hHow-to guide offers intro to calligraphy

hHow-to guide offers intro to calligraphy

Do you really want to impress your friends with your artistic skills? Of course you do.

Check out “The Simple Art of Celtic Calligraphy: 20 Step-by-Step Projects and Essential Techniques” by Fiona Graham-Flynn (Cico Books; $19.95; paperback).

This how-to guide serves as an introduction to the major scripts characteristic of Celtic calligraphy.

Beginners and amateurs have plenty of projects to choose from, among them a name plaque, greeting cards, decorating lampshades and painting a fairy on wishing stones.

Step-by-step instructions are paired with photos and illustrations.

IKEA helps you pick a good mattress

The quality of your mattress and bedding can determine the quality of your sleep. However, there is no one best mattress choice, according to IKEA.

Here are a few tips from IKEA that can help you make a good choice.

UConsider your height, weight, sleep position and personal preference.

UA good mattress should maintain the natural curvature of the spine and keep it aligned. If it’s too soft, it will cause the spine to bow, causing backaches. If it’s too hard, it will create pressure points, resulting in numbness.

UHanging large mattress pads and pillowtops over a clothesline for a few hours in direct sunlight can significantly reduce bacteria and dust mites.

UProper body temperature is critical to getting a good night’s sleep. A comforter that is too warm will not allow the body’s temperature to drop to the levels needed to fall into a deep sleep. A comforter that does not provide enough warmth will disrupt sleep patterns by causing the sleeper to awake periodically.

UBedding materials made of fabrics such as 100 percent cotton and lyocell help maintain a dry, comfortable sleep environment.

Bedtime stories you can sleep on

Guess what’s new at Pottery Barn Kids? The Pottery Barn Kids Dr. Seuss bedding collection.

Featuring his most popular books — “Cat in the Hat,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “Fox in Socks” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” among others — the sheets in the collection are made from 100 percent organic cotton. Illustrations are printed in rich and layered colors on a white cotton percale background. The strip-pieced cotton quilts and long-staple polyester batting add texture. The vertical stripe pattern paired with heavyweight twill, jersey and corduroy enhance tactile appeal.

Cost for sheets ranges from $24 to $139, and quilted bedding ranges from $32 to $189.

For more information, visit potterybarnkids.com.

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