bullshit about what they are? A shop specifically for horse riding.

There's a tack shop near me, because the city I live in is the perfect intersection of "bumfuck nowhere" and "fifteen minutes from everything" so we've got all the amenities, such as a Fred Meyer and neighbors with horses. (However, thanks to the house I live in, we can't get delivery OR ambulance service, so wish me luck the next time I fall down the stairs.) If it wouldn't basically doxx me, I'd share the name of the store, because I had such a pleasant experience there!

Depending on where you live, nonny, you might be able to find loads of places that sell good ones! When I lived in WY, they were uhh,, everywhere. Everyone sold them, because everyone needed them. But we also had a library that a nerdy kid could read through like blazes, so that should tell you the sort of town I lived in. (Small. It was small.) When I lived in Boise... not so much!

A good rule of thumb, though, is to check the brands. Unlike most other things, you're not paying for the label, the brands are known because they're trusted to be good. Check for things by Ariat or Tecovas, for example.

And don't be afraid to ask the folks at your western or tack shop, because they will be genuinely delighted to help you. I've never met nicer people than those that work in tack shops. They'll help you decide, for example, what height you want (ankle, calf, knee, etc.), what tip type (Square, rounded, snip, broad, etc.), and what style! (That's just if you want something with a fun pattern, something for riding, or something for everyday wear).

I wear mine at least once a week, and they were comfortable enough to wear out of the store and haven't had any of the usual "breaking in new shoes" problems that folks are wary of (It's me, I'm folks, I literally have scars from pairs of flats lol).

anyway, that's kind of a long, convoluted answer to say: it depends! If you've got more specific questions, though, I'm more than happy to help there as well.

Anyway, I'll leave you with a gif I found when I searched "cowboy" that is probably my new motto:

[novoreno]

Note: This is a very ramble-y/blurt-y writing. This is more personal than properly analytical. Take things what you will.

So, I do medical science and research on the side - well, I am currently going to medical school, but it's a bit on/off, but in my free time if I'm not doing something art related, then I am probably doing the medicine thing.

Currently, I absolutely love reading up and watching videos about documentaries, papers, all about pseudoscience, or pseudoscience as an industry, somewhat. It is really interesting to see that sort of thing. I have so many things to say about it, but I do need proper sourcing, as they're a bit more in depth and need more onto it. But what I will talk about really quickly and shallowly is this one thing a lot of people may see or talk about, online especially.

Manifestation: the verb of it is the act of revealing something that was once either secret or not apparent, the key being that what was manifested is clearly there and concrete. The can sometimes have a magical element to its connotations, say something manifested out of thin air, as if it makes you question where it was all this time before it appeared. This is not always the case, but it is also not an uncommon use for it. There is also the verb, in this case it means that it was a product usually as part of a developed or deep rooted idea, feeling, etc: Sometimes when people get angry, they may tend to lash out and yell, the actions would then then be the manifestation of that anger. I use those two definitions specifically because I think that's what the act of manifestation is when advertised by other people. From Tiktockers, to health gurus, to entrepreneurs, and wellness programs ("wellness" does have it's uses in psychological treatment and therapy, but many wellness programs especially seen online or people with a more brighter and spunkier demographic with a specific image are usually not tied or certified for actual psychology treatments and care, we will be focusing on that kind)

The act of manifestation is, in the simplest way, speaking or thinking something into existence. You may have a physical journal, or just simply a mindset. The goal is to recognise what to do, and then it's as if your wishes came true, something along those lines happen. It's most usually used for quality of life, as in hoping your day goes well or something nice comes your way, for example. And if you simply keep at those positive thoughts, then it will happen. It may be obvious to some that things like this doesn't actually happen that so easily. But I think there needs to be a proper explanation why other than just saying "it just doesn't work like that".

Say you have something to write down; part of a shopping list. You write down, "Buy coffee". Now you know you want to buy coffee, and you will be more likely to do it since you've written it down. This is just like manifestation, basically, it is just an incentive to do something. There is still the act of doing so, but you will be more likely to be inclined to do it, and thus will be more likely to have coffee.

But, what if you don't have any money to buy coffee? What if there are no stores anywhere that have coffee? What if there's not any coffee in the area at all? If you can't buy coffee, what then? Did you lie to yourself? Is it your fault?

That's the issue with manifestation, and can also be an issue with many modes of manifestation, and even methods used in psychology and therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy: It's good thinking one way, but what if you simply can't do anything about your situation no matter how much you think otherwise?

Ideas like this can be dangerous. There is a large reason why this is mostly used by many self help guides that are sold to people, which has a very clean, desirable, and joyful brand image. The people who made it are either at a better advantage than those who need help, they want the image to sell the idea of help as if it was its own form of proof/source/goal ( which is also a common method used in diatry and exercise sales). Either way, it also gives a very "easy way out"; mental health conditions are extremely damaging, yet it takes years to make it so that it's bearable, with some conditions are even expected to stay forever. It takes away the tediousness of learning techniques and coping mechanisms, and manifestation itself is seemingly immediate on paper. If I think about it or write it down, things will be better. That is all.

There will be a very good chance, for those who don't have that ability to simply change everything for the better, that this will not work, no matter how long they try. Many can think that the placebo effect can help in some way, however, it is purely psychological, and very temporary that will eventually wear off once you notice the lack of change. But once that idea wears off, the effort put into fixing yourself, what will happen afterwards, how will that feel, just for all that effort? That is the most concerning aspect of all.

[davidanderson121]

Knivesdeal - Allen Custom Knives Gear

Bull Cutter Knives: Our Favorite Survival Knife One of the most important pieces of gear you can carry with you when outdoors is a good knife. And when we say good, we mean a knife that can do the job without fuss. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to Bull Cutter knives—the perfect all-around survival knife. Not only are they durable and efficient, but they come with a lifetime warranty too. So if anything happens to them, no worries! We think these knives are the perfect addition to your outdoor gear repertoire, so be sure to check them out. You won’t be disappointed. Knivesdeal What is a Bull Cutter Knife? Bull Cutter Knives are a specialized type of survival knife that is designed for cutting through bull necks and other thick animal skin. They are also known as “butcher’s knives”, due to their use in the butchering industry. They have a thicker, heavier blade that is typically 2-3 times longer than a regular kitchen knife and can be used for chopping, slicing, and jointing larger cuts of meat. Some of our favorite Bull Cutter Knife models include the Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT 1055CF Bull Neck Knife and the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife G10FBK-The Final Solution. Both of these knives are made from quality materials and offer solid construction and performance. They come with sturdy sheaths that make them easy to carry and store when not in use. What makes a Bull Cutter Knife unique? Bull Cutters are unique survival knives because they are designed specifically for cutting bull hide. The blade is ground from a single piece of high-quality steel and then heat treated to make it incredibly tough and durable. This makes the Bull Cutter one of the most effective knives for butchering or skinning game animals. How to choose the right Bull Cutter Knife for you When it comes to choosing the right knife for the job, there are a few factors that you need to consider. The blade type, size, and shape all play a role in your decision. Choosing the Right Blade Type There are two main types of blades: fixed and folding. Fixed blades have a single, unchanging length throughout their entire length. This means that if your blade gets damaged or lost, it will be difficult or impossible to replace it. Folding knives have a blade that can be adjusted to different lengths. This makes them more versatile, but they're also more fragile and can be less durable than fixed blades. Size and Shape The size of your knife is important because it determines how much cutting power it has. You also want to consider the shape of your knife. A popular shape is the Bowie knife, which is designed with a long, thin blade that's curved at the end. It's perfect for slicing through tough materials like meat or bones. Other popular shapes include the Swiss Army Knife (which has several different knives) and the bowie knife (which has a narrower blade). What do you need your survival knife for? There are many different tasks that you might need to perform with a survival knife, so it's important to choose one that'll fit those needs best. Here are just some of the things that a Survival Knife could be used for: - Butchering an animal - How to use a Bull Cutter Knife in an emergency In an emergency, you may need to cut through tough materials like cordage or fabric. A bull cutter knife is a great tool for this purpose. To use a bull cutter knife in an emergency, first make sure that the blade is sharp. Then, find the material that you need to cut and position the bull cutter knife so that the blade is touching the material. Apply pressure to the blade with your hand so that it cuts through the material. Conclusion We are big fans of bull cutter knives, and for a good reason. They are incredible survival knives that can handle just about any task you might need them to. Whether you are looking for a backup knife or an all-around versatile tool, we recommend checking out our favorite bull cutter knives.