How to Make a Stegosaurus Costume

Create the ultimate retro costume.

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A do-it-yourself stegosaurus costume is sure to be the hit of the costume party and is relatively simple to make. All you need is a jogging suit, a long strip of fabric, a glue gun, sponge or foam, and imagination. If you like, paint your face and add plastic fangs and claws for the finishing touches.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedGreen jogging suit with hooded topScissorsLong strip of heavy fabric, green or purple20 to 30 green spongesSewing chalkHot glue gun and glueHook-and-loop fastener stripsGreen face paint (optional)Plastic fangs or claws (optional)Suggest Edits1

Cut a strip of heavy fabric 2 or 3 yards long, or long enough to reach from your head to the floor. Make it 3 or 4 inches wide to accommodate the foam "plates" that you'll attach later.

2

Pin the long fabric strip to the jogging suit, from the hood down to the hem of the jacket. Mark the fabric and the jacket with sewing chalk at the points where you will attach hook-and-loop fastener strips to hold them together. Be sure to try the jacket on at this point, to make sure the strip hangs evenly.

3

Attach vertical strips of hook-and-loop fastener to the jogging suit from the top of the hood and down the back at regular intervals. Attach the corresponding vertical hook-and-loop fastener strips to the underside of the fabric strip, but don't stick the fabric to the jacket at this point.

4

Cut the sponges diagonally, using scissors, to make stegosaurus "plates." Using the hot glue gun, glue the flat side of the sponge triangles to the fabric strip -- in a single or double line down the length of the "tail." Press the sponges down against the strip for a few seconds to make sure they adhere.

5

Cut one sponge into a diamond shape, and glue it to the end of the tail to represent a spike. Wait for the glued plates to completely dry.

6

Align the hook-and-loop fastener strips, and press the fabric "tail" to the back of the jogging suit jacket.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure the glue is hot before using it. Press the sponges down for several seconds after gluing to ensure adhesion.

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ReferencesBargain Hunter: Do it Yourself Halloween CostumesSavvy Mom: Easy DIY Halloween CostumesPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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Android Tablet Status Bar Hidden

Print this articleThe status bar on Android tablets is the main interface for users to access other Android functions from within an app. Some apps dim or hide the status bar. Though it may appear hidden, the status bar does not go away, it's still on the screen.

Related Searches: Status Bar

In both horizontal and vertical viewing modes, the status bar appears across the bottom of the screen. The right side of the bar features a clock, battery indicator and wireless network indicator. The Back, Home and Tile buttons are on the left side of the bar. To access Android functions, press the appropriate button on the status bar. For example, pressing the Tile button opens a preview of recently used apps. Tapping an app preview switches to the app.

Hidden Status Bar

To allow for immersion in games and full-screen videos, the Android operating system allows developers to dim the status bar, which is called the hidden state on an Android tablet. The app doesn't not extend to the full screen, The status bar is still there. If you look closely, you can see three dim dots in the place where the Home, Back and Tile buttons are supposed to be.

Access

For an app that hides the status bar, tap the center of the bar to turn its lights back on for a few seconds. You can use the status bar normally. If you tap a hidden status bar where a button is located, Android will perform the button's function. For example, tap the center dot to use the Home button.

Considerations

It is possible to completely hide the status bar on a rooted Android tablet that has third-party launchers and apps. Rooting your tablet may void the warranty, and third-party launchers may not retain all Android functionality. Some apps have in-app menu options that allow you to choose whether the status bar should be hidden while using the app. Other app developers do not give you this option.

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How to Excuse Yourself From Dinner Invitations

Decline a dinner invitation politely so you get invited again.

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Receiving an invitation for a dinner party that you cannot attend can occasionally make for an uncomfortable situation. If you legitimately cannot attend the dinner or do not want to, it is your responsibility to let the host know in a polite and timely manner. The way in which you do so depends on several factors.

Related Searches: Invitation Method

Always excuse yourself from an invitation to an event using the same method through which the invitation was extended. For example, if the host emailed or called you to invite you to the dinner, declining via email or phone is acceptable. If you received a formal invitation containing an RSVP card, fill out the card to indicate that you cannot attend and return the card promptly. When the host uses a formal invitation, declining via email or phone is unacceptable.

Honesty

As much as possible, provide an honest reason why you cannot attend the dinner party. An honest reason gives the host the feeling that you might have attended if you had been able. For example, if you are sick or have a prior engagement that evening, say so. When indicating that you have a prior engagement, however, avoid making it sound as though the other event is more important. Instead, stress that you already made a commitment to someone else before you received the invitation to the dinner event.

Politeness

Decline the invitation in a polite manner. Use a phrase such as, "I'm really sorry to miss the dinner and I hope everyone has a wonderful time," to convey your disappointment about not attending. If you decline by phone or email, take a moment to politely say you're sorry you're not able to attend. With a formal RSVP, add a term such as "regretfully" to the box labeled "cannot attend."

Suggest Future Meeting

If you are legitimately sorry you cannot attend the event, contact the host after the event is over and express interest in getting together. Avoid making this sort of plan prior to the event, as the host might be busy planning the dinner. Suggesting getting together for coffee, a movie or a walk in the park shows the host that you enjoy her company and feel bad about missing the dinner event. If her feelings were hurt when you didn't attend, following up with a future get-together is ideal.

ReferencesLifeScript: 5 Steps to Politely Declining InvitationsCouples Company: How to Gracefully Accept or Decline an InvitationEmily Post: Invitation EtiquetteMSN Lifestyle: Miss Manners: On Turning Down 'Party' InvitationsPhoto Credit Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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How to Make a Shower Threshold

The shower threshold must effectively contain water.

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Although prefabricated shower units provide an easy-to-install shower construction option and usually contain a complete threshold or curb, an already-made pan typically presents limitations in regard to size, design or materials. Alternatively, a custom shower pan can be built on site to accommodate a homeowner's particular needs and desires. To function properly, the shower pan must be able to drain water efficiently and have an adequate, watertight threshold to contain water within the pan.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedMeasuring tapeCarpenter's pencil2- by 4-inch lumberSaw16d galvanized nailsHammerWaterproof membraneMarkerUtility knifeAdhesive for waterproof membraneDam cornersStaplesStaple gunMetal lathMetal cutting toolMortarTrowelThin boardLevelFloatTilesTile cuttersBullnose tilesSuggest Edits1

Remove any materials necessary to expose the subfloor.

2

Measure the opening at the threshold where the curb will be and transfer this measurement to two-by-fours.

3

Cut three lengths of two-by-fours and stack them at the shower threshold.

4

Attach the stack of two-by-fours to form the curb at the threshold using 16d galvanized nails.

5

Construct the shower prepan up to the point where waterproofing membrane must be placed. This is generally the portion of the shower floor that establishes the slope by building up mortar to different thicknesses. The mortar is placed atop building paper and metal lath and usually must be allowed to cure for at least a day before the membrane can be placed.

6

Measure the shower pan area and, taking the walls and curb into consideration, transfer measurements onto a waterproof membrane. The membrane should extend at least 8 inches up each wall and up and over the curb.

7

Cut the membrane to fit and place it on the shower floor, cutting small slits for the drain bolts and an opening at the drain. To fit the membrane snugly over the curb, cut the membrane for the curb at the wall studs.

8

Attach the waterproof membrane to the shower pan and curb. Working from the drain toward the wall, apply an adhesive suitable for the specific membrane material and press the membrane to the underlying mortar and wood. Fold the excess material in the wall corners over to form a flap and glue this flap to the wall. Staple the membrane to the walls and curb for added security, but only place staples above the level of the curb. Only staple the top and outside of the curb.

9

Glue a dam corner into each interior corner at the threshold.

10

Complete the mortar bed and tiling for the shower floor.

11

Measure and cut metal lath to fit over the curb.

12

Staple the metal lath to the curb. Only place staples on the top and outside of the curb.

13

Mortar the curb. Hold a flat, thin board on the top of the curb and press mortar into the metal lath on both sides using a trowel. Use the flat board as a guide to help make the curb mortar uniformly thick. Check for evenness with a level and make adjustments as needed. Use a wooden float to smooth the mortar surface.

14

Finish the curb as desired. Typically, the curb will be tiled to match the tiled shower floor. In this case, use a tile cutters to cut tiles so that the top of the tiles for the outside is slightly higher than the top of the tiles for the interior of the curb. Use a thin layer of mortar to attach the tiles and check with the level to make sure they are even. Fill in the top of the curb with mortar and place a bullnose cap tile on the top of the curb to overhang the tiles slightly.

ReferencesWorking with Tile; Tom Meehan, et al.Ultimate Guide to Ceramic and Stone Tile; Creative Homeowner PressUltimate Guide to Bathrooms; Fran J. DoneganBlack & Decker: Complete Guide to Plumbing; Creative Publishing InternationalPhoto Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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How to Look Good in a Plus-Size Gown

It doesn't take much to look absolutely fantastic in a plus-size gown. Look good in a plus-size gown with help from a professional image consultant in this free video clip.

Part of the Video Series: Plus-Size Fashion & More

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How to Install a Raised Countertop for a Breakfast Bar

Eating at a countertop opens up the kitchen.

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Raising the countertop is a great way to add an interesting and unique design element to your kitchen. This process makes it convenient to attach a breakfast countertop to the raised section to add another eating area at a kitchen island or peninsula. This increases your overall capacity and makes your home more comfortable for hosting guests. The basic steps of this process are fairly involved, with the attachment of the countertop and raised addition to the original countertop. Finishing the exterior of the countertop requires some experience to correctly install tile around the exposed edges of the countertop supports.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately ChallengingInstructions Things You'll Need4 2-by-4 boards, 36-inch4 2-by-4 boards, 12-inchDrillDrill bitsWood screws, 5-inch8 2-by-4 boards, 6-inchWood screws, 3-inchCountertop section, at least 1-by-24-by-36-inchWood screws, 2 1/2-inch2 plywood boards, 1/2-by-9-by-36-inch2 plywood boards, 1/2-by-9-by-20-inchBacksplash tileTile cutterMortarTrowelCaulkingSuggest Edits1

Set two 36-inch two-by-four boards parallel to each other with their large sides down. Space them 12 inches apart. Set two 12-inch two-by-four boards between them, perpendicular to them with their large surfaces down as well. Slide the shorter boards to the ends of the larger boards to make a 19-by-36-inch rectangular frame.

2

Drill 2 holes through each long board and into each end of the shorter boards. Set 5-inch wood screws in the holes and screw the frame together.

3

Repeat with two more short boards and two more long boards to create another identical rectangular 19-by-36-inch frame.

4

Set four 6-inch two-by-four boards up on their ends in a 19-by-36-inch rectangle. Set one of the rectangular frames on top of them and adjust the short boards so they are flush with the longer sides of the frame. Drill two holes through the frame and into the end of each short board. Attach the boards together with 3-inch wood screws.

5

Flip the frame with attached short boards over and set the other rectangular frame on top of it. Drill two holes through the frame and into the end of each short board. Attach the frames together with 3-inch wood screws.

6

Position four additional 6-inch 2-by-4 boards between the rectangular frames, evenly spaced along each pair of side boards. Attach them to the frames in the same manner as the corner short boards.

7

Set a countertop that measures at least 1-by-24-by-36 inches upside down on the working surface. Set the frame on the countertop so that one side of the countertop overlaps the frame by an inch and the other side overlaps the frame by 11 inches. Drill holes down through the frame and into the countertop every six inches. Attach the frame to the countertop with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

8

Position the frame and countertop on top of the counter where they will be installed. Drill up through the bottom of the counter and into the frame. Attach the frame to the installation counter with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

9

Cover the exposed frame sections with two 1/2-by-9-by-36-inch plywood boards and two 1/2-by-9-by-20-inch plywood boards so all the frame is covered. Screw these boards in place with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

10

Cut backsplash tile to fit these side surfaces. Apply mortar to the plywood boards and position backsplash tile on the surfaces. Allow the tile to dry and caulk any exposed areas or corners.

Tips & Warnings

If the countertop cannot by drilled into due to its composition, attach it to the frame with high-strength glue designed for the joining of wood and the countertop material.

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