#DIY-safety-masks

[cereovo]

DIY notebook/junk journal tutorial for people on a budget

I found myself watching a lot of bookbinding videos recently & had the realization: I could probably do that at home, for free. And I was right. So before an influencer convinces you to drop 50 dollars on a book press and a fancy bonefolder, here's how:

STEP 0: MATERIALS

Cardstock - This can be any slightly thicker paper. I've been using postcards and blank greeting cards, because they're already around the size I want, but you can even use the cardboard from a cereal box if you want something sturdier.

Scissors/Xacto knife - You need at least the scissors, but the Xacto knife makes things a lot easier. If you have an actual paper cutter, use that instead.

Glue - your choice, I've been using modpodge but you can use a glue stick, etc instead.

Sturdy tape - duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, etc. It needs to hold up to wear and tear; washi/scotch tape will not work.

Binder or Paper clips - binder clips are my preference but large paper clips work in a pinch

Ruler(s) - If you have them, I recommend using two rulers: one metal (if you're cutting paper with an xacto knife), one plastic or wood (this will be your bonefolder).

Pen or pencil

Paper scraps - These will be the pages of your notebook. You want them to be the same size or bigger than your covers. You can use literally anything; I've been using the last blank pages of old planners and notebooks, end pages of old books, and various scraps that would otherwise be thrown away.

Safety pin - Awl substitute

Needle and thread

ADDITIONALLY you should have a) a surface to glue on and b) a surface to cut on. A piece of scrap cardboard works well for both.

--

STEP 1: DECORATING THE COVER

Take the cardstock you want to use for your cover, cut it to size if you need to, and fold it in half, using the side of your wooden/plastic ruler to flatten the crease. If you want to decorate it, take a magazine clipping or paper scrap of your choice and glue it on one side ( shown below). Avoid gluing anything onto the crease.

Flip it over and trim the sides down. Cut off the corners, then glue and fold the sides over. Use the ruler on anything you need to crease.

Flip back over and repeat for the other side! Make sure to leave a gap at the 'spine'.

STEP 2: CREATING A SIGNATURE

A "signature" is a stack of folded papers, aka, your notebook's pages. Take the papers you wish to use, fold each of them in half, and nest them together. I've been using 10 sheets of paper for mine, which will become 40 pages total. It might be harder to fit more than this into a small-sized notebook. Also, I try to arrange the sheets so that the CLEAN EDGES line up at the BOTTOM of the stack, with the rough edges at the top. This way you'll only have to trim 2 sides instead of 3.

Line your cover up with the signature's bottom edge, making sure everything inside is aligned neatly. Then slap on a binder clip and trim off some of the excess material with scissors, if needed.

Use a ruler to mark where the edge of the cover is, then remove the cover to avoid damaging it (but keep the binder clip). Hold the ruler firmly in place slightly to the left of the line you just made. Carefully make repeated, even strokes with your xacto knife along the side of the ruler to cut straight through the layers of paper. Repeat with the top of the signature. A metal ruler is recommended for this step because a sharp xacto knife WILL CUT THROUGH PLASTIC AND WOODEN RULERS. I learned this the hard way, but if you're careful it should be fine. If you have access to an actual paper cutter, skip this step and use that instead!! it's way faster and safer!!

The finished signatures should be the same size as your cover now.

STEP 3: PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Stick your signature into the cover, align everything, then open to the center page. Clip the pages to the cover at the top or bottom, one on each side, in this 'open' position. Make a few marks along the center crease with even spacing.

Awl time. Using your marks as a guide, CAREFULLY push your safety pin through your signature and out through notebook's spine. You might want to use a thumbtack to make things easier on your fingers.

The next step is to sew the sheets together through the holes you made. Unfortunately this is not a sewing tutorial, so if you don't know how to thread a needle you might want to pause here and look that up. I'm using a simple saddle stitch, keeping the knots on the outside. There are many ways to do the actual book binding, including just stapling it, but this is how I do it.

You can remove the binder clips at this point. The only thing left to do is reinforce the spine. Trim the thread and fold your Sturdy Tape of choice over the spine, leaving some excess at both ends. The goal here is mainly to cover up the loose thread. Split the excess along the dotted lines shown below...

...Then stick it down on the insides of the front and back cover.

And you're done!!!!!

Enjoy your cool new handmade notebook!

[love-bitesx]

HI MIAAA just have... Hobie brainrot... About little details in every day life like 😭😭 him nonchalantly pulling u by the waist so he's on the side of the street facing the road, him towering you in the bus or underground, blocking you from the big mass of bodies or any possible creeps (had my share when bus is too crowded 😭), or giving you the window seat because ita your favorite and that way he can block u from the aisle and protect u like with the street thing 🥹🥹 letting you fall asleep in his shoulder or hugging his arm. Sitting always in the chair facing the door when u go to a cafe or a pub, so he can watch out for any possible threats that could come in and be ready for them, so u can rest assured and enjoy ur time. Letting you play with his rings when you're bored or anxious, holding you tight when you hide a bit behind him if you're too shy when he first introduces you to his friends, his hand giving u a reassuring squeeze. !!! EXCHANGING BATTLE JACKETS <<333333 maybe yours fits him a little shorter but its so cute... Such a bonding act.... Making patches or diy badges for each other's jackets too!!! Painting each other nails and kissing the knuckles for every nail painted 😭❤️❤️ i could go on and on. I LOVE HIM!!!!

VIVI I SCREECHED INTO MY MATTRESS WHEN I READ THIS OH MY LORD ABOVE

i’d like to elaborate, if you don’t mind—

his brain was so wired to protect you that half the things he did weren’t even consciously (cupping his hand around corner of tables or cupboards so you don’t hurt yourself/hit your head, steering you to the other side of the pavement, away from the road, etc.). of course, you knew having spider-man as a boyfriend, you’d be safer than most, but when the mask comes off and it’s just your hobie, dark eyes lidded, watching you through his lashes as he towers you at the packed bus stop, cuffed arm pressed above your head, you knew nothing bad could ever touch you.

something about him mindlessly towering you on the tube just. wow. it’d be packed, rush hour hitting and he swore he could’ve just swung you both to your location, but you refused. swinging made you nauseous, and the tube wasn’t all that bad. if you chose to sit down, his ringed hand would be glued to your thigh, not to be a flirt, but to ease your anxiety, know that you’re safe and that he was there. if it’s too busy, he’d let you play with each steel band, secretly calmed by the sensation.

standing up, however, he’d hold onto the railing on the roof, free hand on your hip to bring you flush against him, grip tightening at every bump and screech of the crooked underground carriages. you know it isn’t his intention to tease you, but the way his body moved around yours at every turn, his cologne and natural scent inescapable with how close he held you, and the incredibly nonchalant intimacy of it all. something about the smirk that sat on his pierced lips, however, made you believe that his intentions aren’t always mindless. anytime you questioned him about it, he’d brush off your accusations, simply saying;

“too many creeps around ‘ere, darlin’. gotta keep you safe.”

he trusts you with every part of him and more, but his trust for other people was non-existent at best. so, at the pub, he always liked to be able to feel you (within reason (or without, actually, he wasn’t fussy)). whether it’s simply your knees pressed together, or you playing with his hands from across the table, arm snaked around your waist or shoulders as you sat next to him. he’d like to keep you away from the door, sandwiched between himself and his mates.

although he insists his intentions are strictly safety-related, he’d be lying through his teeth if he said that the visible rush of blood to your cheeks and falter in your voice as his hand slides across the skin of your thigh under the table, wasn’t an added bonus. the smug prick.

he’d share everything with you, if it’s possible. clothes? yours. no question. jewellery? yours. badges, patches, safety pins with beaded designs? yours within a heartbeat. hell, you even had a collection of guitar picks on your bedroom dresser that he’d been dying to give you after special shows. you had no use for it, but the giddy smile he wore on his face as he kissed it between his lips and offered it to you, who are you to refuse that?

speaking of gifts; if he wasn’t the one and only spider-man (well, of his dimension) then his criminal record would be miles long, purely because of the sheer amount of stuff he steals for you. he’s like a cat. anytime he leaves you for the day, he’ll crawl back through your window with pockets full of tiny trinkets he’d robbed throughout the day. anything he sees that even remotely makes him think of you and he’s slyly sneaking it into his back pocket – and trust me, it’s a lot.

all in all, he’d go to insane lengths to keep you safe, and if he’s able to keep a smile on your face – and a blush on your cheeks – whilst he does it? then he’s a very happy man. loves you more than he could ever say, and hopes these little measures let you know that.

i’m violently in love with this man, i actually need to be sedated

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

by: Beck Levy

“Maybe now vocalists will finally start bringing their own mics,” I tweeted in the first days of March 2020. My virtual audience was mostly friends I met by participating in subcultures in and adjacent to the DIY tendency of hardcore punk rock. In those early days, we on the cultural fringes shared a sense that the pandemic, in its capacity as a social intervention, could meaningfully disrupt the oppressive ruling order.

When I booked and played shows before COVID-19 hit, I tried to harness energy and rally when crisis arose. Touring band is lost on the road? I was ready to DJ to keep people from leaving between sets. No one came to unlock the club? Let’s play in the parking lot. The last show I’d played, just weeks earlier during Mardi Gras, was on a trailer being pulled by a dump truck. We’re responsive to shifting circumstances, right?

I couldn’t get a clear look at the new terrain through the brutal haze of my first-wave infection. I was disoriented, waking up breathless, fevered, delirious from nightmares about drowning in my own blood. I could not fathom taking any action that would contribute to COVID-19 circulating, and my symptoms made me believe I would be a risk to my community. With home tests scarce, every flare had me conceiving of myself as though I might be a biological weapon.

Friends texted their fears to me frantically: “Is music over? Are shows done?” I thought back to informal and unconventional gigs, the freedom and potentiality those moments held, and reassured my friends, sequestered in our separate biomes. I said and believed: “Music always finds a way, youth culture always finds a way, underground culture always finds a way.”

Slowly, reimagined, remote, and socially-distanced events returned. In lieu of Jazz Fest, New Orleans radio station WWOZ charmed us with “festing in place” on the airwaves. I did a solo set in a virtual anniversary showcase for my old record label. Another friend live streamed a show from a cavernous church. I’d guessed performances mediated by technology might salt the wound, but desperate for connection, I treasured those experiences.

I watched my place in the world creep away from me. There were rumors of scandalous secret shows during lockdown. But the first real sign was pictures on Instagram of people traveling and touring again. Scroll to that last image: a row of COVID-19 tests, all negative, smug. Or positive, chagrined but only a little; a mismatch to the scale of: “For fun I traveled as a disease vector and personally participated in the proliferation of an airborne pathogen that can kill or maim.” Was it a character limit? A limitation of character?

The world passed me by, carouseling through normalization phases, like COVID-19 tests phasing their way out of tour posts. I watched scenes regroup from my new vantage point in biopolitical exile. Pandemic gloom catalyzed a spate of reunions, which is wholesome and beautiful except for the fact that at least one band knowingly toured with a member who tested positive.

Was I overreacting? While COVID-19 left me with an immune system that attacks my body, my mind attacked itself with this question. I’d traded amps for this mental feedback loop. The counterargument was implicit: people need unfettered access to music more than we need safety.

Live music came back. It just didn’t bring me with it.

I didn’t see a critical mass of bookers, venues, or bands advocating for COVID-19 safety with measures like outdoor shows, improved ventilation, livestream options, or just adding tests and masks to the earplug bin at the door. Some hand disinfectant; a little hygiene theater at conventional venues. The will just wasn’t there. I thought our deal was fuck the state, we’ll do it our way. I found myself slipping through the subcultural safety net that exists for outcasts who are slipping through the cracks of mass culture and late capitalism.

Of course, punk was already inaccessible to some. And I actually believe a certain amount of gatekeeping is necessary to protect punk from posers, jerks, and cops. But among the nebulous community clustered around shows, the sexism and racism people have experienced has always been very real, to the tune of entire zines, books, films about that exclusion. I monitored my heartbreak, critically. Resource-scarce, informal, and underground operations often exist at a quagmire of conflicting access needs. Was the sting of betrayal just this painful because it affected me, directly? Can the subaltern mosh?

There was a brief period where my baseline had plateaued, and I enjoyed medium-functionality between flares. Clinging to my modest recovery, a memorial service was my first congregant risk. That was the last time I tried to play guitar. I got the twisties, psychic vertigo from grief and from the contradiction of my setting and my experience, but the band played on, complete with a brass section. And at that otherwise beautiful event, I was ceremoniously reinfected by an asymptomatic tuba player. My health has been steadily deteriorating ever since.

Isolation is hard: it can feel like rejection, it can feel real personal. I struggled to adapt. I know I can have a persecution complex, but I also know I’m materially being made surplus. So what do I tell the complex? Are people being thoughtless, or do they explicitly not give a fuck about immunocompromised people like me?

Life is never totally safe, danger is often exciting, sometimes risk is the point. I know that. I’m not (just) a joyless scold. In the era of potentially deadly airborne pathogens, we’re playing with other lives when we make “individual” health decisions—I thought we’d learned that, but there was no such reckoning.

Punks accepted the sociological production of the end of the pandemic, moving in lockstep with the state, sacrificing medically vulnerable people on the altar of pleasure, just as the state had sacrificed us on the altar of capital. I thought our ingenuity would create new forms of shows. Instead, it exposed our limits under duress. To quote the band Allergic to Bullshit, “If this is what we’re for, this is what we’ll get.”

Maybe my shock seems naïve—after all, there’s a difference between “subculture” and “counterculture”—but there’s a reason I expected better. There are visionaries with love, passion, and fearlessness who organize shows in strip malls, caves, skateparks, churches, parking garages; shows with immediacy like distributing free Narcan, and conviction, like benefits toward Palestinian liberation. I await, with diminishing faith, the eruption of that tendency in the bioethical arena.

Since immune ableism is hegemonic, congregating is a question of building a realistic threat model, making decisions with people who are directly impacted by your actions, and taking all possible precautions. I’m encouraged by radical formations with accessibility modifications, particularly those connecting social abandonment, climate crisis, and genocide. I see this reflected in art book fairs that require masking, outdoor Shabbatot, test-first leftist reading groups. Queer and drag events are making adjustments. Mask blocs and clean air clubs collaborate, with limited resources, to make spaces more accessible. These are people who insist on collective health, demanding freedom to live and breathe clean air.

For those of us with severe Long COVID, exclusion from live music represents a profound loss of humanity. This disconnection feeds into my daily despair; in medical terms, my depersonalization/derealization. Having hoped this crisis would push us closer to communism than complacency, I feel whiplash, what Naomi Klein calls “political vertigo.” Millions of Americans with Long COVID have disappeared from the workforce. Data on the underground music scene are unavailable. It’s hard to count ghosts. I’ve wanted to ask: Have you noticed that some of us are gone? Do you ever miss us?

Four years later, I still can’t even make it to a well-filtered show. My last recreational outing ended in hospitalization from merely ascending a steep hill. I hear about shows from my roommate, the only person I see, who is also the only masked person at them. I tell myself I could try to go to an outdoor gig one day, maybe, if my governing health planets aligned. Instead of being an active musician, I pretend I’m like Jandek, a reclusive genius, but really I’m too clumsy and unfocused to play at home.

I do what I do with everything: act like I’m in a different world. It’s not difficult, because I am. The Well do their thing out there, I do mine in here. I moved across the country in search of better healthcare and, homebound, routinely forget I’m not still in New Orleans. Either way I am inside. I gave up and I don’t fight the world leaving me behind. I am back here, rolling the boulder of my body up steep hills.

In spite of everything, I’m glad shows continue. It’s bittersweet comfort knowing freaks are getting raucous in basements, with noise made by other freaks, sprayed with wet yells, aggressively jostling with teens; in a reprieve from control, experiencing music together. I’d die for your right to do that. And thanks to you, I just might.

[sable-dream]

I see a lot of 'diy gear' around so I'm surprised I've hardly ever seen bleach dyed shirts! They're honestly one of the coolest, easiest, and relatively inexpensive ways to make discreet gear - especially if you're like me and you can't exactly find shirts of your theriotype being sold.

Tutorial under the cut!! :3

What you will need:

A black t-shirt, preferably 100% cotton (avoid polyester and spandex)

Bleach

Water

Sidewalk/blackboard chalk, or a chalk pen

A paintbrush to apply the bleach

A disposable cup

A bit of cardboard or plastic to put under the shirt (to prevent the design from bleeding through onto the other side)

GLOVES and other safety gear (ie, a mask and goggles)

fabric paint, not puffy paint (optional but if you're heavy handed like I am it helps so you can fix screw ups)

SAFETY:

Work in a well ventilated area.

Wear gloves, goggles, and ideally a filtration mask when handling bleach.

WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after handling the bleach and do not touch your eyes or face before washing your hands

Be mindful of chemical reactions that can occur when mixing bleach with other cleaning products - never, ever, EVER mix bleach with anything containing ammonia as it can react and create toxic chlorine gas.

Keep bleach out of the reach of pets and small children, and if you have small animals like birds or rodents, work AWAY from them as the fumes can damage their lungs.

Make sure you read the back of your bleach container so you know how to handle and dispose of it safely.

Process:

Slide the cardboard into the shirt, adjusting it so you'll be drawing on the side you want your design on.

Use the chalk to draw your design on the fabric - don't worry about screwing up here, it'll wash out later. (If you want to, you can digitally draw your design, print it out, then trace the back with chalk and press it onto the shirt to transfer the art)

Put on your safety gear (ESPECIALLY your gloves) and move to a ventilated area (I did this on my back porch)

Carefully pour some bleach into your cup, then cut it with water. Remember that the more water you add, the more of the solution you'll need to apply to get your design to show up.

Apply the solution over your sketch using your paintbrush. You might need to apply it multiple times if your bleach solution is less concentrated.

Once your satisfied with your design, let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the bleach to fully stain the fabric.

After 20 minutes, rinse out the fabric under cool water. Make sure you're wearing your gloves as you do this so you don't hurt your skin.

Wash your shirt in your washing machine by itself, otherwise the bleach might transfer to other laundry. Put it in the dryer after or hang it up to air dry.

Clean up your area, wash your paintbrush out thoroughly, throw the cup away, and then remove your gloves to scrub your hands with soap and water.

Once your shirt is clean and dry, you can use fabric paint to touch up any mistakes. I used black paint to remove excess lines and white to give my design eye shines. Follow the directions for fabric paint on the back of the bottle, as the instructions for washing it can be different. Don't use puffy paint, the touch ups will end up raised and it'll look funny.

And there you have it! :D DIY gear shirt for all your alterhuman needs >:)

[iheartchv]

Heyy, i really love your matchup idea and really hope you could match me too ☺️

So about me :)

I am 22 and from Europe. I am on the curvier side and really like everything related to beauty and selfcare.

I am a vegetarian and really love to cook and bake and to try out new recipes. I am also kinda creative and love to craft some diy presents

I am a practicing witch who really is into astrology and divination but i would also love to learn more about herbology.

I love a good romantasy book as well as a nice romcom. Otherwise i am a clumsy, sarcastic and kind human being that loves animals and is obsessed with birds (especially with geese)

🤔 I match you with...

König 👑

Possible matches: Ghost

*Goose/Goose girl

I think König would be a match for you

He met you while he was on a mission close to your area

You were helping out with an event within your community

Everyone loved your baking

Away from the crowd you saw König (without mask and wearing civilian clothes)

He was hard to miss, being so tall

You wanted to give him a cookie but figured he wanted to be alone

That's what you thought at first

But you couldn't keep your gaze away from him

König felt eyes on him and saw you looking at him

His heart jumped when he noticed your small smile

Was you smiling at him?

Was you even looking at him?

He saw you coming over

He kept telling himself to be cool, stay calm and collected

This was part of the mission: to blend in

"Hi"

Your voice drew him out of his thoughts

He felt some calm aura coming from you

Perhaps it was your eyes, or your warm smile

Or the herbal scent coming from you

"Hello..."

"I... couldn't help but notice you not getting in line so I thought I could bring my cookies to you"

You offered him one

"They're homemade"

"Oh... uhm, danke, thank you"

He tried it and felt the taste melt on his tastebuds

This was better than most food he's ever had

"That's really good"

You beamed up at him, feeling happy

"I'm glad you like it. Oh, I've gotta get back to work. It was nice to meet you"

Seeing you go made König feel anxious again

He had to see you again, even if you weren't part of the mission

However, you were taken hostage along with other random people

After what seemed like forever, a recon team came to rescue you all

One particular tall masked sniper caught your attention as he untied your restaints

"Are you alright?"

The voice sounded familiar

"Don't be afraid, I'm here to help you."

His voice was filled with urgency, but promising safety

His gloved hand reached for yours

You slowly took his hand, taking in the size difference for a second

He took you in his arms and walked like you weighed nothing

It took you a bit but you figured out who he was as you listened to his voice yelling out commands to his team

"It's you... the guy I gave one of my cookies to"

"Ja..."

❤

König is a sweetheart

Well, he's sweet to you

He will give you all the cuddles and kisses in the world

With you he feels like he can relax

He's a teddy bear 🧸 underneath the rough exterior

You will use him as a personal body pillow at night

But he doesn't mind

You're so small and don't take up room anyway

He loves nestling his nose into your hair, breathing in your scent

Your scent just calms him down

You're so soft and warm... he could fall asleep

"Mien Liebling, you're so adorable"

"My little bird"

Will nickname you "Goose"

Along with other cute pet names

Or sometimes call you *Gans/Die Gänsemagd

If he sees some figurine or something resembling a goose, he will get it for you

Gifts is one König's love languages

I headcanon he is also a creative person

He'll absolutely love anything you make him

You can count on him to try cooking with you

He's surprisingly not bad

For dessert he'll want those cookies of yours

Because when he eats them, it takes him back to the first day you two met

[pierayanna]

COVID-19

We are currently in the largest COVID surge of all-time in the US.

There is also a new variant that is not protected by the previous vaccine.

Please start back masking and please get the COVID-19 booster (schedule with your local pharmacy).

Wastewater counts are obscenely high right now, belying the official case numbers. Considering that we've stopped collecting or reporting most COVID data, wastewater is the best way we have to judge the actual infection rate now. Wastewater is collected from washing our hands, going the bathroom, etc. We shed COVID into the water system and based on the concentration of COVID in waste water, we can get very accurate estimates of how many people are infected at one time.

We are currently seeing ten million new infections a week, and can expect that to greatly increase within the next three weeks.

* If you've stopped masking, please start again, for your own safety and the safety of your community. Many hospital systems are already trending toward being overwhelmed right now; wear a mask when in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, and keep a safe distance from others, as feasible.

* Avoid unnecessary gatherings where possible.

* Ventilate your spaces well (Corsi-Rosenthal Box).

* Reevaluate casual habits (touching face, respiratory etiquette—covering coughs and sneezes, clean your hands regularly, stay home if you are sick, get tested if you have symptoms, or if you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or influenza)

Please be aware of Long Covid.

COVID impacts the immune system similar to HIV in that it hides in the body and continues to wreak havoc in the various organ system by driving inflammation and disrupting the immune response. It causes neurological, vascular, and immune dysfunction.

Patients with long COVID generally have symptoms that fall into three categories or phenotypes: fatigue, neurocognitive symptoms such as brain fog or headaches, and cardiovascular symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart arrythmias, exercise intolerance, and blood clots. Patients may have more than one type, and some also have symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or loss of taste and smell that don’t seem to fit neatly into one of the three groups.

This is a period where we need to act with more care. Not a time to panic, but a time to be more cautious.

If you contract COVID, these are some helpful things that work to reduce viral load in the hope of minimising symptoms. And your chance of developing Long Covid:

* Brush & floss as usual

* Mouthwash (CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride, an ingredient in many/most commercial mouthwashes), cooled green tea, salt water)

* Green Tea (drink on an empty stomach if possible; can also be used for swishing/gargling once it has cooled; if green tea isn't doable for you, black tea is an alternative)

* Nasal Spray (if chemicals in nasal spray causing an issue for you, saline nasal spray also an option)

* Vitamin C supplement

* Antihistamines

* Other prophylactics to consider: Nattokinase, Grape Seed Extract, EGCG supplements

* Natto (if this is something you already eat, or would like to try. It's fermented soya beans and is popular in Japan

* Mask & Vaccinate!! A fully vaccinated individual is five times less likely to continue to have any symptoms or ill-effects three months after their initial infection compared to someone who has not been vaccinated.

Not a medical professional but compiled resources from medical professionals and individuals with disabilities including long COVID.

Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free Tigray. Stop Cop City. Eyes on the Mass Graves in Jackson.

Please SHARE & Please participate in the Global Strike for Palestine 1.21-1.28.

[somediyprojects]

DIY Twig Push Pins

Project by Kate Pruitt:

the little twig push-pins are SO cute and take under an hour to make. dare i say thirty minutes even? the larger version is also a great way to add a little fun to your hanging collection of art. i hope you have some twigs lying around or a park nearby, so you can make these cuties. have fun!  –kate

materials: 1. twigs, .25″ – 1″ diameter (at least 10″ long – so you can keep your fingers away from the saw) 2. saw (if you have or know someone who has a chop saw, good. that makes this project awesomely fast. if not, a simple hand saw will do work fine because these are so tiny) 3. hammer 4. small t-pins 5. small finishing nails (1.5″ long) 6. super glue (the gel is preferable, but any strong glue will work) 7. needle-nose pliers (with a cutting edge) 8. safety goggles and mask (for use during sawing)

cost: t-pins, nails: $3 twigs, tools, etc: free, on hand

time: 30 minutes to an hour

instructions:

1. cut your twigs into small nubs, about .5″ long for the push-pins, and 1.5″ – 2″ long for the wall hooks. when using the saw, make sure your hand is far from the cutting area. do not use a twig that is under 5″ because your hand will be too close to where you are cutting. be safe!

2. take your needle-nose pliers and snip off the top of your t-pins and your finishing nails. for the t-pins, you want your headless pin lengths to be about .75″ long. for your nails, you want to cut off the small head part only, leaving the whole length of the nail. save one nail for later.

3. for the twig push-pins, hold your cut t-pin in the center of a round twig nub with the sharp point facing up. tap the pin with the hammer until it sinks into the wood about halfway. this won’t damage the tip too much (it will still be sharp enough to be a tack) and it will firmly secure the pin into the twig. repeat with the rest of your twig push-pins.

4. for the wall hooks, take the saved nail and hammer it into the top center of the larger twig nub, stopping when it has sunken in about .5″. use your pliers to pull the nail back out again, leaving a small hole in the center of the twig nub.

5. take one of your headless nails and dab superglue on the non sharp end. use your hammer to tap the glue end of the headless nail into the hole about .5 – .75″, leaving 1″ on nail exposed. let these dry.

6. now your hooks and push-pins are ready for use! depending on that surface you are nailing into, the hooks can hold about 10-15 lbs. – enough for a small mirror or picture frame.

YOU’RE DONE!

[aerialsquid]

FFXIV Write Day 12: Quarry

"How in the *world* did you manage to do this, dear doll?"

Martyn held up his four fingered hand with the ashamed demeanor of a child showing how badly he'd butchered a DIY haircut. Dollmaker fussed over the excision, running its fingertip across the place where Martyn had sealed off his own aether. 

"Well, you've heard of blue magic, yes?"

"No, Never."

"Oh." The creature lived in the sewer tunnels, of course it wouldn't have. "Uh. Short version, it's a school that prioritizes learning spells by having them cast on you by–" By monsters. "By others. And then replicating the technique."

"Hm. How strange. I'm flattered you think of me outside of our games, but this is a bit much..." Dollmaker had him lay his hand in its own large, obsidian palm. A stroke of its digits and the finger joint was joined back to Martyn's hand as seamlesly as if it had never left. Martyn squinted, trying to memorize the technique, but the movement was too quick.

Ah, well. He'd find a reason to be back down here eventually, Martyn supposed. At least

"200 years and you mortals still find ways to surprise me," Dollmaker was muttering.

"That's how long you've been down here?"

"Well, not down here, but…well, since I came over from the old country, haha."

Ah. The void. Martyn coughed. "Well, you look very uh. Solidly built, for your age." What kind of a compliment did you give a voidsent?

"Oh, I was much smaller then. There was this alchemist with a great deal of ambition but not much sense, thought to expedite his dark work with a few extra sets of hands. He pulled me through a pinprick hole between worlds, bound me with a contract before I even had time to get my bearings. To serve him indefinitely, in exchange for what little aether he chose to give me, to be thrown back to the void whenever he ran out of use for me."

Sounded like something Royce would come up with. 

A soft, sinister chuckle went through Dollmaker's body.

"Of course, this was about half a bell before the Sultansworn burst his door down. I heard they executed him for crimes against the throne, in the end. Of course, I fled into the cistern the moment my master was distracted. They hunted me for ages through the tunnels - they found the others, but they never found little me." Its falsetto voice was tinged with nostalgia, as its fingers ran tenderly over and over Martyn's palm. "He'd not bound me to protect him, after all, and if he couldn't speak he couldn't give orders. And then he was dead. And here I was, a free agent in paradise."

"Paradise?"

The mask's eyes lifted to meet Martyn's.Below it, the mouth that spanned half the length of Dollmaker's neck parted its lips slightly. Dollmaker's narrow tongue flicked out across the rim. "Compared to the eternal dusk of the void, yes. Compared to the hunger. In the void you hunger eternal. You consume those around you and make their aether a part of you, or you are consumed and lose yourself in the swirling mass of souls inside your predator's belly. There are no pretty lace ruffles, no silk ribbons, no singing bird mammets. There is no one to appreciate such beauties either. The hunger is always on your mind - the hunger and the fear."

Dollmaker's angular fingers curled around Martyn's hand, until their sharp shapes reminded Martyn of a cage. Martyn found his breath slowing of its own accord, trapping him in place even without Dollmaker's manipulation.

"But on this side of the veil there is aether aplenty, life flourishing, living and dying in bright sunlight beauty. Even in the sewers I could gorge myself to fullness, on the aether of rats and lichen, on the scraps that fell down to me from the city above. The bounty of your world felt endless. And when I finally felt that beautiful sensation of *satiation*, I began to truly think in a way I had not thought in endless centuries. That is when I began to make contracts of my own - first for aether, then for safety, then for luxuries. Beautiful trinkets, pretty dolls, fine company…" 

Dollmaker shook its head. The gesture rippled through its elongated body, back to shoulders to spine to the end of its tail, throwing off the veil of reverie.

"You know, you ask a lot of questions, doll."

"Martyn." The word was weak from his lips, but it felt as if it were a shield. As if being someone noteworthy would save him.

For the first time, Dollmaker seemed to notice his fright. It released his hand and stepped back, neck hunching down as if to make itself smaller. Less threatening. "Ah. Right. I don't usually…right, right. Apologies, I've been rambling. You'll be wanting to go now?"

"Yes, quite. Busy day, you know. Thank you for the–" Martyn waved his completed hand again, flexing the pinkie demonstratively.

"No trouble, no trouble. Feel free to bring it back if it's still giving you trouble. I'll just be down here as usual. Enjoy your day. Unless you're of a mind to-"

But Martyn was already rushing out of the tunnels before Dollmaker could suggest anything else Martyn might do, long ahead of the sound of a soft, disappointed sigh.

[historicalfightingguide]

Having a variety of tools for a variety of approaches to training can be very beneficial for training historical fencing.

But also having enough money to start up training with full sparring gear and metal swords can be prohibitevely expensive for many people.

In such cases getting some foam swords and minimal protection (mask, gorget, cup, lighter gloves) can go a long way to help folks start out their fencing journey.

And if you're trying to start a club it's potentially a difference between 'tough but doable' and 'straight up impossible unless a big life change happens'.

Today there are many options for foam swords you can order online, but it can be great to be able to DIY some of it.

The above link is a finnish guide on how to do it that many high level hemaists there have used, and similar to how many larpers and sca etc. folks have made their own weapons for years back, but a bit optimized for hema purposes.

Google translate is imperfect but you should be able to understand all the general concepts and get better with follow up attempts.

Also keep in mind the first attempt once you have all the relevant materials(that are fairly cheap pretty much everywhere) it'll likely take you anywhere between 30min and 3h to finish a single foam sword.

But after a few tries you may need no more than 20min per foam sword.

These types of training tools are also great for any day where you don't want to put full regular gear on but still want to fence a bit in minimal gear. They're also great for instilling confidence in beginners to move freely, even if in full gear.

They're also more forgiving and safer if you know there's folks who struggle with control, at least a stepping stone before they're ready to fence freely with steel.

They're also slightly lighter than the steel versions so also more appropriate for beginners if you want more class time to be devoted to training skill, whether through drills, games etc. than to building physical capacity.

However even an experienced student may find them a great tool for improving timing and distance management.

Good luck and hope you all find this useful.

For anyone who hasn’t yet seen the following links:

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Some advice on how to start studying the sources generally can be found in these older posts

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Remember to check out  A Guide to Starting a Liberation Martial Arts Gym as it may help with your own club/gym/dojo/school culture and approach.Check out their curriculum too.

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Fear is the Mind Killer: How to Build a Training Culture that Fosters Strength and Resilience by   Kajetan Sadowski   may be relevant as well.

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“How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills”  by Rob Gray  as well as this post that goes over the basics of his constraints lead, ecological approach.

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Another useful book to check out is  The Theory and Practice of Historical European Martial Arts (while about HEMA, a lot of it is applicable to other historical martial arts clubs dealing with research and recreation of old fighting systems).

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Trauma informed coaching and why it matters

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Look at the previous posts in relation to running and cardio to learn how that relates to historical fencing.

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Why having a systematic approach to training can be beneficial

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Why we may not want one attack 10 000 times, nor 10 000 attacks done once, but a third option.

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How consent and opting in function and why it matters.

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More on tactics in fencing

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Types of fencers

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Open vs closed skills

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The three primary factors to safety within historical fencing

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Worth checking out are this blogs tags on pedagogy and teaching for other related useful posts.

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And if you train any weapon based form of historical fencing check out the ‘HEMA game archive’ where you can find a plethora of different drills, focused sparring and game options to use for effective, useful and fun training.

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Check out the cool hemabookshelf facsimile project.

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For more on how to use youtube content for learning historical fencing I suggest checking out these older posts on the concept of video study of sparring and tournament footage.

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The provoker-taker-hitter tactical concept and its uses

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Approaches to goals and methodology in historical fencing

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A short article on why learning about other sports and activities can benefit folks in combat sports

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Consider getting some patches of this sort or these cool rashguards to show support for good causes or a t-shirt like to send a good message while at training.

[boyswillbedogz]

clothing that makes my animal brain go :3

these are mostly canine centric bc those are the biggest parts if my identity

thick insulated sweaters with soft insides

thick layers

chains, keychains & dog tags, any acessories thatll jingle

friendship necklaces and collars, anything that marks connection to a person

masks

shoes with thick or platformed soles

sticking shiny things like safety pins and pins on my belongings and clothing items

beanies

baggy cargo pants to stick a trilion trinkets into the pockets of

STOP sign patch my frien gave me that ill probs put on my hoodie

wearing a lot of black and grey and white

long sleeves under short ones

bandannas

thick socks and fingerless gloves

ripped or ratty jeans

worn out/well loved clothing

lettin my nails grow out long and sometimes painting em black

letting my hair get shaggy or messy

shiny rings, fake silver

tight belts make my sillohette look… “right”

camo pants

chewelrey

thick dark flannels

DIY clothing and accessories

stuff with lots of bits and bobs and buckles hangin off

goggles

putting rings n bits and bobs n my hair

leg or arm warmerz

[missr3n3]

It's been a good forever since I asked anything about CDTA and RR and I miss asking questions that seem silly and whatnot.

1.) Joshua (+ maybe some other Cael devils) don't like the rain, they're okay with the sound but hates it when it rains on them, yeah?

2.) What's Madeline's favorite type of weather + season?

3.) What's Joshua and Isaac's favorite video game + movie(s)?

4.) Which character would use Vine?

5.) Who's the artist of the group?

And now, I'm done. Bye :D

other cael devils are a little bothered by rain bc the feeling of water on their horns is unpleasant, but joshua actually enjoys rainy days! he has a particular memory of running out into the first rainfall after he escaped the Nightmare Sand Pit, because it was a reminder that he wasn't there anymore. now every time it rains, it brings him a sense of safety.

pretty obvious answer, but madeline's favorite season is autumn! she also prefers colder weather over heat.

joshua's favorite movie is the shining, and isaac's is akira. isaac's current favorite game is left4dead, and joshua... honestly isn't much of a gamer at all lol. he prefers hobbies he can do outdoors. he does like watching isaac play though, and in that case his favorite game would be majora's mask bc it creeps isaac out lol

for RR, i think sarah might've messed around on vine a lil bit just to film some of her outings with her friends and family. for CDTA, definitely isaac and maybe elijah. isaac would post mostly #relatable jokes n a few innocent pranks, while elijah would try to return to his sketch comedy videos with very poor results lol

for RR, peter's probably the most artistic, mainly because he's actually a very good writer! unfortunately his talents are only going towards expressing how heartbroken he is over sarah and his guilt n self loathing about his past at the moment. for CDTA, the most artistic ones are isaac, joshua, madeline, and cassandra! isaac has his music now that he's learning guitar, as well as his DIY fashion projects, including the bleach tie-dye shirt he's wearing in his 2011 design. joshua is good at drawing, photography, and a little bit at film making, but he hasn't had the energy for any of that after his reversion 😞 madeline, of course, has her interest in photography, and cassandra makes little witchy/gothic zines and collages as a hobby!

[boltdxbblog]

The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Effective Property Maintenance in Dubai

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to cost-effective property maintenance in Dubai. Whether you're a long-standing homeowner or a fresh face in our bustling city, staying on top of property upkeep is essential. In this guide, we'll explore top-tier strategies and insights tailored specifically for property maintenance in Dubai.

Understanding Needs: Before diving into maintenance strategies, assess your property's unique needs. Identify areas that require immediate attention and prioritize tasks accordingly. This proactive approach not only saves time but also prevents potential costly repairs down the line.

Choosing the Right Service Provider: When it comes to property maintenance in Dubai, partnering with the right service provider is key. Look for companies with a track record of excellence, responsive support, and competitive pricing. Customer reviews and testimonials can also offer valuable insights into their service quality.

Efficient Appliances and Fixtures: Investing in energy-efficient appliances and fixtures is a smart way to cut down on maintenance costs in Dubai. Opt for products with high energy ratings, as they not only reduce utility bills but also require less frequent repairs and replacements.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance Checks: Regular inspections and maintenance checks are the backbone of cost-effective property management in Dubai. Schedule routine visits from professionals to assess your property's condition, identify potential issues early on, and perform preventive maintenance tasks.

Budget-Friendly Tips: Not all maintenance tasks require professional assistance. Embrace budget-friendly tips to tackle minor repairs and upkeep tasks around your property. From fixing leaky faucets to repainting walls, a little DIY effort can go a long way in saving costs.

Identifying DIY-Friendly Tasks: Begin by identifying maintenance tasks that you can comfortably handle on your own. Simple tasks such as replacing light fixtures, cleaning gutters, or caulking windows are excellent starting points for DIY enthusiasts.

Maintenance Schedules: Create a maintenance schedule for tasks based on seasonal needs and the condition of your property. Regularly inspecting and maintaining areas like plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems, and outdoor spaces can prevent major issues and costly repairs.

Equipping Your Toolbox: Invest in a basic toolkit with essential tools like a hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, measuring tape, and a utility knife. Having these tools readily available can empower you to tackle various maintenance projects around your property.

Educational Resources: Leverage online tutorials, guides, and instructional videos to enhance your DIY skills. Platforms like YouTube and websites offer step-by-step guides for a wide range of home maintenance tasks, making it easier for you to execute projects efficiently.

Safety First: Prioritize safety when engaging in maintenance. Always wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks when handling tools or working on projects that involve chemicals or dust. Familiarize yourself with safety protocols to prevent accidents or injuries.

Community Support: Engage with local communities or forums to exchange tips, seek advice, and share experiences with fellow DIY enthusiasts. Networking with others who have similar interests can provide valuable insights and support for your DIY endeavors.

Mastering cost-effective property maintenance in Dubai is all about proactive planning, smart investments, and regular upkeep. By following the expert tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your property remains in top-notch condition without breaking the bank. Here's to hassle-free maintenance and a thriving property in the dynamic city of Dubai!

[collisioncar]

12 tips and tricks DIY Dent Repair Tips for Houston Residents

DIY Dent Repair Tips for Houston Residents:

Evaluate the Dent: Before attempting any repairs, carefully assess the size, depth, and location of the dent. Small, shallow dents with no paint damage are often more suitable for DIY repairs.

Use Hot Water or Hair Dryer: In Houston's warm climate, using hot water or a hairdryer can help make the metal more pliable. Gently heat the area around the dent, being cautious not to overheat and damage the paint.

Compressed Air and Dust-Off: Turn a can of compressed air or dust-off upside down and spray the dent. The rapid cooling effect can sometimes cause the metal to contract, reducing the appearance of the dent.

DIY Dent Repair Kits: Invest in a quality DIY dent repair kit, which typically includes tools like suction cups, dent pullers, and dent removal rods. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid causing further damage.

Boiling Water Method: For plastic bumpers, carefully pour boiling water over the affected area. Use your hands or a plunger to gently push the dent out from the inside.

Dry Ice Technique: If the dent is on a metal panel, use dry ice. Hold a piece of dry ice against the dent for a few minutes and then use a soft cloth or your hands to gently massage the area. This method exploits the extreme temperature difference to help pop the dent out.

Plunger Method: For shallow dents, a suction cup or plunger can be effective. Moisten the area and create a seal with the plunger. Push and pull to create suction, and the dent may pop out.

Boiled Water and Plunger Combo: Combine the hot water method with a plunger for added effectiveness. Heat the dent with hot water and then use the plunger to create suction.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Techniques: Learn about paintless dent repair techniques that involve massaging or pushing the dent out from the back of the panel. Specialized PDR tools may be required, but it can be a highly effective method.

Patience is Key: Take your time and be patient. Rushing the process can lead to further damage. If the dent is extensive or if you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.

Protect the Paint: When using any DIY method, be cautious not to damage the paint. Mask off the surrounding area with painter's tape and proceed with care.

Know When to Seek Professional Help: If the dent is too large, deep, or if paint is chipped or scratched, it's advisable to seek professional help. Professional dent repair services have the expertise and tools to handle more complex situations.

Remember, safety is crucial, and if you're uncertain about the repair process, it's wise to consult with a professional auto body shop for assistance.

DIY Dent Repair Tips for Houston Residents:

Evaluate the Dent: Before attempting any repairs, carefully assess the size, depth, and location of the dent. Small, shallow dents with no paint damage are often more suitable for DIY repairs.

Use Hot Water or Hair Dryer: In Houston's warm climate, using hot water or a hairdryer can help make the metal more pliable. Gently heat the area around the dent, being cautious not to overheat and damage the paint.

Compressed Air and Dust-Off: Turn a can of compressed air or dust-off upside down and spray the dent. The rapid cooling effect can sometimes cause the metal to contract, reducing the appearance of the dent.

DIY Dent Repair Kits: Invest in a quality DIY dent repair kit, which typically includes tools like suction cups, dent pullers, and dent removal rods. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid causing further damage.

Boiling Water Method: For plastic bumpers, carefully pour boiling water over the affected area. Use your hands or a plunger to gently push the dent out from the inside.

Dry Ice Technique: If the dent is on a metal panel, use dry ice. Hold a piece of dry ice against the dent for a few minutes and then use a soft cloth or your hands to gently massage the area. This method exploits the extreme temperature difference to help pop the dent out.

Plunger Method: For shallow dents, a suction cup or plunger can be effective. Moisten the area and create a seal with the plunger. Push and pull to create suction, and the dent may pop out.

Boiled Water and Plunger Combo: Combine the hot water method with a plunger for added effectiveness. Heat the dent with hot water and then use the plunger to create suction.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Techniques: Learn about paintless dent repair techniques that involve massaging or pushing the dent out from the back of the panel. Specialized PDR tools may be required, but it can be a highly effective method.

Patience is Key: Take your time and be patient. Rushing the process can lead to further damage. If the dent is extensive or if you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.

Protect the Paint: When using any DIY method, be cautious not to damage the paint. Mask off the surrounding area with painter's tape and proceed with care.

Know When to Seek Professional Help: If the dent is too large, deep, or if paint is chipped or scratched, it's advisable to seek professional help. Professional dent repair services have the expertise and tools to handle more complex situations.

Remember, safety is crucial, and if you're uncertain about the repair process, it's wise to consult with a professional auto body shop for assistance.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Their site doesn't hyperlink all pretty like mine does, but here you can find a collection of covid merit badges. Have a little fun with covid safety!

A few examples:

How to Earn Your Covid-Safety Badges Ready to start earning new badges? You may have earned several merit badges from the early days of the Covid pandemic. It's not too late to collect more! Check out the badge descriptions below, visit the accompanying links, and make your plan to pitch in to prevent the further spread and mutation of Covid. Together, we can spare ourselves further pain and save future generations from the worst impact of this vile disease—but together includes YOU.

Consistently Wearing a Well-Fitted Respirator Recipients have worn a mask to prevent the spread of Covid and has made sincere efforts to upgrade and improve the fit of their respirators in spite of dropped government mandates

Shielding a Loved One From Covid Recipients have loved ones who are vulnerable to (further) Covid infections and take precautionary measures to ensure they are not exposed to the virus

DIY a Corsi-Rosenthal Box Recipients understand how to improve ventilation with air purifiers and has constructed at least one CR box using MERV-13 filters and a box fan

Levelling Up to Elastomeric Respirator Recipients have upgraded to using well-fitted, NIOSH-approved reusable elastomeric respirators with filters rated N95 or higher

Living with Long Covid Recipients are living with physical complications resulting from a Covid infection. Long Covid is a broad umbrella term for more than 200 symptoms and conditions that can be brought about by one ore more Covid infections

There's even more, but you'll have to check it out to see! Each badge includes helpful resources, explainers, and DIY guides that even self-described covid experts will find handy!

[doerrferr]

cheeky art dump bc im terrified for going back to college tomorrow, so here’s what ive been doing on my college hiatus:

(part one)

i present thee:

- my jarg mini diy sketchbook made with deceased amazon packaging, safety pins, nail glue, black + red nail polish, kenji notebook refills and a dash of mania.

- intro/ title page to said sketchbook with random black fine liner + white gel face/mask? doodles

-nerdy prudes must die mitchie 30 min sketch (yes the outfit is wrong, shush)

- the femme crowley drag moment

- yet another post divorce animatic wip ft my shite music editing skills and additions made by my cat :)

[groovygymbustoronto]

Best Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas, for a bash in Toronto

If you're looking for fun and unique kids' birthday party ideas in Toronto, consider these options:

Groovy Gym Bus Toronto Party: This mobile gymnastics setup comes to your location and provides a certified coach and helper to supervise the kids. The bus is regularly tested for safety and offers additional entertainment options like face painting, magic shows, and balloon twisting.

DIY Spa Party: Set up a spa station at home with face masks, nail polish, hair accessories, and scented candles. Serve healthy snacks like fruit and veggies with dip for a fun and relaxing celebration.

Lego Building Party: Set up a Lego station with different sets and challenges, and see who can build the most creative structure. Serve Lego-themed snacks like cupcakes with Lego bricks on top for a fun and educational celebration.

Consider these options to create unforgettable memories for your child and their friends.