A kitchen of any house is a special place where the aroma and delicious taste of food is created and wonderful family conversations take place over cooking food. Most food preparations require water and you do not want to pose any risk to your family by using contaminated water in the vital act of food preparation and of consuming plain water. To ensure that pure water goes into your food and tummies, you must employ filter taps. These are fitted with a filter cartridge that removes all contaminants such as debris and chemicals. Out of the many filter taps available in the market, you should choose the ones which have a reputable name in the market. This is because, the filtering capabilities of a non- branded tap cannot really be trusted. It would be a bit like trusting burst pipes in the kitchen to prevent your house from flooding.
One of the most trustworthy companies of kitchenware is Franke. The company has been in the market since 1911 and has been innovating on kitchen products consistently. Moreover, Franke‘s filter taps come with a 5 year warranty on valve mechanisms and a 1 year warranty on their coatings and finishings, generating valuable trust among customers.
Along with trust, the company also offers variety in the form of a diverse range of filter taps that come in different designs, heights and functionalities.While picking a uniquely designed tap is a matter of personal taste, you must know which kind of tap serves which function. Thus, let us see the range of differently functional Franke kitchen taps below:
Single-Flow Spout and Bi-Flow Spout : A Single-flow spout tap implies that the flow of only one channel of water can be adjusted by the use of one available lever while a bi-flow spout tap has two levers, with which flow of two channels of water can be adjusted. You must use the former in places where you can do without water of two different temperatures.
When building a new home, you will do well to consider the inclusions I have mentioned here in this article. Another thing to remember is to make sure you have an adequate building inspector on the job, as a backup to your builder. You need to have the peace of mind that you are being treated fairly and respectfully and the presence of an independent building inspector is going to make your home builder aware that you are on to his corner cutting tricks.
Triflow: If you need water in three different temperature qualities, namely, hot, cold and moderate, then you must make use of a triflow tap. You can use hot water for cooking while cold water can be used for making a drink.
Boiling Water: This kind of tap not only delivers hot and cold water, but also water that is super hot (ie water of 100 degree Celsius). Such hot water can be used in cooking and brewing tea quickly.
Spray Tap: You can either buy a stand alone pull out spray tap or a bi-flow spout tap with a spraying handle as well. This kind of tap can be used for washing vegetables and fruits with speed.
Thus, with a diverse range of variously functional taps, you can enjoy clean water in different ways.
The world’s knowledge was said to have doubled every century of human history before the 19th century. As technology was further developed, it got faster. As of today, it is believed that knowledge doubles once every year or so. What has not changed is the fact that humans die. Death is as natural as life. Although knowledge is doubling at record levels and technology is rapidly advancing, something old is becoming new again. Families are conducting funerals in their homes.
Considering that most of the world still buries their dead through the simple process of a home funeral, it is not surprising that the trend is gaining momentum in America. Families are opting out of the hiring of funeral homes and funeral directors and they are caring for their own dead. Until the time of the Civil War, or around 1860, families always cared for their own dead.
Funerals in the home are a simple, inexpensive, personal and fulfilling way of caring for the dead. Nothing takes the place of “hands on” experience. As a certified grief counselor, it is my opinion that families involved with home funerals experience a more natural and healthier grief process. I have counseled with individuals that worried if the funeral home buried or cremated the right person. There is no concern of this happening in a home funeral setting.
Home Based Funerals – Since The Dawn Of Time
Many families view the process of home funerals as a natural and normal part of family life. Parents care for babies when born. Parents raise, educate, train, develop and love those babies throughout their lives. Babies grow up to be the adult that cares for their parents when they die. The circle of life completes itself and nothing is more natural about life than death. Who is more qualified to care for a person that died than the very family that cared for that person when they lived?
Laws in all states do allow home funerals although particular laws concerning the involvement of funeral directors do vary from state to state. A family does not have to contact a funeral home or funeral director in some states. Unfortunately there still are a few states violating individual rights with unjust laws that force families to hire a funeral director whether they wish to or not. Hopefully those laws will be amended or changed in the near future.
Home Funeral Guides are available in many areas of the country to instruct, educate and encourage families through the home funeral process. A quick search on the internet using your favorite search engine will bring up any that may be in your area. Education seminars, one on one instruction or books are available through your local expert. You can also search on the website of the National Home Funeral Alliance (nhfa) http://homefuneralalliance.org/, which is full of great information concerning home funerals.
It’s a great idea, because you can get a lot closer to what you really want when you build rather than buy. But there are some critical things to be aware of, in order to keep risks and surprises to a minimum, and end up getting the home you want. We’ve compiled this helpful guide from a number of industry sources and our own experience. We hope it gives you a good introduction. This article is bought to by Avenue Building Group – www.avenuebuildinggroup.com.au
1. How important is it to choose the right builder?
Your new Melbourne home is going to be one of the most important investments you will ever make both financially and emotionally. You want to get the design and construction right so that it suits both your present and future needs and lifestyle. There are a lot of builders out there prepared to build you a house but which one is the right one? Which one will turn your dream into reality? Follow the steps in this information pack and you will be several steps closer to fulfilling your dream, especially if that dream is to have a luxury home builder do the job right the first time.
2. Your role in the process
Before beginning the design the following needs to be conveyed to the designer:
Your budget
The size of the house to be designed – including room numbers, their locations and functions
Facade type including exterior finishes for walls (e.g. rendered, face brick) and the roof type and finish (e.g. tiled, metal)
Individual design features that you would like
Specific details like ceiling heights, window sizes, and bathroom and kitchen fittings.
The time frame. Note that plans have to be submitted to various authorities and this may take longer than expected. Build this into the construction time frame.
3. The designer’s role in the process
When using an architect, building designer or engineer the charge for designing the house will be in addition to the construction costs. When using a builder who provides a design service as part of the package the design is factored into the price. This will have some bearing on the amount of time that can be spent in working with you on the design. Consider this as well when selecting who designs your home.
Designers must be up to date with the following:
o Latest legislation
o New building trends
o Environmental and energy considerations like insulation, water saving, building materials and energy saving systems like solar power and solar water heating
They should also be able to advise you on the most appropriate house orientation in relation to the sun and prevailing winds. They should also be able to advise you on how best to make use of a site’s topography.
For example it is often better to build a house on a sloping site that makes use of the shape of the site rather than bringing in a bulldozer to reshape the site. Earthworks can be expensive.
At your first meeting with a designer you need to assess whether they will be able to meet with your expectations in terms of being qualified to do the job.Attached is a checklist (see page 8) of questions that you should consider asking the designer.
4. Builder’s reputations
Once you have a list of builders your next step is to find out about their reputations and the quality of their work. Probably the best way is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners. A reputable builder with satisfied customers should have no problem in providing the names and addresses of recent customers that are willing to talk to you.
Some questions you can ask:
Are you happy with your home?
Was the house built within the agreed time frame?
What problems did you experience?
Were they attended to promptly and to your satisfaction?
Would you have this builder build another house for you?
Some observations you can make and note down:
Quality of the finishes including cabinetry, paint and trim
Quality of the construction
Style of design
Construction type
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your new home is probably going to be the biggest investment you have made to date!
5. Advantages in working with a builder to design your home
There are some definite advantages in individual designs. These include:
Personalised and flexible design process
Design suits your lifestyle and budget requirements
Inclusions not limited
Tailored to your particular site
Reputable builders that specialise in individual designs have examples of their work in display villages. This gives you the opportunity to see examples of their work without confining you to the plans you see displayed.
6. Project homes
Project home builders usually offer a range of standard plans in different price ranges including varying fittings and inclusions. They may specialise in single or double storey homes but are limited in inclusions and colour selection choices, design changes and site falls.
7. Individually designed homes
Building designers, engineers, architects and licensed builders provide design services. Probably the most commonly used design service is that offered by builders who specialise in individual designs. They both design and build the homes and the service is included in the price whereas building designers, engineers and architects will charge for the service. The majority of builders who build custom designs will have a portfolio of plans of homes they have built or standard plans, often based on their display homes. They will quite happily adapt these plans to suit your requirements or design a completely new plan. In addition they may specialise in a certain style of home like colonial or federation or in designing and building homes to suit difficult or sloping sites.
Regardless of whom you select to design your home you should feel comfortable with them. At the outset you should ensure that you both clearly understand each other’s roles and responsibilities. This will reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and disputes.
8. Designing your home
Design services are provided by the following:
Licensed building designers
Architects
Licensed builders
Engineers
Licences can be checked on the BSA website, www.bsa.qld.gov.au. or by phone. Note that architects and engineers do not require a licence but must be registered with their professional associations.
9. Design choices
There are effectively 3 design choices:
Make use of a standard design package supplied by a builder. They will usually have a range of designs from which you can make a choice. Often referred to as project homes.
Review the builder’s standard plans and adapt them.
Have a builder, designer, engineer or architect do a custom design.
10. Colour consultation
Uncertain about your homes finishes? Reputable builders have qualified colour consultants who can guide you through this important process. They usually have sample finishes available to view, either in-house or at their display homes. They ensure that you get the finish that suits you, right down to the smallest detail. Working with the colour consultant to choose your finishes usually occurs after the deposit has been paid and the design agreed (note not all builders provide this service so take this into consideration when selecting your builder).
You will be provided with a pack of information on finishes and invited to meet with the builder’s colour consultant for a several hour appointment to review the various options. This is your opportunity to ensure that all the finer details are not missed or taken for granted.
11. Inclusions
As mentioned earlier, project builders often have houses on view in display villages. Be warned that these houses are quite likely to have inclusions that are not included in the base price.The following items will probably not be included in the base price:
Inside:
o Floor coverings with the exception of wet areas like bathrooms, toilets and laundries.
o Blinds, curtains and light shades
o Items like wallpaper, fixed mirrors (outside of bathrooms) and picture rails
o Tiled and concrete floors under verandas and entry porches
o Landscaping
o Garden sheds, outdoor furniture, pergolas and fences
o Clothes lines and letterboxes
o Spas and pools
o Connections to services
However some builders will offer several levels of fit out as different price packages. Take care to identify exactly what you are being offered and ensure that the builder has an in house colour and fittings consultant to guide you through the process.
12. Additional costs
Do you have a sloping, timbered or difficult site on which to build? Be aware that the type of site on which you want to build can add considerably to the overall cost of the project. Note that builders are required under the Domestic Building Act 2000 to provide customers with foundations data before finalising the contract. Most project homes are quoted for building on flat stable sites with little underground rock. A site that is steeply sloping, unstable or has rock beneath the surface can add considerably to the cost of building a home.
If you have a difficult building site then it may be worthwhile to consider approaching a builder who specialises in building on this type of site. They usually design a house to suit the site minimizing the amount of excavation and making best use of the inherent benefits of a sloping site.
Check whether the builder has included the cost of soil tests, contour surveys and building approval fees in the required deposit.
Note that despite a soil test being done it is usually only from two or three boreholes and may not accurately represent the entire site. The builder may have rock removal as a provisional item in the contract and it may become very expensive.
Ensure that your contract has a fixed price for the footing excavation and footings (excluding rock removal) and that you have copies of the survey reports on which this is based. Also ensure that the contract specifies who is responsible for removing excess earth left after excavations.
13. Designer Question Checklist
1. Licence
Does the designer, whether a builder, engineer, architect or building designer have the appropriate BSA licence or professional registration? This you can check prior to your meeting. Yes No
2. Does the designer provide the following services?
o Site inspections to ensure the characteristics of the site are taken fully into consideration in the design process? Yes No
o Elevation sketches of the house in 3 dimensions to show what the house will look like when built? Yes No
o Preparation of documents and plans and lodgement with the authorities for their approval? Yes No
o Check for easements and utility locations (e.g. sewerage pipes) that could affect the design and siting of the house? Yes No
o Check with Local Government or private certifier to ensure that plans include any special requirements before lodging? Yes No
3. Contract
o Does the designer provide a standard contract? Yes No
o Have you obtained a copy and read it carefully? Yes No
o Will it accurately cover any agreement you have reached with the designer in terms of costs and service? Yes No
4. Deposits and fees
o Have you ascertained what deposit the designer requires up front? Yes No
o Have you ascertained how the designer’s fee is calculated? (e.g. fixed sum or percentage) Yes No
o Are there additional costs involved in varying the plans once they are complete? Yes No
5. Timeframe
o Have you ascertained how long it will take the designer to draw up your plans? Yes No o Does this fit into your timeframe? Yes No
14. Building complaints
The Building Services Authority has a website that keeps a record of disciplinary proceedings against builders. On the BSA site should check the record of each of the builders on your list against the information on this website. No guarantee that you will not experience problems with a builder but past history often determines future behaviour. You can then cull from your list any builders that you doubt.
15. Queensland Master Builders Association
The first step in process is to decide on the type of home you would like to build and to work out how much you can spend. You then need to make a list of local builders that can build your chosen home style within your budget. One way is to go to the Queensland Master Builders Association’s website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au. They have a search function that will provide you with a list of local builders in your region. Contact details and links to websites are included but no detailed information. This means that a lot of searching is required to find key information so you may want to consider other sources.
16. Other sources
If you want another way then advertisements in property supplements, magazines like Homebuild, website searches and display homes will provide more information in easier to use formats. Identify those builders that specialise in the style of house in your price range. Make a list of these builders. You might even want to create a file with information printed off their websites or sourced from property supplements and magazines.
The 10 Steps to Designing and Building your Home
1. The land Maximising the investment you have made in your land, not only as a financial investment but as an emotional investment is important. You’ll want to build a home that will make best use of your land and its aspect to enhance your lifestyle. Our design consultant will visit the site with you to ensure that the design incorporates what you want and makes best use of the attributes of the site.
2. The plan You have decided to build. You may know exactly what you want or you may just have some ideas. The first step is it to turn these ideas into a concept plan. Sit down with one of our design consultants and discuss these ideas. Look at designs and photographs of homes we have built. These will help clarify what you like and what you want in your new home.
3. The investment At this stage you’ll have a draft plan. Go through our inclusions brochure and decide what you’d like. Once you have done that our consultant will be able to give you an estimate of the investment you’ll be making in your new home.
4. Soil test and contour survey The next step is obtaining an engineers survey of the site. This is a legal requirement and it is essential safeguard in ensuring that your home is built with proper foundations and on the correct position on the site. This is also the point where we require a deposit to cover these costs. Once the design consultant has this information he can finalise the design with you and provide a base price with standard inclusions.
5. The final price quotation At this stage we can give you a quote which includes all the details. You’ll need to go through this thoroughly with the consultant to make sure that you are happy that it’s exactly what you want. With this signed off it’s time to turn your dream into a reality and that begins with signing the contract and paying the balance of the deposit. With that paid can get on with preparing the building permit applications and all the paper work that’s involved to get the plans approved.
6. Colour and finish selection Now it is time to meet with our colour consultant who will assist you in colour selection and those final touches which will your turn a house into a home. Our inclusions brochure is a great start here and it’s worth browsing through it before your free appointment with our colour consultant. And in the meeting you’ll see sample finishes too – so much easier when you can see the real thing.
7. Beginning the build This is your dream home – it can’t be thrown up in a few weeks from mass produced elements knocked up offsite and still maintain the quality you want. So we’ll agree with you on a reasonable time to build your home without compromising quality. With all the paperwork done we’ll begin the preplanning and within a few short weeks construction will begin…
8. During the build It’s hard to keep away from the building site while your home is being built! You are encouraged to visit the site on a regular basis however, it is standard practice to be accompanied by your site supervisor due to safety requirements. You’ll meet the building Supervisor at the beginning and he will keep you up to date on the progress and explain each stage.
9. Completion When everything is complete and when we have thoroughly pre inspected the house it will be time to hand over the keys. But before we do that we’ll accompany you on your own inspection to make absolutely sure that the home we have designed for you has been built as promised.
10. Moving in You’ve moved in but we still want to make sure that our promise to you to build the home you want is kept. The six month maintenance period is your opportunity to make sure that we have kept our promise and a further six year structural guarantee.
Beginning the process Give us a ring on 1300 858 177 or visit one of our display homes at Brookwater and in the QMBA village at Daisy Hill. You’ll get the opportunity to meet one our consultants and find out how easy it is to design your own home. We hope this information has been of assistance and wish you well in building your new home!
As a person that owns a car, fixing a broken car is never a fun thing to handle. By taking in some information about how to repair an automobile, you can save lots of money and stress. Use everything you’ve learned in the advice this article you’re about to read. You will find it very useful in the next time you need to deal with vehicle repairs. Sometimes people misunderstood what paint protection all about, with paint protection Adelaide their guys will help you understand how it works.
This shows that the mechanic has passed a special test for competence and has more than two years experience as a mechanic. This is a good way of mechanic is the best choice for your vehicle.
Referrals will lead you to a trustworthy mechanic.Ask the people you know for recommendations. You can find out great information about prices and value that way. People can tell you what kind of experience they had to deal with and whether the mechanic was honest.
Go through your owner’s manual and dog ear the most useful pages. You can even find that reading the manual and fix the problem yourself.
Look for the warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. If you are being talked to in circles and your questions aren’t answered, you may not want them. You need to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.
Assemble an auto repair kit to keep in the trunk of your trunk. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire and other necessary items. You need to get a lug wrench and a jack if you do not have them. You should probably get a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches.
Check to see that the necessary certifications handy. You might want to see if they have been approved by the ASE. This means that they are properly trained and reliable.
Some unscrupulous body shops may replace your tires with older models. They do this to gain money from the premise that you won’t notice. Mark your tires before taking your car to an auto shop. If the chalk isn’t present when you get the car, then you know things aren’t right.
If you need to have your car fixed, but are on a tight budget, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You pay a very low rate to have students fix your car while being supervised by a licensed mechanic.
It may be a recall you didn’t know about. The manufacturer may fix your car free of charge.
AAA is a good company to look into when you’ve got auto repair issues. You can often find discounts on an annual AAA has many discount options in place.
You can easily do some preventative maintenance such as adding more oil or refilling the windishield wiper fluid on your own. It is a myth that these routine maintenance jobs. You should learn how to do the work, and then you can grease up those hands.
Don’t fix your car right away. Call several other mechanics to see how much you’d pay if you need. If you are able to find a better price, and you feel like you can trust the other shop, move on.
Keep an accordion file with all your important repair receipts in your glove box. You can sort them however you like as long as you know what is where.This will be very valuable to you.
Set an expense limit that you are willing to let the mechanic reach without specific authorization. Don’t let the mechanic make whatever repairs as they want after your drop off your car. Set a dollar amount that they don’t call you first.
Ask your old parts given back to you. This helps you know whether the repairs have actually done. This is not important if you get your exhaust system replacement. It is easy to tell whether or not an exhaust system has been installed.
Ask plenty of questions as possible about your vehicle repaired. Any reputable shop can answer all of your questions.
Find a mechanic who is already familiar with your cars similar to yours. Ask whoever will be responsible for the repairs if they have experience with your make and model.
Do not try to work on your own car unless you know what you’re doing. You could end up voiding your warranty by doing the work yourself. This means you will have to pay for all car repairs yourself.
This rule to follow for generations. Modern vehicles can often go 5,000 miles. Go with the manufacturer.
Once you figure out what you can do to fix your automobile, go online and search for spare parts and comparison shop. There are a few websites that will help you estimate the cost of repairs. Compare this price with the shop.
Check the amperage before replacing them. You need to remember to get a replacement fuse that have the exact same amperage. If you find yourself replacing fuses very often, take your car to a mechanic who specializes in electric systems to get it checked.
Your engine compartment contains belts and they are very important parts. A failing belt can cause great damage to your engine. You probably need new belts if your car screeches when it starts up.
Bring the car to a shop and have it inspected for possible overheating problems. Ask your mechanic to inspect the car’s hoses and check hoses.
Familiarize yourself with the various types of mechanic certifications. If you can, try to locate an auto technician that is certified by your state and the A.S.E.
Make sure any authorization form you sign has the price on it. This makes you pay the paying for charges your mechanic lists. Know exactly what the cost and then get that amount on any papers that you’re going to sign.
It can be frustrating to have car issues. Many owners end up spending a fortune to keep their vehicle running. If you learn a little about the basics of car repair and apply the tips in this article, you will be able to keep your vehicle running and save yourself a lot of cash.
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get your house in order! But instead of just focusing on spring cleaning your home, the warmer weather also presents you with the perfect excuse to give your car some attention too. Here’s how the Automobile Association (AA) suggests you give your car some TLC after a long winter… The MT300 Pro is a dual car polishing machine designed by car detailers for advanced and beginner detailers looking to remove defects on their paintwork.
1. Wash off the Winter
Cleaning your car doesn’t just make it look better, it also extends the life of your paintwork (so long as you use the correct shampoo, that is). If you live in an area which experiences a wet winter, such as the Western Cape, dirt like mud or the salt from seaspray could cause rust and corrosion.
Also read: Here’s how to do a waterless car wash
Top tip: wax your car after you have washed it. Use a good, long-lasting wax to protect your car’s paintwork throughout the summer – especially if your car stands in the sun a lot.
2. Less Mess, Less Stress
From receipts to take away containers, we all know how easy it is to let clutter accumulate in the car. But did you know that it also affects your mental wellbeing? A messy car can make you more stressed – especially when you’re running late for work in the morning or if you’re sitting in traffic after a bad day at the office.
3. Freshen up the Interior
Did you know? Cars are a breeding ground for bacteria, carried into your car on your hands, clothes, shoes, sports equipment and more. Keeping your dashboard, trim and upholstery clean and vacuumed is not only visually appealing but can also help you and your family to stay healthy.
4. Give your Messy Boot the Boot
From coats and scarves to kit bags, plenty of useless stuff tends to pile up in your vehicle boot over the winter months. Now’s the time to clean your car boot by collecting all the goodies, recycling all the rubbish, and vacuuming out all the dust and dirt. Don’t forget to shake out your carpet liner!
5. Pop the Hood
Another place which needs a good spring clean, your engine can actually be harmed by trapped dirt and debris. A clean engine will extend the life of your vehicle as well as help to prevent mechanical issues. If you’re not comfortable cleaning your engine, take your car to your nearest petrol station.
The ability to produce gorgeous works of art is what makes arts and crafts is such a beloved activity. From fashion design to engraving, shoe making to scrapbooking, there’s a craft activity that will fit any one of your passions. Concept artist for Film help to illustrate and bring the production designer or director’s ideas life with their artwork.
Are you looking for a great place to get your arts and crafts supplies? There are lots of online places to find your craft items at a big savings. A click of the mouse is all you need to find great deals. Some of the better stores even provide free shipping to help you save even more.
If you do craft projects that are messy, use newspaper on your surfaces to make sure you have no damage. When your project is done, recycle the newspaper.
Don’t be too much when they are enjoying arts and crafts time. The whole point of doing these types of projects is to foster creativity. They won’t if you’re constantly telling them they are doing something wrong.
Washable adhesives and markers are another option.
Focus on just one thing at a time. Take the time to complete one before beginning another. This will help ensure it gets done.
You can find a lot of supplies online on Etsy. This site sells items made by individuals for sale. You can buy supplies and even sell your creations on this site once you make there. The site is ideal when you need vintage media on your projects.
Spray glass cleaner on a towel and wipe your mosaic when it starts to look cloudy after the mortar dries.It helps to keep your mosaic free of mortar out but you don’t want powder to screw up the finish.
Arts and crafts are enjoyable to do with children of any age.
If you have painted with oils and you are not fond of your creation, just paint over it. Oil is adaptable and it won’t do any harm to the surface because it’s adaptable. It may even give your new project!
Arts and crafts activities are a great to entertain large group of children or adults. There are great projects out there for people of all ages. Look online and find projects that are good for every age group.
Gather all the materials you need before you start your needed supplies. You do not want to begin a project only to realize you don’t have everything that is required to complete it. Make a list and check it twice before you start your project.
Use a Spirograph set to show kids how patterns work.
Do not throw away the packaging after you’ve opened something. You can recycle and reuse a lot of materials used in packaging for different projects. Store this material in a bin for inspiration.
Give yourself enough time to work on arts and crafts project. You will not rush through your projects. High quality comes from your time devotion and attention to detail. So make some time and you’ll really see the difference.
Your pet is definitely going to have a unique personal dish.
Nature can be a great source of inspiration for arts and crafts. The colors in nature are especially inspiring.Look out your window or look online at photographs.You will find a great idea in no time.
Choose some fabric you like and create a simple project out of it. Look at pattern books for ideas and heed each instruction.
Your kitchen pantry holds many craft supplies for your kids to work with. Some paper plates, paint, paints and glue can make a great set of projects.
Are you curious about knitting but don’t quite know where to start? You can learn just about everything you need simply by reading the directions and viewing photos.
You can turn a treasured clock in a new baby. Use them to form a mosaic on the clock. Glue down the photos into place. Cover the mosaic with glass, and then you can put the hands on. You just made a keepsake clock for this child to treasure.
Expect to make a really big mess. Craft project can be messy. That is the nature of crafts. Plan for a mess and protect various surfaces to ensure you don’t get upset. If you don’t cover your surfaces, something can easily get ruined.
If you are really serious about getting into crafting, do some research about prices first. Every type of craft requires special supplies. For instance, if you go into knitting, you will need yarn and needles. Plan for the expenses and limit yourself to a craft.
Do you think that you don’t have the time to create them yourself?You might be surprised by the speed at how soon you can learn a new skill. Take a course on throwing pottery or go to your garage begin building a lovely birdhouse.
To make a tuffet for a baby, design the cushioned section to be big enough to let the baby sit or lie down even if it gets a little older. Include a storage pocket so that their parents can put in beloved toys to amuse them while on their cushion.
Be careful about the way that you showcase your art projects. Some materials will not withstand the weather. Sunlight can negatively affect certain materials to deteriorate. Think about what you just made before you place it.
This article is just the beginning of what you can learn about the art of crafting. Use this information and start enjoying a new hobby. With the help above, you are now ready to make beautiful things to enjoy for years to come.
Readers only ever see the words of the novel. They have no insight into the planning process, how the story concept came about, or the number of ideas and subplots that may have been taken out of the novel or replaced. But when you sit down to write a novel, don’t make the mistake of thinking the only work required is that contained within the completed novel itself. Concept artist required to finish their work and passed it on the film director.
In fact, the process of writing a novel is far more complex. A novel has been likened to the roof of a building: while this finished product is an essential part of the entire construction, it would be worthless, and impossible to construct, without laying the foundation and building multiple support pillars first.
Brainstorming Your Unique Story Concept
The first essential pillar of any novel is a unique concept. This is the basis upon which everything else is built. Characters, plot, and themes will follow. But no concept, no novel.
The concept is the scenario that forms the foundation of your novel. It could be inspired by a real-life event, something that’s happened in the news, or perhaps a dream. It may even be an idea that pops into your head for no reason other than the fact you’re an original and creative thinker, curious about the world around you.
A story concept will often start out as a question, perhaps beginning with “What if…?” What if a natural disaster left the human race starving and close to extinction? What if two people fell in love, then discovered that they were siblings? What if everything we knew to be true was all lies invented by the government to control us all?
It’s important not to get this vital concept confused with a plot twist or the climactic moment of the novel. The concept is the foundation idea that runs throughout the entire story. Two things must always be true about a story concept: it has to be original, and it has to get the writer excited.
The downside of most story concept is that only a few of them take any real shape and become novels. Most writers go through many different concepts before they find one they can write an entire book about. Lasting story concepts only solidify when you look at a couple other important writing pillars.
Find Your Story’s Conflict
Novels form around a central conflict. This conflict doesn’t have to be a fight or a war. It can be a conflict of ideas, between characters or even just within the protagonist, who may have a tough decision to make. A novel about everyone being happy and getting along all the time would be incredibly dull. No one wants to read about an ordinary person’s ordinary day.
Set a Goal for Your Character
Every novel requires the protagonist to have a goal that appears impossible to reach. Think of your favorite novels of all time and identify the apparently unreachable goal at the center of the plot. This can be making a relationship work, fighting a deadly illness, surviving a war, or anything else in between. The goal at the center of The Lord Of the Rings trilogy, for example, is the destruction of the One Ring.
Identify Your Story’s Main Themes and Emotional Connection
The final of your story’s four central pillars is a theme that engages readers’ emotions. The best themes arise naturally out of the story’s conflict. While writing, always stay aware of your central themes, so you can use them in the best possible way to build an emotional connection with your readers.
No matter how killer your story concept may be, if the other story pillars are not there, you have to be willing to put the idea aside and move on. You’re a writer! You’re full of ideas! Don’t flog a dead horse, trying to force a novel out of an idea that isn’t going to work. Run your concept ideas through this simple ideas to identify which ideas are worth acting on and which aren’t.
Travel is a great way to broaden your mind and make your self. It does come with potential setbacks that can cause things to go awry, which is why you need to plan it carefully and prepare for anything before you leave. This article will provide you plan better and be prepared for almost anything. Ski Canada is our family favorite sport, every year we spend time together an adventure.
Use an ATM to obtain spending cash in the local currency. Banks will get an exchange rate that is much higher than you would be able to get. You may end up realizing significant savings through the course of your trip.
Leave most of your valuables at your home.
When planing for a vacation, consider your needs. If you are planning on backpacking, for instance, a rechargeable battery may not be the answer. You want a camera you can turn off and on quickly and that will focus almost immediately.
If you’re using a smaller airport, find out from the airport’s website which airlines serve that airport.
Research before you book anything.Find websites that provide user reviews online about the places you have in mind. Ask people you know who have traveled there. This will help you a better idea of what to expect from your trip.
Pack some clothespins for your upcoming trip. They can be a useful item when you go on a trip, and since they are small they take up hardly any room.
Check the websites of your airline to get the best price.Sometimes they have the discount travel websites.
When traveling, it’s a good idea to wear slip on shoes that are light and comfortable. You might have to take them for security checks. The best shoes for travel are sandals or flip flops.
Try to avoid hitting rush hour when on your road trip. If you can’t avoid a rush hour in a city, take a break during that time. This can be the kids time to go grab a bite.
Sign up for email newsletters from the major airlines you like to use to fly. The savings you will enjoy will more than make up for having to deal with a few more items in your email address.
Jet lag can be uncomfortable for travelers who cross time zones. You can’t avoid it, so you should try and sleep as much as possible before you leave. You should also make an effort to sleep during the flight if possible.
If you are traveling on a plane, bring some non-liquid snack foods.
Your vacation can turn into a nightmare if you don’t do the proper research beforehand. Read the reviews from experienced travelers. Their experiences can help in avoiding a seedy hotel or a dangerous areas.
If your travel plans get mixed up, it is easy to get annoyed. You may not get the rental car you want or flights may be delayed. The discussion is between you and the agent in charge.At the beginning, you both want to deal with the issue, but you may lose your temper. Stay calm and polite as possible. You can get more accomplished this way so that your trip is less stressful.
You can always decide not need to carry luggage if you travel by air. This saves times and makes the travel much better. You can send your belongings sent to your destination via FedEx or UPS. This may cost a little more.
When going hiking, always be sure to have an accurate and up to date map of the places that you will be visiting and keep them with you.
When your dogs are traveling with you, brush them well before you put them in the car. This will help reduce the amount of you car does not get too hairy.
Keep in mind that many people stay in your hotel.Be sure to keep the noise level down so you do not disturb your neighbors. Even during daytime, either from jet lag or just a late night the night before. You don’t have to tiptoe around, it’s only polite to behave with a certain amount of decorum.
These will allow you to connect your computer through the television provided in your hotel room.
Sometimes you can choose the area or the actual seat that you want on the plane, but there are times when you have no choice. If you are unable to reserve a certain seat at the time of booking, check back on a regular basis to see when if this option opens up. You will be a significant difference over just settling for what is available.
Plan and hotel stay well in advance. Some hotels offer packages that include various activities and meals dependent on your location. Decide if this is something you prefer to choose. Also think about the kind of room you want. For example, if you are a light sleeper, do not book a room right next to an elevator. Ask a lot of questions you have so you are sure to make the right accommodations for your specific needs and wants.
Use cases for contact lenses to easily carry lotions or gels when traveling!These small containers have leak proof screw on lids, they are easy to carry, and can hold an entire week’s worth of whatever it is you need. These containers can be picked up very little at a local drugstore or grocery store.
Bring all of your reservations when traveling. This helps if the car rental company or hotel cannot find your reservation; you are questioned.This tactic helps eliminate stress on your vacation. Just print everything out and keep them in a folder.
When traveling, you should think about your destinations and recreational activities; then, and only pack what you need to fulfill that itinerary. Efficiency is important in having a great trip that is both fun activities.
Travel is a vital, thrilling part of many people’s lives. Like most life experiences, it is usually enhanced by careful research and forethought. The advice you have read here can help you to get the most enjoyment out of your trip while avoiding many disappointments and unnecessary problems.
It is important to take care of Mother Earth. What we take from it, we should put back. This can be said for the soil that allows plants and fruits, and vegetables to grow, so we may enjoy them. Going green is one of the first steps to take. If you enjoy your color flowerbeds and growing vegetable garden, or are just earth conscious, then composting is a way in which we can do our due diligence in maintaining balance when it comes to nature. With different methods to recycle garbage and dirt, here are a few composting machines and gadgets to get you started in living “the green life.” Green waste disposal helps our surrounding clean and prevents a clogged in our drainage.
The term “compost” is the mixture of decaying plant, animal and other organic materials that are decomposed through aerobic decomposition. The combination of the materials turns into a rich, black soil, used for planting and gardening. The soil that comes from composting is good for the land because it acts as a fertilizer and conditioner. With a growing concern for space for landfills, there has been a growing interest in recycling by means of composting.
Utilize the power of composting by recycling old every day scraps and organic materials into nutrient rich mulch and compost for your yard or garden. What remains after these organic materials are broken down with the help of a composter is the rich, earthy substance your garden will love. Save money and enrich your plants with healthy nutrients with your own home-grown compost.
Worm Farm
Begin your own composting farm with a worm farm. It consists of two sturdy polypropylene boxes, nested inside each other. The upper box has a perforated floor and a lid, and the lower box is fitted with a drain sprout. By having the worms in the top portion of the bin (kitchen scraps/organic waste is placed) the waste (liquid) filters through the perforated holes into the bottom bin. This can be combined with water for use as an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients. As the worms actually eat the bacteria in the decomposed food, there is no odor to worry about, just simply add your scraps and see the results!
Worms used in your Worm Farm need to be special Composting Worms (red worms). They are fast breeders and can consume their own weight in food in twenty-four hours. One thousand worms are all that is required to start off the farm (two thousand if you want to be up to capacity in a hurry). Each worm produces an egg capsule approximately every two weeks, with each capsule containing between five and fifteen worms. These eggs hatch in three weeks time, and are mature within three months. The worms will breed to the environment, so if you reduce the amount of food, so too will the worm population decrease. It will be amazing to see how these worms turn garbage into soil!
The Pet Poo Converter
The Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter consists of two sturdy nesting boxes with a lid, which form a neat, compact portable unit. The worms eat and breed in the top box. This has a perforated base to allow any liquid waste to drain through to the bottom collection box.
The “worm poo” or worm castings remain in the top box and can be harvested as desired. The bottom or catcher box collects the valuable liquid waste which can be diluted and used as a fertilizer on your garden. There is no difficulty in getting the worms to eat dog droppings. Commercial worm farmers rear their worms on manure. However, it is not possible to mix diets. They must be fed exclusively on pet poo. If you want to recycle vegetable scraps you must set up a separate farm.
This composting machine is constructed of UV treated high polypropylene hardened plastic, and weighs about ten (10) pounds. The composting worms are not included, but can be purchased at your local pet store or soil and garden center.
The Kitchen Compost Pail
Get the entire family involved in recycling with the kitchen compost pail. Teach them the importance of recycling and not letting any food go to waste. It is a simple, yet effective way of contributing to the “green” cause. And everyone will feel as if they are playing a role in saving the earth.
The kitchen compost pail is the ideal tool for collecting food scraps for your compost pile. You won’t be embarrassed to have it sitting next to your sink, and you’ll find yourself telling visitors about the benefits of composting when they ask what it is. The white enamel powder coated compost pail has a carbon filter to keep any smells contained when the lid is closed, and a handle to easily carry it outside to the compost bin. The pail is made of durable 18/8 stainless steel, and holds 1 gallon of kitchen scraps and other organic materials.
Get started to a new and greener tomorrow with composting tools and gadgets. Garden Winds has a fine selection composting machines and mixers to choose from. The rich soil that results in composting helps your flower or vegetable garden grow brighter. Help the environment from excess greenhouse gases and do your part in protecting the environment
Many folks would like to be creative, yet choosing the right project is tricky. This is the place to find great ideas for you if you’re looking to get into arts and crafts. Continue reading for plenty of fun ideas that you can use to spark your creative juices flowing! These freelance storyboard artist nowadays are incredibly talented.
There are lots of things you can use for crafting. Paper goods that are great things to use. You can use empty toilet paper rolls too. Magazines or newspapers can also be used. Try using what would generally discard into your projects.
Don’t be too much when they are working on their crafts. The idea of getting them involved is to let them express their creativity.They won’t be able to create if you point out problem areas with what they’re doing.
Focus on just one thing before starting another. Take the time to complete one before beginning another. You will be able to finish up one craft before you know it.
You should avoid examples so that your kids can create things themselves.
Look for new ideas online. There are quite a few Internet sites that offer ideas on many websites where you can gain inspiration and ideas. You will find countless ideas for projects that any age group can do online.
Etsy is a great place to purchase the supplies for finding your craft and art supplies. This is a website that has items made by individuals for sale. You will also be able to actually sell your projects on Etsy. The site is ideal when you want to use vintage media on your projects.
Spray glass cleaner on a towel and wipe your mosaic when it starts to look cloudy after the mortar dries.It helps to keep your mosaic free of mortar out but you don’t want powder to screw up the finish.
Arts and crafts are fun for kids of any age.
Your kitchen has a lot of potential in providing you with arts and crafts supplies. There are many crafts and arts gems for crafting there. You can use metal cans, tin foil, aluminum foil, and more. You can even make use of dried pasta and beans for your projects.
Arts and crafts activities are great to entertain large group of children or adults. There are projects that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. Look on the Internet for every age group.
Gather together all the materials you need before you start your needed supplies. You don’t really want to begin a project only to realize you lack some necessary supply. Make yourself a list and buy the items.
You can use your hobby to make presents instead of buying them.You can make gifts to hand out on special occasions. You can save money and give a personally created gift at holidays.
Etsy is a terrific spot for people who are into arts and crafts. You will be overwhelmed by the amount of crafts you can find inspiration or purchase handmade goods. You may use Etsy as a way to sell your craft.
Use a spirograph to show kids how patterns in drawings work.
Look for other learning opportunities when doing crafts with children. You can use math by having them count objects, subtract as you use them, read the directions, and in improving other skills while they are having fun in their project.
Buy in wholesale if need be. You will pay more for supplies if you shop at specialty shops and big retailers. If you try ordering wholesale, you can save a lot of money.
Never dispose of the packaging from products.You can reuse much of the packaging in arts and crafts supplies. Store these items in a bin and go to it when you’re struggling for any upcoming projects you may have.
Be sure you make time to work on your craft projects. You should not rush yourself. High quality will come from your time and attention to the work. So put in the time and you’ll notice different results.
Select fabric that lures you love and start with an easy project. Look at pattern books for ideas and find something that you can use or will enjoy.
Are you interested in learning to knit? You will be able to learn what you want to know via reading and looking through all the pictures.
You can create a treasured clock in a wonderful keepsake by personalizing it with baby pictures of different members of your family. Use photographs to make a mosaic pattern with rounded-out holes in place of the clock. Glue the pictures.Cover with glass to even the surface of the mosaic, then add the hands and a motor. You will then have a clock now that your child is going to love.
Arts and crafts don’t always necessitate starting from scratch all the time. You can simply embellish an object. For example, take a plain box and decorate it, painted and embellished by you. Check out garage sales or second-hand stores to find cheap items to personalize.
Get your supplies together before starting.
Be careful how you show off your crafts. Some of the supplies that you use may not do well outdoors. This also applies to crafts that are in the sun. Think about what you just made before placing them around your house.
Paper is a key component in many arts and crafts supplies. Look for big packs of paper and look through clearance sections for variety. You can’t go wrong with your paper you buy.
Now you should feel ready to go. Many people try a new arts and crafts project each day, but end up not completing it because they didn’t have great tips such as the one’s in the above article. You’ve been given some great ideas to get you going.
Whether you plan to travel by plane, plane or car, the guidance found in this piece will be of great use. This is useful advice that can help with everything from finding the right lodgings to packing your suitcases efficiently. Whistler Blackcomb offers Canada ski packages for guests award winning adventure unlike any other.
Don’t use public computers for anything that requires your password while you are on vacation. There is a keylogger that scam artists will use to gain access to your bank information as you type the keys on the computer.
Don’t take any unnecessary valuables with you don’t need.
Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country to avoid bad liaisons. If your food allergy is particularly bad, you must become fluent in the words the natives use when it comes to their food. This will give you to communicate to others what foods you have an allergy to so that they can be kept out of your meals.
Be flexible when choosing your vacation destination. Though you may enjoy visiting the same locale as a favorite, it is always fun to mix things up with some new spots.You can also pick another location to save some money by selecting an alternate destination.
You can use it to help keep the door closed as well.
If you are leaving for your trip from a port city, try to find a reasonably priced hotel with included parking and check in the night before. Ask the hotel’s staff about any parking deals even though none are published.
Always keep your essential items close to you when travelling. Do not use bags with easy access to people near you that could easily take your stuff. Make sure you take this advice when purchasing a dependable travel bag.
A luggage tag hanging from the exterior of your luggage is easily be ripped off in transit.
Melt a bucket of ice to have filtered water in your morning coffee. Rather than using plain tap water for your coffee, fill up an ice bucket and allow it to melt overnight. You can brew your coffee in the morning.
A desert typically contains lots of interesting places to look at as well as animals most people never get to see in their lives.
Avoid rush hour traffic when travelling by car. If you have to be out and about then, consider stopping during this time to refuel or grab something to eat. This can be the optimal time to go grab a while.
Sometimes you wind up in a poor hotel. Bring a rubber doorstop for safety.You can place it underneath your room door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock.
These cookie sheets will be for the kids to play cards or color in coloring books on.
When traveling internationally, it is wise to consider possible emergencies that can occur, such as a lost passport. The United States maintain website where you can locate information and embassies in most places. You can go to the US Embassy website for a lost passport or some other emergency. Bring this information along as you travel. You will get a replacement passport ready within a couple of days.
You can have to wander far from home to enjoy a fun at travel locations near your home. There are probably places you haven’t enjoyed in your own home state or perhaps one that is close by. You can significantly reduce travel expenses and support your local businesses by remaining close to home. You may even find something really fun nearby that you didn’t know about.
Try to get a room that is on a upper floor. You should also avoid staying in rooms with sliding doors whenever possible. Rooms with these are at a greater risk of being breaking into.
Don’t put your child in the aisle on a plane. Make sure there is another adult between them and the aisle and your child. Children may hurt themselves if they decide to reach into the aisle while a passing by refreshment cart. They will also be less likely to try to run away if you are blocking the aisle.
If you’re going somewhere exotic or remote, buy travel insurance that covers any emergency situation. This kind of insurance could be a real lifesaver.
If you won’t have immediate access to a currency exchange service when you land, consider exchanging a little money before you leave, and exchange the rest once you have found a currency exchange.
Travel by bus to avoid hefty baggage fees. While buses will have a small fee for over-sized bags or excess weight, you’ll still save money over the airlines. You can bring on your travel baggage if you go by bus.
Make sure that you understand the airline’s policy is for carry-on policy. Most airline allow passengers to carry a small suitcase in addition to a personal bag or purse. Make sure you take advantage of that so you keep all your important items remain with you!
If the trip doesn’t have specific dates you must adhere to, look around for deals. You may find that there are special rates that are specific to these dates and you can save a lot of money by being flexible.
Frequently, but not always, though occasionally it is not an option. Once you have paid for your tickets, check the booking site often so that you can take advantage of this feature as soon as possible. This can have a much better seat than what you would get if left to chance.
TSA is sure to be suspicious of your gift and take the wrapping job. Instead, pack sheets of wrapping paper, or purchase it when you arrive.
Bring your reservation documentation. This helps if the car rental company or hotel cannot find your reservation; you are questioned. This can save you many headaches and is relatively easy to do. Print all of the information out and keep it in a strong folder.
Remember the advice shared in this article. The great advice in this article will help you have a smoother trip, from start to end.
Garbage is very harmful to our environment. It poses dangerous risks to our land water, and air. Landfills overfilling with garbage destroy profitable land, and take many years to regain the nutrients and the land destroyed. Sewage water poured into oceans poison fish and other marine wildlife. Emissions that come out of cars limit the amount of air and oxygen we have to breathe. As you can see, garbage is harmful to our environment. Day by day office rubbish removal Sydney never get tired in maintaining cleanliness in our building.
Garbage is very harmful to our environment because of the ways it is currently being disposed. Some of the ways we currently dispose of it are recycling, composting, hazardous material disposal, landfills, and incineration. Recycling is a cost-effective way to dispose of specific things such as metal scraps, paper, and plastic because it wastes less energy to make a new item out of an old item than to make a new item from scratch. For example, it takes almost eight hours of electricity to make enough aluminum for thirty-four aluminum cans, but only takes an hour of electricity to make the same amount of cans from recycled aluminum. In addition, new aluminum has to go through the process of extraction the needed materials, refining the materials, smelting, and casting the aluminum while a recycled can only has to be shredded, melted, and casted before it can start the process again. It takes less energy and materials to make a new can from an old can. Composting is another way to get rid of garbage such as untreated paper, fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, and biodegradable plastic. It is also a cost-effective way of disposing of specific items because you can dig a put it in your backyard and until it rots. It also gives your plants much-needed nutrients when it decays. Therefore, it is a harmless way of disposing of specific garbage.
Properly disposing of hazardous materials is important, so another effective way that we currently use to get rid of garbage is hazardous material disposal. There are certain facilities designed to dispose of dangerous materials that would otherwise contaminate land if put into a landfill. Some of these materials are used paint cans, used oil, and chemical-based items such as bleach. One of the hardest hazardous materials to dispose of is syringes, because those contain disease, and disease is very easy to transmit.
Even though we recycle, compost, and dispose of hazardous materials, we still practice dangerous and unsafe ways of taking care of trash, such as landfills and incineration. Landfills have both a positive and a negative impact on the environment. After trash is packed into a hole about twenty feet deep (six and a half yards), dirt, clay, or asphalt is packed an inch or two above it so the smell does not appear and so that random trash does not fly away. Then a tube is inserted to suck out all the methane the garbage produces since the element is flammable. The methane can be used as a form of electricity. However, landfills also have a negative effect on the environment. If it leaks, it will contaminate surrounding water and surrounding groundwater. The water will travel to the nearest ocean or lake and poison the wildlife there.
One last way that we currently dispose of trash is by incinerating it. Combusting, or incinerating, burns garbage and turns water into steam as the same time. The steam is then used to turn turbine engines, which produces electricity. Incinerating trash then turns the volume to twenty percent of the original volume. You might think this is a good thing, because then landfills can fill more, right? However, incinerating trash has a bad effect on the environment. It creates exhaust and emissions, which contributes to air pollution, and air pollution contributes to global warming. As you can see, recycling, composting, and disposing of hazardous materials only take care of a small percentage of garbage. The rest goes to either a combustion facility or a landfill, which both contribute to pollution. Leaky landfills contribute to water pollution and incinerating contributes to air pollution.
Garbage also harms the environment because it results in pollution if you dispose of it in a certain way. As stated above, landfills might leak chemicals into surrounding bodies of water and any water under it, such as groundwater. Then the lake or groundwater may evaporate and cause acid rain or poison larger bodies of water. Acid rain is caused by depositing wet and dry acidic components, such as water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. This happens when a large amount of carbon dioxide enters clouds. Then when it rains, the elements mixed together kill plants, pollute water, and erode stonework. Incineration also pollutes the environment as stated above. Incineration is guaranteed to lead to a lot of air pollution and acid rain, while landfills are not that bad because there is only a small chance that they will leak since they are usually sealed properly. As you can see, a few of the ways we dispose of garbage result in pollution.
In conclusion, garbage poses dangerous risks to the environment. Some of the ways we currently dispose of it is by recycling, composting, hazardous material disposal, incineration, and landfills. Recycling, composting, and disposing of hazardous materials in a safe manner are all ways that are both effective and cost-effective. However, incineration and filling landfills with trash cause pollution and have side effects such as producing acid rain more often and leaking chemicals and radiation into rivers and lakes. You can slow down the production of garbage by: looking for minimum packaging at the store, choosing aluminum, tin, or paper because it can be recycled, avoid plastic packaging and disposables, borrow or rent instead of buying, get off junk mailing lists, compost, and anything you feel you can do to help the environment!
I just got back from the LA Screenwriting Expo in Los Angeles. I was there to teach two classes and help some of my private students pitch, but I also did a lot of pitch coaching to the regular attendees. The Expo is one of the few major opportunities screenwriters have in the United States to pitch their material to Hollywood producers, managers, and agents. They also offer highly specialized classes on some of the most esoteric and commercial subjects about the craft. Freelance storyboard artist are more specialized in creating visual effects that can get audience attention.
The classes that I taught were about the writing aspects of the process, not the pitching part, but after I taught a new class, Writing Concept First, there was a surprising result; one of the students who had been unsuccessfully pitching a romantic comedy found his concept, went to pitch and was immediately asked for the script! Then, another screenwriter who had also been unsuccessful pitching, took this class, and later, pitched that same script using the new concept he had developed in my class and was asked to submit the script to the production company of a well-known actress.
Finally, another student approached me in the hall and said she had restructured the concept of her script, spoken to her manager who was very excited, and told her she was now ready to pitch.
No one was more surprised than I – this writing class helped pitching!
As a result, I thought I would share the techniques I taught in this class that helped these writers make the connection.
Writing Concept First is a class about finding the larger, humanistic notions behind a story. For example, the film, The Godfather, explores the concept of family: What happens when a man’s loyalty to his family involves becoming a criminal? I believe that if you walked into a pitch meeting and opened with that line, any producer who makes crime stories is going to want to know what that script is about.
Here’s another example of concept in a different genre, the romantic comedy. If your screenplay was When Harry Met Sally, the concept could be expressed as “Can men and women be friends?” If you led your pitch with that sentence, what producer wouldn’t want to hear more?
This advice to be more indirect is counter to what you usually hear, which is usually: Just say your pitch straightaway. Instead this is a new and different approach – creating a universal playing field before you pitch so that you and your potential producers, agents, etc. are together on a larger common ground.
Here’s the Exercise:
There are three steps to developing material concept first. I always work with a timer set to 15 minutes and write by hand. In each of the exercises below, allow yourself to go outside and beyond your story.
Step 1. Trace the source of your original inspiration for the idea. How did you come up with the idea?
For example, if your story was Midnight In Paris, you might write, “As a child I wished I had been born in another time, where life wasn’t so tough. I was really angry when my friends made fun of me. One day, when I was finally in Paris, I thought, what if I really could go back into the past and live that life? I was torn between entering a traditional marriage or opting out to finish my novel: What would have happened to me if I had known the great writers of the 20s and 30s, or been mentored by someone like Gertrude Stein?”
Step 2. Complete the “What Happened Was…” exercise
Take a character from your screenplay. Now imagine that you are they, it’s 20 years later, the story in the film is over, and all of the events are resolved. As your character tell the story, starting with “What happened was…”
For example, if your script were Midnight In Paris, the hero, Gil, might write: “What happened was that I was in Paris about to get married, and I wanted to revisit the world of Paris in the 20s that I had wanted to live in as a child, and I had to choose between my future marriage and a magical chance to do so.” I ended up not getting married, I discovered that I had talent as a novelist and met a lovely woman who may or not become my wife.
Step 3. Identify the concept
The concept is the larger, human idea behind your screenplay story. This is what inspires us to write stories but we rarely focus on articulating it. For example, the concept behind the film, Midnight In Paris could be: Can going back to the past make you happy? Which may remind you of another, well-loved movie Back To The Future.
Completing each exercise for your script will lead you to understand the concept behind your script and deepen your story. Ironically, by articulating this seemingly elusive element you should find an original, yet commercial “hook” that will help you successfully pitch the screenplay.
