| How to Decorate Open Shelves Posted: 07 May 2018 05:00 PM PDT Open shelves are a focal point in any room and can be customized in many ways. Decorating shelving can seem intimidating at first, but you can handle it by gathering up a variety of similar and personal items to fill the shelves. Arrange them on the shelves to create visual balance and a consistent room theme. You may need to adjust the decor a few times, but you can always edit the shelves to make the decor fresh and appealing. EditChoosing Decorations - Bring together similar items to theme your shelves. Having an overall theme brings an appealing consistency to your shelving. The theme doesn't have to be anything wildly imaginative. Items that have similar colors, shapes, textures, or functions will do.[1]
- Items that look similar look like they belong together, so your shelves look organized as a result.
- For example, you can keep a collection of ceramic plates or similarly-colored books on your shelves.
- If you have a collection of items, like vases of various sizes, shapes, or colors, disperse them throughout the shelves to create a cohesive look.
- Include some contrasting items to add variety. You may not want an entire shelf to hold nothing but white porcelain. An unexpected object breaks up the repetition. If you place these items in clever locations, they will draw the viewer's eye along the shelf.[2]
- For example, include a woven basket, metal kettle, or bright red cookbook among your white plates to add some much-needed variety.
- If you display a lot of books, put books with interesting covers or differently-colored spines on your shelves.
- If you have a lot of colorful items, you can add some neutrality by placing your books with the spines facing the back of the shelves so the pages are visible.
- Store everyday items on your shelves. A benefit of open shelving is accessibility. This makes it a useful place to keep that favorite mug you use for coffee every morning. Think of items you use frequently, then include them in your display so you can always reach them without having to dig through cupboards to find them.[3]
- These items generally belong on lower shelves that you can reach without much effort.
- For example, put frequently-used CDs and DVDs on your shelves.
- You can also put items in decorative baskets or bowls to make the shelf look nicer and more organized.
- Use items that reflect your personality and interests. Because the items themselves serve as decorations, open shelving gives you a unique opportunity to put yourself on display. Choose items that feel meaningful to you. Only put them on the shelves if you don't mind letting other people see them.[4]
- For example, if you're a photographer, you may wish to leave your camera on a shelf. This way, it's both accessible and a meaningful decoration.
- Place your favorite books or video games on the shelves.
- Framed pictures also look great on open shelves and can be leaned up against the wall.
- Hide clutter in baskets. You may end up with a collection of items overcrowding your shelves. Consider replacing these items with a basket. Baskets are available in a variety of styles, so they are easy to incorporated into your decor. Then, use them to keep your shelves neat and organized.[5]
- Baskets are also a good way to store items you don't want on display, such as cables from electronic devices.
- Use baskets to store extraneous objects like extra blankets or mail.
- Typically, baskets look best on lower shelves. If you use the items in the baskets frequently or if they're heavy, be sure to put them on the lowest shelf.
EditArranging Decor on Shelves - Divide your shelving into sections. Mentally break up each shelf into a couple of pieces. Each section is a small display that you should decorate individually. Doing this not only makes decorating feel less intimidating, but it can help your shelving look more cohesive when you're done.[6]
- If you have a shelf, you can divide it up into sections. Decorate each section individually.
- You don't have to measure out the sections. Make mental estimations about how to divide up the shelves.
- For example, you might decorate the first part of the shelf with a big pot, then contrast it in the next section with a potted plant. Just make sure the shelves are balanced and cohesive.
- Arrange frequently-used items on lower shelves. Items you know you will need often, such as a specific bowl or personal object, belong on the lower shelves. This way, you don't have to dig through the decorations to get to them. Keep in mind which items need to be accessible as you organize them.
- The items you use less frequently can be stored on higher shelves that aren't as easy to access.
- Take shelf balance into account. Large items may look too noticeable up on the top shelf. Also, these items can be tough to remove safely from high shelves.
- Place larger items in the center of your shelves. Big items, like large vases, bowls, and baskets, are eye-catching. Start with these items, placing 1 on each shelf to avoid overcrowding. Keep them aligned in the center, as this will make the shelves look more balanced later.[7]
- When someone views your shelves, these items are the first ones they will see.
- For example, a large TV works best when it is placed in the center of a shelf.
- Balance the shelf ends with similar objects. The ends of the shelves are great places for other large objects or stacked objects, such as baskets or books. Keeping them away from the center items prevents the shelves from looking crowded. However, these items should be interspersed on different shelves to make the decor consistent.[8]
- For example, you put one metal pot on the left end of a shelf. Put a second metal pot on the right end of the shelf underneath it to create consistency.
- You can also put bookends on either side of a shelf to create symmetry.
- Layer your items to fit more on the shelves. Most shelves are big enough to fit a few items close together. If yours are, set some decorative items against the wall between items you have already placed. This can fill some empty space on the shelves, adding more color and variety.[9]
- Be careful with layering, because too much put on a shelf ends up being a lot of visual clutter.
- Be sure to put taller things in back, smaller in front. Otherwise, items will not be seen.
- You could also lay a few books down horizontally and stack another item, such as a picture frame or figurine, on top of the books for a sophisticated look..
- Fill the remaining space with smaller items. Once all of the larger decorations are in position, move on to the smaller items. These can be items like individual books, pictures, and figurines. Generally, they belong in the middle sections of the shelves, between the biggest items.
- You don't need to fill up all the space, though! Up to 50% of it can be bare for a nice visual effect.
- Stack small items to make them appear bigger. A pile of similarly-sized or colored books can occupy the end of a shelf.
- Check your decorating after taking a break. Decorating open shelves is trial and error. After you place all of the decorations, step away for a few minutes. Do a different activity or wait until the next day to critique your design work. You will quickly uncover ways to reorganize your shelves to make them look even better.[10]
- You may need to do this a few times before the shelves look perfect to you.
- You could also ask a friend or family member for their advice.
EditCreating Room Consistency - Establish a color theme throughout your room. When preparing shelving, take a look at the rest of your room. Notice any common colors in your furniture, walls, and flooring. Chances are a few colors appear in your room more often than others. Alter the rest of the room along with your shelf decorations to include these colors.[11]
- A room theme works best when the colors you choose are interspersed throughout the room.
- For instance, if your room has a nautical theme, you could include white china and blue books on your shelves.
- Match the shelf and decoration style to the room. The characteristics of the shelving and decorations you use should change depending on the room. Select each item carefully so it matches with the overall aesthetic of the room. Modern shelving or decorations may look out of place in a room designed to appear rustic.[12]
- If you have a modern room with sleek, dark furniture, you might want to use metal shelves. Then, decorate the shelves with metal picture frames, electronics, and colorful displays.
- Paint the back wall a simple color if your shelves are busy. Open shelves are a focal point in a room, so you don't want the wall behind it to stand out. A neutral shade like white often works well. You can also use light colors such as a pale blue or wood paneling.[13]
- Avoid dark, drab colors, since these contrast against most decorations.
- Use bold paint or patterned wallpaper if your shelves are bare. To highlight a few select items on open shelves, you can paint the wall behind it a bold color. Or, you can add patterned wallpaper. This adds a fun pop of color and directs the eye toward the shelves.
- Move furniture at least away from the shelves. Leave some walking space between the shelves and furniture. Also, after the work you probably went through in arranging the shelves, you won't want to obscure the decor behind a large couch. Move furniture away so the shelves are visible.[14]
- Placing a large chair near a shelf can be distracting. The size of the chair draws eyes to it, so your shelves will likely be underappreciated.
- If you want furniture near the shelves, restrict it to a single small chair if possible. Or, make sure the furniture is a solid or neutral color so the area doesn't look too busy.
- Decorate the area surrounding the shelves sparingly. This includes the walls as well as the floor. Let the shelves stand alone. Try not to hang any large or gaudy wall art next to the shelves. Also, avoid placing large cabinets or additional shelving units nearby, since this can cause your space to look overcrowded.[15]
- Distracting wall decorations can include bright wall paint, wallpaper, posters, and framed art.
- Intersperse other storage and shelving units throughout your home to create consistency.
- Simplify the decor if you display other items nearby. If you wish to place other eye-catching decorations nearby, make your shelves less of a focal point. To do this, store less items on the shelves. Choose mostly items with neutral colors, such as white.
- Keep your room balanced by not drawing attention from nearby decorations.
- For example, a fancy framed painting may be on the wall. If you don't move it, it will be the first item anyone sees when they step into the room.
- Review your decor on occasion. Periodically check your room to keep your decor up to date. Clean up any clutter and eliminate any items that no longer belong there. Refill your shelves with new items to keep your decor fresh. Adjust any wall decorations or nearby furniture as needed to keep the room fresh.[16]
- Even rearranging the items on your shelving can make your decor look new again.
- You may want to change up your decor based on the season as well. For instance, you could add Christmas decor around the holidays or include brighter items during the summer.
- Experiment with your decorations. Start filling the shelves, then rearrange the decorations as you go along.
- For consistency, incorporate the shelving into the rest of your room.
- Rearrange your shelves frequently. Don't fear removing decorations you no longer want to display.
- Always make sure the shelves can support the weight of the objects you place on them.
- Be careful when storing big, heavy, or breakable objects on high shelves. Removing them can be difficult later.
- Keep items, especially those that are breakable, away from the edges of the shelves. If you have children or pets, avoid storing these items on low shelves.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Become a Child Life Specialist Posted: 07 May 2018 09:00 AM PDT Working as a child life specialist can be very rewarding. As a child life specialist, you'll work with children and their families, helping them to navigate through the healthcare system and tackle the obstacles they face related to illness and disability. You can work at hospitals, but you can also find positions at outpatient centers such as dental offices, hospices, clinics, and even camps for children with special health needs.[1] To become a child life specialist, complete a degree, ideally in child life. Then, you must complete 600 clinical hours at an internship, after which you are eligible to take the certification exam through the Association of Child Life Professionals. EditWorking on Your Education - Earn a bachelor's degree in child life. To be certified, a bachelor's degree in any field will do. However, a bachelor's degree in child life or similar field is a better option.[2] Similar fields include psychology, child development, child and family studies, and early childhood education.[3]
- Complete the required coursework to be eligible for certification. If you don't graduate from an ACLP-endorsed program in child life, you can still become certified. You just need to complete 10 specific undergraduate classes to fulfill the same requirement, though you still need a bachelor's degree in another field.[4]
- Take 1 child life course taught by a child life specialist, 2 child development courses that cover birth to 18-years-old, 1 family systems course, 1 play course, 1 loss/bereavement or death/dying course, 1 research course, and 3 more courses in the child life field or a related field.
- The ACLP recommends that you focus on ethics, medical terminology, and anatomy/physiology, but these classes are not required. They can count as your 3 extra classes.
- Volunteer or complete a practicum. Some programs may require you to have a practicum, which will help you gain valuable experience. Even if yours doesn't, consider volunteering in a related area to gain valuable experience. For instance, you could volunteer to help at a children's hospital or in the pediatric unit of a hospital. Any position in the medical field that gives you experience working with children will be beneficial.
- You might also volunteer at a camp for kids with particular medical needs.
- Ask your professors to recommend places to volunteer. You may even be able to find a paid entry-level position.
- Get a master's degree to improve your chances of getting a job. A master's degree in child life is not required to be certified, at least prior to 2022. However, the certification will require a master's degree after 2022. While you can be grandfathered in before that year, a master's degree will make you more competitive in the field.[5]
- Become a member of the ACLP to gain access to more jobs. While you don't need to be a member to be a child life specialist, this organization is the agency you will be certified with. Membership comes with benefits, such as access to a search portal for internships, job listings, and more. Plus, you get discounts on things like tests and certification maintenance fees if you're a member.[6]
- A student membership is $72 USD per year as of 2018, while a professional membership is $125 USD per year as of 2018. The main difference is students do not have voting privileges.
EditCompleting Your Internship - Find internships you can apply for by researching hospitals. Check out the hospitals and programs in your area that employ child life specialists, and narrow them by the types of programs you'd like to work in. Look at size, specialties, or areas of research to decide if each program is a good fit for you. Establish at least 10 to 15 places you'd like to apply to.[7]
- Check each program's application requirements to see if you meet them. Some programs require practicum experience, while others do not. Many have GPA requirements. It's important to establish that you meet all of the program's requirements before spending the time to apply.[8]
- Some internships may require you to still be in school or to be affiliated with a specific university, for instance.
- Many schools will accept the ACLP Common Child Life Internship Application, which makes it easier on you, but others do not.
- Build a strong resume to use on your application. Often, the application will require a resume. Include any relevant experience you've had in the field, as well as anything else that helps you stand out, such as academic awards or volunteer work you've done.[9]
- If you're not sure how to build a resume, see if your campus has a writing center with tutors who will help you build one.
- Keep your resume organized, clean, and short. Proofread it multiple times to make sure it's free of typos and grammatical errors.
- Find professors and bosses who are willing to write references for you. Most professionals know that writing references is part of the job, but you must ask well in advance of the deadline, at least a month ahead of time. Pick people who have praised your work in the past and who you have a repertoire with.[10]
- Provide the person with all the information they need, including your resume and an envelope addressed to where they need to send the letter or the email address. Let them know the program you are applying to, as well as the person they should address the letter to.
- Make sure they know the deadline. Politely inquire 2 weeks later to see how they are progressing.
- Ask them to include specific skills you exemplify.
- Don't forget to send a thank-you card once your letter has been sent.
- Apply using the Common Child Life Internship Application. Many programs accept this application, which you can find at https://www.childlife.org/docs/default-source/certification/internships/common-child-life-internship-application.pdf?sfvrsn=18. Fill in biographical information, academic information, and relevant experience. You'll also need to fill in 4 essay questions of 200 words each, if applicable.[11]
- If you're still completing your coursework, have your CCLS instructor fill in the form for the Confirmation of Child Life Course In-Progress. They will also need to fill in a similar form if you're still completing or finished with a practicum.
- Check the ACLP's website for internship deadlines, as most programs follow their schedule. You can find deadlines at https://www.childlife.org/certification/students/internship-deadlines.
- Ace the interview by preparing ahead of time. Use the ACLP's interview guide to prepare. It has sample questions you may be asked in an internship interview. Have someone ask you the question in a practice interview to see how you do. Practicing ahead of time can help calm your nerves.[12]
- Accept or decline offers by the acceptance date. The ACLP lays out a schedule, which includes an initial offer date. Programs send out offers to their first choices by this date. You must accept or decline by the acceptance date, which is the day after.[13]
- Ensure your supervisor meets the qualifications. Your supervisor must have the child life specialist certification and have already completed 4,000 hours of paid clinical experience in the field. They must be willing to take you on as their intern, guiding you through your education in your clinical internship.[14]
- Complete the 600 hours for your internship. After you gain an internship, begin accruing hours. Enter hours on the ACLP's online verification system as you gain them.[15]
- You can also use the Clinical Experience Verification Form, found on the ACLP's website.
EditTaking the Exam - Complete an Eligibility Assessment to qualify for the exam. This assessment verifies you have the right to take the exam. Find the online application at https://www.childlife.org/certification/students/review-my-courses. Log on, and enter your name and coursework to begin the assessment. Next, enter information about your internship, including your supervisor's name.[16]
- Send in supporting documents, including transcripts from your university or universities. Clinical hours should be verified through the online verification process or the Clinical Experience Verification Form.
- Transcripts can be emailed by your institution to certification@childlife.org or mailed to the following address:
Life Professionals
1820 Ft. Myer Dr.
Suite 520
Arlington, VA 22209. - If you haven't registered, do so by entering a username and password.
- Pay the $75 USD application fee.
- Wait for your eligibility notification. The ACLP will send you an email notifying you whether you are eligible or not to sit the exam. If you are eligible, they will provide you with instructions on how to register for the exam.[17]
- If you are denied eligibility, you can send a letter to the Certifying Committee appealing the decision. You must state your reason for appealing in the letter.
- Register for the exam online in the required window. To register, go to the Event/Webinar section on the ACLP website. Schedule the exam within the required window stated in your eligibility acceptance letter. Register early as the schedule can fill up.[18]
- Keep in mind that they only give the test approximately 6 weeks out of the year in 3 2-week windows. You will be scheduled for one of these windows. You must register at least 5 days ahead of time.
- Pay the examination fee. The fee is $300 USD for ACLP or $450 USD for non-ACLP members as of 2018.
- Tests are given at IQT testing centers, which are located throughout the United States and the world. You can find your closest location at http://www.isoqualitytesting.com/locations.aspx.
- Prepare for the exam by using the ACLP study guide. The ACLP does put out a study guide, but you must purchase it from the website. You can find free resources online provided by other students who are studying. The best preparation is to focus on the areas covered in the test and review your notes and textbooks from your classes. You can also find other resources to review at https://www.childlife.org/docs/default-source/certification/candidate-manual.pdf?sfvrsn=20.[19]
- Take the exam by keeping your scheduled appointment. Arrive on time; if you arrive more than 20 minutes late, you won't be allowed to take the exam. You will have 4 hours to complete it, and you will take it on a computer.[21]
- Bring your admission document and a government-issued photo ID. You are allowed to bring earplugs but not headphones.
- You may cancel the exam for a refund if you have an emergency or there's severe inclement weather.
- Wait for your final score from the ACLP. You will receive your score at the end of the test. However, your official score won't be posted for a few days. You can find it on your ACLP account.[22]
- It is not likely the score will change, but the ACLP does perform a statistical analysis of all scores just in case.
- If you pass, you will just receive a "pass." If you fail, you'll be given your numerical score.
- Take the exam again if you don't pass. As long as you still meet the eligibility requirements, you can take the exam as many times as you wish. You do not need to pay the assessment fee again unless your eligibility changes and you need a new assessment. However, you must pay the exam fee each time.[23]
EditUsing Your Child Life Specialist Certification - Add "CCLS" to the end of your name. After passing the certification exam, you are officially a professional child life specialist. Therefore, you can add these letters after your name as a sign of your certification.[24]
- Update your resume to reflect your new certification and experience.
- Pay the fees to maintain your certification. Each certification is good for 5 years. For the first 4 years of that certification, you must pay a maintenance fee to ACLP each year to maintain your certification.[25]
- As of 2018, the maintenance fees are $45 USD per year for members and $65 USD per year for non-members, as long as you pay in January. After that, a late fee is added. You must pay by April 1 to maintain your certification.
- Pay online at https://online.childlife.org/clcssa/ssaauthmenu.show_top_menu. For a check, include your certification number in the memo and mail it to the following address:
Certification Maintenance
Association of Child Life Professionals
1820 N Fort Myer Drive
Suite 520
Arlington, VA 22209. - Apply for the position of your choice. At this point, you are a certified professional, free to apply for any position that requires this certification. Search for positions with this certification in your area. You can even apply where you had your internship, as they are already familiar with your abilities.
- The ALCP has job listings on their website, but you must be a member to search them.[26]
- Keep your certification by being professional. This certification can be revoked by the ACLP if they decide you have engaged in inappropriate behavior. For instance, they may revoke it if they find out you falsified certification materials.[27]
- Re-certify every 5 years. Even though you passed the child life specialist exam, you must show you are staying current by re-certifying. You can either take continuing education courses, known as Professional Development Units, or retake the exam.[28]
- Depending on your place of employment, you may be required to work evenings or weekends.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Use Twitter Bookmarks Posted: 07 May 2018 01:00 AM PDT Twitter offers a feature called Bookmarks that allows you to save Tweets for later. This feature is only available on the Twitter apps, Twitter Lite and mobile.twitter.com. There is also a "share" icon on every Tweet that allows you to bookmark the Tweet and share it via Direct Message. This wikiHow article will teach you how to use the Bookmarks feature on Twitter. - Launch the Twitter app on your phone. Log in with your username/email and password, if you haven't already done so. This feature not available on the desktop version of Twitter, so you need to visit mobile.twitter.com in your browser.
- You can also use the Twitter Lite app or web page to bookmark a Tweet.
- Navigate to a Tweet. Find a Tweet which you want to bookmark and tap on it to see the "share" icon. If you are a Twitter for iOS app user, you can see the "share" icon without expanding it.
- Tap on the "share" icon, under the Tweet. When you tap on it, some options will appear.
- Bookmark the Tweet. Tap on the option. When you are done, you will see the "Tweet added to your Bookmarks" message at the bottom of your screen. Tap on the message to quickly access the bookmarked Tweet.
- Tap on your Profile picture. In the Twitter apps, you can see it at the top left side of the screen. When you are using Twitter Lite's webpage on your desktop, the profile icon will be located in the top right corner of the page.
- Select from the options. In your browser, you can directly access the Bookmarks page by visiting mobile.twitter.com/i/bookmarks. Tap on each Tweet to expand it.
- Tap on each Tweet to expand it. Now you can easily view any Tweets later. Done!
- Remove Tweets from your Bookmarks (optional). Tap on the "share" icon once again and select . Finished!
- Twitter Bookmarks feature is available on Twitter for iOS and Android, Twitter Lite, and mobile.twitter.com. So you can easily access your bookmarked Tweets from anywhere.
- You can clear all bookmarks using the "more" icon ( or ) from the Bookmarks option.
- The Twitter "share" icon does not look the same on every platform.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
|
No comments:
Post a Comment