How to Play Poker and the Lessons that Follow--Adam

 

How to--Makayla

 

I have always gotten a lot of creative inspiration from my mom. From a very young age, I have

always watched her participate in crafts at any event we attend, do crafts at home, including

scrapbooking, making hair accessories, making jewelry, etc. I remember sitting down with her

one night while she was making me hair clips and we were just watching a movie and I was

helping her to choose what kind of styles and patterns to choose for the hair clips, it is one of my

favorite memories that I have of her and I. Now, personally I am not exactly the most crafty

person, but I do love making my own jewelry and making jewelry for others. My style of jewelry

making has definitely grown and improved over the years. I don't remember when exactly I

started making my own jewelry, but I always remember watching my mom make hers and just

sitting there in awe wondering how she has the creativity to make something so incredible. She

has taught me everything I need to know when making my jewelry, from the right tools to the

color palette of beads to use. So through many many trials, here I am, sharing my knowledge of

how to make a necklace and I just want to thank my mother for teaching me something I will

carry on for the rest of my life. And I hope that you will also learn something new and try to

make your own jewelry as well!

Tools Needed:

-Wire (it does not matter what size, choose what makes you most comfortable)

*for this necklace I will be using 0.30mm

-Jewelry Pliers (round needle and nose pliers - doesn´t matter which you use for this)

-Wire cutter

-Bead crimping plier

-Crimp beads

-Regular beads

-Clasp and jump ring

Step 1:

Select which beads you want and start placing them in the pattern desired. (This step might take

a while and that is okay! Do what makes you happy, so get comfortable, play some music and

just have fun!)

Step 2:

Measure the wire around your neck to the desired length. Then add on a few extra inches to the

wire (this is crucial for later). Now cut the wire (with your wire cutters)

*note- only use your wire cutters for wire, otherwise they will get damaged and it will be a

struggle trying to cut wire.

Step 3:

Start placing the beads on your cut wire.

*Tip: get a clamp to place on the end of one side of the wire so your beads don´t fall off by

accident.

(I made this mistake and lost half of my work and had to restart -but mistakes like that are okay!)

Step 4:

Once you have all of your beads placed on the wire now you grab your crimp beads and crimp

plier. This step is the trickiest, so I will try my absolute best to explain thoroughly. You will also

need an ending clasp and jump ring.

Here is what they look like:

Place one of the crimp beads on one end of the wire, along with either the clasp or the jump

ring. (This is why you needed to add on a few inches to the wire when measuring)

Step 5:

Now take the end of the wire and wrap around the ring and place it back through the crimp

bead. Another tip: put the wire through some beads as well to secure the ending more.

Here is what that should look like:

Now, pull the wire tight, but not too tight. Make the ending snug. Once you do that you are ready

for the next step.

Step 6:

For this step, you will need your crimping pliers. To make sure you have the right pliers, check

the tip. There should be two holes. Once you have this, take the pliers and lift up the end of the

necklace. Remember the crimp bead you placed on the end? Now take the pliers and grab it

with the lower hole.

Squeeze the pliers tight, flatten out the crimp bead.

Now once flattened, place the bead through the first hole of the crimp pliers. Grab the folded

ends of the bead, and squeeze tight again. This will create another fold. Once that is completed,

just go around squeezing the bead to secure it more.

Repeat this step on the other side of the necklace. Now, you can cut off the excess wire sticking

out.

Congratulations! You have now made your necklace! I hope that you try this out and let me

know how it goes!

How To: Be an Artist--Annie

 

Art can be defined as a form of expression and imagination used widely throughout the world.

Art reaches many people and reflects the thoughts and actions of everyone around us. It has

many types, forms, and there are many ways to be an artist. In this case, I am talking about the

physical form, specifically drawing and painting. Art is a huge part of my life, as I have been

drawing since I was a little child. It has become a very therapeutic coping mechanism for me

when going through tough situations. Over the years, I have practiced the art of painting and

drawing and have used it to express myself and share a piece of myself with the world. Next

year, I am going to go to art school and hope to fulfill my dream of being a full time artist. Now, it

is your turn to learn how to be an artist.

Step 1: Find Inspiration

The first thing you’re going to do is find your subject or inspiration behind your potential piece of

art. An inspiration can be anything from a person to an animal, or even a place or feeling. Many

artists use art to express emotions and experiences. Having something that inspires you to

create drives the motivation to start.

Step 2: Get in the Right Mindset

It is very important to understand that art is very subjective and that the idea of “good” is up to

interpretation. Especially when practicing something new, you will have to learn that the end

product may not measure up to what you may have envision at the beginning. Art is not about

the finished piece, but the process of what goes on in between. Anyone and everyone can be

an artist. Getting into the mindset of enjoying the process, rather than being “good” makes for a

good experience.

Step 3: Pick Your Medium

The next step is to choose how you’d like to create your art. Mediums come in many different

forms and varieties so this is a personal preference. Watercolor, markers, graphite, paint,

colored pencils, and oil pastels are a few well known mediums, but you can use absolutely

anything to show your creativity.

Step 4: Find Your Canvas

Step four is to find your canvas- find what or where you’d like to create your art. The most

popular choice, especially when painting, is a cotton canvas which can be found at any of your

local arts and craft stores. But, art can be created anywhere and on anything. Many artists paint

on walls or wood or just anything they can get their hands on. To start, I would recommend a

simple piece of paper. But for this tutorial, I’ll be referencing a cotton canvas.

Step 5: Begin to Create

Once you have your inspiration, the right mindset, the supplies based on your chosen canvas

and medium, you are ready to create! The first stroke or mark you make is well known to be the

hardest, mostly because of fear. One tip I like to do before painting is writing something on the

canvas first. It can be anything from motivating to just writing your current emotions. Art can be

very therapeutic if you let it. After writing something, I take a color and paint the canvas all over,

covering up the words. When doing this, you get over the fear of ruining a blank canvas and

only you know what’s underneath your amazing piece of art. Art has no timeline on how long it

needs to take. Many people spend years on one piece or just minutes. There’s no pressure

when it comes to releasing your creativity.

Step 6: Be Proud of What You’ve Created

The last and final step is to admire what you’ve created! Creating any type of art is a huge

accomplishment. After creating something, it can be very easy to go back and critique things

you should’ve done better. Having the right mindset circles back here. Although reflecting back

on work is used to learn how to improve, ultimately be proud of what you’ve done.

Having the passion and talent to become an artist will inspire others to release their emotions in

their own artistic way. I have found much joy in making art and I hope I was able to pass along

my experience to any reader who chooses to try something new and create! Remember to put

in your best effort and not be afraid to make mistakes!

How To Falscara Lashes--Scarlet

 

For all my girls out there that use false eyelashes or are wasting your money on eyelash

extensions! Yes, eyelash extensions may be convenient and have you looking cute and ready

for a week or two but once they start falling out, you go through the awkward spider lashes

phase. Not only are they expensive to maintain but they also ruin your natural lashes as well. As

well as false eyelashes which use all that nasty glue that collects bacteria into your eyelashes.

Instead, what I do is falscara lashes. Which is basically using false eyelashes or eyelash

clusters to give the extension effect and they last you at least 3-6 days in a week. I was so tired

of paying every two weeks a hundred dollars or more for extensions. And once you had

extensions you can’t go back to natural because all of your natural lashes are being pulled out.

But with the falscara lashes all you need is an oil based remover to remove the lashes and the

glue without pulling on anything. In order to give off the extension look the falscara clusters are

applied under the lash line instead of at the top so they almost look like your natural lashes. You

may have seen this many times on the social media app Tik Tok. Specifically from the tik toker

Yasmine Topacio which is who introduced it first on tik tok. She is basically a pro at these false

eyelash hacks and sponsors many brands such as Lashify and Kiss for their lash clusters and

lash glue. I love anything that is involved with beauty. Which is why doing my own lashes

interested me so much. Beauty these days is expensive to keep up with and learning how to do

all these essential beauty things yourself I believe has made life so much easier. No

appointments to make or people to tip. As well as doing my own lashes I am beginning to learn

how to do my own nails. Of course it is not the same as going to a salon to get your nails or

lashes done but it gives exactly what it needs to give for the small period of time.

Tools Needed:

- False Eyelashes or Lash Clusters

- Scissors (used to cut the false lashes into proper amount of clusters to fit eye shape)

- Lash tweezers (easy use to apply lashes at the proper angle)

- Falscara Glue

- Spooly brush (Brush out and separate natural lashes from falscara glue)

- Sealer (to avoid stickiness of eyelids and bottom lashes after lashes are done)

- Mini Fan (to dry the glue)

Steps:

- Go to any drug store and buy your favorite pair of eyelashes, one of two pairs if you want

the full look will do fine. (You can also buy lash clusters on amazon which are already

pre cut and sized for you)

- Cut the false eyelashes into 5 parts or however many parts needed to fit your entire lash

line. The reason why it needs to be cut is because it will stick to the lashes better

individually and leave less weight on your natural lashes.

- Apply the falscara glue onto your lashes but only apply about once or twice or else the

glue will start to get clumpy

- Let glue dry for a minute or so and give it time to get tacky. The reason for this is so that

when you are plying your lashes the glue is already somewhat dry and will be able to

stick easier because it is at the perfect amount of tackiness (not required but

recommended)

- For the first 2 lashes in the inner corner of your eyes add a small amount of lash glue to

the band just because they have to stick to smaller amount of lashes making it easier to

fall off

- Apply the 2 front lashes under your lash line right next to one another

- Using your lash tweezers grab each individual lash at a time and apply a small amount

of glue to the lash band but NOT the lash itself for the other 3 pieces. I do this so that the

lashes have a better chance of staying longer and feel more secure (most people don’t

apply it to the lash band but I recommend it for longer lasting lashes)

- Once all lashes are applied, use a spooley to brush out your natural lashes behind the

false lashes so your lashes don’t look clumpy and stuck together by glue

- Lastly, apply the sealer which should harden the glue and avoid your lashes from

sticking together when you blink and turn on the mini fan to help speed up the drying

process

FINISHED PRODUCT!

How To...Architecture Design--Haoshen

 

In some of my earliest memory of my childhood, I recall that my grandfather always invite me to

his construction site to visit different projects constructed by his company. Not only that, but my

parents also bought me Lego sets, and they build them with me. After the influence of my family,

I want to become a construction engineer since I was young. Starting from my freshmen year, I

was deeply interested and enrolled in an architectural design class offered by our school. In my

first year of learning architectural design, we were required to learn to draw items from different

perspectives and learn to draw the layout of the house on the computer by using an app named

“AutoCad”. One of my most memorable experiences in freshmen year was gained while

participating in an after-school digital architectural program called ACE. It is always easier to

indulge in pursuit out of pure interest, rather than to engage in something that requires

comprehensive research and analysis. During the second semester when I started on my final

project of the year, all students were forced to transfer to distance learning, and I only had the

chance to finish the layout.

After returning to school in junior year, I had the chance to continue learning and start designing

my house. Of all types of building styles, the modern style is my favorite and all of the projects I

built involved modern style elements. When I first started to design and construct it into a

3-dimensional model I faced many difficulties, but it is meaningful and I solved many obstacles

through this design. I enjoy designing houses and I’d like to share the steps and some of the

techniques I used.

1. First started to make the rough shape of the house by making a 2-dimensional drawing

on the computer that guide us through the later processes.

2. Then, we can start constructing the house by putting floors and walls together to map out

the basic shape.

Laying out the basic shape of the house is the easiest step of the building and in the later steps,

all of the existing parts need to be broken down into smaller components to construct all the

details. Since I was constructing this house through Solid Work, the software school provided,

most of the panel textures are not included in this application.

3. To add different textures to the wall, we need to duplicate the wall we use for the outline,

then edit the setting of the wall. For glass panels, we only need to search on Solid Work,

then it would show different styles of glass panels for you to select. One of the unique

features of Solid Work is we can sample the textures online and design your panel.

Other than glass, I added dark green wood, brick floor, and birch wood textures into this

build.

4. For different textures to show on the wall, we need to remove the walls for the outline

and replace the walls with textures each time when they are needed.

5. Add texture to all walls and extrude openings for doors and stairs. Doors can be easily

found in the component inventory that Solid Work provided, and when placing stairs, the

arrow on the stair will point to the next level of the floorplan (from the first floor to the

second floor).

6. Next, I added a terrain below the second floor to fill the emptiness. Creating blocks of

stone is one of the most difficult steps. However, I break up the block of stone, the stairs

at the door, and the ramp. For the stairs, I stacked four walls together, two 10-foot walls

and two 9-foot walls. Then the ramp can be created through the component that the

software includes.

7. Make a roof that extends a foot out from each side of the wall, but it will be removed

when decorating the inner details and adding furniture.

8. Add furniture for different rooms

9. Lastly, add lawns and plants around to decorate the house.

This house is the first project that I completed with Solid Work, and I was not familiar with the

features and how to use this new software. Even if it’s not the best build I designed, but for sure

it is the most memorable house I constructed. After three years of learning and adapting

different software, I mastered many skills and I completed the class with a modern-style house

as the final project. This knowledge may not be enough for my future career, but I would not

stop working towards my goal to become a construction engineer.

How To...Be the Best Version of Yourself--Alessandra

 

Being the best version of yourself does not only mean looking your best, but it also

means feeling your best. Our generation compared those of our parents, grandparents, etc., has

really struggled with mental health as a result of self image problems that have been brought on

by social media. This guide is meant to help you explore different ways to cope with the mental

side of being the best version of yourself. Personally I really struggle with anxiety and a lack of

self confidence that affects me on a daily basis, however as I have learned different coping skills

I have noticed that my panic attacks are not as bad and that I do have more confidence now.

To start off, easy ways to make yourself feel better are to work out, have routines, and eat

healthy food. While these things may seem very basic they actually make a significant difference

in someone's mood. Working out releases endorphins that genuinely just make you feel better. In

the past I have slipped into what you would call athlete’s depression; following the tearing of a

ligament in my ankle, that essentially put me out of sports for about 4 months. But once my

injury had somewhat subsided and I was able to exercise again my mood significantly improved.

It is also important to establish routines. For instance, I have a bedtime routine that takes about

40 minutes. Now I know to some that may sound ridiculous, but for me that self care time of

lotioning and doing my skincare really just makes me feel good about myself. Remember that

good hygiene not only makes you feel good on the outside but it also makes you feel good on the

inside. Lastly as you slowly get into your self care era, eating healthy is a really important factor

in being the best version of you. Eating the right kind of food delivers you proper nutrients that

can help you feel energized, have less mood swings, and be more attentive to others around you.

These three methods are the basis to becoming the best version of yourself. We all have to start

somewhere and completing or practicing these steps will have a huge impact on your mental

health allowing you to not only be better for yourself, but you will also be better for those around

you.

After you have been able to practice the previously mentioned three methods, it’s time to

start focusing on implementing methods that aim to help you relax and calm your mind.

Himalayan salt lamps, humidifiers, colored lights, candles, and music are all different tools that

help me to learn how to be present in the moment and really just stay grounded. I would suggest

starting off with colored lights. Not only do colored lights help me express my mood but they

also soothe me. If colored lights don’t work for you or you are ready to practice more methods, I

would suggest getting a humidifier. A humidifier helps with sinuses and reduces stress and

fatigue. It’s good for both your mental and physical health and can thus help you to become the

best version of yourself. Next I would look into listening to music, preferably something that lifts

your mood and doesn’t make you feel worse about yourself. I like to listen to Jhene Aiko,

Summer Walker, and SZA. While I listen to music I usually play it on a speaker so I don’t

damage my eardrums and I am usually doing homework or working out or even just laying in my

bed doing nothing. Music plays a huge factor in someone’s mood and can make you feel better

about yourself. Lastly I’d suggest getting a himalayan salt lamp and a yummy smelling candle.

While the salt lamp does nothing besides give off light, it honestly just makes my aura feel

centered and grounded. However, having a yummy smelling candle is not only good for your

senses, but it also lifts your spirits and it can help you to relax. Having a candle that smells

homey like strawberry shortcake versus one that smells like pine, helps you to relax and detoxify.

These methods should help you to feel stress and worry free.

To top it all off, if you truly wanna become the best version of yourself, it’s vital that you

find a support system that you are able to talk to about pretty much anything. For example, your

mom, dad, siblings, or friend(s), can be those people who you are able to vent to that way you

don’t have to carry a lot of burden so to say upon your shoulders. You should also plan on

spending time with friends and family. In order to be open to showing love to others you need to

be able to receive it as well. All these steps and methods will take you on a journey to becoming

a better person and the best version of yourself.

How to--Emma

 

I have always loved doing crafts and anything that lets me be creative. When on a trip to Florida about five years ago, my older sister had begun learning how to crochet. I instantly was intrigued. I then convinced her to attempt to teach me how to crochet as I was instantly interested. Through the remainder of the trip, I practiced every moment of free time I had to continue to improve and grow my skills. By the end of the trip I had improved enough to crochet half of a small tank top on the flight home. My love and dedication for crocheting just grew from there. Now, I have taken on projects that range from something as small and simple as a keychain to a small shirt to even something as large and time consuming as a blanket. Although each of these projects came with their own set of challenges, each allowed me to grow and learn new things to continue to improve multiple skills regarding crocheting as well as skills that helped me grow as a person. My favorite item I have made, however, was a small crocheted octopus. Not only is the creating process of the octopus simple, but the meaning and story behind it is what has my heart. At first, I made the octopus as a little decoration for my car, but after my mom saw it she asked me to make her one, and after my older sister saw it she also asked for one. So, this octopus has sort of become a symbol of our love for each other and a reminder to drive and come home safely. Also, the octopus is really cute! If you follow my step by step very carefully you can create your own cute little octopus for you and your loved ones to share! 

Tools Needed:

 - Any colored medium weight yarn (about 7g)

 - A 3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook 

 - Two 6 mm safety eyes 

 - Polyester stuffing

 - A pair of scissors

 - A yarn needle 

 - Stitch marker (to keep track of the correct number of rounds) 

Steps:

 (To make it easier for you to follow along, the correct number of stitches will be provided at the end of each step in parentheses) 

1. Make a magic ring of six single crochets. To make a magic ring, loop the yarn over your fingers and make an X. Then, put your hook under the top string of the X and pull the bottom string so that it is on your hook and under the top string. Then loop the yarn through that small hole the string has formed. After your magic ring is made, put six single crochets inside of the ring. Lastly, once done with the single crochets, pull the string to close the ring so that it forms a circle. (6) 

Before we start step two. Make sure to put your stitch marker in the last stitch of the first round. Make sure to start every new round in the stitch AFTER the stitch marker as that marks your last stitch for the previous round. 

 2. Now, increase in each stitch. To increase in each stitch, simply put two single crochets in each stitch. (12)

3. To make round 3, make one single crochet in the first stitch, then in the next stitch do an increase (two single crochets) and repeat this process with the remainder of the stitches. (18) 

4. For the round 4-6, just single crochet in every stitch around the whole round. You should keep a stitch count of 18 after every round. When finished, this is a good time to turn your project inside out. (18)

 5. In round seven, you will begin to decrease. For this round, put one single crochet in the first stitch then a decrease and repeat the process. To decrease, put your hook in the front loops of the next two stitches. (12)

6. Next, place the safety eyes between the fifth and sixth rounds, about three stitches apart. To make sure they stay, it is recommended to put the washers that come with the eyes on the inside of the octopus. 

7. For round eight, do the same process as round seven; one single crochet then a decrease around the whole round. 

 8. Now, to make the tentacles, using the front loops only, do a slip stitch, chain six, then start in the second chain and increase in each chain. Then slip stitch in the next stitch and repeat the process eight times for eight tentacles. 

9. After completing all eight tentacles, take the polyester stuffing and stuff the inside of the octopus to your desired look. 

10. Lastly, cut the yarn from the yarn ball to where you have about 6-8 inches of yarn to be safe. With this leftover yarn, simply close the small hole using the back loops of round nine (the tentacles). Go around the circle looping the yarn in all of the back loops and after you’ve done so to all eight loops, if done correctly, pulling in the string should close the hole. Congratulations! You now have your own octopus!