Painting puppets by hand is exciting, relaxing, and a wonderful experience all at the same time. Children love it, but this delicate does require a measure of skill, patience, and practice. It’s not as easy as picking up a paintbrush and painting whatever first comes into your head. If you want to master the techniques and styles used to created hand-painted puppets, you’ll have to be prepared to take your time.
The hardest part about hand-painting puppets is not starting right away. You have to form an image in your mind, visualize the end goal as clearly as you can. You might want to sketch your ideas first just so you know what you’re hoping for. This will give you a final goal to work towards. This is particularly helpful for children.
Once you know what you want, prepare the tools you’ll need for your work. Pick your paint carefully. Acrylic is usually your best choice. It dries quickly and resembles oil paint, but it doesn’t stink quite as much. It’s also less toxic, though you should still work in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic also works on most mediums, including wood and paper machete.
Your paint will often determine the type of paintbrush you select. Check each paintbrush you’d like to purchase carefully, ensuring it is meant for the paint you’re using. Make sure you purchase many different sizes and styles, especially the smaller brushes. You don’t want to be mostly done and then realize you can’t paint the eyes because you didn’t buy a small enough brush.
You’ll also need somewhere to mix your paint. You could use a professional palette, large piece of plastic, or even cardboard. What you use doesn’t really matter, as long as you can mix the colors you desire. Also consider having an assortment of other items on hand such as sponges, rags, and anything you’d like to use for texturing. These items can usually be found around the house.
Once you have all your materials, you can begin to explore the techniques and styles for hand-painting puppets. How you do this will be based primarily upon what material you’re painting. Most puppets are built using wood or paper machete. Whichever material your puppet is made of, take the time to create the image of your choosing. Use the techniques and styles that appeal to you and will give you the results you desire.
One of the best ways to paint a puppet is to use layers. Start by using your sponge to create your base layer. Use the color of your choosing (or mix a unique color) and dab it onto the surface of the puppet. You can add additional colors to create something truly unique. From there, you can use your paintbrushes or other items to create the face and other details necessary to finish your puppet. Pay attention to the small details and don’t be afraid to be creative. A paintbrush may be your primary tool, but don’t limit yourself to that. Try toothpicks to paint freckles, a sponge to create texture, and a rag to smooth out rough areas.
The exact nature of your puppet will determine the specific styles and techniques you will employ. Out of necessity, painting a marionette will be far different than painting a hand puppet. Feel free to explore both established techniques and create some of your own. With time and practice, you will master the art of creating hand-painted puppets.
Black boots are generally considered a wardrobe staple in every woman’s closet. They are versatile, classic and fun. With so many styles to choose from, and the option of dressing them up or dressing them down, the black boot is the perfect piece of footwear.
Black high-heel boots of many styles are ideal for a thousand different settings. When paired with a fitted skirt suit, high-heel boots can enhance your look at work; if it’s cool outside, consider adding leggings or tights. For a more casual look, wear jeans and a T-shirt. Fitted jeans are perfect for tucking into your boots, but boot-cut jeans can give a more relaxed feel. It can also be cute to have just the toe of your boot sticking out from beneath your wide pant leg.
This boot style has endless possibilities and, when done right, black high-heel boots can be sexy, sensible, cool, or anything in between.
If you prefer a heeled ankle boot, you’re in the perfect position to be trendy. Pair your boots with skinny jeans, a fun funky T-shirt and you’re ready in a moment for a night on the town. Get a little dressier by exchanging the T-shirt for a fashionable blouse. A blouse and dress slacks combined with a black ankle boot is perfect for most work settings. Black ankle boots can be set off with light-colored trousers, if you desire.
For those who want to make their legs look long and slender, a pair of leggings or tights that match the boots can lend an air of sophistication.
Knee-high black boots are something of a fashion statement and, with the right heel, can truly accentuate the legs. Taller boots look great with wide leg jeans or even a short skirt, if you like to show off your knees. For those women who enjoy the vintage look, knee-high boots fit very well with wrap dresses and jumpers.
The problem with these different boot styles is that they all have heels. For the woman who can’t walk in heels, is too tall for heels, or simply prefers flatter footwear, flat black boots are available at many retailers. These can be of a variety of heights and are extremely comfortable.
The taller boots work well with A-lined skirts; the shorter versions match slim or boot leg jeans almost perfectly. You can also purchase more rugged-looking boots for a down-to-earth look. The possibilities are endless with flat boots.
For the fashion-conscious woman, at least one pair of black boots is a necessity. Choose the style that works best for you, your body type and current wardrobe — and get creative. With a pair of black boots, you can embrace any color that strikes your fancy and dress for any occasion.
Swaddling is an ancient technique that has been practiced around the world. Though its popularity in western cultures had waned in the past two centuries, in recent years it has seen a resurgence. Now many hospitals and doctors are recommending that parents swaddle their children. Swaddling offers a measure of comfort, warmth and safety to your baby that is otherwise hard to come by. It can soothe a fussy baby and encourage a deep sleep.
How to Swaddle a Baby
Learning how to swaddle a baby sounds easy but in practice it can be difficult to master. Use only lightweight muslin or cotton to swaddle your baby to avoid overheating. Synthetic blankets aren’t very breathable and can trap heat, possible making your baby ill or even suffering from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also avoid using any additional blankets or pillows for warmth, as these could possibly smother your baby. Don’t worry about your baby getting cold. She will be warm enough once she’s swaddled.
Swaddling involves wrapping your baby in the chosen blanket, leaving only the head uncovered. Use the arms to anchor the blanket in place. Use the blanket to fully encase your baby, restricting her ability to move freely. This helps to eliminate twitching which can wake your baby, leading to a more prolonged sleep.
Reasons to Swaddle Your Baby
There are many good reasons to swaddle a baby. The security and pressure provided by swaddling mimics the safety of the womb. There have been many studies that suggest that swaddled babies feel so secure that they actually sleep longer and deeper than those not swaddled. This leads to a better rested child and parent, which is beneficial for everyone. Swaddled babies move less, and so are more likely to remain on their backs. A child who sleeps on her back is at reduced risk of SIDS.
Premature babies seem to especially benefit from swaddling. Research shows that premature babies who are swaddled are more likely to increase their birth weight faster than those who are not. They develop stronger muscles and the pressure exerted by swaddling might offer some relief for colicky babies.
Swaddling, though quite beneficial, is not a cure-all. It should not be used as an attempt to quite a distressed child. Babies cry for a variety of reasons, such as hunger, a dirty diaper, or simply because they need you. Swaddling is not a method to avoid meeting these needs. Swaddling should only be used as a method of comforting your child and securing a better rest for everyone involved. A newborn child who is screaming, swaddled or not, should not be ignored.
Swaddling is a wonderful method for helping your child to feel calm, comforted, and secure. It is an excellent way to bring a measure of peace into a household and is a perfect fit for many families. Keep in mind, however, that while most babies love to be swaddled, some do not like it at all. Each baby is unique, so you will have to discover if swaddling is the right choice for your baby.
Bearded dragons are stunning animals that make perfect family pets. However, their good looks often prompt people to buy them before actually preparing to bring a bearded dragon into their home. If you’re considering purchasing a bearded dragon for your family, make sure it is in good health and is older than 6 weeks. Younger ones may be cute, but an older dragon will be less prone to stress and other ailments.
Take the time to research the bearded dragon and create an environment suitable for its tastes. Caring for a bearded dragon is really no more complicated than most animals. However, your bearded dragon is not a cat or a dog and needs specialized care.
Enclosure for a Bearded Dragon
Your bearded dragon needs a house, and it needs a very special house to stay healthy and happy. It is often tempting to stick a bearded dragon in any old aquarium, but consider how large your bearded dragon will eventually grow. Within the first few months of life, your bearded dragon will grow to need a 40gal aquarium. Save yourself some time, money, and frustration and purchase the correct size in the beginning. Also make sure you have a proper lid. Bearded dragons require airflow, so consider a screen or mesh lid that is well secured. Solid materials such as glass, plywood, or plastic should not be used.
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons eat a wide variety of foods including both plant and animal matter, as long as the pieces are small; large pieces are hazardous. Supply greens such as kale, mustard greens, and collard greens for your pet. Also consider offering sweet potato, green beans, and parsnips. Squash can be offered, but only if it has been cooked until soft and then thoroughly cooled. Keep greens available at all times, spraying with water to keep them fresh. This will also help hydrate your bearded dragon.
Most people feed their bearded dragons crickets, anywhere from 20-60 a day. In general, you should feed your pet until it doesn’t want any more. Older dragons can be offered more than crickets. Try mealworms, red worms, earthworms, and even cockroaches. However, purchase these things only from a pet supply store. Wild insects and worms may carry diseases or parasites that can harm your dragon. Remember to dust the crickets (or other food) with calcium powder and a multivitamin supplement to keep your dragon healthy and happy.
Lighting for Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons like light, so you’ll need a UV light of some kind. Place the UV light so that it shines directly on the bearded dragon, not through the glass. This usually means placing it above the enclosure so that it can shine through the mesh top. It is generally a good idea to provide your bearded dragon with 12-14 hours of consecutive light, so keep replacement bulbs on hand.
Substrate for a Bearded Dragon
One of the biggest mistakes new owners make with bearded dragons is not providing appropriate substrate. Younger dragons are usually happy with newspaper or paper towels. Reptile grass may look good, but make sure it doesn’t have little loops that can tangle around your bearded dragon’s claws. This can cause trauma that you and your pet simply don’t need. Older dragons enjoy sand. You could purchase fancy reptile sand, but it’s expensive. Instead, consider play sand that can be acquired for very little money from your local hardware store, especially in the spring. Don’t get too creative in your choice of substrate. Your pet may eat it and become ill.
Temperature for a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons like a variation in temperature. To this end, you’ll have to provide a cool area and a warm area that can be used for basking. The cool area can be room temperature, but the warm area needs to be significantly warmer. 95F is a good temperature for most adults. Younger bearded dragons may like it as high as 110F. Use a basking light to create this heat, not heated rocks. Heated rocks can burn the sensitive underside of your bearded dragon.
Bearded dragons need very specialized care. You’ll have to take the time to supply an appropriate habitat and the right foods. However, this effort is rewarded by a pet that is trusting, fun, and endearing. Bearded dragons can bring joy into your home, and you owe it to your pet to take proper care of your new family member.
