Category: paving contractors dublin

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Tankless water heaters offer a modern and more energy efficient alternative to traditional storage tank hot water systems. With rising fuel costs, installing a tankless water heater is one way to make savings on household bills and help the environment at the same time.

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Tankless water heaters offer a modern and more energy efficient alternative to traditional storage tank hot water systems. With rising fuel costs, installing a tankless water heater is one way to make savings on household bills and help the environment at the same time. One of the disadvantages of storing your hot water supply in a tank is that the energy that goes into heating the water is often wasted if you don’t use up all the hot water each day. In contrast, with a tankless hot water heater, the water is heated on demand, so you only use energy to heat up what you need.

There are various different types of instant water heaters. Tankless gas water heaters tend to have larger capacities than electric ones, and as such the initial costs can be higher. Some gas-fired units can provide up to 5 gallons of hot water a minute, which is sufficient for running two showers at the same time. An electric tankless water heater might be able to heat 3 gallons per minute. Another advantage of on demand water heaters is that the units are generally small and compact, saving loads of space compared to a big storage tank. They can be mounted onto an inside wall, in a closet or under a sink. Some models are even suitable for attaching to an outdoor wall if this is more convenient.

Despite the initial installation costs of a tankless water heater, the savings the average household can make are significant. And with the cost of energy set to continue to rise in the future, it makes sense to economize and to improve the energy-efficiency of our homes. Inexpensive electric tankless water heaters can decrease the cost of heating hot water by around 10% or even 20%. A gas unit may cost more initially, but could save anything from 20% to 40% annually. Switching off the pilot light when it’s not in use is a simple but effective way to save energy. Tankless water heaters generally have a longer lifespan than tanks, as they are not prone to corrosion, so buying one can be a great investment for many years to come.

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When life is hard on you and you need to reach up to touch bottom, a simple gift of a metal patio bench can help you find time and opportunity to bond with people you love and see you through your darkest hours. Discover how a patio bench or chair can be that unexpected support and help.

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As you walk through the patio and into the observatory of my house, you will notice a three seater metal bench placed just at a tiny corner of the covered patio. Coated in green, how can such a lifeless-looking cold metal structure be providing me with immense satisfaction and joy almost daily?

I remembered its humble origins. I never had this metal bench all the while. It was on a very dark day to begin with that my best friend Peter Duss brought it in to the house. Peter said it was a gift to me, and he carried it onto the patio with his wife during that slightly breezy evening.

That day was one of the darkest days of my life. It was so because I had just returned from the hospital, with news of the results of the blood tests for my son who was diagnosed with almost complete bone marrow failure. There would need to be an international search for a bone marrow donor, as this auto immune disease would quickly wreck his health. I was crying.

Peter told me the metal bench placed on the patio would allow me time to sit there to spend with my son when he would be discharged from the hospital. It would be a great place to bond with my son again, and to enjoy the ambience of the evenings together on the patio, to watch whatever was happening around together and to enjoy the breeze, and the sounds of the night together with my son.

This was exactly what we did.

The metal bench was to be the focus place where father and son would be together for many nights, just being together to face the difficulties ahead.

In the end, after numerous sessions of chemotherapy, and treatment, my son was blessed with a recovery, and the green metal patio bench remained in its place.

It is now 4 years past this episode, and the patio chair is still providing that opportunity to bond with anyone in the family and with friends.

If this real life story touches your heart, and if you ever wish to give a gift to someone dear, to someone you love, consider that a patio chair can give immense meaning and provide opportunities for family bonding.

I know… this green metal patio bench did exactly that, and both the gift and the giver have a special place in my heart.

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The article How a pendulum works to keep time tell us how watches and clocks or timepieces work to keep and maintain time. The article mainly emphasizes on one very important part of a clock i.e. the pendulum which is like heart of a clock. This article will interests to all those who looks at a clock to know the time of a given movement.

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Up until about the 16th Century, time keeping was approximate at best. There were the beginnings of mechanical clocks that would sit in the homes of the wealthy or in the towers of churches, but they would start to slow in their time keeping — up to one-half hour per day — as the mechanical mechanisms would slowly wind down. It was at about this time that a young Galileo observed that the chandeliers of the church would sway in perfect rhythm moving from one spot to another quite methodically.

Galileo s observations led him to start measuring the sway of the chandeliers against his own pulse. When he did this he saw that movement was consistent. He also observed that the relative timing remained the same even if the sway was large or small. Thus we have what many consider as being the first observations that a pendulum clock could accurately keep time.

It was discovered that there were variances in the timekeeping based on the pattern of the swinging, if not its distance. The swaying pendulum was then fashioned so that it could keep a swinging pattern with a curve that is called a cycloid.

In 1656 the first truly accurate pendulum clock was created by a Dutch astronomer, Christian Huygens. His clock used shorter pendulums that moved several times per second. Less than two decades later, William Clement, an English clockmaker, discovered that longer pendulums with weights took a full second to move back and forth and could measure that full unit of time more accurately.

Clock maker, George Graham was able to improve the pendulum s accuracy in the early 1700s by controlling the pendulum length that was constantly fluctuating with temperature changes. He did this by enclosing the mechanism in a wooden box.
From there, the pendulum clock grew increasingly accurate. This was perfected at the beginning of the 20th century with the addition of the perfect amount of weight.

Up until this point, most clocks only had an hour hand. Chimes would sound on the quarter hour, but with the loss of so much time in a day, it was hard to measure the true time with this method. Clement s pendulum clock, which came to be known as the Grandfather Clock, now had minute hands added that would move one spot after 60 complete swings of the pendulum. Now with the accuracy improved, most astronomical observatories of the day recognized the pendulum clock as the standard by which time would be measured.

Knowing gravity s role in pulling the weighted pendulum and the rotation of the earth, scientists understood how the Foucault pendulum worked. This is a single weight at a specific length that swings in the cycloid pattern and appears to move around a large circle marked on the floor. Many science museums demonstrate the Foucault pendulum by having it knock over pegs with each hour that passes. Although it seems to be moving around the circle in order to reach each peg at the appointed hour, in reality it is the earth beneath it that is rotating to mark off the hours while the pendulum remains in its fixed pattern.

Grandfather and pendulums are still recognized as accurate ways of keeping time so long as the pendulums are properly weighted and climate can be controlled to keep the length consistent. Not only are they good at keeping time but pendulum clocks remain a decorative addition to many homes blending a timeless beauty with precision timekeeping.

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The term HEPA has become synonymous with clean air. We hear about vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that keep the dust particles from your carpets from floating back into your air. You may be aware of your office building have a HEPA filtration system because you ve seen the maintenance crew come through and periodically change the filters. But do you really know what a HEPA filter is and does. This article should clear the air about what is fact and what is fiction as it rel…

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The term HEPA has become synonymous with clean air. We hear about vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that keep the dust particles from your carpets from floating back into your air. You may be aware of your office building have a HEPA filtration system because you ve seen the maintenance crew come through and periodically change the filters. But do you really know what a HEPA filter is and does. This article should clear the air about what is fact and what is fiction as it relates to a HEPA air cleaner.

The HEPA Standard

First of all HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. Any air filtration system that claims to contain a HEPA filter must be able to remove 99.97% of particulates larger than 0.3 microns in size from the air consistently. That is a high standard to follow and why the places with the most critical air quality requirements rely on HEPA filters. This high rate of filtration can also never dip below the 99.97% to maintain true HEPA quality.

Another distinguishing feature of HEPA filtration is that once the air particles are trapped into the filer, they cannot be allowed to re-enter the air. A HEPA filter is removed and washed or replaced to eliminate the trapped particles.

HEPA filtration systems also cannot produce any bi-products from the filtration process. Other methods such as ionic air filters emit ozone as a part of the filtration process.

One point of distinction regarding HEPA filters is that the high standard is the ideal. Not all HEPA filters perform at this level all of the time. As filters get dirty or if the air is excessively polluted a HEPA filter will not be able to always remove 99.97% of air particles.

Be cautioned that many products claim to be HEPA type filters and this is not the same product. The requirements for filtration on products labelled HEPA type are only 95% filtration of particles larger than 0.3 microns in diameter.

HEPA Filters for the Home

Home applications of HEPA filters are found in air conditioning systems, furnaces, and even vacuum cleaners and bags. There are also appliance-like filtration systems that resemble a piece of furniture. You can create an environment of fresh air in your home with a table top air purifier that contains HEPA technology. This may or may not be combined with a humidifier system that also adds moisture to the air creating the perfect blend of clean air and humidity.

An important part of creating a safe and healthy home environment is regular maintenance of home appliance and systems that contain filters. Also, use care to properly ventilate your home and make a home improvement project out of replacing and/or cleaning your filters regularly.

Any improvements in air quality can impact your health for the better. If you are prone to allergies, it is important to use air conditioning and filtration systems to keep pollens out. Keeping surfaces free of these allergens with regular dusting will allow air purifiers and filters to do a better job of trapping air borne culprits.

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If you watch television late at night, you are probably familiar with a filterless air purifier called the Ionic Breeze. These systems have benefits and drawbacks. Lately, there has been some controversy over their safety. Some consider them to be unsafe, while others swear by the results.

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If you watch television late at night, you are probably familiar with a filterless air purifier called the Ionic Breeze. These systems have benefits and drawbacks. Lately, there has been some controversy over their safety. Some consider them to be unsafe, while others swear by the results.

How a Filterless Air Purifiers Work

A filterless purifier works by giving the incoming air an electrostatic charge. This charge also charges particles in the air. The air is then moved past an oppositely charged collection grid. The impurities in the air are attracted to the grid, like a magnet. The grid must be removed periodically and cleaned of the impurities. This is easily done with a damp cloth. Once the grid is completely dry, replace it and turn the machine back on. These systems can be installed on a forced air heating system to treat the whole house, or can be purchased in portable units.

This process creates ozone in the air. If you have been outside after a thunderstorm, you have smelled natural ozone in the air. These systems clean the air the way nature cleans the outdoor air.

However, some feel the ozone that is created can be a health hazard, particularly if it is highly concentrated. If you are using a portable air cleaner, be sure it isn t too big for the room in which it is being used. The square footage is listed on the box and in the owner s manual. Another option is to run it for a while and then turn it off before using the room.

Benefits of a Filterless Air Purifier

There are no filters to change with this type of purification system. Replacement filters can be expensive and not having one saves money in the long run.

They use a collection grid to collect impurities, rather than a filter. The impurities stick to the grid and are wiped off with a damp cloth. Once the grid is clean and dry, place it back in the machine and turn it on.

The filtration process leaves a fresh smsell in the air that many people find vitalizing. You won t need to use air fresheners with these systems.

They are nearly silent when running. This is great for night time use. Some air purification systems can be very noisy and may need to be turned off at night.

Drawbacks of Filterless Air Purifiers

The safety of these filtration systems was called into question a few years ago when Consumer Reports gave the Ionic Breeze a bad review and called it hazardous. The reason is the ozone that is a by product of the purification process. Ozone is a pollutant and can be irritating to people with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Sharper Image responded by adding a component called Ozone Guard which is said to convert most of the ozone into oxygen. On a later review, Consumer Reports still gave the machine low marks, but said the ozone output is now in acceptable levels.

These systems are more expensive than other air purifiers. However, when you add in the cost of replacement filters, this price difference diminishes over time.

The collection grid must be cleaned frequently. If it isn t clean, it won t work. The frequency depends on the number of impurities in the air. Homes with pets, smokers, a lot of dust, etc, will need more frequent cleaning.

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Household items, whether they are appliances, cleaning supplies, or groceries, make up a significant portion of the average person s expenses. Not only can the purchase of these items cost a bundle, but often using these items can be expensive as well. One way to cut down on the costs of running a household is to purchase appliances that can save money while using them.

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Household items, whether they are appliances, cleaning supplies, or groceries, make up a significant portion of the average person s expenses. Not only can the purchase of these items cost a bundle, but often using these items can be expensive as well. One way to cut down on the costs of running a household is to purchase appliances that can save money while using them.

Buy Do It Yourself Appliances

Avoid paying extra for services, such as getting meat and cheeses sliced at the deli, by purchasing an electric food slicer. Three pounds of sliced roast beef costs $23.97 if purchased at the deli. The same amount of roast beef can be purchased in the meat section for $ 13.21, baked, and sliced at home. The electric food slicer not only can save hundreds of dollars in deli meats and cheeses, it also allows anyone to slice their own bread, vegetables, and fruits. A bag of sliced carrots for can be purchased for $ 1.99 or pound of whole, fresh carrots can be purchased for $ .79 and sliced at home. The prices for an electric food slicer can range between $34 and $470, but luckily, the inexpensive ones work just fine and are often smaller, taking up less counter-top space. The larger, more expensive, machines are only necessary for a person who does catering from home. No matter which electric food slicer is chosen, the savings generated by owning one will make up for the purchase cost in no time.

Avoid Products Requiring Refills

The dust buster is back! While products like the Swiffer are all the rage right now, the extra products that need to be purchased in order to use it can really break the bank. There is a different cloth for dry surfaces, wet surfaces, and dusting. A brand new Swiffer would need to be purchased if carpet needed to be cleaned, along with all of its accessories. Unlike the Swiffer, the classic dust buster is a one-time buy that can take care of messes on both carpet and hard floors. For $24.95, the dust buster takes away the need to buy replacement wet cloths, dry cloths, duster cloths, or another appliance to clean the carpet. And as for that stain on the kitchen floor? A paper towel or a sponge will work just fine.

It s All About the Energy

And of course, appliances that use less energy cost less money to run. One way to find energy efficient appliances is to look for the Energy Star Label. This label, which can be seen at http://www.energystar.gov, appears on appliances that meet strict energy efficiency criteria determined by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star label can help you find almost any appliance with the exception of water heaters, stoves, and ovens. People that choose to use energy efficient appliances see significant drops in their utilities bills.

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Some people thought that owning a house is the best big investment they could ever have. In fact, according to the recent survey conducted in the U.S., 90% of the primary wealth of the people. They never knew that there is something more than what the house can offer the house plans.

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Some people thought that owning a house is the best big investment they could ever have. In fact, according to the recent survey conducted in the U.S., 90% of the primary wealth of the people. They never knew that there is something more than what the house can offer the house plans.

What people never knew is that house plans are the better investment.

Why? It is because the foundation, the structure, and the beauty of a house depend on the creation and assumption of house plans.

Therefore, it is important to spend some time contemplating on making and analyzing house plans. If ever the plan was not made in such a way that it would provided the optimum protection for the family, then that is not an investment after all.

Hence, it is extremely important to pay close attention to the house plan. Factors that are to be considered when making house plans should be well taken into account. Here are five things to consider when making house plans:

1. Location

Before making house plans, it is important to contemplate first on the location of the lot where the house will be built. Is it near the schools? The market? Or is it located in an area where transportations are scarce?

The point here is that it is important to consider the location when creating house plans. The design and structure of the house should match the kind of environment the neighborhood has.

2. Lifestyle

Do you prefer to live in the city, or the quiet suburban subdivision living? You definitely do not want to dig yourself a debt hole just to build a new house that conflict with your lifestyle.

When creating house plans, it is also important to consider the lifestyle. The total impression that the house will have on its visitors should greatly reflect the kind of lifestyle the family has.

3. Size of the family

Many houses now are so small because developers have to take into consideration the paying capacity of the buyers.

However, if ever you have the budget and the time to supervise the building of your new house, it is important to consider first the size of your family. For instance, the number of your children will indicate the number of rooms that you have to consider on your plan.

4. Environment

It is extremely important to consider the kind of environment the neighborhood has in creating house plans. For instance, if the area seems to be a hot spot, it is best to include some plans on proper insulation of the house so as to conserve energy consumption.

There are also cases wherein the type of soil is also important in making a house. Therefore, it is best to try to consider the kind of soil the lot area has when making house plans. What good will the designs be if the foundation of the house is literally weak?

5. Law and the government

There are cases wherein certain laws apply when building a particular house. These are known as the zoning laws. Therefore, it is best to consider them when making house plans because there are some laws that limits the height of the house to be built or the percentage of the allowed portion that the house will occupy in a given lot area.

The bottom line here is that the overall foundation and stability of a house is greatly dependent on the proper creation and execution of house plans. No wonder why it is considered by the others as the bigger investment.

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House Painting is an art that many need to learn today. It is an important job, and comprises of many important aspects like choosing the right color mix, the right color combination, and many such things

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Are you thinking of painting your house this Christmas? House painting requires a lot of money than one would expect. Why not try painting the house all by your self?

House Painting is an art that many need to learn today. It is an important job, and comprises of many important aspects like choosing the right color mix, the right color combination, and many such things.

Today one can find variety of house painting books. This painting book provides an easy access to many new and popular painting procedures. More importantly for better understanding of this art, each and every painting procedure comes with a step by step explanation. These book help you master your creativity and provide useful tips on house painting like

Health and safety measures to be followed at the time of undertaking a house painting project.
Choosing the right paint, advantages and disadvantages of latrex and oil base paints, information about primers and sealers.
Different painting procedures to be followed at the time of painting the house.

The book not only explains about interior painting, but also gives you many valuable tips on exterior painting. You can get all the required information about both interior as well as exterior painting from various books available.

There are also books that can help you elaborate your knowledge and help you to learn the art better. There are books for both beginners as well as professional artist. The painting book for beginners provides step by step guidance about the art and helps them to enter into a new world of creativity. For instance, you will find books that teach you about the materials to be used, paints to be used, interior colors, exterior coatings, etc.

Apart from house painting book one can find different types of painting books. This includes tole painting book, face painting book, decorative painting book, oil painting book, painting books for beginners, painting books for professionals and so on. These books are available can also be purchased from different outlets online.

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Hot tubs have become more and more popular nowadays as a great way to unwind and relax at home, and more and more people are installing hot tubs in their homes. Not only can you enjoy soaking in the hot tub, you can also gain some great health benefits. You can soak your trouble and stress away as the hot water helps relieve the tension in your aching body. You can also do simple water exercise or water aerobics in your hot tub, which is a safe and effective way of exercising…

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Hot tubs have become more and more popular nowadays as a great way to unwind and relax at home, and more and more people are installing hot tubs in their homes. Not only can you enjoy soaking in the hot tub, you can also gain some great health benefits. You can soak your trouble and stress away as the hot water helps relieve the tension in your aching body. You can also do simple water exercise or water aerobics in your hot tub, which is a safe and effective way of exercising and staying in shape.

Hot tubs are generally made from cedar, redwood and teak, and can accommodate as little as one and up to more than ten people. When making your purchase, make sure to buy your hot tub from a reputable hot tub manufacturer. As long as the hot tub manufacturer has a good track record is the best guarantee of quality and service.

There is a wide range of hot tub models for you to choose from, such as the portable hot tub or home spa, You will be faced with a diverse array of hot tub features, designs, specifications and accessories so it is a good idea to arm yourself with some basic knowledge on hot tubs before you decide on your model preference. The internet is a great place to search for useful information on hot tubs and the different hot tub models available on the market. Cost is an important consideration too when you decide to buy a hot tub, which depends on the construction, size and features of the spa you select. You should also find out the operating cost of the hot tub.

Once you have installed your hot tub at home, make sure to maintain it in good working condition as it is not a cheap investment. Most hot tubs should come with a hot tub cover as this is an essential and useful hot tub accessory to have. Hot tub covers help to keep litter and impurities out of the water. A hot tub without a cover may also be hazardous as younger children or pets may accidentally fall into the hot water. Hot tub covers also help retain heat in the hot tub, thereby lowering your heating bills.

It is important that you purchase a good quality hot tub cover. Make sure that your hot tub cover is sturdy and durable so that it can be used for many years to come. Also check that your hot tub cover is the right size and fits securely over your hot tub. Having a hot tub cover that fixes securely also helps in keeping impurities and litter out of the hot tub, and also traps the heat helping keep the water nice and hot.

After prolonged use, your hot tub cover may become waterlogged and ineffective. When this happens, the cover cannot insulate the heat very well. In that situation, it may be time to get a new cover. Understand that a hot tub cover can also become worn and wrinkled where it has been folded and unfolded once too many times. A wrinkle in your hot tub cover may also allow more heat to escape, so that it is no longer effective as insulation.

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Fireplace mantels provide an ideal focal point in a room, but in many homes this results in a missed opportunity. Instead, the mantel becomes a dusty shelf covered with family photos and knickknacks. Sometimes when a certain area of the house has looked the same for a long time, we get used to it. We don’t stop to think of what it could be.

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Fireplace mantels provide an ideal focal point in a room, but in many homes this results in a missed opportunity. Instead, the mantel becomes a dusty shelf covered with family photos and knickknacks. Sometimes when a certain area of the house has looked the same for a long time, we get used to it. We don’t stop to think of what it could be.

The best way to begin a new creation is with a blank canvas. Clean everything off the mantle and dust off the cobwebs. Here are some tips for deciding what gets displayed and how.

Try leaning pieces of art and/or mirrors on the mantle as opposed to hanging them. Put the largest piece up first, slightly off center, and overlap the other pieces gradually. This gives the effect that you added them randomly through the years.

If you want to hang above a mantle, create a wallpaper effect by hanging a number of nearly identical pieces in a grid like fashion. They should start just above the shelf and go almost up to the ceiling.
Black and white photographs in the same style or by the same artist give a bold and dramatic effect.

If you re hanging a simple painting or mirror above a fireplace, always include a sculpture or a 2-dimensional piece of art on the shelf to add interest.

Display collections by grouping them with other similar colors or themes. For example, a collection of bottles or a display of all white vases varying in shapes and sizes. Combining too many mediums will create a cluttered effect; as would a large collection of small ornaments.

Try an absence of decor for a totally different approach. Paint the wall behind the fireplace a bold color, and let that become your focal paint. Place a simple vase or a cluster of tea lights on the mantel.

The classic use of candles for decorating a mantel never goes out of style. Make it interesting by creating a variety of heights and sizes; for example, try balancing a tall vase on one end with a small candle grouping on the other. A tiered arrangement also provides visual interest, lit or unlit. A simple version is to display glass blocks, stacking them at varying heights and directions, and then place simple votive candles on the blocks.

Eye catching floral displays whether silk or real, with a showy vase create a stunning focal point on a mantel.

Try combining different textures or styles for a varied look. Decorating a modern fireplace with antique accents can be very dramatic.

If you find yourself stumped, try using the Three Plus One decorating trick. Choose three objects that share a common theme or color. For a rec room you may choose a framed sports print and some beer steins. For a beach home, you may consider some coral, seashells or a model ship. Whatever you choose, it should fit the theme of the room and reflect your interests. Line them up in an interesting way, perhaps bringing one forward or overlapping them slightly. Leave a bit of space after the last object so that you have some space at the end of the mantel. Next, select one larger object, generally at least double the size of your three objects, placing it at the other end of the shelf. It should have something in common with the other items; a common theme or color.

When it comes to decorating, don’t get discouraged; you may not know exactly what the finished product will look like, but the important thing is trying lots of different approaches, and then suddenly you’ll find the look that fits.