INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Drawing pencils, erasers, sketchbook, pastels, paint, an easel... whatever you think you will need for your area of expertise. New supplies and mediums can be encouraging. Try beginner sets of artist grade supplies, because they are often easier to use than the cheaper, student grade supplies. Begin with an inexpensive sketchbook with lots of pages, and a sketching set that includes kneaded putty eraser and different grades of graphite pencils. It may also include charcoal pencils, charcoal sticks, graphite sticks and brown, gray, or reddish sketching sticks. All these tools are useful, and the supplies are cheaper in bundled sets than bought individually. "H" and 2H, 4H, etc are "hard" pencils that sharpen to a fine point, and give a very light mark, easily covered by paint or inking. They're for design. "F" is a "fine" pencil, a little harder than an HB, which is a normal No. 2 pencil, and middle hardness. "B" means black, and each successive degree of B pencil is softer, blacker, and smudgier. 2B is a good sketch pencil, 4B is a great one that gives good shading, and 6B or higher is almost like using charcoal, for ease of smudging and shading. This includes books on specific subjects, like how to draw animals, how to draw horses, how to draw seascapes, etc. Whatever you like most or get interested in. Try to accomplish at least one drawing a day. You can even frame them and put them up on your walls, to inspire you to keep going through the next day. You can also check out drawing books from your local library, and find out which one inspires you the most before buying it. Work through each of the exercises in turn, rather than trying to do everything in the book at once.

SUMMARY: Buy all of the necessary supplies. Purchase some how-to drawing books.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There's no clear evidence that steaming your face can help with a cold. However, this is a common home remedy to relieve sinus pressure associated with a cold, and there is minimal evidence that it may be effective in some individuals. If you want to try a cold relief steam, follow the steps above using one or more of the following herbs and essential oils: Herbs: Chamomile, mint or eucalyptus Oils: mint, eucalyptus or bergamot Steaming soothes the soul as well as the skin, which is one of the reasons why it's a popular treatment at spas. A facial steam feels especially good when you're stressed out and can take the time to breathe in some wonderful scents while you sit back and relax. Try one or more of the following herbs and oils for a soothing, stress-relieving steam: Herbs: Lavender, lemon verbena, chamomile Oils: Passionflower, bergamot, sandalwood An invigorating steam can help you feel awake and refreshed if you do it first thing in the morning, particularly if you use scents that have an energizing effect. For a rejuvenating steam, use one or more of these herbs and oils: Herbs: Lemon balm, peppermint, ginseng Oils: Cedarwood, lemongrass, orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus Doing a steam a few minutes before you go to bed can help you relax and sleep peacefully. Try using one or more of these herbs and oils to help you get to sleep more easily next time you have insomnia: Herbs: Valerian, chamomile, lavender Oils: Lavender, patchouli, geranium rose

SUMMARY: Do a cold relief steam. Do a stress relief steam. Do an invigorating steam. Do a steam for sleep aid.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Violets can grow in a wide variety of climates, but they might not be possible to grow in your area. Violets grow in hardiness zones 5-8. These zones are based on average annual temperatures, and the lower the number, the colder the climate. To check your hardiness zone, visit http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/. Violets require deep, well-draining soil. The type of soil can vary, as violets are fairly tolerant flowers. Adding some compost or fertilizer will supply the additional nutrients that will ensure your violets thrive. Violets can handle full sun in colder climates, but if you live in warmer areas, it's best to ensure your violets get regular shade. One idea is to plant them near or under deciduous trees, so they have shade during the summer but full sunlight in winter.

SUMMARY:
Determine your hardiness zone. Get soil that is well drained and disease free. Select an area with partial shade.