How to Fix Swim Bladder Disease in Goldfish

If your goldfish is swimming sideways or upside-down, it may have swim bladder disorder. Goldfish have a swim bladder that helps them stay afloat. Constipation, enlarged organs, or infection can all cause the swim bladder to stop functioning properly. In many cases swim bladder disorder can be remedied by changing the fish's diet or cleaning the tank. Fancy goldfish are more commonly affected than other fish.

Steps

Recognizing the Problem

1. Look for common symptoms of swim bladder disorder. Swim bladder disorder occurs when a fish's swim bladder, which normally inflates and helps the fish stay properly afloat, becomes compromised. No matter what's causing the problem, the symptoms are usually the same. When you see your fish belly-up, don't assume it's dead; if it's still breathing, it probably has swim bladder disorder. Here are symptoms to look for:^[1]
   
   • The fish keeps floating to the top, upside-down
   • The fish keeps sinking to the bottom of the tank
   • The fish swims with its tail higher than its head (note: this is normal for head standing fish species)
   • The fish has a swollen belly
2. Know which fish are most likely to be affected. Goldfish, especially fancy goldfish, and betta fish are most commonly affected by swim bladder disorder. These types of fish have round, short bodies, which causes their organs to become compressed. The fish's internal organs can press against the swim bladder and make it difficult for it to function properly.
   
   • If you have a fancy goldfish or a betta fish, you'll need to monitor it carefully for signs of swim bladder disorder. Left untreated it can lead to death.
   • Natural goldfish varieties with longer bodies are less prone to getting swim bladder disorder, since their organs are not packed tightly together.
3. Understand what causes swim bladder disorder. When a fish's tiny organs become enlarged, they can press against the swim bladder and cause it to malfunction. The stomach, intestines and liver are especially prone to becoming enlarged due to the fish's eating habits. Any of the following can cause swim bladder disorder:
   
   • Gulping too much air while eating, causing the stomach to become enlarged
   • Eating low quality or air-filled food, causing constipation in the intestine
   • Eating too much, causing fatty deposits to enlarge the liver
   • The development of cysts in the kidney, causing it to become enlarged
   • Deformity of an internal organ
4. Look for signs of infection. Sometimes swim bladder disorder is a symptom of infection, and you won't be able to solve that by changing your fish's eating habits. If you believe that your fish has an infection, it's important to treat that separately to help your fish get healthy again.^[2]
   
   • If your fish has an infection, it will exhibit clamped fins, shaking, and lack of appetite in addition to other symptoms of swim bladder disorder.
   • Start by cleaning the tank to reduce bacteria levels; in many cases, this will kill the bacteria causing the infection.
   • If symptoms persist, consider treating the fish with a broad spectrum antibiotic to cure the infection. Antibiotics are available at your pet store in the form of water treatment drops or medicated fish food flakes. Be sure to follow the instructions so as not to over medicate your fish.^[3]

Treating Swim Bladder Disorder

1. Raise the water temperature in the tank. A cold water temperature can slow digestion and lead to constipation. While you're treating your goldfish's swim bladder disorder, keep the water temperature between 70 and 80 degrees F to help aid in faster digestion.
   
2. Let the fish fast for three days. Since swim bladder disorder is commonly caused by eating problems, start by letting your fish fast for three days. When fish overeat they can end up with enlarged internal organs, causing the swim bladder to be compromised. Give the fish a chance to digest the food that it has already eaten and allow its stomach, intestines and other organs to shrink back to normal size.^[4]
   
   • Fasting for three days should not negatively affect your fish. However, do not continue the fast for more than three days.
   • During the fast, observe your fish to see whether the swim bladder disorder seems to have gone away. If the fish is still exhibiting symptoms, move on to the next step.
3. Prepare cooked peas for the fish. Peas are high in fiber as well as being dense, so they help ease a fish's constipation problems. Buy a package of frozen peas and cook them until soft (either in the microwave or on the stove). Remove the peel from a pea and drop a bit of pea into the water to feed your fish. The fish should eat no more than a pea or two per day.^[5]
   
   • Try not to overcook the peas; if they're too mushy, they'll fall apart before the fish can eat them.
   • When fish eat flake food, they often gulp too much air, causing indigestion and organ enlargement. Feeding them dense peas remedies this problem.^[6]
   • Goldfish are omnivores in the wild, so feeding them peas is not dangerous. However, since they are carnivores, feeding a betta or other fish peas can lead to indigestion and potentially make the problem worse.
4. Feed the fish by hand if necessary. When you drop a bit of pea into the water, it will be dense enough to sink to the bottom of the tank. Fish with swim bladder disorder may have trouble swimming to the bottom to reach the food. If necessary, hold the pea near the surface of the water until the fish is able to move close enough to eat it.
   
   • You can also skewer a pea on a toothpick and hold it within close range of the fish.
   • Lowering the water level so the fish can reach the peas is also effective.
5. Monitor the fish's symptoms. After a few days on a peas-only diet, the fish's digestion should begin to get back to normal, and you should see it begin swimming without problems again. At this point you can begin feeding the fish regular fish food again.
   
   • If symptoms persist, the fish may have an untreatable problem, such as an organ deformity or internal damage due. Give it a few more days to see if the symptoms of swim bladder disorder go away. If your fish never regains the ability to swim and eat properly, euthanasia may be the most humane solution.

Preventing Swim Bladder Disorder

1. Soak food before feeding. Flaky fish food floats at the top of the water, so when fish take a bite they also gulp down some air. This can cause their organs to become enlarged, leading to swim bladder disorder. Try soaking fish food before adding it to the tank so that it will sink into the water, allowing fish to eat it without taking in air.
   
   • You can also buy sinking fish food that automatically sinks to the bottom of the tank without needing to be soaked.
   • If you feed the fish anything besides flakes or pellets, make sure it's nutrient dense and fully thawed before feeding.
2. Do not over feed. When fish eat too much they can become constipated, leading to intestine or stomach enlargement and swim bladder problems. Fish should only be fed a small amount of food once per day. Even if your fish seems like it's always hungry, it only needs a small amount of food to function healthily.^[7]
   
3. Keep the tank clean. A dirty tank harbors bacteria and parasites, putting strain on a fish's symptom and sometimes leading to infection. Make sure to clean the tank frequently so that your fish is taking in clean water, rather than swimming around in waste.
   
   • Use a water test kit to check pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels. Changing the water doesn't guarantee proper levels, especially if you have never tested your water since starting your tank. Goldfish do best with a pH level of 7.2 - 7.6, as little ammonia as possible and a nitrate level of between 0 and .25 ppm.^[8]
   • Try adding aquarium salt made for freshwater tanks. Aquarium salt is good for helping to fight disease and boosts the goldfish's immune system.
4. Keep the water temperature appropriately warm. Check the temperature every so often to make sure it is about 70 degrees F. Goldfish don't function well in colder water; keeping them at a lower temperature can strain their systems and slow digestion.
   

Tips

• If you are feeding out flakes or pellets on a regular basis, soak them for 5-15 minutes in a cup of tank water. Often there are numerous air pockets created in the food during production. This excess air can become trapped in the digestive system.
• A goldfish with these symptoms could also be reacting to being picked on by other goldfish in the same tank. You can also try putting the sick fish in a "hospital" tank to see if they recover.

Warnings

• Never keep goldfish in bowls due to lack of space and filtration.

Related wikiHows

• How to Clean a Fish Tank
• How to Make Your Own Underwater Aquarium Filter
• How to Treat Tropical Fish With White Spot Disease (ich)
• How to Make Aquarium Setups Stand Out
• How to Keep Bass and Other American Gamefish in Your Home Aquarium
• How to Care for a Fantail Goldfish
• How to Tell if Your Goldfish Is an Adult

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

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How to Freeze Mangoes

Mangoes are tropical fruits and sweet in taste. They are best served freshly cut in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a frozen snack. Like papayas, mangoes are also commonly found as a breakfast side dish. Freezing mangoes are the best method to prepare a large quantity to store.

Steps

1. Select ripe mangoes to use. Gently put a very small amount of pressure on them to ensure the hardness of the fruit. Use your touch sense when comparing ripeness, not the color of it.
   
2. Prepare the mangoes. Use a knife to remove the skin from the fruit. Slice the mango into bite sized pieces.
   

Raw cubes

1. Place the pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure that the pieces do not touch each other, as it's very difficult to break frozen mangoes apart.
   
   • It's useful if the sheet as a "lip" or curved section, so that the pieces doesn't fall off. You can always use a shallow casserole dish as a substitute.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer on a flat surface. Freeze the fruit for about three to five hours, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
   
3. Add the frozen mangoes to a freezer zipped bag. Label accordingly, with the current date.
   
4. Freeze the mangoes up to 10 months.
   

Simple syrup cubes

1. Combine a cup of sugar and two cups of water in a medium pot.
   
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly and allowing the sugar to dissolve.
   
3. Allow the mixture to completely cool on the side.
   
4. Add the mango pieces in freezer friendly Tupperware containers. Label accordingly, with the current date.
   
5. Pour the simple syrup over the mango. Leave a 1" (2.54 cm) room at the top for expansion.
   
6. Freeze the mangoes up to 12 months.

Tips

• When thawed, like any other fruit, the mangoes may change texture. It's best to use frozen fruit in smoothies instead of recipes that call for fresh ingredients.
• Syrup-based mangoes are better to use when making sauces.

Related wikiHows

• How to Freeze Pineapple
• How to Freeze Blueberries
• How to Freeze Strawberries
• How to Freeze Butternut Squash

Sources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/1Ro6pOv - resource source

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How to Get Into Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School is typically the most highly ranked and well-respected MBA program in the country, if not the world. It's also one of the most competitive, admitting about 900 new students each year from an applicant pool of over 10,000. If you want to give it a shot, you can learn how to make your application stand out from the pack, getting the experience and skills you'll need to excel at HBS.

Steps

Completing Your Preliminary Education

1. Earn an undergraduate degree in business, science, or engineering. While it may seem that business majors will have a leg up on MBA programs, a study of first-year Harvard Business School (HBS) students reveals that undergraduate majors are more diverse than you might think.^[1] A large percentage of Humanities or Social Science majors are admitted most years, and science, technology, and engineering students make up an almost equal percentage compared to business.
   
   • You can technically apply to HBS with any major, from english to math, but if you want the background that will earn you a spot, business and technology majors have a proven track record of success.
   • It's true that a large percentage of students entering HBS come from the more prestigious Ivy League colleges like Yale and Penn, but a significant portion of students (up to 70% of the entering class) come from a variety of state schools. Wherever you go for your undergrad, you've got a chance of getting in, but only if you excel at a high level.^[2]
2. Maintain a high grade-point average (GPA). While there is technically no minimum GPA included as part of the HBS application, the average GPA is usually quite high. Average GPAs for entrants hover between 3.6 and 3.75. It's important to do well across all your courses and keep your GPA very high during your undergraduate education.
   
3. Develop excellent relationships with at least two faculty members. Developing a close personal and working relationship with members of the faculty is an important part of academic success. Faculty members will be willing to go the extra mile for students who get to know them, which can be challenging in bigger lectures with hundreds of students. Make the extra effort.
   
   • Single out faculty that attended HBS, if you want insider information and tips. A recommendation letter from alumni goes a long way on the application. Recommendation letters are a critical part of the application process, and can help you to stand out from the rest of the pack.
4. Complete an internship. In general, it's important for students coming into the HBS to have extensive experience outside of the classroom as well. Completing an internship in your field of interest is a great way of gaining real-world experience and connections that will make you stand out.
   
   • Look especially for internships related to e-commerce, technology, cloud computing, and anything based in Latin America, a growing marketplace.
   • To get into Harvard Business School, you need to have creative ideas about leadership, business, and innovation. While you'll get that in the classroom, it's important to go the extra mile. An internship can open up opportunities for you to make that happen.
5. Take the GMAT or GRE test. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a graduate-level evaluation of your business and management skills. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) measures your verbal and quantitative-reasoning skills, critical thinking, and analytical-writing skills. The school uses these scores to measure your ability to succeed at HBS.
   
   • Average GMAT scores typically range between 550-800, with the most number of students spring between 700-750. Again, there is no minimum score required, but a high score will help your application stand out.
   • International students with non-English speaking degrees also need to take the TOEFL, which measures English proficiency. You must pass this test to be admitted into HBS.
6. Diversify your academic interests. If there's one thing all HBS students have in common, it's that they're dynamic and innovative future leaders. HBS looks for applicants with the potential for leadership an the skills to back it up. An engineering or technology graduate degree looks great on the application, along with your excellent leadership skills.
   
   • One in nine HBS students pursue a degree with another Harvard graduate college. Consider getting an advanced degree in a different field before applying to HBS.

Applying

1. Fill out the introduction page on the Harvard Business School Web site. You can express your interest and intent to apply to HBS by entering your basic contact information and demographic data here: http://ift.tt/1a351k7. This is a great way to stay organized and receive helpful updates during the application season.
   
   • This form signifies to the school your intent to apply. The school will then send you information about the application process and about events in your area.
2. Mark the application deadlines on your calendar. Always check in to the HBS website to make sure that you get your application materials in on time. There are typically three rounds of applications, starting in the Fall during your senior year, for admission the following school year. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.^[3]
   
   • Round 1: Application due in early September, notified by early December
   • Round 2: Application due in early January, notified by late March
   • Round 3: Application due in early April, notified by mid-May
3. Supply your recommenders with the instructors for uploading their letters. Typically, you'll need to provide two contacts who are willing to fill out letters of recommendation for you. These are people familiar with your work abilities, talents, and academic skills. It's good to make sure your recommenders are familiar with the due dates, online portal for entering the letters, and questions they'll have to answer. There will be a variety of questions, including the following:
   
   • How do the candidate's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)^[4]
   • Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (250 words)
4. Write your application essay, including the optional response. It's important to write specifically and vividly about what you want to do beyond the scope of a degree at HBS, and how HBS will help you achieve those goals. There is only one required application essay, which is extremely short (500 characters), which encourages you to describe your career goals briefly.
   
   • It's a good idea to complete the optional essay as well to give the panel a sense of who you are as a person, which has no length-requirement and basically just encourages you to write about yourself: "Tell us anything else you'd like us to know regarding your candidacy."^[5]
   • Make yourself multi-dimensional. Take the essay as an opportunity to give yourself layers. What's your story? What does your story say about you? Why does your story make you an ideal candidate for HBS?
   • Pick a central theme and stick to it. You don't have to tell your whole life story. A good application essay, though there's no limit, should be no longer than 2-3 pages.
   • Don't include stuff that's on your resume. A list of your achievements is what a resume is for. Use the essay to tell your story. Use clear and vivid details.^[6]
5. Submit your application online. There's a brief and basic application to fill out online, which will prompt you to upload the various scores and documents necessary for consideration. The online portal can be accessed here. When you complete the application, you'll also have to sign and complete:
   
   • The Harvard Business School Community Values Statement
   • A signed and completed Statement of Application Integrity
   • $250 nonrefundable application fee ($100 for college seniors)
6. Send in your transcripts and test scores. Self-reported transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions you attended will be included in the online application, but you'll need to send in official copies as well. Contact your prior institutions to have your transcripts sent.
   
   • Your GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL scores will also need to be sent directly to HBS. You can request to have the scores sent to the schools you're applying to when you take the test.
7. Go in for an interview, if requested. If the admissions board is interested, they will set up an interview with you. The content of these interviews is typically private, but it's usually an attempt to get to know more about your personality and ability to succeed in the high-paced and dynamic environment of HBS.
   
   • Interviews are usually conducted by a combination of alumni and admissions officers. They're typically done in person at Harvard, but can also be done online or over the phone.
   • After the interview, applicants are typically requested to fill out a brief written reflection on the application process. Further instructions and direction will be given during the interview itself.

Standing Out

1. Have a strong sense of where you're going before you apply. HBS rewards students who are already achieving at a high level, assured and confident in their abilities to change the world in industry and technology. Students at HBS have a track record of success, strong leadership skills, and the technical know-how to get things done.^[7] If you're not sure what you want to be doing in 10 years, HBS probably isn't the place for you.
   
2. Start your own business. As much as 20% of first-year students have founded or co-founded a business before being admitted to HBS.^[8] The ingenuity and innovative skills gained from starting a business are highly valued among the admissions board when evaluating a student's ability to succeed.
   
   • If you don't start a business, try working for or interning with a start-up before applying. Typically, technology companies encourage you to define the nature of your own job, growing and expanding your responsibilities on your own. This is a big part of what you'll be learning at HBS.
3. Work for a while after college. Most students entering HBS have worked in the business or technology industry for a few years before applying. Many students come to HBS from tech start-ups, or from jobs on Wall Street.
   
   • Financial consultants make up a big percentage of new HBS students. The better a job you can get at a well-known firm like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, the better a chance you'll have at getting in.
4. Apply as soon as possible. Harvard Business School is on the cutting edge, and isn't typically a place where non-traditional graduate students end up. Most students entering HBS are 24-26 years old and have only been out of school for a few years. As soon as you get some experience under your belt, start thinking about applying to graduate schools.
   
5. Have a dynamic and vocal personality. HBS wants students people that will be leaders and are already well on their way, achieving at a high level, not creative types who may go somewhere with the right push. It's a very competitive atmosphere that requires students to have a strong sense of self and a willingness to speak their mind.
   
   • Most coursework in HBS is debate-driven and vocal, meaning that you'll be standing up in a large lecture hall and arguing over a particular topic with a professor and other students. It's intense, not typically a place for introverts.^[9]

Tips

• Attend a school that follows the IB program in grades 10 and up. Passing the IB program guarantees that you will meet all colleges academic requirements to enroll.

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Into Harvard Law

Sources and Citations

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How to Become a Certified Event Planner

Worldwide, the special events industry is worth an estimated $500 billion, with profits continuing to rise. These well paid and highly in-demand professionals plan social events for hotels, corporations, theme parks, cruise lines and non-profit organizations. Becoming certified as an event planner requires creativity and hard work. With personal initiative and advance planning, you can become a certified event planner by following these steps. After you have experience under your belt you may pursue the CMP or Certified Meeting Professional credential overseen by the CIC (Convention Industry Council). This designation is recognized globally and those holding a CMP are considered leaders in the industry. Those with ten years' experience can also apple for a CMM or Certified Meeting Manager credential.

Steps

Planning Your Career

1. Decide what kind of event planner you'd like to become. Think about whether you want to be known as a generalist event planner (you're willing to help people plan any kind of event), or whether you'd rather specialize in certain types of events, such as wedding receptions, high class corporate events, sports events, and so on. The latter choice allows you to develop a specific expertise in one field, whereas the generalist approach will enable you to select across a broader range of events.
   
   • There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches that you should consider - for example, generalist work means that you will have a wide range of events available to possible booking of your services but you won't necessarily be able to distinguish yourself as being unique; whereas, specialist work would enable you to become renowned for certain types of events.
   • The types of events include weddings, fashion shows, corporate sponsorship events, diplomatic events, celebrity parties, conferences, fundraisers, openings and Open Days, sports events (for example racing cars and horses, football, tennis, etc.), business and product launches, travel accommodation, birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations of people and companies, commemorations, government sponsored events, etc. It is also expected that you will be able to organize any type of meeting.
   • Determine whether you're willing to travel across the country or you move to a different city. Certain types of event planning are more prevalent in certain places. For example, if you live in a big sports town, you may want to become a sports event planner.
2. Go to trade shows and conferences. These are industry gatherings run by national and international organizations featuring information on even planning as a career. Trade shows and conferences are excellent places to talk to professionals on the pros and cons of the industry. This is a great way to figure out what type of event planning will be a good fit for you.^[1]
   
3. Understand an event planner's duties. Make sure you know exactly what’s involved in this highly specialized line of work before you invest in education and training. Duties include locating sites for events, working with caterers, entertainers and decorators, creating lists of attendees, designing invitations, supervising mailings, managing technology, and making special accommodations for guests when necessary.
   
   • You'll be expected to do all the research and footwork for your clients. The ability to use technology and networking for this purpose is essential; while you can question your client for some of the information, often the client won't know and doesn't have the time to fill you in on what's essentially your duty anyway.
   • You'll be expected to design and theme events from start to finish. Some clients will be more hands-on in this area than others but the design aspect still falls squarely inside your obligations. Keep a compilation of ideas from the start of your event planning career so that you always have solutions to suggest and draw on.
   • Part of the process of planning events is developing your proposal for the event, even before you win the contract. Be aware that this is time-consuming (requiring thought, content creation, photographs, design ideas, etc.) and you may not even win the job. It's advisable to develop a fee for this work or you might have your ideas "borrowed" with nothing recouped.
   • There will always be more things to take care of than any list can ever describe fully. Be ready for anything and everything to be thrown at you, and be ready to have to constantly liaise with people, even if you think you've already sorted things!
4. Assess your own abilities. It is very important to be honest when assessing your own abilities because this is a strenuous and demanding role. You will need to be happy to interact and network with people constantly, even at odd hours. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine your suitability for the role:
   
   • Are you creative, well organized and very detail-oriented? Being organized is even more important than being creative because you are responsible for the smooth running of everything, while you can always call on other people for the creative input.
   • Are you able to think laterally and outside of the box?
   • Do you like to work as part of a team? Are you also patient and able to clearly convey what is expected of everyone within the team?
   • Do you have the physical stamina to work long hours on your feet in a fast-paced setting? This isn't a 9 to 5 job, so you'll need to work during times that other people would consider "down time" such as on weekends.
   • Can you handle pressure, especially the pressure of last minute changes and quick fixes when things go wrong?
   • Are you comfortable working with technology (for example, audio set-ups, PowerPoint and computer usage, etc.)? If not, how do you intend to brush up this skill?
   • Do you have good business acumen, including the ability to negotiate, persuade, and receive and give feedback?
   • Most importantly, are you good working with people from all walks of life? Excellent people skills are vital in this profession.

Gaining Experience and Training

1. Get relevant hands-on experience. This helps you improve your people skills, a crucial part of an event planner’s job. It will also be the best way to make a decision as to whether or not this is work you'll love doing. It's wise to try work in event planning for at least a few months before considering formal training, even if you just seek work experience.
   
   • Work as an assistant at a hotel or for a caterer, or seek job shadowing opportunities with a professional planner. Get to know what it’s like to work behind the scenes at events that you someday hope to plan.
   • Volunteer to plan fundraising events with community groups.
2. Pursue formal training. Although training isn't necessary to become an event planner, it's mandatory if you want to get a certificate. It's also a good idea because it will ensure that you have good knowledge to begin with and can show your clients certificates, feedback, references, and so on. There are several ways to get formal training, from getting a degree to apprenticing. What you do will depend on the funds you have available and the availability of training options in your area. The following possibilities are open to you:
   
   • Apprenticing with a professional event planner. Apprentice in a support staff role with a professional event planner and work your way up the company’s ladder.
   • Completing formal education through a college, vocational school or online program. Study hospitality management, public relations or hotel administration at a trade school, college or university. Attend information sessions to find out more about a course that interests you.
   • Pursuing online study. Complete a special program designed only for event planners. Find these programs at such websites as Meeting Professionals International. (Follow the education links to view a list of college and university programs that can help you become certified.) There are also various webinars online that enable you to study online.
3. Build a portfolio. Include relevant experience that you can show to prospective employers and to professional associations that offer certification. Keep records of any events you helped to plan, such as photographs and professional references from clients and vendors attesting to your reliability and expertise.
   

Getting Certified and Working as an Event Planner

1. Complete a certification program with a reputable event planning association. Contact the various trade organizations associated with the event planning industry, such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the International Special Events Society (ISES), the Convention Industry Council (CIC), or the Society of Government Meeting Professionals for assistance. Each organization will have different requirements for certification, but most will require that you have a certain number of years of experience, have completed a training program, and have passed certification exams.
   
   • Note the difference between "certification" and "certificate". While it is possible to get a certificate in event planning from training, it is not possible to get certification from a school. The difference is this: a certificate is the paper you're given by a school at the completion of a program relevant to the field of event planning. A certification, on the other hand, is a professional designation given by a trade organization and it will only be obtained after you have a proven track record of professional experience and have successfully passed the organization's tests.^[2]
   • Each program varies in the level of professional experience required, so you'll need to contact the organizations individually to find out if you meet the requirements; if not, keep working until you meet the requirements, as the certification will definitely improve your reputation within the industry.
   • The most recognized certifications are those offered by the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) offered by ISES; the Certified Meeting Professional (CIC), and the Certified Meeting Planner (MPI).^[3]
   • If you are aiming to be very specific in the type of event planning that you're doing, get certified by specific trade organizations, such as the Association of Bridal Consultants and Weddings Beautiful Worldwide if you're planning to be solely a wedding planner. The specific organizations are likely to be of more assistance when you are tailoring your event planning services narrowly.
2. Become a member of a relevant trade organization. The benefit of belonging to trade organizations is the fact that you'll meet many contacts and find job opportunities through networking and resources only available to members. If you are or have been a student in a recognized event planning course, ask about possible membership discounts, as memberships can be pricey when you're first starting out.
   
3. Start working as a certified event planner. It is important to make a decision as to whether you're prepared to start your own business or consultancy or whether you'd like to start out by working for someone else. In the latter case, you'll get the benefit of someone else's experience and booked clients but you won't get paid as much and it'll take longer for you to establish your own name. On the other hand, starting from scratch can be hard work and requires funds, business expertise, and a lot of determination; if this is your preferred option, read about starting small businesses and the types of strategies to use, as well as the pitfalls to avoid.
   
   • Be aware that some markets are already saturated with event planners. Do your research well in advance of setting up your own business or consultancy.
   • Don't lose sight of the fact that you can still offer something that is better and more unique than the existing crowd even in a saturated market but what you're offering will need to be extraordinary, and you'll need to be very determined and consistent.

Additional Resources

Sample Event Planner Resume

Sample Event Planner Action Plan

Tips

• Experience in catering is very useful and highly transferable to event planning.
• Get help choosing a legitimate formal event planning study program. Check with Meeting Professionals International before enrolling in any formal program. They can tell you whether the program offers the kind of education and training you’ll need to become certified.
• It can be very helpful to be bilingual, such as having Spanish and English. If you are planning for diplomatic events, even more languages is a great advantage.
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has suggested that planners with degrees and certification will do better than those without professional credentials.^[4] The BLS found that the median annual salary for event and meeting planners in 2008 was $44,260, with those being paid the most living in areas with large concentrations of business and government, such as New York and the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Warnings

• Be very careful with online certificates. Some of them may be nothing more than a "certificate mill", teaching you little and rewarding you with a certificate that has little or no standing in the event planning world. Do your research beforehand to check the authenticity and reputation of the online study.
• Learn early on how to have back-up plans. Having Plans B and C will save you from a lot of embarrassment and frustration when things inevitably don't go according to plan. Use "thinking on the spot" skills regularly.
• This is not a 9 to 5 job; you need to be very flexible, and available for weekdays, weeknights and weekends. This can be difficult if you're raising a young family or don't like being up late.

Things You'll Need

• Suitable training and qualifications
• Business start-up funds if running your own event planning business

Related wikiHows

• How to Develop a Training Program on the Job
• How to Become a Recording Secretary
• How to Plan and Organize a Family Reunion
• How to Plan a Super Event
• How to Organize a Fundraiser
• How to Organize a Gig

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1kkqCtK

How to Hang a Wall Tapestry

Tapestries can be beautiful decorations for rooms and walls that need something a little extra. They can also add texture to walls and dampen noise. Even though tapestries cannot break if they fall, they still look better if hung properly. There are many different ways to hang tapestries but no matter which method you choose, with a few steps you will have a lovely tapestry hanging on your wall in no time!

Steps

Using a Rod with Finials

1. Use a rod with finials if your tapestry has a rod pocket. Most modern tapestries will come with a rod pocket along the top edge. In this case you can use a rod, which will look a bit like a curtain rod. This is a simple and straightforward method for hanging tapestries.
   
   
   • Brackets can be added to the wall from which to hang the rod.
   • Keep in mind that this method will result in your tapestry hanging away from the wall, with the distance depending on your particular brackets. If you want you tapestry to hang flush with the wall, try another method.^[1]
2. Obtain a rod, finials and wall brackets. Choose a rod with decorative finials that will fit in with the room’s existing decor. Although there are rods made specifically for tapestries, you can also use normal curtain rods. However, you must make sure the rod fits inside the pocket of the tapestry. The necessary rod diameter depends upon the weight of the tapestry and the length depends on the width of the tapestry.
   
   
   • A 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch diameter rod will hold an average or large size tapestry anywhere from 2 to 10 lbs.
   • The rod should be long enough so that the rod finials extend beyond the edges of the tapestry with the brackets meeting the edges of the tapestry. This will allow the tapestry to slightly shadow the brackets giving more focus to the finials than the brackets.
   • The wall brackets should stick out from the wall a little so that the tapestry will hang at least ½ inch (1 cm) away from the wall. This will prevent moisture build-up.
3. Determine where you would like to hang the tapestry. You would usually want to hang the tapestry so that the center is at eye level for an average sized person. However, you can hang the tapestry however you wish so it fits in with the rest of your room.
   
   
   • You may have to hang the tapestry a bit higher if hanging over a sofa or if you have very high walls.
4. Iron the tapestry if needed. Prior to hanging your tapestry, ironing may be needed to remove creases. Use a low to medium iron to test first and iron on the back of the tapestry. If creases do not come out by ironing the back, then use a dye-free bed sheet and place over the front of the tapestry to iron.
   
   
   • You may need to increase the temperature of the iron and use some steam to remove the creases but always test in a corner of the tapestry first.
5. Find your studs. Find your wall studs using a stud finder so that you can attach your brackets to them. Drill holes spaced so that the brackets sit just outside the width of the tapestry. Use a level to make sure these holes are even so that your tapestry does not end up crooked.
   
   
   • Tapestries do not always need to be hung on wall studs. In most cases you can simply use drywall screws and hang the tapestry wherever you like.
   • If you do not have a level you can also measure from the ceiling down to where you would like to hang the tapestry. Make sure that the distance from the ceiling to the hole is the same on both sides.
6. Attach your brackets. Attach the brackets into the wall using the holes you have drilled. Make sure you use the correct screws for your type of wall. These can be masonry screws, drywall screws or simple wood screws.
   
   
7. Push the rod through the rod pocket on the back of the tapestry. Place the rod though the rod pocket at the top on the back of the tapestry. Attach the finials to each end of the rod.
   
   
8. Hang your tapestry on the brackets and enjoy your beautiful new eye-catching piece of art! Place the rod securely into the wall-mounted brackets and check one last time that everything looks even and secure.
   
   

Using a Baseboard

1. Use baseboard to hang a tapestry with a rod pocket directly against the wall. This is a very inexpensive and easy method for hanging wall tapestries although it still requires the tapestry to have a rod pocket on the back.
   
   
   • Your tapestry will be hung very straight by using this method.
   • This method also ensures that the tapestry is hung flush against the wall.^[2]
2. Get a piece of baseboard that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. Cut a piece of baseboard or another flat piece of wood so that it is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry.
   
   
   • The bar can also be made from metal or plastic but these are harder to drill through properly.
   • Make sure your baseboard fits in the rod pocket on the back of the tapestry.^[2]
3. Drill holes in each end of the baseboard. Drill holes at each end of the baseboard that are equal distances from the ends of the baseboard and centered. These holes should fit the size screws that you will be using.
   
   
4. Locate your studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Although this is not always necessary it will help you to find the most secure location to hang your tapestry.
   
   
   • If you cannot use the studs, do not have studs or would like to put the tapestry in another location you can use drywall screws or masonry screws, depending on the type of wall you are hanging the tapestry on.^[2]
5. Mark the screw locations on the walls and drill the holes. Use the baseboard to mark the location of the screws on the wall. Once holding the baseboard level against the wall you can insert a pencil or screw to make a small mark on the wall. Drill holes into the walls at these locations to align with the holes made in the baseboard.
   
   
   • Make sure the baseboard is level while you do this to ensure that your tapestry is hung straight.^[2]
6. Insert wall anchors if you are using them. If you require wall anchors, for example if you are hanging directly into the drywall or have masonry walls, then you should now insert these into the drilled holes.
   
   
   • Wall anchors will provide extra stability and ensure your screws do not slide out from drywall or masonry walls.
7. Slide the baseboard into the rod pocket on the tapestry. The rod pocket should be located at the top on the back of the tapestry.
   
   
8. Screw the screws through the baseboard and into the wall. Start with one side at a time and screw through the baseboard into the hole or wall anchor on that side. Repeat with the screw on the other side.
   
   
9. Step back and make sure the tapestry is level. Now that the tapestry is hung, take a step back to make sure everything looks even and level. If everything is good then you are finished!
   
   

Adding a Casing

1. Use this method to add a casing or rod pocket if your tapestry does not have one. If your tapestry has no rod pocket then you can simply add one onto the top back edge of your tapestry to hang using the previous methods.
   
   
   • This is an easy way to prepare your tapestry for hanging either with a rod or using a baseboard.^[3]
2. Obtain a strip of cloth that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. You can use heavy cotton, linen or even cotton twill rug binding. These materials will be strong enough to hold up your tapestry.
   
   
   • The strip must be wide enough to be wrapped all the way around your rod lengthwise with a little cloth left over. ^[3]
3. Hand sew the strip of cloth across the top back edge of the tapestry. Use heavy cotton button-hole thread to hand sew the strip across the tapestry. Catch at least two warp threads (the underlying straight threads) with each stitch so that it is strong enough to support the tapestry.
   
   
   • Use thread that is the same color as a dominant color of your tapestry so that it won’t be noticeable.
   • Make sure you sew the strip so that it sticks up along the middle. This will make room for the rod so that your tapestry lies straight when the rod is inserted.
   • Be very careful that your strip is straight, even if your tapestry does not have a straight edge. If your strip is not sewn straight, the tapestry will hang crooked as well. ^[3]
4. Insert a rod into the rod pocket or casing. You can either use a normal tapestry rod or a baseboard to slide in and hang as normal in the other two methods. Alternatively you can insert a rod that is slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry.
   
   
   • If using a short rod you can hang it on two screws attached to the wall at the ends of the rod. This way you cannot see any hanging apparatus from the front side. ^[3]
5. Make sure your tapestry hangs straight and even. Step back and observe the tapestry to make sure it is hanging straight. If it is not even try taking out the stitches and reattaching the rod pocket or casing. ^[3]
   
   

Using Velcro

1. Use Velcro for an easily alterable method for hanging the tapestry. Velcro is an adaptable method, which allows you to change the locations of the tapestries from time to time. Velcro is also particularly useful when hanging tapestries on curved walls because it conforms to the wall on which it is mounted.
   
   
   • This method is preferred by many museum curators for tapestries. ^[3]
2. Obtain a strip of Velcro. Get a piece of Velcro that is the slightly shorter than the width of your tapestry. You will need both sides of the Velcro so they can attach together. The width of the Velcro will depend on the width and weight of the tapestry you are using.
   
   
   • Velcro comes in widths between ½ inch (1.25 cm) and 4 inches (10 cm). The longer and heavier your tapestry is, the wider Velcro you should use to support it. ^[4]
3. Sew the soft, fuzzy side of the Velcro to the tapestry. Use heavy cotton button-hole thread to sew the fuzzy side of the Velcro to the back top edge of the tapestry. Make sure you sew over at least two warp threads with each stitch so that it is strong enough for hanging.
   
   
   • Make sure the thread is the same color as one of the dominant colors in your tapestry so that it blends in.
   • You can also machine stitch the Velcro to a canvas strip first and then hand stitch the strip to the tapestry in the same way. This provides extra stiffness and support for the tapestry to hang straight. ^[4]
4. Get a piece of baseboard or strip of wood and drill holes in the ends. The strip should be slightly shorter than the width of the tapestry. Drill a hole in each end of the piece of wood. The holes should be equidistant from the ends and centered. ^[4]
   
   
5. Staple the stiffer side of the Velcro to the piece of wood. Use wood staples to staple the piece of Velcro along the wooden board at one inch (2.5 cm) spacing. Make sure the Velcro does not cover the holes in the board.
   
   
   • If you are attaching the tapestry to a curved wall you will either need to use a bendable board or simply attach the Velcro directly to the wall. ^[4]
6. Use the board to mark holes on the wall where the screws will go. Hang up the baseboard on the wall, making sure it is level, and mark the locations of the two holes on the wall. Remove the board and drill two holes into the wall.
   
   
   • Insert wall anchors into the wall if you are drilling directly into drywall or masonry walls. ^[4]
7. Insert screws through the board and into the wall. Screw the screws through the pre-drilled holes in the board and into the wall anchors to secure the board. Make sure the board is level before proceeding. ^[4]
   
   
8. Attach the tapestry to the board using the Velcro. Simply press the Velcro on the tapestry against the Velcro attached to the board to secure. Make sure there are no bumps and that the tapestry is hung straight. ^[4]
   
   

Mounting on Stretchers

1. Mount the tapestry on stretchers to provide a rigid background. This involves stretching heavy fabric over a frame and then attaching the tapestry to the stretched fabric. This also provides a kind of border for your tapestry. ^[3]
   
   
2. Create a wooden frame or cut a piece of painted plywood to size. You can make a wooden frame using four thin pieces of wood cut to the desired lengths and widths and gluing or screwing them together. Use corner brackets to increase the stability of the frame.
   
   
   • You can also use a piece of painted plywood as your backing. Simply cut the piece to the size you desire for your background.
   • The frame should be at least one inch (2.5 cm) wider on each side than your tapestry but you can use any border size you think looks appropriate.
   • You can also use foam core for your background instead of plywood or a wooden frame. Foam core is particularly easy to stitch through and thus makes an ideal base, but it is not suitable for heavy tapestries. Rather use a foam core only for smaller sized tapestries. ^[3]
3. Stretch canvas or another sturdy material over your frame or plywood. Use a heavy material such as canvas and stretch it over the frame or plywood. Ensure that the piece of material is at least 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) long on each side so that you can fold it over the edges easily. Use wood staples to staple the material onto the frame.
   
   
   • If you want to use a lightweight material such as silk as your border then you should stretch it over a sturdy canvas or other material. This way the canvas underneath will provide support but you can also create the look you desire. You can also use a middle layer of soft cotton flannel in between. ^[3]
4. Stitch the tapestry to the fabric. Use heavy cotton thread with large staggered stitches to attach the tapestry to the background material. Make sure the stitches cross at least two warp stitches each time.
   
   
   • Pick a color thread that matches the dominant color on the tapestry so that you cannot see the stitches from the front.
   • Sew along the edges as well as in other areas to fully support the weight of the tapestry.
   • You can also combine the frame and Velcro methods by stitching Velcro to the frame and tapestry instead. This way if you get tired of your tapestry locations and want to rotate them you can simply un-Velcro and switch them. ^[3]
5. Use a frame if desired. You can also use a purchased frame if you choose for your tapestry. This frame should provide ample space for the canvas and tapestry to fit inside. You do not want the glass or plexiglass cover to touch the tapestry or else if can cause a build up of moisture.
   
   
   • Many museums use a shadow box frame or plexiglass box to frame their tapestries.
   • Make sure there is air circulation as well so that no moisture builds up in the frame. ^[3]
6. Hang your frame on the wall. Use normal methods for hanging pictures to hang your frame on the wall. Find the studs in the wall and partially screw two screws in at a distance suitable for your frame. You can then simply rest the edges of your frame on these screws to hang.
   
   
   • Make sure you hang the frame using a level so that it hangs straight.
   • You can also use a variety of hardware designed for hanging picture frames on the walls. Be aware that if your frame is particularly heavy you will need to use heavy-duty hardware or else the frame will fall. ^[3]

Hanging a Tapestry with Fringe at the Top

1. Use this method if you have a tapestry with fringe at the top. Having fringe hanging down from the top of your tapestry may not look very appealing. This method hides the top fringe behind a board or piece of wood, creating a cleaner and more polished look. ^[3]
   
   
2. Cut a piece of wood so that it is just shorter than the width of the tapestry. You will use a piece of wood to hold up the tapestry so the size of wood required depends on the weight of the tapestry.
   
   
   • For normal applications you can use a piece of 1x2 (22mm by 44mm) or 1x3 (22mm by 72mm) wood but if your tapestry is particularly large or heavy you should consider larger sizes. ^[3]
3. Paint the piece of wood. Paint the wood using to prevent acid deterioration of the tapestry where it will be touching the wood.
   
   
   • You will be able to see the board on the ends so use a color that either matches the wall or the dominant colors of the tapestry. ^[3]
4. Hand sew a heavy fabric along the top edge of the tapestry. Cut a heavy canvas-type fabric so that it is a few inches longer than the width of the tapestry. Hand sew this canvas to the top front edge of the tapestry.
   
   
   • The canvas fabric should be about six or seven inches wide, but if more support is needed for heavier tapestries then you can use a wider strip.
   • Make sure the stitches are straight even if the tapestry end is not perfectly straight or else you will end of with a crooked tapestry.
   • You may need several rows of stitches when sewing on the canvas, especially for heavier tapestries.
   • Make sure each stitch covers at least two warp threads and use heavy cotton thread that matches the dominant color of your tapestry. ^[3]
5. Fold over the edges of the canvas and flop this section to the back. Fold the ends of the canvas strip around to the back of the tapestry, enclosing the fringe and edges of the tapestry on the top. Then flop the entire piece over so that it is facing the back. ^[3]
   
   
6. Drill holes into the board or piece of wood for fastening to the wall. Drill holes near the ends of the board so that they are centered and even. They should also be equidistant from the ends. ^[3]
   
   
7. Use the board to mark and drill holes into the wall. Use a level while placing the board against the wall to mark the locations you will be drilling into the wall. The best option is to use a stud finder to find studs to drill into. Alternatively you can use drywall screws and place them directly into the drywall.
   
   
   • Insert wall anchors if you are drilling into drywall or masonry.
   • Make sure the screws you will be using are strong enough if you have an especially large tapestry. Check the manufacturer’s label for their strength.
8. Slide the board or painted piece of wood underneath this flap and secure with staples. Slide the painted board underneath the flap so that it is between the canvas and top of the tapestry. Use wood staples to staple the canvas directly to the backside of the piece of wood. ^[3]
   
   
9. Lift up the hanging tapestry and secure the board to the wall. You may need help to hold up the tapestry while you are driving screws through the board and into your wall. Make sure the board is secure and level.
   
   
   • The canvas wrapped fringe and top edge of the tapestry should be between the board and the wall. Make sure you secure the board tightly against the wall to secure the tapestry in place. ^[3]
10. Allow the flap of tapestry to come down once more and check that it is level. Now that the board is securely attached to the wall you can bring down the flap of tapestry that was being held up. Make sure everything looks even and straight and admire your work!
    
    

Video

Tips

• Never use adhesives when mounting fine textiles. These adhesives will damage the material.
• You can use brads or push pins as a temporary solution for hanging your tapestry but these methods can damage the tapestry by cutting threads, putting pressure on certain locations in the weaving or rusting. Spring clips are also only a temporary solution.
• If your tapestry still hands irregularly, consider adding a thin casing or rod pocket at the bottom. Once sewn on, you can add a rod to keep the tapestry hanging straight.
• Always paint any wood that comes in direct contact with the tapestry. The acid in the wood can damage the textile. ^[3]
• Never hang a textile with rings because the fabric’s weight will be unevenly distributed, which can damage the fabric. ^[3]

Warnings

• Always follow safety precautions when using any power tools.
• If choosing to hang tassels with your tapestry, consider children and pets (cats) who may find tassels fun to play with. Tassels, like any other window hanging cords, can create a strangulation risk. It is best to avoid using tassels if you have kids or pets.
• Be very careful when using a ladder to hang tapestries in hard to reach locations. Many accidents occur every year due to falls from ladders so ensure that the ladder is secure before using.

Related wikiHows

• How to Clean a Tapestry with Bran
• How to Make a Wall Hanging
• How to Hang a Rug on a Wall

Sources and Citations

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from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1LK5FBN