| How to Use a Weighted Blanket for Better Sleep Posted: 09 Sep 2020 05:00 PM PDT Weighted blankets, or gravity blankets, apply a light, even pressure over your entire body, similar to a gentle hug. This deep pressure stimulation creates a calming effect that can lower anxiety and help you toss and turn less so you get a better night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. While there's no guarantee that a weighted blanket will work for you, research shows that many people benefit from one, so feel free to try it out! [Edit]Figuring Out If a Weighted Blanket Is Right for You - Try a weighted blanket if you have an anxiety disorder or panic disorder. The weight of the blanket simulates "deep touch pressure," which affects your nervous system by increasing your body's production of both serotonin and oxytocin. This increases relaxation so you get a great night's sleep.[1]
- A weighted blanket can also decrease your cortisol levels so you feel less stressed.[2]
- Some people describe a weighted blanket as a "hug machine."
- To reduce your anxiety even further, do some meditation before bed.
- Use a weighted blanket if you are restless or have insomnia. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can limit how often you toss and turn at night, leading to more restful sleep.[3] Similarly, if you suffer from insomnia, the blanket can help you feel more settled so you get a good night's sleep.[4]
- Ask your pediatrician if a weighted blanket is right for your child. There's some evidence that a weighted blanket can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or those on the Autism spectrum relax and calm down.[5] However, there's also some concern about the safety of weighted blankets for children and there have been some deaths associated with them due to suffocation.[6] Chat with your child's doctor to find out if a weighted blanket would be a good choice for your little one.
- You could try giving your child a weighted blanket to help them fall asleep. Check on them frequently and swap out the blanket for a regular one once they're snoozing.[7]
- Don't put a weighted blanket over a child that cannot remove it themselves.[8]
- Never put a weighted blanket on a baby under 1 year.[9]
- Avoid using a weighted blanket if you have a sleep disorder or other health problems. Unfortunately, it's best not to use a weighted blanket if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or have asthma.[10]
- Similarly, don't use a weighted blanket if you have cardiac issues, epilepsy, or circulatory problems.[11]
- Stick with a regular blanket if you're claustrophobic. If you have a fear of small spaces, a weighted blanket could trigger you. Feel free to try one out, but it might not be a good option for you.[12]
[Edit]Using a Weighted Blanket - Get a blanket that weighs . These blankets are available in a range of different weights, from . Studies show that a blanket with a weight of is optimal for adults as it creates a light pressure while keeping you from getting too warm at night.[13]
- If a blanket doesn't work for you, choose one that weighs between 5 and 10% of your body weight.[14]
- Choose a blanket with materials that are comfortable for you. Weighted blankets are filled with different materials depending on the manufacturer. Some have glass beads while others have metal or plastic pellets.[15] Check out a few in-person to figure out which you find the most comfortable, as this is a matter of personal preference.
- Consider how easy the blanket is to wash, too!
- Wear lighter or fewer clothes if you get hot at night. Since a heavier blanket can keep you warmer, skip the flannel pajamas and choose clothes that are thin and lightweight. Or, sleep in your birthday suit![16]
- Make sure the blanket doesn't hang off the edge of your bed. These blankets come in different sizes. Get a blanket that fits over your body but isn't too large—it shouldn't hang over your bed.[17]
[Edit]Getting Great Sleep - Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. As an adult, you need about 8 hours of sleep per night. Teens need 9-10, younger kids need at least 10, preschoolers need up to 12, and babies need between 16 and 18 hours every night.[18]
- Not getting enough sleep can make you irritable, depressed, or anxious. It also affects your cognitive skills and reaction times, so get those z's in!
- Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Creating a regular sleep schedule is actually pretty important and can improve the quality of your sleep. Make a schedule that works for you and stick to it—even on weekends and holidays.[19]
- For instance, you might go to bed at 10 pm and wake up at 6 am. If you're more of a night owl with a flexible schedule, go to sleep at midnight and get up at 8.
- Have your last meal a few hours before bed. Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime isn't a great idea. You don't want to be too hungry or too full when you lay down, so eat dinner a few hours before bed and avoid late-night snacking. Similarly, drink a little bit so you're not thirsty, but not so much that you'll need to get up to use the bathroom frequently.[20]
- Stay away from caffeine and nicotine in the evening, as well.[21]
- Make your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable. You won't sleep well if you're too hot or if your room is bright. Turn down the thermostat or use a fan at night and hang up some light-blocking shades to keep the sunlight from filtering into your room.[22]
- You can even use earplugs or a white noise machine if you like.
- Try to avoid watching TV in bed or scrolling on your phone. The blue light can make it harder to fall asleep.[23]
- Exercise every day. Being active during the day can help you sleep longer and better. Try to get some exercise every day, but don't do strenuous workouts before you hit the hay—exercising within 2 hours of bedtime could actually negatively impact your sleep.[24]
- Minimize your stress. If you've got a lot on your mind, it could be hard to fall asleep. Take a few minutes to write down anything you need to take care of as well as any stresses. Then, set aside your list to tackle the next day.[25]
- Do some restful activities before bed, like meditating or taking a bath.[26]
- If you and your pediatrician decide that a heavy blanket isn't a good choice for your child, try using a weighted vest during the day time, instead.[27]
[Edit]References |
| How to Use a Paint Brush Posted: 09 Sep 2020 09:00 AM PDT The key to a good paint job is to use high quality paint and a good paint brush. Buy the best brush you can afford and make sure it's the right kind for the type of paint you're using. Latex brushes don't work well with oil paints, nor do oil brushes work with water-based paints.[1] Once you have the right brush, you can focus on technique! [Edit]Loading a Paintbrush - Choose an artist's brush if you're making art or adding details. If you're making art, pick up a set of artist's brushes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Each style of brush is unique and creates a different type of line. The brushes you choose for a particular painting are entirely up to you, but it helps to have options. You can also use an artist's brush to paint small surfaces or add fill in details on a wall if you're repainting your home.[2]
- You also have a choice between synthetic and natural brushes. Generally speaking, natural bristles are best for oil paint, while synthetic is best for acrylic and watercolor paint.
- Use a painter's brush if you're painting interior walls or large surfaces. Painter's brushes refer to the paintbrushes are typically used by interior painters. They're usually wide and they usually have a unique hourglass-shaped handle. If you're repainting your home or business, grab a painter's brush. Artists often use painter brushes to repaint canvases, apply primer, or add large sections of color.[3]
- Use a natural brush for oil-based paints and primers. Use a synthetic brush for latex paints. Synthetic painter's brushes are almost always made out of nylon.
- Dampen the brush with water or mineral spirits to prepare it. If you're using acrylic, latex, or watercolor paint, dip your brush's bristles in water. If you're using an oil paint, dip the bristles in mineral spirits. This will make the paint stick to your bristles for longer and reduce how often you need to reload the brush. It will also make cleaning the brush easier.[4]
- Blot the bristles with a dry cloth after you dip them to keep them from dripping with water or mineral spirits. You don't want them to be soaked, just a little damp.
- Artist and painter brushes are loaded the same way. There's no real difference between them when it comes to loading them with paint.
- Lower the bristles half way into the paint to load them up. Pour your paint in a paint tray or squirt your colors out on your easel. To load your paintbrush, dip the bristles halfway into the paint. You only use the front half of the bristles to apply paint, so all you're doing is making the bristles harder to clean if you load them up all the way.[5]
- Remember to mix the paint before using it if you're using an interior paint that comes in a can or large bucket. The pigments tend to separate in these paints while they're sitting on the shelf.
- Use the easel or paint tray to knock the excess paint off. Take the bristles out of the paint. Then, if you're using a paint tray or can, drag the bristles against the rim on each side of the brush to knock off some of the paint. If you're using an easel, drag the bristles back and forth next to your dollop of paint. This will remove the excess paint and keep your brush from dripping as you paint.[6]
- If you don't do this, your brush may drip while you're moving it. Your first brush stroke will also be saturated in paint and it won't match the rest of the brush stroke.
[Edit]Working with a Painter's Brush - Brace the sides of the brush if you're covering a large, flat surface. If you're painting a flat surface and there are no edges or corners nearby, hold the brush by the ferrule, which is the metal collar under the bristles. Put your thumb on one side and brace the other side with your four fingers. This grip is great because you won't get sore quickly.[7]
- You have to apply a fair bit of pressure to cover a large surface area in paint. If you hold the brush by the handle, your wrist will get sore pretty quickly.
- Grip angle brushes by the junction of the ferrule for cuts and edges. For more precise cuts where the angle of the bristles matters a great deal, lay your thumb on the side right above the edge of the ferrule. Then, slide your index finger on top of the handle like you're holding a pencil. Grip the sides of the brush with your 3 free fingers to balance it.[8]
- In painting, a "cut" refers to a straight line where 2 colors meet. When you paint the edges of a wall around the trim, it is called "cutting in."
- Line the brush's bristles up with the surface you're painting. If you're using a flat brush, press the bristles straight against the surface. If you're using an angle brush, tilt the brush so the bristles line up with the surface. You can turn angle brushes so the angle is skinny and leave a thick bead of paint, or hold it vertically to spread a wider line of paint.[9]
- If the bristles aren't flat against the surface of the wall, your line won't be even. Part of it will look too thin and part of the line will look too rich and thick.
- Press the bristles against the surface and drag your arm to apply paint. Apply a light amount of pressure to the surface with your bristles. Then, keep your wrist steady and move your entire arm along the line you're painting to apply the paint.[10]
- It's actually pretty hard to get a straight line if you only move your wrist. Moving your entire arm ensures that your brush doesn't shake as you move it.
- Drag the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the surface you're painting. While you're moving your arm, soften your grip up a little bit and let the bristles drag behind your wrist while you paint. If you only use the tip of the bristles, you'll need to reload your brush every 2-3 seconds. By letting the brush drag at an angle, a larger percentage of the bristles will brush against the surface.[11]
- Cover each section you paint 2-3 times to smooth out the texture. Once you reach the end of a line, move the brush back in the opposite direction. This will apply another layer of paint from the other side of the bristles and fill in any small areas you missed the first time you painted the line. Reload your brush and continue painting.[12]
[Edit]Creating Art with an Artist's Brush - Use a pencil grip to hold a standard brush for precise strokes. The best way to hold an artist's brush is to grip it on one side with your thumb and the other side with your index finger. Curl your three remaining fingers underneath the brush to brace it and keep it balanced.[13]
- This is the most common grip, but it's fine if you find another grip that's more comfortable for you. There is no right or wrong way to hold a brush if you're making art!
- Some artists prefer to hold the end of the brush and lay their index finger on top to control the brush.
- Clutch the brush behind the ferrule to balance it. Unlike a pencil, you do not hold an artist's brush behind the bristles. Instead, slide your fingers away from the metal part of the brush, called the ferrule. It's hard to see what you're doing if your hand is on the ferrule and you're more likely to brush the wet paint with the side of your palm if you hold it near the tip.[14]
- It's much easier to balance the brush in your hand and control it if you hold it near the center of gravity in the middle of the brush. The reason you can't do this with a pencil or pen is because you need to apply pressure when you use a writing tool. You don't really need to do that with a brush, though!
- Drag your wrist slowly to apply paint in straight lines. Press the tip of the bristles into the surface you're painting and keep your wrist as steady as possible. Move your entire arm at the same time to paint a straight line. Keep the bristles at the same distance to the surface you're painting to avoid changing the thickness of the line.[15]
- You can totally change the distance of the bristles if you want to intentionally change the thickness of the line mid-stroke!
- Flick the bristles with your wrist to add textures or details. For smaller flourishes of color or minor highlights, hold the bristles against the surface and move your wrist in the direction you're adding the paint to add a quick dash of color that doesn't look like a thick, full line. Do this over and over again to build up textures or add color.[16]
- This is the best way to build up clouds, grass, tree trunks, or textured backgrounds.
- Touch the canvas or paper with the very tip of the brush for minor additions. If you ever want to add a small dot or line, only touch the surface with the very tip of your bristles. You can either flick your wrist or move your arm to apply the line. This takes some practice to get the thickness of your marks right, but you'll improve the more you paint.[17]
- Build your composition up with a variety of strokes to add depth. Use a variety of different strokes and movements to develop your work. Painters rarely rely on a single type of brush stroke, so mix it up and find a pattern that works for you. Alternate between different brush sizes and shapes to develop a full repertoire that makes your paintings pop.[18]
[Edit]Caring for Paintbrushes - Clean off your paintbrush immediately after each use. If you don't clean your brush immediately after using it, the paint will dry on the bristles and you'll end up with a stiff, unusable brush. While it's fine to keep it wet for 5-10 minutes while you clean up, you really don't want to wait too long to clean your brushes.[19]
- The one exception here is if you used oil-based primer. This stuff is extremely hard to clean and you're better off using a cheap disposable brush if you're working with oil-based primer.
- Use mineral spirits or turpentine to remove oil-based paint. If you were using oil paint, fill a small plastic cup with mineral spirits or turpentine. Submerge the bristles and shake the brush around in the liquid to remove the larger chunks of paint. Do this for 2-3 minutes.[20]
- Oil paint is typically harder to remove than acrylic or latex paint. You may need to do this 2-3 times to really get your brush clean.
- Pour soap and hot water on the bristles get rid of acrylic or latex paint. If you were using latex, acrylic, or watercolor paint, run your brush under warm water. Squirt 1-2 dollops of dish soap on the bristles and gently spread the soap out by hand. Run the bristles against the edge of your sink like you're painting it while letting the water run to get rid of most of the paint.[21]
- Don't worry about staining your sink. Latex, acrylic, and watercolor are all water-based paints and will wash off so long as you don't let the paint dry.
- Shake or spin your brush while rinsing it until the water runs clear. Whether you were using mineral spirits, turpentine, or soap, take your brush and hold it under warm water. Press the bristles flat at an angle to wash each side of the bristles. Flip the bristles up and let the water pour into them directly. Once the water starts running clear, shake or spin the brush between your palms to shake out the excess moisture.[22]
- Let your brush air dry on a cloth or newspaper. Lay the brush flat on a clean cloth or stack of newspaper and let it air out for 2-3 hours. Once the brush is completely dry, put it back wherever you're storing it to put it back in your brush rotation.[23]
- Painter's tape is a great tool to have on hand if you're painting interior walls or trying to paint a perfectly straight line. Just lay the tape down against the edge where you want the paint to stop and paint over the seam where it meets your surface.[24]
[Edit]Warnings - If you don't clean your brushes after using them, the paint will harden and you may have to throw your brush out. You can try restoring the brush by soaking it in fabric softener or paint thinner, but this won't always work.[25]
- When you clean your brushes, do not push the bristles hard into the sink you're using to clean it. This may damage the shape of the bristles permanently.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Water
- Paint tray
- Easel
- Soap
- Water
- Mineral spirits
- Turpentine (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Practice Color Theory Posted: 09 Sep 2020 01:00 AM PDT Whether you're a graphic designer or a visual artist, you have to work with a variety of colors on a daily basis. Color theory helps you to pinpoint the various emotions and attitudes that different hues and color combinations convey. To practice and integrate color theory into your latest art projects, choose a variety of hues or color schemes to communicate a certain message. If you'd like to cater to a specific emotion or mindset, use both color theory and color psychology to figure out which feelings are associated with different colors. [Edit]Choosing Hues and Color Schemes for a Project - Create basic color schemes with primary and secondary colors. Take a look at your color palette before starting on a new creative project. Red, yellow, and blue are primary colors, which work together to create secondary colors like orange, green, and purple. As you embark on new colorful projects, review these different color mixtures, and how each hue connects with other shades.[1]
- "Hue" is another term for a generic color.
- Look at a color wheel to see how different hues bleed and connect with one another.
- To review, red and yellow form orange; yellow and blue form green; and blue and red form purple.
- Use the additive color mixing model to create digital color schemes. Imagine 3 separate red, blue, and green spotlights intersecting in a large Venn diagram, forming smaller slivers of yellow, cyan, magenta, and a white center portion. Remember that different colors can be formed when different shades of light combine. Since the additive color mixing model focuses on how colors of light are viewed by the eye, try applying it to a potential logo, or other types of professional, digital publications.[2]
- Implement the subtractive color mixing model in your print publications. The subtractive color mixing model combines the wavelengths of different colors to create new shades. To better understand this model, imagine a Venn diagram of 3 separate cyan, magenta, and yellow circles. Envision slivers of blue forming between cyan and magenta, green forming between cyan and yellow, and red forming between magenta and yellow. Note that, when combined, cyan, magenta, and yellow form black.[3]
- This model is used by color printers, and helps the human eye process color on printed material.
- Different colors have different light wavelengths, which cancel one another out in this model. For instance, red has a long wavelength, green has a medium wavelength, and blue has a short wavelength.[4]
- Go with warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows to create bright color schemes. Associate warm colors with bright, sunny hues. On the color wheel, remember that red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, yellow, and yellow-green are all on the warm spectrum since they're sunny, fiery tones. Note that warm tones have longer color wavelengths, with red being the longest and yellow-green being the shortest. [5]
- Warm tones are often associated with sunsets, campfires, and other bright color combinations.
- Choose cool tones like greens, blues, and purples to make a color scheme. Connect cool colors with darker, more subtle hues. As you examine the color wheel, place green, green-blue, blue, indigo, blue-purple, and purple on the cool color spectrum, as opposed to the warm spectrum. Create reflective and soothing color schemes by combining different varieties of these colors. As you factor in the additive and subtractive color models, note that cool colors have shorter wavelengths, with green being the longest and purple being the shortest.[6]
- Play around with tone, tint, and shade to create new colors. When designing a color palette for a new project, try tweaking different hues to make them lighter or darker. To "tint" a shade, mix white into the original hue. If you'd prefer to create a darker color, use black to add "shade." If you're looking for some kind of middle ground, incorporate a splash of gray to a hue to add "tone." Use different variations of both primary and secondary colors to create new shades.[7]
- For instance, robin's egg blue is a tinted alteration of a generic blue hue. On the other hand, navy blue is a shaded variation.
- Create a synchronized color scheme with analogous colors. If you're trying to create a subtle, stylish backdrop for piece of art or an interior design, try using different color variations of the same hue. Add white, black, or gray to a color to modify the hue, then combine different variations to create a fun color scheme. Experiment with both light and dark versions of different colors, whether you're working on an art project, a graphic design publication, or an interior renovation.[8]
- For instance, if you're trying to paint a sky backdrop for a piece of art, try using an analogous blue color scheme. Use darker blues for the base of the sky, then blend into lighter shades of blue.
- Make your project pop with complementary colors. Look at a color wheel to find hues that are opposite of one another on the color wheel, like red and green. These opposing hues emphasize one another with their differing color values. Keep in mind that complementary colors don't have to be generic hues—tinted and shaded colors also have respective opposites on the color wheel, as well.[9]
- For example, try making a more engaging logo by including 2 complementary colors in your brand's identity. If you're running an ocean-themed jewelry store, try mixing light blue and peach to design an effective, eye-popping logo.
- Develop a dynamic color scheme with triadic colors. Choose 3 colors that are an equal distance away from one another on the color wheel to create a triadic color scheme. If you'd like to add more depth to an aspect of your design or art project, use triadic colors to provide harmony and emphasis without the direct contrast of complementary colors. To find a triadic color scheme, place an equilateral triangle on top of a color wheel, and use all 3 colors that the triangle points to.[10]
- For instance, purple, orange, and green are equally separated from each other, which forms a color triad.
[Edit]Communicating Messages with Color - Associate different blues with a feeling of security. Incorporate shades of blue into your art and design projects to give off a calming and secure vibe. While color alone can't completely define the mood of a design or piece of art, you can use it to set an emotionally-driven stage for your project. Use blue to establish a comfortable, relatable environment for potential viewers, so these people are more inclined to engage with your work.[11]
- In some high-risk areas, blue lights are successfully used to prevent suicide attempts.
- Many stores use blue paint on the walls, as it has a serene effect on the customers.
- Connect green hues with a sense of luck and harmony. Imbue your art, interiors, and other creative projects with a sense of luck, health, and positivity by including the color green. Choose from different green tones to convey this message, whether you're painting a bedroom or designing the backdrop for a website. Before you decide on a final color scheme, note that green can also be attributed to jealous emotions.[12]
- Since green is associated with luck and wealth, use a shade of this color when designing a website for a financial consulting firm, or an investment agency.
- Generate positive, fun vibes with the color yellow. Warm yellow is a great option when designing a friendly, engaging backdrop, or logo. People tend to associate brightness, happiness, and sunny imagery with the color yellow, which can make it a great option for a classroom, gym, or other interior. Since yellow is especially bright, use it sparingly as a backdrop for websites and other forms of media with a lot of text.[13]
- Yellow is a color with a lot of intensity, so it can generate a lot of strong emotions from a viewer.
- Embrace originality and optimism with orange tones. Select this warm color to create an engaging, enthusiastic presentation. If you're trying to bring attention to an aspect of your creative project, opt for some shade of orange to draw in the eye. Additionally, you can use this color to generate feelings of warmth and excitement.[14]
- For example, if you're trying to start a cooking channel on YouTube, try using a shade of orange in your logo. This could help provide an energetic attitude to your channel.
- People tend to have divisive opinions about the color orange. Don't be surprised if some people either really enjoy or really dislike its use in different designs.
- Demonstrate passion and excitement with the color red. Use the color red to your advantage when designing a bedroom, eating area, or other intense creative project. Note that people tend to feel amplified around this color, whether they're feeling eager and excited or passionate and angry. Opt for red in your creative projects whenever you're trying to make a statement, or when you're trying to appeal to an intense, serious audience.[15]
- The color red is associated with different things. While some people attribute the color to romance and love, others connect it to dangerous feelings and situations.
- Associate calmness and intuition with pink. Add a soft, romantic attitude to your art, interior, or brand identity with a splash of pink. Note the feminine and sensual associations people have with the color pink, even if they're connected to common stereotypes. If you're trying to create a romantic atmosphere in your creative project, opt for pink, as opposed to passionate red or energetic yellow.[16]
- For instance, if you're designing a website for a floral business, using a pink color scheme to cater to hopeless romantics and similar clientele.
- Create an aura of fantasy and mystery with purple hues. Embrace a sense of royalty and intrigue by adding different shades of purple into your projects. Note the historical significance of purple, and how it's typically associated with wealthy, royal concepts and individuals. If you're working on a project that caters naturally to a person's sense of imagination, a purple color scheme is a great option for you to consider.[17]
- For example, if you're working on a piece of art with a mysterious, mystical vibe, try using different shades of purple in the backdrop, or incorporate the color throughout the design.
[Edit]References |
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