Gypsy Costumes From The 1600s

The Gypsies of the 1600s had a distinct style that made them immediately recognizable as a member of a Gypsy tribe, be they in France, Italy, Romania or elsewhere. Certain items of clothing, including draped cloaks and turbans, were common elements of dress, and these traditions were kept up during much of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Dress

The 1600s Gypsy dress was typically loose-fitting, with a collar that was often pleated or ruffled. Sometimes the neck opening, which would have a drawstring through it, was just big enough to go over the woman's head. Sometimes, the opening was cut vertically down the front to create a keyhole effect, which would allow for breastfeeding. The chemise always worn under the dress had the same basic shape.

Cloak

Most Gypsies wore a cloak that draped over one shoulder. This custom was more than just decorative, though, it also performed a function. Items could be stored and carried in the drape of the cloak, as it made a loop around the arm. Babies could even be carried in the cradle of the drape.

Turban

A turban was typically worn by Gypsies, made up of a scarf wrapped around the head. This was worn by both male and female Gypsies in lieu of the hat commonly worn by most adults in Europe at that time. The turban concealed the hair of the Gypsy woman.

Jewelry

Jewelry was often worn by the typical 1600s Gypsy. This could include hooped earrings and other types of gold and silver jewelry, bracelets and necklaces. The Gypsy also sometimes wore bracelets around the ankle, which was an uncommon practice at the time.

Tags: 1600s Gypsy, which would

Do A Finger Wave Hairstyle

You'll need a comb to fashion finger waves.

A finger wave hairstyle was popular in the 20s and 30s in America. The finger wave is styled by a hairdresser or at home, using the fingers to create curls or waves in the hair. The style was most popular before hair rollers and curling irons were invented. With the invention of these styling tools the finger wave hairstyle became outdated because it was time-consuming. However, if you do not have a curling iron or a hair roller, you can still give yourself a wavy hairstyle by using the finger wave technique.

Instructions

1. Part the hair as close to the scalp is possible using your comb. Comb the hair until it is smooth.

2. Add finger wave lotion to the hair. Place a quarter-sized amount of finger wave lotion to your palm and rub between your hands. Add the lotion to one side of the head only until the area is completely and evenly coated. Comb the lotion through, combing with the hair's natural parts to limit bumps and buckling.

3. Shape the hair by combing it. Start to create volume at the very front of the part by combing it up slightly. Keep the hair smooth as you comb. Make an approximately 1-inch bump next to the part at the very front of the hair with the comb, then press the comb directly against the scalp to hold the bump in place. Pinch the bump between your extended pointer and middle fingers, but do not try to increase the height of the bump with your fingers after it has been created with the comb.

4. Point the teeth down against the scalp without removing the comb from the hair. Comb the hair tightly against the scalp, then dip back up again in a semicircle motion. This will create a shallow dip in the hair as you hold the bump with your two fingers. Remove the comb from the hair and remove your fingers. You have created the first finger wave.

5. Pinch the high end of the dip with your two extended fingers. As you pinch this area, repeat the semicircle motion with the comb to create a dip in the hair. Continue this process until you have created as many finger waves as desired.

Tags: finger wave, against scalp, with comb, with your, your fingers, between your, bump with

What Tools Do I Need To Make Knives

Power tools will help you make a knife.

While no one knows for sure the history of the first knife, scientists have found evidence of handmade knives from as far back as the Stone Age. The skill of making knives is still in practice today. Aside from the steel you will use for the blade and the wood for the handle, you will need a number of tools to assemble a handmade knife. Wear safety goggles when using power tools to protect your eyes from slivers of steel.

Vice

A metalworking vice or drill press vice will hold steel in place as you cut it. It will stabilize the blade as you shape and sand it. A vice holds the steel with a clamping pressure of around 1,000 pounds, offering pressure and stability as you work with a thin piece of metal.

Hacksaw

Use a hacksaw to cut away any bumps or rough edges protruding from the rivets that will sandwich the steel between the wood of the handle. The hacksaw can easily remove anything that impedes the metal from slipping between the wood. When using the hacksaw, be careful to trim the rivets as close to the handle as possible without damaging the wood.

Power Drill

A power drill is the best tool to use when cutting a knife blade out of steel. Just drill a series of holes close together in the shape of the knife blade. Be prepared with a number of drill bits. The steel will quickly dull your drill bit, and it's quicker and easier to discard old bits than sharpen dulled bits as you work.

Bench Grinder

A bench grinder smooths jagged edges. A metalwork file is a cheaper option for this purpose, but a power grinder is a much faster tool. Use a bench grinder with an abrasive stone, an angle grinder or a belt sander. If you opt for a power grinder, work slowly and carefully. The steel will heat quickly, making it too hot to work with.

Sandpaper

Once your blade is in its final shape and the cutting edge is very thin, polish it using wet/dry sandpaper. Start with a rough sandpaper, and graduate to finer-grade paper to get the finish you want. For best results, rub the blade on the sandpaper until the grind marks disappear.

Hammers

You also need a peening hammer and a heavy hammer to complete the knife. The peening hammer will create a rivet head in the brass rod that sandwiches the metal blade in the wooden handle. Use the heavy-duty hammer to remove unwanted sections of steel from around the blade.

Optional Tools

Depending on how fancy the finished product will be, you may need a a belt sander, rotary tool and woodworking tools. Use a belt sander to remove paint from wood or to ensure a completely smooth wooden surface. Insert an appropriate bit into a rotary tool to grind, clean, polish or carve the handle of your knife. Use other woodworking tools, including a branding iron or various sizes of chisels, to add personalization or artistic design and shape to the handle.

Tags: belt sander, steel will, between wood, knife blade, peening hammer

Cholesterol Treatment For Bleached Hair

Bleaching is one of the most damaging processes you can inflict on your hair. It can lead to orange- or yellow-toned hair, uncontrollable frizz, breakage and even hair loss. If you must bleach your hair, it will no doubt need some serious care afterward. "Hair cholesterol" treatments are a popular option for deep-conditioning damaged or over-processed hair. Below are a few options for treating bleached hair this way.

Hair Cholesterol

There are plenty of "hair cholesterol" products on the market that are meant to treat damaged and brittle hair. These products are typically meant to be applied after shampooing for 5 to 15 minutes. They usually cost only a few dollars and can often be found in the ethnic hair care section of drugstores, beauty stores and grocery stores. However, these products are useful for almost any hair type. The only problem is that many contain some type of alcohol, which can dry the hair. So over time your hair may seem even more damaged.

Mayonnaise

The cholesterol and fats in mayonnaise make it a great treatment for bleached hair. Just take regular mayonnaise at room temperature and apply it to your hair from roots to tips. If you tend to have greasy hair, you may wish to avoid putting mayonnaise on the roots. Once the mayonnaise is on your hair, pile it all up on top of your head and wrap it with plastic wrap. Heat up a towel in the dryer and then wrap it around your head. The mayonnaise can be left on anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The more damaged your hair is, the longer you should leave the mayonnaise in. Each time the towel cools down, every few minutes, get another warm towel from the dryer and wrap it around your head. The heat will help your hair absorb the fat and cholesterol better.

Eggs and Olive Oil

A mixture of eggs and olive oil is another option for treating bleached hair. This is basically a simpler, more natural form of mayonnaise. It has the benefit of being free of chemicals and preservatives that may be in store-bought mayonnaise. Combine a few eggs with a few tablespoons of olive oil in a blender and blend well. Then apply to your hair from roots to tips. Again, avoid the roots if you are prone to greasy hair. Wrap your head with plastic wrap and a warm towel as described above.

Tags: your hair, your head, bleached hair, apply your, apply your hair

Do A French Twist For Short Hair

French twist hairstyle

There comes a time in most girl's lives when they want a special "updo," especially for weddings, proms, and other occasions. For a classic formal style, try the French twist. According to hairboutique.com, if your heart is set on wearing a twist and you have short hair, you can pin on hair at home and use your own hair to cover the add-on twist. You can find pin-on ponytails in your local department store. They will make your French twist look full and beautiful.

Instructions

do a French Twist For Short Hair

1. Make a side part on top of the head.

2. Brush hair to the opposite side.

3. Pin ponytail to the back bottom of the hair.

4. Hair pins

Twist ponytail up the back of the head. Pin in place.

5. Spray hair.

6. Brush hair over to the middle of the head and begin twisting your hair up to cover the ponytail.

7. Pin in place and spray.

Tags: Brush hair, French twist, French Twist, French Twist Short, hair cover

Get Rid Of Sideswept Bangs

You can hide your bangs during the growing out process.

Side-swept bangs may be fun and stylish for a variety of reasons, mainly because they help update your regular hairstyle without getting a drastic cut. You may have them for two reasons: because you wanted bangs and like them, or because you cut bangs, dislike them and therefore want to grow them out as quickly as possible. Side-swept bangs, which are longer than blunt bangs, can easily be hidden using styling products and hair accessories.

Instructions

1. Brush or comb your hair and your bangs. Part it as usual and keep bangs either on one side, or on both sides of your face. Use a straightener to make them smoother, sleeker and longer, if desired.

2. Apply a styling product to your bangs, such as gel or pomade.

3. Smooth bangs over your forehead and towards your ear, as if you would be tucking longer strands behind your ear. Secure them with bobby pins. As an alternative, you can add a headband which will hold down the side bangs.

4. Bring your side bangs to one side of your head, somewhere above your ear and secure with a stylish clip. Do this on both sides, if you have side-swept bangs on both sides of your face.

5. Braid the side-swept bangs into a french braid across your forehead, which will end up resembling a headband. Tuck the end of the braid behind your ear, and secure with a small elastic.

6. Brush bangs back over the crown of your head, and pin using a clip or bobby pins. This will look stylish, and will add volume to the crown of your head.

7. Brush hair and bangs back over the crown of your head and smooth pomade or gel so bangs blend in with longer strands. Add a headband to keep hair in place, or put hair up into a ponytail. Add more gel if necessary. You can also wear a headband with a ponytail for a smooth, bangs-free hairstyle.

Tags: your head, both sides, crown your, crown your head, your bangs

Create A Side Chignon Hairdo

You don't have go to a salon to whip your mane into a side chignon. What makes the side chignon so easy is that it does not have to be perfect. Chignons that celebrities have worn on the red carpet often are loose or messy, giving the look a romantic feel. The side chignon also is a versatile 'do that you can wear to casual and formal affairs.

Instructions

1. Curl your hair using hot rollers. Hot rollers vary, but the process basically is the same. Wrap a handful of hair strands around the base of a large hot roller. Roll up until the curler reaches your scalp. Secure with a hot rolling clip. Once you have rolled your entire head, spray it with flexible hairspray and allow it to set for about 10 or 15 minutes. This will make forming your chignon easier.

2. Brush out curls and part hair. Using a hairbrush, lightly brush out your curls. Then use a comb to part your hair on the side. Pull all of your hair to one side and hold it in a loose ponytail.

3. Wrap and twist your hair. First, wrap an elastic ponytail holder around your loose ponytail. Then, wrap a second time but only pull your hair through halfway. This will form a loose, messy ball.

Another idea comes from Real Simple Magazine: "Secure the ponytail behind your ear with an elastic. Twist the ponytail until it begins to coil around on itself. Secure the coil around the elastic with hairpins."

Tags: your hair, side chignon, coil around, hair side, loose messy, loose ponytail, This will