Creating Music Boxes, Part V
by: Monique Hawkins
Creating carousel music boxes, ballerina music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other types of music boxes is a relaxing and creative activity. Here a few general directions for those who are ready to begin or are in the process of creating their own music box.
Antiquing
When antiquing the flat surface of a music box, use an old paintbrush or a clean rag. Brush in the same direction and cover as much of the music box as desired. Make sure the surface thoroughly dries and do not go back over areas one the drying process begins.
If antiquing a textured surface, an old paintbrush works well. Be sure that the antiquing gel covers all the surface and work on small sections at a time; allow to dry.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing causes a carousel music box, ballerina music box, and other types of music boxes to look as if they have more depth. A stiff, round paintbrush, flat brush, or stenciling brush works well. Leave a little bit of paint on the brush and then lightly brush the music box in the same direction.
With dry brushing, it is essential to make sure there is no water in the brush. If using different colors, wipe the brush on a paper towel and do not wash it.
Painting
When it comes to painting a wooden keepsake box, musical jewelry box, or any music box, sanding, sealing, and making sure the wood is dust and lint free assists in wood preparation.
A flat paintbrush or sponge brush can be used to apply a nice smooth coat of acrylic paint. This should be allowed to dry before a second coat of paint is added. For a very smooth surface, three coats of acrylic paint should be used. Steel wool can also be used to sand between the coats if necessary.
Preparing Music Boxes
Chipboard boxes come in a variety of sizes and shape sand are not expensive. Since they are not sturdy, strengthening is needed. This can be done by placing a bead of hot glue around the inside bottom of the box; make sure the glue hardens.
Next, apply a layer of tacky glue to the insides of the box using a paintbrush. Allow to dry.
Staining
Wood stains come in a wide variety of colors. Always follow the manufacturers directions. Stains, of course, will stain differently. The wood grain will determine how much stain will be absorbed. Leave the stain on for 1-2 minutes and then wipe for light stain or leave on for 5-10 minutes for a dark look.
Creating wooden keepsake boxes, carousel music boxes, ballerina music boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other types of musical boxes is a fun and relaxing hobby. Antiquing, dry brushing, painting, chipboard boxes, and staining are just a few of the many things that can be done to create a music box to last a lifetime.
Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins
About The Author
Established in May of 2005, http://www.My-Music-Box.com is a music box gift store specializing in products such as inlaid ballerina music boxes for ballerina rooms d?cor, whimsical carousel music boxes, and musical jewelry boxes. The company provides interesting information for music lovers of all ages. Owner Monique Hawkins is also the author of the blog "What You Never Knew About Music" http://whatyouneverknewaboutmusic.blogspot.com, and owner of the eBay store "Monique's Music Box" at: http://stores.ebay.com/Moniques-Music-Box Monique can be contacted at (540) 858-2885.
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Shearling Coat Care
Shearling Coat Care
by: Daniel Sickafus
If your shearling coat or jacket gets wet, let them coat dry naturally. Don't place by a fire or other high heat source.
Heat can dry out the natural oils in the hides.
Do not wash your coat or jacket in a washing machine or put in a dryer. Most shearling coats are meant to be dry cleaned.
When looking for a dry cleaner, make sure that they know how to properly clean them.
The process must include putting the natural oils back into the hides.
Without doing this process, the hides will dry out and the coat will be ruined.
When hanging your coat or jacket use a sturdy, well shaped coat hangar. Don't use a wire hanger that's going to put "pokies" in the shoulders and don't hang it up on a knob for extended periods of time.
Avoid stain resistant treatments that are made of silicone.
We recommend Meltonian
brand Protect-All.
It will...
Coats > Shearling Coat Care
Designing a Fun Family Coat of Arms
Designing a Fun Family Coat of Arms
by: Chris Simeral
Armorial bearings, or coats of arms, take us back to the glamour of the middle ages. In days of old, knights displayed heraldic devices on their horses' caparisons, their servants' liveries, and on their banners and shields. As war medals are awarded today, so coats' of arms and other heraldic devices could be awarded to knights for their service in battle. But the primary role of coats' of arms was identification in battle ? the bright, vibrant colors and symbols identified the knight to his men, and his flying banner was a rallying point for them.
Heraldry refers to the study of coats of arms, and takes its name from the Heralds, who were the special ambassadors and messengers of feudal times. They were employed by all great lords, and by the king. Because Heralds traveled freely around the country, they were also the armorial officials. They granted armorial bearings. At tournaments, it...
Designing a Fun Family Coat of Arms
Coats > Designing a Fun Family Coat of Arms
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
by: Stephanie Bayliss
History
Originating in Scotland, Westies were bred to hunt foxes, otters and vermin. They share their ancestry with many of the other true Scottish Terriers and became formally recognised as West Highland White Terrier?s in 1904
Appearance
Westie?s are compact, stocky little dogs with shaggy white coats. They have little button noses and small, erect ears.
They look very sweet, but strong and have a happy, proud air when they are trotting around the park!
Temperament
Westies are confident little dogs, totally local to their family but they make good protection dogs as they are extremely alert and brave.
Westies are affectionate dogs but can withstand plenty of rough play, so make good companions and play mates for children.
They can be quite dominant with other dogs so care should be taken with socializing them with others. They will...
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
Coats > "Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
by: Stephanie Bayliss
History
Originating in Scotland, Westies were bred to hunt foxes, otters and vermin. They share their ancestry with many of the other true Scottish Terriers and became formally recognised as West Highland White Terrier?s in 1904
Appearance
Westie?s are compact, stocky little dogs with shaggy white coats. They have little button noses and small, erect ears.
They look very sweet, but strong and have a happy, proud air when they are trotting around the park!
Temperament
Westies are confident little dogs, totally local to their family but they make good protection dogs as they are extremely alert and brave.
Westies are affectionate dogs but can withstand plenty of rough play, so make good companions and play mates for children.
They can be quite dominant with other dogs so care should be taken with socializing them with others. They will...
"Westie" - West Highland White Terrier
Coats > "Westie" - West Highland White Terrier