INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The most important thing to buy is bendable metal wire.  This can usually be found at arts and crafts stores, as well as hardware stores.  Instead of forming your own metal structure, you can also buy pre-made metal wire structures which can save you time.  You will also need to buy:  Tissue paper (different colors) Super glue or hot glue Scissors Hole-punch String Wire cutters Acrylic or watercolor paint (optional) Unless you are exceptionally skilled at making wire forms, you’ll need a guide.  If you want a rounded lantern, find an appropriately sized ball, bowl, vase, tin can, etc. to wrap the wire around.  If you want a polygonal lantern, either find a suitable object to wrap the wire around or make a unique mold out of scrap materials. This step is only for those hanging their lanterns.  Use a hole-punch to punch a hole into the paper of your lantern.  You will want two holes at the top of your structure, one directly across from the other.  Cut a piece of string that is at least 12 inches long (length will vary depending on how and where you will hang the lantern).  Feed the string from the outside in, into each hole.  Tie a knot on each end of the string to hold the lantern as it hangs.

SUMMARY: Gather your materials. Find a mold for your lantern. Finish off your lantern.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Viscose rugs are fragile and can be discolored or destroyed very easily. If you own a viscose rug that is important to you personally, consider getting it professionally cleaned rather than doing it yourself. This will ensure that your rug won't be damaged. Professional carpet cleaners will have the chemicals and tools to clean your viscose carpet. Use a clean rag or paper towel and blot over the surface of the spill. The faster you're able to blot stains, the less time they will have to seep into the fibers of the carpet. Do not rub or agitate the stain, or you may push the liquid deeper into the carpet. When viscose rugs are exposed to dampness for a long period, they are easily destroyed. Avoid putting viscose rugs in places like the basement, bathroom, or outside, where they could be exposed to a lot of moisture.

SUMMARY: Get your carpet professionally cleaned if it's in poor condition. Blot spills as soon as they happen. Keep your rug out of damp areas.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Do a Google search for modeling agencies in your area. Check to see what models the agency currently represents, what kind of jobs those models book and how often the models work.  Check to make sure the agency is reputable. If they have reviews online, read these to see how the models they represent like working with them. If you’re interested in working with a smaller agency, make note of how big the agency is. If you live in a rural area, look for modeling agencies in the closest big city. Most agencies have submission forms online where you can submit your information and photographs. Be honest about your height, weight and other measurements.  If an agent is interested in representing you, they will reach out, generally within four weeks. Don’t feel badly if you don’t get a call. The agency may already be representing someone who is very similar to you. Don’t give up! Keep submitting to agencies until you find a good match. Look for modeling casting calls in your area. Sometimes agencies hold these when they’re looking to sign new talent. Attend the casting call wearing minimal makeup, simple clothing and heels (for women).  Women should wear jeans and a black tank top. Men should wear jeans and a form-fitting black t-shirt. Make sure to bring copies of your headshots and body shots. If you have any other past modeling work, print out pictures and bring them with you. Be on time! Professionalism will set you apart in the modeling industry. If you get the opportunity to have face time with an agent, be yourself. Agents want to book models who are interesting, professional, smart and unique. The better the model is able to present themselves, the easier it will be for that model to book jobs.  Have interests outside of modeling that you can talk about. This will make you more memorable to designers and agents. Inform yourself about the fashion industry and be able to speak articulately about the industry as a whole.

SUMMARY: Research agencies. Submit to agents. Attend modeling open calls. Show your personality.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Record yourself speaking or ask a friend to listen and evaluate your speaking voice.  Assess your volume, pitch, articulation, vocal quality and rate to determine the main areas where you need improvement.  Is your volume too high or too low? Is your pitch more shrill or full, monotonous or varied? Is your vocal quality more nasal or full, breathy or clear, lifeless or enthusiastic? Is your articulation hard to understand or crisp and articulated? Do you speak too slow or too quickly? Do you sound hesitant or deliberate? You should always speak loudly enough so that everyone in the room can hear you. However, adjusting the volume of your voice up or down can add emphasis or intimacy to different parts of your speech.  Get louder as you are about to make an important point. Lower your voice when you are making an aside. People might tune out your voice if it sounds monotonous.  Varying your pitch will eliminate a monotonous sound and make it more likely that they will keep listening to you.  Continue to vary your pitch throughout your speech. Some common ways to use pitch include:  Ending questions on a higher pitch. Affirming a statement by ending on a lower pitch. The tempo is the pace of your speech.  Slowing the tempo of your speech will help you to place more emphasis on certain words and phrases. It may also make it easier for people to understand you if you are prone to speaking rapidly. Try pausing after making an important point to give the listener a chance to absorb it. Have you ever heard someone’s voice quiver when they are experiencing strong emotions during a speech?  This can be an effective technique in some situations, such as when you are giving a speech or acting in a play.  Allow the timber, or emotional quality of your voice, to show when you are expressing strong feelings. For example, if you are saying something that makes you feel sad, then you might allow your voice to tremble if it comes naturally. However, do not try to force it. Before you get in front of an audience to present your speech, practice it alone and uninhibited.  Experiment with variations in tone, pace, volume and pitch.  Record yourself and listen for what is working and not working.  Practice the speech several times with different variations.  Record each attempt and compare them. Many people are uncomfortable hearing themselves on tape.  This sounds different that the voice that resonates in your head, but is closer to the voice other people hear. When you are speaking for long stretches of time or at a high volume, it is important to keep your throat and vocal cords lubricated.  Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, such as coffee, soda and alcohol. Drink water instead. Try keeping a glass of water close by while you are speaking.

SUMMARY:
Analyze your current speaking voice. Adjust the volume of your voice. Use pitch to your advantage. Change your tempo. Show your emotions when appropriate. Practice your speech. Drink plenty of water.