INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Baguette frames refer to flat panels of wood or metal that fit along the edges of your painting without obscuring any portion of the image. Float frames use a mat to set your image inside a simple frame. These frames provide a modern look, and differ from traditional frames by adding very little visual impact on their own. They look sort of like siding or open borders for a piece of art. Float and baguette frames tend to emphasize the work itself, since the frames tend to contain few details on their own. Float frames can make a work appear more striking. The mat helps isolate the work in the center of the wall, making it stand out more. Baguette frames can make a work look dramatic. The minimalistic frame lifts the image off of the wall a few inches, which can make it seem like the work is literally popping out. The difference between a baguette and float frame is whether there is any space between the canvas and the frame itself. Float frames have a space, which is sometimes filled in with a mat, while baguette frames leave no room between the frame and the painting. Traditional frames come in all types of shapes, sizes, and designs. They tend to be metal or wood, and add an additional visual element to a painting's presentation. Choose a frame that you think works well alongside your image without drawing the viewer's attention away from what's important. Traditional frames cover the edges of a canvas. They also tend to have minor details and patterns built into the frame. These minor elements change the way that a viewer perceives a work. When in doubt, opt for a simpler traditional frame. You can always upgrade the frame later when you need a change of pace. For older works or paintings with a high price tag, choose an antique frame to really make your work stand out. Antique frames tend to have high levels of detail and create a striking impression on their own, which can demand attention as soon as the viewer enters the room. Antique frames tend to be have expressive designs and strange colors. These can help stress the specialness of a historical or expensive piece of art. Look for antique frames at antique shops. If the canvas comes with a prebuilt frame and the artist elected to paint details along the sides of the canvas, you probably don't need a frame. The artist made a conscious decision to extend the image past the edge of the canvas, and covering it could reduce the impact of an image. You can tell if a framed canvas was meant to be hung on its own if the artist installed hangers along the backside of the frame.

SUMMARY: Select a floating or baguette frame for a minimalistic, modern look. Use a traditional frame for classic landscapes and portraits. Get an antique frame for high-end or older oil paintings. Display your art without a frame if the sides of the canvas are painted.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: As a single man, you must realize the difficulties involved because of both your gender and your marital status. Recent trends make adopting children by single men more acceptable, but men are likely the most prejudiced against demographic among people looking to adopt. Research which countries will allow a single man to adopt a child. Not all countries are open-minded to the possibility of having one parent let alone it being a man. Consider your age, career, and capacity to raise an infant. It may be more suitable to prefer a teenager or a child with a disability who would love to have a father. Be prepared to adopt an older child or a child with disabilities. A severe shortage of adoptive parents for these children makes single men an attractive option to fill this role. There are several different ways to proceed when considering adoption. Adoption is handled by public and private agencies, adoption attorneys, facilitators, or some combinations of this list. There are few solid rules about age, marital status, or sources of income to become a candidate to adopt. Age requirements are flexible, but successful prospective applicants are usually in the 25-50 age range. The type of child you are adopting will have some influence on age requirements, but no actual rule exists to determine this. As an adoptive parent, this can be your first child, one of many children, or you can even already have adult children by the time you decide to adopt. Most agencies, some more reluctant than others, accept single, gay and lesbian, and disabled parent applicants. There are no predetermined income levels and home ownership is not a requirement either. Your income can originate from a variety of sources: employment, pension, or disability payments. The cost of adoption is expensive, but is varied depending on which agency you choose. Adopting an international, special needs teenager, through a public or government agency is more affordable than adopting a domestic, Caucasian baby, through a private agency. From the moment you begin to seriously consider adoption, start saving money in a special savings account dedicated to the process and add to it whenever possible. Consider the following: domestic private agency ($4,000-30,000+); domestic independent adoptions ($8,000-30,000+); and Inter-country private agency ($7,000-25,000+). The Fees include most, but not all, costs associated with adoption. For international adoptions, you will also have to consider traveling and lodging costs, visas, passports, and country fees. Gender, race, and age of children will also dramatically influence cost. Healthy Caucasian infants are most expensive since they are the most requested and are the least available. Teenagers, because of age, and children with disabilities, because of additional care costs, are less expensive to pursue, but more available to single men. The recent trend for children of color, and in particular indigenous children, is to match them with parents who are of similar ethnicity. Make sure to research all the adoption agencies under consideration. Selecting an agency that is educated and experienced can relieve a lot of stress and anxiety with more positive results. Also consider their reputation, if they provide credible references, or a detailed history of their adoptions. Verify the agency's license by calling your state adoption agency licensing specialist to check if they are current and have no complaints lodged against them. Conduct a background check for either criminal behavior or lawsuits or call the Better Business Bureau for more information. Inquire about their services: do they offer pre- and post-adoption services? Find out their perspective on single-father adoption candidates. Request an itemized list of fees, expenses, and hidden costs. There are several legal requirements included in the adoption process, even more for international adoptions. Working with an attorney is expensive, therefore, be prepared to meet an extensive array of legal criteria. Adoption and family law is a specialization. Make sure you contact a lawyer who specializes in this field and has previous experience with legal adoptions. Always request references from professional people. Contact the Academy of Adoption Attorneys to find an appropriate attorney. Once you select an attorney, take their advice. Part of the process is providing a significant amount of personal and family history, social security cards, employment history, and financial records. If you have a preference, make sure your attorney knows the characteristics of the child you prefer to adopt.

SUMMARY:
Make an informed decision. Meet the qualifications. Consider the cost. Select an agency. Meet the legal criteria.