Pulse Rock Magazine

Pulse Can Music Have Psychological Effects on You? page 8 Marily Gomez

What is Classic Rock? page 16 Nick Hammel

How to Get Started into Crafting page 22 Sally Miller

Letter From The Editor Dear Readers,

Hello! My name is Sally Miller, and I am the editor of this magazine. I have never worked in writing anything published. I don’t even know how to write a letter from the editor! I have spent these last few months plaing around in photoshop and playing Happy Wheels. Somehow I got everything turned in on time. I hope the teacher or rest of my group doesn’t read this. Better start making this an actual letter from the editor.

Since you have picked up this magazine, I assume that you are a fan of rock music. Our team has spent about four months on this issue of Pulse. Since this is our first issue, I hope you will forgive any lapses we may or may not have. Inside Pulse, you will find many useful articles including how to arrange music, a timeline of early rock and roll, and some phychological effects of rock music. I hope that you will enjoy our this magazine (yay! It actually looks kinda professional! No one will know that I’m an evil potato trying to take over the government!)

Sincerly,

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Meet the Authors

Sally Miller is a 15-year-old student at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. She enjoys listening to music, watching YouTube, and not doing homework. She owns two very annoying fat cats, and an equally annoying younger brother.

Sally loves baking, cooking, and eating. She has been a Girl Scout since first grade and loves working with the younger girls. She is involved in a non profit called Austin Creative Reuse, which reuses items destined for the landfill. Sally one day hopes to work in Los Alamos.

Marily Gomez is 15 years old, and attends LBJ High School. She loves listening to rock music; her favorite bands are Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens and Bring Me the Horizon. Her favorite singer is Vic Fuentes from Pierce the Veil. Marily is planning to go to the Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens world tour on March 3, 2015 at San Antonio, Texas.

Her favorite colors are black and green, and her favorite movie is Spiderman.

Nick Hammel is a ninth grader at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. He has been playing violin for seven years, and continues to enjoy it. Nick also likes to swim, competitively and for fun. A typical day consists of pretending to do homework, while actually watching TV, or practicing violin. Nick is playing video games to prepare for his 100 mile backpacking hike to Philmont. Aside from this, he hopes to earn his Life Scout requirement in Boy Scouts.

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contents

6

20 Pierce the Veil Facts by Marily Gomez

8

Phsycological Music by Marily Gomez

12

How are Violins and Electric Guitar Different by Nick Hammel

14

How to Arrange Music for Beginners by

16

Classic Rock by Nick Hammel

20

A Rocking Timeline of Early Rock and Roll by Sally Miller

22

Basic of Sewing and DIY by Sally Miller

Nick Hammel

cover design by Sally Miller PULSE | Page 3

Container Management started with owner, Dorothy Hammel, tracking each job on a simple index card. In the last decade (plus), it has evolved into a group of people who are passionate about providing insanely great customer service, and doing it better than everyone else.

In 2003, it was the collection of index cards sticking out of her steering wheel cover that helped Dorothy track her client’s jobs, services, and needs. What began as a reactive approach, soon evolved into a proactive one. This evolution developed out of Dorothy’s commitment to always be a few steps ahead of the client’s needs and potential roadblocks.

By 2005, more and more clients started coming to Dorothy for their needs, proving that she was doing something right. Rather than task all the details and lose ends to the project managers, never to know when and if equipment has been serviced, Container Management steps in to coordinate the process. This saves you time, money, and a few gray hairs.

Container Management Inc. Not to Brag, But...

These candid statements are from real client emails taken during the life of their projects.

“You all have great customer service. Best I have ever dealt with. Pass it along :) I have another company trying to get my business (NO WAY)” Project Coordinator

“Wonderful! You’re the greatest!!! I’m glad you are up to speed on the processes, as with me being new...I am still learning so I cannot thank you and your crew enough for being consistent, helpful, and friendly! It makes learning easier!! ” Administrative Assistant

“We appreciate all you do for us, truly! Before I found Dorothy, and we had to manage all those dumpsters all over the country, I was about to slit my throat. In my eyes, you guys can do nothing wrong! (: ” Office Manager “Dorothy- please extend my thanks and appreciation to your entire Team. As typical; the folks at Container Management go the extra mile with customer service. Danny- special thanks for following up.”

Sr. Project Manager

20

Pierce the V i l e

Facts

1. From San Diego California 2. They sing post harcore, experimental rock, and progressive rock 3. They’re currently signed with fearless records 4. There are 4 members on the band Vic Fuentes (lead singer), MIke Fuentes (drummer), Tony Perry (Lead guitar), Jaime Preciado (Bass guitar) 5. They’re hispanic 6. Years active is 2006-present 7. Band was founded by Vic fuentes and Mike Fuentes 8. Vic Fuentes and MIke Fuentes are brothers 9. All their song are written by Vic Fuentes 10. Vic came up with the band name while sitting in a sociology class 11. The band members like pranking each other during their tours 12. Tony’s first tattoo was a turtle 13. Vic and Tony met in a guitar shop 14. They have documentary called this is a wasteland 15. They will record a song 20-30 times till its “perfect” 16. They were all born in the 80s 17. The band officially form in 2007 18. Vic and Mike Fuentes were in band called Before Today before forming Pierce the Veil 19. Collide with the Sky was their more successful album 20. They won a total of 7 award (Breakthrough artist 2010, Best video for king for a Day 2013, Band of the year 2013, Best film/video for this is a wasteland 2014, Best live band 2014, Best bassist for Jaime Preciado, Best drummer for Mike Fuentes)

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10 Vic Fuentes Facts 1. He was the founder of the band 2. His brother is the drummer of the band 3. Mexican food is his favorite food 4. He is from San Diego California 5. He was born in February 10 1983 6. Snickers are his favorite type of chocolate 7. He hates video games 8. He writes all the songs for the band 9. He started writing song when he was in 6th grade 10.He learn how to play guitar when he was in 9th grade

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Psychological Effects in Music

Queen’s Star in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Does rock music affect you? Many people claim to say that rock music has help them overcome sadness or anger they feel. Sara Bergeron quoted, “Yes, there was a lot of emotion going on with me with school, and listening to music is really something that helped me through.” Alex Siegenthaler quoted, “I used to be super angry, but when I started listen to rock it got me more chill... Yeah, I don’t get angry anymore.’’ These are just two examples of rock music or bands helping teens. Sara said that bands inspired her to learn and play an instrument.“I am in band, I guess music pushed me into a place where I joined band, and now I have been in band for four years.”

Alex Siegenthaler said while explaining how rock bands inspired him to play an instrument of his own.

Music or bands are really inspiring, and sometimes prompt teens to create their own band or learn to play an instrument or even try vocals. “No never in a million years” Sarah says. “No amount of money will make me give up music.” Alex said when they were ask if they would ever give up listening to music

Poster for the Queen Musical

for million dollars. These answers show how attached teens are to their music. its not well known as a rock band its well known as a i don't even know his more like an artist its him and then he was like “uhh i been listening to a lot of a band called breaking benjamin just because they have some really catchy lyrics” Alex quoted, meet and its more likely for teens to listen to music that have catchy lyrics that causes the song to get stuck in their head. “I would like to meet them all” Alex said “i would like to meet sage someday and fall out boys” Sarah said when . “yea okay panic at the disco i went to a concert of them my chemical romance 21 pilots i'm going to one of their concerts’’ Sally said. When teens turn fanatic over a band or artist they would like to meet them and probably do anything to try to meet them.

What was the first rock band you ever listened to?

I’m not sure if it counts as a rock band because a background band umm pulse aimen apparently one of his album was playing on my birthing room and

“Yes, there was a lot of emotion going on with me with school, and listening to music is really something that helped me through”

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Art Credit Sally Miller

also Peter Gabriel if you haven't heard peter gabriel you should check him out he's phenomenal he's one of meet them and they would probably do anything to try to meet them room when i was born seriously my parents are music freaks umm so the first band i heard umm i dont really know if it the best songwriters out there” Sarah quoted.

Research shows that an average teen listens to about 16 hours of music a week. It also show that teens that listen to music have 80% risk of depression, but people say that music makes them feel much better when they're depressed.

Music can tell a lot about a person. By knowing what music someone listens to, we are able to know how they feel, what's going through their head and the struggles they are going through. You can also predict a person's personality if they give you their ten

favorite songs; you can tell how they’re feeling.

Rock music can also affect teens’ social development by their attitude or language. Most Rock and Roll singers tend to use drugs or intoxicate themselves when they're about to go to stage.

These influences may affect teens by influencing them to start using drugs or to start drinking alcohol. Teens that listen to rock music see how their favorite band dresses, looks, or acts, and they do the same. They usually wear clothes made out of leather and they usually have long hair, so these fans may try to look like them. All this shows how rock music can affect a teen’s social development.

Many people think that people who listen to rock music are anti-christian, but this statement is false because their are many different type of rock music, like Christian Rock. Just because a band dresses, acts, or sings lyrics that sound demonic doesn't mean they believe in or worship satan. All these beliefs are from people that don't listen or understand rock

“No amount of money will make me give up music.”

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All pictures from commons. wikipedia.com

A motivational speech bubble

music. Most people that listen to rock music is usually judged by society and gets labels which can be very judgemental.

Music can be helpful to your health in many ways like listening to music helps brain trauma. Also listening to music could reduce pain and anxiety, and this has be proven because a lot of people claim that when they listen to music it changes their emotion and get them happy i if there sad. Listening to music also helps your visual and verbal skills and you probably get a higher IQ, it also keeps your brain healthier and keeps your heartbeat and pulse better. People usually turn to music in a times of fear and panic, because it helps them forget about what going in on and helps them get better, music also brings people together. Music can also inspire people with the lyrics the song has, and helps people express their mind and their feelings.

Listening to music also helps your memory get better and remember things, and helps you concentrate when you’re doing school work.

Music motivates you when doing exercise it helps you do more of what you want to do and helps you run more because it keeps your mind concentrated.

Listening to improves your sleep quality, it also helps you eat less and reduce stress.

So music can help you in many ways. From helping

you through school or just making a morning jog less boring, music has helped millions of people get through life. Rock and Rollers are not satanic, or always depressed. They have helped so many people, and continue that today. So, to all you haters, shut the darn blasted blankity heck up.

A lead singer of the rock band Volk

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How to Arrange Music for Beginners

by Nick Hammel

The difficulties that come with arranging music are many, and I would like to help you with a few of them. Here are the basics of a music staff, and when to use what.

B

C

D

E

D

E

F

G

C E Treble Clef This clef is used for higher sounding instruments, like the violin and electric guitar.

Bass Clef This clef is seen in the music of lower sounding instruments, like the cello and electric bass.

Symbol

C C

Written

4 4 2 2

F

G

A

What it Means..

There are 4 beats per measure, and a quarter note is the beat.

There are 2 beats per measure, and a half note is the beat.

4 4 G Key Signature:

The key signature in a piece of music is what tells you how many sharps or flats there are in that song. The sharps go in the order F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, and then B#. The flats go in the opposite order. For those of you who don’t know, you play a higher pitch if there is a sharp, and a lower pitch if there is a flat. Finally, there’s a symbol that marks if a note is natural. This means that it is in the middle of sharp and flat: natural.

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A

B

C

Note Names:

In treble clef, the names of the notes are different than for bass clef. An easy way to remember these are with pneumatic devices. For the note heads on the lines of the treble clef staff, we can use the device “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.” For the spaces, the note heads spell out the word “FACE.” In bass clef, for the note heads that are on lines, you can use the device “Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always.” In the spaces, the note heads can be remembered by “All Cows Eat Grass.”

Central Texas Medical Orchestra

Mission: CTMO’s Mission is to provide Central Texas Medical Professionals with music fellowship and performance outlets that raise funds in support of local health-related nonprofit organizations.

The Central Texas Medical Orchestra’s mission is to provide central Texas medical professionals with music fellowship and performance outlets that raise funds in support of local health-related nonprofit organizations. It’s an opportunity for outreach and to give back to the organizations who do so much for our health and community

Classic Rock

Giving a new meaning to an old term

By Nick Hammel All photos by Wikimedia Commons

The Copenhagen Quartet

H

ave you ever been to a rock concert; the sound of gritty metal piercing your eardrums, the smell of smoking strings, the musicians bending over with passion for their music.

Have you ever been to a classical performance? Every note hits its spot on the music staff, with little room for error. The orchestra sways with the music, passion emitting from the sound of their instruments. Now try to imagine all of that occurring at one concert, but blended. Now that’s symphonic rock!

You may be wondering what symphonic rock is.

Sometimes stringed instruments, which can usually be featured in classical music, play rock music.

The interaction between these two very different genres erupts into a musical feast, for anyone to feast on. They contrast in many

The London Symphony performing

A typical rock performance.

ways, and show that it’s okay to sometimes get some chocolate in the peanut butter, or vice versa.

Arranging a song for a stringed group can come with its challenges. As Sara Bergeron said, “Obviously stringed instruments have a different timbre than say, electric guitars, and when you amp an electric guitar, you can put a filter, and there are all these things you can do to change the sound.

So it was just really weird trying to figure out how to replicate this sound, with strings, with bows, with kids who are so used to just playing classical music, and to write in a way that they would understand.” Finding the right sound can be hard, considering the gritty sound of an electric instrument that would be used in a band.

There aren’t many bands that play rock music with stringed instruments. Apocalyptica does this, for example, and one of their songs is from the band Metallica, but it’s played by four cellos.

The players in this group have probably thought a lot about the timbre of their instruments, and how to modify that.

In country bands, the same thing has to happen with a violin solo. Since the violin may sound like part of Beethoven’s fifth symphony, a lot of work has

to be done to change that. Jay Caviola from The Teddy Long Band said, “Every once in a while a violin player will sit in with us, and since I was originally trained classically, I managed to sneak a lot of classical influence from them, and into our set, into the

“I like to teach people that say the words ‘I hate country’ or ‘I hate rock and roll’ that they don’t, and they just don’t know it yet.” country solos. Some people notice and some people don’t, but I can’t help it. I got a little Bach in me still.” Even after modifying the sound of an instrument, it’s still hard to subdue all of the original influence, or timbre.

A good example of a song that uses string instruments to portray a rock song is Eleanor

Rigby by The Beatles. In this song, the orchestration, or the instruments that are playing, is mainly string instruments.

If you know the Beatles, they aren’t known for classical music.

They’re known for their hard rock and pop music.

“Whenever classical meets rock, good things happen, but what makes them special is that they are different, they are a contrast to each other,” said guitar teacher Caviola.

Classical music used to be very similar to what today’s rock music is like. Most pieces would be composed of harsh, short notes that seem to never come to an end. About two centuries later, it has evolved so much, and for the better.

Like what Mr. Caviola said, it’s the differences in rock and classical music that make them special, and that’s what makes them sound good together.

“The difference is pop doesn’t explore the melodic ideas that classical music does,” said Dr. Robert Radmer while describing the aspects of the genre of classical music in the present day. If you had a stringed instrument playing harsh sounding notes, and then an electric instrument playing the same exact thing next to it, things would get kind of boring. Even PULSE | Page 14

How Are Violins and Electric Guitars Different? by Nick Hammel Headstock

Tuners

Nut

Fretboard and Neck

Similarities

The electric guitar has a mechanism to tune. These are called tuners.

To get them to work, you turn them in one direction to make the string flatter, and in the other to make it sharper. The violin has a similar tuning mechanism.

These are located in the pegbox, and are called pegs. There are four pegs total.

Another similarity between the electric guitar and violin is the bridge these are used to hold the strings up, so that there is enough tension to play.

Scroll

Saddle Body

Bridge Nut

Pegbox

Neck

Differences

Fingerboard

One of the many differences between electric guitar and violin is the neck, where the notes are played. For the electric guitar, there are frets, which allow the musician to know where to put their fingers for the correct pitch. On the violin, the musician has to memorize where to put their fingers for the specified note.

The electric guitar uses an amp to project its sound, as it is very “lifeless� without one.

The violin has a soundpost on the inside, which allows sound to vibrate the body and resonate through the hall.

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F-holes Bridge

Fine Tuners

Chin Rest

though that’s what you try to go for while arranging and playing a song meant for another genre, the differences are what make it unique. While talking about the history of rock music, Dr. Radmer said, “When the guitar was introduced, all they had to do was strum and it was good enough.”

The history of rock music was also very vague; it evolved from traditional African music.

A classical composer, named Antonio Dvorak, also got many of his themes from traditional African music. This shows that they may have had the same origin, although the origin of rock and roll is still very vague, like I said before.

“What makes rock and roll rock and roll, is the rebellious

sound, it’s almost supposed to be off. The solos are a bit gritty, its supposed to be a bit out of tune, the singers sing bluesy, and they’re a bit imperfect. Now if you played like that in the New York Symphony, or the London Symphony, you might not keep your job. You want to keep your notes as written on the paper,” said Jay Caviola while describing the main ideas of both genres: Rock and roll and classical music.

As Caviola said,“The lesson to be learned about all musical instruments is that every instrument is trying to be a human voice, our voices are not angular; we slide into pitch, we slide out of pitch.”

All instruments have some

type of “groove” to them. Some have a wavy groove, some sound a bit too perfect, and some just sound like someone is banging to pots next to your ears. Everyone likes one of those instruments.

Like Caviola said, “I like to teach people that say the words “I hate country” or “I hate rock and roll” that they don’t, and they just don’t know it yet. A little bit of boogie in everyone shows up every once in a while.

Rock and roll can be blended in so many ways that it’s crazy once you get into it. Classical music has the same properties, except usually has a more clean feel to it. The blend of these two genres can be a powerful thing, and it has changed many lives.

Rock band composed of four cellists, Apocalyptica.

A Rocking Timeline of Early Rock and Roll (’50,s and ‘60,s)

By Sally Miller

1951

“Rocket 88”, the first Rock and Roll record, was released by Jackie Brenston

1952

1950’s Disc Jockey Alan Freed coins the term “Rock and Roll” to describe the up tempo black R&B records

March 3, 1951

Bill Hayley forms The Comets, the first Rock and Roll band

“Rock Around The Clock” by The Comets becomes Rock and Roll’s first #1 hit

April, 1956

1955

Elvis tops the charts with “Heartbreak Hotel”, starts Presley Mania

Buddy Holly dies in a plane crash

February, 1959

Who is Elvis Presley?

Arguably one of the most famous Rock and Rollers ever, this man probably could make your grandma swoon. Born in January of 1935, in his lifetime he had 18 #1 hits in the US, and 149 in the top hundred. He has a huge presence in Austin, with a few Elvis impersonators showing up to every city run. Elvis was drafted into the army in the 1960’s. He is most famous for his hit single “Thats All Right”. Without Elvis, other Rock bands such as The Beatles, Queen, and Metallica m never existed. He died in August of 1977

What does “Rock and Roll” really mean?

Rock and Roll is a type of popular music characterised by a heavy beat and simple melodies. Originating in the 1950’s, it was a combonation of black rhythm and blues, (R&B) and white country music. Generally is played with guitar, bass, and drums.

March 1960

The Beatles release their second single, Please Please Me, goes #2 in the UK

1964

The Supremes, an african american girl group, song “Stop In Name Of Love” goes #1 in the US

1966

John Lennon leaves The Beatles. THe band Officially breaks up on April 10th, 1970

1960’s Elvis returns from the army, after two years of service.

Immediately releaes two #1 hits

1962

The Beatles leaed the British invasion with “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, closley followed by The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfirled and Dave Clark

1965

The Rolling Stones are back at #1 on UK and US charts with their new album Paint It Black

September 1969

The British Invasion The British Invasion occurred in the mid-1960s when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom,[1] as well as other aspects of British culture, became popular in the United States.

The Beatles led the invasion with several apperances on the Ed Sullivan show, a popular TV show which showcased popular artists.

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Basics of Sewing and DIY

By: Sally Miller

A Sewing Machine

Hot Glue Gun

Imagine you have finally completed your most ambitious project yet, a beautiful dress, embellished with all kinds unique notions.

You’ve spent months perfecting the design. You created the pattern, cut and sewed the dress.

Your look has everything, complete with hand made coordinating accessories. Now its time to step out and show it to the world. But this is the world of fantasy, let’s get back to reality.

How does one get started creating an unique look that is all your own?

Getting your hands on a sewing machine is a great way to start. Just like Lillia Balli, a professional tailor who coowns the The Fabric Co-Op in Austin. “To get started in sewing, you could sign up for a class,” says Balli. “Once you get someone in person to show you how to operate a sewing machine, you can continue to take classes online, or you could do what I did and drop tens of thousands of dollars on a fashion degree.”

“It’s good to have a brain that can go back and forth from two dimensions to three dimensions,” says Balli, “and it’s also helpful to have a good visual eye, artistic ability, and technical ability, but above all, to have a willingness to learn.”

Although most people who sew don’t become professional fashion designers, it’s a nice skill to have, with many practical uses. “It’s good to have a brain that can go back and forth from two dimensions to three dimensions,” says Balli, “and it’s also helpful to have a good visual eye, artistic ability, and technical ability, but above PULSE | Page 19

Buttons

all, to have a willingness to learn.”

DIY and sewing can be a great hobby for all ages and skill levels. From making your own clothes and costumes, to making cute little gifts for your friends and family, the possibilities are endless.

Carla Epperson is a stay at home mom and avid seamstress. So how difficult is it to learn to sew? Well,” I think its just as hard as you make it, and if you want to get really advanced, go for it.” There are many different types of sewing projects, ranging from a quick DIY T-shirt shopping bag, which is relatively easy, to a full scale wedding dress. Both require a sewing machine, but a wedding dress will take much longer. One of the first things you can start by sewing,”a nightgown or something you don’t have to wear out in the world” says Epperson.

So if you are self-conscious about your sewing, then nobody has to see the outfits you make but yourself!

Now that you have an idea of how to get started sewing, there’s also the challenge of making all those fabulous accessories. For that, I talked to Carole LeClair, a DIY specialist and expert seamstress. “I would say the first thing to do is focus on what kind of project you want to work on,” says LeClair. There are thousands of different types of beautiful DIY’s and sewing projects, ranging from fancy evening bags made from designer fabric samples, to fun and unique

Did you know that teachers spend and upwards of $ 2,000 a year on school supplies? Well, we plan to change that.Austin Creative Reuse is a nonprofit orgaization dedicated to saving reuseables from the landfill and selling them (at a very low price!) to teachers and educators.

Donate now at

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Sewing Checklist Scissors Sewing Machine Seam Ripper Needle and Thread Pins Fabric PULSE | Page 21

earrings made from found objects. “My favorite thing for DIY is a hot glue gun”, says LeClair.

“There are lots of little DIY things you can do with a hot glue gun, and if you’re comfortable with it, try a high temperature glue gun because that glue really holds.” Glue guns and DIY’s are like two peas in a pod. Hot glue guns can be used for all manner of things, like sticking little objects on pin backs to create a brooch or to create giant ornamental hair pieces.

Arguably the number one DIY tool is a hot glue gun (of course!). Beyond that, you will need a sewing machine, scissors, and a seam ripper.

Basically, a sewing machine puts stitches in, and a seam ripper takes them out. You will mess up.

A lot. Especially when you start out. A seam ripper will save you many times.

But what if you don’t have a hot glue gun? Well, “They make this thing called E 6000, an epoxy which comes in a tube, and its very easy to use.

You just squirt a little on your project, but the deal is you have to walk away and wait for it to set. It takes about 10 minutes to overnight,” Says LeClair.

“My favorite DIY”, says LeClair, “is to take a men’s T-shirt, cut it down and make it into a cute lady’s T-shirt. You can do that by cutting the neckline a little bit lower , shortening the sleeves and making it a slimmer fit overall.” This is a relatively simple DIY; however, it does require a sewing machine.

Now that you have the sewing and DIY itch, and easy way to scratch it is by shopping at thrift stores and outlet malls to pick up cheap materials.

All photos from commons. wikipedia.com

An Old Sewing Machine

In and around Austin, there are several amazing thrift stores and second hand boutiques, as well as the outlet malls in Round Rock and San Marcos.

Why make a whole new dress when you can buy something second hand or deeply discounted and tailor it to fit you perfectly? “The best place I’ve ever found [to get cheap clothes] is Savers”, says LeClair, “They tend to have quality clothing at very low prices, have sales regularly, and it’s not hard to get a coupon.” Savers is a large charity store much like Goodwill. If you’re into cheap clothing and benefiting a charity at the same time, head to Savers!

One popular place to find DIY ideas is Pinterest.

Yes, you will see beautiful photos on Pinterest of spectacular handmade items, but remember, there’s also a dark side comprised of epic fails: horrendous microwave disasters, glue explosions, cake mistakes. As with any new endeavors, practice makes perfect, so don’t let an early disaster keep you down. But Pinterest is not the only place on the internet to find DIY ideas. If you want a free lesson in DIY, go on over to YouTube. DIYers and sewers love to share their ideas and knowledge, and now they have a easy way to do so. No more looking at pictures in books! It’s so much easier with an actual person showing you how to do something. After your pit stop on Pinterest and Youtube, it is now time to take your creations to Etsy, a website to sell handmade items. Etsy is a great way to dip your toes into the crafting marketplace. But while Etsy is a place to showcase your creations to a global audience, most crafters and sewers want to get to know their customers. For that, Austin is a gold mine, especially at holiday time. Craft bazaars, like the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Blue Genie Craft Bazaar, and Cherrywood Art Festival are all fabulous places to show and sell your wares.

You can learn to sew, you can learn some cool DIYs, you can even make some money at it, but really, it’s about making something beautiful.

Whether you sell your creations, keep them for yourself, or give them to friends, sewing and crafting can be a rewarding, relaxing pastime.

And now that you’ve learned to sew and craft, go out there and teach a friend. And maybe you’ll become a rockstar in the DIY world.

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