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1500 questions
9
votes
1 answer
I'm stuck on Step 70 of HOJYO Takashi's Buddha... what does the diagram mean?
I'm stuck on Step 70 of Hojyo Takashi's Buddha (the one in the 6th Tanteidan Convention book), and I don't read Japanese:
Clearly, from Step 71, I'm pulling paper around to cover the front of the wrist, but I can't for the life of me figure out how…
inkista
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9
votes
3 answers
For how long can oil paint be worked into?
I paint with Winton oil paints, and I usually 'work back' into a layer of paint after a couple of days, using a bit of white spirit to do so. How long do I have before the oil paint dries to the point that this is no longer possible?
Tom Medley
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9
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1 answer
How can 'translucent' polymer clay become really translucent, if possible at all?
I have some 'translucent' polymer clay, which more looks like white than translucent. I hoped the baking process turned the clay translucent or transparent, but no luck. I made some very small objects, baked them for approx. 30 minutes at probably…
Ji Ugug
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9
votes
2 answers
How do you make curved folds in origami?
I was Googling about, and saw some images of Dr. David Huffman's models and the work of the Demaines, and was curious how one makes curved freehand folds with any precision.
So much of origami is taught as straight-line, corner-to-corner, or…
inkista
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9
votes
3 answers
Can I melt or weld broken ABS plastic back together?
I'm still working on developing a game plan for repair and customization of some action figures, and I'm wondering about making the broken parts a single piece again without the use of epoxy.
The issue with the epoxies is that the they need more…
user24
9
votes
2 answers
What kind of paint marker will work for flexible vinyl?
I'm making a mini cape out of flexible vinyl, like the kind used for window clings. I need to leave light blue, permanent marks on the vinyl that won't peel or flake as the cape is flexed.
I'd really prefer a pen or marker of some kind, because I…
user24
9
votes
7 answers
What features should I look for in circular knitting needles to make them easier to use with my arthritis?
I have arthritis in my hands and the smaller length needles are a little hard to hold onto. Would longer needles help, if they exist? Is there anything else to consider, such as needle material (wood vs. metal vs. plastic) that would make gripping…
Cher Belle Lewis
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9
votes
1 answer
What is yarn weight?
Fiber craft patterns always give a yarn weight. I've seen things like medium and light, but also "worsted yarn" or "DK yarn".
What does this mean?
Kareen
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9
votes
2 answers
How can I safely transport a charcoal drawing?
What is the best way of transporting a charcoal drawing over on a long ride?
The drawing is fixed with a workable fixative but im still concerned about smudging. I was thinking about rolling the piece with a protecting layer of paper on top but I'm…
Vincent.W.
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9
votes
2 answers
Will cyanoacrylates damage plastic?
I have been reading up on cyanoacrylate, commonly sold in the US as "Krazy Glue" or "Super Glue", because I want to to use it to repair small plastic parts on either toys or appliances, due to its strong hold and quick setting time.
However, I have…
Skooba
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9
votes
6 answers
What are the key disciplines of realistic drawing?
I hear a lot of drawing instructors say to "focus on the fundamentals", but I am unclear as to what the fundamentals of drawing are. For many of the other arts, the fundamentals are clear, in music, its scales/chords. Every music instructor will…
William Oliver
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9
votes
1 answer
Will lack of a zig-zag stitch be a problem for me?
I just got a secondhand sewing machine. The straight stitch, blind stitch, and stretch stitch settings work, but the zig-zag setting doesn't (the needle doesn't move side-to-side). I plan to use the machine mostly for repairs where hand-sewing…
Mark
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9
votes
2 answers
How do I separate the barrel from my fountain pen when it's stuck from dried ink?
I'm thinking of buying an antique fountain pen, but the barrel is stuck to the nib and the section because the ink has dried it shut, and I'm thinking of ways to get it off.
Maybe by using ultra-sound? Maybe by soaking it in water? Or maybe there's…
Amari Studios
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9
votes
3 answers
How can I smoothly flatten select parts of a wire design?
I have seen some simple jewelry designs made out of wire, which I'd like to replicate. These designs are made from a single piece of wire bent into a variety of shapes.
For portions of the design, the wire is still perfectly round. However, some…
user24
9
votes
3 answers
How can I efficiently make the loops for chain mail or small chain crafts?
You see loads of people make their own chain mail. I can only assume they have some process with which to make the loops to make the process less tedious. There are loads of tutorials out there but some assume you already have the loops for the…
Matt
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