Article: Create something that's visually alluring by matching the color of the mat to a color in the background of the photo. Avoid picking a mat color based on the room where the picture will be hung; instead, match it to the photo itself. For example, if your photo is of a sunset, pick a mat that is a shade of blue that matches part of the sky. A white mat is often a classic choice, regardless of what kind of frame you use; but, if you're using a dark frame, it can really highlight the actual photo so it doesn't get lost. Especially if the photo itself is dark, it's a good idea to differentiate the space between the photo and the frame. For example, if your frame is a deep mahogany wood and your picture is full of darker shades (like brown, gray, black, green, or purple), a white mat will really draw the eye to the picture itself. Use 8-ply for photos that are wider than 30 inches (76cm). Visit your local craft or framing store to get all the supplies you need. Look for acid-free or archival-grade mats. You can also make your own mats at home using thin pieces of cardboard or thick pieces of crafting paper. Keep in mind that these won't be of the same quality as an actual mat board, but they're good substitutes if you're looking for a quick and easy matting option, or if you just want to practice your matting technique. You may already know the size of the frame, especially if you bought it specifically to fit a picture. But if you don't know, use a ruler to measure the width and height of the frame. Write down the measurements on a piece of paper so you have it to reference. Use a ruler to mark the back of the mat board where you'll need to cut. Take your time when marking the mat. You need your measurements to be exact so that it'll fit snug inside the frame. Use an X-ACTO knife or something similar to carefully cut the mat board to size. Cut along the length of a metal ruler to keep your lines as straight as possible. There are special mat cutters and rulers that you can purchase if you want to. The ruler has a rubber bottom so it won't slip while you're cutting, and the mat cutter helps you make more precise cuts. They aren't a requirement to mat photos, but if you do it a lot, they could come in handy. Be very careful when using any kind of cutting instrument, and make sure to work on top of a cutting board, self-healing mat, or large piece of cardboard.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose a colored mat to complement the picture you want to frame. Use a white mat to make the picture pop against a dark frame. Buy a 4-ply piece of mat board for your standard-size photos. Measure the inside of the frame to get its dimensions and mark the mat. Trim the edges of the mat board so it'll fit inside your frame of choice.
Article: Gently rub the outside of the piano with a clean damp cloth, working in small sections, and then drying those small sections with a dry cloth. Use straight strokes in the direction of the wood grain, rather than circular motions. This will prevent swirl marks and streaks. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth, such as cotton or microfiber. This process will remove dust from the casework and remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. Make sure the cloth is just slightly damp. You don't actually want the damp cloth to leave behind any visible moisture. When polishing is necessary, apply a small amount of piano polish directly to a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently rub a small section of the piano in the direction of the grain. Be particularly delicate with corners and edges, where there's only a thin layer of finish. Then, wipe away any excess polish using a clean cloth. It's important that you use specific polish that's safe for pianos, and only polish when the piano really needs a thorough cleaning, buffing, or has some fine scratches that need to be filled. Polishing can actually damage the finish on the piano, and if it gets inside, it can damage the action components. Don't use a high-gloss polish if your piano has a lacquer finish, because lacquer finishes aren't meant to be high-gloss. Instead, use a product with a satin finish. Only use high-gloss polishes on polymer finishes. Do not use regular household furniture polish, avoid silicone-based products, avoid products with lemon oil, and don't spray aerosol products on or near the piano, because they can damage the exterior and interior of the piano. Whether you have a grand piano or an upright, you can clean out the soundboard by blowing away accumulated dust and dirt. To do this, either use a vacuum on reverse or a can of compressed air. However, it's important that you only do this if you're experienced with cleaning piano interiors, because it's very easy to damage the strings and dampers. If you have doubts, call a professional to clean inside your piano. To clean inside yourself: Hold the vacuum or compressed air nozzle a few inches (several centimeters) from the surface of the soundboard and use vertical strokes in the direction of the strings to blow out dust. Make sure that you don't touch the strings or the dampers with the vacuum nozzle, the air can, or your fingers. Blow the dust and dirt to an accessible corner of the piano, and then use a vacuum on suck mode to clean up the mess. A professional has the tools, experience, and knowledge necessary to clean the action parts of your piano without damaging the delicate and sensitive components. Professional cleaners won't just clean what they can see, and they'll also remove the keys and other parts to get at dust and dirt in every nook and cranny.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Clean the finish. Polish the finish only when necessary. Blow dust from the soundboard. Call a professional cleaner as an alternative.
Article: While some canon characters have vague pasts that can be manipulated, a frequent and recognized (although not compulsory) trait of a Mary Sue is to be related in some way to a canon, especially one who has a strongly established past already. Your readers may find it hard to believe that the canon character has a sister he never mentioned or a son she doesn't remember. Your original character should not constantly be the center of the universe. Let the other characters have moments away from your new character where they don't talk or think about the new character. Remember why they're there. Your readers want to read about the canon characters, that's why you're writing a fan-fiction. Make sure that your chosen name fits in with the fandom. For example, don't have a Harry Potter character called Trixiebella Arwen, or a LOTR elf called Jane. There are plenty of sites online where you can research names to make sure that they fit with your chosen fandom. Baby name sites are a good start, but don't go mad. Names like "Angelica Rowanna Marybelle Devenish" are ridiculous and not realistic. Don't use traits like hair color or facial features either, as most children are named at birth. Don't use your own name, or a variation of it. This just screams "Mary Sue" to readers.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Avoid making your character related to a canon character. Make your character part of the ensemble cast, maybe even a very small part. Let the canon characters share the spotlight with your character. Pick a realistic name.