| How to Discuss Important Issues with Your Parents Posted: 30 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Talking to your parents about something important can seem scary and overwhelming, and that's okay. No matter what kind of relationship you have with your parents, you still need to talk them about important issues in your life. With proper planning and going about the conversation the right way, you can reduce the fear and anxiety you may have about talking to them about an important issue or problem that you're having. EditPlanning the Conversation - Plan out what you want to say before you talk to your parents. The first thing you should do before you discuss something important with your parents is figure out what you hope the gain from the conversation. Deciding on a goal you hope to achieve with the conversation can help guide the way you approach it with your parents.[1]
- For example, the way you approach an important conversation is different if you're asking permission to do something than it would be if you needed advice or help with something.
- Write out what you want to say before you talk to your parents. You can bring your notes with you to make sure you don't forget anything when you're talking to your parents.
- Rehearse the conversation with a friend that you trust. Try to act out the conversation with a close friend or family member that can play the role of your parents and provide helpful input. It can be helpful to have someone provide feedback, and it can calm your nerves to know that you've prepared for the conversation as best as you can.[2]
- Choose a friend, sibling, or family member that you know will be honest and give you feedback that can help you shape the conversation to be the most effective it can be.
- Choose a time and place to talk to both parents at the same time. You may feel like approaching a certain parent could help you get what you want or make the conversation easier, but if it's really important, you should include both parents. Your parents will recognize that you wanted to get input from both of them and will appreciate it, which could help the conversation go easier.[3]
- If your parents aren't together, try to include one of them on a phone or video call.
- Choose a time where both parents are more likely to be in a better mood or open to a conversation, like in the evening after work, or at dinner.
- Pick a place that is appropriate for an important conversation, like the dinner table, or living room. The car or at school isn't a great idea because there will be other distractions that could derail your conversation.
EditTalking to Your Parents - Take a deep breath and calm your mind before you talk to your parents. If you start the conversation stressed out or emotional, your parents may not take your thoughts seriously. Talking about important issues with your parents means you need to approach the conversation calmly and maturely, and you can focus your thoughts by controlling your breathing.[4]
- Start by stating the issue clearly and to the point. Show your parents that you're serious by cutting to the chase and addressing the topic head-on. If you were engaging in small talk or talking about something else before, a direct statement like, "So, listen, I need to talk to you about my curfew" will turn the conversation to the issue you want to discuss.[5]
- It's okay to joke around or have a little small talk before you discuss the important issue or problem you're having, but when it comes time to talk about it, it should be all business to show your parents how important it is.
- Be honest, clear, and direct in what you say to your parents. For important issues, you shouldn't beat around the bush. Once the conversation gets going, you should continue to keep a professional and clear tone as you discuss the issues. Even if the topic is unpleasant or just flat out bad, your parents will listen better and be more helpful if you're honest and direct.[6]
- For example, you could say something like, "I don't feel that it's fair or appropriate for me to not be allowed to date." Keep a mature and professional tone.
- If you're worried or scared, tell them. They need to know everything you're thinking and feeling so they can help you.
- Don't whine or argue with your parents if they start to get upset or hesitant. Make sure you get to say everything you want to say and don't become overly emotional.
- If you wrote out what you wanted to say, use your notes if you start to get lost in what you want to say.
- Ask your parents if they have any thoughts or advice. When you have finished saying everything that you wanted to say, ask your parents what they think you should do. They will appreciate that you are asking for help and may have some helpful advice for you. It's also an opportunity to clear up any confusion they may have because you can answer their questions if they have any.[7]
- You could ask them, "I know that you both have strong feelings about where I go to college, but I also feel strongly about it, and this is a great opportunity for me. Do you have any advice on what I should do?"
- Communication is a two-way street, so keep the avenue open and welcome their input or advice.
- Even if you have to discuss something negative that you've done, you can still ask them for advice on what you can do about it.
- Showing humility and asking for help is a sign of maturity and your parents will notice it.
- Understand your parents' point of view. No matter what your parents decide or say in the discussion, you need to try to understand where they are coming from. If they get angry or deny a request, don't become angry yourself. Instead, try to see why they would make their decision and respect it, even if you don't agree with it.[8]
- Showing your parents that you understand their viewpoint can make them more willing to see yours as well.
- Your parents are more likely to respect your views and see you as an adult if you act maturely and keep your cool even when they don't give you your way.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Use Light Umbrellas Posted: 29 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT Light umbrellas are a photographer's best friend when it comes to manipulating light sources to shoot different styles of photography. Before you start using a light umbrella, you need to decide which kind of umbrella best suits the style of photography you want to shoot. After you've decided on the right light umbrella, you need to know how to position it and adjust it to change the intensity of the light and shadows and get the perfect photo. EditChoosing a Light Umbrella - Choose a shoot-through umbrella if you want broader and softer light. Shoot-through umbrellas are ideal for shooting groups of people or larger areas. Shoot-through umbrellas are white so they allow light to pass through them.[1]
- A shoot-through umbrella will be positioned between your subject and the light source when shooting to diffuse the light before it reaches the subject.
- Use a reflective umbrella if you want to maximize light output and direct light. Reflective umbrellas bounce light back directly onto a subject and are best for creating a crisp picture, such as a portrait. Reflective umbrellas have a black top and a silver shade for reflecting light.[2]
- A reflective umbrella will be placed with a light source between it and the subject to bounce the light back directly onto the subject when you shoot.
- Select a convertible umbrella for the most versatile option. A convertible photography umbrella is white and has a removable black cover. These types of umbrellas can be used as both a shoot-through and a reflective umbrella and are ideal if you want to shoot a variety of subjects.[3]
- Keep in mind that bigger umbrellas are also more versatile and give you more control than smaller ones. A umbrella will give you the most control over your lighting, but they are also harder to travel with and harder to open in smaller spaces.
EditShooting with a Shoot-Through Umbrella - Face the shade of the umbrella away from your subject. Open and set up your umbrella so that the top is pointing at the subject. Make sure you have room to set up your light source on the other side of the umbrella.[4]
- Remember that shoot-through umbrellas are best when you want to achieve a soft glow instead of directly illuminating your subject. They work well for indoor photography.
- Aim your light source directly at your subject through the shade of the umbrella. Set up your light source on the other side of the umbrella from your subject. Turn on the light source and make sure that it fills up the underside of the umbrella evenly, with no light spilling over the edges.[5]
- Move your light source further back from the umbrella if there are any spots that are brighter than others. Adjust the distance between the umbrella and the light until you get even coverage.
- Adjust the angle of the light if you want to hide shadows. Change the angle at which the light source and umbrella are aimed at your subject to put the shadows behind the subject. This is especially important when you are shooting portraits.[6]
- You can play with the angles to create different shadow effects as well if you don't want to completely get rid of shadows.
EditUsing a Reflective Umbrella - Point the shade of the umbrella towards your subject. Open the umbrella and set it up so the top is pointing away from your subject. Make sure there is room between the umbrella and your subject to put your light source.[7]
- Remember that reflective umbrellas are best used to brighten a subject by bouncing light back onto it.
- Aim your light source away from your subject at the shade of the umbrella. Place your light source between your subject and the underside of the umbrella. Aim the light directly at the silver shade of the umbrella so it fills the entire underside evenly.[8]
- Adjust the distance between the light source and the shade if there are any spots that are brighter than others until it is reflected evenly.
- Change the position of the umbrella if you want to get stronger or softer light. Move the light closer to the umbrella to create stronger light and shadows. Move it further away to create softer light and shadows.[9]
- The center of the umbrella has the most light output. You can tilt the umbrella so that the center is aimed directly at your subject for the most direct light, or tilt it away so the sides are aimed at your subject for less direct light.
EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Mend a Crack in Pottery Posted: 29 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Pottery is a subset under the broader category of ceramics, and it's commonly used for everyday life, like eating and drinking.[1] Pottery and ceramics in general can often be repaired using the same methods. So, the next time your favorite piece of pottery gets cracked or chipped, don't even consider throwing it out! Instead, try fixing it first. A 2-part epoxy adhesive can work wonders and repair broken pieces of pottery so that they look almost-new once again, and you can fill chips with an epoxy filler. EditUsing a 2-Part Epoxy - Fill a bucket with sand to use as a holder. This won't be necessary for all repairs, but it can be really helpful for items that need to be fixed while held at an angle. Nestle the broken pottery piece into the sand so that the cracked section is facing up. This enables you to use both hands to make the repairs.[2]
- If you don't have sand, you can also use rice to the same effect.
- You could also use a large pot, a shallow serving dish, or something similar to hold the sand as long as it's deep enough to fully support the pottery.
- Sand the edges of the chipped area to smooth ragged edges. Use fine sandpaper on both the edges of the broken-off piece and the main piece of pottery. Use a back and forth motion with light pressure until the edges are smooth.[3]
- If you're fixing a crack rather than a full break, you don't need to worry about sanding the piece at this point.
- Clean the broken pieces with denatured or 91% alcohol and cotton balls. Wipe down the edges both from the main piece of pottery and from the broken-off piece. Let them air dry completely afterwards before moving on to the next step.[4]
- This will ultimately help the adhesive do its job better as there won't be any dirt in the way.
- Mix a 2-part epoxy adhesive to fill cracks and reattach broken pieces. Squeeze the epoxy onto a non-porous disposable surface, like a thin sheet of plastic, and use a wooden or plastic stick to mix together the 2 components as quickly as possible. It'll start to harden after 3 to 4 minutes, so you need to work fast.[5]
- Some 2-part epoxies come in a container with a syringe that will distribute both parts equally for you. If yours doesn't come with that, disperse each part of the epoxy in lines so that you can gauge by eye that the 2 components are equal.
- Avoid using superglue for repairs. Superglue is very thin, and while it's strong, it won't protect your pottery from future breakages along the same cracks as well as epoxy will.
- Apply the epoxy to each edge of the broken sections. Use the wooden or plastic stick to line the edges of the piece of pottery as well as the cracked piece with epoxy. Don't worry about using too much or if it is going over the edges—you'll be able to remove that excess epoxy later on.[6]
- If you're working with a crack rather than a break, use a toothpick to apply the epoxy to the crack. Push the epoxy into the crack as far as you can, then squeeze the piece together so the crack adheres back together.
- Press the broken section back into place as firmly as you can. It's totally okay if epoxy squeezes out around the edges. Get it in line as perfectly as you can and hold it in place for about 30 seconds or as long as the epoxy directions instruct.[7]
- If you're worried about getting the adhesive onto your hands, wear a pair of rubber gloves while you work.
- If there is more than one piece to reattach, do one at a time rather than trying to do them all at once.
- If the pieces aren't staying together well because of the position of the pottery, use a small piece of modeling clay to pinch the edges together. It'll come right off once the piece has fully dried.
- Scrape away the excess epoxy with a razor after 20 minutes. You can use a razor blade or a sharp, flat-edged knife. Simply run the blade along the surface of the piece of pottery and slice off any sections of raised dried epoxy.[8]
- Most fast-acting epoxies take about 20 minutes to fully set, but always follow the instructions for whatever brand you're using.
- Sand over the edges of the cracks to make the surface perfectly smooth. Take 220-grit sandpaper and rub it very lightly over the sealed cracks on your piece of pottery. This will just finish the process so that there are absolutely no bumps or imperfections on your piece.[9]
- To double-check the surface run your thumb over the sealed cracks. The sensitivity in your finger should allow you to easily feel if there are more sections that need to be sanded.
- Paint over the repaired cracked lines if desired. You may not want to or need to do this since the epoxy dries clear, but if you think the cracks are too visible, use acrylic paint to cover those lines. Mix your colors carefully to get as close a match to the original color as possible.[10]
- You can also spray an acrylic gloss over the repaired area if the rest of the piece is shiny and you want the crack lines to be less noticeable.
EditFilling in Chipped Areas - Wipe off dust and grime from the pottery with a swab of alcohol. Use denatured alcohol or 91% alcohol and a cotton ball. Let the item air dry completely before moving on to the next step.[11]
- Don't skip this part even if you can't see any visible grime in the chip. There could be built up oils or residue that you can't see but that could get in the way of the epoxy adhering to the pottery.
- Use 2-part epoxy filler to fill in chips in your pottery. You can buy epoxy filler online or at a home improvement store. Most brands come with 2 components: the filler and a hardener that has to be mixed with the filler once it's ready to be used.[12]
- You could also use a polyester filler to the same effect. Polyester filler tends to be a little less expensive than epoxy filler, but the epoxy filler is usually a little easier to handle and takes less time to dry.
- Follow the instructions and mix the filler and the hardener. Squeeze out enough filler to completely fill the chip you're repairing. Read the directions to determine how much hardener you need to mix in with the filler so that it'll work properly.[13]
- Work quickly—the hardener will only allow you 4 to 5 minutes to work with the filler before it gets too stiff to be pliable still.
- For the best results, work in a room that is or warmer.
- Fill the chipped section completely with the prepared filler. Use a wooden or plastic stick to fill the entire chipped area with the filler. If needed, use a toothpick to poke it into small, hard to reach areas. It's okay if the filler isn't even with the rest of the pottery—you'll deal with that part later.[14]
- Even though the filler might resemble putty, don't use your hands to put it in place. Continue using your wooden or plastic stick.
- Shave off the excess filler with a razor once it has hardened. Epoxy filler can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days to harden, so make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for that information. Use a razor or a straight-edged knife to shave off larger chunks of filler that is raised up over the surface of the piece of pottery.[15]
- Don't worry about getting the edges to look perfect with the razor. You'll use sandpaper later on to smooth things out.
- Sandpaper the filler-filled area to smooth it down. Take a piece of 220-grit sandpaper and gently rub it back and forth over the repaired area. Keep working at it until the surface is once again completely smooth.[16]
- Once you're done sanding, give the piece another wipe down with alcohol to get rid of any sandpaper and filler residue.
- Paint the repaired area with acrylic paint to match the original color. Because the filler is most likely brown or white, you'll probably want to paint it so it doesn't stick out as much from the rest of the piece. Take your time matching the color of the paint to the color of the piece of pottery.[17]
- Finish the piece with a coat of clear spray acrylic to give it a shine. This spray will add a layer of gloss to the repaired area, which will make it stand out from the rest of the piece less. If possible, use the spray outside or in a well-ventilated area so that you aren't bothered by the fumes. Let the gloss completely dry before you use or display the pottery piece again.[18]
- It generally takes acrylic spray about 12 to 24 hours to completely dry. Test it by patting it with your thumb—if it still feels tacky it needs more time.
- If your broken pottery is beyond repair, consider repurposing it into a piece of art. You could embed the pieces in wet concrete to make stepping stones for a garden, or you could even sand the pieces down and make jewelry out of them.
- Many types of ceramics can be fixed using these same methods for pottery, but items made of terra cotta, stone, or plaster will require a different method altogether.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing a 2-Part Epoxy - Large bucket
- Sand
- 2-part epoxy adhesive
- Plastic or wooden stirrer for epoxy
- Non-porous surface to mix epoxy
- Tweezers (optional)
- Razor or flat-edged knife
- Toothpick
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Denatured or 91% alcohol
- Cotton balls
EditFilling in Chipped Areas - 2-part epoxy filler
- Denatured or 91% alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Razor or flat-edged knife
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear spray acrylic
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário