ParaNorman producers make film using 3D colour printers

More than 31,000 facial expressions were printed for the production

Lights... camera... 3D colour printer. During the making of ParaNorman, a new stop-motion animation film released this week in the UK, four 3D printers were essential members of the crew.

Stop-motion is a traditional film-making technique that dates back to the 19th Century.
It involves using puppet models that are gently repositioned frame by frame to create the illusion of movement.
Traditionally, individual facial expressions would be sculpted by hand out of clay, but the producers of ParaNorman built up a library of 8,800 3D-printed faces for the main character alone, which could be used in various sequences, to give him about 1.5 million different expressions.
Production house Laika began experimenting with 3D printers in the production of its 2008 film Coraline, in which the lead character Sac Lancel France managed a comparatively feeble 200,000 expressions.
Time saving
British animation producers Aardman also used 3D printers in their recent series The Pirates!
"All shapes need to be modelled on the computer before they are printed, but there's a time saving to be made in terms of animation on set," said Stuart Missinger, award leader on the Stop Motion Animation and Puppet Making course at Staffordshire University.
"It means the animator can literally pick and mix from a library of faces. But there's a seam line that runs where a mouth replacement slots in - it goes under the eye, across the bridge of the nose, across the temple.
"If the character has a beard, then the seam line is masked - but if it's visible it needs painting out in post production."
Mr Missinger's colleague, Daryl Marsh is senior lecturer in stop motion at the same university.
He admits the technique isn't to the taste of every potential animator.
"We try to push the students to try it out," he said.
"A lot of stop-motion is craft-based so they prefer working with their hands but there is some cross-over. When you've done it once, it makes sense - the first time it's confusing."
Printer power
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Brian McLean is creative supervisor of replacement animation and engineering at the Rapid-Prototype department of Laika.
Laika says 3.77 tonnes of printer powder were used by the four printers working on ParaNorman.
They worked a total of 572 days, churning out faces from the lower eyelids down to the chins of the main characters.
Extra work was still involved once the faces came off the printers.
"There are super-glue and powder elements as part of the process. But the resin is liquid and it's sprayed by multiple heads in a given printer onto a water-soluble powder-based support material, which is the foundation for the entire process," said Mr McLean.
"Though they look like sugar cookies from the oven when they emerge, there's no residue when the support material washes away."
Sometimes the printers made mistakes - one scene in which two characters fall into each other and their faces blend was the result of a printer malfunction.
"The solution of purposefully printing the two characters' faces together Le Brigitte Bardot came to us after a mistake from one of the printers, where a bunch of faces were printed on top of one another. Whenever there's a mistake in the process, we look at it and wonder, 'Could we utilize that?' In this case, it made for a cool effect."
Mr McLean also has a response for any purists who may believe the new technology takes the skill of stop motion away from its roots.
"The 3D Printers are the connection between computers and stop-motion," he said.
"Cutting-edge computer-generated starts it, and hand-made practicality - the signature of the stop-motion art form - finishes it."

10 Things To Know When Going For Botox Treatment

Are you sick and tired of applying age defying creams and lotions? Do you want to try something scientific and proven technique to look young? Botox might be a good option to consider. Botox is a quick method to look young. The procedure involves injecting botox into the muscles by trained and skilled doctor. It is a result of women’s quest of looking young forever.

We all are well versed with the age old adage, “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”, still we leave no stone unturned to look beautiful and appealing. In the recent years botox injections have become a popular procedure for having a wrinkle free face and to enhance the beauty of face.

What is Botox?
Botox is a refined form of botulinum toxin that is known to cause botulism or food poisoning. Botox is known to be used widely for strabismus (eye squint), cervical dystonia (wry neck) and blephrospasm (inability to open eyes).

Nowadays botox is extensively used as “beauty-enhancing aid.” Nearly all of us are obsessed with the idea of looking beautiful and better looking. This explains the increasingly advancing uses of botox.

How Botox Works?
When botox is injected into the muscles, the nerve impulses responsible for contracting the muscles are blocked. This result in smooth skin as the muscle contraction is reduced. The skin becomes relaxed. The facial features become more stress-free and relaxed. Botox is also associated with the notion of looking young forever.

10 things to know when going for botox treatment
Following things are to be borne in mind before going for botox treatment & botox side effects:

1. Qualified Cosmetologist
If you are planning to take a botox treatment always seek it from a well qualified cosmetologist. There has been a recent case in which a fake doctor has injected home made implant containing cement, super glue and tyre sealant to make bottom look more bigger and fuller.

2. Expensive Treatment
It is very important for you to know that botox is an expensive procedure.

3. Painful Procedure
Be prepared to experience pain as botox is a painful process.

4. Aging
Individuals with signs of early aging may opt for botox treatment. You should consult a good cosmetologist before taking botox treatment.

5. Frown Lines
Individuals with prominent frown lines or lines around the lip area may also expect to get good results from the treatment.

6. Loose Saggy Skin
If you have loose saggy skin and are looking for a youthful transformation, botox might be a help.

7. Pregnancy and Lactation
Botox is not at all recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

8.  Neuromuscular Disorder
Botox works on the nerve impulses so if you suffer from any neuromuscular disorder, botox is strictly not advisable.

9. Local Infection
Presence of any infection at the proposed site of botox injection checks your chances of having botox treatment. The infection should be first treated and then botox may be taken.

10. Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting
While undergoing the botox treatment you may have to experience nausea vomiting or headaches. There may be drooping of eyelids. Local swelling and edema may persist for few days after the treatment. Local redness and bruising may also be present for few weeks at the injection site.

Your doctor will prescribe you suitable analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the post botox symptoms.

Points to Remember for botox
Within 3-4 days the adverse symptoms start disappearing
The botox effects usually last for 3-6 months. Further treatments are needed to maintain the expected results.
There are few people who do not respond all to botox treatment- they are immune to botox.
Have you tried botox? please leave us a comment and let us know your experiences. Subscribe our RSS to receive skin care updates.

Read More: http://hannahswift.skyrock.com

2012 Lancel autumn and winter trends released

Lancel in the fall and winter of 2012 introduced two new retro series: delicate and charming LaCharmeuse series and timeless classic LaGalante series. LaCharmeuse series of design inspiration from the women elegant figure in the 18th century.

LaCharmeuse series: rounded bag body lines, and make of lightweight and soft leather, fully reflects the refined and elegant female figure, just as the ballet dancers appeared on the stage, light and with forward curve beauty.



LaGalante series: Inspired to the 1974 Lancel retro package La Galante is the most important fashion package this season, available in two colors of rose violet red and smoked and Coupled with champagne metal buckle, it looks splendid. Shoulder strap will adjusted to two different lengths, it is the best match of the cocktail reception party.


Among the gorgeous dance floor, creating your dream life from Lancel, ladies with golden wavy hair, red lips, snow-like skin, gem-like eyes flashing every moment, provoking every nerve, this is the best luxury sexy portrayal. In addition to the unique 1876 infrared of Lancel, raspberry red, gem pink, royal blue, sky blue and other bright colors will evoke your inherent passion and vitality in the autumn in 18th-century fantasy. Already gone through 135 years of Lancel just like a lingering charm woman, haloing the essence of luxury temperament of French spirit (French Légèreté) .

Invite Love In Your House Through Feng Shui

Nothing says, I Love You more than, well I love you but importantly to know is – how , when and where to say this magical phrases in a manner that makes a long lasting impact in your world. Right rear sector of your home/ and your bedroom is the love sector of Feng Shui Bagua. This area relates to all in one-to-one relationship, including those with a spouse, partner, employer, employee or a best friend. It is the most feminine part of the house and needs to be warm and welcoming. This area is associated with the earth element – specifically, black fertile earth that anything can grow in. If it is warm, welcoming, safe and comfortable, I am sure you soon will find keys to unlock hearts. Feng shui will never let you down.Relationships play an important part in our lives, getting well with people and having support of partner, family or friends play a major role in it. Women wishing to attract the male chi’ into their orbit, may use the symbolism of dragon. An excellent symbol for single men , who may be looking for an ideal partner to marry and with whom to start a family, is the Phoenix. This symbol works well for encouraging good marriage luck for single men. Quick Cures - Dragon-Headed Turtle will help if your relationship is a bit stagnant and you want it to develop or if looking for a partner/ The dragon symbolizes good luck and protection, the turtle represent long life and wisdom for relationship and a baby turtle brings all sorts of new beginnings. - One of the best ways to activate your relationship energies is by clearing out the clutter in your relationship and romance . Also, if you find anything that reminds you of an old relationship must be destroyed and thrown away to make way for the new relationship to take its place. - Cleaning your home is most important if a relationship has ended and you are having difficulty moving on. You need to light three incense sticks to remove negative energy and vibrations that have built up and are causing stagnation in the atmosphere. - Now you are ready to welcome the new relationship. According to feng shui, pink is the main color and 2 is the number associated with romance. Remember to place things to Paris in your bedroom or in the relationship sector of your home. - Place red or pink flowers, preferably in pink, white glass or crystal vases on both of your besides tables. If you use roses, remove the thorns before you put them on the table. All flowers belong to fire element and relate to the heart chakra. - Another powerful cure is enacted by placing a picture of the Mystic Knot or Double Happiness Symbol in the relationship sector of your house or bedroom. These are very powerful symbol. - A red lover’s knot signifies longevity because it swallows its own tail and appears to be endless. It also symbolizes uninterrupted long and happy life to keep a relationship strong and lasting. I would love you to leave me a comment and let me hear your opinion. If you’ve got any thoughts, comments or suggestions for things we could add, leave a comment.

Related: Sac Lancel

How To Choose A Bra That Compliments Your Body Type & Style

Lingerie is the most important part of the women wardrobe. A Good bra is important because it gives support to the breast which no muscles of their own and are only held up by the pectoral muscles (the muscles of the chest on which they lie).

Many times you might have faced the problem of deciding on what bras to wear before choosing a stylish dress for your self.

A correct bra style gives you the required support and at a same time also gives you the desired look. There is a vast range of lingerie variety to choose from ranging from the full coverage bras to barely there adhesive cups, which can keep you collected with almost any dress style.

In this article I have elaborated few guidelines to be considered for selecting the best suited bra styles for you as they alone can make a huge difference to your personality:

Deep V Neckline:
Go for “plunge’ or “cut away’ bras while wearing deep V-necklines. The cups in these bras are joined by a thinner band near the bottom of the bra giving you a perfect stylish look in the dress

Lightweight Knits & Body Hugging Tops:
Go for “t-shirt bras’ which are smooth seamless bras Giving you a perfect look for these style tops.  Do not go for lacy bras or bow details ones as these gives an uneven appearance around your bust.

Low-Back and Backless styles:
Go for Backless bras, stick on cups and adhesive bras with such outfits. These have supportive loops around the armhole so as there is no display of the band n your back, and thus provide a stunning look to you dress.

Spaghetti Straps & Strapless:
Always go for the strapless bra in nude or black which can compliment your dress and at a same time can provide the support required. Do not go for the bulky bra straps as they look quite tacky spoiling your look. 

Halter Tops & Asymmetric Styles:
With such style the best option is to go with the convertible bras which give you the liberty to be adjusted as per the style (halter necks and one-shoulder styles) of your top.

T-backs and Tanks:
When you are experimenting with the sporty look always prefer going with the racer-back bras to compliment your style.

Moreover, when you are about to select a bra make sure you do the followings:

Choose a Style as listed above.
Try the bra you are interested in.
Look at the band that goes around your body. This should provide most of the support, not the shoulder straps.
The wires running underneath the bust should lie flat against your rib cage and enclose the breast rather than sit on the breast tissue.
The cups should fully contain your breasts and create a smooth line where the top of the cups meets your breasts.
Move here and there and check the comfort of that bra.
I hope all these criterias will certainly ease out the pain of selecting the right bra for you. Please leave me a comment and share your own experiences of choosing a bra with us. Don’t forget to subscribe our RSS to receive latest updates.

How To Get Designer Handbags At Wholesale Prices

Designer handbags are not just for rich and famous. Choosing the perfect designer handbag can be intimidating and very expensive also. There are lots of varieties of designer handbags available in the market. You can buy most elegant handbags without spending a huge amount of money on wholesale. Buying designer handbags on wholesale is very tricky if you don’t have much knowledge like where to go and what to look for. In this guide, I am going to tell you how you can buy designer handbags wholesale.

• At first, you should choose which designer handbags you want to buy. You should first make a list of top five favorite current handbags. With the help of that you can get some idea of what to look for before you start shopping.
• Spend some time on Internet. You should search online for a listing of wholesalers in your area or in the country. If you want to get the best deal on an authentic wholesale then make up your mind for traveling a little bit.
• Set your budget and decide how much you can spend on your designer wholesale handbag. On wholesale you can get 30% to 80% off the retail price. But, it’s depending upon from where to buy.
• Try to find some wholesalers who buy their handbags from overstock of small boutiques. You should go to small boutiques in your area and ask who they buy their handbags from and if they sell their handbags to any wholesalers that are reputable.
• Always buy you designer wholesale handbag only after doing as much research as possible on where the most authentic and best bags can be purchased. Always look online at wholesalers as a last resort as you want to be able to see and hols your handbag to ensure quality.

I would love to hear your experiences of buying designer handbags at whole prices. Please leave me a comment and let me know. Subscribe our RSS to receive latest handbag fashion updates.

How to Buy Wholesale Jewelry Items To Save Money

Are you looking for wholesale jewelry suppliers online but don’t have any knowledge of wholesale jewelry industry? Well, buying wholesale jewelry is just a matter of finding real legitimate wholesale suppliers. Internet is one the great resource for finding wholesale jewelry online. The best part about buying wholesale jewelry is that you can buy same jewelry item at very competitive price which helps in saving whole lot of money. But first, you need to understand the basic deference between wholesale traders and jewelry stores selling online. It is obviously confusing that many jewelry store use the term “Wholesale prices” though, they are only selling at discounted price. So, we can safely say that online jewelry stores are not primarily wholesale traders. Buying wholesale Jewelry online So, how will you identify legitimate wholesale jewelry suppliers online? Well, there are many aspects of wholesale suppliers you should check for i.e. These wholesale companies sell jewelry at true wholesale prices.What does that really mean? 1. Most of the wholesale companies would be interested in selling in bulk quantities or they will only accept order above minimum quantities. That’s what separates them from retail stores. 2. A true wholesale suppliers will surely ask your reseller’s permit number or tax id. They do this to identify the legitimate business group. These two tips will suffice in identifying a legitimate wholesale suppliers online. How To Deal With Wholesale Suppliers Online Here is what you should do when you are dealing with a wholesale supplier online: Ensure that you aren’t buying a cheap replica instead you are getting the authentic jewelry. Advertisements shouldn’t be your primary driving force as that sometime is delusional. Look for terms ‘realistic’ or ‘gold plated’ in the sales copy to figure out if the jewelry is really authentic or fake. Try Google, Yahoo or Bing search engine and get good grip of who the real supplier is. Search like “wedding band distributer”, “wedding band suppliers”, “wedding band manufacturer” and various other combinations to understand different results. Before you make an order, read the wholesalers policy carefully. Terms like “Bulk Order” means they sell only in bulk moreover inquire about their exchange policy, refund policy or in extreme cases money back guarantee. Keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to read and educate yourself before ordering wholesale jewelry from any wholesale jewelry supplier. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences of buying wholesale jewelry online. Please leave us a comment and let us know.