My, how time flies. First thing’s first…
Project Horizon 3 is done. Well, the second draft is. It was sent to the editor back in July and I’m hoping to hear back soon so I can start the next (and hopefully second to last) round of edits. My aim is to have this published before the end of the year. I’m still somewhat debating its title.
While I’m waiting, I’ve been busy working on a short story for my pen name; J.S. d’Raven. Although I’d like to say I’ve been busy with the magical quill pen, I’d be lying. A promotion at work and its related side projects have kept Armini (muse) at bay–damn near frightened, I’d say. And yet, he’s starved for attention. Capricious bastard.
I’ve joined a writing circle online and even started keeping to a routine of at least getting 1000 words a week. It’s a small goal, but it keeps Armini happy. It all comes down to time and making time. I know a handful of writer friends with very hectic and busy schedules that still manage to churn out a few books a year. It can be done!
It’s in that spirit that I’ll be holding a small giveaway next month. NaNoWriMo has never been my thing. I just can’t take the pressure or the disillusioned and somewhat discouraging outcome when I fail to reach the word count. If you’re one of those, take comfort, you’re not alone.
I plan on giving away a set of story cubes and a small journal with 300 writing prompts. More details coming October. Check the contests/giveaways section. Here’s to our muse!
First you will need to gather materials. Although we often say “tin foil,” that is a misnomer. It’s actually aluminum. It rips quite easily, so care must be taken. Duct tape helps to reinforce sensitive parts. I also found this fantastic foil tape with a peel off backing… “found” as in it was in the back of the junk drawer. I have no idea where it came from. I’m not saying it was aliens, but…
Anywho… you will need to determine the size of the noggin the hat is designed to adorn. The simplest way is to take a piece of duct tape (Don’t put the sticky side against your head. Listen to the voice of experience.) and measure. Make sure you leave some extra room for overlap.
Pull out a piece of aluminum foil (regular foil is fine for most heads, if you want a BIG hat, use the heavy duty foil) and lay it down on a flat surface. One side is shiny, the other is less so. Most people prefer to have the shiny side show. Attach the pre-measured duct tape to one edge of the foil.
Before closing the hat in a circle, you might want to try it on one more time. Fold the bottom edge up so that you have a smooth folded edge for the bottom instead of a raw edge. You can even fold it directly on the duct tape if you like, as long as it’s inside and doesn’t show. Close the hat by attaching a small piece of duct tape inside. You can also use some clear tape or silver tape on the outside if you like. If you choose to use a glue gun, keep in mind that aluminum is metal, and conducts heat VERY well!
Once the hat is closed, place it on the appropriate noggin. While the hat is on the noggin, carefully scrunch the foil together at the top. Remember, foil rips easily, so this is a delicate procedure.
Leave the extra foil at the top as un-crinkled as possible.
Make some vertical slits in the extra foil at the top. Gently flare these strips out for a sparkly decorative effect.
This basic hat does not have a chin strap. If you smooch your kid too hard, her hat might fall off.
Don’t forget the pets! Cats can be very jealous. Don’t let them feel left out; make kitty a hat of his own! A simple circlet is easy, and lets his little ears stick out.