Article: There are many different recipes to create different patinas. Patinas change the color by creating a chemical reaction with the metal to create a colored film over the surface. You can use a patina on any copper or bronze metal to give the surface an aged color and appearance similar to the green coloring of the Statue of Liberty. Depending on the material, you can search for a patina recipe to create the color you are looking for or purchase one over the counter.  For a green verdigris patina, add three parts apple cider vinegar to one part salt. For a black patina, add sulfur of liver (sulfurated potash) to warm water.  Some patina recipes will require the metal to be heated before applying the patina, so you may need to purchase a torch to heat the metal. You can use a regular paint bucket for cold mixtures, but you may want to use a large metal pot if the patina mixture needs to be heated. The bucket should be large enough to immerse your object in the solution. Patina mixtures may need to be heated or cooled, so use a container that will work for the temperature of your recipe.  Some chemicals can give off hazardous fumes. Always use a workspace that is well-ventilated. If you are coloring an object that is too large to put in a container, you can put a patina solution into a spray bottle and spray it all over the metal. You can also wet a rag with the solution and rub it on the metal, or use a paint brush to apply it to the surface. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves when using harsh chemicals to avoid contact. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and place the metal object in the container filled with a patina mixture. Depending on your patina recipe, you may need to let the piece sit for anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours. Set a timer and wait. Check on your piece after the allotted time. If you want a more intense color, let the metal soak longer. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and remove the metal once your metal has taken on its desired appearance. The patina will continue to change while the piece dries, so be patient. If you want to color the piece further, place it back into the mixture and repeat the process. Use a spray-on acrylic clear coat varnish to help protect the surface and coloration.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Create a patina mixture. Fill a container with your patina mixture. Soak the piece in the mixture. Remove the metal. Let the metal dry completely. Coat the metal with a varnish.
Article: You don’t have to have a fancy pro-grade DSLR camera to photograph the eclipse. An ordinary digital camera or even a smartphone will do the trick, though the results won’t be as those taken on a more sophisticated device. As long as you’ve got some means of snapping pictures, you can add to the wealth of beautiful eclipse photos that are sure to surface following the event. The same basic technological safety precautions will apply no matter what type of camera you’re using. Before you can document such a rare and wondrous occurrence, you have to be in a position see it. Due to the earth’s constant rotation, solar eclipses aren’t equally visible from all locations. Conduct some research to find out if the area where you live falls within the path of totality, or the vantage point from which the sun is completely covered by the moon.  The people within the path of totality, which typically encompasses an area about 10,000 miles (16,000 km) long and only 100 miles (160 km) wide, will have the best view of the proceedings.  Guaranteeing that you’re in a good position to witness the eclipse may require you to do some traveling. It’s never safe to look directly at the sun with the naked eye, but this is especially true during a prolonged event like a solar eclipse. You can usually find the eye protection you need at local hardware store in the weeks leading up to the eclipse. Just make sure the glasses you pick up bear the ISO 12312-2 certification code, which confirms that they meet international safety regulations.  If you’re having trouble tracking down eclipse glasses in stores, you can always purchase them online. Only buy from reputable vendors to be sure that you’re getting a quality product.  As long as you’re wearing eye protection, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse without worrying about damaging your vision. While some astronomy experts claim that it’s okay to remove your glasses during the darkest phase of the eclipse, ophthalmologists agree that it’s wisest to just keep them on the entire time. Like your own eyes, your camera’s sensor is extremely sensitive to light. What solar filters do is cancel out just enough of the most penetrating light to allow the sun to show up on camera. Most solar filters can simply be slid or screwed into place over the lens. Once it’s in place, you’ll need to leave it on both leading up to and after totality.  The brief period of totality is the only time that it’s safe to photograph the eclipse without the aid of a filter. Look for solar filters of the correct size and specifications on websites that specialize in astronomy accessories.  Most newer smartphone and digital camera models will work just fine without a separate solar filter. However, it's still probably a good idea to use one if you don't want to risk damaging your expensive device. You don’t want to spend the afternoon lugging around a ton of equipment. A tripod or similar base will steady your camera, enhancing clarity and detail. It will also free you up to do more important things like tinker with key settings and track your focus.  Connect your camera or telescope securely to the tripod to keep it from coming loose or falling off while you’re moving it around. Avoid disturbing the tripod while you're lining up your frame. The slightest nudge could cause blurring or throw your shot out of alignment.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose your viewing tools. Go someplace where you can view the eclipse. Obtain a pair of certified eclipse glasses. Fit your camera with a protective solar filter. Stabilize your camera with a tripod.
Article: As long as you approach fireflies slowly, they should maintain a calm and graceful flying path – this will make them fairly easy to catch. Once you are close enough to a firefly, calmly reach out with both hands, and try to cup the firefly between your hands. The outsides of your hands should be tightly cupped together when you catch the firefly, but leave enough space between your palms so that you do not crush it. This may take a few tries. Don't get annoyed or overwhelmed, just keep trying. Stay calm and relaxed. You can purchase nets at most home supply stores, or make your own out of a small netting. To catch fireflies with a net, simply flow the net around a firefly inhabited area until you catch one. Keep your movements slow and gentle so that you do not scare or harm the fireflies. Most people end up putting their caught fireflies into mason jars, so skip a step by catching your fireflies in a mason jar. Move slowly and calmly as you move your mason jar through the air to catch fireflies. Once a firefly has flown into the opening of your jar, place the lid on top to keep the firefly inside.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Catch fireflies with your hands. Use a net to catch fireflies. Catch fireflies with a mason jar.