Problem: Article: You can find these shells labeled as "lion's paw shells" in an arts and crafts store. You can also find similar shells made out of plastic in a costume shop or a party supply store. Make sure that the shells match up in size and shape. For a child's costume, you can cut two large shell shapes out of felt. You can match the color to your tail, or you can use a contrasting color. For example, if you made a green tail, you could paint the shells purple. Sparkly, metallic paint would work the best, but you can use flat paint as well. Use acrylic paint or spray paint. Let the shells dry completely, then add a second coat of paint, if needed. Mix extra-fine scrapbooking glitter into glossy decoupage glue (ie: Mod Podge). Paint the glue onto the shells, then let it dry. Apply a plain coat of glue on top to seal the glitter in. If you want extra sparkly shells: Paint the shells with decoupage. Shake the glitter on top, then tap the excess glitter off. Let the decoupage dry. Apply another coat of decoupage on top. If you still want some bling, but don't want to use all-over glitter, you can draw designs onto the shells using glitter glue instead. If you don't have any glitter glue, you can use sparkly puffy paint/dimensional fabric paint instead. You can also draw designs using regular glue, then shake glitter into the glue while it's still wet. You will be building your bra on top of this. A child or a teen could use a skin-toned tube top or tank top. And adult could use a skin-toned bra, preferably strapless. Alternatively, you can match the color of the top or bra to the color of your shells. Coat the inside of the shells with fabric glue or industrial-strength glue (ie: E6000). Place the shells onto the bra. You can have the bottom edges point towards the center, or you can have them point downward. If you are using a tube top or a tank top, you will need to position the shells where the breast would be. Industrial-strength glue would be the best for this, but you can try using fabric glue as well. Hot glue will work, but it may not last as long. Here are some ideas to get you started: Apply tiny rhinestones to the ridges on the shells. Glue a mini starfish to the middle of the bra where the bow would be. Add a sequin or rhinestone trim to the edges of the shell. Decorate the bra band with rhinestones or fake pearls.
Summary: Choose two large shells to use as your mermaid bra. Paint the shells, if desired. Consider adding some sparkle with glitter. Add designs with glitter glue if you want something more subtle. Find something fitted to serve as the base. Glue the shells to the base. Decorate the top further with gems, pearls, and smaller shells.

Problem: Article: A "medical alert" tattoo is a tattoo that communicates important medical information about a patient, such as a severe allergy or the presence of a disease. These tattoos are meant to replace traditional medical alert bracelets, which can get lost. Although these tattoos are growing in popularity, there is still no consensus about the design or placement of such tattoos. This can make them more difficult for medical professionals to detect. A "meat tag" is a tattoo on a member of the US military, meant to indicate essential identification data. These tattooswhich perform the same function and often mimic the appearance of traditional "dog tags"are growing in popularity within the armed forces. External radiotherapy (sometimes called external beam radiotherapy) is a form of cancer treatment that uses a machine to aim beams of radiation at cancer cells. A series of marks must be made on the patient's skineither small tattoos or dots of permanent markerto guide the radiotherapy process. Radiotherapy tattoos are preferable to marks made by permanent marker because they cannot be accidentally washed off. Unlike other medical tattoos, you may have this done directly by your radiographer. If you prefer to have these tattoos done at a studio, your radiographer can draw marks for your tattoo artist to follow. Following breast surgery (usually a mastectomy, but sometimes also breast reductions) many patients opt to have tattoos done. These may be cosmetictattooing on an areola or replacing lost pigmentor aesthetican elaborate design to cover scars and/or signify one's journey. Sometimes women opt to have a post-mastectomy tattoo instead of breast implants or other cosmetic surgery. Other times, these tattoos are in addition to cosmetic reconstruction.
Summary: Learn about "medical alert" tattoos. Research "meat tag" tattoos. Learn about "radiotherapy" tattoos. Look into "post-mastectomy" tattoos.

Problem: Article: In order to become a friend, you have to find friends in the first place. Get out of your comfort zone by joining a group that shares your values or position in life, sometimes known as a peer group. Studies show that having friends can actually add years to your life, so meeting new people is not just a good ideait's essential for your health. If you're a parent, find a mom group in your area. Most communities have more than one type of parent gathering, whether it's a mother's day out or a park stroller group. Most of these groups have Facebook pages you can join. If you like political activism, most cities have lobbyist groups or volunteer centers you can join. When a group of people works toward a common goal, a bond forms among them. Repeating your attendance at each meeting builds a rapport with other classmates. Having a shared goal also builds strong ties among people in a group. Find classes that encourage interaction among members. Activities like yoga and Pilates are good for your body but don't allow much socialization. Look instead for opportunities like self defense classes, Zumba, even sewing and cooking classes. Even if you're in the habit of visiting new places, simply introducing yourself to people isn't enough. You have to ask questions. Show interest in other people, and they will be interested in you in return. Pay attention to nonverbal cues like smiling and eye contact. When someone invites you with these gestures, you can give a compliment, comment on what's happening, or share some information. Keep a list of easy conversational topics running in your mind. Things like happy childhood memories, the weather, and food are all topics most people can engage in. When starting a conversation with someone you haven't spoken to in a while, take some time to remember that person before you greet them. If you have a humorous memory or a friend in common, let that be your conversation opener. You can make new friends both in person and online, it's true. But it turns out that maintaining face-to-face contact with people is important, and you can't get that by relegating your friendships to your smartphone. When you recognize that conversations with someone are leading toward a friendship, inviting them to an activity outside of where you met provides opportunity for the friendship to truly grow. Tactfulness is defined as being "careful not to offend or upset other people." While you don't need to be a doormat, you do need to be considerate of the person you're interacting with. Be considerate of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or what their opinions might be. Don't make jokes or rude comments at the expense of your friend--or anyone like them.
Summary:
Find peer groups. Join a class at a gym or community center. Initiate conversations. Be easy to talk to. Invite acquaintances out for coffee. Be tactful.