:Wise Money Tips

As we continue the “Why Study Math” series of articles, here we look at the conic section called the parabola. The parabola is obtained by slicing a nap of the cone (see the other articles in this series on this point) with a plane parallel to one of the generators of the cone. In plain English, this means the following: take a cone made out of styrofoam; draw a line from the apex, or point, straight down to the base; on the opposite side of this line, slice the cone with a knife, starting midway down from the top, and such that the cut is made parallel to the line on the opposite side. The resulting cut produces a shape called the parabola.

The parabola is first encountered by students in their study of high school algebra. They learn that the parabola is the curve that is produced by graphing any quadratic or second-degree equation. Unfortunately, students get bogged down by all the methods of solving these equations, and then by the necessity to sketch the graphs; alas they never get to learn the practical applications. This is a common problem in the study of mathematics. Students get lost in the forest and cannot see the trees.

What students are not taught often enough is that parabolas occur frequently in the real world. They just need to open their eyes. For example, the parabola can be seen most visibly when looking up at a suspension bridge. The trace formed by the cables as they suspend from the highest point to the lowest is in the shape of a parabola. During a basketball game, the shots taken by the players trace out a parabola in the air. In fact, this is probably one of the most common applications of the parabola: projectile motion. Any body thrown in space, moving under the force of a gravitational field and without the influence of air resistance, traces out a parabola.

In addition to the applications mentioned above, parabolic surfaces called paraboloids figure in optics and other technological applications. Reflectors and satellite dishes are in the shape of parabolic surfaces. The headlamps of your car are in this shape as well. In fact the bulb is placed at a special point called the focus of the parabola. An interesting thing to point out is that when you are driving on that dark country road and have your brights on, it is the parabolic surface of your headlamp reflectors that enable you to see further ahead. Remember that when you are trying to see whether deer are crossing ahead. Till next time…

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For most people, time is their most precious commodity. In fact, there’s often never enough time in the day to get everything done, and people face packed schedules from the time they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed. Sometimes, however, the unexpected happens: like getting a traffic ticket.

Getting a traffic ticket means one of two things: having that black mark placed on your driving record or completing traffic school to keep your record clean. Keeping your record clean once meant having to attend walk-in traffic school: eight full hours, usually on a Saturday, watching videos and listening to an instructor. For lucky students, the instructor is charismatic and makes the afternoon more bearable. Some walk-in traffic schools try to entice drivers to their schools with promises of pizza and comedy. But, even for the promise of a couple of slices of pizza and a few laughs, drivers just aren’t willing to sacrifice their days.

Fortunately, drivers have an alternative to traditional walk-in traffic school: one that will keep their driving record clean and spare them a wasted day. More and more drivers - hit with traffic violations - are turning to online traffic school or online defensive driving courses, a burgeoning industry that is poised to one day make walk-in traffic schools a thing of the past.

It’s a simple process: register for online traffic school, pay the fee and get started. Many drivers can finish the course in between four and six hours, sometimes less. With schools like TicketRelief.com, students are able to start and stop the course at their leisure. Online traffic school offers convenience - something those strapped for time so desperately need.

Ellen Koka, a mother of two, simply had no time to waste in a traditional walk-in traffic school setting. So, she turned to TicketRelief.com. She was able to finish her course in only a few hours while her children were on a playdate. “Online, Ticket Relief was the best way to get my traffic school requirements done,” she says.

Earl Jamison also knows all too well how hectic life can be. A father of two with a full-time job, Jamison had already sat through two walk-in traffic courses when he was hit with another traffic ticket. This time, however, he was no longer willing or able to spend eight hours in a classroom. So, he turned to the internet. “The fact that I could take traffic school whenever I wanted was just too convenient to pass up,” he says.

“The advantages are obvious: convenient, inexpensive and being able to log in and out whenever I had the time was awesome,” Jamison continues, “I would even go as far as to say that I learned much more from this than I ever learned in any traffic school classroom course I’d taken in the past.”

Jamison, who vows he’ll turn to online traffic school in the future, isn’t the only one who’s enjoyed success with online traffic school. Cal Spinney turned to TicketRelief.com when he was hit with a traffic violation. “For my personal style of learning and working, the online flexibility and freedom trumps any advantages that might be offered in a rigid and structured classroom environment,” he says.

Of course, as with anything, there can be disadvantages to online traffic school. While most traffic schools offer prompt customer service, traditional walk-in schools have instructors who can immediately answer any questions or address concerns. Further, as Spinney points out, sometimes the clarity of course material can present a problem, albeit an easily solved one with a call or email to customer service.

“The online version offered by Ticket Relief allowed me to go at my own pace, and on my own time. However, as is to be expected, there is a premium on clarity and completeness with online courses as there is no “instructor” at hand to offer advice, corrections, or general guidance. Fortunately for students of Ticket Relief, this course has been created with full knowledge of this limitation and includes all that I needed to successfully pass through the final exam on my own,” he says.

Online traffic school also tends to offer updated material compared to that offered at traditional walk-in traffic schools. For example, TicketRelief.com updates its material annually, to ensure clarity and effectiveness. Mike P. Welch understands the importance of updated material. He attended traditional walk-in traffic school, only to find that much of the material was outdated.

“The instructor had us watch a video that was from the 1970’s and a big segment was on call boxes, which I felt was irrelevant, considering the majority of the population now has cell phones,” Welch says.

Welch, too, vows to use online traffic school should the need arise.

Among the many online traffic schools drivers can choose from is Ticket Relief, known for their dedication to customer service and quality course materials. TicketRelief.com offers drivers in California (including a Los Angeles defensive driving course and a San Diego defensive driving course), Texas and Florida an easy, convenient alternative to traditional walk-in traffic school. Poised for major expansion in the next few years, Ticket Relief aims to provide traffic courses - and other driving services such as driver’s license renewal - to drivers in all 50 states.

If their record of satisfied customers is any indication, TicketRelief.com is set to become a major player in the industry. “Ticket Relief has been complimented highly on its ease of use, user-friendly environment, and well organized traffic school course. Discounts have always been a favorite amongst students. We offer senior, student, military, and AAA discounts,” Travis, founder of TicketRelief.com, says.

To learn more about online traffic school or to register for a course, visit www.ticketrelief.com.

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Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 4 - Tools For Shaping

A civilization’s maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools. When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite advanced. There are general tools that work well in many situations, and there are specialty tools made for one specific purpose. There are tools that require only manpower and a rudimentary knowledge, and others that utilize computer programs, a wide range of knowledge, and a powerful motor. We have even learned how to harness power for our tools and package it in a small battery component, giving us the freedom to take our tools wherever we need them.

It is truly amazing and wonderful to contemplate the vast number of tools and all that woodworkers are capable of doing and creating with the help of these tools. And for many people, working with tools is one of the thrills, or even obsessions, of woodworking.

Woodworking and related tools have become so popular that there are numerous companies that manufacture these tools and thousands of places to purchase them. Combine that with the vast numbers of different types of tools and it can get overwhelming, especially if you are new to woodworking. Our experts helped us focus on the basics to develop an overview of those tools needed to get a good start in woodworking.

In the most basic terms, a woodworker needs four kinds of tools. They need a place to work, tools for cutting and shaping, tools for assembly, and finishing equipment. This simple statement provides the basis for the following discussion of woodworking tools.

The tools listed and described here represent just the tip of the iceberg. In keeping with the philosophy that it is best to learn the basics first, and to not invest large sums of money until a person is certain that they have an ongoing interest in woodworking, the emphasis is on hand tools, with a few basic power tools thrown in. These tools should prepare you for a variety of beginner projects and give you a solid foundation of equipment and knowledge to build upon.

Tools For Shaping
As you may already know, wood does not always come flat and square, even when purchased precut. In addition, you may need to size and shape pieces of wood so that they fit correctly or look the way you want them to. There are many tools used to shape wood, from those that smooth them to those that take pieces away to create lines, holes, and other features.

Planes
As opposed to a saw, or even a knife, planes cut wood away in small, uniform increments, which helps to create a smooth surface. There are many different types of hand planes. More commonly used planes are referred to as bench planes and include the scrub plane, the smoothing plane, the jack plane and the trying plane. Some planes come with more than one blade or can be adjusted for different types of cuts. Others are used only for specific purposes.

You might use a plane if you wanted to round a corner or cut a groove (with the grain) or a dado (across the grain). Specialized planes will even cut rabbet or tongue and groove joins. In many cases, a plane can take the place of a router for those who don’t have the power tool or prefer to do more traditional work.

Keep in mind that some planes can be nearly as expensive as a router to purchase, so if you plan to do a variety of specialty cuts, planes may not be the cheaper solution. A new planer can cost anywhere from $20 for a basic, amateur model to over $100 for larger specialty or combination types.

Selection Tips
Rather than going out and purchasing several different types of planes, it is best to wait until you need a particular one for a project, and then buy quality. Be sure the components fit together well and hold tight when used. Hold the plane in your hands in the position you would use when working to be sure it feels comfortable. Be sure you understand what the plane is for before purchasing it.

There are planes made of metal and of wood. Our experts had different opinions about which is best, but it was mainly based on personal preferences in material, rather than on performance. You might buy one of each to compare for yourself.

Care & Maintenance
Planes may need to be adjusted as you use them to ensure proper depth and angle. Each tool will have screws, nuts and levers to adjust different aspects. Periodically, you will need to take the plane apart, wipe it down and remove wood chips. Be careful that you understand how to put the tool back together correctly after cleaning.

The blade will eventually need sharpening. The angle and shape of the cutting edge are critical to accurate performance and vary depending on the plane. If you are uncertain, check any instructions that came with the plane or bring the tool to an expert.

Chisels & Gouges
Chisels and gouges are used to remove sections or pieces of wood to get a certain shape. They generally consist of a blade with a cutting edge attached to a wooden handle. The main difference between the two is the shape of the cutting edge. A chisel has a straight, beveled edge that makes straight marks while a gouge has a curve to it. There are numerous types and sizes of chisels and gouges, including those designed especially for woodcarving. That group is discussed in greater detail in the woodcarving section of this book.

A chisel can be pushed with your hands or struck with a mallet for more force. Gouges are used to remove wood and also to create certain shapes or features. They have curved cutting edges, ranging from a nearly flat C shape to a deep U. The shape and depth of the curve is called the sweep and is identified by a number known as the Sheffield list number. Tools with the same shape and depth of curve will have the same Sheffield number no matter how wide they are or how long the shaft. Numbers range from #1 to #12. The higher the sweep number, the more curved the blade will be. The measurement in millimeters or inches tells you the width of a tool.

Several common chisels and gouges include the firmer and the mortise. Each of these has a solid handle that will withstand blows from a mallet.

Selection Tips
Choosing a chisel or gouges is basically a matter of selecting the right tool for the job at hand. Some have special features such as reinforced blades or leather washers between the blade and handle to absorb shock. If you plan to work on projects where you will be chiseling out joint cuts or cutting curves and contours, you may want to invest in high-quality chisels and gouges. Otherwise, standard tools will do and can be purchased for $10-$15 each or as a set for around $50.

Care & Maintenance
The sharp cutting edge is the main concern on a chisel or gouge. It is relatively easy to learn to sharpen these tools with a whetstone or sharpening belt; however, we recommend having someone show you how to do this if you are uncertain, rather than try to learn by reading in a book. It is important that it be done correctly to avoid damaging the tool.

The metal on a chisel or gouge should be wiped clean and kept dry to avoid rust. Some woodworkers wax their metal blades with beeswax as an added protectant.

Other hand shaping tools include files and rasps and small power rotary tools, such as those sold by Dremel. These are smaller, handheld tools with a variety of adjustable heads, including bits for drilling and carving. They come in different sizes and sets starting under $25.

One of the power tools used most often in woodworking is a router. It comes with bits and jigs that are fabricated to make different cuts and shapes and can be used to round edges, cut channels and grooves, and carve decorative patterns. If you plan to move beyond basic beginner projects, chances are you will eventually need a router.

Tool Summary
This completes part 4 of the condensed overview of some of the tools that are commonly used in beginning woodworking projects. As you can see, this topic could and has provided the content for entire volumes of books and in order to fully understand the possibilities in woodworking and create quality projects, it is critical that you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the tools you plan to use.

It is also important to note again that each type of tool has its own care and maintenance needs that are often more specific than what has been touched on here. The details have been left out of this book to avoid overwhelming someone who is brand new to woodworking. However, their omission does not mean they aren’t important.

“Failing to care for your tools is ridiculous from a financial standpoint,” stated shop teacher, Kevin Warner. “Why spend $20 on a good quality handsaw or clamp and then allow it to go dull or rust? Not only will you loose money, your work will suffer because your tools won’t perform as intended. And it will take you more time in the long run. Taking good care of your tools is one of the first steps in becoming a serious woodworker.”

Copyright © 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact.

Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new “Woodworking Beginner’s Guide - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started”, made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.

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Welcome back to “Creating Rubber Stamps: Not All Methods Created Equal.” In parts one and two of this three-part series, the advantages and disadvantages of the laser-engraving and photopolymer rubber stamp-making processes were discussed. In this final installment, you will learn how to make custom rubber stamps and art stamps from the comfort of your very own home!

When making stamps at home, a chemical or non-chemical process can be used. Whether chemical or non-chemical, for homemade rubber stamps and art stamps, a flat eraser will become the artist’s palette. To use a non-chemical process, take a pen and outline on the stamp the image to be etched. Using a sharp item, such as a box cutter, steak knife or linoleum cutter, etch away the non-inked eraser so that all that is left is the raised image that the rubber stamp will impress. If you are not confident in your drawing skills, you may want to use a piece of tracing paper and trace the image you would to place on the rubber stamp. Once the image has been traced, flip over the tracing paper and rub the outline onto the stamp. A pin, fork, or other hard surface can also be used to make indentations of the traced surface. This may not give the most precise image; however, it will provide some guidance for artistically-challenged individuals.

If more precise guidance than tracing paper is preferred, a chemical process can also be used. First, a clear black-and-white photocopy of the image will be needed. Wet the image with acetone using a cotton swab or ball, and press the dark side of the image on the eraser. As acetone is highly flammable and may irritate skin, stay in a well-ventilated area and make as little contact with the chemical as possible. Remove the paper from the eraser; the ink will have transferred to the rubber eraser. Using the box or linoleum cutter, carve away the non-inked areas of the eraser; this will create a rubber stamp out of the raised surfaces.

After the rubber stamp has been carved, you may want to mount it on a piece of wood or other hard surface. This will promote the longevity of the stamp and keep it from suffering too much “wear and tear” while stamping. Mounting the eraser will also help the user to stay away from the ink while stamping. Another advantage of using a mounted stamp is the guarantee of a hard surface and quality impression with every imprint.

Although making a stamp by hand is an attractive option, it requires extensive hand-customization and allows little room for error. If the carver makes a mistake, they must adjust the image for the mistake or, in a worst-case scenario, start completely over. In addition to the extensive time required, there are also costs that must be incurred for each stamp created. For example, to create a 1″ x 1″ wooden-mounted stamp, the costs would be approximately:
$0.75 1″ x 1″ wood block
$0.50 rubber eraser
$6.00 Small utility knife and/or linoleum cutter
$2.00 acetone
$9.25 TOTAL

In comparison, the average cost for a 1″ x 1″ stamp online is $4.00-$6.00. While the carving tools and acetone may last for quite a while, the other costs, lack of precision and hassle-factors may prove incentive enough to purchase stamps from an online or retail store.

Whether you’re laser-engraving, creating photopolymer molds, carving rubber stamps by hand or shopping for rubber stamps online, take the knowledge from this three-part series to make your decision! If you are looking for the precision of laser-engraving, the economy of photopolymer, or the homemade look of erasers, each stamp-making method has something to offer. Remember that, when it comes to art stamp and rubber stamp customization, the possibilities are endless!

Gwendolyn Lee is a statistician and analyst of Internet-related metrics for custom rubber stamps at www.rubberstamps.net. She has researched and implemented business models to maximize profitability, efficiency and advertising tracking.

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Sporting equipment has a big business at the moment because of how extensive an effect sports has on the world. People acquire sportswear items of all types including sporting clothing, squad apparel & sporting gear. The perfect way to slim down where to come across your sporting gear is to pick what you are desire. Great camping equipment sales from www.Sportswear-Equipment.com.

The Web is the most useful place to hunt for the sports goods you would like. You can uncover a surplus of great sports retail outlets on the Web that offer anything and everything related to sports. Even though you do have to pay for transport and wait for your retail goods to be packaged to you, the assortment of equipment you will have will be far superior than those in the proper retail stores.

So where do you even start to look you may ask. If you need sporting items, there are many nationwide sports stores that supply a range of sports items. These sports shops are ideal because you can find products for all brands of sports in one central location in addition to shoes sports apparel, outdoor clothes & tennis goods.

The downside to getting sports goods at a usual outlet like these is that you may well not buy the best quality stuff on the market now. Without doubt you can acquire quality kits, but just not always the top of the line. In order to procure the top of the line sportswear kit you will need to go to a retail store that specifically sells what you are wanting. If you fancy football items, then visit a retail store that specialises on football. If you want an exact baseball bat, going to a baseball only retail shop will allow you a better possibility of discovering it.

A further type of sports equipment that brings in a lot of income is team sportswear merchandise The ideal way to illustrate you passion for your preferred cricket team or golf team is to acquire their outfit. Whether you desire a team’s socks or a favourite sportsperson’s jersey, there are countless stores on the Internet and high-street stores that you can visit to acquire what you’re searching for. One of the best retail outlets for sporting equipment on the World Wide Web is Sportswear-Equipment.com.

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What is closest to a woman’s heart? What makes a woman feel beautiful from inside? It’s not always the man she loves. Lots of times it’s what she wears closest to her heart — her lingerie. For a romantic feeling and a romantic night a fantasy Victorian or Edwardian corset lingerie will flatter a woman’s body giving a slimmer, more shapely appearance. Sensuous corset lingerie is the rage with women who wish to look and feel special. For brides to be, corset lingerie occupies a vital place in their trousseau. But you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to indulge yourself; the very feel of sexy lingerie on your body make you feel desired. Risqué corsets and bustier lingerie are just right for a woman who wishes to be daring and flaunt her sexuality.

Corsets are so flattering to the body’s shape that they make any fabric look fabulous. They all look great on all kinds of bodies. From satin waist clinchers to brocade strapless corset lingerie, each has an exotic appeal that makes every piece unique. Straps, strapless, cupless and halter necks, corset lingerie is available in any style you can imagine. There’s something for everyone, and in all sizes. Check your local lingerie shop or go online and search for corsets. There are modern gothic styles and a special selection of bridal corset lingerie.

If you wear a corset from time to time, be aware that it may cause some constriction in your breathing. Avoid strenuous exercise. If you start to feel faint, loosen the corset right away and get some good breathing in.

Corset provides detailed information on corset, leather corset, corset lingerie, corset dress and more. Corset is affiliated with Discount Lingerie.

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It can be a lot of fun to create a scrapbook for an elementary school teacher. It’s also a great way to give the teacher photos of the kids without having 25 individual photos each school year. I have found many photo taking opportunities for teachers at the elementary level.

Often there is a class photo taken by the company taking the children’s individual photos. If a full class photo was not taken, then consider taking class photos either during computer time, during singing time, or during circle time.

My kids each went to different schools yet I still found the same opportunities to take photos. Throughout the year, there were often verbal reports the kids did. Each child had their turn to deliver the report and parents were invited. Ask one parent from each day to take photos of each child delivering their report that day. If the teacher takes his/her own photos offer to pay the developing and then make a duplicate set to include in a scrapbook.

Each year my kids participated in either a play or a sing along. Take photos and then ask other parents to also share their photos of these performances.

Throughout the year there were parties in the classroom, always needing a parent volunteer. Ask the parent volunteers to take photos and share them with you for inclusion in the scrapbook.

Field trips also require parent volunteers. Again, ask those parents for copies of photos taken during the field trip.

If you have a music program at your school, consider adding the song lyrics from the songs learned during the year. Just copy them onto acid free paper, add a border and you’ve got a great page.

If you get the opportunity, ask each child to write a small thank you to the teacher for the great school year and add those to the scrapbook. Those hand written messages add a wonderful touch to a gift the teacher is sure to enjoy!

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Just because you have money doesn’t mean you have to spend it. In art collecting it can actually be a disadvantage to be flush with cash, at least when you’re a beginner. I say this because it’s harder to resist the temptation to purchase art when you have money. Even if you’re a financially disciplined person, art can play on your emotions and you can find yourself spending more freely than you ever have before. Take the time to learn about the kind of art you want to collect. Unbelievable deals don’t come around often, and they rarely come to beginning collectors. There will always be quality art to purchase. The best thing for you to do is take your time and learn, learn, learn about the artists or category of art you want to buy. When you feel that you’re ready to take the plunge and buy a piece of art, be sure to learn as much about the artist as you can. Especially examine the artist’s auction records if there are any. Auction records are not definitive, but they are very helpful.

Narrow down your collecting interest as much as you possibly can. You can like all kinds of art, but it will serve your best interests to narrow down the scope of your art collecting interests as much as possible. The more you narrow down your collecting interest, the more of an expert you’re likely to become in that particular area. One of the greatest joys of collecting art is learning so much about an artist that you feel almost like you know him, or studying the period of history in which the art was developed. The more this is done, the greater your appreciation of your collection will be, and your enthusiasm and knowledge will be evident when you show off your collection.

Yes, you should buy a piece of art because you love it, BUT take the financial aspect into consideration too. It has become a cliché in the art advice business to tell people that the best thing for them to do is buy the art that they love. This is good advice, but somehow hidden in that statement seems to be a subtle message to not take the financial aspect of the piece into consideration. I say buy the art that you love, but also make sure you’re not paying too much for it and consider your end game. I wouldn’t advise asking, “How much money can I make on this painting? Or How much will it appreciate?” Rather, just be sure that you can recoup your investment. Tragedies can happen, and sadly what people first consider selling to raise money is their art collection.

Buying work by a deceased artist is generally less financially risky than buying art by a contemporary artist. This is because the art market for a contemporary artist has not really been tested. Most deceased artists have some kind of record of sale on the secondary market, whether it be at an auction or a gallery. This record gives you an idea of what is an appropriate price to pay for a work by a certain artist.

Just because a painting is signed “T.C. Steele” doesn’t mean T.C. Steele actually signed it or even did the painting. What often happens is that a family member, often a wife or son or sister, signs an artist’s paintings after he dies. If this is the case, it decreases the value of the painting. Of course, an “artist signed” painting could also be a forgery. I’ve seen plenty of paintings that bear the signature of an artist who clearly didn’t do the painting. An art appraiser can assist you in determining the authenticity of a signature or painting.

Just because a desirable artist did a painting doesn’t mean that the painting is desirable. Every artist had his good days and bad days. Some had more bad than good. Certain periods of an artist’s work are also more desirable than other periods. Also, if an artist is known for painting landscapes, a painting that he did of a cat is probably going to be much less desirable. The medium is also important in determining desirability. Overall, oil paintings tend to rank as most desirable; however, there are artists who work in all mediums but whose watercolors or prints are more in demand than their oil paintings.

There are a lot of great deals on eBay. There are also a lot of fakes, junk, inexperienced sellers and shippers, and hucksters. Ebay can be a great place to learn about art, but it’s not usually where the best pieces by an artist appear. This is because the best pieces are usually brokered between dealers and their clients. Occasionally, such pieces make it onto eBay, but usually through live auctions. Ebay can also be a financially risky place to buy art. The number of fakes, questionable works, and bad paintings on eBay is quite high. Unless you are an expert in a particular category of art or on a particular artist, I’d avoid buying on eBay until you’re sure you know what you’re doing. Even then you can still make mistakes. (e.g. buying a print that was described by the seller as a painting, getting an excellent buy only to receive the item damaged because it was improperly packaged for shipping)

Most art dealers aren’t dishonest, but the dishonest ones have a radar for those who want to be quickly parted from their money. When buying a painting from a gallery or dealer, try to find out as much as possible about where the painting came from. Provenance enhances the value of a painting. Also, if the price seems to be out of line with similar pieces you’ve seen by the artist, ask the dealer how he came up with the price. He may have very sound reasons for the price difference (or you may not be familiar enough with the artist), but if he becomes defensive or combative, be suspicious.

Pricing art is an art. It’s also part science and speculation. Art is not a commodity. Therefore, there are significant variations in price, even among the works of one artist. It’s not unusual for an artist to have a high auction sale price of over a million dollars and a low one in the hundreds or low thousands. This happens for various reasons, usually related to size, medium, and period created. Always remember, any price can be put on a work of art, but there’s no saying it’s worth the tag price until it sells. Also keep in mind that pricing art is not formulaic. There are dealers out there who are intentionally trying to rip people off by making them overpay for art. But most dealers use all the knowledge they’ve spent considerable time acquiring; they research, they talk to other dealers, and then they come up with what they consider to be a fair market price for a piece.

Don’t be an art day trader. Unless you are an art dealer, I don’t advise buying paintings and quickly trading or selling them for something else. I have not met a collector yet who has not lost money doing this. And the collector usually ends up frustrating the art dealer he’s dealing with in the process.

Chris Powers is the owner of Indiana Paintings, a company that buys, sells, and appraises art. His Web site can be found at http://www.indianapaintings.com.

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Some women have handbags for day of the week and seem to be toting a different one every time they go out. No matter whether you’re looking for one or two understated purses, or if you’d prefer to have a dedicated handbag room full of ‘loud’, stylized satchels, there are a few simple rules to live by when buying a new handbag or just selecting from your existing panoply of purses.

As with clothes, different handbags suit different girls with different body types. If you see someone carrying a purse that you absolutely must have this second, think about it for a bit before rushing off to visit Sam Moon; will that handbag really fit your body type, or did it just look good because of the person carrying it? If you’re tall and thin, it may not make sense to get a cute and tiny purse that you saw a shorter girl carrying, as it may just serve to make you look bigger.

If you’re small and petite then it’s important to give some thought to proportion - a bag that looks fine carried by a taller may look oversized on your smaller frame. If you’re trying to draw attention towards or away from a particular attribute, ensure that you get a bag that hangs at that body level, as eyes will be drawn wherever your handbag sits.

It’s very important to give some practical thought to your handbag - if you carry very few items on a daily basis, it’s not important to have a massive bag with dozens of pockets. But at the same time if you’re a higher-maintenance gal, a tiny one-pocket purse crammed full of essentials is going to wind up looking like a shopping bag!

Quality is important too - good materials and good construction will yield a bag with good structure, keeping it from flopping and sagging, showing bulges from its contents, and of course a good bag will last you longer.

If you like having a veritable menagerie of handbags to choose from, you may be more able to play with effervescent summer colors, prints, and styles in all kinds of funky materials but if you’re a one or two-purse girl, stick with leather or even suede in neutral colors so that you can get the highest quality and the most versatility from your purse-buying buck.

Regardless of what kind of girl you are or what kind of bag you’re looking for, enjoy the shopping experience, but make sure you think ahead to what that bag will look like with your other outfits - no one likes a case of purse buyer’s remorse!

Cathy Feldman has given up on her dreams of becoming a famous supermodel, and is content to be an extremely fashionable writer for designerhandbags101.com - a brilliant online resource for information about the trendiest handbags and designers, including Balenciaga, Franco Sarto, Coach and more.

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Oil painting is probably one of the more challenging mediums to master. There are many aspects of oil painting that often confuse and intimidate beginners. Many questions arise and this article will cover some frequently asked questions that beginners have.

What is “Fat Over Lean?”

Fat over lean is one of the most fundamental approaches to oil painting and when followed will reduce the risk of your paint cracking as it dries. An oil paint is “Fat” when it comes right from the tube. If you wanted to make it fatter, you would add more oil. To make your paint “Lean” your mixture would contain more of a thinner like turpentine. Begin your painting with a “Lean” mixture. As you add more layers, you would make the mixture fatter. This will help reduce the risk of cracking.

Should I Varnish My Finished Painting?

If you want to protect your painting from dust, smoke, and other pollutants, you should varnish your painting. If not, these pollutants will accumulate on your painting and eventually darken or yellow the surface. When you apply a varnish, you are creating a layer that will protect your painting underneath. The layer of varnish can be cleaned periodically and eventually removed. A fresh layer of varnish can then be re-applied. You should wait 6 months to a year, depending on how thick your paint was applied, before varnishing. Varnishing a painting can be tricky especially if you have no experience. You should definitely do more research on varnishing before you attempt to do this yourself. You may even need to contact a professional.

Can I save the oil paint I do not use for a later time?

There are apparently ways to keep oil paint fresh until you are ready to use them again altough I have never actually tried either of these techniques. Proceed with caution. Some artists actually put plastic wrap over the paint and freeze it. You can also try and put your unused paint onto a piece of glass and then keep it submerged in water.

What kind of support should I use with my oil paint?

There are a variety of different surfaces that oil paint can be applied to. Stretched cotton canvas is one of the most popular supports used by oil painters today. Linen canvas is also used but tends to be fairly expensive. Other supports that can be used with oil paints are masonite and even certain types of wood panel.

What kind of paint should a beginner purchase?

This is a tough question to answer, as every artist is different and will more than likely have a different recommendation. There are a few different grades of oil paint on the market today. You have “Artist Quality”, “Student Quality”, and “Economical” grades. Stay away from the economical paints as these have more fillers in them than actual pigment and do not cover very well. There are some very descent student quality paints on the market, which work well if you are just starting out and for experimentation. Once you get your hands on artist quality paint however, you may never buy anything else.

There are some very popular brands to consider as a staring point. Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher and Gamblin are popular choices amongst artists.

What kind of brushes should a beginner choose?

This is also a difficult question to answer exactly. Brushes come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and brands. Every artist is different and will have different preferences when it comes to brushes. Ideally, you should have a variety of different shapes and sizes on hand to start with. Over time, you will develop a preference for certain types of brushes. Never buy cheap brushes, as they will shed their hairs and fall apart a lot quicker than a good quality brush. There is a good introductory set of 11 oil brushes made by “Silver Brush” that you may be interested in checking out. Do a search online or visit your local art store for more information.

How do I come up with ideas for my paintings?

Don’t throw your paintbrush down in a fit of rage if you aren’t able to come up with an idea for your next painting. There are a number of ways you can find inspiration and ideas. Sometimes the mind just needs a break. Take a walk outside or a long drive and just observe nature. Take a ride to an art museum with a friend and spend the day observing other artwork. Look around your home for everyday objects and setup a still life. Look to yourself for ideas. Do you have a passion for any particular subject? Do you love wildlife and nature? Perhaps you are a music lover? I absolutely love nature and wildlife. When I am searching for ideas for my next painting, I will usually take an outdoor trip with a friend. I will bring a camera of course and just take shots of whatever inspires me. Then when I get back to my studio I will take bits and pieces from each photograph and create my own composition.

I hope this article on oil painting has answered some or all of your questions. Best of luck and happy painting!

For more free art lessons head over to http://www.creativespotlite.com today!

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