Can Anyone Learn Embroidery?

embroidery, leraning embroidery

Chain stitch, cross stitch… we’re talking about embroidery of course. Many people think that embroidery is reserved for grandmothers. However, it is a fascinating activity allowing the realization of many beautiful things.

Indeed, considered an art, embroidery can be used to decorate household linens such as sheets, curtains, tablecloths, and even clothing. In fact, more and more people are interested in this activity, whether they are driven by passion or simply want to learn something new. Embroidery is indeed accessible to everyone, even to toddlers.

Some stitches are precise and can be more challenging to achieve by children. Nonetheless, it is possible to make beautiful designs using the simplest stitches. In this article, you will find the guide to start learning embroidery.

Embroidery consists of reproducing a design or a pattern drawn on a support (most often a fabric) simply by using a needle and thread. Depending on the technique and threads used, it is possible to bring out original or more personalized results. There are indeed different styles of embroidery. There is the traditional one which is the easiest to learn. It simply consists in following the holes traced on the support to bring out the design.

There is also the more complex cross stitch. This embroidery style, also called counted stitch, is worked in rows from left to right. Traditional embroidery is the most used for beginners. In addition, it is possible to trace the design on the canvas to make it easier for them. Once you are more accustomed, you can continue with the two-movement technique. This method requires using an embroidery drum since it requires more precision.

What Materials Should I Get To Start Embroidering?

If you want to start embroidering, you must have the essential materials.

Threads

These are the essential elements of embroidery. There are several varieties, but the most used are those of the brand DMC. You can easily find them in haberdasheries and hobby stores. Embroidery threads are available in many colors. However, if you want a more original look or want to start customizing, choose more modern colors like metallic threads.

Felt pens

Embroidery consists in reproducing a pattern on a piece of fabric. To do this, you must create your own design or copy patterns you have downloaded. To reproduce the design on canvas or fabric, use felt pens that can be easily washed off with water.

An embroidery drum

The embroidery drum is an essential piece of equipment if you want to learn to embroider. It comes in several sizes. Therefore choose according to the size of the fabric you are going to embroider. The embroidery drum is used to stretch the fabric. That’s why it has an adjustable tension system according to the desired tension.

Where can I learn embroidery?

With the remarkable evolution of technology, everything can be learned today on the internet. Indeed, you can quickly learn how to do embroidery by following tutorials on the net. On the other hand, if you want to specialize in it and make it a profession or work in companies, there are training centers that offer training sessions where a diploma will be issued at the end of your course.

Setting Up A Tennis Court: The Elements To Take Into Account

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Tennis is a sport that has many fans around the world. Its popularity is such that major tennis tournaments are attended by a good handful of spectators and television viewers each year. The surface on which it is played is called a “court” because of the sport’s English origins. The design of a tennis court must meet specific standards and criteria.

The tennis court

A tennis court is a surface on which the game is played. The dimensions of the playing area must be at least 23.77 m long and 8.23 m wide. The court surface must be shaped to allow the ball to bounce well. It should also be tight and comfortable enough for the players to move around easily. The playing area can be made of different materials, each with its properties.

Turf surfaces

The grass is the best surface for playing tennis. In fact, it is the most popular type of court. Grass has the particularity of making the game faster and more fluid. However, it requires maintenance, such as mowing and water drainage, to make it less slippery and more playable. However, a more effective alternative can be considered: synthetic turf. The advantage of this type of grass is that it does not require any treatment; it is also more resistant than natural grass.

Needle-punched carpeting

Needle-punched carpet is a surface used to cover courts with a porous concrete or resin foundation. This type of surface provides players with a better grip and allows for a good quality of play. It must be watered from time to time to maintain the foundation underneath.

Synthetic resin surfaces

Synthetic resin is the main surface for tennis courts. It provides a perfectly flat and regular playing surface, is favorable to rebounds, and guarantees a particular comfort of play. Waterproof, it can be used regardless of the weather. Resin courts can be customized in several colors according to the owner’s needs.

Maintenance of the playground

With time and climatic factors, as well as wear and tear, the court can be subject to degradation. It is, therefore, imperative to maintain it to ensure its durability and good condition. Each type of surface requires specific treatment. If you cannot do the maintenance work yourself, you can call on agencies that specialize in tennis court design. The technicians working for these companies will be able to put their know-how into practice to maintain the condition of the court.

Other tennis-related facilities

The playing area is not the only element of a tennis court. Various structures are needed to make the court suitable for play.

The net

The net is part of the playing area. It is located right in the middle of the court and serves to delimit the court and separate the players. The net is also part of the rules of the game; when serving, if the ball touches the net, it will be returned, and the player who touched it will lose a point.

The referee’s chair

The referee is the guarantor of the good progress of a game. He or she makes sure that each game follows the rules and regulations and is responsible for checking every action that takes place during a match. A referee is placed on a high chair at the center line during a tennis match. This location allows the referee to have a better view of the entire court and to focus on the game.

The Bench

As tennis is a demanding sport, it is important for players to take breaks between sets. Benches are designed for this purpose. In addition to being a place to rest, they can be used by players to store their belongings.

The windbreak

The windbreak is a protective barrier designed to protect the interior of the court. Strong winds can affect playing conditions. The installation of such a structure allows us to limit the disturbances.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about tennis courts.

Different Types of Ice Cream You Can Make at Home

Fruit Ice Cream, Healthy Ice Cream, Herb and Vegetable Ice Cream, Making Ice Cream, Sorbet Ice Cream, Types of Ice Cream

It’s summer, and every year it only gets hotter. Heat waves lengthen, droughts increase and daylight hours lengthen. There are pros and cons to this. Ice cream definitely belongs to the first group. It comes in all shapes and flavors, and there is nothing more refreshing than ice cream on a hot day. Here are some tips and tricks to make ice cream at home!

Types of Ice Cream

First, let’s look at a few types of ice cream. Scoops of ice cream, synonymous with gelato, are the most well-known type to most people. It is the easiest type of ice cream to make, and its preparation has become a culinary art in several countries. For example, “gelato” is the national specialty of Italy. Gelato also includes other types of ice cream made with dairy products, such as milk ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Another well-known type of ice cream is ice cream with water, sorbet, or fruit juice added. This type of ice cream contains (usually) no cream or milk, and its base is either water or (fruit juice). These ice creams are very easy to make.

Soft serve ice cream is the third most well-known type of ice cream. This type of ice cream is based on ice cream, and its smoother texture is achieved by shortening the freezing time.

Finally, the most recent type of ice cream is also known as “shaved ice” in Japan. This type of ice cream is made of flaky ice topped with syrup and other toppings. It is an airy type of ice cream that melts quickly.

Making Ice Cream

Ice cream can be made at home without needing a commercial machine. The secret to making good ice cream lies mainly in stirring it while it is frozen. Take enough time and stir the ice cream at least once every two hours. It won’t be as good as ice cream made in a real ice cream maker, but the taste will undoubtedly be better. Plus, you can experiment with flavors to your own liking. For example, how about a delicious Oreo ice cream or yogurt and melon ice cream?

Making Sorbet Ice Cream

Sorbet ice cream is easy to make at home and is often healthier than ice cream. It’s made with a base of water or fruit juice and flavored with syrups, sugar, and herbs. Then all you have to do is freeze it and stir it regularly.

Making Fruit Ice Cream

By this category, we mean something even healthier. After all, you can make ice cream with fruits that contain a lot of water. For example, cut watermelon or apples into triangles, stick them on sticks and freeze them. Delicious, healthy, and refreshing! Another variation of fruit ice cream is to use fresh fruit juice. If you have apple juice or orange juice, you can make one calippo in no time!

Of course, you will need a suitable mold for the calippo, but it’s not hard to find countless shapes to make fun ice cream.

Healthy Ice Cream

To be clear, ice cream doesn’t have to be unhealthy! We’ve already talked about ice cream made with juice, but you can also make gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan ice cream.

Herb and Vegetable Ice Cream

If you want to try something different, try using herbs and vegetables in your ice cream. In fact, just as vegetables and herbs are suitable for many desserts, they can also be used in ice cream. For example, ice cream with lemon and fennel is delicious.

Do you want to prepare your own ice cream but don’t have all of the ingredients on hand? Shop at Food specialties in Mississauga for everything you need to make the finest ice-cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, desserts, and more.

5 Hobbies That Can Help You Earn Money

Having a hobby is beneficial for our health for many things, but one of the most important benefits is that it helps us to disconnect enormously from our day to day. When practicing a hobby we are dedicating part of our time to certain activities that are not related to or are different from the usual worries and problems that our routine can generate, such as anxiety. In addition, it favors the growth and development of our personal potential since these are activities that we do not carry out for any economic purpose, simply for the mere fact of enjoying them.

That hobby that you love to do so much to relax could bring you a little extra money, not bad for the times in which we live. We all have hobbies to clear our minds or be more creative, ranging from reading graphic novels to painting and designing our own cell phone cases.

But had you thought that maybe your hobby could bring you extra money? Yes, you read that right! And in today’s article, we tell you how to take advantage of your hobbies to increase your earnings. Interested in learning more? Take note!

1.Cooking and Pastry

If you love cooking and your favorite pastime is all about making delicious dishes and desserts, take advantage of it by offering products and cooking classes.

Create your own online page with a website or a Facebook or Instagram profile to sell your creations, from themed cakes to seasonal dishes at home.

If you don’t have a lot of time to order and cook, you can offer online cooking classes once a week.

Using Zoom or Google Meet, bring your class together, submit the list of ingredients to be used, and share your best techniques.

A tip that can help you is that each week you teach a different dish that is related to the time of year.

2.Books and Comics

If what you enjoy most in your free time is reading, why not share your impressions about books with the rest of the people?

Through YouTube you can create a channel inspired by literature and comics where you talk about the book you are reading and if you recommend it. On your channel, focus on building a community, partnering with publishers, and then monetizing your content. If you are constant, in a matter of months you will be able to obtain your first profits.

3.Painting and Art

If you are an art and painting lover, it is time to create your own business from what you create.

You can make paintings on request, illustrations for publications and even design and sell decorative items. Also if you have seen that your friends and family are buying mandalas or coloring books that help reduce stress, why not create your own and sell it?

4.Languages

In this pandemic, many people are taking advantage of their free time to learn new things, especially online courses. If you are a super dedicated person and an expert in different languages, encourage yourself to teach online. Use your free time to teach English, French or Portuguese and earn extra money.

5.Editing

If in your free time you love to edit videos and photos for your family and friends, don’t you think it would be a good idea to start charging for your services?

Through social networks, make all your work known and promote everything you can do. Expand your community and you will see that in a short time you will publish and earn money.

Invest in your time and take advantage of your hobbies by turning them into businesses. So what’s your favorite hobby? Do you think you can turn it into one that will make you earn money? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 5 Smoothie Bowl Ideas

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The smoothie bowl arrived on the scene a few years ago with the craze around fitness enthusiasts’ healthy preparations. But if it is very appreciated for its nutritional value, it is also full of energy and allows you to easily mix ingredients and flavors for a balanced, healthy, and nutrient-rich breakfast. In this article, we give you 5 ideas for the most pleasant, delicious, and digestible smoothie bowls, which only require one utensil: a blender!

1. Ginger Smoothie bowl mango pineapple

smoothie

If you like recipes with a kick, you’ll love this smoothie bowl recipe that brings together the best of tropical flavored foods. You’ll love the subtle addition of ginger, which adds character to the preparation and gives the recipe maximum pep. A revitalizing smoothie with an appetizing yellow-orange color. To make this recipe, you will need:

150g fresh or frozen mango, cut into pieces
50g of fresh or frozen pineapple in pieces
30cl of milk (preferably vegetable for optimal digestion: oats, rice, almond, coconut…)
1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon of turmeric

2. Green Smoothie Bowl with spirulina

Feel like going green? If greens aren’t your cup of tea, why not divert the use of some of these foods to take advantage of their nutrients in the form of a smoothie bowl? A healthy, tangy, and delicious option that will give your breakfast a whole new nutritional twist. To make this green smoothie bowl, you will need:

1 banana cut into slices (ideally kept in the freezer for a few hours before preparation)
2 ripe kiwis
1 handful of fresh spinach leaves
20cl of vegetable milk (oat, rice, almond, coconut…)
1 teaspoon of organic spirulina powder

3. Red Smoothie bowl with red fruits

smoothie

A delicious and colorful smoothie that will make your mouth water. Red fruits, rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium, are ideal for the health of the cardiovascular system to limit fatigue and the occurrence of cramps, more common in summer. This Red Smoothie Bowl will therefore offer you a wave of nutrients and exquisite, tangy flavors for a wake-up call full of energy! To make this delicious red fruit smoothie bowl, you will need:

50g of frozen raspberries
50g of frozen blueberries
1 plain yogurt (or vegetable yogurt such as coconut milk or oatmeal)
30cl of cranberry juice or grape juice

4. Smoothie bowl banana cocoa type ice cream

This recipe is inspired by the “nice cream” preparations that you will associate with “ice cream”, which is, in fact, only an ice cream preparation and healthy, absolutely delicious, creamy, and naturally sweet. For chocolate lovers and a healthy lifestyle, this recipe is a real blessing as it allows you to enjoy all the flavors of cocoa without the associated sugar intake. An ultra-fresh recipe to discover urgently for guaranteed pleasure. For this cocoa smoothie bowl recipe, you will need:

1 to 2 ripe bananas cut into slices (keep in the freezer for a few hours before preparation)
1 plain yogurt (or vegetable yogurt such as coconut milk or oatmeal)
2 teaspoons of organic cocoa (without sugar)

5. The Exotic Smoothie Bowl

smoothie

Need a vacation? We take you to the tropics with this exceptional smoothie bowl recipe with round and sweet flavors like coconut. A clever blend that will wake you up gently and still allow you to enjoy the little kick of mango. It will help you to bear the summer heat and awaken your senses. To make this delicious smoothie bowl recipe with exotic flavors, you will need:

50g of fresh or frozen mango cut into pieces
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon of coconut cream
10cl of coconut milk
1 teaspoon of grated coconut

As you can see, there are many possible recipes for smoothie bowls to vary the pleasures according to the tastes and colors (it’s the case to say it) of each of you. Acidic, sweet, spicy, detox, gourmet… so many combinations make smoothies an exceptional alternative for your breakfasts or healthy snacks. And if the flavors are varied, so are the toppings.

What is a topping?

It is the elements that you will add to the base of your smoothie. In fact, in order for it to be hearty and to keep you going all morning, the smoothie bowl must be accompanied by other nutrients such as seeds of all kinds (chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, etc.), dried fruits (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), oatmeal, quinoa or muesli, and freshly chopped fruit to take advantage of the fiber.

Looking for a new vegan cafe?

smoothie

Nature Cafe Bar was established to inspire people through their passion for beautiful food, good health, and their environment. They specialize in delicious and healthy vegan and vegetarian dishes in Frankston. Their chefs use fresh ingredients and many types of mock meats, vegan eggs, tofu, and legumes to concoct the healthiest dishes in town.

They welcome people of all ages in their family-friendly vegan restaurant and relaxed setting to try the most delicious healthy food! So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call today or visit their website for more information!

Restoring Old Pinball Machines: Benefits And Cost (Part 2)

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A pinball machine is an electromechanical game that consists of directing a metal ball on a board while trying to score points. These devices have been around since the 1900s and were present in many bars and casinos, but also homes. If you have an old one in your home, here’s why you should repair it and how much it could cost you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn everything you need to know about the restoration of a pinball machine.

The benefits of restoring an old pinball machine

Pinball machines have had their moments of glory and were hugely popular in their day. So there are huge benefits to restoring this machine.

For fun times at home

The first benefit of repairing your old pinball machine is that you can enjoy it at home. This machine was known to gather a large crowd in its time. Are there many who love this game and the thrill it can provide? You can still find them today in some casinos, where they hold important positions in the ranking of the most popular games. You can have this pleasure at home by restoring your old pinball machine. It’s also a great way to bring a lot of friends into your home.

Bargains to be had

Another advantage that you have in restoring your old pinball machine is that it offers you the opportunity to make good deals. You can take advantage of this device by setting up a small game room that would be open to the public. This will generate good profits in the long run and will allow you to recoup your investment in restoration.

On the other hand, you can easily find a buyer who would offer you a good price for your pinball machine. These are devices that have been greatly reduced in production since the proliferation of all kinds of games. This gives value to the old pinball machines that nowadays have no trouble finding takers.

The cost of restoring an old pinball machine

The cost of restoring an old pinball machine varies depending on the type of restoration you are considering. Restoration can be either partial or complete.

Cost of a partial restoration

It is important to know that restoring a pinball machine is quite expensive, just as buying a brand-new one is not cheap. Partial restoration of an old pinball machine consists of cleaning the board and making some adjustments. This will involve waxing the top to correct wear and tear and to make the gameplay faster.

Plastic ramps also need to be cleaned. Usually, the partial cleaning also includes the replacement of defective lamps. It is important to remember that lamps are very important for the pinball machine. For a job like this, you won’t get a huge bill. It will just take into account the various materials to be purchased in addition to a fairly small amount of labor.

Cost of a complete restoration

As far as a complete cleaning followed by probable repairs, this is the one that will cost you a tiny bit more considering all the work that will have to be done. Complete restoration will affect the battery or the battery of your old pinball machine. A change is necessary to prevent the battery or battery leak from damaging the circuit board.

Then, cleaning off the sticky parts will also be needed, and also the replacement of the metal sleeves to allow the pinball machine to become more flexible. The purchase of these various parts will add to the cost of your old pinball machine restoration. If you want a quote to know the exact cost of the repair, it is necessary to contact a repairman who will proceed to a diagnosis to give you a quote.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about restoring a pinball machine.

Our Tips To Prepare A Gluten-Free Cake

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We all love cake, and it should be something that everyone enjoys, but some of us have a gluten allergy and can’t eat traditional cake, and this is where gluten-free cakes come in clutch. More and more people are avoiding gluten in their baking. For some, it is a choice of consumption; for others, it is a health obligation. However, one problem remains.

Gluten is a natural binder that makes certain preparations soft and elastic. Removing it from a preparation could have consequences on the texture. This is the case with cake. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our best tips to prepare a gluten-free cake for yourself or your loved ones.

Tip 1: Use gluten-free flours

cake

Gluten is contained in wheat flour, which is used in many culinary preparations, including cake. Fortunately, by following a few rules, it is possible to replace this flour in the preparation of the cake. If you are not gifted in the culinary arts, you can call upon a qualified caterer. He will be able to help you with the gluten-free preparations.

If you decide to do it yourself, you will just have to mix several flours. The goal is to obtain a harmonious mixture and a dull taste. Indeed, flours that do not contain gluten have particular characteristics. They have strong flavors, colors, and textures. Mixing them, therefore, helps to mitigate the defects of each of them. Here are some non-gluten flours that you can use in the preparation of your cake:

- Rice flour: it has a neutral flavor that is very favorable for making cakes

- Millet flour: is known for its high fiber content. You can mix it with rice flour or other flour.

- Buckwheat flour: has a rustic and delicate flavor. If you like it, it could be the perfect flour for the preparation of your cake. Some flours are not used much but could also be very effective. You have to try them.

- Corn flour: when used alone, the cake can be quite dry. It is, therefore, preferable to mix it with another lighter flour.

- Chestnut flour: it has an intense taste that is perfect for the preparation of the cake. However, it is better to mix it with neutral flour so that it does not get nauseating.

Before mixing the flours, remember to weigh them. They have completely different weights and textures than wheat flour. In case they have a strong taste in the preparation, you can add vanilla extract. It will slightly reduce the taste.

Tip 2: Replace the baking powder

Baking powder is a mixture that makes the cake puff up, and the dough rises. However, it is clear that it also contains gluten. Fortunately, it is possible to replace it without altering the texture of the cake. To do this, you can use:

- Egg whites: add them to the batter with finesse and elegance

- Sodium bicarbonate: for one packet of baking powder, you can use one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate. However, be careful with the dosage. If you overdose, your cake could have an unpleasant taste.

- Xanthan gum: to replace baking powder, use a mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum

- Baker’s yeast: whether fresh or dry, it can be used. Contrary to popular belief, it does not contain gluten.

Tip 3: Opt for starches

cake

Texture has always been a major concern in the preparation of a gluten-free cake. Indeed, gluten makes the cake elastic and especially soft. However, it is possible to do without gluten and still have a cake with a beautiful texture. The secret ingredient to do this is cornstarch. It makes gluten-free preparations light and supple.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about making a gluten-free cake.

Top 5 Reasons To Start Swedish Gym

Calisthenics, sports, Swedish gymnastics

Gymnastics can be really rewarding, but it is a sport that far too many people overlook these days. The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to decide to start exercising. We recommend calisthenics because the benefits of this sport are numerous. Are you planning for the upcoming school year and still hesitating to take up sports? Don’t hesitate any longer and sign up for calisthenics. Very fashionable these last years, this discipline combines good mood and intense physical activity. Not convinced? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the good reasons to start calisthenics.

1. Calisthenics is good for your health

Like all physical activities, calisthenics is excellent for your health. In particular, it allows you to stimulate your cardiovascular system efficiently because it is practiced with music. This discipline is very dynamic: it will allow you to obtain muscular reinforcement and better flexibility.

The movements that are proposed during the Swedish gym sessions are studied to respect the joints. This sport session is all the more effective because it is not painful. It’s sporty but joyful enough that the time passes much faster than in a gym.

2. Swedish gymnastics helps you get your figure back

Did you overindulge in aperitifs during the summer? Swedish calisthenics will help you get back in shape. Obviously, it all depends on how many sessions you decide to do each week. If you practice calisthenics 2 hours a week, you will see results very quickly: your body will be more sculpted, and your skin will be firmer.

In fact, during a one-hour session, you have time to do a series of floor exercises such as crunches, planks, and push-ups, but also cardio exercises, dance, and aerobics. The session ends with flexibility, stretching, and relaxation.

3. The Swedish gym puts you in a good mood

As mentioned above, calisthenics is very dynamic. Moving to lively music gives a festive feeling that has a direct impact on our mood. What more could you ask for than to let off steam to music while taking care of your figure? The principle of group classes also allows you not to get discouraged. Driven by the music and by the members of the group, it is difficult to find this sport boring.

Not to mention the fact that the classes follow each other but are not the same. In the same week, you can practice very different and invigorating movements. After an hour of calisthenics, you’ll be tired but feel good.

4. Calisthenics is a stress reliever

Many sports allow you to relax, but this is even more true with calisthenics. Many people practice this discipline to release the stress and tension of the day. Dancing and letting your mind focus on the movements helps to chase away the anxieties that plague your daily life.

Endorphins are released by the brain after practicing sports. Regular physical activity is, therefore, a natural anti-stress treatment. These hormones have beneficial effects against anxiety and depression. It is said that endorphins are the pleasure hormone. You have to discover it.

5. Swedish gymnastics is accessible to all

To practice calisthenics, you don’t have to be a great athlete. The movements are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical shape or age. You can choose different levels of difficulty. As far as equipment is concerned, you will not need any particular material: a classic sports outfit, running shoes, and a bra for women. Finally, the price is still very affordable. On average, count around 10 dollars per session, knowing that if you subscribe for a year, the prices will be even more attractive.

Looking for help?

Mark Rendell, the CEO of Gymnastics Australia, believes that gymnastics is an excellent sport for boys, girls, and non-binary kids of all ages. With the recent increase in the profile of women’s sports overall, there is no more exciting time than now to watch the continued growth of gymnastics in Australia.

So if you or your children are looking to get involved in a sport, visit Gymnastics Unlimited Australia, whether in Caroline Springs or Kealba. You can even take advantage of a 50% off registration by booking your free trial. So what are you waiting for? Let your kid explore new horizons with gymnastics!

Restoration Of Old Pinball Machine

arcade, games, pinball, pinball machine

A pinball machine is one of the old games that have been very famous in the past. Today it is considered a museum piece. Pinball machines are in great demand by collectors who are nostalgic for old games. But the cleaning and maintenance of this game must be done with great care. In this operation, it is absolutely necessary to follow several rules to put it or entrust it to a pinball cleaning expert. Here is an article that gives you all the information about the restoration of old pinball machines.

The steps of cleaning an old pinball machine

Pinball is a very complex game that has been designed with several materials that are very delicate to handle. The cleaning and maintenance of pinball machines can be divided into several stages: the tray and the front panel.

It should also be noted that there are two versions of pinball machines, namely the electromechanical and the electronic models. They are not designed according to the same architecture, and their operating mode is not identical. It is, therefore, normal that their cleaning method is not identical. To facilitate your requests, ask for the help of a professional in pinball machine repair.

The tray

This is the visible part of your game. You have to start by opening the case and then take out the ball(s). You must make sure that the glass is present for safety reasons. It is recommended to use a special product to clean the board. A little restraint on the amount is required, especially on varnished surfaces. The tray must be carefully cleaned to present a waxed appearance. A real wax should be applied after cleaning to bring out the shine of the material.

It is also a form of protection against degradation. Plastic railings can also be wiped down with a special product or a product designed for plastics. All the components of the tray, such as the beaters and the elastics, must also be well cleaned. The joints should also be well-lubricated. The cleaning of the tray contacts depends on the type of model. A well-cleaned pinball table ensures fast play.

The front panel

This part of the pinball machine is usually made up of batteries, bulbs, and front glass. First, the batteries or rechargeable batteries are the main power providers for the game’s logic memory. They must be checked and replaced as needed. Second, the light bulb system is the light grid that makes your game so beautiful.

Each bulb must be checked and also replaced when necessary. It is important to note that the type of battery, battery, and replacement bulbs must be consistent with the original ones to ensure optimal performance. Finally, there are two types of pediment glass: silk-screened and translite. Their restoration is very delicate. They must be cleaned and retouched as needed.

Why entrust the maintenance of an old pinball machine to a professional

Cleaning and maintenance of a pinball machine is an operation that must be done safely. It should follow tips that only experts or experienced people can know. For example, it can be very dangerous to open a pinball machine immediately after it has been unplugged. Voltage voltages can be built up inside the game system. It is, therefore, advisable to leave it idle for a few minutes after unplugging. There are several other rules that should be followed when maintaining a pinball machine.

The cost of restoring an old pinball machine

Restoring a pinball machine requires complete cleaning and maintenance of the machine. This task must be done by a professional to be done properly. On average, it costs between 390 and 690 dollars to hire an expert in the restoration of old pinball machines. This is the best method to ensure your safety, as handling a pinball machine can be very dangerous indeed.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about pinball machines.

5 Essential Elements To Produce A Quality Video

sound, stories, video, video production

A video can contain a lot of information. Because of the gestures and the quality of the images transmitted, the messages conveyed by a video are easy to remember. Thus, to seduce your customers, you must produce a quality video that will depend largely on the quality of the sound, the light, the decor, the camera setting, and the editing. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn everything you need to know about producing a video.

1. The quality of the sound

As a reminder, a video is an audiovisual production. Moreover, it is a means of communication widely used by the general public as well as by companies. But it is important to know that sound is an important criterion and greatly influences the quality of the video.

Indeed, even if the image is impeccable, the viewer will always zap a video with rather unpleasant background noises. To avoid this problem, you must isolate the recording room. This soundproofing allows you to block interior and exterior noises. You can use different methods such as adding mass, muffling or sealing air holes to do.

2. Adjusting the light

A successful video depends greatly on the lighting. So, to achieve a quality shot, you can play with daylight and enhance it with lighting system kits such as LED video lights and studio slave lights if you shoot in a recording studio. This lighting system can provide various types of backdrops. For this purpose, 3-point lighting is an example of the light configuration. It consists of playing the 3 types of lights, including:

- The main lighting that will illuminate the room,

- The fill light removes shadows

- Backlighting to separate you from the background.

3. The backgrounds of the shot

Captured in your recording to constitute the shot of your video, the backgrounds of a place should not be neglected. To do this, you must vary them or change the colors of the walls. You can choose various places as shots or backgrounds. The main thing is that they are in harmony with the theme and subject of your video.

4. Setting up cameras

Among the audiovisual equipment, a camera is the main tool in making a video. A manual camera provides more precision and has various adjustment buttons. The aperture allows you to manage the depth of field to obtain a variety of image styles. For example, a larger aperture gives a shallow field depth and enhances the subject being shot.

In fact, this feature gives you the ability to blur the background, resulting in a sharp rendering of the subject. Thus, this method of shooting will give you good image quality. However, when you want to highlight the surroundings or the entire room, you should opt for a smaller aperture. In terms of equipment, although the camera has an aperture, it is strongly recommended to use external photographic lenses.

5. Editing the video

After shooting, a series of assembly of several video captures is necessary to make a complete video. This is done using video editing software. In addition to the assembly system, this device allows you to delete some sequences, and add transitions and more or less varied effects to bring out the emotions.

Currently, there are several video editing programs available on the web, including Movavi video, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, etc. To make things easier for you, contact an audiovisual company directly. They will do the editing and make the necessary changes before broadcasting the video.

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