Work two chain stitches from the loop on your hook to complete this turning chain.  A turning chain exists for the purpose of building the row height up to the height of the stitch before working any actual stitch. This turning chain will count as one half double crochet stitch when you count your stitches at the end of the row. If you need help making chain stitches, please check the "Tips" section of this article for additional instruction. Skip over the first half double crochet stitch of your previous row. When you work the stitch, you will do so in the second half double crochet from your previous row. Note that the same concept applies if you are working a row of half double crochets off a row built with a different type of stitch. You will still need to make a turning chain and you will still need to skip over the stitch directly below that turning chain. Make a standard half double crochet into the second stitch of the previous row. When you insert the hook into your stitch, insert it from front to back and make sure that it goes through the top two loops of the previous row's stitch.  Yarn over from back to front. Insert the hook into the top two loops of the second stitch from the previous row. Yarn over from back to front. Draw this yarn-over back to the front of your row, creating a total of three loops on your hook. Yarn over from back to front. Draw this yarn-over through all three loops on your hook to complete the half double crochet. To complete a full row of half double crochet, work one half double crochet into the top two loops of each stitch from the previous row. Continue this step until you reach the end of the row.  Again, use the steps outlined for a basic half double crochet:  Yarn over. Insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over. Draw the yarn-over to the front of the row. Yarn over. Draw the yarn-over through all three loops on your hook.   Do not skip any other stitches as you work your way across the row. You will usually need to flip the work over if you plan on making another row after this one. Any additional rows of half double crochet should be completed using the same steps outlined here.
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One-sentence summary -- Create a turning chain. Skip a stitch. Work a half double crochet into the next stitch. Repeat across the row.


It is important to find a type of art that you enjoy. This can mean trying a few different varieties settling on the one you love best. Consider drawing, painting in oils, painting in watercolors, drawing with charcoal, sculpting, making installations, and wood carving. Be open to experimenting with different styles of art.  You might find that a trip to the art store will make your choice for you. Certain art media are more expensive than others. Consider starting off with something like drawing, which does not require expensive materials, and then moving on to other forms of art once you have the skills and resources to support them.  You might also find that as your skills evolve, you will move on to more complicated forms of art. After you develop the ability to replicate shapes in drawing, you might want to introduce colors and move on to painting. It's hard to be a good artist without the right gear. Think about the basics first, to keep it affordable to allow you to experiment. Once you're happy with the art form you've chosen, start to expand your art kit and add more advanced items until you have a decent amount of tools at your disposal. If you can't afford the items, look online for locals selling their art equipment. Go to art shows or look online for local artists. Once you find one who you like, talk to her/him about lessons. Remember, you don’t need to rediscover all of the artistic techniques that have been developed over the past two thousand years. There are people who can teach you these methods. Professional feedback can also be very helpful for your development. Learning from your mistakes is vital and usually requires someone else who can see your work objectively. Usually art school is the best way to master your craft. But, if you’re having trouble getting into a good art school or don’t believe that a four year degree fits your schedule, there are other options. Most community colleges offer art class that you can take individually. These are usually  cheap and can even help you develop the skills to get into a better school. Fear not. Although art school can be a great way to improve your skills, there are few fields where your degree matters less than in art. Ultimately, you will be judged on the basis of what you produce. There is always room to learn new techniques and styles. While the internet has some of these resources, you will find the most comprehensive treatment of these subjects in full length books. Start with the art books that you can find in your local library and then look online for the best reviewed books. If you don't practice, you won't get better. You should make practice a habit. Allot a specific amount of time per day to practicing—even better allot a specific period in the day to practice. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things when you practice.  Try things that you know that you can’t do. You can learn a lot more by grappling with things you don’t know than by repeating things you’re already good at. Don’t worry about how good what you’re doing is. The only way to learn new things is to experiment.  Try a master study. A master study a type of practice wherein you take a great work of art and replicate it. It probably won’t be perfect. But you will be learning from the best. Give yourself plenty of time to improve and test the direction your art is taking. This means being patient and giving yourself time to stand back and obtain a bigger perspective of where you're headed. Most importantly, keep at it. Personal style takes time to develop. Don't expect it to be innate. It is like the sculptor chiseling away at the rock; what you're capable of can take years to be revealed.
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One-sentence summary --
Find your art form. Go to the art store. Find a teacher. Go to school. Never stop reading. Practice. Give yourself time to improve.